Both Legs Engaged Patents (Class 70/38A)
  • Patent number: 6101852
    Abstract: An improved padlock assembly is provided which includes a lock body, a shackle with a pair of opposed legs fitting into the lock body, and the lock body including an interior chamber in which are positioned a pair of reciprocal lock plates. A first lock plate operates in response to the manipulation of the lock cylinder, while the second lock plate operates in response to a lock pin to keep it in a locked and/or unlocked position. The entire shackle may be removed by first removing the first shackle leg from locking engagement with the first lock plate, moving the first lock plate back to its locked position, afterwhich the lock pin may then be removed to move the second lock plate to its unlocked position in order to free the second leg of the shackle and thereby remove the entire shackle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: CompX International Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Steinbach
  • Patent number: 6073469
    Abstract: A high security lock includes a shackle having two ends and a lock body having openings for receiving the ends of the shackle. A latch in the lock body has a catch movable into engagement with the shackle for securing at least one end of the shackle in the body. The latch is releasable to allow the one end of the shackle to move clear of the body to open the lock. The shackle is made of a shape memory effect alloy having a characteristic that its yield strength increases when work is impressed on it, so that cutting or breaking the shackle with common tools is more difficult and time consuming than with other shackle materials. The lock thus provides a level of security substantially superior to conventional locks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Nitinol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald J. Julien
  • Patent number: 6069563
    Abstract: The seal system is comprised of a custom integrated circuit utilizing a special CMOS gate-array technology that can be utilized to build inexpensive tamper-resistant electronic seals. The electronic circuit includes a special analog as well as digital, single-chip circuitry that senses the state of the seal, and when interrogated, transmits that state via a 35-bit data word to a seal reader device, allowing remote monitoring and control of containers and expensive goods. Any attempt to tamper with the seal will be recorded in the circuit for later transmittal to the hand-held seal reader/verifier. Each seal has a unique 20-bit identification number, combined with a 6-bit random seal code and a 6-bit resistance value. The seal electronics may be utilized in a way to provide several types of seals, namely, a shipping container seal, an event triggering seal, and event logging seal, and a tamper-proof seal as well as combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Inventors: Steven P. Kadner, William M. Resnik, Micha Auerbach
  • Patent number: 6047575
    Abstract: The latching components of the padlock are driven by a motor between positions for latching and releasing the padlock shackle. Power for the motor is provided by a source carried in an electronic key. An encoder element with associated optical elements provides position information to the control circuit carried inside of the padlock. The control circuit correlates the position information with the signal directing power to the motor so that the motor is precisely controlled for moving the latching elements between release and latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: SLC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne F. Larson, Christopher Raymond Kickner
  • Patent number: 6026663
    Abstract: A long shackle padlock includes a cylindrical housing, a lock housing fitted in the cylindrical housing, a locking means protected in the lock housing, and a shackle. The locking means can move a first bead and a second bead with a coil spring interposed between, for locking and unlocking, with the second bead fitting in a bead hole of the foot of the shackle in locking, and with the first bead pushed and moved inward by the locking means to let the second bead move inward to disengage from the bead hole of the foot of the shackle in unlocking. The locking means and the lock housing can be applied to other kinds of locks such as common padlocks, U-shaped locks, wire locks, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventors: Huang Tsung-Chuan, Chang Chzn-Shu
  • Patent number: 5987940
    Abstract: A U-shaped lock includes a housing, a shackle holder and a cap closing the housing. A U-shaped shackle has two ends inserted in two shackle holes in the cap and the shackle holder. A lock unit with a pin tumbler mechanism is fixed in a lock hole of the shackle holder, being rotated for two stages of angles by a key to move a pull rod unit fitted in a horizontal lengthwise hole on the lock hole in the shackle holder outward or inward to lock or unlock the two ends of the shackle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: Kuo-Chou Chang
  • Patent number: 5964108
