BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention is related to mechanisms for attaching objects to other objects. Especially, this invention is related to mechanisms for attaching and detaching objects to walls and other attachment locations.

2. Description of Related Art There are many different attachment mechanisms or devices known in the prior art. In the following we describe certain attachment mechanisms which allow easy attachment and detachment to objects with and from each other. The patent US4153359 describes a bayonet mechanism which has a spring action locking function. This arrangement allows an object to be fastened to a base unit by inserting the object and turning it until the locking lever member engages with the object. This type of solutions are well known from many different industries. Another bayonet type mechanism which in this case is rather flat and planar is described in the patent application US2004129186. Also different kinds of twisting and locking arrangements are known. For example, the patent US 7537409 describes an element which can be used for attaching elements of furniture to each other. This element allows insertion of one piece of the element into another and then the user can turn one of the elements whereby they are locked to each other.

Another similar structure is described in the PCT patent application WO9104421 which describes a releasable connector which also provides a twist and lock mechanism. There are many different ways to attach things on walls, for example, or objects to other objects as known by a man skilled in the art. However, known solutions for attaching things in a way that would only allow attaching of things at specified angle while being highly vibration resistant as well as easy to attach and de-attach. Also, a desirable feature of an attachment mechanism would be high load bearing capacity as well as general robustness in withstanding rough handling. Also, an attachment mechanism should be easy to use and allow fast, quick installation of the desired object on the wall.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The current invention aims to correct these problems of prior art solutions. In general terms, the attachment mechanism according to the invention comprises a member which we call a wedge plate, which is attached to one of the objects being attached to each other and a lock base that's attached to the another object of these two objects which are to be attached together. This wedge plate has a specific form that is described in more detail later in this specification. This wedge plate can be inserted into a corresponding aperture in the lock base. The lock base includes a lock ring that is able to rotate and while rotating, engages the shape of the wedge plate locking it in place. Further, the shape of the wedge plate is such that it limits the angles, the positions in which the wedge plate can be inserted into the lock base. Also, the lock base preferably comprises a mechanism for releasing the lock ring when the wedge plate is inserted in that lock base so that the user only needs to insert the wedge plate into the opening in the lock base in order to attach the two objects together. The wedge plate preferably has a symmetric form and comprises a plurality of wedges on its outer periphery. The number of wedges can be from 3 wedges to up to 20 or even more. The number of wedges depends on the particular demands of the application in which the mechanism is going to be used. For example, if the application requires that an object is to be fitted on the wall in one of the 45 or 90 degree angles, the wedge plate should, in that application, comprise 8 wedges in symmetrical way so that the wedge plate can then be inserted in 1 of 8 different angles into the lock base.

For releasing the wedge plate, the user only needs to rotate the lock ring back to its open position whereby the wedge plate is released. The rotation of the lock ring can be implemented in different ways. For example, by pulling a cord attached to the lock ring or by rotating a suitable tool. The above summary relates to only one of the many embodiments of the in-vention disclosed herein and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the claims herein. These and other features of the present invention will be described in more detail below in the detailed description of the invention and in conjunction with the following figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the invention will be described in detail below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which figure 1 illustrates an attachment mechanism according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, figures 2 A and 2B illustrate the open and closed positions of the lock ring according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, figures 3A and 3B illustrate a mechanism for locking the lock ring according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, figure 4 illustrates certain details related to engaging surfaces of the wedge plate and the lock ring according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, figure 5 illustrates a guiding shape according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, and figures 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D describe an example of a latch mechanism for locking the lock ring.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

The following embodiments are exemplary. Although the specification may refer to "an", "one", or "some" embodiment(s), this does not necessarily mean that each such reference is to the same embodiment(s), or that the feature only applies to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may be combined to provide further embodiments. In the following, we provide a more detailed description of the main components of the attachment mechanism. In the following, we described an advantageous embodiment of the invention in which the lock base comprises a top plate, a base plate, and a lock ring. The top plate has an opening which is shaped the same way as the periphery of the wedge plate in order to allow the insertion of the wedge plate through the top plate into the lock base mechanism.

