Flexible Shackle Patents (Class 70/30)
  • Patent number: 11391063
    Abstract: A lock has a flexible cable, instead of a shackle. The lock has a shaft moveable relative to the lock body so the top part of the shaft is moved out of the lock body to open the lock. The lock has a combination unlocking system and a key-overriding system. The lock can be unlocked by a lock-opening combination or by a correct key. The first end of the cable is fixedly attached to the lock body and the second end is removably engaged with a shaft slot. When the lock is in the locked mode, the shaft slot is located inside the lock body, preventing the removal of the second end of the cable from the shaft slot. When the lock is in the open mode, the shaft slot is located outside the lock body, allowing the second end of the cable to be removed from the shaft slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: THE SUN LOCK INTERNATIONAL COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventor: Karl Lai
  • Patent number: 11242698
    Abstract: A link arm for securing bicycles and other vehicles and their components to each other and to fixed objects such as bike racks and street poles. The link arm is composed of a plurality of elements flexibly joined to each other by cylindrical joints, joined to the bicycle or vehicle by a perpendicularly oriented central hinge, allowing for restricted movement and rotation of other elements in the link arm. The link arm is designed to, when fastened, form a closed loop around the bicycle or vehicle frame, wheel and bike rack. When not in use, the device can be folded into a neat, compact configuration for convenient storage. The central perpendicular hinge enables fast and simple transition between the two states of fastened and in storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Lobster Lock, LLC
    Inventor: Benjamin Gerry
  • Patent number: 11008781
    Abstract: A padlock comprises a bolt unit having a stopper, a brake unit being moveable up-and-down, and a drive unit for driving the movement of the brake unit. The drive unit includes a drive motor and a driving cap fixedly sleeved on a drive lever. The driving cap includes a lug boss. The brake unit includes a first spring fixedly connected to a tumbler. The spacing of the coils of the first spring matches the lug boss such that the lug boss can move inside or outside of a threaded gap thereof. After the padlock is locked or unlocked, even if the drive lever continues to rotate, the lug boss just moves out of the first spring and may not drive the first spring to move up or down. Thus, the tumbler stops moving up or down and will not generate a pressure on the internal structure of the padlock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: PURIMEE QIANHAI (SHENZHEN) INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Licai Long, Hai Li, Zhihong Luo
  • Patent number: 10774566
    Abstract: A fingerprint padlock comprises a lock case, a lock rope, a locking unit, a lock detecting unit, and a fingerprint unit. The locking unit, a lock detecting unit, and a fingerprint unit are enclosed in the lock case. A lock hole is provided in the lock case. The lock rope comprises a fixed end that is fixed in the lock case and a movable end configured to be inserted into the lock hole. The locking unit is configured to lock and unlock the movable end, and the lock detecting unit is configured to detect whether the movable end is inserted into the lock hole. The fingerprint unit is configured to detect whether the fingerprint of a user is matched and send an unlocking instruction to the locking unit when the fingerprint of the user is matched. The fingerprint padlock is convenient to carry and use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Purimee Qianhai (Shenzhen) Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Licai Long, Hai Li, Zhihong Luo
  • Patent number: 10280586
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a security apparatus comprising a blocking device having a formable bag and a marker layer including a transferable marker composition that can be transferred onto any object penetrating the marker layer and any other object or person coming into contact with the marker composition in the event of an attempt to remove the blocking device by puncturing the bag. The blocking device may block an access point such as a manhole to block unauthorized access. The formable bag may be made to conform to the shape of an access passage by inflation or deflation using valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: SmartWater Limited
    Inventors: Julie Ann Lough, Martin Foord, Michael Cleary
  • Patent number: 10184271
    Abstract: A pressurized chemical theft deterrent device includes a locking portion and a shackle. The locking portion includes a locking mechanism. The shackle includes a shackle wall. The shackle is configured to house a chemical deterrent within the shackle wall. The chemical deterrent is pressurized while being housed inside the shackle such that a breach in the integrity of the shackle wall causes an aerosolized release of the chemical deterrent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: SkunkLock, Inc.
