BACKGROUND

[0001] The present disclosure is directed in general to a locking mechanism for a door.

Specifically, the disclosure is directed to assemblies, methods and kits implementing quick- connect modular cylinder lock, with a lock cam that is reversibly coupled to at least one anterior and posterior lock actuating assembly using genderless and detent releasable couplings.

[0002] The thickness of closures, such as doors, screens, lids and the like may vary widely depending on many factors, such as acoustic constraints, thermal insulation

requirements, fire-retardantcy requirement, impact resistance requirement and the like.

[0003] Accordingly, and in order to avoid creating specific lock assemblies for each of the myriad of thickness requirement that such a closure can have, some specific thicknesses have been standardized which manufacturers of such closures have to adopt in order to be able to install lock assemblies.

[0004] These and other deficiencies in the prior art are addressed in the following disclosure.

SUMMARY

[0005] Provided herein are embodiments of assemblies, methods and kits implementing quick-connect modular cylinder lock, with a lock cam that is reversibly coupled to at least one anterior and posterior lock actuating assembly using genderless and detent releasable couplings.

[0006] In an embodiment, provided herein is a modular lock assembly comprising: an anterior lock actuator assembly, positioned proximal to a lock cam along a longitudinal axis; the lock cam; at least a posterior lock actuator assembly positioned distal to the lock cam along the same longitudinal axis, the anterior lock actuator assembly, the posterior lock actuator assembly and the lock cam each having a dorsal side and a ventral side, a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the posterior lock actuator assembly is reversibly interconnected with the distal end of the lock cam on the dorsal side by a genderless coupling and on the ventral side by a detent coupling.

[0007] In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of assembling a modular lock assembly implementable with a modular lock assembly comprising: an anterior lock actuator assembly, positioned proximal to a lock cam along a longitudinal axis; the lock cam; at least a posterior lock actuator assembly positioned distal to the lock cam along the same longitudinal axis, the anterior lock actuator assembly, the posterior lock actuator assembly and the lock cam each having a dorsal side and a ventral side, a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the posterior lock actuator assembly is reversibly interconnected with the distal end of the lock cam on the dorsal side by a genderless coupling and on the ventral side by a detent coupling, the method comprising: mating the genderless coupling on the posterior lock actuator assembly’s proximal end of the dorsal side with the lock cam’s dorsal side of the distal end; rotating the posterior lock actuator assembly relative to the cam lock; and engaging the detent coupling on the posterior lock actuator assembly’s ventral side.

[0008] In yet another embodiment, provided herein is a kit comprising: an anterior lock actuator assembly, a lock cam; a posterior lock actuator assembly , wherein, the anterior lock actuator assembly, the posterior lock actuator assembly and the lock cam each having a dorsal side and a ventral side, a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the posterior lock actuator assembly is configured to be reversibly interconnected with the distal end of the lock cam on the dorsal side by a genderless coupling and on the ventral side by a detent coupling, the anterior lock actuator assembly, the posterior lock actuator assembly and the lock cam capable of being assembled to form a modular lock assembly.

[0009] These and other features of the latching mechanisms having selectably bypassed rotation arresting, described herein will become apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the drawings, which are exemplary, not limiting, and wherein like elements are numbered alike in several figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00010] For a better understanding of the assemblies, methods and kits implementing quick-connect modular cylinder lock described herein, with regard to the embodiments thereof, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals designate

corresponding elements or sections throughout and in which:

[00011 ] FIG. 1 , shows a first embodiment with an anterior lock actuating assembly, integrally coupled to a lock cam;

[00012] FIG. 2, illustrates an embodiment of a posterior lock actuating assembly; [00013] FIG. 3A illustrates a Y-Z cross section of FIG. l along line AN-AN, with Y-Z cross section of FIG.1 along line AL- AL illustrated in FIG. 3B ;

[00014] FIG. 4, illustrates initial assembly the modular cylinder before engagement of detent coupling;

