With Padlock Patents (Class 70/203)
  • Patent number: 6082601
    Abstract: A storage device provides for the secure storage of a gun in a vehicle, includes a rectangular base plate and a box-like cover having a rectangular top and sidewalls that form a chamber for storing a gun. The sidewalls enclose a rectangular area that corresponds substantially to the area of the base plate so that the cover forms a close fit around the base plate, which has a planar central portion joined to and surrounded by upwardly bent elongated edge portions. The base plate and cover each include an aperture, each slightly offset from a center point of the base plate central portion and top cover, respectively, but in vertical alignment with each other and with an aperture formed by the trigger guard of a gun stored in the device. The storage device also includes a rotatable pin that is sized to pass through the apertures in the base plate and cover and through the trigger guard of a gun stored in the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Thomas H. Standish
  • Patent number: 6058748
    Abstract: A security bracket for use with a door latch mechanism of the type having a pivoting handle actuator disposed on the exterior of the door. The bracket is sandwiched between the door latch mechanism and the door and includes an opening through which the operating mechanism of the latch can extend through an opening in the door. The bracket includes a pair of tabs extending away from the door, each with an opening. A padlock shackle extends through the tab openings to overlie the door latch and prevent its operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Harry C. Beals, Jr., John A. Casolaro, Claude W. Duvall, Jr., Edgar Lopes
  • Patent number: 6044673
    Abstract: A locomotive locket device for disabling the forward/reverse control system of a locomotive or other powered railway vehicle has an axially-expandable plug portion which may be inserted into a keyhole chamber in a locomotive controller. The plug portion comprises upper and lower tubular truncated cylinders having complementary angled faces. When drawn together, the cylinders offset axially from one another, expanding their combined axial diameter. The device may be locked in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Inter-Pacific Services (1996) Ltd.
    Inventor: Dean R. Jefferson
  • Patent number: 6006559
    Abstract: A lock for preventing theft of an automotive vehicle consists essentially of a support seat, a carrying member, a tightening device, and a lock rod set. The support seat has a bottom seat and a hollow support rod mounted on the bottom seat. The carrying member has a carrying rod which is provided at the bottom end thereof with a receiving portion, a sleeve fastened with the top end of the carrying rod, an arresting block fastened with the midsegment of the carrying rod, and a locking device fastened at the top end of the carrying rod. The tightening device is disposed in the receiving portion of the support rod for fastening the carrying member with the support rod. The lock rod set is fitted into the sleeve and is composed of a lock rod having a shank which is provided at one end thereof with a toothed portion and a hooked block corresponding in location to the arresting block. The shank is further provided at other end thereof with a fastening member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Inventor: Hung-Cheng Hsu
  • Patent number: 5918492
    Abstract: A trigger-engaging plug for a firearm having of the type that is a trigger guard defining lateral openings and a trigger. A rear portion of the trigger is spaced from and in opposed relation with a portion of the firearm frame. The plug includes a base portion having a size and shape corresponding generally to one of the lateral openings. The plug also has a trigger-blocking projection extending from and positioned generally at one end of the base portion. The trigger-blocking projection defines a lock shackle-receiving bore. A tang extends from and is positioned on the base portion and in opposed relation with the first or trigger-blocking projection. The trigger-blocking and tang define a recess of a size and shape corresponding to a trigger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Smith & Wesson
    Inventor: John F. Klebes
  • Patent number: 5911391
    Abstract: A locking apparatus in combination with a locking pin and method for rigidly interlocking a control wheel and the rudder pedals of an aircraft is provided for securing the control surfaces of the aircraft operated by the control wheel and the rudder pedals in a stable position. The locking pin is adapted to be disposed through aligned locking pin receiving holes of the control column and the control panel collar and has a recess formed therein for lockingly receiving a portion of the control column. The locking apparatus includes a pair of control wheel retaining members rigidly connected to one end of a rod member for retainingly engaging the control wheel and a rudder pedal engaging bar rigidly connected to one end of another rod member. The rudder pedal engaging bar is positionable in a V-shaped notch of each of the rudder pedals so as to engage each of the rudder pedals and so as to secure the rudder pedal engaging bar on the rudder pedals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Inventors: Richard T. Russ, Thomas C. Williams