Also, one purpose of the top plate is to guide the insertion of the wedge plate into the lock base whereby it is advantageous if the edges of the opening in the top plate are beveled. The lock ring is placed in between the top plate and the base plate, and it is arranged to be there in such a way that it can rotate to engage the wedge plates and to disengage from the wedge plate. The base plate preferably comprises guiding elements such as guiding pins, guiding studs, or a specific guiding shape in order to guide the wedge plate into each exactly correct location and angle when the wedge plate is inserted into the lock base. Preferably, the wedge plate comprises corresponding indentations.

Next, we describe the lock ring in more detail using various advantageous embodiments of the invention as examples. The internal periphery of the lock ring is shaped to correspond to the outer periphery of the wedge plate so that when the lock ring is in an open position, the wedge plate can be inserted into the lock base and inside the lock ring. When the lock ring is rotated to the closed position, the lock ring engages with the wedge plate locking it in place. Preferably the edges of the wedge plate are beveled and the internal edges of the lock ring are beveled as well in order to allow good engagement of the surfaces facing each other.

Also, the edges on the internal periphery of the lock ring are advantageously beveled in such a direction so that when the lock ring is rotated to engage with the wedge plate, the lock ring pressed the wedge plate towards the back plate of the lock base, which forces the wedge plate to rest on the guiding elements on the back plate which further locks the wedge plate in place. The rotation of the lock ring can be implemented, for example, using springs arranged in a pushing or a pulling configuration. The releasing of the mechanism can be done simply by attaching a piece of cord to the lock ring which cord can then be drawn by the user to rotate the lock ring to an open position. For another example, the user can push open the lock ring using a tool such as screw driver or another long tool. The lock base preferably comprises a mechanism that keeps the lock ring in an open position until the wedge plate is inserted into the lock plate. For example, this lock ring latch mechanism can be implemented using a lever which keeps the lock ring in an open position until the wedge plate is inserted. By pressing the lever down and away from the lock ring, the lock ring is released to rotate and lock the wedge plate in place.

Advantageously, there can be more than one mechanism locking the lock ring in place, so that in order to release the lock ring the wedge plate needs to be substantially aligned with the base plate so that the plurality of lock ring latch mechanisms are released at the same time. This is advantageous, since if there were only one lever holding the lock ring in place, it would be possible to insert the wedge plate at an angle into the lock base so that the lock ring would be released before the wedge plate is fully inserted into the lock base, which would cause the lock ring and the wedge plate to jam at an incorrect position.

Further, the lock ring can also have or be part of a ratchet type mechanism or a different mechanism for ensuring that the lock ring cannot turn accidentally as a result of, for example, vibration or shock, before the user releases the lock ring.

In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the rotation of the lock ring can be arranged by using electromechanical means such as an electronic motor, a solenoid or another electromechanical mechanism. In such an embodiment, the user can activate the electric motor or the solenoid to turn the lock ring into its locked position and to release the wedge plate, activate the electric motor or solenoid to rotate the lock ring back into an open position.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the electromechanical device such as the solenoid or the electric motor can be activated using a switch mechanism so that when the user inserts the wedge plate into the lock base, the electromechanical device is automatically activated to rotate the lock ring and lock the wedge plate into the lock base.

Next, we discuss the shape of the engaging portions of beveled surfaces of the lock ring and the wedge plate which engage each other. In advantageous embodiment of the invention, the beveled surfaces of the wedge plate and the lock ring have a curved shape so that the curved shape has a radius of curvature or a range of radiuses of curvature. Advantageously, the radius of curvature of the engaging W

6 surface of the lock ring is larger than the corresponding radius of curvature of the corresponding engaging surface of the wedge plate. Having these differences in the radius of curvature of these engaging surfaces brings the advantage that the lock ring can, during vibration or other events such as shocks, turn a little bit more 5 resulting in tightening of the grip of the lock ring on the wedge plate.

