Quick release connector
A quick release connector for coupling a removable device with a mounting surface. The mounting surface can include a wheelchair arm, and the removable device can include a user controller. The quick release connector can enable a user to briefly contact a release mechanism, rotate the removable device by a limited amount, and remove the device with a single hand. The quick release connector can robustly couple the removable device with the mounting surface, enabling the mounted removable device to resist dislodging by knocks and bumps.
1. A quick release connector for coupling a removable device with a mounting surface, the quick release connector comprising:
a mount plate with an opening for receiving a fastener for operably coupling the mount plate with the mounting surface, the mount plate including an alignment notch, the mount plate having a first end geometrically accommodating the mounting surface and the mount plate having a second end including geometrically accommodating the removable device;
a latch cog having a plurality of mount tabs surrounding a circular feature, at least one of the plurality of mount tabs including a cog pin cavity, at least one of the plurality of mount tabs keyed to enable a pre-selected orientation of the removable device with respect to the mounting surface, the latch cog being removably coupled with the second end;
a latch plate having a plurality of recesses sized to accommodate the plurality of mount tabs, at least one of the plurality of recesses having a plate pin cavity, at least one of the plurality of recesses keyed to accommodate the at least one keyed mount tab;
a release lever having a pin, the release lever having a spring seated in a spring depression in the release lever, the release lever having a release lever handle and coupling feet; and
a top mount having a third pin depression, the top mount geometrically accommodating the release lever handle and the coupling feet, the coupling feet being rotatably coupled to the top mount, the top mount including a first attachment cavity removably coupling the removable device to the top mount.
2. The quick release connector as in claim 1 wherein the mount plate comprises a wire channel.
3. The quick release connector as in claim 1 wherein the top mount comprises a wire channel.
4. The quick release connector as in claim 1 wherein the mounting surface comprises a seat arm.
5. The quick release connector as in claim 4 wherein the mounting surface comprises a wheelchair component.
6. A method for building a quick release connector for coupling and decoupling a removable device from a mounting surface, the method comprising:
manufacturing a mount plate with coupling means for operably coupling the mount plate with the mounting surface, the mount plate including a first alignment notch, the mount plate having a first end geometrically accommodating the mounting surface and the mount plate having a second end geometrically accommodating the removable device;
manufacturing a latch cog having a plurality of mount tabs surrounding a circular feature, at least one of the plurality of mount tabs including a cog pin depression, at least one of the plurality of mount tabs keyed to enable a pre-selected orientation of the removable device with respect to the mounting surface;
removably coupling the latch cog to the second end;
manufacturing a latch plate having a plurality of recesses sized to accommodate the plurality of mount tabs, at least one of the plurality of recesses having a plate pin depression, at least one of the plurality of recesses keyed to accommodate the at least one keyed mount tab;
manufacturing a release lever having a pin, the release lever having a spring seated in a depression in the release lever, the release lever having a release lever body and coupling feet; and
manufacturing a top mount having a third pin depression, the top mount geometrically accommodating the release lever body and the coupling feet, the coupling feet being rotatably coupled to the top mount, the top mount including a first attachment means removably coupling the removable device to the top mount.
7. The method as in claim 6 wherein the mount plate comprises a wire channel.
8. The method as in claim 6 wherein the top mount comprises a wire channel.
9. The method of claim 6 wherein the mounting surface comprises a wheelchair surface.