[00015] FIG. 5, illustrates another embodiment where an lock actuating assembly is coupled to an intermediate lock actuating assembly with a detent accommodating bore spanning both and an elongated detent member;

[00016] FIG. 6 A, is a Y-Z cross section illustration of the initial assembly illustrated in FIG. 4 along lines AO- AO, and FIG. 6B- a Y-Z cross section illustration of the initial assembly in FIG. 4 along lines H-H;

[00017] FIG. 7, illustrates a second embodiment, where both anterior and posterior lock actuating mechanisms are coupled to the lock cam via genderless and detent coupling;

[00018] FIG. 8, is a X-Y cross section of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 7, along line D-D;

[00019] FIG.9, is a Y-Z cross section illustration of the second embodiment illustrated in

FIG. 7 along lines C-C;

[00020] FIG. 10A is an illustration of encircled region FIG. 10 in FIG. 7, showing the insertion of the elongated detent member head portion to the appropriate cavity before engagement of the axial locking pin, and after engagement of the axial locking pin in FIG. 10B;

[00021] FIG. 11, illustrates a configuration example of the lock assembly put together;

[00022] FIG. 12A is a Y-Z cross section illustration of the configuration illustrated in

FIG. 11 along lines AH- AH, with Y-Z cross section along line AI-AI, illustrated in FIG. 12B;

[00023] FIG. 13, illustrates initial assembly of the modular cylinder when initially mating the genderless coupling;

[00024] FIG. 14, illustrates a top right front isometric of an intermediate and/or posterior lock-actuating assembly showing the neck and collar portions of the genderless coupling and the head portion of the detent coupling’s elongated detent member;

[00025] FIG. 15, is the enlarged section marked on FIG. 13;

[00026] FIG. 16, is the enlarged section marked on FIG. 14;

[00027] FIG. 17, is a X-Y cross section of the configuration shown in FIG. 11, along line BF-BF; [00028] FIG. 18, is the enlarged section marked on FIG. 17;

[00029] FIG. 19, is a bottom plan view of the confuted in FIG. 17;

[00030] FIG. 20A is a cutaway illustrating the access opening for releasing the detent coupling before insertion of the releasing tool, and after insertion of the releasing tool in FIG. 20B;

[00031] FIG. 21 A, is the enlarged section marked on FIG. 20B, with is the enlarged section marked on FIG. 20 A, illustrated in FIG. 21B;

[00032] FIG. 22, illustrates a third embodiment of the modular lock assembly, showing an additional breakable locking rod configuration;

[00033] FIG. 23, is a Y-Z cross section illustration of the third embodiment illustrated in FIG. 22 along lines BW-BW;

[00034] FIG. 24, is a Y-Z cross section illustration of the third embodiment illustrated in FIG. 22 along lines BW-BW after engaging the detent coupling and removing the excess locking rod;

[00035] FIG. 25, is a X-Y cross section of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 24, along line BT-BT; and

[00036] FIG. 26, is a Y-Z cross section illustration of a fourth embodiment illustrated in FIG. 22 along lines BX-BX.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00037] Provided herein are embodiments of assemblies, methods and kits implementing quick-connect modular cylinder lock, with a lock cam that is reversibly coupled to at least one anterior and posterior lock actuating assembly using genderless and detent releasable couplings.

[00038] As used herein, the terms“biaser”, "biasing element", and the like refers to any device that provides a biasing force. Representative biasing elements include but are not limited to springs (e.g., elastomeric or metal springs, torsion springs, coil springs, leaf springs, tension springs, compression springs, extension springs, spiral springs, volute springs, flat springs, and the like), detents (e.g., spring-loaded detent balls, cones, wedges, cylinders, rubber cones, resilient elements and the like), pneumatic devices, hydraulic devices, magnets, and the like, and combinations thereof. Likewise, "biaser" as used herein refers to one or more members that applies an urging force between two elements.

