Shackles Patents (Class 70/18)
  • Patent number: 11942301
    Abstract: Apparatus and methodology for lawn mower security systems provide the ability to safeguard ride-on style lawn mowers against unauthorized cranking of its engine if the mowers have push/pull mower deck or power-takeoff (PTO) switch technology. Security components secured to a PTO or mower deck switch to prevent the ability to position such switch in a disengaged position. Therefore, existing safety and interlock features of the existing ride-on mower otherwise prevent someone from being able to crank the mower, which helps to guard against unauthorized use and/or theft of the equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: JENDYK MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventor: Bryant F. Lewis
  • Patent number: 11846124
    Abstract: A locking assembly for locking a portable electronic device to a work surface. The locking assembly comprises a clamp assembly including an elongated bar that extends between a first end and a second end. The clamp assembly further includes a first jaw and a second jaw movable along the elongated bar for clamping to a work surface between the first and second jaws. A connector extends from a first connector end that is pivotally connected to the locking assembly to a second end that can be connected to the portable electronic device. The connector securing the portable electronic device to the work surface while permitting it to pivot with respect to the locking assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: TECHLOK SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Ryan J. Angott, Paul G. Angott, Michael A. Latcha
  • Patent number: 11492052
    Abstract: A pickup truck includes a passenger cabin including a rear wall. A truck bed includes a front wall that faces the rear wall of the passenger cabin. A space is provided between the rear wall of the passenger cabin and the front wall of the truck bed. A combination absorber and seal member is mounted to the rear wall of the passenger cabin. The combination absorber and seal member includes an extended portion having an elongated dimension extending at an oblique angle to a vehicle lateral direction. The combination absorber and seal member is formed from a sound absorbing material and extends outward from the rear wall of the passenger cabin in a vehicle longitudinal direction toward the front wall of the truck bed providing a clearance of no more than about 15 mm between the extended portion and the front wall of the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam D. Holmstrom, Ryan C. Harris, Scott W. Shopoff
  • Patent number: 11383552
    Abstract: A flat tire safety system, having: (a) a pair of elongated semicircular members dimensioned to wrap around a tire rim and be positioned within a tire; and (b) a pair of clamping assemblies, each clamping assembly securing an end of the first elongated semicircular member to the end of the second elongated semicircular member, wherein each clamping assembly has: (i) a housing, (ii) a double-headed bolt passing through the housing, (iii) a tightening bolt mounted in the housing, wherein rotating the tightening bolt turns the double-headed bolt, (iv) a ratchet on the housing for permitting the tightening bolt to rotate in a tightening direction and preventing the tightening bolt from rotating in a loosening direction, (v) a release on the housing for selectively permitting the tightening bolt to rotate in the loosening direction, and (c) a pair of anchors, wherein each anchor is embedded in the end of one of the elongated semicircular members, and wherein one end of the double-headed bolt passes through each of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: RETTROBANDS, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Craig
  • Patent number: 11293201
    Abstract: A chain lock is provided. The chain lock includes a lock body and a linkage chain set. The lock body includes a lock core disposed in the lock body, a lock body side face, and a socket. The linkage chain set is formed via linking a plurality of linkage chains. Each linkage chain is formed via linking a plurality of link plates. One end of the linkage chain set is joined with the lock body, wherein the other end of the linkage chain set can be inserted into the socket and secured by the lock core. When the other end of the linkage chain set is not secured by the lock core, each linkage chain can be folded to make the link plates overlap with each other, wherein the folded linkage chains can lean against each other and are located beside the lock body side face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: SINOX CO., LTD
    Inventor: Chia-Wei Weng
  • Patent number: 11136787
    Abstract: A cable lock has lock body, a cable and a wheel. The first end of the cable can be securely latched to the lock body and the second end is securely attached to the wheel so that the cable can be retracted into the lock body when the lock is in the open mode. The lock has a plurality of clutches and a plurality of dials to control the rotational movement of the clutches. The dials and clutches form a combination mechanism to control the locking and the unlocking of the lock using a combination code. When the setting of the dials matches the combination code, a release button can be used to release the first end of the cable from the lock body. The lock also has a retract button to enable the retraction of the cable, and a reset button to disengage the dials from the clutches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: THE SUN LOCK INTERNATIONAL COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventor: Karl Lai