Next, we will describe certain embodiments of invention in which conductors of electricity, electrical signals or other conduits are led through the attachment mechanism. The inventors have realized that since the nature of the attachment 0 mechanism allows for very specific orientation and very specific location of the object to be attached and the orientation and location of the wedge plate to the lock base, wires or cables or even hoses can be led through the attachment mechanism.

Further, the attachment mechanism can be fitted with connectors, for example, with 5 one electric connector attached to the wedge plate and the corresponding mating connector in the lock base. These connectors and cables can be used for transferring electrical signals, electric power through the attachment mechanism or, for example, compressed air or fluids using hoses. 0 In an advantageous embodiment of invention, the base plate has an opening in the center of the base plate, and the wedge plate has an opening in the center of the wedge plate, whereby a cable or a hose can be led through those holes for connection to an object to which the wedge plate is connected to. 5 For example, if the wedge plate is connected to a television in order to allow the attachment of the television to a wall, the electrical power and antenna cables can be led through the attachment mechanism and connected to the television before attaching the television to the partition wall with the attachment mechanism. This would allow all the cabling to be hidden behind the partition wall, while still0 allowing for easy attachment and detachment of the television to and from the partition wall.

Further by having connectors installed in the wedge plate and the lock base, mating of the connectors can happen when the wedge plate is inserted in the lock base. This5 has the advantage of completing both mechanical and electrical connections of a device to a wall, for example. If the connector required for a particular need is such that only one position is usable, for example as is the case with an HDMI cable, then the shape of the wedge plate and, correspondingly, the shape of the top plate, the lock ring and the base plate can be such that only one installation angle is possible so that mating of the connectors happens in the correct position.

Also, for example, if the connector is such that it allows only two installation angles which is the case, for example, with a typical mains voltage plug used in most of Europe, then the shape of the wedge plate and, correspondingly, the lock ring and the base plate can be such that the wedge plate can be installed only in the two correct positions in order to make the mating between connectors possible.

Connections can be made in this way between many different types of connectors.

For example, connectors can be for making optical fiber connections. For a further example, in the case that the attachment mechanism is connected to a lamp or installation at the ceiling, the plug for electrical connection to the lamp can advantageously be arranged in the center of the wedge plate and the correspondingly mating connector can be arranged at the bottom of the lock base.

The lock base can then be installed in the ceiling as a permanent installation position for lamps fitted with edge plate corresponding to this attachment mechanism.

In a further advantageous embodiment of invention, the attachment mechanism has fittings for changeable connectors in the wedge plate and the lock base so that an attachment mechanism can be supplied with a number of adapters for different connectors.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the lock base can comprise a spirit level or a similar device in order to aid the installer of the lock base in installing the lock base accurately in the desired position and angle. Further, the lock base can have angle markings in order to make installation at a desired angle easier. Many different details and parameters of angle markings and installation guides can be varied in different embodiments of the invention. For example, the number of wedges in the wedge plate and the correspondingly the number of possible attachment angles of the wedge plate can be different in different embodiments. Different embodiments of the invention can have different numbers of wedges in the wedge plate, and a correspondingly shaped lock base. Practically, the size of the attachment mechanism also affects the choice of the number of wedges in the wedge plate. If the attachment mechanism is implemented in the small size, for example, in having a width of roughly 2 centimeters or even smaller, it is advantageous from the viewpoint of manufacturing the mechanism to have a relatively low number of wedges; for example, from 3 to 8 wedges. On the other hand, when manufacturing a larger size attachment mechanism for heavier loads and for attaching or larger objects, the number of wedges can be higher even up to 20 wedges or more. The practical consideration in increasing the number of wedges is that the more wedges there are, the closer approximation to a circle will the outside periphery of the wedge plate be, which practically means that obtaining good gripping action with the engaging surfaces of the edges of the wedge plate and the lock ring is increasingly difficult if there are more than, for example, 20 wedges. The inventors have found that a number of wedges between 6 and 12 are quite practical and advantageous.