[00039] A more complete understanding of the assemblies, methods, and kits disclosed herein can be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings. These figures (also referred to herein as“FIG.”) are merely schematic representations based on convenience and the ease of demonstrating the present disclosure, and are, therefore, not intended to indicate relative size and dimensions of the devices or components thereof, their relative size relationship and/or to define or limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments.

[00040] Although specific terms are used in the following description for the sake of clarity, these terms are intended to refer only to the particular structure of the embodiments selected for illustration in the drawings, and are not intended to define or limit the scope of the disclosure. In the drawings and the following description below, it is to be understood that like numeric designations refer to components of like function. Likewise, cross sections are referred to on normal orthogonal coordinate system having XYZ axis, such that Y axis refers to front-to- back, X axis refers to side-to-side, and Z axis refers to up-and-down.

[00041] Turning now to FIG.s 1 and 2, illustrating a first embodiment of the modular cylinder lock, with anterior lock actuator assembly 100, positioned proximal to a lock cam 103 coupled to lock bit 104 extending radially along a longitudinal axis XL; lock cam 103; at least a posterior lock actuator 200, (see e.g., FIG. 2) assembly positioned distal to lock cam 103 along the same longitudinal axis XL, anterior lock actuator assembly 100, the posterior lock actuator assembly 200 and lock cam each having a dorsal side and a ventral side, a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end 208 of posterior lock actuator assembly 200 is reversibly interconnected with distal end 109 of lock cam 103 on the dorsal side by a genderless coupling and on the ventral side by a detent coupling. In this first embodiment, anterior lock assembly

100 is integral with lock cam 103 having lock tab 104 as the base unit.

[00042] As illustrated, base assembly 10 can comprise assembly comprises: anterior housing 100 having column 105 extending ventrally from posterior housing 100; cylinder plug

101 rotatably coupled within posterior housing 100, with key way 102 extending along longitudinal axis XL and rotatably coupled to lock cam 103; plurality of mutually aligned bores 106 defined within column 105, extending transverse to key way 102, each of aligned bores 106 comprising locking pin 107 _/ (not shown, see e.g., 207 _/ , FIG. 24), plug pin 161 ,, (not shown, see e.g., 261 FIG. 24) and biaser (not shown), configured to bias plug pin 161 _/; in the direction of key way passage 102. Housing 100, having proximal end 108 with base assembly 10. Also shown is cylinder plug 101 extending proximally beyond housing 100 (or stator 100), with spacer 110 covering casing 111. Lock cam 103 is rotatable within window 128 defined by the distal end of spacer 110 and distal plate 115, and ventral portion 116. Distal end 109 of face plate 115 further comprises cavity 114, which opens laterally to one side, where cavity 114 defined opening 114, sized and configured to accommodate and engage head portion of detent member 300 (see e.g., FIG. 5), comprising (see e.g., FIG. 2) axial engagement pin 301, biased split-segment flange 302 and collar section 303. In addition, collar portion of lock cam 103 of first configuration 10, extends distally having interrupted threading with segments 112, 113. Furthermore, FIG. 2, illustrates posterior locking actuation assembly, with housing 200, proximal collar section having beveled proximal ends with interrupted 202 thread 201 with annular channel 203 extending proximally from proximal end 208. Posterior lock actuator assembly’s cylinder plug 214 with posterior keyway (222 not shown). FIG. 2 illustrates plurality of mutually aligned bores 206 defined within column 235, extending transverse to key way 222, each of aligned bores 206 comprising locking pin 207 _/ (not shown, see e.g., FIG. 24), plug pin 261 _P (not shown, FIG. 24) and biaser (not shown), configured to bias plug pin 261 ,, in the direction of key way passage 222.

[00043] The term“coupled”, including its various forms such as -’’operably coupling”, "coupling" or "couplable", refers to and comprises any direct or indirect, structural coupling, connection or attachment, or adaptation or capability for such a direct or indirect structural or operational coupling, connection or attachment, including integrally formed components and components which are coupled via or through another component or by the forming process. Indirect coupling may involve coupling through an intermediary member or adhesive, or abutting and otherwise resting against, whether frictionally or by separate means without any physical connection.

