Abstract: A lock and key combination in which the lock is of the plunger operated type and the key has elongated resilient fingers with a mandrel for expanding the ends of the fingers in an engagable portion of the lock plunger. The head of the lock is provided with a central recess, and the head of the key is provided with a forwardly extending spacer at the base of the fingers for entering the recess and axially positioning the ends of the fingers in relation to the engagable portion of the plunger. The structure of the interface between the lock and key allows the manufacture of locks and keys of various combinations, determined by the cross-sectional shape of the spacer and recess, and of various "levels" determined by the length of the spacer and the depth of the recess. In a lock and key of a higher "level" the spacer is longer, the recess is deeper, the resilient fingers are longer, and the engagable portion of the lock plunger is deeper in the lock housing.

Abstract: A lock of the type having an elongated housing open at the rear end with internal operating mechanism to release locking means, in which the mechanism comprises a collar which is spring biased forwardly and a locking stem mounted in the collar and spring biased rearwardly in relation thereto. The insertion of an operating tool causes movement of the stem forwardly a predetermined amount, allowing the tool to engage the collar. However, the insertion of a picking tool into the collar forces the stem forwardly in relation to the collar, a greater distance increasing the overall length of the mechanism to an extent that even when the collar is moved rearwardly as far as possible, the forward end of the stem does not move rearwardly far enough to release the locking means. In one embodiment of the invention, the end of the stem protrudes far enough that operating tools normally used for this type of lock cannot be used to open the lock.

Abstract: A barrel lock sleeve for snap-mounting in a keyway aperture of a door for use in lockably blocking the keyway for security purposes. The sleeve is fixed in the door aperture by the insertion and locking of a conventional barrel lock within the sleeve. The sleeve includes means for permitting the outside diameter of a forward portion of the sleeve to be resiliently compressed so that the sleeve can be snapped into the door aperture.

Abstract: A chain lock is disclosed which has an outer sleeve fitting over an inner cylindrical case having a recess for the insertion of a link of a chain. When the case is rotated within the sleeve, a locking member moves within the recess to prevent release of the chain link from the recess. A locking device fits within a bore of the case and extends through a hole in the sleeve to prevent rotation of the case within the sleeve. When the locking device is removed from the bore in the case, the case is free to rotate to allow the locking member to clear the recess and to permit the chain link to be removed. The ends of the chain and the locking mechanism are completely contained within the case of the lock preventing tampering with the locking mechanism or access to the chain. There are no internal latches or levers to jam and the chain lock generally conforms to the shape of the chain.

Abstract: Locking device for securing a firearm to a wall, having a first part securable to the wall and a second part insertable through the trigger guard of the firearm to be engaged with the first part, the second part being so shaped as to then retain the firearm on the wall. The second part has a shank portion which enters into an opening in the first part and a lock is provided operable to hold the shank when so entered. The first part is securable to the wall by screws passing through screw holes in the first part, which screw holes are selectively exposable by rotating a cover plate on the first part to align an opening in the cover plate with the screw holes. When the second part is locked to the first part the shank passes through the cover opening into the second part to lock the cover against rotation so that it cannot be rotated to a position giving access to the screw holes.

Abstract: A plunger type lock construction in which the key receiving face thereof is spaced a critical distance from a portion of a reciprocable plunger which is within the lock body and which is engaged by the key to release locking members extending from the lock body. The lock body has shaped means at its key receiving face which prevents insertion of a key to the proper, lock operating depth in the lock if the end of the key which faces the key receiving face is not shaped so as to receive the shaped means on the lock body. Each lock may have a differently shaped means so that a key which will fit one lock will not fit another lock, but a master key may be provided which will fit all or only a plurality, of such locks.

Abstract: An adaptor for attachment to a plunger lock unlocking tool of a type which grasps the external surface of the unlocking pin of a plunger-type lock and pulls the pin to the unlocking position, said adaptor enabling the tool to be used to unlock a plunger lock of the type in which the unlocking member is a hollow pin which is grasped internally for pulling to the unlocking position.

Abstract: A conventional tubular lock is made pick-resistant by the inclusion of a specially designed washer. The washer, which has a non-circular opening, is provided in the lock interior. The washer is preferably located between the helical compression spring and the rear face of the slidable plunger. The opening in the washer permits the insertion of a specially shaped expandable key, but does not permit the insertion of an old style expandable key, or a nail or other similarly round picking tool which has a sufficiently large diameter to wedge in the rear bore of the plunger. Therefore, the specially designed washer permits the lock to be opened only by an authorized key, but not by a nail or an unauthorized key.

