Hidden Or Covered Dial Patents (Class 70/333A)
  • Patent number: 5970756
    Abstract: A dead bolt lock cover for a dead bolt lock assembly comprises a cover and a lock assembly. The cover is sized to enclose the lock casing of the dead bolt lock assembly to prevent unauthorized tampering therewith. The lock assembly fixes the cover to the dead bolt lock base or a separate base member. With the lock assembly, only an authorized person can gain access to the lock casing of the dead bolt lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Federal Security Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Miller, Russell Waller, J. Clayton Miller
  • Patent number: 5927114
    Abstract: A view limiting enclosure and assembly for dial combination locks with a dome cover(9): which completely covers a dial combination lock(1): dial turning knob(3): and dial except for a dial viewing hole(10): to view the dial graduations as they go by a partly transparent L shaped cover(6): which covers the dial inside the dome cover so that only 3 or 4 dial graduations are seen at one time and all but one dial graduation mark looks the same. A rope pulling hole(11): in the side of the dome cover contains a rope(2): that goes around the dial turning knob and is used to turn the dial by pulling on one end or the other end of the rope slowly and counting one dial graduation at a time until the correct combination is reach to open lock. It takes one minute to open sober, very hard if not impossible, to open if you are drunk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventor: Daniel Berry
  • Patent number: 5778805
    Abstract: A security vault used to secure valuables. The vault has an outer case and an interior. A movable panel member allows access to the interior. A locking mechanism operable by a programmable electronic circuit allows the panel member to be opened. A keypad is operable to provide a security code to the programmable electronic circuit. The keypad may be one or two, the first being located outside the vault and connected to the programmable electronic circuit. The second keypad may be located in the interior of the outer case. Either keypad may be used to provide the security code. The second keypad is used if damage occurs to the first keypad and is accessible from exterior of the security vault.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventor: John Richard Green
  • Patent number: 5609051
    Abstract: A keyless entry system is disclosed for use with a deadbolt latch mechanism on a door. The latch mechanism includes an arm having a slot for engaging and disengaging an associated deadbolt. The keyless entry system comprises an interior portion, an exterior portion and a drive arm connecting the portions. The interior portion has a housing mounted on the door. The housing has a base plate with a first opening aligned with the slot. A camlock with a ratchet is rotatably mounted on the base plate, the camlock having a second opening aligned with the first opening and the slot. A solenoid with a slug is also mounted on the base plate. The slug has a retracted position and an extended position with the slug engaging the ratchet in the extended position to prevent rotation of the camlock. An electronic controller is mounted on the base plate in electrical communication with the solenoid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Inventor: Edward M. Donaldson
  • Patent number: 5465090
    Abstract: A touch pad shielding device for a pay telephone or ATM or similar device which requires a user to input information into a key pad. The shielding device includes a cover which is attached over the key pad on the device. Created beneath the cover is a cavity in which the user may insert his or her hand to manipulate the keys on the key pad. In one embodiment, the cover is pivotally attached over the key pad and includes a plurality of transversely aligned parallel slots. The slots are spaced apart so that viewing of the key pad is limited to the user standing in front of the key pad. In another embodiment, the cover is attached in a fixed position over the key pad and includes a plurality of, transversely aligned, pivoting slats to enable the user to adjust visibility of the key pad. Also provided herein is a method of privately inputting information into a key pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Deignan
  • Patent number: 5305695
    Abstract: A safe has, in addition to its strong body and door and its combination lock knob and dial, a security mask that is strongly and fixedly secured to the upper side of the door over major portions of the dial, for the purpose of preventing a burglar from hammering on the dial and then driving the spindle and actuating the relockers of the safe. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an anti auto-dialer is fixedly connected to the security mask over the knob of the combination lock mechanism, to prevent operative engagement between the knob and an auto-dialer mechanism while at the same time permitting manual operation of the knob to work the combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Inventor: Robert J. Lichter
  • Patent number: 5257520
    Abstract: An entry protection device for use with combination dial locks includes a flange annulus which permits removable attachment to a combination dial. The flanges are disposed between the rear surface of the combination dial and the facing surface of a security container to prevent unauthorized removal of the entry protection device. The entry protection device includes indicators to permit detection of surreptitious entry by penetration or removal of the device. The entry protection device includes an anti-rotation feature which prevents continuous 360.degree. rotation of a combination knob by an automatic dialing machine but allows hand manipulation of the dial by a user. The device may be combined with a combination dial having an irregularly shaped dial knob surface to prevent engagement of the dial knob by an automatic dialing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Inventor: J. Clayton Miller