    Abstract: A high security lock includes a housing defining an interior chamber having a longitudinal chamber axis and a keyway axially through the housing into the chamber. A cam arrangement within the chamber defines an access in axial alignment with the keyway. The cam arrangement includes a plurality of stationary raceway cams arranged in parallel planes and concentric to the chamber axis. Each raceway cam has a radially-inward surface forming a bearing raceway. The cam arrangement further includes at least one stationary locking cam arranged in a plane parallel to the raceway cams and concentric to the chamber axis. The locking cam has no such bearing raceway. A tumbler assembly is disposed within the chamber and cooperates with the cam arrangement for selective rotational movement within the access about the chamber axis. The tumbler assembly includes a plurality of bearing elements supported for axial movement relative to the cam arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Inventor: Darryl G. McBride
  • Patent number: 5950461
    Abstract: A lock mechanism structure includes a pair of latches with one end of each latch positioned against a spring and the other end of which are engaged with a rod. A block has a spring urging the block outwardly which in turn urges the latches outwardly to extend into a recess, whereas the other end of the block has a slope surface engaging with a corresponding slanting surface on a bulge extending upward from a rotating plate of a lock core, thus, when opening the lock, the lock core rotates to bring the bulge to push the block upwardly, whereas the other end of the block descends to urge the spring to retract, this allows the latch to detach from the recess and the lock is in a released status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: Ching-Tien Tsai
  • Patent number: 5931030
    Abstract: A padlock includes a lock base having first and second shackle insert holes and a lock receiving space, a lock unit received in the lock receiving space, a shackle having a longer leg portion which is retained slidably and rotatably in the first shackle insert hole, and a shorter leg portion which is received removably in the second shackle insert hole, and a spring-loaded retaining unit mounted on the lock base and extending into the lock receiving space for engaging the lock unit so as to retain releasably the lock unit in the lock receiving space. The retaining unit is accessible by means of a tool which is inserted into the second shackle insert hole when the shorter leg portion of the shackle is removed from the second shackle insert hole, and is adapted to be actuated by the tool so as to disengage the lock unit in order to permit removal of the lock unit from the lock receiving space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventor: Waterson Chen
  • Patent number: 5921115
    Abstract: A device is adapted for use primarily as a theft deterrent for bicycles, mopeds and other two and three wheeled self propelled or motorized conveyances, said device comprises a pair of opposed, telescopically engaging U-shaped members and locking means associated with said members, securing them from being forcibly pulled apart. The locking means typically includes the use of a pawl and ratchet arrangement for facilitating the engagement of the two members for securing them in locking relationship. The device also includes a compressible and extendible rubber or elastomeric boot preferably in the form of bellows. This boot provides a protective cover around ratchet teeth that are longitudinally spaced along one of the arms of the two U-shaped members. The boot progressively surrounds the ratchet teeth as the rod is disengaged or withdrawn from the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Winner International Royalty L.L.C.
    Inventor: Kevin D. Winner
  • Patent number: 5916283
    Abstract: An improved key ring lock assembly including a lock mechanism having an open position and a locked position which is formed by at least a lock barrel, a lock cylinder fitted within the lock barrel, the lock cylinder having a front key way and a lock mechanism contained within the lock cylinder operable by an appropriate key. The lock cylinder terminates in a lock shaft at the back end which is rotatable in response to the manipulation of the lock mechanism via the key. A lock collar is contained within the lock barrel immediately rearward of the lock cylinder and includes a lock shaft receiving aperture to receive the lock shaft and be operable in response to the rotatable movement of the lock mechanism. The lock collar includes an elongate stud mounted on the back end which includes a pair of opposed pin receiving channels formed therein. The lock barrel includes a locking ledge circumferentially positioned along the inner wall and adjacent the back end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Chicago Lock Company
    Inventor: Robert Steinbach
  • Patent number: 5896761
    Abstract: A padlock includes a lock base formed with first and second shackle insert holes, a lock receiving space which is disposed between the first and second shackle insert holes and which has an upper section communicated with the second shackle insert hole, and a ball chamber which extends transversely between the first shackle insert hole and the upper section of the lock receiving space. A lock device is received in the lock receiving space, and has an axially rotatable key-operated lock core which is provided with a plunger formed with a latch projection. A locking unit includes at least one ball member rollingly disposed in the ball chamber adjacent to the plunger. A shackle has longer and shorter leg portions to be received in the first and second shackle insert holes, respectively. The shorter leg portion is formed with a plunger engaging groove for engaging the latch projection of the plunger. The longer leg portion is formed with a ball retaining groove for engaging the locking unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventor: Waterson Chen