[00044] The term“engage” and various forms thereof, when used with reference to, for example, retention of the guide rails within the anterior bulkhead of the anterior C-shaped sleeve, refer to the application of any forces that tend to hold the rails and bulkhead together against inadvertent or undesired separating forces (e.g., such as may be introduced during attempts operate the anterior locking assembly - the deadbolt). It is to be understood, however, that engagement does not in all cases require an interlocking connection that is maintained against every conceivable type or magnitude of separating force.

[00045] Turning now to FIG.s 3A-3B, illustrating Y-Z cross section of FIG. 1, along lines AN- AN and AL-AL, taken at distal plate 115 to illustrate cavity 114 openings. Cavity 114 defined in ventral side 116 of the proximal end 158 and distal ends 159 of locking cam 103 ( for lock cam 103 and lock bit 104 as an independent module, see e.g., FIG. 8), and in another embodiment, either the proximal 408 or the distal 409 ends (see e.g., FIG. 5), of the

intermediate lock actuator assembly 400 opens radially (in other words, to one side) and comprises: an external radial opening 117 sized and configured to compress engagement pin 301 and internal C-shaped channel 118 sized and configured to accommodate split-segment flange 302; and an axial aperture 120 disposed concentrically with C-shaped channel 118, sized and configured to accommodate decompressed engagement pin 301. It is noted the opening 117 and channel 118 both exhibit a C-shaped cross-section, with different clearances and back- wall 135 (for collar 303), 134 (for biased split segment flange 302) respectively that are of different thickness.

[00046] As used herein, the term“C-shaped” refers to any single structure or a cross- section of a structure that terminates in two prongs or legs, the majority of which extend in a same general direction. Transition between such prongs or legs may be curved, such as shown in FIG.s 3 A, 3B, 6A, 6B, and 9, or more of an acute right angle. In an embodiment, the C-shape cross section of ventral side 116, 216, 416, 158, and 159, each have a radial gap configured to limit the motion of the head portion of elongated detent member 300 (see e.g., FIG. 5) and thus the rotation of a coupled module between a first locked position and a second unlocked position, allowing the release of the genderless coupling.

[00047] FIG.s 3 A and 3B also shows collar and neck portion of the genderless coupling with the collar portion illustrated by slots 126 and 127 around shaft 125, separated by gaps 121, 122 and enclosed by casing sleevel 19, with pair of longitudinal extensions 123, 133 which are shaped like partial sections of a cylinder. As illustrated, gaps 121, 122 in the threading define coupling axis Xc, which angle F formed in relation to axis XT, that is transverse to the modular lock assembly’s longitudinal axis XL, defines the mating angle of the neck portion (See e.g., 201 FIG. 2), with collar portion defined by slots 126, 127. [00048] Turning now to Figures 4-6B, showing in FIG. 4, initial mating of the dorsal side with the genderless coupling, whereby posterior lock actuating assembly with housing 200 is mated at an angle cPwith distal end 109 (see e.g., FIG. 1), and turned (here) counter-clock wise, such that detent coupling is affected by compressing engagement pin 301 on the slanted opening. As illustrated, ventral 216 side of each of the distal end 109 of the anterior lock actuator assembly with housing 100, the proximal end 208 of the posterior lock actuator assembly with housing 200, and either proximal end 408 or distal end 409 of the intermediate lock actuator assembly with shortened housing 400 further comprises elongated detent member 300 having a head portion and a body portion, the head portion protruding: distally from distal end 109 of anterior lock actuator assembly with housing 100; proximally from proximal end 208 of the posterior lock actuator assembly with housing 200: and either distally from distal end 409 or proximally from proximal end 408 of the intermediate lock actuator assembly with shorter housing 400. As illustrated in FIG. 5, in certain embodiments, the body portion of elongated detent member 300 can be adapted to span the axial length of both the intermediate lock actuator assembly with shortened housing 400, and at least one of posterior lock actuator assembly with housing 200, and anterior lock actuator assembly with housing 100. In an embodiment, at least one intermediate lock actuator assembly with shorter housing 400 having a dorsal surface and a ventral surface 416, proximal end 408 and distal end 409 is reversibly coupled to the lock cam 103 - between at least one of anterior lock actuator assembly with housing 100, and posterior lock actuator assembly with housing 200, intermediate lock actuator assembly with shorter housing 400 configured to reversibly couple to lock cam 103 and at least one of anterior lock actuator assembly with housing 100, and posterior lock actuator assembly with housing 200 by a genderless coupling on the dorsal side and a detent coupling on the ventral side 416 (see e.g., FIG. 5).