  • Patent number: 5845521
    Abstract: An antitheft article for a motor vehicle has two parts which are pivotable relative to one another between an open position and a closed position. Each of the parts resembles a box having an open side, and the open sides of the box-like parts face each other. A padlock is fixed to one of the box-like parts, and a tubular element for receiving the shackle of the padlock is fixed to the other of the box-like parts. One of the box-like parts is further provided with a pedestal. In operation, the box-like parts are opened and placed around the tread of the brake pedal with the pedestal facing the floorboard of the vehicle. The box-like parts are closed and, in the process, the shackle of the padlock passes through the tubular element. The padlock is locked thereby fixing the box-like parts with respect to one another. Cutouts are formed in the box-like parts for the lever supporting the tread of the brake pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventor: Benito A. Najera
  • Patent number: 5784907
    Abstract: A locking device is intended for use in disabling the gear-shifting lever of a motor vehicle and is made up of a body and a shackle having two arms engageable and disengageable with the body. The body is composed of a horizontal tube, a vertical tube, a shackle piece, a slide piece, and a pivoting seat. The vertical tube is fastened pivotally at one end thereof with the horizontal tube which is in turn fastened adjustably at another end thereof with one end of the slide piece. The slide piece is fastened pivotally at another end thereof with the pivoting seat which is fastened securely with the body of the motor vehicle. The shackle piece is adjustably fastened with the vertical tube. The shackle piece has two arm holes for receiving two arms of the shackle to disable the gear-shifting lever of the motor vehicle. Both slide piece and shackle piece are adjustable and expandable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Inventors: Hsi-Yen Hu, Yuan-Chih Chiang
  • Patent number: 5782115
    Abstract: An anti-theft device is provided for use with semi-trailers of the type which have a Dolly-Leg, a Dolly-Leg crank, and a Dolly-Leg crank handle. The anti-theft device includes a housing, a locking bar, and a lock. The housing has a top, an end panel, a first side, a second side, and a notched bottom, with the first side and the second side each having formed therein a first side aperture and a second side aperture respectively. The notched bottom has downwardly depending therefrom at least two lock chain guide harnesses. The locking bar has formed therein at one end thereof a locking bar aperture. The locking bar extends through both the first side and the second side of the housing, such that the locking bar passes through both the first side aperture as well as the second side aperture. The lock is secured to the locking bar by attachment thereto through the locking bar aperture. The device also preferably includes a chain, with the chain also being secured to the locking bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventor: Danny Lee Judy
  • Patent number: 5778710
    Abstract: A device for locking the gear shift of a motor vehicle is made up of a lock seat, a shackle and a lock body. The lock seat is provided with ratchet teeth engagable with the ratchet teeth of the lock seat. The lock body is mounted on a gear shift mount of the motor vehicle and is provided with a stopping block and a lock core. The stopping block has a tapered free end capable of being moved downwards by the lock core so as to be caught by the toothed portion of the lock seat, thereby enabling the gear-shifting lever to be locked securely at the park gear position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventors: Hsi-Yen Hu, Yuan-Chih Chiang
  • Patent number: 5743118
    Abstract: A lock guard (10) for use with a padlock (200) and a conventional tractor trailer door latch system (100). The lock guard (10) comprises a main housing unit (11) dimensioned to cover the door latch system (100) and including an exterior auxiliary housing unit (13) provided with a cut-out (61) dimensioned to receive a padlock (200) and an interior center piece unit (13) having an aperture (42) dimensioned to receive a portion of the padlock for captively engaging portions of the trailer door latch system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5709112
    Abstract: An improved spring-loaded latching and locking mechanism for a rotatable control of the type having a stem journaled in a body and rotatable about an axis in a boss on the body. The stem has a protuberance for engagement with the handle. The handle comprises a boss-engaging end portion, a stem-engaging portion, a slider-riding portion, and a grip end portion. The slider-riding portion has a slider with a tang extending therefrom. Each side of the slider-riding portion also includes a pair of springs mounted on a rail cutout so that the springs provide resistance against movement of the slider. The slider-riding portion includes an aperture for securing a lock to arrest movement of the slider. The boss has surfaces located to correspond to predetermined positions of the stem. These surfaces are engageable by the tang which, when so engaged, restrains the handle from rotation and prevents removal of the handle from the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Inventor: Steven Kennedy