  • Patent number: 5884510
    Abstract: A bolt lock including a lock barrel having a central opening cylindrical about a central axis and extending between an open front end and a closed rear end. The lock barrel has bolt openings extending outwardly from opposite sides of the central opening adjacent the lock barrel rear end, with a pair of bolts received in opposite bolt openings. Each bolt has a head on one end, a leg on the other end with a rear side having a spring groove, and a front side with an axially extending shoulder. The bolt shoulders are planar and parallel to one another. The spring grooves are open at the end of the leg and parallel to and equidistant from a radius of the central axis. The bolts have their other ends in the central opening adjacent one another with the bolt legs substantially side by side when in a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventors: John J. Crocco, Anthony R. Martinez
  • Patent number: 5868013
    Abstract: A method high security locking includes inserting a shackle having two ends into a lock body having openings for receiving the ends of the shackle. A latch in the lock body has a catch that snaps into engagement with the shackle for securing at least one end of the shackle in the body. The latch may be released to allow the one end of the shackle to move clear of the body. to open the lock. The shackle is made of a shape memory effect alloy having a characteristic that its yield strength increases when work is impressed on it, so that cutting or breaking the shackle with common tools is more difficult and time consuming than with other shackle materials. The lock thus provides a level of security substantially superior to conventional locks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Nitinol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald J. Julien
  • Patent number: 5839302
    Abstract: A locking device includes a lock body with two blind bores and a shackle with two parallel arms for insertion into the bores. The lock body further includes two key-actuated cylindrical plugs, an accommodation chamber disposed therein proximate to the plugs, and a linkage member provided within the chamber to interlink the plugs in such a manner that only simultaneous actuation of the cylindrical plugs can retract the spring-loaded latch bolts to release the shackle from the blind bores of the lock body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventor: Ching-Fa Chu
  • Patent number: 5832762
    Abstract: A U-lock keyway protector comprising a cylindrical tube mounted for rotation on a U-lock crossbar. The keyway protector generates enough friction against the crossbar to allow only manual rotation, and it provides a secure grip for ease in rotation. A keyway aperture allows access to the U-lock keyway when in an unprotective position and denies access when in a protective position. When the U-lock is engaged, a shackle leg extends through a shackle slot, preventing longitudinal movement of the keyway protector along the crossbar. A lip at the edge of the keyway protector limits the distance that the keyway protector can be slipped onto the crossbar and eliminates alignment problems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Kryptonite Corporation
    Inventor: Cornelius McDaid
  • Patent number: 5832753
    Abstract: A lock for a device having as a component thereof critical for use and/or operation thereof a tubular member, includes a tubular insert for disposition in a gap provided in the tubular member such that the insert becomes a portion of the tubular member, a lock member for encircling an anchoring structure and for making a locking connection to the insert. The insert is provided with a frangible portion which renders the insert more susceptible to breaking than the lock member. Upon breaking of the insert, the tubular member portion is broken to provide the device with a broken component critical to the operation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventor: Peter N. Nielsen
  • Patent number: 5823022
    Abstract: A lock and keeper assembly are employed to secure a pickup truck tailgate against theft. A conventional keeper is modified by flattening its bight region. The flattened bight is placed into capturing relation to a transversely disposed, inwardly extending protrusion formed in a side wall of the pickup truck adjacent the tailgate. A transversely disposed, outwardly extending hollow, "C"-shaped axle integral with the tailgate receives the protrusion, so the flattened bight and the lock body cooperate to trap the protrusion within the hollow axle. The hollow axle cannot be separated from the protrusion without first defeating the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Inventor: Bob Barker
  • Patent number: 5823021