[00049] Turning now to FIG. 5, illustrating elongated detent member 300. As illustrated, elongated detent member 300 is configured to reversibly engage cavity 114. The head portion of elongated detent member 300 comprises: engagement pin 301 - biased away from biased split-segment flange 302; and a body portion comprising elongated cylindrical body portion 306 defining collar section 303 with a first diameter and split-segment flange section 302; wherein the split segments (302 A, 302 B) are biased away from each other. As illustrated in FIG. 6A, when compressed such as when guided through opening 117 into cavity 114, split segments 302A, 302 B of the flange 302 form a disc with a second diameter ( DB , see e.g., FIG. 3A) that is larger the first outer diameter of collar section 303 and when biased away from each other, form an ellipsoid (See e.g., FIG. 6B) having a large aspect diameter (Dw, see e.g., FIG. 3B), which is larger than the second diameter DB. AS further shown in FIG.s 5-6B (and FIG. 8), the body portion of elongated detent member 300 further comprises: first biaser 305 configured to bias the engagement pin away from the body portion; and second biaser 309 (not shown) configured to bias split segments 302 A, 302 B of flange 302 away from each other; and cylindrical sleeve member 307. Biasing split segments 302 1, 302B of flange 302 can be done by forming hinge 315 from a resilient material such that in rest position, the split segments 302 1, 302B are biased away from each other.

[00050] Turning now to FIG.s 7-10B, illustrating a second (assembled) configuration 20, with anterior lock actuator assembly with housing 100, positioned proximal to lock cam 103 along longitudinal axis XL; and posterior lock actuator assembly with housing 200 positioned distal to lock cam 103 along the same longitudinal axis, anterior lock actuator assembly with housing 100, posterior lock actuator assembly with housing 200, and lock cam 103 each having a dorsal side and a ventral side, a proximal end and a distal end, wherein proximal end 208 of posterior lock actuator assembly with housing 200 is reversibly interconnected with distal end 159 (see e.g., FIG. 8) of lock cam 103 on the dorsal side by a genderless coupling and on the ventral side by a detent coupling, and wherein further, distal end of anterior lock actuator assembly with housing 100 is reversibly interconnected with proximal end 158 of lock cam 103 by a genderless coupling on the dorsal side and a detent coupling on the ventral side. As illustrated in FIG. 8, which is a X-Y cross section of the second embodiment 20 shown in FIG. 7, along line D-D, when lock cam 103 becomes an independent module, both openings to the cavities to engage the detent coupling of at least one of anterior lock actuator assembly with housing 100, posterior lock actuator assembly with housing 200, and at least one intermediate lock actuator assembly with shorter housing 400, are diametrically opposed to each other.

[00051] As shown in FIG.s 10A, and 10B, the opening to cavity 114 comprises beveled facet 171, configured to compress engagement pin 301 and accommodate the second diameter; internal C-shaped channel 118 is sized and configured to accommodate the large aspect diameter formed by the unbiased split segments 302 1, 302^ of flange 302; and axial aperture 120 disposed concentrically with C-shaped channel 118, axial aperture 120 sized and configured to accommodate the now decompressed engagement pin 301, once it is nested within the cavity, thus locking any pivoting of the various modules relative to each other.