  • Patent number: 5701768
    Abstract: A removably securable locking device especially suitable for use with the loading door of a railroad freight car whereby the rotatable door handle which latches the door in a closed position is secured against unauthorized movement by a two-piece locking device wherein a handle securing portion of an insertion piece encircles a part of the door handle, and then telescopes into a receiving piece which engages a portion of the door gear box such that upon securing the two pieces of the locking device in telescoped engagement, the door handle is locked against movement until the two pieces are moved out from each other a distance sufficient to release the door handle from engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Inventor: Ek Ong Kar S. Khalsa
  • Patent number: 5692401
    Abstract: A freight car door securing device which is incorporated into the structure of the freight car door to prevent the rotatable door handle, the rotation of which latches and unlatches the car door in a closed or locked position, from being rotated. The securing device is movable from a position wherein it is out of interference with the movement of the rotatable handle, thereby permitting the door to be opened, to a position in which it is fixed to prevent the handle from rotating, thereby preventing the handle from being operated to open the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Inventor: Ekongkar S. Khalsa
  • Patent number: 5664448
    Abstract: A locking handle for an access door includes a housing with a cam rotatably mounted within the housing. The cam is connected to a locking pin for the pin to move transversely in response to rotational movement of the cam. A locking bar is slidably received on the housing and moved to a locked position to prevent rotation of the cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Federal-Hoffman, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Swan, Robert G. Lau
  • Patent number: 5634357
    Abstract: A latch handle (20) includes a grip portion (22) and a housing portion (24) with a spindle (28) extending therefrom to actuate a latch. The handle (20) rotates about an escutcheon (26) and is configured for receiving two or more padlocks. The handle grip portion (22) includes a padlock receiving portion (32) while the escutcheon (26) has a raised portion (34) aligning with the lock receiving portion (32). The escutcheon (26) takes on a second embodiment (126) for rotation in an opposite direction. A defeater device (30) includes a retainer (40) coupled to a plunger member (50). The plunger member (50) slides axially within a bore (70) and rotates relative to an insert (60). The insert includes a cammed surface (62) which receives tabs (52) of the plunger member (50). The plunger member (50) is biased by compression spring (48) and torsion spring (56) to urge the tabs (52) against the cammed surface (62) so that the plunger member (50) moves axially as the retainer (40) is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Federal-Hoffman, Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis F. Nutter, Jim I. Myers
  • Patent number: 5598724
    Abstract: A safety lock device for use in releasably locking the head of a butterfly valve. The two part safety lock device comprises first: a cross-sectionally U-shape elongated frame, having an anchoring part at one end and a lateral flange with a number of bores; the anchoring part releasably engages with the valve head for anchoring the U-frame to the valve head; the elongated channel is sized for full engagement by the valve handle; and second: a casing, with an inner passageway, sized for through engagement by the U-frame, and a lateral pocket extension with a number of bores, for engagement by the lateral flange. The casing is characterized by a wedge part, integrally depending therefrom and sized for engagement between the diverging distal end portions of the valve handle and lever. Padlocks releasably interlock the U-frame to the casing by engaging selected pairs of flange bores and pocket bores, thereby concurrently locking the valve lever in its divergent relation to the valve handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Inventor: Mario Primeau
  • Patent number: 5572889
    Abstract: A gearshift stick lock for an automobile having a transmission case includes a lock body, a shackle having two legs engageable with the lock body, a sleeve for wholly fitting over a gearshift stick of the automobile and extending downwardly into the transmission case, the sleeve including two threaded holes and two rings fixed to the sleeve, each of the two rings having a hole aligned with a corresponding one of the threaded holes, two screws each extending through a corresponding one of the threaded holes to bear against the gearshift stick of the automobile thereby fixedly mounting the sleeve thereon, and the legs of the shackle being engaged through the rings respectively and engaged with the lock body so as to lock the gearshift stick in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Inventor: Wu Ping-Hua
  • Patent number: 5570600