  • Patent number: 11110980
    Abstract: Lock mounting assemblies are disclosed for storing and mounting a locking apparatus to a transportation device. The mounting assemblies include one or more straps or connectors for securing the mounting assembly to the transportation device. The mounting assemblies having a structure to securely retain the locking apparatus on the transportation device and provide easy access to and release of the locking apparatus from the mounting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Robert D. Zuraski, Daniel H. Kindstrand, David B. Miller, Alison J. Donlan, Donald H. Warren, Michael Tintsman, John D. Fiegener, Caitlin A. Thompson, Gregory R. Meyer, Thomas A. Gernetzke, William J. Vespa, Matthew R. Gill, William Liteplo
  • Patent number: 11105124
    Abstract: A locking assembly for locking a portable electronic device to a work surface. The locking assembly comprises a clamp assembly including an elongated bar that extends between a first end and a second end. The clamp assembly further includes a first jaw and a second jaw moveable along the elongated bar for clamping to a work surface between the first and second jaws. A connector extends from a first connector end that is pivotally connected to the locking assembly to a second end that can be connected to the portable electronic device. The connector securing the portable electronic device to the work surface while permitting it to pivot with respect to the locking assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: TECHLOK SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Ryan J. Angott, Paul G. Angott, Michael A. Latcha
  • Patent number: 11008782
    Abstract: A cable tether for computer and adapter security and theft Prevention. The cable tether has one or two loops at each end of the cable with a crimp-able metal sleeve. The end of the cable is attached to the sleeve forming the end of the loop while the cable loops back through the sleeve forming an adjustable loop. This end of the cable can slide within the sleeve. The loop is placed around the item to be protected or secured and cannot be removed. The loop is then pulled tight by pulling the cable through the sleeve. Once it is tight enough that sleeve is crimped against the cable holding it in place and forming a secure loop. This can be done at the other end to secure the item to a base, table or computer protecting it from getting lost or taken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Inventors: Gordon Jones, Neal Doyle
  • Patent number: 10982468
    Abstract: A clamp lock for securing a portable electronic device includes a body having a slot configured to receive part of the portable electronic device, a lock mechanism supported by the body, and a clamping member supported by the body and operatively coupled to the lock mechanism. The clamping member is movable relative to the body by actuating the lock mechanism between a first position, in which the clamping member extends into the slot and is configured to engage the part of the portable electronic device, and a second position, in which the clamping member is configured to disengage the portable electronic device. The clamp lock further includes a security member coupled to the body and configured to be coupled to an immovable object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: ACCO Brands Corporation
    Inventors: Wilson S. Tse, James Kao, Mike D. Otsuka, Alex J. Klinkman, William De Meulenaere
  • Patent number: 10946915
    Abstract: An electronic two-wheeler lock includes a latch element movable between an open position and a closed position, a blocking mechanism that blocks the latch element in a latched state against departing from the closed position and releases it for a departure from the closed position in an unlatched state, an electric drive unit configured to move the blocking mechanism into the unlatched state, and a control unit configured to control the drive unit. The two-wheeler lock has a modular structure and includes a drive module and a communication unit, with the drive module including a module housing in which at least the blocking mechanism, the drive unit, and the control unit are received. The control unit is configured to receive control signals from the communication unit in encrypted form and to control the drive unit in response to the control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: ABUS August Bremicker Söhne KG
    Inventor: Christian Prellwitz
  • Patent number: 10937292