    Abstract: A structure of padlock is provided. The padlock comprises a hollow cylinder body, a U-shaped shackle arms and a locking mechanism which is composed of a pair of sliding members symmetrically arranged in the cylinder body and movably connected to a disk member via a pair of lever members and urged outwardly by a pair of compression springs. The sliding members normally position at a pair of locking holes for facilitating an automatic locking up the shackle arms into the cylinder body, and the shackle arms are unlocked by rotating the disk member clockwise with a key so as to actuate the sliding members moving centralizedly. The symmetrical arrangement of the components in the locking mechanism provides the stability as well as the durability of a padlock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Inventor: Charlie Chang
  • Patent number: 5819560
    Abstract: A padlock having a U-shaped rigid shackle, a pair of locking balls, a rotatable retainer, and a lock cylinder held into a two piece composite plastic lock body. The two piece lock body can be ultrasonically welded together to capture the mechanical parts inside. The shackle can be metal such as steel, as can be the other mechanical parts. A lightweight, inexpensive yet reliable medium security lock is thus provided. The lock can be used as a safety lock out device or it can be used as a padlock for medium security applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: American Lock Company
    Inventors: Duane B. Grahovec, James E. Krueger
  • Patent number: 5755121
    Abstract: A lock in which a key can neither be turned nor removed with the lock is open, is disclosed. The lock body is formed from two identical sections, the inner surface of each being provided with formations which accommodate the moving parts of the lock. The lock cylinder is provided with a plug which is operatively engaged to an extension. The lock shackle is engaged by a lock bearing which is held in place by the extension. Turning the key turns the plug and thus, the extension. This disengages the lock shackle as the lock bearing is no longer held in place. After it has been retracted, the contour of the lock shackle abuts the lock bearing, causing it to engage the extension, thus preventing the extension, the plug and the key from being turned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Master Lock Company
    Inventor: Bruce Allen Crass
  • Patent number: 5720191
    Abstract: A padlock includes a lock unit housed in one end of a tubular housing, and a shackle provided with a notch in one or both feet for the lock unit to fit and keep immovable the shackle feet in the housing in locking. In addition, locking dimensions of the lock unit with the shackle is made substantially larger than conventional ones to prevent the padlock from being illegally broken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Inventors: Huang Tsung-Chuan, Huang Tang-Cheng
  • Patent number: 5678431
    Abstract: A padlock which includes a cylindrical lock body, a shackle having at least one free end detachably inserted into a lock hole on the lock body, a lock cylinder mounted in the lock body at one end and controlled to lock the at least one free end of the shackle, wherein the lock cylinder includes a cylinder case mounted in one end of the lock body and moved axially between the locking position and the unlocking position, a locating pin mounted in a hole on the lock body to stop the cylinder case between the locking position and the unlocking position, a barrel fixedly mounted inside the cylinder case, a spindle mounted in the barrel and turned with a key between the locking position and the unlocking position, a locking device mounted in a hole on the lock body to lock the cylinder case in the locking position when the cylinder case is moved to the looking position, and spring means mounted on the cylinder case to force it from the locking position to the unlocking position when the spindle is turned to the unl
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Yu-Yang Yan
  • Patent number: 5669254
    Abstract: A locking device which includes a casing, a U-shackle, two locking plates mounted in the casing to lock the U-shackle in the casing, a lock cylinder driven by a card to release the locking plates from the U-shackle, wherein the lock cylinder includes a mounting shell mounted in the casing, a tumbler holder mounted within the mounting shell to hold a set of tumblers, a set of springs, and a set of steel balls, the steel balls being displaced to release the tumblers from the mounting shell for permitting the tumbler holder to be lifted to unlock the locking plates when the card is inserted through a card slot on the casing into a bottom slot on the mounting shell and a bottom slot on the tumbler holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Simple Locksmith Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chi-Hou Lee
  • Patent number: 5640861
    Abstract: A motorcycle lock consists of a housing containing a lock in an intermediate portion and two deadbolt bases in two lengthwise ends, two deadbolts on the deadbolt bases, an upper rotatable disc on the lock and a shackle. The shackle has two feet able to be inserted in two shackle holes in the housing and coil spring holes in the deadbolt bases and then separately locked by the deadbolts by rotating a key inserted in the lock. In unlocking the key is used to rotate the lock to free the two deadbolts from the two feet of the shackle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Rerlly Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Chiao Chen