  • Patent number: 5077996
    Abstract: A combined lock device comprised of a key lock linked up with at least one combination lock. The key lock can be unlocked by a key only when the combination lock is unlocked. A division plate is mounted on the lock device to alternatively conceal the key lock and the at least one combination lock, so as to prohibit the key lock and the at least one combination lock from being simultaneously exposed to thieves' eyes. The lock bolt which is driven by the key to fasten a door, strongbox, etc. has a notch on the slope of the front end thereof to protect against insertion of a pry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Inventor: Jack Lien
  • Patent number: 5003802
    Abstract: A combination lock dial ring and rotatable dial assembly for combination locks and the like designed to provide limited range top reading of the dial indicia and graduations, including a rotatable dial component having a circular dial formation and a knob formation integral therewith, wherein the dial formation has a peripheral flange formation providing a cylindrical outer surface on which dial graduation marks and numeral indicia are provided. A dial ring member includes a generally circular base wall portion and an interrupted cylindrical annular shield portion defining a forwardly opening cylindrical well to receive said dial formation nested therein. An annular detenting land formation is provided inwardly adjacent the cylindrical shield portion defining a detenting surface having a number of dial graduation marks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Assignee: Sargent & Greenleaf, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott M. Beatty, John R. Bishop
  • Patent number: 4776190
    Abstract: A combination lock of the type adapted for changing of the combination by a change key, a lock case housing, a stack of a plurality of tumbler wheels loosely journaled on a tumbler post for rotation about its axis and each including an annular outer rim portion and an inner annular hub portion having teeth releasably intercoupling the hub portion and rim portion at any of a plurality of relative angular positions. The rim portions of the tumbler wheels have specially shaped peripheral gates to receive confronting portions of a fence on the fence lever when the tumbler wheels are properly aligned. The tumbler post is supported within the tumbler wheel hub portions for nonrotatable axial movement to shift the hub portions axially relative to the outer rim portions between coupled and decoupled relation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1988
    Assignee: Sargent & Greenleaf, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry C. Miller, Stephen Helesfai, John R. Bishop, Gregory Lainhart
  • Patent number: 4693100
    Abstract: A security system having a secure enclosure for holding an object. Access to the enclosure is controlled by a combination lock having a tumbler arrangement adapted for having its combination changed either by hand or with use of a key. The tumbler arrangement includes an apparatus for mounting a plurality of tumbler wheels in a stacked relationship for rotation about an axis. Each of the tumbler wheels has an inner element releasably engaged with a circumferentially disposed outer element. Each of the outer elements has a peripheral gate and a mechanism for masking the gate. A mechanism is provided for maintaining the inner and outer elements in an engaged condition for simultaneous rotation under normal tumbler operation, and a peripherally gated rotatable driver wheel rotates the tumbler wheels. A fence lever includes a nose for contact with the driver wheel and a fence for contact with the tumbler wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1987
    Assignee: Art Metal U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard R. Wetz, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4665727
    Abstract: In an electronic digital safe lock including a slide plate pivotally connected by an articulated linkage to a bolt operating lever for retracting safe door locking bolts after digital input of the electronic lock combination, a lock override is provided which includes a dial operated mechanical combination lock having a linkage pivotally interconnecting the manual combination lock bolt with the electronic lock articulated linkage of the slide plate and bolt operating lever. When the electronic lock is locked, i.e., the slide plate is immovable, the manual combination lock can be manipulated to operate the aritculated linkage to operate the bolt operating lever independent of movement of the slide plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1987
    Assignees: Alan K. Uyeda, Peter J. Phillips, Klaus W. Gartner
    Inventor: Tim Uyeda
  • Patent number: 4585252
    Abstract: A security system is provided for locking ski equipment, including skis and ski poles, to each other and to a fixed anchor, the security system being part of the ski pole equipment itself. This is accomplished using a ski pole with a handle which carries a locking mechanism, and a hollow shaft which carries a flexible security line. The locking mechanism includes a double locking system which prevents release of the security line until both a first lock (preferably of the combination type) and an integrated second mechanical lock have both been positively activated by the user. The locks are designed and located for easy access and are positively controlled to release or limit the movement of the security line, preferably without a separate key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1986
    Inventor: John E. Cooke
  • Patent number: 4404823
