Removable Patents (Class 70/39)
  • Patent number: 11828090
    Abstract: A hoop lock including a shackle and a crossbar, with the shackle having a pair of legs extending from a body portion, and each of the legs having a foot including a tip with a non-circular cross-section. The cross-bar includes a housing having a pair of foot-receiving openings and a pair of tip-receiving openings substantially aligned with foot-receiving openings. The tip-receiving openings are configured to matingly engage the tips such that the tips are rotationally coupled to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Daniel H. Kindstrand, Hassan Charan Kumar, Manjunatha Ramakrishna, David B. Miller
  • Patent number: 10570647
    Abstract: A hoop lock including a shackle, a crossbar, and a locking assembly operable to secure the shackle to the crossbar. The shackle may include a straight foot and a bent foot, and the locking assembly may engage the straight foot and the bent foot to secure the shackle to the crossbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Hugh Kindstrand, Manjunatha Ramakrishna
  • Patent number: 9670698
    Abstract: A hoop lock including a shackle and a crossbar, with the shackle having a pair of legs extending from a body portion, and each of the legs having a foot including a tip with a non-circular cross-section. The cross-bar includes a housing having a pair of foot-receiving openings and a pair of tip-receiving openings substantially aligned with foot-receiving openings. The tip-receiving openings are configured to matingly engage the tips such that the tips are rotationally coupled to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Hugh Kindstrand, Hassan Charan Kumar, Manjunatha Ramakrishna, David Bruce Miller
  • Patent number: 9648380
    Abstract: A command is received to record particular media content on a first device associated with a first user and the particular media content is scheduled for recording on the first device. A notification is provided to a second device associated with a second user of the scheduling of the recording of the particular media content on the first device. The second device may then schedule recording of the particular media content. The second device may schedule the recording of the particular media content without receiving a user command or subsequent to receiving a user confirmation to record the particular media content in response to the notification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: TiVo Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Amir H. Gharaat, James M. Barton, Mukesh K. Patel
  • Patent number: 9447611
    Abstract: A security device includes a locking member, a ratchet mechanism, and a plurality of cables. The cables are wrapped around an object. An attachment clip is releasably snap-fitted into the body of the security device. The ratchet mechanism includes a spool and a locking pawl or lever. A key is used to unlock the clip from the housing. An alarm system is contained in the housing and actuates an audible alarm upon certain unauthorized actions occurring. Insertion of the clip into the housing automatically actuates the ratchet mechanism preventing movement of the cable in the unwind direction and activates the alarm system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Brian V. Conti, Christopher J. Fawcett, David P. Christianson, Mitchell S. Goldstein
  • Patent number: 9266501
    Abstract: A seat lock device and method for preventing the unauthorized removal and theft of seats are provided. The seat lock device can include a lock body configured to straddle a seat bracket of at least one of a left-hand third row seat and a right-hand third row seat which can be clamped to a floorboard of a vehicle. The lock body can include a series of coaxial bores. A pin assembly can include a pin configured to be inserted through the series of coaxial bores of the lock body. The pin can also be extendable through a pre-existing hole formed in the at least one seat bracket thereby preventing the at least one seat bracket from releasing from the floorboard of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Bean Brothers LLC
    Inventors: Hunter James Swindell, Jesse Kennedy Swindell, Brian Patrick Verhalen, Matthew Gerard Verhalen
  • Patent number: 8919157
    Abstract: A lock assembly includes a lock body with a shackle. The shackle has a leg. A locking element is disposed in the lock body and is selectively engageable to the shackle. A cam is disposed in the lock body and includes a locked position, an unlocked position and a shackle removal position. The leg includes a shackle removal recess that only partially extends circumferentially about an outer peripheral surface disposed about a longitudinal axis of the leg and is sized to receive the first locking element sufficiently to permit movement of the cam to the shackle removal position. The shackle is rotatable in the unlocked position to expose the shackle removal recess to the locking element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Solidbody Technology Company
    Inventors: Steven A. Fantl, Patrick Smith
  • Patent number: 8904833
    Abstract: A lock includes a shackle having a short first portion, a long second portion and a curved portion. The second portion has a groove defined in outside thereof. A body has a first hole and a second hole for receiving the first and second portions respectively. A passage is defined in outside of the body and perpendicularly communicates with the second hole. A positioning unit is located in the passage and has a securing member, a pin and a resilient member. The securing member has a path in which a narrowed section of the pin is inserted. The resilient member biases the pin which is engaged with the groove. When the pin is moved to compress the resilient member, the pin is removed from the groove and the narrowed section is located corresponding to the groove so that the second portion can be removed from the second hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Federal Lock Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tien-Kao Liu