    Abstract: A device tracking system of the present disclosure has a theft tracking device that is permanently secured to an item that has the propensity to be stolen. The theft tracking device further has a theft tracking processor and a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) module. The theft tracking processor receives ping data and in response transmits response data via the Wi-Fi module. The system further has a remote locator device that has a ease comprising a plug for securing the remote locator device to a power receptacle. The remote locator device has a remote locator processor and a Wi-Fi module, and the remote locator processor periodically transmits the ping data to the theft tracking device and receives the response data from the theft tracking device. The theft tracking processor further configured for transmitting data indicating that the theft tracking device is not responding via a network when a response is not received from the tracking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Swaywin, LLC
    Inventors: Tracy Lynn Baldwin Swayne, Jeffrey Scott Swayne, Donathan Eugene Hutchings
  • Patent number: 10821939
    Abstract: An improved global position system (GPS) locking system of a small vehicle is described. The locking system may comprise a plastic case that comprises a GPS module, a cellular communication module (compatible with, for example, GPRS, GSM, LTE, 3G, 4G, or 5G, etc.), at least one motion sensor, at least one gyroscope, at least one buzzer or speaker, at least one microcontroller, at least one battery, and at least one motor with gears. The locking system also may comprise at least one locking bar, a mounting plate, and a security cable. The GPS locking system may operate on Wi-Fi and has BLE and Bluetooth capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Inventor: Manuel Saez
  • Patent number: 10793051
    Abstract: The vehicle for use with the present system is a pickup truck or other work truck with an open cargo space. The cargo space is typically defined by a rectangular bed surrounded by fixed walls on three sides and a tailgate in the rear of the vehicle. The bottom of the cargo space is referred to as the floor or cargo bed floor. Cargo pillars are positioned at the two back corners of the cargo bed. They are also the structural support for a tailgate. The bottom of the tailgate is rotatably connected to the base of the pillars next to the cargo bed floor. When the tailgate is open or down, it is typically about parallel to the cargo bed floor. When the tailgate is up or closed, it is latched or locked to the upper end of the pillars. A fixed or retractable cable strap, chain, rope, or similar line is adapted to be locked together with the locking of a truck tailgate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: 8th Commandment Cable Company, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph Lane Campbell
  • Patent number: 10358112
    Abstract: An immobilizer device is provided for preventing the travel of a wheel, particularly the wheel of a vehicle. The immobilizer device utilizes an elongated pin to pass through a portion or aperture of the wheel, and the immobilizer device prevents travel of the wheel by acting as a chock. Some embodiments of the immobilizer device comprise an indexing feature to guide the elongated pin into an aperture and a receiver tube to guide the elongated pin into another aperture. Then the elongated pin may be placed in a locked position to secure the immobilizer device to the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: MITI Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Robert A. Fulcher
  • Patent number: 10308407
    Abstract: A releasable ratchet strap having a plurality of strap teeth and a robust flexible inner core connected to a housing having a lock mechanism. A lever is hingedly connected to the housing. The housing retains a lock pin having at least one recess. The lock mechanism is oriented in an unlocked configuration when at least one recess of the lock pin is in alignment with a portion of the latch. When the latch is depressed, the latch tooth of the latch is released from contact with a strap tooth of the ratchet strap. When the lock mechanism is oriented in a locked orientation, no recess of the lock pin is in alignment with a portion of the latch. In a locked orientation, the lock pin obstructs the latch from hingedly pivoting and the latch tooth engages the strap tooth of a ratchet strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Inventor: Michael Lee Mannis
  • Patent number: 10093369
    Abstract: Anti-theft bicycle locking device, wherein the bicycle has a saddle column (4), a saddle (3) and a rear frame tube (2), the device has a foldable locking loop that can be wrapped around the bicycle and a stationary object, the loop comprises a plurality of loop portions of which each has a predetermined length, a first loop portion is constituted by the saddle column (4) being a hollow tube, and a second loop portion (8, 16, 20) that has an outer diameter smaller than the diameter of the saddle column (4) and has a first end slidably connected to and moving in the interior of the saddle column (4), a closure member (11, 17) in the remote end part of the saddle column (4) preventing the removal of the second loop portion (16, 20) from the saddle column (4), a lock (7) is attached to an upper portion of the saddle column (4) close to the saddle (3), and a lock part (9) is attached to a free end of the last portion of the loop, the lock part (9) can be fitted in and engaged by the lock (7), and said loop portion
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: INLOCK KFT.