    Inventors: Yves Perrenoud, Daniel Idzkowski
  • Patent number: 10017965
    Abstract: A chain lock is provided. The chain lock includes a lock body and a linkage chain. The lock body has a lock core and a lock body side surface. The linkage chain is formed via linking a plurality of link plates and has a first end and a second end. The first end is joined with the lock body. The second end can be inserted into a socket and secured by the lock core. The linkage chain can be wound around the lock body when the second end is unlocked, and wherein at least one of the plurality of link plates, except the link plates serving as the first end and the second end, engages the lock body side surface when the linkage chain is wound around the lock body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: SINOX CO., LTD
    Inventor: Chia-Hung Wang
  • Patent number: 9708834
    Abstract: A combination lock and pump for use with a bicycle. The combination lock and pump has a flexible cable including an inflation tube running parallel with a metal rope or chain. The flexible cable has a male end preferably including a lock bolt or shackle and a piston-cylinder pump. The flexible cable also has a female end preferably including a lock cylinder with a key hole and one or more apertures to receive either a bicycle tire's valve stem or the male end's lock bolt or shackle. When used as a lock, the combination secures the bicycle from theft by looping the flexible cable around the bicycle and locking together its male and female ends. When used as a pump, the combination's female end attaches to the bicycle tire's valve stem and inflates the tire by actuating the pump of the male end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventor: Joseph Edell
  • Patent number: 9562369
    Abstract: A dial wheel device has a controller. The controller has a positioning rod. An adjuster, a dial wheel module, a seat and a restoring element are mounted on the positioning rod. The dial wheel module has multiple dial wheel assemblies. Each dial wheel assembly has an outer ring and an inner ring. In the code-unchanged state, the outer ring and the inner ring are coactive. In the code-changing state, the adjuster is rotated and the guide element forms a lateral displacement to push the inner ring, and the outer ring and the inner ring are non-coactive. The outer ring is turned to reset the code. When the code-changing state is finished, the adjuster is rotated again and the outer ring and the inner ring are coactive again. Therefore, the components of the code-changeable assembly are simplified and the dial wheel device is easy to assemble and operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Inventor: Lambert Kuo
  • Patent number: 9506274
    Abstract: Locks, lock mechanisms, lock assemblies, retro fit kits, and methods of using locks with cables and chains inside of strengthened flexible sleeves can conform to shape surfaces to which they are mounted, for preventing thefts of bicycles, motorcycles and other applications, such as but not limited to securing gates and doors, and other objects together. The flexible sleeve can include a series of ball and socket segments arranged next to one another, having a hollow conduit through which the cable or chain can pass through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Inventor: Darrell Miracle
  • Patent number: 9013306
    Abstract: A security device for securing an item, the security device comprising a housing configured to house a circuit board comprising electronics configured to send a telecommunication signal to a receiver when the electronics is activated; a cable configured to establish a conductive path with the circuit board when the housing is closed, thereby activating the electronics; a lock assembly configured to be activated when the housing is closed; and a cover configured to close the housing, the cover having a first pin configured to engage a first end of the cable to prevent removal of a first end of the cable from the housing when housing is closed, and the cover having a second pin configured to activate the lock assembly to prevent removal of a second end of the cable from the housing when the housing is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Racer Technology Pte Ltd
    Inventors: Kee Joo Willy Koh, Chee Kean Lim, Kia Boon Chew
  • Patent number: 8978427
    Abstract: Security tag includes a housing and a movable locking element. A latch within the housing is resiliently biased toward the movable locking element and movable responsive to a magnetic field between a locked position and an unlocked position. A guide structure is arranged to constrain movement of the latch. The latch and the guide structure are cooperatively arranged to ensure an engagement that will disrupt a motion trajectory of the latch occurring when the housing is subjected to a physical impact. Consequently, the latch is selectively inhibited from moving fully from the locked position to the unlocked position when the housing is subjected to the physical impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Tyco Fire & Security GmbH
    Inventors: Wing Kei Ho, Gopal Chandramowle
  • Patent number: 8950223
    Abstract: A personal lock box with a timer comprising a hinged strongbox with an internal cavity that is large enough to contain small personal items therein. The lock box is controlled by an electronic circuit. The lock box further comprises a user interface, a timer, a power source, and associated circuitry. The user interface allows a user to activate the device, selectively program a locked time, and initiate a locked cycle during which time the lockbox cannot be opened. Additionally, the lock box comprises a retractable locking cord for securing the lock box to large items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Inventor: Sean T. Joyce
  • 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: 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
  • Patent number: 8839649
    Abstract: A lockout device includes a first member having a first lockout feature and at least a first aperture, and a second member including a second lockout feature and at least a second aperture. The second member is assembled with the first member and is slideable along a range of positions between first and second limit positions of the second member with respect to the first member. The range of positions includes a first lockout position in which the first and second lockout features are positioned to interlock with a first external structure, and a release position in which the first and second lockout features are positioned to disengage from the first external structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Master Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Jassen R. Miller, Thomas J. Walczak