The attachment mechanism can be manufactured from a variety of materials and the invention is not limited to use of any specific material. For example, the mechanism can be manufactured from plastic. For example, injection molded plastic in order to obtain a low price version of the mechanism. Manufacturing the attachment mechanism out of plastics is quite sufficient for many applications in which a high load bearing capacity is not needed. An example of such use would be, for example, to attach a lamp to a ceiling. Also, the attachment mechanism can be manufactured out of metals for applications where high load bearing capacity is needed and where high durability is needed.

The inventive attachment mechanism can be used in many different applications. For example, in applications where repeated attachment and removal is needed, especially in case where quick and easy attachment and removal is needed. The inventive attachment mechanism is very useful for use in constructions for shows, fairs, and booths used in them, and especially in structures that need to be installed and taken down repeatedly. The inventive attachment mechanism is well-suited to attaching televisions, displays, other booth elements, wall furniture, lamps, different types of lighting to walls, pieces of furniture, or for example, trusses. The inventive attachment mechanism is also very usable in situations where accurate angle of attachment is needed such as for attaching displays on a wall, especially in the case where a wall full of displays, making up a large display is needed.

The invention has several advantages. The inventive mechanism allows for attachment only in certain desired, fixed angles easily and with great accuracy. The inventive attachment mechanism is self-tightening in a vibrating and shaking environments, and therefore, avoids the danger of an attached object coming loose.

The inventive mechanism is strong and has a high load bearing capacity, while still being quick to attach and release. The inventive mechanism is substantially flat and thin, and very well-suited for attaching large flat elements.

The inventive mechanism has a structure that provides self-guiding insertion of the wedge plate, whereby the wedge plate and, correspondingly, the object in where the wedge plate is attached to cannot be attached in an off-angle position. The attachment can happen only at the fixed angles provided by the shape of the wedge plate and the lock base.

The strength and the load bearing capacity of the attachment mechanism is mostly related to properties of the materials used in construction of the attachment mechanism. The beveled engaging surfaces of the lock ring and the wedge plate as well as the radiuses of the curvature of these engaging surfaces make it very difficult for the locking ring to rotate only due to the force applied through the wedge plate to the whole attachment mechanism. This means that an attached object will not come loose from the attachment mechanism until the mechanism physically breaks due to load exceeding the properties of the materials used in the mechanism.

In the following, we describe various embodiments of the invention with reference to a number of figures.

Figure 1 illustrates an advantageous embodiment of the invention. Figure 1 illustrates a wedge plate 110 as well as a top plate 120 of the lock base. Figure 1 also illustrates a lock ring 130 and a base plate 140. Figure 1 also illustrates two levers 142 for locking and releasing the lock ring. Figure 1 also illustrate guiding protrusions 144 for guiding the wedge plate into the correct position and angle during insertion of the wedge plate into the lock base. Figures 2a and 2b illustrate the open and closed positions of the lock ring 130 in an advantageous embodiment of the invention. Figure 2a shows the wedge plate 110, the lock ring 130 and the lock base, in this example part of the top plate 120 of the lock base. Figure 2a illustrates the mechanism just after insertion of the wedge plate 120 before turning of the lock ring. When the wedge plate 110 is inserted into the lock base, the lock ring is released. It rotates to the closed position which is illustrated in Figure 2b. In Figure 2b, it can be seen that edges of the wedge plate 110 are engaged with the edge of the lock ring 130, therefore, locking the wedge plate into its position. In this locked position, this wedge plate cannot rotate because of the guiding pins or guiding shapes of the base plate. Also the wedge plate cannot move out of the lock base. It is prevented from moving in that direction by the lock ring. Figures 2a and 2b also illustrates springs 210, which cause the lock ring to rotate and lock the wedge plate in place when the lock ring is released. Figure 2 A and 2B also illustrate such an embodiment of the invention in which the wedge plate can be inserted into the lock base in eight different angles. The wedge plate has eight wedges and the lock base has corresponding recesses. Consequently, with this number of wedges, the possible attaching angles for the wedge plate are at 45 degree intervals. By increasing the number of wedges, the number of possible attachment angles can be increased.

