Abstract: A bicycle link having one or more openings that can be ?-shaped and having a slider that closes a portion of the one or more openings is disclosed. The slider can be secured in place in relation to the bicycle link with a padlock or the like being placed in aligned holes in the slide and it the portion of the bicycle link containing the slider. Cables, chains and the like are placed in the openings and secured to immovable objects. When the slider is locked in place to close a portion of the openings, this arrangement secures the bicycle.

Abstract: A bicycle link having one or more openings that can be ?-shaped and having a slider that closes a portion of the one or more openings is disclosed. The slider can be secured in place in relation to the bicycle link with a padlock or the like being placed in aligned holes in the slide and it the portion of the bicycle link containing the slider. Cables, chains and the like are placed in the openings and secured to immovable objects. When the slider is locked in place to close a portion of the openings, this arrangement secures the bicycle.

Abstract: A pin tumbler lock is key bump resistant by applying a top pin that has an at least partially walled tubular hollow structure. The hollow top pin is reduced in weight compared to a standard top pin. In one embodiment of the present invention the top pin is made longer than a top pin in a pin tumbler lock of standard construction. In a further embodiment of the present invention the pin tumbler lock has a compound spring in a common chamber of the pin tumbler lock. A top pin in one embodiment of the present invention is made of titanium. The top pin in a further embodiment of the present invention is part of a kit. The kit may have installation instructions. The kit may also have packaging. The pin tumbler lock in one embodiment of the present invention has a combination pin that is substantially heavier than a pin tumbler lock in a known embodiment. The pin tumbler lock may be a door lock, a container lock, a padlock or a car lock or any other lock that is subject to bumping.

Abstract: A multiple function lock comprising a body, an engaging element having a first end and a second end, a locking mechanism for securing the first end and the second end of the engaging element to the body, and a gate mechanism for selectively concealing or revealing a passage in the body through which the second end may move to unlock the lock. In. embodiments, a multiple function lock may comprise a body, a U-shaped shackle having toe and heel portions, the heel portion rotatably secured within the body, a locking mechanism for locking the heel and the toe portions within the body, a passage through the body adjacent to the toe portion, the toe portion adapted to move through the passage to unlock the lock, and either a retaining cup, an adjustable gate, or an outer housing, each being adapted to selectively block or reveal the passage.

Abstract: A multiple function lock comprising an engaging element and a captive element. The engaging element enters a captive space provided in the captive element for locking the lock. The captive element includes a selectable passage into the captive space for permitting the engagement element to be selectively released or secured. The selectable passage is revealed or concealed through translation or rotation of a blocking element. In certain embodiments, the multiple function lock comprises a body, a shackle having toe and heel portions, a first locking mechanism for securing the heel portion to the body and a separate second locking mechanism for securing the toe portion to the body. The second locking mechanism is operative to engage and disengage the toe portion from the body so the shackle may rotate about the heel portion secured by the body.

Abstract: A dual function lock having a body, a shackle and a frangible element extending from the body is disclosed. The dual function lock also includes a first locking mechanism within the body wherein when the first locking mechanism is locked, the shackle is in a first position where the toe of the shackle is located within the frangible element so that the shackle cannot be rotated and wherein when the first locking mechanism is unlocked, the shackle can be lifted from the first position so that the toe of the shackle is not within the frangible element so that the shackle can be rotated. Methods of using the lock and a refillable insert of frangible elements are also disclosed.

Abstract: A multiple function lock comprising a body, an engaging element having a first end and a second end, a locking mechanism for securing the first end and the second end of the engaging element to the body, and a gate mechanism for selectively concealing or revealing a passage in the body through which the second end may move to unlock the lock. In certain embodiments, a multiple function lock may comprise a body, a U-shaped shackle having toe and heel portions, the heel portion rotatably secured within the body, a locking mechanism for locking the heel and the toe portions within the body, a passage through the body adjacent to the toe portion, the toe portion adapted to move through the passage to unlock the lock, and either a retaining cup, an adjustable gate, or an outer housing, each being adapted to selectively block or reveal the passage.

Abstract: A multiple function lock comprising a body, an engaging element having a first end and a second end, a locking mechanism for securing the first end and the second end of the engaging element to the body, and a gate mechanism for selectively concealing or revealing a passage in the body through which the second end may move to unlock the lock. In certain embodiments, a multiple function lock may comprise a body, a U-shaped shackle having toe and heel portions, the heel portion rotatably secured within the body, a locking mechanism for locking the heel and the toe portions within the body, a passage through the body adjacent to the toe portion, the toe portion adapted to move through the passage to unlock the lock, and either a retaining cup, an adjustable gate, or an outer housing, each being adapted to selectively block or reveal the passage.

Abstract: Disclosed is a combination lock having a wheel pack and a plurality of wheels in the wheel pack. At least one of the wheels has a plurality of cams on one side of the wheel which increases the difficulty in opening the lock without the proper combination. Each of the wheels can include a plurality of cams.

Abstract: An electronic key for opening a lock having a lock interface is disclosed. The key includes a housing, a key interface extending from the housing that can mate with the lock interface to move the key, a motor connected to the key interface for moving the key interface, a microprocessor circuit that includes a memory that controls the motor and a electronic communication port connected to the memory in the microprocessor circuit. New operating systems and applications or new versions thereof for the key can be downloaded to the memory through the electronic communication port, which can be wired or wireless. Alternatively, existing operating systems and applications can be modified through the electronic communications port. Methods of downloading operating systems and applications or versions thereof to the key are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for opening a combination lock having a known opening sequence with a tool having a driven portion operable only upon receipt of an authorization, the process including associating the tool's driven portion with the lock such that the driven portion automatically calibrates with the lock irrespective of the initial position of the lock and authorizing the driven portion to proceed through the known lock opening sequence of a predetermined series of clockwise and counterclockwise rotations to unlock the lock. A method of opening a combination lock with a tool, the combination lock having an opening sequence consisting of clockwise and counterclockwise rotations of a non finger manipulable lock opening component, the method including mating the tool with the lock opening component and operating the tool to rotate the lock opening component through a series of clockwise and counterclockwise rotations corresponding to the opening sequence to unlock the lock.

