Abstract: A lock system for a tool container provides the convenience of remote control without compromising the simplicity of the manual key operation. The lock system has an electronically controlled actuating mechanism coupled to the locking mechanism for locking and unlocking the tool container. The coupling between the electronically controlled actuating mechanism and the locking system allows a user to manually override the electronically controlled actuating mechanism with the conventional key-turning operation.

Abstract: A lock assembly for a vending machine is provided for locking and unlocking a movable door of the vending machine with a remotely controlled electronic latching mechanism. The lock assembly includes at least one keeper assembly disposed on the door of the vending machine and at least one latching mechanism disposed within the interior of the vending machine and positioned for selective interaction and engagement with the keeper assembly when the door is moved between open, intermediate, and closed positions. When the door is moved from the open position toward the intermediate position, the latching mechanism captures the keeper assembly. Once captured, the latching mechanism is then withdrawn within the vending machine to pull the door into the closed position wherein a gasket disposed between the door and the vending machine is substantially uniformly compressed and sealed around its periphery.

Abstract: A reciprocating combinating tumbler for a lock plug assembly which includes a flat body portion and a bent-over (or enlarged) end portion is provided for use with a lock plug barrel having a generally cylindrical outer periphery, a longitudinal axis, a keyway slot formed substantially along the longitudinal axis, and a plurality of spaced-apart cavities formed substantially perpendicular to the keyway slot. In use, the tumbler reciprocates between an extended position wherein the bent-over end portion is spaced radially outwardly of the outer periphery of the lock plug barrel and protrudes into a longitudinal spline formed in the aperture of a housing, and a retracted position wherein the bent-over end portion is spaced radially inwardly of the outer periphery of the barrel and does not protrudes into the longitudinal spline.

Abstract: A pop-out handle lock assembly having a frangible and easily replaceable handle portion is provided. As with other pop-out handle lock assemblies, the pop-out handle lock assembly of the present invention is used to lock a movable closure member relative to a stationary object such as a vending machine door and a vending machine cabinet, respectively. In operation, the pop-out handle lock assembly of the present invention is received by a housing which is mounted to the movable closure member. The housing, in particular, has a longitudinal slot formed therethrough, and includes a front face portion which abuts the movable closure member and a generally perpendicular rear guide portion which extends into the movable closure member. The pop-out lock assembly of the present invention includes a stem portion and a frangibly attached handle portion.

Abstract: A lock assembly is provided with a key-activated removable core structure. The lock assembly includes a housing having a first internal compartment disposed at a front end thereof, a second internal compartment disposed at a rear end thereof, and a partition with an aperture and a radial slot therethrough for segregating the first and second internal compartments. The removable core structure is selectively removably disposed within the first internal compartment of the housing and a cam actuation assembly is captively rotatably disposed within the second internal compartment of the housing. The removable core structure includes an exterior shell portion and a key-activated lock plug assembly with a distal driver portion rotatably disposed within the shell portion for rotation between distinct operating positions.

Abstract: An electronically controlled security lock is provided for use with safes, vaults, hotel rooms, safe deposit boxes, and the like. The security lock includes a housing having an interior region, exterior surfaces, and an aperture therethrough with a pair of opposed channels. The security lock also includes a dead bolt which is slidably disposed within the aperture of the housing, an actuator with a movable plunger element such as an electromagnetic solenoid which is arranged within the interior region of the housing, and a linkage which connects the plunger element and the dead bolt. The linkage of the security lock includes a pin which is received by openings formed in the dead bolt and by the channels of the aperture. In operation, the plunger element of the actuator moves the linkage and the dead bolt when an electric current is passed through the actuator.

Abstract: A clip for securing a cylindrical lock shell within a mounting hole by frictionally engaging a region of the shell includes a pair of extending legs, each including a flat portion, a curved portion and a contact portion. The legs provide the frictional contact to the lock shell. Also included is a generally planar bridge portion connecting the two legs. The bridge portion is co-planar with the flat region on the legs. The curved portion of each leg has an apex, which is disposed eccentrically of a longitudinal center line of the cylindrical lock shell.