  • Patent number: 5592837
    Abstract: An essentially pickproof padlock has a housing defining an interior chamber and a keyway with a stacked parallel arrangement of multiple annular cam rings fixed concentrically within the housing. The radially inward annular surface of each cam ring is formed with a respective raceway of a predetermined annular extent and disposition relative to the chamber. A tumbler assembly is disposed within the cam arrangement for selective relative rotational movement. The tumbler assembly has a plurality of slidable pins each with a head portion forming a bearing element. An associated key is formed with a plurality of parallel axial recesses for receiving the pins of the tumbler assembly, each recess being of a selected respective length terminating at a shoulder to collectively engage and move the head portions of the pins into respective operative dispositions within corresponding ones of the raceways wherein the tumbler assembly may be rotated by the key between locked and unlocked dispositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Universal Lock
    Inventor: Darryl G. McBride
  • Patent number: 5587702
    Abstract: A padlock comprising a body and shackle, the shackle having an end releasably securable in the body, the body having a casing, the casing housing a tamper alarm means and a lock means, the tamper alarm means including a power supply means, the casing having an aperture configured and arranged to receive the end of the shackle being securable in the aperture by way of the lock means, a portion of the casing being movable to enable access to the power supply means, movement of the portion of the casing being prevented by a retaining means which is only accessible for insertion or removal via the aperture in the casing configured and arranged to receive the end of the shackle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Inventor: Garth R. Chadfield
  • Patent number: 5572890
    Abstract: A high security lock includes a lock housing, lock cylinder and a lock core. The lock housing defines a key receiving surface and a cavity for receiving the lock cylinder. A cover plate is attached to the lock housing and is located between the lock cylinder and the key receiving surface. The cover plate covers a portion of the lock core. A retaining shield is received in the cavity, which engages the cover plate and is attached within the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: American Lock Company
    Inventor: Larry L. Carpenter
  • Patent number: 5561996
    Abstract: A gearshift lock is used to prevent a gearshift from moving with respect to a gearshift seat from which the gearshift extends. The gearshift lock includes a locking box firmly attached on the gearshift seat and includes two passages therein. Two first springs each are respectively received in a corresponding one of the passages of the locking box. A U-shaped latch includes a curved rod and two prongs each of which is received in a corresponding passage of the locking box. A motor is positioned in the locking box and includes a toothed rotor head. A spring-biased engaging device is positioned in the locking box and engaged to the two prongs of the U-shaped latch thus limiting the two prongs of the U-shaped latch in the passages of the locking box and the curved rod of the U-shaped latch enclosing the gearshift thus preventing the gearshift from being moved. A control circuit functions to drive the motor in response to a reception of an effective control signal from a remote control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventor: Chao S. Chang
  • Patent number: 5488844
    Abstract: A device is adapted for use primarily as a theft deterrent for bicycles, mopeds and other two and three wheeled self propelled or motorized conveyances, said device comprises a pair of opposed, telescopically engaging U-shaped members and locking means associated with said members, securing them from being forcibly pulled apart. The locking means typically includes the use of a pawl and ratchet arrangement for facilitating the engagement of the two members for securing them in locking relationship. The device also includes a compressible and extendible rubber or elastomeric boot preferably in the form of bellows. This boot provides a protective cover around ratchet teeth that are longitudinally spaced along one of the arms of the two U-shaped members. The boot progressively surrounds the ratchet teeth as the rod is disengaged or withdrawn from the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: Winner International Royalty Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin D. Winner
  • Patent number: 5488845