    Inventor: Csaba Hollo
  • Patent number: 9909700
    Abstract: The present invention provides a lockout device and system that can be attached directly to open piping undergoing maintenance or repair and that can be directly under the supervision of the individual that is performing the maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Production And Process Technologies Florida, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph O'Brien
  • Patent number: 9889897
    Abstract: The invention relates to a human powered vehicle with a built-in security system, preferably a bicycle, comprising a frame including a lower tube and a seat tube, said lower tube preferably being formed by two segments. A first part of a lock device is inserted into the lower end of the seat tube. The first segment of the lower tube is connected at one end to a telescopic tube by means of a pivot pin, while the other end of said segment includes a hole having the same diameter as that of the seat tube. The second segment of the lower tube is connected at one end to the bicycle drive system by means of a pivot pin, while the other end of said segment includes a hole into which a second part of the lock device is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: YERKA CHILE SPA
    Inventors: Cristóbal Fernando Cabello Soro, Juan José Monsalve San Martín, Andrés Ignacio Roi Eggers
  • Patent number: 9868483
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an intelligent anti-theft device for bicycles, where the device includes a bolt, an expansion sheet, a hollow tube, a micro central processing unit, and a battery; the bolt is a hollow structure; the bolt includes a bolt head and a screw rod, an upper cover plate of the bolt head being in an openable connection with a bolt head body, and the communication module and the antenna being provided within an internal of the bolt head body; the bolt is in a threaded connection to a front cover of the hollow tube; the expansion sheet is provided between the bolt and a front end of the hollow tube; the truncated cone is provided between the expansion sheet and the bolt head; the micro central processing unit and the battery are provided within an internal of the hollow tube, the micro central processing unit being electrically connected to the battery, the communication module being electrically connected to the antenna, and the micro central processing unit being electrically connecte
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: SHENZHEN SMART RIDING INTELLIGENCE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventor: Dandan Yang
  • Patent number: 9663975
    Abstract: A portable, flexible lock is disclosed with a cut-resistant strap formed of a durable and flexible outer portion and that defines a chamber for receiving a second durable, flexible inner portion therein. The inner portion floats freely side-to-side within the chamber thereby making the inner portion more difficult to cut. In a disclosed embodiment, the outer portion is formed of woven KEVLAR and the inner portion is a stainless steel cable. The lock may include a housing assembly that holds one end of the strap while a synching device, such as a pivoting cam or the like, detachably secures a portion of the opposite end of the strap thereto when the synching device in a locked position. A lock structure holds the synching device in its locked position. One or more tools may be detachably secured to the housing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey B. Castro, Richard Jeremy Hadden
  • Patent number: 9650813
    Abstract: The anti-theft cable and adaptor ring sets mainly contains a wire, at least an adaptor having a linking element threaded through by the wire, an end connector joining the wire's two ends and turning the wire into a ring, and a protection member housing the end connector. As such various types of adaptors are chained by the anti-theft wire so as to prevent them from being stolen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: WEALLEYS TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Li-Chen Liu
  • Patent number: 9505392
    Abstract: An air brake lock assembly helps to prevent air brake actuation knobs from being actuated. The air brake lock in accordance with the present invention is a theft-prevention device that mounts over the air brake knobs on the dash of a semi-truck cab. It is installed between the dash and the knobs and, when locked, the assembly prevents the knobs from being pushed in. If the air brake knobs cannot be pushed back in, the air brake will remain locked and the truck and trailer will remain immobile. In one embodiment of the present invention, the assembly includes a base and an enclosure for each brake knob. An air brake lock is disposed between the knobs such that the knobs can be selectively locked and unlocked. In one embodiment, the assembly is spring-loaded. In another embodiment, the assembly is not spring-loaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: VSI, LLC
    Inventors: Lucas Boesel, Joshua J. Miller, Daniel Bonness
  • Patent number: 9487970
    Abstract: A security device for placement about a merchandise item includes a housing, cable and a clip. The housing includes a lock device, a spool for receiving the cable and a ratchet assembly to maintain the cable tightened about the merchandise item. The clip is connected to the cable and is engagable with the housing. The lock device locks the clip to the housing when the clip is attached to the housing and allows the spool to release cable from the housing when the clip is not locked to the housing. When the clip is locked to the housing, the lock device allows ratcheting of cable onto the spool but not unwinding of cable from the spool. The clip contains alarm logic fully contained within the clip configured to generate an alarm if the cable is severed. In some configurations, the alarm logic can transmit/receive wireless messages with a network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Brian V. Conti