Abstract: A device for locking a safety helmet to a vehicle such as a bicycle or motorcycle. A post extends from the motorcycle and has a pin-tumbler cylinder lock secured to it for receipt of the limbs of a clevis which extend through holes in the helmet so as to lock the helmet to the post when assembled together.

Abstract: A door lock system for the rear doors of the trailer of a tractor-trailer rig is disclosed. The lock system includes a locking bar fixedly secured to one door and attachably secured to a second door. A pin projects from the second door so that it may pass through an opening in the locking bar. A pin cover locks over the pin for securing the bar to the second door. In a preferred embodiment the pin is formed identical to a conventional trailer king pin or coupling pin so that the pin cover may be used either to lock the trailer doors or as a theft prevention device covering the king pin to prevent unauthorized coupling of unattended trailers.

Abstract: Utility type locks have a lock body including a head and a shank, a plunger axially slidably received in the lock body, and locking balls forced outwardly from the shank or retracted within the shank depending upon the position of the plunger. A coil spring biases the plunger away from the head of the lock, and is dimensioned such that it must be fully compressed for the plunger to permit the balls to retract. The plunger face defines a shallow annular groove surrounding a center post which resists picking tools. A preload bushing surrounds the plunger with a deformable lip engaging a shoulder of the plunger. The preload bushing holds the utility lock open with the balls retracted, and application of force to the plunger deforms the lip to release the plunger.

Abstract: The shank portion of a bolt member is insertable through aligned openings in plural objects which are to be attached together. A first abutment is fixed to one end of the bolt shank and a removable abutment is connectable to the opposite end of the bolt shank. A pair of clasp members are pin connected to an end of an annular member in such a way that they can be moved angularly together and apart. They are formed to include jaw portions which can engage a circumferential groove formed on the end of the bolt shank opposite the first abutment. An outer housing is connected to the inner member and is telescopically moveable into a position wherein a portion of it surrounds the two clasp members after they have been brought into engagement with the girth groove portion of the bolt shank. A key operated tumbler lock mechanism is provided for locking the housing in this position.

Abstract: A lock for a railroad switch or the like, which comprises a housing having a socket at one end and an elongated shackle having an enlargement on one end and a recess on the other end for cooperating with locking members in the housing so as to be received in locking engagement therein. The operating member for the locking member is a rotatable and axially movable plunger. Springs are provided to bias the plunger in rotation to the locking position and forwardly. Pin and groove guide means is provided to maintain the plunger in the unlocking position and to allow the plunger to rotate to the locking position when the plunger is moved axially by insertion of the end of the shackle into the housing.

Abstract: A lock apparatus comprising two parts which are secured together through the ring of a trailer hitch tongue to prevent the unauthorized use of the trailer. The two parts comprise mating first male and first female cylinders attached to first and second circular plates respectively, and a second male member externally threaded cylinder, mounted co-axially within the first female cylinder also attached to the second plate. The interior of the first male cylinder is threaded to provide a second female threaded surface to mate with the second threaded male cylinder. The first unthreaded female cylinder attached to the second plate has a number of slots parallel to its axis about its periphery. A pivotable bar is mounted flush within a slot in the outer surface of the first male internally threaded cylinder. The bar can be rotated by a cam attached to a conventional key operated cylinder lock, to positions within the slot or extending outwardly therefrom.

Abstract: A padlock presents a straight shackle axially slidable in seats provided in two wings obtained in the padlock body, so as to be capable of closing a U-shaped recess defined by the said wings. The shackle is locked in its closure position by a latch pin the movement of which is controlled by the rotation of a cylinder of a cylinder lock of known type, housed in the padlock body. An armour jacket made of steel is vested onto the side surface of the padlock body, thus conferring to the padlock a protection against attempts of breaking open. The said armour jacket also serves for closing the bores for the pin tumblers and the bore for housing the latch pin, and of any other bore made in the side surface of the padlock body for housing the components of the padlock mechanism.

Abstract: A plunger-type (barrel) lock has a spring loaded plunger which can only be properly retracted by the use of a key having a central rod, enlarged end sliding member and outwardly moving fingers for gripping engagement within a socket (cylinder bore) of the plunger. A movable, spring-biased eyelet is positioned adjacent the socket, such that an unauthorized key or tampering tool will grip the eyelet, rather than the plunger socket, failing to open the lock. The key has a toggle type operating lever including a tension relief element in the form of a spring, coacting with an internal collar of the key to allow some axial movement of the key's operating elements. Use of the collar allowing axial movement of the key's operating elements and complementing socket diameter of the plunger within the lock can provide security lock combinations for the user(s).