    Abstract: A single insertion locking U-shaped padlock structure is comprised of a pintle rod, with an eccentricity consisting of a radially projecting oval surface section, supported by a concentric tensile spring, a rotation limit notch on a stepped tumbler and a fan-shaped eccentric hole in a rear protective sleeve that limits the degree of rotation of the pintle rod to achieve the functions of single direct insertion locking and automatic unlocking and, furthermore, coil springs are installed onto the two ends of a U-shaped shackle that enables, after turning the key to the unlock position during unlocking, the U-shaped shackle to be immediately disengaged from the pintle and removed, thereby enabling direct forceful insertion, automatic locking and convenient unlocking operation with simplicity and effectiveness; furthermore, the invention herein resists unlocking attempts involving heavy impact or continuous light impact to increase effective protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Inventor: Chen-Kuei Hsieh
  • Patent number: 5467620
    Abstract: A U-lock includes a detachable header with extensions that fit around the arms of the U-bar and extend along the length of those arms to provide strength to the U-lock. The header can be used so that its base is locked at the end of the arms of the U-shaped bar or it can be inverted when locking smaller objects so that its base is locked along the lengths of the arms taking up some of the gap between the locked object and the base of the header. The header is locked to the arms of the U-shaped bar by a locking mechanism which secures the header to the arms of the U-shaped bar in four different places, two on each arm. The U-lock and header with extensions can also be used in combination with security spacers for further security.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Inventor: Richard H. Byrd, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5438854
    Abstract: An inexpensive, easy to manufacture security device for bicycles with a telescoping U-shaped shackle which collapses sufficiently to store the lock within the frame of a small frame bicycle and capable of telescoping sufficiently to be effective in having the U-shaped shackle pass through the bicycle wheel, frame and around a stationary object. The ends of the shackle are secured by inserting into two side holes in a tubular lock bar. One end of the shackle possesses a round lateral pocket which passes over a retainer inside the lock bar to prevent removal of the shackle. The other end of the shackle possesses a square notch which engages a key actuated lock core. The shackle can be adjusted for length when secured by the lock bar or with the bar removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Inventor: Mohammad R. Seraj
  • Patent number: 5417092
    Abstract: A padlock which includes a casing, a shackle having spaced grooves on two opposite ends thereof, a gear driven by the spindle of the lock cylinder thereof, two sliding lock plates driven by the gear to lock the shackle in the casing in any of a series of locking positions, and spring and steel ball sets respectively fastened to the locating block at the bottom and releasably engaged into each groove on either end of the shackle to ensure accurate locking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Inventor: Chien-Chzh Iu
  • Patent number: 5406812
    Abstract: A bicycle lock, which includes a lock case, a shackle having two heads at two opposite ends thereof releasably inserted into respective openings on the lock case, a shackle locking plate revolvably received inside the lock case to automatically lock the shackle upon the insertion of the heads of the shackle into the openings on the lock case, a constraint mechanism to hold the shackle locking plate in the locking position, and a lock cylinder driven to release the shackle locking plate from the shackle for permitting the shackle to be removed from the lock case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Inventor: Chin-Woei Jaw
  • Patent number: 5404735
    Abstract: A padlock with a built-in anti-theft alarm device that is comprised of a padlock mechanism consisting of a lock structure having a rotational locking pintle bar that is revolved a certain angle to achieve locking and unlocking, a cam suitably positioned at the center of the pintle bar, an electric switch that is actuated by the cam pushing against a switching device, an alarm circuit with an independent power supply and a vibration sensor device. The rotation of the pintle bar revolves the cam such that the lobe pushes against and closes the electric switch, which initiates the operation of the alarm circuit. The vibration sensor device triggers the alarm circuit to emit an alarm sound whenever abnormal vibration is detected. The alarm circuit has an independent power supply that is securely protected by the outer padlock case to prevent damage and power loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Inventor: Chen-Kuei Hsieh
  • Patent number: 5400625
    Abstract: A locking key ring for supporting keys and for preventing the unauthorized removal and duplication of the keys. The locking key ring carries identification and instructions to contact the identified party prior to copying the keys thereby reducing the risk of unauthorized duplication. The locking key ring comprises a cylinder lock assembly adapted to receive a shackle in the form of a key ring. Removal of the keys from the key ring is not permitted unless the lock cylinder releases the key ring. This is accomplished through use of an operating key which matingly engages the lock cylinder. The cylinder housing carries identifying inscription and instructions for a locksmith to receive authorization prior to making copies of the keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Inventor: Donald J. Embry
