Mechanisms For Locking And Removing Flush Mounted Inserts

Abstract

A wall-mounted component can be flush-mounted into a wallboard by first installing a panel with a receiver bracket flush into a wallboard. Once the panel is installed, the component can be inserted into the receiver bracket at which point a locking mechanism automatically or manually engages to lock the component into the wall. The locking mechanism is concealed from view so that a casual observer does not see how the component is affixed to the wall, yet is accessible from the waifs exterior for routine service and maintenance, as well as reinstallation of updated components.

1 . A system for servicing a device mounted in a wallboard, comprising;
 a mounted device having a front side and at least one non-front side;   a panel having an opening;   a receiver disposed in the opening and defining an at least partially enclosed space extending from the panel;   a locking mechanism that removably couples the mounted device to the receiver such that the front side of the mounted device is flush with the panel and the at least one non-front side is hidden; and   wherein the locking mechanism comprises a first detent and a first indent, one of which is disposed on the at least one non-front side of the mounted device and the other of which is disposed on an inner surface of the enclosed space; and   wherein the first detent and first indent are positioned, sized, and dimensioned to engage one another to provide a first engagement force.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the panel is molded around the receiver. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a cover. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the cover comprises a sliding plate that covers the locking mechanism. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the cover comprises the front side of the mounted device. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the locking mechanism further comprises a second detent and a second indent that are positioned, sized, and dimensioned to mate with one another. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a gripper that engages the front side of the mounted device to provide a second engagement force. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the second engagement three is larger than the first engagement force.