Abstract: An apparatus comprises a fingerprint sensor having a set of capacitive elements configured for capacitively coupling to a user fingerprint. The fingerprint sensor may be disposed under a control button or display element of an electronic device, for example one or more of a control button and a display component. A responsive element is responsive to proximity of the user fingerprint, for example one or both of a first circuit responsive to motion of the control button, and a second circuit responsive to a coupling between the fingerprint and a surface of the display element. The fingerprint sensor is disposed closer to the fingerprint than the responsive element. The control button or display component may include an anisotropic dielectric material, for example sapphire.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a fingerprint sensor having a set of capacitive elements configured for capacitively coupling to a user fingerprint. The fingerprint sensor may be disposed under a control button or display element of an electronic device, for example one or more of a control button and a display component. A responsive element is responsive to proximity of the user fingerprint, for example one or both of a first circuit responsive to motion of the control button, and a second circuit responsive to a coupling between the fingerprint and a surface of the display element. The fingerprint sensor is disposed closer to the fingerprint than the responsive element. The control button or display component may include an anisotropic dielectric material, for example sapphire.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to exemplary embodiments of a combination disc padlock that may include a housing, a shackle positioned within a portion of the housing, the shackle having a curved shape with a first end that is never released from the housing and a second end that may be exposed from the housing when the padlock is in an unlocked configuration. The padlock may include a mechanism or other structure formed on or connected to the shackle that facilitates movement of the shackle between a closed position and an open position. The padlock may include a reset mechanism that prevents a user from accidentally changing a combination code of the padlock when the padlock is in the unlocked configuration, thereby requiring that the padlock be put into a reset mode in order to change the combination code.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes combination discus locks and associated methods. A lock device configured in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present disclosure includes a discus lock housing, a locking mechanism positioned in the lock housing, and a plurality of rotatable wheels operably coupled to the locking mechanism. The rotatable wheels can individually have a plurality of indicia used to display a combination. The locking mechanism can be configured to move from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration when the combination is displayed. The lock device can further include a shackle and a slider actuator positioned on an outer surface of the lock housing. The slider actuator can be operably coupled to the shackle and to the locking mechanism, and can be configured to drive the shackle from a closed position to an open position when the locking mechanism is in the unlocked configuration.

Abstract: A locking device useful for example for bicycles in which a pair of shackles is spaced apart and fittable into cross bars, each cross bar having a locking mechanism so that the locking device can be locked and opened at either end, that is, at either cross bar.

Abstract: The hasp type combination lock incorporates the numeric combination for the lock on the hasp thereof in a manner where the numeric combination is visible when the hasp is open and not visible when the hasp is closed.

Abstract: A combination padlock with revolving cover having a baseplate having an upper side, a lower side, a front side, a keypad on the front side, and a pillar formed on the front side. A revolving cover of a basically same contour as the baseplate has a rear face contacting the front side of the baseplate, a front face, a round opening, and an arc groove defined in the rear face thereof. A central cap has a side wall received in the round opening of the revolving cover and fixed to the baseplate, and a peripheral covering and resting on the front face of the revolving cover.

Abstract: A battery operated device includes a housing, an operating mechanism and an internal battery disposed within the housing, and an access member assembled with the housing and movable between first and second positions. The operating mechanism includes first and second sets of electrical contacts for transmitting power to the operating mechanism, with the internal battery being electrically connectable with the first set of electrical contacts for powering the operating mechanism. The access member is movable between a first position blocking external access to the second set of electrical contacts and connecting the first set of electrical contacts to the internal battery, and a second position permitting external access to the second set of electrical contacts and disconnecting the internal battery from the first set of electrical contacts.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes combination discus locks and methods for using and making the combination discus lock assembly. The locks include a lock body at least partially containing a locking mechanism coupled to a plurality of engagement members with indicia disposed thereon, capable of displaying a combination. An actuator is coupled to the locking mechanism and to a locking member. The locking member is in a closed position, connected to the body, when the combination is not displayed and in an open position, at least partially disengaged from the lock body, when the combination is displayed. The actuator is manipulated to move the locking member from the closed position to the open position. The lock may also be resettable.