Abstract: A lock for a railroad switch or the like, which comprises a housing providing a socket at one end and an elongated shackle having an enlargement on one end and a recess on the other end for cooperating with locking balls in the housing socket to be received in locking engagement therein, in which the operating means for the locking balls in the housing is a rotatable member having an enlarged head disposed in a recess at the end of the housing opposite the socket end, the interior of said recess being cylindrical, the periphery of the enlarged head being sufficiently out of round to enable it to be rotated by a tool having a suitably shaped recess, yet not sufficiently out of round to be readily apparent from visual observation.

Abstract: A tamper-proof locking device mountable on a lidded container or the like. A first member has a first portion which overlies the closed lid of the container. A second portion of the first member overlies a side wall of the container below the lid. A third portion of the first member extends away from the second portion and the container side wall. An opening in the third portion has an axis which is perpendicular to the plane of the lid. The second portion is secured to the side wall of the container. The second member has a first portion which cooperates with the first member when assembled thereon to form an enclosure that prevents access of a tool to the element which secures the second portion of the first member to the container side wall. The second member has a second portion which is parallel to the third portion of the first member and which has an opening. This opening is in alignment with the opening in the third section of the first member. A rectilinear shackle is receivable in the openings.

Abstract: Pen apparatus is disclosed which includes a cooperating pen cylinder or barrel and a tip which suitably engage each other to secure a ball point pen cartridge within the apparatus, and which may be locked and unlocked by means of a wrench which includes a key portion insertable into the tip to unlock the tip from the cylinder or barrel.

Abstract: A lock assembly is provided for securing ends of a chain. One end of the chain is secured to a locking post while the other end is secured to a locking cap. The locking post has a longitudinal bore and a plurality of circular ribs near one end of the post. A plurality of open-ended longitudinal slots are provided which intersect the ribs. The locking cap has a plurality of spring biased locking rings positioned within the cap. To lock the assembly, the end of the lockng post with the ribs is inserted into the locking cap until the ribs engage the locking rings. A spring loaded piston is provided in the longitudinal bore of the locking post to keep the interior of the post free from dirt and ice and also to assist in unlocking the assembly.

Abstract: A lock of the type having an internal plunger with a stem for being gripped by a tool to pull the stem axially to release locking means, the stem being biased to the locking position by a coil spring so dimensioned that when the spring is fully compressed with the coils touching each other, the pin just reaches the unlocking position. Hence if an attempt is made to open the lock by inserting a bent wire or the like into a spring coil and pulling to compress the spring, the pin will not be able to move to the unlocking position.

Abstract: A locking load binder having a conical lock tongue mounted on the handle and a keeper link secured to the yoke on one side of the handle and adapted to cooperate with the lock tongue to secure the handle thereto. The lock tongue includes cam driven locking balls which cooperate with the keeper link.

Abstract: The present is an improved form of barrel type lock in which positive contracting mechanical gripping engagement between the key and the spring-biased locking plunger of the lock replaces the expanding frictional type of engagement hitherto used. This change both greatly increases the power of the key to operate weathered or otherwise recalcitrant locks and also provides for different series of locks of the same standard construction which will be operable exclusively by their own particular key.

Abstract: Attempts to pick the plunger-type (barrel) lock disclosed are frustrated by the necessity of holding one axially movable part in place against the force of a spring while retracting another axially movable member to open the lock. The key that opens the lock has a central pin stationary in use for holding back a position while radially spreading fingers frictionally engage and thereby permit withdrawal of an axially movable cylinder coaxial with the piston. A frangible member is provided for installing the lock without using the special key so that the number of keys can be strictly controlled. The key will open not only the lock of this invention, but also other kinds of plunger-type locks in common use by gas and electric utility companies.

Abstract: A padlock is disclosed having an outer case preferably of hardened steel and having no shackle or bow which can be sawed or broken off. The case has an opening for insertion of a staple and has a slide bolt which extends through the opening to engage the staple. The slide bolt is secured by a locking means which includes a lock sleeve located within a cylindrical bore in the case, the sleeve being movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The slide bolt is attached to the sleeve and extends through the opening when the sleeve is in the locked position. The lock sleeve has a retractable locking member projecting from a hole in the wall of the sleeve. The locking member is capable of fitting within an indentation in the interior bore wall when in the locked position to hold the sleeve in the locked position and capable of retracting into the hole to free the sleeve when in the unlocked position. A lock cylinder is fixedly mounted within the shell.