Abstract: A combination ignition switch and steering lock assembly is provided for use in activating the electrical system of a motorcycle for immobilizing the front steering fork of the motorcycle. In particular, the combination ignition switch and steering lock assembly of the present invention broadly comprises: a housing; a handle assembly coupled to the housing; a key operated lock plug assembly disposed within the handle assembly; a plunger assembly with a dead bolt slidably disposed within the housing; a camming means disposed within the housing for actuating the plunger assembly; and a switch means disposed within the housing for selectively activating the electrical system.

Abstract: A handle lock for use on safe doors and the like is provided including a lock shell, a lock plug, a shaft and a handle. The lock shell is formed with a smooth cylindrical outer surface and a central throughbore adopted to receive the lock plug. To provide for selective rotation of the lock plug within the lock shell, the lock plug includes tumbler means which engage with longitudinal lock grooves formed in the lock shell. A shaft connects the lock plug to a crank which translates the rotary motion of the lock plug into the operation of the door latches. The handle is provided with a mounting throughbore formed with an internal annular ledge. The annular ledge has multiple connecting splines which interlock with complemental connecting splines on an annular flange on the lock plug when the lock plug is inserted into the mounting throughbore.

Abstract: An improved motorcycle steering lock assembly smoothly and reliably operates to immobilize the rotating shaft upon which the handle bars and front wheel forks are installed. The lock, mounted in front of the motorcycle seat and in close proximity to the handle bars and rotating shaft, selectively engages a receiving detent in the rotating shaft so as to prevent rotation of the steering assembly when the motorcycle is not in use.

Abstract: A switch lock having a reliable side-opening door and an improved rotatable handle is provided for use in motorcycle ignition systems. The side-opening door is rotatable between an open position wherein the lock plug assembly is exposed and a closed position wherein the lock plug assembly is covered. In the closed position, the side-opening door forms a part of the handle by fitting tightly against the side and top of the handle. The side-opening door also has a latch which receives and securely retains the side-opening door in the closed position. The handle is rotatable into a finite number of predetermined engagement orientations and is lockable at some or all of these orientations.

Abstract: A standard "diamond back" lock configuration, as used in drawer locks, includes a dead bolt with an angled slot. The angled slot provides an improved camming action which produces the same amount of linear dead bolt motion with 90.degree. of lock plug rotation as a conventional, non-angled slot with 180.degree. of rotation. In addition, since only 90.degree. of rotation is necessary to fully extend or retract the dead bolt, a user can ascertain whether the lock is engaged or not by the relative orientation of the keyway entry. Also, with 90.degree. of lock plug rotation, key retention at the unlocked position can be provided as an added feature of the lock.

Abstract: A lock shell comprising a tubular outer shell for receiving lock components, illustratively a spindle, the shell having an annular key way at the front face; the shell has an enlarged head portion at the front and a reduced diameter cylindrical portion extending from the head portion to the rear of the shell; at least one longitudinally extending lug member is disposed on the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion; the at least one lug starts at the enlarged head and extends rearwardly a minor portion of the length of the shell; the lug has portions successively from the enlarged head consisting of straight top and side walls, inwardly tapering top and side walls, and diminishingly angled walls.

Abstract: A key lock mechanism which can be made entirely of molded plastic parts having (1) a lock shell that can be snap fit in a mounting opening, wherein the shell is a predominantly cylindrical casing having a front end, a rear end, and an interior longitudinal channel; and (2) a lock plug, having a front end and a rear end, longitudinally housed within and rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the shell. The front end of the lock plug has a keyway allowing the insertion of a key to operate a double-acting, bar tumbler having a rocker body with a front peg and rear peg; an integral axle perpendicular to and connecting the center rocker body to a left and a right pivot pad upon which the bar tumbler pivots. The insertion of the key pivots the bar tumbler within the longitudinal shell channel and enables the key to turn the plug within the shell to operate the lock. The rear end of the plug receives a snap on actuation means such as a cam.