  • Patent number: 9341004
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dual use cycle accessory which may adopt a first folded configuration in which it forms a mudguard and a second unfolded configuration in which is comprises tow free ends (101, 201) which may be locked together to form a locked loop suitable for locking a cycle, preferably a bicycle, to a stationary object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: Patrick Elson
  • Patent number: 9334678
    Abstract: A bicycle lock apparatus comprises a locking mechanism selectively changeable between locked and unlocked configurations and an elongated securing arm. The securing arm includes a first end adapted for removable insertion into the locking mechanism it is unlocked, and for non-removable connection when it is locked. The securing arm further includes an armored sheath extending a length of at least seven feet and having an annular wall formed from at least two spirally-wound metallic strips interwound with one another to define a continuous interior cavity. The armored sheath is flexibly obedient to be reconfigurable into curved positions and holds the positions after the bending force is removed. The securing arm further includes a reinforcing core disposed within the interior cavity, the reinforcing core including at least one bundle of elongated non-metallic fiber material having a tensile strength-to-weight ratio of at least 1000 kN·m/Kg extending between the first and second ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: FlexLock, LLC
    Inventor: Frank P. Allen
  • Patent number: 9328536
    Abstract: A security device for protecting a merchandise item against theft typically includes a pair of clamping members, a cable extending between the clamping members, and a tightening mechanism for tightening the cable to cause the clamping members to move toward one another and clamp onto the merchandise item. One of the clamping members typically serves as a housing containing the tightening mechanism, which may include a spool, a lock slide for releasably securing the spool and a locking mechanism for releasably securing the lock slide. The locking mechanism may be unlocked with a magnetic key. The security device is typically configured to set off an alarm upon tampering or attempted removal of the item and security device from a store.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew R. Shute, Mark A. Ezzo
  • Patent number: 9248805
    Abstract: A brake lock for a riding mower. The brake lock may include a shaft having a first end and a second end. A blocker may be attached to the first end and a shackle may be attached to the second end. The present invention may further include a padlock having a shackle hole and an activation component that locks and unlocks the padlock. The shaft may be placed within a brake housing blocking a brake handle from moving. The shackle of the shaft may be locked within the shackle hole and may thereby lock the brake handle in a braked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Inventor: Laroy Elbert Pitts
  • Patent number: 9238528
    Abstract: A dual-cup assembly includes an inner cup and an outer cup in which the inner cup is inserted. Each of the inner and outer cups has flange extending from the outside thereof. A fastening unit is mounted to the two respective flanges to connect the inner cup and the outer cup together. A room is defined between the inner cup and the outer cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Inventor: Yu Fang
  • Patent number: 9234371
    Abstract: A security device may include a spool, locking mechanism, button, plug, and latch. The spool is configured to either wind or unwind a cable for wrapping around an object. The locking mechanism is configured to partially lock the spool. The button may be used to move the locking mechanism between locked and unlocked positions. The button may be blocked by inserting a plug into a housing of the device such that the button cannot be activated to unlock the spool. The plug may be secured to the housing through the latch that prevents the unauthorized removal of the plug. For an enhanced locking feature, the latch and the plug may be configured to require at least two forces to move the latch and free the plug. The spool, locking mechanism, and button may be stacked along a common axis to provide a more compacted design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian V. Conti, Ningsheng Zhang
  • Patent number: 9228375
    Abstract: A chain lock has a chain engagement portion including a slot configured to allow a link of the chain to pass therethrough with the chain engagement portion engaging an adjacent link of the chain. The chain lock has a pivoting member with a proximal and distal end. The pivoting member pivots about the proximal end such that the distal end is movable between a first position in which the pivoting member distal end is spaced from the slot in a manner to allow a chain to be received in and removed from the slot and a second position in which the pivoting member distal end extends across the slot to prevent the chain from being received in and removed from the slot. The pivoting member has a pivot axis spaced from and parallel to the chain engagement portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Mandex, Inc.