Abstract: A bicycle lock set includes a main part and a connection member wherein an operation unit is located between the main part and the connection member. A shackle is movably connected to a first end of the main part and has two notches. A frame is linearly movable in the main part and has a first contact portion. A number wheel is rotatably connected to the frame and has a second contact portion which is engaged with the first contact portion. The operation unit includes an operation member which is driven and rotated by the frame and has a stud for being engaged with one of the notches when the shackle is moved toward the main part. A receiving space is defined in the operation member and a bead is partially received in the receiving space or pushed to protrude out from the main part.

Abstract: Disclosed is a display structure in which an insertion opening, slide grooves, a first fitting portion and a ridged portion along which the display plate bends when the display plate is bent arranged in the loading sections of a support body in a suitable manner to ensure that when the display plate is inserted into or removed from the loading unit, a force is exerted on both sides of the display plate in either the direction from the display surface side to the rear surface side thereof or the direction from the rear surface side to the display surface side thereof, and a force is exerted in another direction at the center region of the display plate. As a result of configuring in this manner, the display plate deforms so that the entire display surface side comes to have a convex or concave shape, thereby allowing the display plate to be attached to or detached from the support body without forcible localized deformation of the display plate.

Abstract: Method of making airline luggage inspection secure while accommodating the needs of the traveler comprises making a special lock available to airline travelers, the special lock having a combination lock portion and a master key lock, the master key lock portion receiving a master key that can open the master key lock portion of any special lock of this type. The special lock is designed to be applied to an individual piece of airline luggage and has indicia conveying to luggage purchasers that the special lock is “approved”by a luggage screening authority and conveying to the luggage screening authority that the special lock can be opened using the master key. The method includes providing the luggage screening authority directly or indirectly with exclusive access to the master key. The manufacturers and/or provider of the master key and special lock retain copies of the master key.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a system for securing a device. The system comprises a securing mechanism with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured to be inserted through an opening in a device and the second end is configured to be trapped by the opening. The system also comprises a locking mechanism configured to lock to the first end of the securing mechanism.

Abstract: A combination padlock includes a lock housing, a shackle, and a plurality of dials. A blocking member disposed within the lock housing is pivotable about a pivot point on the blocking member between a shackle securing position and a shackle releasing position. Each of the plurality of dials includes an unlocking feature disposed on an outer periphery of the dial. When each of the plurality of dials is rotated to an unlocking orientation, each of the unlocking features aligns with a corresponding dial engaging portion of the blocking member, allowing the blocking member to pivot from the shackle securing position to the shackle releasing position. Engagement of the blocking member with the inner front surface of the lock housing is limited to a location longitudinally aligned with the pivot point to limit lateral movement of the blocking member without limiting pivoting movement of the blocking member.

Abstract: An anti-theft bag with locator has a bag portion with a flap portion that can be closed to secure the contents of the bag. A lock-locator is provided to secure the flap to prevent casual opening of the bag. The lock-locator also contains a GPS component that allows a user to track the bag if stolen or lost. In one embodiment a remote control turns the GOS functionality on and off. The position of the bag is displayed in real-time on a network enabled appliance such as a cell phone, netbook or computer. The lock-locator is a combination lock with rotating disks disposed within the circular perimeter therein. In one embodiment, the power source is located within the lock-locator. In another embodiment, a power source is disposed within the bag and is not visible. The front of the lock-locator may be esthetically enhanced by having initials, logos or other graphic.

Abstract: An improved locking device, such as a combination padlock, is provided in which the re-coding thereof can be carried out in a convenient and/or efficient manner. The locking device has a body including a plurality of dials disposed to surround a lock member in an axially spaced relationship therealong. Relative axial sliding movement is possible between the dials and the lock member between a locked position and a release position. The lock member has at least one generally radially extending exterior locking configuration received in a corresponding first location at one side of a dial in the locked position, and in a corresponding second location within a dial in the release position. Each dial, in the release position, is angularly movable relative to the locking configuration so as to allow re-coding the dial.