Next we describe the functioning of the springs 210 in more detail, according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention. The basic role of the springs 210 is to rotate the locking ring 130 when the locking ring is released. The second reason why the spring elements 210 are very advantageous have in an embodiment of the invention is that they keep pushing the lock ring even when the wedge plate 110 is inserted in the lock base. From this follows that the structure is self-tightening, since any vibration or any shocks that the attachment mechanism endures might shake the wedge plate a little bit, and if that happens, the springs 210 push the lock ring even further, thus tightening the grip of the lock ring on the wedge plate.

Therefore even in the embodiments of the invention where the actual rotation of the lock ring is affected with different kind of devices than springs 210, for example, using electromagnetic means such as electric motor or a solenoid or by using some other kind of mechanism, it is advantageous to have at least a short spring or a similar mechanism in order to have this self-tightening feature tightening the locking even while the mechanism is experiencing shocks or vibration. Figures 2A and 2B also illustrate a cord 135 which the user can use to release the lock ring 130 by pulling the cord 135, therefore rotating the lock ring into the open position so that it releases the wedge plate and allows the removal of the wedge plate from the locking base.

Next we describe a possible way of locking and releasing the lock ring with reference to figures 3A and 3B. Figures 3A and 3B illustrate an example of a mechanism according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention. Figures 3A and 3B illustrate a partial cut-out view of the attachment mechanism. The figures illustrate the top plate 120, wedge plate 110 and the base plate 140. The top plate 120 and the wedge plate 1 10 are only partially shown, for clarity. The figures also illustrate the lock ring 130. The figures also show guiding studs 144 on top of the base plate or as a part of the base plate 140. The figures show as well a lever 142 for locking the lock ring. Figure 3 A shows the lever 142 in raised position engaging a slot in the lock ring 130. Lever 142 is pushed by spring 143. When the lever is in the raised position and in the slot of the lock ring, it locks the lock in place, inhibiting the rotation of the lock ring. When the wedge plate is inserted into the lock base, the wedge plate presses down the lever 142, thus removing it from the slot in the lock ring 130. Consequently the lock ring 130 is able to rotate into another position, as shown in figure 3B. In figure 3B, the lever 142 is pressed down towards the base plate and the lock ring has in figure 3B rotated slightly so that the lever is out of the slot 145 in the lock ring 130. Therefore the lock ring is able to rotate until it meets with the wedges of the wedge plate, thus locking the wedge plate into place. For clarity, the figures 3A and 3B do not show the wedge plate, as these figures are meant only to illustrate one advantageous mechanism for locking and releasing the lock ring 130. Figures 3 A and 3B also illustrates an opening 141 in the back plate 140 and a corresponding opening in the wedge plate. These openings can be used for passing cables, hoses and other items through the attachment mechanism.

Next, we illustrate further the way the lock ring 130 can engage with the wedge plate 110 according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, using figure 4 as an example. Figure 4 shows schematically the wedge plate 110 after being inserted into the lock base. For clarity, only the lock ring 130 and wedge plate 110 are shown in figure 4. Figure 4 shows the area around one of the wedges 111 enlarged. Figure 4 illustrates the engaging surfaces of the wedge plate as well as the lock ring. By the engaging surfaces, we mean the parts of the surfaces of the lock ring and the wedge plate which come into contact with each other when the lock ring is rotated to lock the wedge plate. In figure 4 the engaging surfaces of the wedge plate are denoted with a reference number 112 while the engaging surfaces of the lock ring 130 are denoted by the reference number 131.