    Inventor: Arlen Nathan Arnold
  • Patent number: 9206627
    Abstract: An engagement structure for a cable head includes a main body and a release mechanism. The main body has movable positioners disposed thereon. When the cable head is inserted in the main body, the positioners are temporarily pushed away and moved back by an elastic mechanism to block the cable head from removing from the main body. For removing the cable head, a release mechanism is configured for pushing the positioners away. Thus, user can remove the cable head by operating the release mechanism. Therefore, operation of the engagement structure is simplified for user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: LINTEX CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chia-Sheng Lin
  • Patent number: 9156436
    Abstract: A vehicle immobilizing device includes a lock, user interface, memory configured to store an unlock code, and processor. The lock has a latch mechanism and the processor controls movement of the latch mechanism from a locked position to an unlocked position so that the immobilizing device can be removed from a vehicle. A person installing the immobilizing device on a vehicle utilizes the user interface to enter and store an unlock code and an identification code in the device memory at the time of installation. Upon payment of an outstanding fine, a vehicle owner is provided with an unlock code. To remove the device from the vehicle, an unlock code is entered via the user interface and the processor causes the latch mechanism to move to the unlocked position upon determining that the unlock code input via the user interface matches an unlock code stored in the memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: PRA Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory S. Hopper, Peter Kent McCammon, Neal Harris Stern, Elizabeth Wells Shumadine
  • Patent number: 9115513
    Abstract: A security device to prevent the theft of personal items comprises a plastic clip with an adjustable movable hasp on a first end and interlocking gripping teeth on an opposing second end. The movable hasp squeezes the jaws together and prevents their opening. The hasp is in turn held in place by a padlock which can secure the device to a stationary object such as a beach chair, post, table, or similar item using a flexible cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Inventor: Yves Cayouette
  • Patent number: 9032764
    Abstract: A safety lockout hasp for interaction with equipment, infrastructure, machinery, appliances, tools, implements and the like. The hasp comprising a body, a cable for engaging the plant and a movable member being movable relative to the body between an open condition and a closed condition. The movable member interacting with the cable such that in the closed condition an intermediate portion of the cable is secured in its position relative to the body. The movable member also interacts with the body such that in use in the closed condition the hasp can accommodate a plurality of locking elements so that the hasp is prevented from disengagement from the plant when accommodating at least one of the plurality of locking elements, and when the movable member is in the open condition the hasp is prevented from accommodating any of the locking elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: ASSA ABLOY Australia Pty Limited
    Inventor: Kevin Chia-Hao Yeh
  • Publication number: 20150107312
    Abstract: A tire-encircling judderbarred cable loop is a device for hitching an object to an automobile. The device is an assembly that includes a loop of steel cable partially concentrically enclosed by a thick flexible sleeve, thereby defining an enclosed judderbarred portion of the cable and an exposed hitching portion of the cable. The area of the loop is large enough to encircle a contact area of an automobile tire. The flexible sleeve and the judderbarred portion collectively possess sufficient size and hardness to impart a humanly perceptible juddering signal to a driver of the automobile when the tire rolls over the enclosed portion. When the tire rests within the loop, the loop is confined and the weight of the automobile arrests movement of any object hitched to the hitching portion of the cable. The juddering signal alerts the driver that the tire is properly situated within the loop, and also alerts the driver not to drive off without retrieving the loop and any object hitched thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas Stephen Kachler, Robert Somers Kachler
  • Patent number: 8991225
    Abstract: A burglarproof device for electronic device including a fastener, a control unit, and a lock core is provided. The fastener includes a plurality of lever arms surrounding a virtual axis. The control unit moves relative to the fastener and drives ends of the lever arms to move toward each other when approaching the fastener; the ends of the lever arms move away from each other when the control unit leaves the fastener. The lock core in an unlocked status permits the movement of the control unit relative to the fastener while the lock core in a locked status restricts the control unit from moving relative to the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Sinox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Ming Wu, Chun-Sheng Wu
  • Patent number: 8991224