Abstract: A high security lock which is guarded against picking. A disk shaped body is fixed to a hasp and contains a diametric bore with a lock core-receiving chamber at each end. Two cores in such chambers have key plugs which lie on the axis of the bore and are both solidly connected to each other through a rotary bolt which lies between them. The bolt partially intersects a post-receiving recess in the rear face of the body so as to lockingly engage a grooved post over which the hasp is engaged, and has a side-cut-out to clear such post when the bolt is rotated with both of the two key plugs to an unlocked position. A guard casing is rotatably mounted over the lock body and the two lock cores, and has only a single key opening.

Abstract: Locking hood assembly for mounting on a gas service head valve of the lubricated plug type to prevent unauthorized opening of the valve. Locking hood assembly comprises a generally cylindrical main body or hood which covers the valve stem and stop collar when it is mounted on the valve thus preventing valve operation, the hood being attached to the valve using the removable buttonhead grease fitting which is conventionally an element of the valve itself. Assembly further comprises a cover cap which conceals the grease fitting after the hood is mounted on the valve; and a barrel lock which locks the cover cap to the main body or hood. The main body further has an enlarged, generally oval-shaped, peripherally extending skirt portion which fits over the oval-shaped gland seal cover plate of the valve when the hood is in place and prevents access to the gland seal cover bolts and to the normal spacing between the gland seal cover and the valve housing.

Abstract: A lock of the type having an internal plunger with a stem for being gripped by a tool to pull the stem axially to release locking means, in which said stem has a separate portion protruding from the rear end which is spring biased against the forward portion of the stem. When attempts are made by unauthorized persons to open the lock by forcing an elongated member (such as a piece of tubing) into engagement with the protruding portion, the protruding portion is driven back into the forward portion, so that the tubing cannot become engaged therewith.

Abstract: A high security lock to secure the eyes of a hasp and keeper. The lock is of a short cylindrical shape with a rear cavity to receive and enclose the hasp and keeper eyes, and contains a locking bolt to engage such eyes.The lock and the hasp and keeper assembly interact to give high security. The lock encloses and closely embraces the eyes of the hasp and keeper and lies close against the pads of the hasp and keeper. Shroud plates overlying the pads closely surround the rear edge of the lock. The shrouds and plates of the hasp meet those of the keeper at a separation plane offset from that of the eyes and of the door and its jamb.

Abstract: A lock assembly comprises a stud for mounting on one member such as a door, a plate for pivotal mounting on another member and a separate locking member for locking the plate to the stud having locking mechanism comprising a cylinder slidable in the locking member and onto the stud, a ball movable through the cylinder wall from a locking position where it engages a groove in the stud and an unlocked position, a ring catch for holding the cylinder and thus the ball in their locked positions and a key-operated lock for operating the catch and also a dead lock.

Abstract: A releasable, reusable, tamperproof device for attaching an anti-theft monitor to an article of merchandise is disclosed. The attachment device includes a tack adapted to be passed through the monitor and the article and into a keeper. The keeper encloses a one-way fastener of the type having opposed legs defining surfaces for gripping the pointed shank of the tack. Compression of the opposed legs to a releasing position permits withdrawal of the tack. In accordance with one embodiment, the keeper includes openings through which rotatable key means are insertable for engaging and displacing the legs to the tack-releasing position. In another embodiment the keeper incorporates flexible diaphragms dividing the keeper into a pair of side chambers separated by a central chamber enclosing the one-way fastener. Pressurization of the side chambers deflects the diaphragms into engagement with the fastener legs and causes displacement thereof to the tack-releasing position.

Abstract: Locking hood assembly for mounting on a gas service head valve of the lubricated plug type to prevent unauthorized opening of the valve. Locking hood assembly comprises a generally cylindrical main body or hood which covers the valve stem and stop collar when it is mounted on the valve thus preventing valve operation, the hood being attached to the valve using the removable buttonhead grease fitting which is conventionally an element of the valve itself. Assembly further comprises a cover cap which conceals the grease fitting after the hood is mounted on the valve; and a barrel lock which locks the cover cap to the main body or hood. The main body further has an enlarged, generally oval-shaped, peripherally extending skirt portion which fits over the oval-shaped gland seal cover plate of the valve when the hood is in place and prevents access to the gland seal cover bolts and to the normal spacing between the gland seal cover and the valve housing.