  • Patent number: 8839650
    Abstract: A lock assembly (210) including a body (220), at least one locking member (223, 240) and a length of lock material with two free ends and at least one leg (212) attached to one of the free ends, each leg configured to be engaged by a respective locking member. The locking members are separately actuable such that each leg (212) may be removed from the lock body independent of any other legs. A bracket assembly (300) for connecting a lock assembly (210) to a bicycle or the like. The bracket includes a bracket body (310) with a strap (330) that is secured via a pivotal buckle (340). The bracket body (310) includes at least one flange (320, 322) configured to slidably engage a groove (250, 252) provided along the lock assembly (210).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventor: Robert David Zuraski
  • Patent number: 8813528
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing a personal electronic or hand held device (PED), includes a housing for a “pull-tight” lock mechanism attached to an elongated, flexible cable looped through a plurality of corner pieces, and a lock for releasable attachment proximate the distal end of the cable for looping the cable around a secure stationary work object and back through a cable accepting means on said “pull-tight” lock housing. A releasable locking mechanism is disposed within said housing to allow movement of said cable in the first direction, but not in the direction opposite from the first direction when the cable is slidably engaged or “cinched” tight through the corner pieces and secured around the PED by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventors: Jordan A. Olear, Jeffrey R. Olear
  • Patent number: 8776560
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventors: John Loughlin, Robert Loughlin
  • Patent number: 8756960
    Abstract: An improved cable lock device incorporating a lock housing incorporating both a cylindrical combination lock and axial friction fingers and associated with a flexible shackle that stores entirely inside handlebars of vehicles that utilize handlebars. The shackle is secured at one end to the lock housing and the other end to a toothed key to be inserted into the anterior end of the combination lock to form a locked loop for securing the vehicle. In the stored configuration of the device in the handlebar the toothed key is retained at the posterior of the lock housing. At its midpoint the shackle is bent substantially 180 degrees and attached to a small ball that will fit inside the handlebars. Resilient rings of fingers are attached on the axis of the lock housing. Upon lock insertion the resilient fingers deform to interior bore of the handlebar for friction locking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventor: Christopher Harold Poehlmann
  • Patent number: 8752407
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cable lock, which consists of a lock body combined with a traversing part, wherein a slider and a holder are set inside the lock body, at least an upper bead hole is set on the slider, the at least an upper bead hole is set corresponding to at least a lower bead hole set on the holder, the upper bead hole and the lower bead hole may be glided and corresponding to each other by shifting the slider, to control at least a lock ball gliding in and out, hereby perform unlocking and locking spacing on an inserting slice set on one end of the traversing part, to thereby achieve the burglarproof and prized-proof effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Crops Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Keiji Taiga
  • Patent number: 8746021
    Abstract: A retractable cable combination lock assembly according to the present invention can protect the newly designed Macbook pro with retina display and Macbook Air series and traditional computer with or without Kensington lock slot from theft by securing the laptop via the thunderbolt slot to an immovable object such as a piece of furniture. The lock assembly of the present invention can also be designed to plug into the USB port or HDMI port of Macbook Pro with Retina display, Macbook Air laptop series, and traditional computers with or without Kensington lock slot to lock the computer rather than using thunderbolt port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Ruipeng Tao
  • Patent number: 8640512
    Abstract: A lock structure for an electrical device includes a rotatable fastener and a lock body. The rotatable fastener has an extending portion and a retaining portion, wherein the extending portion and the retaining portion form a T-shaped structure; the lock body is connected to the rotatable fastener and has a key hole. The lock body further has a first position and a second position in a radial direction of the extending portion. The key inserted in the key hole operates the lock body to displace from the second position to the first position, wherein the lock body drives the rotatable fastener to rotate to an unlocked position. When the lock body is in the first position, the lock body is pressed to displace from the first position to the second position, wherein the lock body drives the rotatable fastener to rotate to a locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Sinox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun-Sheng Wu
  • Patent number: 8600848
    Abstract: Control of locating equipment used by a locate technician to perform a locate and/or marking operation to detect and/or mark a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility at a work site (e.g., locate receivers, locate transmitters, marking devices and/or combined locate and marking devices) is based on time-keeping information associated with the technician and/or wage and hour compliance information. In one example, one or more control signals are generated to at least partially enable or disable one or more piece of locating equipment based at least in part on a time clock status of the locate technician (e.g., clocked-in or clocked-out), and/or wage and hour compliance information associated with the locate technician and/or the work site (e.g., relating to required breaks and/or maximum number of work hours).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: CertusView Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Nielsen, Curtis Chambers, Jeffrey Farr
  • Patent number: 8596102
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Stanton Concepts Inc.