In this embodiment, as can be observed in figure 4, the engaging surfaces are curved, and the curvature varies along the length of the engaging surfaces, allowing for continuing tightening of the engagement when the lock ring 130 is rotated further in the direction marked with arrow A. Also, the curvature of the engaging surface 112 of the wedge plate 110 is in this embodiment sharper than that of the engaging surface 131 of the lock ring 130. This also allows for self-tightening action when the lock ring 130 is rotated further in the direction marked with arrow A - as can happen during vibration or shocks, as the lock ring is pushed by a spring. That these two engaging surfaces have different curvature has the advantage, that the surfaces do not meet along the length of the engaging surfaces at the first contact, but at one location only - and that location can and will change when the lock ring rotates further. This allows for the self-tightening action to happen.

However, while the shapes of the engaging surfaces are advantageously such as described in the previous paragraph, the invention is not limited to only using engaging surfaces so shaped. Engaging surfaces 111, 131 of different shapes can be used in different embodiments of the invention.

Guiding shapes, such as guiding pins, studs or other shapes can take different forms in different embodiments of the invention. Figure 5 illustrates a guiding shape 144 that is in the form of a continuous, symmetric curve. A main function of a guiding shape 144 on the base plate 140 is to guide the wedge plate in the correct location and angle, when the wedge plate is inserted into the lock base 100. Another main function of the guiding shape 144 is to block the movement of the wedge plate, after the wedge plate has been engaged by the locking ring 130. Figure 5 also shows the top plate 120 and the base plate 140 of the lock base 100. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention the attachment mechanism further comprises a latch mechanism which can lock the lock ring into either an open or a closed position. When the lock ring turns into the closed position, this lock ring latch mechanism locks the lock ring into the lock position, so that the mechanism cannot open despite any kind of vibrations or pushing or pulling of the mechanism. Similarly, when the user wishes to open the attachment mechanism, this lock ring latch mechanism locks the lock ring into an open position, so that the lock ring stays open and out of the way while the user lifts the wedge plate out of the attachment mechanism. Then when the user is preparing to lock the attachment mechanism, the user can push the lock ring latch mechanism into a position where the attachment mechanism is open and able to be locked, but the lock ring latch mechanism is not engaged, so that the lock ring is operable and will close when the user puts the wedge plate into the attachment mechanism.

Preferably, this lock ring latch mechanism has at least three operational states: locking the lock ring into a closed position, locking the lock ring into an open position, and allowing the lock ring to operate normally. Such a lock ring latch mechanism has several benefits. For example, when the attachment mechanism is locked, this lock ring latch mechanism makes certain that the attachment mechanism stays locked, no matter what kind of loads, vibration, push and pull the mechanism is subjected to. Since the lock ring latch mechanism locks the lock ring into place, it cannot rotate, irrespective of what kind of force the hold mechanism is subjected to. Also when the attachment mechanism is being opened, this lock ring latch mechanism can lock the lock ring into an open position, so that it stays open while the user lifts whatever is attached to the wedge plate. This is very handy and beneficial when the attachment mechanism is used for attaching a heavy object, say, for example a table top to a support. Since the user can freely lift the object, like the table top with his both hands while being sure that the lock ring doesn't start moving if he slips a little bit. This means that the user does not need to use one of his hands for keeping the locking attachment mechanism in the open position.

In the following we describe an advantageous embodiment of the invention, with reference to figures 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D. Figures 6A to 6D illustrate a part of an attachment mechanism that has a latch mechanism for locking the lock ring in either the open or the closed position. Figure 6A illustrates top plate 120, the wedge plate 110, and a knob 610, which is connected to the lock ring 130 through an axle 612. The knob 610 also has a rod 611 which follows a groove 620 in the top plate 120. This knob 610 with its components 611, 612 provides a latch mechanism for locking the lock ring in either the open or the closed position.