    Abstract: A security apparatus for a ratchet type gunlock that has a ratchet for locking the gunlock. The security apparatus prevents the gunlock from being shimmed using shimming techniques well known in the art. A star-shaped cogwheel having asymmetrical teeth prevents the shim from reaching the locked ratchet. The security apparatus also provides an extended ratchet latching assembly that features a pivot and a unique shoe-shaped latch that attaches to a plunger via a ball head such that the connections provided between the three elements of the latching assembly enable the latching assembly to remain locked despite severe impact, wrenching or shaking, yet can be easily opened even once the forces being applied to the gunlock ceases even when the deformation to the gunlock is irreversible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Tibor Kalman Zalavari
  • Publication number: 20150059420
    Abstract: A lock comprising a shackle and a shackle-receiving portion. The shackle can comprise a resilient flexible portion, which, absent any external deformation forces, can retain an overall substantially U-shaped form. The shackle-receiving portion can comprise a locking mechanism operable to secure the shackle to the shackle-receiving portion. The substantially U-shaped form can comprise substantially straight and parallel legs. The flexible portion can further comprise a heat-treated coil spring that maintains the overall substantially U-shaped form, and the shackle can further comprise a cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Andy Yu Sang Chan
  • Patent number: 8966945
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for use on a hook of a carting container, the device comprising: an engagement unit including a shaft dimensioned to occupy an engagement portion of the hook, a first plate coupled to one end of the shaft, and having a passageway associated therewith, and a second plate coupled to an other end of the shaft, a retaining bar including a stop plate, a locking arm having at least one hole therein dimensioned to accept a lock shackle, the locking arm being dimensioned such that a distal end of the locking arm can be inserted through the passageway, the locking arm further having a length such that, when the distal end has been inserted through the passageway, the stop plate will be on one side of the engagement unit and the at least one hole will be on the other side of the engagement unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Inventor: Thomas Buechel
  • Patent number: 8939000
    Abstract: The invention provides a bicycle lock with three rigid lock rods, either separable or articulating, which together provide an adaptable secure frame-to-wheel-to-security-object bicycle locking mechanism in conjunction with a removable seat post. One rod is inserted partially into the removed seat post, and the other rods extend outward from the first rod and then back toward the seat post for locking to a seat post clamp thereon, thus forming a closed triangular lock. The lock can be passed through the bicycle frame and wheel and around a bike rack or other external structure before closing to secure both the frame, wheel and seat post to the structure to prevent theft of any one or more of these components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventors: David Mendyk, Neil Blackmore, Kara Chomistek
  • Publication number: 20150020558
    Abstract: A mobile lock with a retractable cable. The mobile lock includes an integral wireless locator system that can precisely locate the mobile device in real-time if stolen with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) (i.e. a drone, etc.) The wireless locator system also automatically send messages (e.g., e-mail, text, instant messages, voice, etc.) and make automatic posts to social networking sites (e.g., FACEBOOK, TWITTER, etc.) and social shopping sites (CRAIG'S LIST, E-BAY, etc.) that the mobile device has been stolen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Donald S. WILLIAMS
  • Patent number: 8925874
    Abstract: An anti-tamper device in the form of a collar fitted about a housing is provided. The ends of the collar are formed into lock tabs, one of which is formed into a U-shaped portion, or V-shaped portion, to permit capture of the end of the other lock tab. Movement of the captured tab is prevented to resist tampering with the housing. Embodiment of the invention find application, in particular, to a housing for a bell at a railroad level crossing, and prevents loss of the bell due to vandalism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Louis Crain
  • Publication number: 20140360233
    Abstract: A joint lock comprises a lock body and a joint bar hoop, wherein the lock body accommodates a lock cylinder and a latch which is selectably movable by the lock cylinder from a locked position into a release position and wherein the joint bar hoop comprises a plurality of joint bars pivotally linked to one another, wherein a first end of the joint bar hoop has an elongate closing bar which can be introduced into an introduction opening of the lock body and which can be locked in the lock body by means of the latch. The joint lock is characterized in that the lock body furthermore accommodates a preloading device which preloads the latch into the locking position, with the latch being temporarily movable against the preloading from the locking position into the release position by introduction of the locking bar into the lock body, with the preloading device being adapted to move the latch back into the locking position again when the locking bar is completely introduced into the lock body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: ABUS August Bremicker Söhne KG