    Inventors: John Loughlin, Robert Loughlin
  • Patent number: 8578743
    Abstract: A cable lock includes a belt, a lock body, a first clamp unit, a second clamp unit, and a switch unit. The belt has a buckle unit at one end thereof. The lock body has a hole for the belt to pass therethrough and a slot for receiving the buckle unit, wherein the belt and the lock body are together capable of forming a closed loop. The first clamp unit for fixing the belt in the hole is movably disposed in the lock body while the second clamp unit for retaining the buckle unit in the slot is movably disposed in the lock body. The switch unit is rotatably disposed on the lock body and capable of enabling the cable lock to operate in a locked mode, a clinched mode, or an unlocked mode. When the cable lock operates in the locked mode, the first clamp unit fixes the belt in the hole and the second clamp unit retains the buckle unit in the slot so that the closed loop has a fixed length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Sinox Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Chang-Chiang Yu
  • Patent number: 8555682
    Abstract: A linkage lock includes at least a plurality of elongated links capable of being arranged in a substantially tubular configuration; wherein each link has a longitudinal axis extending therethrough and at least one pivot disposed at the ends thereof configured to allow rotation about an axis in substantially orthogonal relation to the longitudinal axis; wherein at least one link is configured to be separable from the remainder of the linkage lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventor: Christopher Trunek
  • Patent number: 8528371
    Abstract: An everyday safe bag has a dual lock design. A cable is fixed at one end to a first end of the dual lock. The everyday safe bag has a plurality of small openings located at the open end of the bag that receive the cable there through. A fixed ball is affixed to the cable a first distance from the first end of the dual lock. A channel at a second end of the dual lock receives the fixed ball in a locked position, forming a first loop that cinches the bag closed. A lock fob channel located in a second end of the dual lock receives a lock fob on the other end of the cable in a locked position, forming a larger second loop, which may encompass a fixed object. Dials in the dual lock establish an unlock position or combination that secures and releases the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventors: Evan Scott Spiegel, Bizhan Fazeli
  • Publication number: 20130174616
    Abstract: A leash includes two selectively lockable loops at opposed ends. One loop is adjustable in size to fit about an animal's neck and includes a sheath for purposes of comfort and for defining the size of the first loop. A second loop is adjustable in size for the hand of a user or for attaching the leash to an anchor point. A sheath extends along the second loop for comfort and for defining the size of the second loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventor: JAMES C. ALLEN, JR.
  • Patent number: 8484106
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for processing a payroll. The method steps include obtaining a compliance rule of a tax agency regarding the payroll, obtaining an update of a payroll parameter from a financial management application (FMA), analyzing the update of the payroll parameter based on the compliance rule of the tax agency to detect a schedule changing event, adjusting the payment schedule of the tax agency based on the schedule changing event to generate an adjusted payment schedule of the tax agency, submitting the adjusted payment schedule of the tax agency and an amount of the payment to the tax agency to a user for approval, accessing a payroll tax paying website of the tax agency, and making the payment to the tax agency using the payroll tax paying website in response to receiving the approval from the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Intuit Inc.