  • Patent number: 5400624
    Abstract: The invention relates to a U-shaped padlock structure comprising a transverse locking mechanism provided inside the tubular lock body. The locking mechanism consists of a lock cylinder 31, a V-shaped cam 32, a front slide 33, a core rod 34, a resilient element 35, a locating element 36, a center element 37, a rear slide 38, and a short core pin 39 in sequence. The transverse locking mechanism is operated by turning the lock core of the lock cylinder 31 to rotate together with the V-shaped cam 32, which in turn urges the front slide 33, the core rod 34, and the rear slide 38 to move together in a transverse leftward or rightward direction, resulting in a locking or unlocking effect by way of the engagement or disengagement of the core pin with the locking holes formed on the U-shaped shackle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Inventor: Jen-Guey Shieh
  • Patent number: 5398529
    Abstract: A lock is provided having a thick U-shaped shackle, a transverse housing for receivably locking extending ends of the shackle, a pair of longitudinal members which lockably intersect the shackle ends and which are actuated by a lock protected within the intermediate portion of the housing. In an exemplary embodiment of the lock, the shackle and housing are constructed of substantially thick tubular metal, and the shackle ends may be conformed to openings in the housing. The longitudinal members may be extended post members which intersect inserted shackle ends or may be forked members which slidably engage flat portions on inserted shackle ends. The locking mechanism may be activated through a rack-and-pinion, cam-and-pin, or hook-and-pin assembly, and may further comprise shackle ends having flat sections conformed to the housing openings to prevent rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Inventors: David S. Goldman, Craig L. Krigsman
  • Patent number: 5394712
    Abstract: A motorcycle lock is provided which includes a lock body consisting of a metal casing and a lock unit fitted into the metal casing. The lock unit includes two locking plates at the top and a lock cylinder at the bottom, and a shackle having two annular grooves around two opposite ends thereof and respectively inserted into a respective hole on the metal casing and locked by the locking plates. Turning the lock cylinder in one direction causes the locking plates to move in the reverse directions for permitting the shackle to be removed from the lock body. Turning the lock cylinder in the reverse direction causes the stop blocks of the left and right locking plates to engage the annular groove on opposing ends of the shackle for holding down the shackle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: Nigostar Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Patrick Chou
  • Patent number: 5394711
    Abstract: A padlock includes a lock body (1) and a substantially U-shaped shackle (2), a lock mechanism (4) fitted into a cavity (3) in the lock body and to which at least one lock bolt (5) is functionally connected for locking the shackle to the lock body (1), a cover element (6), which is turnably connected to the lock body (1), preferably by means of threads, and which is located in the insertion direction of the key in front of the lock mechanism (4), and a stop member (7), arranged in the lock body transversally with regard to the cover element (6), removable in the open position of the shackle (2) and preventing, in its blocking position, turning of the cover element (6) with regard to the lock body (1), and a locking ring (10) placed in a groove (9) in the lock body (1) surrounding the cover element and arranged to be installed in its position in case the cover element (6) is to be locked permanently to the lock body (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: Abloy Security Ltd Oy
    Inventor: Jukka Pitkanen
  • Patent number: 5377511
    Abstract: A padlock body is formed with a pair of bores which can receive short and long legs of a U-shaped shackle. The long leg has a free end spaced from a relatively deep notch and is formed between the free end and the notch with a relatively shallow circumferential groove and is further formed with a flat extending from a floor of the relatively shallow groove to the respective notch. Respective balls are displaceable between a locked position projecting radially far into the respective bores and engaging in the respective notches of both legs and an unlocked position with only the ball of the bore of the long leg projecting radially a little into the respective bore. A locking element in the body operated by a cylinder has an outer surface bearing radially on the balls and formed with relatively shallow recesses and, offset angularly from one of the shallow recesses, with a relatively deep recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: Abus August Bremicker Sohne KG
    Inventor: Gerhard Meckbach
  • Patent number: 5372019