    Inventors: Thomas Muller, Martin Hommel
  • Patent number: 8904831
    Abstract: A lock assembly includes a plurality of link members and a lock body. Each link member includes a first end having a first pivot feature defining a first pivot axis and a second end having a second pivot feature defining a second pivot axis disposed at an angle with respect to the first pivot axis. The plurality of link members includes a first end link member, a second end link member, and a plurality of intermediate link members pivotably connected to adjacent ones of the plurality of link members at the first and second pivot features. The lock body is pivotably connected to the first pivot feature of the first end link member and includes a locking mechanism and a locking member configured to lockingly engage the second pivot feature of the second end link member when the locking mechanism is moved to a locked condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Master Lock Company LLC
    Inventor: Scott B. Stevens
  • Patent number: 8899080
    Abstract: A system for securing an item is disclosed. The system may include a length of flexible cable, a connector, and a lock. The connector may selectively connect a first portion of the cable and a second portion of the cable to form a loop in the cable. The connector may comprise a base comprising a first aperture containing the first portion of the cable and a corner. The connector may further comprise a blocker. The blocker may occupy a blocking position wherein the blocker cooperates with the base to maintain the second portion bent around the corner. The lock may selectively secure the blocker with respect to the base and maintain the blocker in the blocking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventor: Jay S Derman
  • Patent number: 8893534
    Abstract: A yard hydrant locking collar has two C-shaped steel hardened plates connected together at one end by a rivet. The rivet acts like a hinge and allows the top and bottom plates to swivel open and closed. The other end of each top and bottom plates has a locking hole. A one inch tapered slot is cut into the top plate near the locking hole. The top and bottom plates are rotated so the collar fits around the hydrant pipe. The locking holes and slot are positioned near the hydrant locking hole and the collar locking holes are aligned. A padlock is opened and tilted away from the pipe and the free arm of the padlock is placed through the locking hole of the hydrant handle and positioned over the locking holes of the collar. The padlock is then tilted back towards the pipe. The tapered slot allows the padlock to move towards the pipe so that the free end of the padlock can move through the locking holes. Once the free end of the padlock passes through the collar locking holes, the padlock can be raised and locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Carl H. Niemi
  • Patent number: 8881559
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a foldable lock. The foldable lock is constituted by a lock head which is pivoted with a foldable lock rod set. Two steel balls are used by the lock head to control unlocking and locking operations, thereby improving difficulty in prizing. The foldable lock rod set is composed of plural flexible lock rods, plural pivoting sheaths, plural protective covers and plural bolts, allowing the foldable lock to have a better circuity when twining an object. By the abovementioned structures, the foldable lock can increase convenience in the locking operation and enhance the anti-theft effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Vulcan Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chin Shu Chang
  • Publication number: 20140290314
    Abstract: A lock assembly for a bicycle may comprise a shackle and a lock body. The shackle may have first and second end portions, and a central portion. The shackle may include a cable disposed in a cushioning sleeve extending between the first and second end portions. A resilient member may be disposed on or included in the central portion of the shackle. The first end portion may include a locking member, and the second end portion may be connected to the lock body. The lock assembly may be operable between stowed position corresponding to the shackle and a portion of the lock assembly contained within a bore of a handlebar of the bicycle, and a removed position corresponding to the lock assembly removed from the bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventor: Christopher Harold POEHLMANN
  • Publication number: 20140266588
    Abstract: A battery-powered lock that is capable of communicating with a mobile device is described herein. A mobile device that is authorized to communicate with the lock can send lock and/or unlock commands to the lock. In addition, techniques are described for a station-less bike sharing system using the lock that enables a user to drop off and secure the rented bike anywhere at the end of the trip. Using the integrated GPS on the mobile device, the geographic location of the lock as well as the attached bike is tracked upon any lock/unlock requests. The mobile device communicates with an administration server to determine if a user is authorized to unlock the lock and utilize the bike.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Mesh Motion, Inc.
    Inventor: Mehrdad MAJZOOBI