    Abstract: A gearshift stick lock for an automobile including a lock body, a shackle including two legs engageable with the lock body, a sleeve for wholly fitting over a gearshift stick of the automobile and including two threaded holes and two lugs fixed to the sleeve, each of the two lugs having a hole aligned with a corresponding one of the threaded holes, and two screws each extending through a corresponding one of the threaded holes to bear against the gearshift stick of the automobile thereby fixedly mounting the sleeve on the gearshift stick, the legs of the shackle being engaged through the lugs respectively and engaged with the lock body so as to lock the gearshift stick in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Inventor: Wu P. Hua
  • Patent number: 5551265
    Abstract: The connecting linkage between a control lever and a control valve that controls the operation or the manipulation of an implement of a construction machine is often complex and difficult to properly adjust. The present invention provides a restraint mechanism for the control lever 10 to maintain its position in a neutral condition with respect to the control valve. A first plate 42 is pivotally mounted to a base plate 22 on the console of the machine and is movable to a first position to engage the control lever 10 and establish a neutral position. A second plate 58 is utilized to selectively secure the position of the first plate with respect to the control lever while the proper connections and adjustments are made to the linkage arrangements connecting the control lever 10 and the control valve to synchronize their respective neutral positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald H. Garman, Stephen C. Garnett, Steven L. Groth
  • Patent number: 5511399
    Abstract: A motorcycle throttle clamp comprised of a pair of rectangular blocks having a semi-circular indentation on outer surfaces thereof. The semi-circular indentations are adapted to engage a round tubular handlebar of a motorcycle. The pair of rectangular blocks have a locking component. The locking component receives a motorcycle throttle therein to prevent the throttle from being operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Inventor: Todd E. Lynn
  • Patent number: 5475995
    Abstract: A new and improved spare tire locking rod for a truck prevents rotation of a rotatable shaft which controls motion of a hoisting assembly for lifting and lowering the spare tire so that the spare tire can be removed and replaced. The apparatus includes a first end assembly which includes a first noncircular inner portion and a second noncircular inner portion connected to the first noncircular inner portion. A midportion is connected to the first end assembly. A second end assembly is connected to the midportion. The second end assembly includes a lock-receiving portion which is capable of receiving a lock assembly for preventing the second end assembly and the midportion from being disconnected from the fixed portion of the truck. The lock-receiving portion of the second end assembly is an aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Inventor: George G. Livingston
  • Patent number: 5467622
    Abstract: A plate pivotally mounted to a padlock hasp adjacent a reciprocally movable operator handle is pivotable from a stored position to one covering the opening of the hasp, the plate having a hole aligned with the opening and smaller than the opening to receive the shackle of a single, scissors-type safety lockout and maintain the shackle in position to block movement of the operator handle to an operated position. The hole is preferably rectangular to conform to the flat, thin shape of the safety lockout shackle to maintain the shackle properly oriented. An additional round hole for a smaller diameter padlock shackle may be provided in said plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: James A. Becker, Ronald J. Fritsch, Richard J. Holland, Robert F. Klobuchar
  • Patent number: 5468925
    Abstract: An actuator switch enclosure utilizing a plate capable of being positioned against the cover of the electrical switch actuator. A holder is also included in the present invention for maintaining the position of the plate against the associated cover utilizing fastener openings in the cover. A flap is attached to the plate and is capable of moving into a position where the flap is at least partially against the plate. The flap further possesses a pair of compartments for enclosing switch actuators of different types and preventing the same from being employed. The flap is secured to the plate to prevent unauthorized opening of the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Inventor: Jafar Mohsen
  • Patent number: 5454244
    Abstract: A lock device for locking a gearshift stick of a vehicle so as to prevent the gearshift stick from being operated includes a base having two holes for receiving two legs of a shackle, two catches slidably received in the base for locking the shackle, and a lock engaged in the base and having two plungers for actuating the catches. A housing is fixed on the base and has two channels for receiving the shackle, two resilient members are disposed in the channels for engaging with the shackle so as to retain the shackle in place. The housing has a key hole access for inserting a key into the key hole of the lock, and a lid is pivotally coupled in the housing for enclosing the key hole access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Inventor: Gaieter Liou