Abstract: A dial mechanism for a combination lock is provided. The dial mechanism may include an escutcheon plate, a ring member, a fastening member, and a dial. The ring member may include three arms, wherein each of the arms have first and second portions. The first portion extends inwardly from an inner edge of the ring member and the second portion extends perpendicularly from the first portion. The arms include a protrusion that extends outwardly from each of the second portions. The fastening member fixedly mounts the ring member to the escutcheon plate and includes an indicator. A plurality of tick marks are positioned on an outer surface of the dial, and a plurality of teeth extend from an inner surface of the dial. A tick mark is aligned with the indicator when each of the protrusions are positioned between and in contact with two adjacent teeth on the dial.

Abstract: A padlock includes a base, a combination controlled lock unit having a shaft passing through a top hole of the base into an accommodation chamber of the base, three combination wheels rotatably sleeved onto the shaft, and three retaining wheels sleeved onto the shaft and respectively engaged with the combination wheels, a driving member connected with the shaft, two shackles having bottom ends respectively connected to the base and top ends detachably engaged with each other, and a latch connected with the shaft so as to be driven to move between a locking position where a block portion of the latch stops at least pivotable one of the shackles from movement for ensuring engagement of the top ends of the shackles and a unlocking position where the block portion moves away from the pivotable shackle for allowing disengagement of the top ends of the shackles.

Abstract: A keyless padlock system includes an electromagnetic switch system and a fingerprint process system. The electromagnetic switch system operates the padlock with a mechanical actuated mechanism. The system also secures the padlock against the force and vibration. The fingerprint process system provides the padlock device an easy operation as the key system. The buttons and LED's manage using both fingerprint and the combination code. A changeable battery system without losing the memory provides the padlock device a reliable and easy application.

Abstract: A lock having a body, a face, a shackle and an audio and/or a visual system. The audio system includes a speaker system and a controller, and the visual system includes an indicator light and a controller. The systems also employ a battery and a battery indicator light, e.g., an LED, indicating when the battery needs to be replaced. The audio system emits an audible sequence and the visual system emits a light sequence when the lock is unlocked, reminding a user to lock the lock.

Abstract: A combination locking system has a combination lock comprising a plurality of sets of thematic component pictorial indicia imprinted upon a set of tumblers that when sequentially realigned form a series of gestalt composite images recognizable to a human operator. Only one of the composite images is the correct combination that unlocks the lock. A second embodiment of the combination locking system has a combination lock comprising a plurality of morphosyntactically conformational, paradigmatic semantic word string indicia that together form a myriad of grammatical and meaningful phrases, only one of which is the correct combination.

Abstract: A security lock, locking system, kit, and personal apparel, such as garments, purses, and luggage that include the security lock. The security lock is a typical combination lock, which includes a body and a locking member in communication with a lock mechanism disposed within the body and a user interface disposed upon or within the body. A battery powered light is disposed proximate to the user interface such that the light illuminates the symbols on the movable members when power is supplied thereto. The system includes a security lock, with or without a light, and an adjustable cable. The kit and apparel include the system and a pouch.

Abstract: A combination lock includes a locking mechanism, a plurality of dials, and a code identifying member. When each of the plurality of dials is rotated to an unlocking orientation, a recess on each of the dials aligns with a portion of the locking mechanism, allowing the locking mechanism to move from a locked condition to an unlocked condition. When the code identifying member is in a dial engaging position, and one of the plurality of dials is rotated to the unlocking orientation, one of a plurality of dial engaging portions of the code identifying member engages the recess of the one of the plurality of dials to provide a perceptible indication that the one of the plurality of dials is in the unlocking orientation.

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 word-based combination locking device comprising a body, a locking mechanism and a plurality of wheels. The wheels rotate relative to the body and locking mechanism and display a plurality of letters across the device. The wheels and the letters are configured to simultaneously spell two or more words across the device.