    Inventors: Miriam Nga-Shun Vu, Charles Shieh, Lucinda Kathryn Foss, Lesley K. Grossblatt, Sandra Marie Edwards
  • Patent number: 8418513
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plate lock having a lock body and a hinged bar hoop. A first end of the hinged bar hoop is permanently secured to the lock body and a second end of the hinged bar hoop can be latched to the lock body. The hinged bar hoop has a plurality of hinged bars which are pivotally connected to one another via a respective hinged connection. The hinged bars have a first eye and a second eye, wherein the respective hinged connection between two hinged bars has at least one hinged pin in order to connect the first eye of the one hinged bar to the second eye of the other hinged bar. The respective hinged bar has at least one bent metal wire or at least one folded sheet metal part which extends between the first eye and the second eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Abus August Bremicker Sohne KG
    Inventors: Joachim Buhl, Eduard Buchmüller
  • Publication number: 20130036777
    Abstract: A weight measure device includes a casing having a first side connected to a suitcase. A combination lock is received in the casing and an actuator extends into the casing for driving the combination lock. A connector is movably mounted to a second side of the casing for sensing the weight of the suitcase and transmits a signal to an electronic unit that is disposed in the casing. The electronic unit converts the signal from the connector into a weight unit and shown thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: CHUN MING LIN
  • Patent number: 8302436
    Abstract: A linkage lock comprises a lock body, a linkage chain, and a lock mechanism arranged in the lock body. The linkage chain is formed via linking a plurality of link plates and has a first end joined with the lock body and a second end able to be inserted into and secured to a socket of the lock body. The lock body has a shaft. When intending to collect the linkage lock whose second end is unlocked, the user winds the linkage chain around the surface of the shaft with the shaft being a central axis to fold the linkage lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Sinox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mei Ling Cheung
  • Patent number: 8297087
    Abstract: A lock device includes a locking unit, a connecting unit, and a latch. The locking unit includes a shank, a rotation knob, a control wheel, a plurality of number wheels, a plurality of locating pieces, and a plurality of snap-fit members. The shank has a first positioning hole. The rotation knob has a second positioning hole combined with the first positioning hole of the shank by a positioning member. Thus, the user has to detach the positioning member from the first positioning hole of the shank to release the rotation knob so as to rotate the rotation knob for changing the code of the number wheels, thereby preventing the user from changing the code of the number wheels freely when rotating the rotation knob unintentionally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Ging Hwa Long Hardware Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yu-Shen Lin
  • Patent number: 8297086
    Abstract: A loop connector and a cable lock having the loop connector are provided. The cable lock includes a cable, a lock body, and the loop connector. The lock body has a lock unit and a restricting unit. The lock unit can restrict or release the restricting unit to allow the restricting unit to movably restrict or release the cable. The cable thereby extends or retracts in this manner. The loop connector has a connector body that includes a first through hole and a second through hole. The first through hole and the second through hole are adjacent to each other, wherein the normal direction of the cross section of the first through hole is perpendicular to the normal direction of the cross section of the second through hole. When the cable passing through the lock body passes through the loop connector, the cable forms a plurality of loops at the lock body with the loop connector and the lock body to secure and protect one or more articles from being stolen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Sinox Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Chang-Chiang Yu, Chia-Hung Wang
  • Patent number: 8156772
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plate lock having a lock body and a hinged bar hoop. A first end of the hinged bar hoop is permanently secured to the lock body and a second end of the hinged bar hoop can be latched to the lock body. The hinged bar hoop has a plurality of hinged bars which are pivotally connected to one another via a respective hinged connection. The hinged bars have a first eye and a second eye, wherein the respective hinged connection between two hinged bars has at least one hinged pin in order to connect the first eye of the one hinged bar to the second eye of the other hinged bar. The respective hinged bar has at least one bent metal wire or at least one folded sheet metal part which extends between the first eye and the second eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Abus August Bremicker Sohne KG
    Inventors: Joachim Buhl, Eduard Buchmüller
  • Patent number: 8132437