  • Patent number: 5451730
    Abstract: Safety apparatus for disconnecting overhead electrical switches for maintenance, comprising an insulated rod having an upper disconnect hook to engage a handle of a switch box and move it from an on position to an off position in which power is disconnected, an arm attached to the rod and cooperating with the hook to secure the switch handle in the off position, and a locking device connected to the arm and to the rod to prevent inadvertent movement of the switch handle to the on position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Inventor: James M. Phillips, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5415017
    Abstract: A valve lock has a body and a moveable jaw for releasably gripping a lever handle of the valve against the body. The jaw has a threaded shaft that extends through a hole in the body, and a locking cleat is slidable on the threaded shaft. An arm is attached to the shaft between the body and the locking cleat, and is rotatable about the shaft to abut either the valve or a pipe connected to the valve. A hand wheel is threaded onto the shaft and can be tightened against the locking cleat which then forces the arm against the body to inhibit rotation of the arm about the shaft. The locking cleat has an aperture for receiving the shackle of a padlock, and the hand wheel has a plurality of notches in an exterior surface with one of the notches receiving the shackle to restrict movement of the wheel along the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: Brady USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Benda, John P. Pearson, Daniel A. Page
  • Patent number: 5394715
    Abstract: A retaining mechanism for a dispensing valve operated by a pivotal handle comprised of a retainer and a hook, the retainer having a base, a catch member and a latch member fastened to the base of the retainer, the catch member and latch member being arranged for movement relative to the base. The hook is threadably fastened to the retainer. A lock secures the catch member and latch member together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignees: Controles B.V.L. Ltee, B.V.L. Controls, Ltd.
    Inventor: Alvin Guerette
  • Patent number: 5375440
    Abstract: A small and lightweight, and thus hand carried storage case for a handgun is provided in a plastic rectangular container having a lockable lid. The interior chamber of the case is sized and structured for securely retaining a handgun in a stationary position. The interior floor of the storage case has a hollow cylindrical post over which the trigger guard of the handgun must be placed when inserted into the case. An aperture located on the lid aligns with the hollow post, creating a passageway through the case. The passageway is structured for retaining a small lock bolt which is retained in position with a conventional padlock. Once the lid is affixed to the case and secured with the locking apparatus, the gun cannot be removed from the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Inventor: Scott D. Patterson
  • Patent number: 5359868
    Abstract: The subject invention is directed to a device for preventing the movement of a floor-mounted gear shift lever of an automobile from the "park" position to a position useful for operating the automobile. Five specific embodiments are of interest. The first embodiment includes an arcuate retaining lock which operates similar to a handcuff lock and which is mounted outside the gear shift lever console. The first embodiment includes a hingeable lock plate which is hingeably located behind the gear shift lever and which includes a semi-circular cutout portion for receiving the gear shift lever thereby preventing its rearward movement.The second embodiment utilizes a similarly operating locking member but is contained within the gear shift lever console so as to be hidden from view. The third embodiment includes a lever activated housing to enclose and disable a gas pedal. The fourth embodiment includes a housing to enclose a gear shift handle, thereby preventing unauthorized operation of the automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Inventor: Fiorenzo L. Villani
  • Patent number: 5299597
    Abstract: A handle assembly for operating a valve of the type having a valve body and a pivotally mounted actuating spindle extending from the valve body has a mounting means to secure the assembly to the spindle, a handle portion connected to the mounting means and a pivotally mounted locking member. The locking member is pivotable, either by camming surfaces on the handle portion and the locking member or by a key, between a first, locked position in which it engages with a portion of the valve body, and a second, unlocked position in which it is free from the valve body and enables the valve spindle to be rotated by the handle portion.The locking member is provided with a number of apertures which can be aligned with corresponding apertures in the mounting means and the handle portion when the locking member is in its locked position. The apertures are shaped to receive tamper-sensitive tape or wire or the shackle of a padlock, to indicate or prevent unauthorized use of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Fort Vale Engineering Limited