    Abstract: A combination lock dial and ring assembly for combination locks and the like for limited range top reading of the dial indicia by reflected light rays only, including a rotatable dial member having a circular dial portion and a knob formation projecting forwardly therefrom wherein the dial portion has a rearwardly facing annular indicia bearing surface adjacent its periphery provided with rearwardly facing dial graduations and mirror image reversed dial numerals thereon for reading along reflected light ray paths. The dial ring has a forwardly facing dial receiving cavity encircled by an integral shielding surround ring formation over a sufficient extent to exclude observation of the dial graduations and numerals laterally and below the dial portion and having an interruption of limited circumferential extent providing a sight opening for observation of the dial graduations and numerals in a restricted observation zone generally above and vertically aligned with the axis of the dial member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1983
    Assignee: Sargent & Greenleaf, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry C. Miller, Walter R. Evans
  • Patent number: 4356712
    Abstract: A hardware assembly for luggage and the like includes a latch pivotally supported on a luggage case and held in a closed position by engagement between catch elements on the latch and cooperating catch elements on a control member supported for movement along the case, the control member being biased in a direction to engage the catch elements. A pivoted manual actuator associated with the latch engages the control member and is capable of moving the control member in a direction to disengage the catch elements to allow the latch to be opened, when the manual actuator is operated. The catch elements serve as a safety catch to prevent the latch from being opened until the catch elements are disengaged. The hardware assembly may further include a latching slide member coupled to the latch by a link member for movement with the latch, and for engaging a cooperable latch element on a second part of the case when the latch is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1982
    Assignee: Presto Lock, Inc.
    Inventor: Lazlo Bako
  • Patent number: 4354367
    Abstract: A combination lock for attache cases and the like. The lock has a plurality of movable elements for setting a combination for selectively locking the lock. A mask is provided which is spring-biased to a first of two rest positions in which the mask conceals the digits. In the second rest position the mask exposes the digits to view. The mask is disposed to mask or block a clasp element of a lock clasp in one embodiment and in a second it masks a release button for opening the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1982
    Inventor: Philippe Wahl
  • Patent number: 4287734
    Abstract: Indicating wheels of a combination lock are normally viewed through respective windows which are displaced from alignment with the wheels when the lock is released. The wheels are then obscured so that the combination to which the lock has been set for release cannot be observed. The windows contain optical lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1981
    Inventor: Leslie V. Herriott
  • Patent number: 4197726
    Abstract: A dial for a combination lock extends through a disc mounted on the housing for supporting the dial. A pair of interchangeable members, one being used at a time, are used in conjunction with the dial. The first interchangeable member is a spacer mounted on the disc between the dial and the disc for spacing the dial from the disc and covering a portion of the disc. The second interchangeable member is a cover mounted over the disc. The cover has a window through which the dial can be seen. The window includes a lens with thin plates therein for directing light from the dial in a certain path so that the dial can only be seen from one position. The cover has members for securing the lens in the window so that it is not easily removed therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1980
    Assignee: La Gard, Inc.
    Inventor: Tim M. Uyeda
  • Patent number: 4104896
    Abstract: A dial type combination lock having a plurality of individual locking units each of which consists of a locking means and a dial means. The locking means has a pair of discs, one of which is a leading disc in which are a plurality of the holes at locations coinciding with the numbers displayed on the number carrying portion of the dial, and the other of which is the locking disc having a locking bolt receiving notch therein and a pin that is to be fit into one of the holes corresponding a designated number. The locking disc of each locking unit is connected with the leading disc thereof by the pin on the locking disc engaging in the hole in the leading disc corresponding with the designated number for the respective locking member and connecting shafts connect all the locking means to the dial means, so that during the operation of the lock, the locking bolt receiving notches in each of the locking discs are individually set in the bolt receiving position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1978
    Inventor: Hee M. Hahn
  • Patent number: 4100776
    Abstract: Combination lock for the control of the retraction of a lock latch comprising a multiplicity of notched members each displaceable as a function of a numeral or number in the combination, in order that, upon display of the right combination, the notches are aligned with a device for retracting the latch, characterized in that said device comprises means such that, by acting on a same member for instance a button, in a first phase the rake can be moved towards engagement with the notches then aligned, and in a second phase the driving of the latch in a retraction movement can be ensured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1976
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1978
    Assignee: Fichet-Bauche
    Inventor: Francois Guiraud
  • Patent number: D265966
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1982
    Assignee: Datasaab AB
    Inventor: Ingvar Freijd