Locking mechanism with one and two-stage locking verification

A method of locking one device to another, the method comprising:

• providing a first device having an engageable end;
• providing a second device having an engageable end;
• providing a receiver base having an upper portion and a lower portion having an engagement member;
• providing a pair of locking tabs wherein each locking tab has a first arm and a second arm connected by a joint;
• said locking tabs being spaced apart relative to the upper portion of the receiver base to form a cavity;
• providing a pair of pivots and a pair of torsion springs;
• positioning each locking tab joint between one of the torsion springs against the receiver base to pivot about one of the pivots;
• providing an insert having lower portion with a leading edge and an upper portion having an engagement member;
• the lower portion configured to be engageable with the first arms of the locking tabs;
• inserting the lower portion of the insert into the cavity where the second arm of each locking tab is positioned below the leading edge of the insert;
• engaging the lower portion of the insert by the first arm of each locking tab;
• connecting the first device's engagement end with the upper portion engagement member;
• connecting the second device's engagement end with the engagement member
• providing three magnetic actuators;
• positioning the magnetic actuators respectively at a lower surface of the second arm and leading edge of the insert;
• providing an electronic switch to correspond to each magnetic actuator;
• positioning each electronic switch within the receiver base to mate with its respective magnetic actuator;
• and
• means for wirelessly controlling connection of the magnetic actuators to the electronic switches.

A method of verifying when one device is unlocked from another device, the method comprising:

• providing a receiver base having an upper portion and a lower portion having an engagement member that is operably engaged with a first device;
• providing a pair of locking tabs wherein each locking tab has a first arm and a second arm connected by a joint that is rotatably connected to the upper portion of the receiver base;
• said locking tabs being spaced apart relative to the upper portion of the receiver base to form a cavity, wherein when the joint of each locking tab rotates, the first arm of each locking tab extends past an outer edge of the receiver base;
• providing an insert having lower portion with a leading edge and an upper portion having an engagement member;
• the lower portion of the insert being engaged by the first arms of the locking tabs;
• the upper portion having an engagement member that is operably engaged with a second device;
• the insert being inserted;
• applying a force to the first arm of each locking tab adjacent the joint of each locking tab where the second arm of each locking tab disengages the leading edge of the insert and making visible a portion of each first arm relative to the receiver base;
• providing three magnetic actuators;
• positioning the magnetic actuators respectively at a lower surface of the second arm and leading edge of the insert;
• providing an electronic switch for each magnetic actuator;
• positioning each electronic switch within the receiver base to mate with its respective magnetic actuators;
• and
• controlling contact between the electronic switches and their respective magnetic actuators.