    Inventors: Edward S. Fort, Alan G. Smithson
  • Patent number: 5295375
    Abstract: An antitheft gear lever lock for cars comprising a bracket (1) forged by manganese steel under solubilized state having a Brinell hardness of approximately 220 kg/mm.sup.2. The bracket is formed with an end section (2) provided with throughholes (3) for fastening bolts (12) and being able to be subjected to one or more bendings (8). The bracket (1) has further an elongated intermediate section (6) provided with one or more bendings (8', 8") approaching the gear lever (14) and has a head section (4) provided with holes (5) for the connection to the antitheft padlock closure mechanism (16) which is supported by the bracket (1). The antitheft padlock closure mechanism is adapted to lock a gear lever (14) by a bend (28) embracing and retaining the gear lever (14) in the operative position and the bend (28) is able to reach its rest position by an easy rotational movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Inventor: Elia Jonas
  • Patent number: 5228320
    Abstract: A locking arrangement for the gearshift stick of vehicles, having a housing provided with two openings formed by two shoulders, two locking plates and two ear plates for two legs of a shackle of a padlock to extend therein to lock the shackle immovable when the shackle is to be stored in the unlocked separated condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Inventor: Gaieter Liou
  • Patent number: 5222382
    Abstract: A locking device is provided with a padlocking arrangement which includes a shiftable or pivotable latch lever cooperating with at least one padlock member, and a padlocking enabling member fit on a shaft of square cross-section connected to an electromechanical equipment to be controlled and inserted into a bore formed in a hub of a rotating control handle. The bore is formed by two superimposed circumferentially offset square openings receiving the shaft with clearance to permit a slight angular movement of the shaft and the padlocking enabling member thereon to cause disengagement of the latch lever from the padlocking enabling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Assignee: CGE Compagnia Generale Elettromeccancia SPA
    Inventor: Francesco De Vizzi
  • Patent number: 5181404
    Abstract: A brake pedal locking device having a pin (20) permanently mounted in a vehicle floorboard and a locking compression member (33) that preferably consists of a locking channel (34) having an angular plate (44) with a pin bore (46). When the channel is placed over a vehicle brake pedal (42) the bore interfaces with the pin to lock the device in place. Engaging arms (56) are depressed by the vehicle driver for installation of the device and release arms (66) are depressed to remove the device from the wedged position between the break pedal (42) and the floorboard pin (20). A key lock (63) or a removable pad lock (64) is used to secure the device and an alarm unit (90) is activated when an unauthorized removal of the device is taking place. A carrying handle (54) permits ease of handling and a switch or the like with openable electrical contacts (72) deenergizes the vehicle's brake light when the device is installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Inventor: Franklin W. Baker
  • Patent number: 5167135
    Abstract: A safety lockout adapter is formed of two coupling members. Each coupling member is adapted to couple with another corresponding coupling member of substantially similar configuration for locking-out power disconnects or fluid line disconnects. When connecting the members to the power disconnect handle, a worker must use both hands. Each coupling member comprises a substantially rigid and planar member having opposing front and rear edges and opposing side edges defining front and rear portions. The front portion includes on one of the side edges an arcuate portion extending inwardly to form a substantially concave cut-out and a hook portion defined by the front edge and projecting toward the side from the front of the concave cut-out. Means positioned along the side edge opposite the arcuate cut-out holds together two coupling members when reversed and coupled in overlapping registry with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: East Carolina University
    Inventor: David L. Gobeski
  • Patent number: 5165263
    Abstract: The locking device locks the valve control lever in both its closed or open positions. It consists of a male part and a female part. The male part includes a lengthwise cavity, for flatly and freely receiving the valve lever, and a U-shape extension, transversely extending from one end of the male part main body. The female part defines a channel for sliding engagement by the interconnected male part and valve lever, to interlock same. A padlock interlocks the male and female parts by engaging registering ears thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Inventors: Claude Perron, Mario Primeau
  • Patent number: 5027626