Abstract: A padlock comprises a shackle having a first end and a second end and an arm, the arm being extendable along an axis of the arm. The arm further includes a locking mechanism having an axle pivotally connected to the second end and a plurality of tumblers sleeved into the axle, in which the axle defines an inner channel; and a movable connection component having a head and a shaft connected to the head, and when the locking mechanism is in a first position, the head is attached to the first end and when the locking mechanism is in a second position, only the movable connection component is movable along the axis of the arm and the head is detached from the first end.

Abstract: An error-proofing combination padlock has a casing assembly, multiple dials, multiple sleeves, a shackle, a locking bolt and a spring. The dials are mounted rotatably inside the casing assembly. The sleeves are mounted rotatably and respectively inside the dials. The shackle is mounted retractably and pivotally on the casing assembly. A locking bolt is mounted slidably through the sleeves. The error-proofing combination padlock prevents dials from rotating except when the shackle is located in the locking (first) position or the combination-resetting (third) position and avoids a new and unintended unlocking combination arising during a resetting operation of the combination.

Abstract: By forming a combination padlock from heavy duty metal throughout with an enlarged, heavy duty locking bar or shackle being employed having a tamper-proof holding cavity for the terminating, locking end of the locking bar, an effective, easily produced, high security padlock is achieved which employs a combination system for fully operating the padlock. In addition, the combination padlock of the present invention incorporates tumbler or clutch wheel constructions which cooperate with the rotating dials to virtually eliminate any possibility that an unauthorized person would be capable of gaining access to the padlock by known combination lock picking techniques by forming each tumbler or clutch wheel with a plurality of radially extending fins formed thereon, with each of the fins being arcuately spaced from the adjacent fin in a non-symmetrical pattern.

Abstract: By providing a shackle holding assembly mounted in controlling engagement with the termination end of the long leg of the shackle, movement of the shackle is controlled and accidental changes to the combination are prevented. Preferably, the shackle holding assembly comprises a rim-bearing holding member mounted to the free end of the elongated leg of the shackle which is engaged with a spring member biased to prevent unwanted axial movement of the shackle. As a result, user force is required to axially move the shackle into the combination re-setting position.

Abstract: The combination padlock of the present invention incorporates tumbler or clutch wheel constructions which cooperate with the rotating dials to virtually eliminate any possibility that an unauthorized person would be capable of gaining access to the padlock by known combination lock picking techniques by forming each tumbler or clutch wheel with a plurality of radially extending fins formed thereon, with each of the fins being arcuately spaced from the adjacent fin in a non-symmetrical pattern. Furthermore, the padlock of the present invention incorporates a unique combination setting and re-setting assembly which employs a slider shaft incorporating a radially extending post, which must pass through a key-hold slot formed in the body or housing of the padlock for activating the combination setting or re-setting mode, and cooperates with a set screw member threadedly engaged with the housing or body of the padlock which controls the axial movement of the shaft.

Abstract: A customizable combination locking system using textual combinations. The principle object of the present invention is to provide a method to create a lock that is capable of being set in any desired set of letters that spells words that are easy for the user to remember. These words are supplied as a list and the tumbler positions are created from that list. The resultant lock would be commercially viable, as it will use existing, standard lock mechanisms comprised of tumbler rings with ten positions (0-9) and two, three, or four tumblers. The letters that appear in each of the ten positions have been selected through the described process. Having been selected, each lock is capable of being set to one of several thousand actual word combinations.

Abstract: Padlocks adapted for one-handed operation are disclosed. Typically having a laterally asymmetric shackle, the lock includes an arm connected thereto so as to pivot when the locking mechanism is disengaged. A spring or other component facilitates latching of the device by biasing the arm toward an exposed end of the shackle.

Abstract: An ergonomically manipulated cable combination lock includes: a housing, a cable or wire having one cable end fixed in a first hole in the housing and having another cable end secured with a locking plug lockable in a second hole in the housing, a plurality of dials and sleeves rotatably mounted on a bolt in the housing, and a control device having a push button pivotally secured in the housing and a sliding actuator normally locking the plug of the cable in the housing and operatively depressing the bolt for unlocking the plug upon depression of the push button, with the plug inserted in the housing to be angularly separated from the bolt in an acute angle to provide enough space for accommodating all the relevant elements within the housing and also to allow a single-hand operation when holding the housing and depressing the push button for ergonomically unlocking the lock by a single hand of the user.