[00052] Turning now to FIG.s 11-16, where FIG. 11, illustrates a configuration example of the lock assembly put together; FIG. 12A is a Y-Z cross section illustration of the configuration illustrated in FIG. 11 along lines AH- AH, with Y-Z cross section along line AI- AI, illustrated in FIG. 12B; FIG. 13, illustrates initial assembly of the modular cylinder when initially mating the genderless coupling; FIG. 14, illustrates an intermediate and/or posterior lock-actuating assembly showing the neck and collar portions of the genderless coupling and the head portion of the detent coupling’s elongated detent member; FIG. 15, is the enlarged section marked on FIG. 13; and FIG. 16, is the enlarged section marked on FIG. 14.

[00053] As illustrated in FIG. 12A, when assembled shows that on the dorsal side an internally interrupted threading collar portion 226 disposed about the longitudinal axis with an internally interrupted threading section comprised of insertion slot 232 and locking rail 231 (See e.g., FIG. 14, 16) and a neck portion having an externally interrupted threading section comprised of interrupted thread 201, the collar portion 226 sized and configured to mate with and engage the neck portion. Turning now to FIG. 13, interrupted threading neck element, partial ring 130 is sized and configured to be accommodated in slot 232, whereupon rotating posterior lock actuator assembly with housing 200 such that engagement pin 301 is engaged in axial aperture 120 will cause partial ring 130 to be engaged behind locking rail 231, thus preventing axial separation of the engaged module (See e.g., FIG. 15).

[00054] In an embodiment, genderless coupling refers to a coupling where both mated members have protruding elements and recessed elements which mating and engagement comprise engagement of both the recessed and protruding elements with each other, in other words, protruding element in one member interconnect with recessed elements in another member and vice versa. By no means is it intended to insinuate that the shape of the protruding and recessed elements are identical in each member, and these elements can be different for each member.

[00055] Accordingly and in an embodiment, provided herein is a method of assembling a modular lock assembly implementable with a modular lock assembly comprising: an anterior lock actuator assembly, positioned proximal to a lock cam along a longitudinal axis; the lock cam; at least a posterior lock actuator assembly positioned distal to the lock cam along the same longitudinal axis, the anterior lock actuator assembly, the posterior lock actuator assembly and the lock cam each having a dorsal side and a ventral side, a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the posterior lock actuator assembly is reversibly interconnected with the distal end of the lock cam on the dorsal side by a genderless coupling and on the ventral side by a detent coupling, the method comprising: mating the genderless coupling on the posterior lock actuator assembly’s proximal end of the dorsal side with the lock cam’s dorsal side of the distal end; rotating the posterior lock actuator assembly relative to the cam lock; and engaging the detent coupling on the posterior lock actuator assembly’s ventral side.

[00056] As illustrated in FIG.s 17, and 18, where FIG. 17, is a X-Y cross section of the configuration shown in FIG. 11, along line BF-BF; and FIG. 18, is the enlarged section marked on FIG. 17, when assembled, configuration 20 provides for lock cam assembly 180 to comprise, preferably, an outer shell 181 which is provided with lock bit 184 extending vradially (not shown) adapted to actuate a bolt, and inside outer shell 181 respective sliders 182, 182’ can affect translational motion. Sliders 182, 182’ can be coupled by means of a joining stem 183; when one of the two sliders 182, 182’ (which are coupled by the joining stem 183) engages outer shell 181 (because it is pushed in translational movement by the tip of the key or by another translational apparatus commanded thereby), a mechanical coupling based on shape, for example faceted sliders 182, 182’ against complementary surface on the internal annulus of outer shell 181.