    Abstract: Apparatus for lockably covering a rotatable article, such as a doorknob, fuel can cap, and the like, so as to prevent the grasping of the rotatable article, the invention including an axially extending pin attachable to the rotatable article to extend axially therefrom, and the pin having an outer end that is shaped for grasping, the apparatus of the invention further including a covering cap with a generally cylindrical main wall and which cap is open at one end, and also having a circular front wall with a generally cylindrical wall extending therefrom, the circular wall of the cap having a central aperture therein for freely receiving therethrough the pin so that the cap is freely rotatable about the pin, wherein the rotatable article is substantially received within the confines of the cap and completely surrounded thereby. There is lock means for releasably engaging the outer, shaped end of the pin so as to prevent the outward removal of the shielding cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Inventor: Paul Appelbaum
  • Patent number: 5014528
    Abstract: A tamper-proof locking mechanism for a rotatable control device, such as a quarter turn valve including a valve member connected to a stem journalled in a body housing the valve member and an operating handle connected to the stem for rotating the valve member between open and closed positions. The locking mechanism includes a pair of lugs on the valve body at circumferentially spaced locations corresponding to the locations of an intermediate portion of the handle when the valve member is in the open and closed positions. A slider member is slidably mounted on the intermediate portion of the handle for reciprocative movement between a locked position and an unlocked position. The slider member includes a latch element having an open portion for receiving the lugs and arranged to restrain both rotational and axial movement of the handle when the handle is in the open or closed position and the slider member is in the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Assignee: Milwaukee Valve Company, Inc.
    Inventor: John L. Roberts
  • Patent number: 5005391
    Abstract: An anti-theft device which may be connected between the steering wheel and one of the floor controls for immobilizing the use of the vehicle. An elongated body has a first end having a connection for engaging one of the floor controls and the second end includes first and second jaws with a plurality of spaced generally parallel dividers for providing an adjustable connection for locking to the steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Inventor: Gerald L. Gibson
  • Patent number: 5003797
    Abstract: A lockout device for a valve having a lever handle. The device includes a channel member defining a channel to receive a section of the lever handle when closed and a leg that bears against the valve or pipeline connected to it. A lock is inserted through the apertures in the channel member alongside an edge of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Assignee: W. H. Brady Co.
    Inventors: Gary J. Wirth, George F. Jambor
  • Patent number: 4978816
    Abstract: A handle interlock arrangement is attached to the top surface of a manually operable circuit breaker operating handle to prevent the handle from being locked in its "OFF" position when the circuit breaker contacts are actually in their closed condition. A handle cover is hingeably attached to the circuit breaker cover and includes a pair of apertures arranged through the opposite sidewalls of the cover. The location of the apertures relative to the circuit breaker operating handle prevents the insertion of a padlock through the apertures when the circuit breaker operating handle is in its "ON" position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger N. Castonguay, Robert A. Morris
  • Patent number: 4887484
    Abstract: A steering wheel assembly including a detachable rim part and a central hub which are connected through linking mechanisms. Both the rim part and the hub are hollow and have integral spokes which have respective oblique ends and elongate slots thereon. The elongate slots on the spokes of the rim part further extend to form a receiving hole. The linking mechanism includes a sliding block, a fixing plate and a spring. The spring is interconnected between the central hub and one end of the sliding block. The fixing plate is hinged to another end of the sliding block and has a protuberance on it. The sliding block is slidable within hollow portions of the spokes with the protuberance of the fixing plate engageable to the receiving hole on the spokes of the rim part so that the rim part is releasably securable to the central hub which forms part of a steering shaft or is fixedly engaged thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1989
    Inventor: Hsiang Peng
  • Patent number: 4876865
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for a vehicle in which a device is provided that locks the brake pedal of the vehicle in a downward, brake-actuating state, to thereby prevent operation of the vehicle. The device includes a pair of pivotal plate members, which are locked to the brake pedal proper via a first locking arrangement, while a second locking arrangement fixedly connects and locks a lower portion of the second downwardly extending plate member to the floor of the vehicle, such second lock keeping and locking the device and the brake pedal in a lowered depressed state thereof, where the brakes are in their engaged state. The locking arrangements are operated by a key. Also provided is an ancillary brake light switch for rending de-energized the rear brake lights of the vehicle when the device of the invention is attached to the brake pedal, and the brake pedal is in its downward brake-actuating state, in order to prevent drainage of the vehicular battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1989