    Abstract: A bicycle lock comprises a handlebar union connecting a handlebar with a bicycle frame and having an insert hole; a lock mechanism built in the handlebar union and manipulated to have a lock state or an unlock state; and a cable with one end thereof connected with the handlebar union and another end thereof having a bolt. The cable can be wound around a fixed object. The bolt can be inserted into the insert hole and manipulated to a lock state via the lock mechanism to make the bolt neither disengage from the insert hole nor separate from the handlebar union.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Sinox Lock (Kushan) Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Mao-Yi Chen
  • Patent number: 8117875
    Abstract: The retractable wheel lock has a wheel axle assembly that includes a hub forming a housing with an opening. The hub is freely rotatable about the axle. A retractable cable including a male locking element is coiled in the hub and can be retractably paid out from the hub, guided through a frame of an attached bicycle, around a bike rack, pole, or the like, and then back into a female lock socket affixed to the hub to conveniently secure the bicycle in a theft resistant manner. Alternative embodiments allow a rim to rotate freely around the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Phillip D. Ellis
  • Patent number: 8074478
    Abstract: A horizontal locking case lock includes a coupler fastened to a case and a lock with a housing surface latchable horizontally by the coupler for locking. The coupler includes at least a first wedge portion and at least one latch trough. The lock contains a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism drives and controls movement of a first retainer to further drive a second retainer to force a steel ball into or out of the latch trough, thereby control locking or unlocking of the coupler and the lock. Such a structure can safely lock the case at a public location to avert hitting and pilferage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Vulcan Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chang Chin Shu
  • Patent number: 8065895
    Abstract: A bicycle lock device for public use is disclosed. The device is comprised of an enclosure, a retractable reel with a retractable cable, a lock/unlock device having a first member attached to the cable free end, and a second member secured in the enclosure, and a lock control device. The user accesses the device by inserting a payment such as a coin or credit card in a user interface of the device. If the payment is accepted, the user then enters a user-specified key code in a keypad on the lock control device. The lock control device unlocks the lock/unlock device. The retractable cable may then be extended. The user weaves the cable through the bicycle components and then enters the cable free end into the lock/unlock device, thereby locking the lock/unlock device and securing the bicycle. When the user later enters the key-code, the device unlocks the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Andersen Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Jacob Silas Lee Andersen
  • Patent number: 8056377
    Abstract: A portable safe (10) includes a safe body (15) and cover (20) that are selectively coupled with a locking mechanism (32). The safe cover (20) is permanently affixed to a tether (27) having a loop (29) at one end that is sized to allow the safe cover (20) to pass through but does not admit the safe body (15). Thus, the safe cover (20) can be installed on a fixed object by looping the tether (27) around the object, passing the safe cover (20) through the loop (29), and cinching the cover (20) to the fixed object. The safe body (15) can then be locked to the safe cover (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Master Lock Company LLC
    Inventor: Dean D. Hacker
  • Patent number: 8018334
    Abstract: A method of monitoring a portable electronic device electronically is provided. The method comprises receiving a first radio signal, the first radio signal emitted by the electronically monitored portable electronic device and determining a first received signal strength of the first radio signal. The method also comprises receiving a second radio signal, the second radio signal emitted by the electronically monitored portable electronic device, the second radio signal received after the first radio signal. The method also comprises determining a second received signal strength of the second radio signal, comparing the second received signal strength to the first received signal strength, and alerting when a result of the comparing exceeds a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Allison A. DiMartino, Jason R. Delker, John M. Everson, Jason K. Whitney
  • Patent number: 7926314
    Abstract: A personal property securement device mountable to a vehicle may comprise a cable housing with a safety port that defines a passage extending from internal to external the housing. A cable may be threaded through the passage with one end fixed to a cable retention knob external the housing and the other end fixed to a reel that may be disposed for rotation within the housing. A power spring may present a torque on the reel to enable retrievable winding and tensioned unwinding of the cable. The property securement device may further comprise a ratchet mechanism in cooperation with the reel to release tensioning of the cable at given incremental extractions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Peak Recreational Products, LLC
    Inventor: Dale Anton Tollefson
  • Patent number: 7870764