[00057] Turning now to FIG.s 19-20B, illustrating an embodiment for the release of the various modules in which the ventral side further comprises at least one access opening e.g., 186, 187 disposed ventrally beneath (e.g., vertically) the detent coupling cavity at the proximal end 158, and/or the distal end 159 (see e.g., FIG. 8) configured to provide access through access shafts 188, 189 (not shown) to releasing tool 500 adapted to release the detent coupling, by, for example compressing engagement pin 301 out of axial aperture 120 (see e.g., FIG. 20A, 21 A,

2 IB) which can open (in other words, forming an aperture sized and configured to

accommodate engagement pin 301, see e.g., FIG 21B) from cavity 114 to access shaft 188. Releasing tool 500 can be comprised of a head portion 501 and a handle 502 and shaft 188 can be sized and configured to provide head portion 501 of releasing tool 500 with access to engagement pin 301 whereby, for example head portion 501 of releasing tool 500 can have a beveled head that would compress engagement pin 301. In an embodiment, engagement pin 301 has beveled edges (see e.g., FIG. 21B) thus facilitating its compression by head portion 501 of releasing tool 500, and its release from axial aperture 120. Accordingly, in an embodiment, releasing the modules comprises the steps of inserting head portion 501 of releasing tool 500 into access opening 186, using releasing tool 500, compressing engagement pin 301 away from the axial aperture 120 toward the elongated body portion, then rotating at least one of any genderless coupled component relative to the locking cam, and pulling at least one of the genderless coupling on an operatively coupled component or module; and releasing the operatively coupled component or module from cam lock 103, and/or cam lock assembly 180.

[00058] The term‘module’, as used herein, means, but is not limited to, a hardware component, such as the anterior lock-actuating assembly, the posterior lock-actuating assembly, the intermediate lock-actuating assembly, and the lock cam assembly, which performs certain tasks. A module may advantageously be configured to be operably coupled to another module. Thus the term“module” is intended to include multiple parts or a single part. In addition, the dimensions shown in the figures are representative of a typical commercial embodiment. That is, these components can be made in other dimensions, and the dimensions shown are not intended to be limiting of the disclosed technology.

[00059] Turning now to FIG.s 22-25, where FIG. 22, illustrates third embodiment 30 of the modular lock assembly, showing an additional breakable locking rod 601 configuration, FIG. 23, is a Y-Z cross section illustration of modular locking assembly 30 illustrated in FIG.

22 along lines BW-BW, FIG. 24, is a Y-Z cross section illustration of modular locking assembly 30 illustrated in FIG. 22 along lines BW-BW after engaging the detent coupling and removing the excess locking rod, and FIG. 25, is a X-Y cross section of modular locking assembly 30 shown in FIG. 24, along line BT-BT. As illustrated in FIG. 23, the anterior lock actuator assembly and the posterior lock actuator assembly, each comprises, a barrel or housing 100, 200; column 105, 216 extending ventrally from the barrel or housing 100, 200, column 105, 216, having at least two column apertures 107 _/ , 207 _/ ; cylinder plug 101, 214 configured to rotate within the barrel or housing 100, 200, cylinder plug 101, 214 including key way 102, 222 sized and configured to receive key blade 700, (not shown), cylinder plug 101, 214 including at least two cylinder plug apertures 161 , 261 ,,, each axially registered with column aperture 107 _/ , 207 _/ when the lock actuator is locked, and movable out of registration with column apertures 107 _/ , 207 _/ ; with key blade 700 to unlock each lock actuator. Shown in FIG. 24, is barrel (interchangeable with housing) 200, which has defines radial opening 250 with shear ledge 251 disposed at an angle to column 216 that is in communication an internal annular groove 252 while cylinder plug 214 comprises at least one bore 255 extending radially through cylinder plug 214 and wherein, upon mating at least one of the genderless coupling on the posterior lock actuator module, and anterior lock actuator module with lock cam assembly’s 180 dorsal side of proximal end 158, and/or distal end 159, bore’s 255 shaft is configured to align with radial opening 250.

[00060] In yet another embodiment, the methods of assembling modular locking assembly 30, further comprise, before the step of rotating the module engaged via the genderless coupling relative to lock cam 103 or lock cam assembly 180, inserting locking rod

601 through radial opening 250 in barrel 100. 200 to the aligned bore 255 in cylinder plug 101, 214; and cutting locking rod 601 at shear ledge 251 of barrel 100, 200 face, allowing portion

602 of locking rod 602 remaining in cylinder plug 101, 214 to extend into internal annular groove 252 defined in barrel 100, 200.