Abstract: A process for opening a combination lock having a known opening sequence with a tool having a driven portion operable only upon receipt of an authorization, the process including associating the tool's driven portion with the lock such that the driven portion automatically calibrates with the lock irrespective of the initial position of the lock and authorizing the driven portion to proceed through the known lock opening sequence of a predetermined series of clockwise and counterclockwise rotations to unlock the lock. A method of opening a combination lock with a tool, the combination lock having an opening sequence consisting of clockwise and counterclockwise rotations of a non finger manipulable lock opening component, the method including mating the tool with the lock opening component and operating the tool to rotate the lock opening component through a series of clockwise and counterclockwise rotations corresponding to the opening sequence to unlock the lock.

Abstract: A process for opening a combination lock having a known opening sequence with a tool having a driven portion operable only upon receipt of an authorization, the process including associating the tool's driven portion with the lock such that the driven portion automatically calibrates with the lock irrespective of the initial position of the lock and authorizing the driven portion to proceed through the known lock opening sequence of a predetermined series of clockwise and counterclockwise rotations to unlock the lock. A method of opening a combination lock with a tool, the combination lock having an opening sequence consisting of clockwise and counterclockwise rotations of a non finger manipulable lock opening component, the method including mating the tool with the lock opening component and operating the tool to rotate the lock opening component through a series of clockwise and counterclockwise rotations corresponding to the opening sequence to unlock the lock.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for locking and unlocking a component, where the system comprises a lock adapted to lock a component, the lock capable of being opened by manipulation of a combination mechanism, the lock having a communication apparatus for communicating information related to the opening of the lock with a tool. The system further comprises a tool matable with the lock and adapted to open the lock by manipulation of the combination mechanism, the tool adapted to receive the communicated information related to the opening of the lock from the communication apparatus. Also disclosed are locks and tools suitable for use in such a system, and methods of opening at least one combination lock with a tool.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for opening a combination lock with a tool, the tool having a communication apparatus for communicating information related to the opening of the lock with a mobile telephone. Instructions to open a lock are provided by a mobile telephone to the tool. The tool is enabled to receive the instructions in a wireless manner. The tool is mated with the mobile telephone through a cradle. Also disclosed are lock wheels having novel cam configurations and a novel sidebar.

Abstract: A device adapted to secure at least one securing member with a security link with a lock having a body and a shackle. The security link comprising a body with a surface and a hasp, the surface having a first and a second opening through the body, the hasp enabled to be captured by the shackle of the lock. The first opening enabled to secure the securing member when the lock is secured in the second opening. The securing member enabled to be removed from the security link when the lock is removed from the second opening. The shackle does not directly hold at least one securing member.

Abstract: A multiple function lock comprising a body, an engaging element having a first end and a second end, a locking mechanism for securing the first end and the second end of the engaging element to the body, and a gate mechanism for selectively concealing or revealing a passage in the body through which the second end may move to unlock the lock. In certain embodiments, a multiple function lock may comprise a body, a U-shaped shackle having toe and heel portions, the heel portion rotatably secured within the body, a locking mechanism for locking the heel and the toe portions within the body, a passage through the body adjacent to the toe portion, the toe portion adapted to move through the passage to unlock the lock, and either a retaining cup, an adjustable gate, or an outer housing, each being adapted to selectively block or reveal the passage.

Abstract: A link for connecting at least one securing member, such as chain, with a locking device having a body and a shackle, where the link comprises a base having a through hole adapted to receive the shackle of a locking device and a first securing element associated with the base, the first securing element adapted to receive a first securing member, wherein the shackle of a lock may be inserted through the through hole such that the lock blocks the first securing member from being separated from the securing element. Also disclosed is a system for securing a locking device having a handle hinged to a vertical lockrod, where the system comprises a strap and a link adapted to be installed upon the vertical lockrod and handle such that the handle is prevented from being manipulated in such a manner as to unlock the locking device.

Abstract: A multiple function lock comprising a body, an engaging element having a first end and a second end, a locking mechanism for securing the first end and the second end of the engaging element to the body, and a gate mechanism for selectively concealing or revealing a passage in the body through which the second end may move to unlock the lock. In certain embodiments, a multiple function lock may comprise a body, a U-shaped shackle having toe and heel portions, the heel portion rotatably secured within the body, a locking mechanism for locking the heel and the toe portions within the body, a passage through the body adjacent to the toe portion, the toe portion adapted to move through the passage to unlock the lock, and either a retaining cup, an adjustable gate, or an outer housing, each being adapted to selectively block or reveal the passage.

Abstract: A multiple function lock comprising an engaging element and a captive element. The engaging element enters a captive space provided in the captive element for locking the lock. The captive element includes a selectable passage into the captive space for permitting the engagement element to be selectively released or secured. The selectable passage is revealed or concealed through translation or rotation of a blocking element. In certain embodiments, the multiple function lock comprises a body, a shackle having toe and heel portions, a first locking mechanism for securing the heel portion to the body and a separate second locking mechanism for securing the toe portion to the body. The second locking mechanism is operative to engage and disengage the toe portion from the body so the shackle may rotate about the heel portion secured by the body.