Figure 6A illustrates the lock ring 120 and the latch mechanism being in the closed position. In this closed position, the rod 611 attached to the knob 610 is behind a corner 621 of the groove 620, therefore disabling the movement of the knob and the lock ring towards the open position. In this example, the knob arrangement includes a small spring which keeps the knob in the locked position. We note that in figure 6A, the lock ring 130 is mostly behind the top plate 120, and therefore is not very well visible in figure 6A.

Figure 6B illustrates a situation where the lock ring is in the open position, and the latch mechanism formed by the knob 610, its components, and the groove 620 is in the position where it locks the lock ring 130 in the open position. Here, the lock ring 130, which is actually not visible in figure 6B, since it is fully behind the top plate 120 in the illustration, is in such a position that the wedge plate 110 can be taken out of the attachment mechanism. The small rod 611 of the knob arrangement 610 is in another end of the groove 620, behind a corner 622 so that the knob 610 is locked in the open position.

Figure 6C illustrates the third position of the latch mechanism for the lock ring, namely, the position where the lock ring is in the open position, but the latch mechanism is not locked in either open or the closed position. In this position, the rod 611 is within the groove 620, but it is not behind any of the corners 621, 622. In this position, the attachment mechanism is able to work as described previously, namely, that pushing the wedge plate 110 into the recess in the attachment mechanism frees the lock ring and allows it to rotate into the closed position.

In the examples of figure 6A to 6C, when the lock ring rotates to the closed position, the rod 611 of the knob arrangement goes behind the corner 621 of the groove 620, therefore locking the knob arrangement and the lock ring into place. Conversely, when the user wishes to open the attachment mechanism, the user draws on the knob, or pushes the knob towards the open position so that the lock ring rotates and the rod 611 goes behind the corner 622 locking the lock ring into the open position. Further, when the user wishes to put the attachment mechanism in an operable state, so that the mechanism can close when the wedge plate is inserted into the mechanism, the user just needs to push the knob 610 slightly, so that the rod 611 escapes from behind the corner 622. Figure 6D illustrates further the way the knob 610 is attached to the lock ring 130 in this example. As the example of figure 6D illustrates, the lock ring 130 in this embodiment has an arm 131 to which the knob 610 is rotatably connected via an axle 612. Figure 6D illustrates the attachment mechanism with the top plate and the wedge plate removed, so the figure 6D only shows the base plate 140 and the lock ring 130. Figure 6D also illustrates the rod 611, and the corresponding groove 620 in the base plate 140. Figure 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D also illustrate an embodiment where the attachment mechanism has a locking hole 650, where the user can, for example, put a conventional padlock to prevent removal of whichever object is attached using the attachment mechanism. Any object inserted into the lock hole 650 prevents the movement of the knob 610 from either of the open or closed positions to the other, therefore, any object put into the locking hole 650 effectively disables the operation of the attachment mechanism until that object is removed from the locking hole 650.

We note that the example mechanism described with reference to figure 6 A, 6B, 6C, and 6D is only one possible example of various ways to implement a latching mechanism for the lock ring 130, and the invention is not limited in any way to this particular way of implementing a latch mechanism.

The inventive attachment mechanism is very useful in situations where easy attachment and release, as well as durable attachment is needed, in vibrating or shaking environments. Examples of such environments are vehicles of all kinds, such as cars, trucks, vans, and trains. For example, the inventive attachment mechanism could be used, for example, attaching devices, or pieces of internal structure into walls of these vehicles. Further examples of this kind of environments would be installation of objects, such as measurement devices, or other devices in large, industrial machines in environments where vibrations and different kinds of shaking movements are present. Constructions according to prior art would very easily become loose in this kind of environment, or require use of other mechanisms, such as screws, bolts, or other things for ensuring the attachment of an object. With the inventive attachment mechanism, a durable attachment is achieved easily, and in a releasable way.

In view of the foregoing description it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention. While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described in detail, it should be apparent that many modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.