[00061] Turning now to FIG. 26, illustrating an alternative to FIG. 23. It is noted that both solution are intended to address movement of cylinder plug 101, 214 in housing (barrel) 100, 200 in response to inserting and pulling of the key blade 700 in key way 102, 222.

Currently, this movement is arrested by using C-clip and similar methods, which typically require disassembling the barrel 101, 214. With the assemblies, methods and kits provided herein, using proper tools, no such action is needed.

[00062] As illustrated in FIG. 26, anterior lock actuator assembly with barrel

(interchangeable with housing) 100 and the posterior lock actuator assembly with barrel 200, each comprises, barrel 100, 200; column 105, 216 extending ventrally from barrel 100. 200, column 105 having at least two column apertures 107 _/ , 207 _/ ; cylinder plug 101, 214, configured to rotate within barrel 100, 200, cylinder plug 101, 214, including key way 102, 222, sized and configured to receive key blade 700, cylinder plug 101, 214 including at least two cylinder plug apertures 161 _/ ,, 261 _/; , each axially registered with each column aperture 107 _/ , 207 _/ when the lock actuator is locked, and movable out of registration with column apertures 107 _/ , 207 _/ with key blade 700 to unlock each lock actuator, further comprising pair of diametrically opposed apertures 171, 171’, 271, 27G defined in barrel 100, 200, disposed transverse to column 105, 216, both diametrically opposed apertures 171, 17 G, 271, 271’ opening into internal annular groove 152, 252; least one bore 155, 255 extending transverse to cylinder plug’s 101, 214 longitudinal axis extending therethrough; pair of pins 172, 172’, 272, 272’ having beveled tips biased away from each other, pair of pins 172, 172’, 272, 272’ sized and configured to protrude into annular groove 152, 252; and biaser 175, 275 disposed between pair of pins 172, 172’, 272, 272’, configured to urge each of pins 172, 172’, 272, 272’ into annular groove 152, 252, wherein diametrically opposed apertures 171, 17 , 271, 27 have a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the pair of pins 172, 172’, 272, 272’.

[00063] Therefore, when disassembling the modular lock assemblies described herein, when the biased pin pairs option is used to, for example replace the C-clip and provide bump protection, the methods facilitated by the kits provided herein, further comprise; instead the step of inserting releasing tool 500, inserting caliper tool 800 through diametrically opposed apertures 171, 171’, 271, 271’, compressing the pair of pins 172, 172’, 272, 272’; and removing cylinder plug 101, 214.

[00064] The term "about", when used in the description of the technology and/or claims means that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art. In general, an amount, size, formulation, parameter or other quantity or characteristic is "about" or "approximate" whether or not expressly stated to be such and may include the end points of any range provided including, for example ±25%, or ±20%, specifically, ±15%, or ±10%, more specifically, ±5% of the indicated value of the disclosed amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics.

[00065] All ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other.“Combination” is inclusive of blends, mixtures, alloys, reaction products, and the like. Furthermore, the terms“first,”“second,” and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to denote one element from another. The terms“a”,“an” and“the” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, and are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The suffix“(s)” as used herein is intended to include both the singular and the plural of the term that it modifies, thereby including one or more of that term (e.g., the device(s) includes one or more device). Reference throughout the specification to“one embodiment”,“another embodiment”,“an embodiment”, and so forth, means that a particular element (e.g., feature, structure, and/or characteristic) described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment described herein, and may or may not be present in other embodiments. In addition, it is to be understood that the described elements may be combined in any suitable manner in the various embodiments.

[00066] While particular embodiments have been described, alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and substantial equivalents that are or may be presently unforeseen may arise to applicants or others skilled in the art. Accordingly, the appended claims as filed and as they may be amended, are intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications variations, improvements, and substantial equivalents.