    Abstract: A lock body includes a lock mechanism adapted to fix and maintain an inserted securement member, such as a cable or shackle, in position within the lock body. The lock mechanism may be coupled to a combination lock adapted to release the securement member upon entry of a proper combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Master Lock Company LLC
    Inventor: Gary Burmesch
  • Patent number: 7779658
    Abstract: A locking device comprising: a lock body; a plurality of dial rings; and a fixing member which is elongated in shape and is locked by being directly fixed with the plurality of dial rings, wherein said fixing member includes a convex-concave part with repeated concaves and convexes formed in the longitudinal direction of said fixing member, each of said dial rings includes a cutout which is provided on a part of the circumferential direction in such a manner that allows said fixing member to be freely inserted/withdrawn at a rotation position which is the unlocking position and that one of said dial ring abuts the convexes of the concave-convex part at a rotation position except for the unlocking position, said locking device includes a passage for inserting/withdrawing said fixing member, a part of the passage is a hole which reaches said dial rings from outside said locking device, and the hole is curved or flexed such that said dial rings are invisible from outside said locking device via the hole, and thu
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventor: Teruaki Matsushita
  • Publication number: 20100170304
    Abstract: A locking cable device which inhibits the theft of computer equipment. The security device combines a scissor clip designed to connect to the built-in security slot in computer equipment, a cable, and a lock. They are combined by way of a dual-action lock, with the first action capable of engaging and disengaging the scissor clip from the computer equipment, and the second action capable of separately disengaging the security cable to allow it to pass through other equipment or fasteners to allow the device to secure multiple pieces of computer equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventor: Scott Anderson
  • Patent number: 7712339
    Abstract: A jointed bar lock having a lock body and a jointed bar hoop which has a first end and a second end, said first end being permanently connected to the lock body and said second end being connectable to the lock body at a latching region of the lock body, with a bolt provided at the lock body selectively being movable into a latched position in which the bolt engages it the second end of the jointed bar hoop when it is connected to the lock body or is movable into a release position in which the second end of the jointed bar hoop is released for a removal from the lock body. The lock has an actuation device which is coupled to the bolt via a connection section and by which the bolt is movable from the latched position, into which the bolt is biased, into the release position. The lock body accommodates a combination locking mechanism to selectively block or release the bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: ABUS August Bremicker Soehne KG
    Inventors: Andreas Hentschel, Martin Hommel, Hans-Theo Schafer
  • Patent number: 7685851
    Abstract: By providing a padlock having a primary shackle and a secondary shackle which is easily employed whenever the primary shackle has been cut, an effective, easily produced, key operated or combination controlled padlock is achieved which enables the padlock to be quickly and easily opened for inspection by security personnel, while also enabling the padlock to be quickly relocked after inspection using a secondary locking shackle. In addition, the secondary locking shackle provides the user with notice that the padlock and suitcase had been opened by security personnel. In accordance with the present invention, the padlock incorporates a housing and a primary shackle which is constructed for being lockingly engaged with the housing, as well as dis-engaged from the housing whenever the padlock is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: The Sun Lock Company Ltd.
    Inventor: Karl Lai
  • Patent number: 7661280
    Abstract: One embodiment of a locking device of the type for motorcycle helmets having a cable (50) which is fastened at one end to the device, and which passes though the face of the helmet and is detachably secured in the locking device to releasably secure the helmet. The active locking element of the lock (44), when in locked position, secures the cable (50) and acts to deny access to the fastener (36) securing the device to the motorcycle handlebars, so as to resist removal of the device from the handlebars. The cable (50) is flexible, has permanently formed spiral convolutions and is partially held in place by the concave shape of the device. The device can be used to secure helmets, jackets or other items, and, in various embodiments, it can be used to lock a vehicle or item to a fixed object to deter theft of the vehicle or item. Other embodiments are described and shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventor: Trevor Adrian Weyland
  • Patent number: 7647796
    Abstract: A device that includes a cable with a locking device/head at the end of the cable. The cable is coupled to a housing and is retractable from an extended position towards the housing for easy storage and portability. The locking device can be stored within a compartment. If keys are used with the lock, the keys may be stored within the housing when the device is not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Acco Brands USA LLC
    Inventor: Justin Francke