Abstract: Certain types of key-operated padlocks are provided with warded inserts accessible for key insertion through an opening in the bottom of the padlock body. In the present structure when the proper key is inserted into the warded insert (housed within the padlock body) the cuts in an edge of the key shank match and register with similar cuts or notches in the insert permitting the key to be turned with the specially formed tip of the key engaging a web on the bottom of the plug extension blade within the lock body with special cuts or notches and nodules in and on the key tip engaging companion formations in and on the bottom of the plug extension whereby turning movement of the key will turn the plug extension to the extent necessary to retract certain shackle holding levers and thus release the padlock shackle.

Abstract: In a certain form of key-operated padlock of generally curved contour with a flat bottom there is accessible from the bottom of the padlock body a generally rectangular crevice outlining the cavity in the body block which flushly receives the retainer block and cylinder. In the present invention the padlock body and the enclosed retainer block have mating and cooperating eccentrically shaped ribs and grooves which are effective in preventing unauthorized attempts at a tool insertion in the crevice surrounding the exposed end portion of the block sufficient to separate portions of the block and the enclosing padlock body, or to break out wall portions of the latter. Additionally, unauthorized disengagement of the retainer block from the padlock body is prevented by a pair of hardened pins which extend from the padlock body into the retainer block and are rotatably mounted in the latter.

Abstract: In a popular form of changeable combination padlock there is a pivotally mounted, spring urged blocking lever whose lower end portion is pivotally associated with the clutch elements for the dialing wheels and whose upper end portion engages a pair of shackle locking bolts when the shackle is retracted and locked holding the locking bolts in a so-called "dead-bolt" condition. The last mentioned portion of the blocking lever is free to move, however, within a cavity in the lock case and bolt housing to disengage and release said locking bolts when the permutation mechanism is correctly operated for shackle unlocking purposes. In a changeable combination padlock of the type under consideration the cavity within the case wherein the upper portion of the blocking lever can move, is relatively commodious.

Abstract: In the present changeable combination padlock the blocking lever which at one end is pivotally associated with the clutch elements for the dialing wheels and at its other end with the shackle locking bolts, is uniquely non-detachably pivotally mounted, intermediate its ends, on an inner, rigidly mounted angular supporting plate; and a pair of coiled springs equally spaced from the side margins of the blocking lever react against the underside of the blocking lever to pull it, with evenly distributed force from its locking bolt-releasing position to its normal position. Additionally, projecting exteriorally of a portion of the padlock case is a turnable changer button which, when turned ninety degrees by an applied tool, coin or finger nail is effective to release certain shaft-carried clutch elements from the permutation wheels for combination changing purposes when the shackle is unlocked and projected to its open position.

Abstract: In certain types of locking devices a lockable, tool operated set screw is utilized to impingingly hold a pair of elements together. It is intended that the set screw cannot be operated unless it is unlocked and a tool is applied to a portion thereof. However, tamperers have discovered that a flexible cord or the like inserted into a crevice between the impinged elements and wrapped about a threaded shank portion of the set screw, can be effective for unauthorizedly turning the set screw to release the members held together by the set screw. To overcome this type of tampering the present invention provides a set screw in which the threads on its extreme outer end portion are eliminated and said portion of the set screw shank carries a freely turnable sleeve. Hence, should a tamperer apply a flexible cord or appliance to the accessible portion of the set screw (that which carries the turnable sleeve), pulls on the cord will only result in free turning of the sleeve without any turning of the set screw.

Abstract: To prevent the theft, or accidental dislodgment during use of outboard motors, an elongated, hollow, slotted housing is provided which receives, covers, and renders inaccessible the head portions of the motor clamp screws. The housing is originally applied to the clamp heads by being slid thereover longitudinally and is provided in one wall with a pair of openings to receive the shackle legs of a padlock, the padlock body being introduced into the housing through an opening in another wall of the housing, and when the shackle legs are lockingly engaged with the confined padlock body, the latter functions as a stop to prevent unauthorized, longitudinal removal movement of the housing relative to the confined clamp heads. Major portions of the padlock body and shackle are also so shrouded that a thief or tamperer cannot successfully apply cutting or prying tools thereto.