    Abstract: An automobile steering lock consisted of a lock body received in an inner casing covered by an outer casing, a shackle having two opposite ends inserted into holes on the outer and inner casings and holes on the lock body and locked in place by two opposite stop plates, a lock cylinder disposed perpendicular to the shackle and having a bevel gear coupled to the plug thereof, a switch control gear meshed with the bevel gear and having two keys respectively engaged into a respective lock notch either stop plate, a microswitch, a light emitting diode and a burglar alarm respectively connected to the microswitch, whereby the microswitch is switched on as the shackle is inserted into position; turning the plug of the lock cylinder causes the bevel gear to turn the switch control gear in moving the stop plates toward each other, and therefore the shackle is unlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Inventor: Yung-Chi Hsiao
  • Patent number: 5363678
    Abstract: A padlock having a key-rotated cylinder with an end face juxtaposed with an end face of a pin rotatable in a padlock body to release a pair of balls held by the pin in notches in shanks of a shackle and wherein the end faces having entraining formations enabling rotation of the cylinder to rotate the pin. One end face has a pair of entrainer posts disposed diametrically opposite one another and offset from a center of a respective end face and reaching toward the other end face, the posts of one of the end faces being angularly offset from the posts of the other end face to define the angular play between them, and a bridge between the posts and disposed on the end face of the cylinder for taking up the play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Abus August Bremicker Sohne KG
    Inventor: Gerhard Meckbach
  • Patent number: 5333476
    Abstract: A U-lock includes a detachable header with extensions that fit around the arras of the U-bar and extend along the length of those arms to provide strength to the U-lock. The header can be used so that its base is locked at the end of the arms of the U-shaped bar or it can be inverted when locking smaller objects so that its base is locked along the lengths of the arms taking up some of the gap between the locked object and the base of the header. The header is locked to the arms of the U-shaped bar by a locking mechanism which secures the header to the arms of the U-shaped bar in four different places, two on each arm. The U-lock and header with extensions can also be used in combination with security spacers for further security.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Inventor: Richard H. Byrd, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5331830
    Abstract: A cylindrical lock comprising an U-shaped shackle, a cylindrical housing containing a hollow tube consisting of two elongate semi-round plates and a lock member, two legs of the shackle having a cone-shaped end and two inclined slots to pushingly insert in two holes in the hollow tube to engage stopping edges of the two notches of the elongate plates through opposite movement of the two elongate plates for locking and the stopping edges of the two notches disengaging from the slots of the shackle by movement of the two elongate plates moved by the lock member rotated by a key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Inventor: Mao C. Su
  • Patent number: 5277599
    Abstract: An inner housing telescopingly receivable by an outer housing for movement between an extended and a retracted position, biasing means for urging the inner housing into the extended position, and a lockable latch assembly for retaining the inner housing in the retracted position. A cut-out formed in the inner housing for receiving the electrical connector of an electrical appliance when in the extended position, and securably containing the electrical connector when in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Inventor: Donald L. Nilson
  • Patent number: 5275027
    Abstract: A security device is provided for use on pegboard type hooks. The device includes a housing with a lock mechanism which releasably locks with the tines of a latch to securely grip the rod of the pegboard hook. A simple key-operated camming cylinder is manually operated to release the latch so that merchandise products carried on hook can be removed. The latch can be inserted into the housing and relocked on the hook without using the key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: Santa Cruz Industries
    Inventors: Thomas E. Eklof, Walter M. Poterbin, Roger L. Fernandez
  • Patent number: 5230231
    Abstract: A padlock structured to have a key inserting direction perpendicularly to the shackle moving direction. The padlock has an outer housing with a hollow post extending from a side wall and the shackle extending from the top wall. The key is inserted sideways into a deadbolt contained in the post. The deadbolt operates two control members which engage and disengage notches in opposite limbs of the shackle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Inventor: Gaieter Liou
  • Patent number: 5199282
    Abstract: An improved padlock comprises a lock body and a shackle. The lock body is provided with a tubular bushing containing a rotating rod capable of being actuated by a lock core. The shackle comprises two insertion ends having retaining grooves. As shackle is inserted into the lock body, the retaining grooves engage securely the rotating rod of the lock body to complete the locking process. The unlocking process is accomplished by actuating the rotating rod to disengage the retaining grooves of the shackle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Inventor: Ropin Wang