    Inventors: Antonio Trinidad, Victor M. Zayas Luna, Miguel A. Rey
  • Patent number: 4845966
    Abstract: A theft prevention device for T-tops. A first latch panel opens and closes over the latch handle of the T-top latch assembly. A conventional lock is used to lock the first panel in the closed position preventing access to the latch handle and, thus, removal of the T-top. The device is supported over the latch housing by ends which cooperate with the latch pins of the T-top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Inventor: James R. Perry
  • Patent number: 4825670
    Abstract: The vehicle auto security lock device includes an about upright frame adapted to be permanently connected to the interior of the driver compartment of a vehicle adjacent the vehicle's gear shift and radio, the latter mounted in the dashboard. The frame includes a pair of spaced upright plates positionable on opposite sides of a gear shift console and bridged by a horizontal bar. The inner faces of the plates adjacent their upper ends bear grooves adapted to slideably receive the ends of a u-shaped horizontal hasp extending toward the gear shift. A generally closed box slides down on the plates and seats on the crossbar. The rear end of the box bears a plate which covers the face of the vehicle radio. The box when seated is positioned immediately behind the gear shift lever. The hasp loops around the opposite end of the gear shift lever and in the operative position pins it against the box. The ends of the hasp slide into the front of the box and in the plate grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Inventor: Michael A. Snow
  • Patent number: 4732019
    Abstract: Locking apparatus for locking a movable object relative to a fixed object including a sleeve member, a rod member and a cylindrical member. The sleeve member is affixed to the fixed object. One end of the rod member is receivable within the sleeve member for rotating and limited axial movement therein. The opposite end of the rod member is provided with a plurality of holes perpendicular to its axis. The cylindrical member may be placed on the opposite end of the rod member for relative rotation and axial movement thereon. One or more holes are provided through the cylindrical member perpendicular to its axis. The cylindrical member has a projecting portion thereon which is engageable with the movable object to lock the movable object relative to the fixed object upon placement of a lock shackle through one of the cylindrical member holes and a corresponding one of the rod member holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1988
    Inventor: Glenn M. Tolar
  • Patent number: 4700555
    Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft device is comprised of two parallel spaced apart vertically extending supports having angularly bent base portions adapted to rest on the floor of the vehicle on opposite sides of the brake pedal lever. A transverse bar is welded to the supports and is adapted to underlie the brake pedal lever. The transverse bar is provided with an upturned end portion at one end thereof having a hole therein. A locking bar is adapted to extend substantially parallel to the transverse bar above the brake pedal support lever and is provided with a spigot at one end which is adapted to be inserted in the hole in the upright end portion of the transverse bar. The opposite end of the locking bar is provided with an aperture which will be aligned with a corresponding aperture in the transverse bar when the spigot is fully inserted in the hole so that a padlock may be inserted through the aligned aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1987
    Inventors: Nathaniel Robertson, Sr., Nathaniel Robertson
  • Patent number: 4693099
    Abstract: A locking arrangement for preventing motorcar theft by locking the gearshift stick to a fixed portion of the motorcar including a rigid bar rigidly secured to a body portion of the motorcar in th vicinity of, parallel to and of a length shorter than the gearshift stick, a padlock body fixedly mounted onto the bar, and a separable padlock shackle adapted to be locked to the padlock body, with the stick enclosed by the shackle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1987
    Inventor: Josef Cykman
  • Patent number: 4683728
    Abstract: A locking device is provided which includes a body comprising a tube with a bore and a longitudinally-extending flange with a plurality of shackle receivers. The bore is adapted to slideably receive an elongate member, such as a load binder handle. The body is secured to a second member, for example a load binder connector or a load chain link, by a padlock including a case and a shackle receivable in a respective shackle receiver. With the padlock in its locked position, the elongate member and the second member are secured together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1987
    Assignee: Transportation Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael L. Hailey