Abstract: Padlocks adapted for one-handed operation are disclosed. Typically having a laterally asymmetric shackle, the lock includes an arm connected thereto so as to pivot when the locking mechanism is disengaged. A spring or other component facilitates latching of the device by biasing the arm toward an exposed end of the shackle.

Abstract: A pad lock includes a casing including a hook extended outwards therefrom and several number wheels rotatably mounted in the casing. Each number wheel is partially exposed outside the casing for manual turning. Each number wheel includes a code wheel releasably engaged thereto to rotate therewith. A locking device is mounted in the casing and movable between a first position that retains the code wheels in place to allow free rotational movements of the number wheels for code number changing and a second position that disengages from the code wheels such that each code wheel is engaged with an associated number wheel to rotate therewith. An unlocking device includes a pivotal end pivotally mounted in the casing, a press end located outside the casing for manual pressing, an actuating end located in the casing and engaged with the locking device to move therewith, and a latch end located outside the casing and releasably engaged with the hook.

Abstract: A padlock comprises a body and a shackle capable of rotating freely. The body is provided therein with a dial set having a plurality of the numbered wheels mounted on a shaft rod capable of an axial displacement. The shackle is provided with a neck fastened pivotally with the body. The neck is provided at the bottom thereof with a through hole extending along the axis of the neck and engageable with the shaft rod. The shackle is further provided with a hooked portion and a retaining member fastened pivotally thereto between the neck and the hooked portion. The hook portion is provided with a cut which is pressed against by one end of the retaining member. The top end of the shaft rod is pressed against by another end of the retaining member.

Abstract: In the case of a long shackle lock, the end portions of the lock shackle are inserted into housings in a lock body. When this happens, they act on lock control sleeves pushing them out of a lock influencing position into a lock releasing position. The lock bolts move into the engaged position, i.e. in engagement with engagement surfaces on the end portions. The lock cylinder which controls the lock bolts moves into its basic position. The key can be withdrawn. To undo the lock, the lock cylinder is turned into a lock opening condition by the key which will then have been re-inserted. When this happens, the lock bolts are retracted into a disengaged position. The control sleeves then push the end portions at least partially out of the housings. The control sleeves move into the bolt influencing position. Therefore, the lock bolts remain in the disengaged position until the end portions are again inserted into the housings (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A conventional barrel-type combination lock receives a lock element extending from a safety pin housing. The safety pin housing pivotally receives a pin that pivots between an open position and a closed position relative to the safety pin housing, and the lock element of the barrel-type combination lock is moved to the locked position, the end of the pin is positioned within a pin receiving recess on the barrel-type combination lock so that the pin is locked in the closed position. A conventional chain formed from a series of interlocking links is utilized with the lockable safety pin to enable small articles to be locked to fixed objects. When the chain is not in use, it is stored within a cylindrical chain storage container that is threadedly received upon the end of the barrel-type combination lock.

Abstract: A conventional barrel-type combination lock receives a lock element extending from a safety pin housing. The safety pin housing pivotally receives a pin that pivots between an open position and a closed position. When the pin is placed in the closed position relative to the safety pin housing, and the lock element of the barrel-type combination lock is moved to the locked position, the end of the pin is positioned within a pin receiving recess on the barrel-type combination lock so that the pin is locked in the closed position. A conventional chain formed from a series of interlocking links is utilized with the lockable safety pin to enable small articles to be locked to fixed objects. When the chain is not in use, it is stored within a cylindrical chain storage container that is threadedly received upon the end of the barrel-type combination lock.

Abstract: A lock having a pair of jaws and a connecting shaft therebetween turnable in a first direction in response to a locking action of a key to cause the jaws to move inwardly and tightly grip against a spoked wheel rim or frame member of a bicycle and releasable only upon an unlocking action of the key to turn the shaft in an opposite direction. A cable may be connected between the jaws to allow the bicycle to be secured to a stationary object.