  • Patent number: 8857229
    Abstract: The invention provides a padlock assembly (10) which can be convertible between a “snap lock” configuration and a configuration where a key is required to lock the padlock. Padlock assembly (10) includes a cam (62) with asymmetrical driver engaging means (64). Cam (62) can be inserted in the padlock assembly (10) in either of two positions to provide dual functionality. The invention also provides the cam (62), a driver (50) and a shackle (36) for a padlock assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Celestia Pty Limited
    Inventors: Scott D. Cheevers, Michael G. Lloyd, William G. Sims
  • 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: 8806905
    Abstract: A padlock includes a lock body, a shackle assembled with the lock body, a lock subassembly disposed in a cavity in the lock body, and a shackle retainer assembled with the lock body. The lock subassembly is operable between a locked position securing the shackle in a closed position and an unlocked position permitting movement of the shackle to an open position. The shackle retainer extends into a first shackle bore and is received in a recess in a first leg of the shackle. When the shackle is in the open position, the lock subassembly is manipulable to be moved from a first position to a second position to generate a space in the cavity aligned with the shackle retainer, such that the shackle retainer is extendable into the space for disengagement of the shackle retainer from the first shackle leg recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Master Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Gary R. Burmesch, Elliot Gronland
  • Patent number: 8776558
    Abstract: A system for detecting defects in a pipe wall, comprises an ultrasonic transducer which is arranged for emitting, via an exit opening, ultrasonic signals from the interior of the pipe towards its wall and for receiving, via an entrance opening, backscattered signals from the wall. The system is arranged to emit and receive a multitude of signals having their main directions within a plane mainly perpendicular to the pipe axis. The openings are configured to make the ultrasonic transmission signal diverge and/or to receive back signals from a diverging range of angles over a large area of the pipe wall, by using openings with a diameter with magnitude of the wavelength of the ultrasonic signals. Sets of emitted and backscattered signals for different emission and reception positions are processed, in processing means, to form an image based on transmission times between emission and reception of backscattered signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast-Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNO
    Inventor: Arno Willem Frederik Volker
  • 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: 8505342
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bicycle lock structure with dual latch, which includes a latch seat and a lock body, wherein two parallel latches are set on one side of the latch seat, two inserting holes are set on one side of the lock body for inserting the latches, and at least a bead is drove to wedge into a wedged hole of the latch by a slider inside the lock body to form wedged locking, the lock picking difficulty is increased by such structure, to thereby improve the anti-theft effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Crops Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Keiji Taiga
  • Patent number: 8347664
    Abstract: An adjustable archery bow lock for an archery bow with bow strings, or a limb with a cam or a pulley, includes a locking first frame with first and second rod receiving apertures there through. A lock mechanism is on the first frame with a moveable and securable locking index pin. A parallel second frame has first and second rods that are adapted to capture and immobilize the bow strings, or the cam or pulley with the limb. The rods pass through the receiving apertures. One of the rods has a series of aligned indentations, teeth or serrations. The rods are secured to the first frame with the locking index pin secured into one of the indentations or between the teeth or serrations to prevent drawing or firing of the bow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Acu-Archery, LLC
    Inventors: Jerry R. Bishir, Jr., Joshua W. Butcher, Glenn A. Butcher
  • Patent number: 8266933
    Abstract: An adjustable archery bow lock for an archery bow with bow strings, or a limb with a cam or a pulley, includes a locking first frame with first and second rod receiving apertures there through. A lock mechanism is on the first frame with a moveable and securable locking index pin. A parallel second frame has first and second rods that are adapted to capture and immobilize the bow strings, or the cam or pulley with the limb. The rods pass through the receiving apertures. The second rod has a series of aligned indentations. The rods are secured to the first frame with the locking index pin secured into one of the indentations to prevent drawing or firing of the bow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Acu-Archery, LLC
    Inventors: Jerry R. Bishir, Jr., Glenn A. Butcher, Joshua W. Butcher
  • Patent number: 8245547
    Abstract: A padlock includes a lock housing, a U-shaped lock hoop and a lock cylinder in order selectively to lock the lock hoop to the lock housing, wherein the lock cylinder has a cylinder axis and is secured to the lock housing by means of a securing element. The securing element is displaceably supported at the lock cylinder and is resiliently supported transversely to the cylinder axis, wherein the securing element engages into a securing opening at an inner side of the lock housing to secure the lock cylinder to the lock housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: ABUS August Bremicker Söhne KG
    Inventor: Bernhard Garthe
  • Patent number: 8181496
    Abstract: A cross brace for securing on a U-lock having a U-shaped shackle with the cross brace comprising first and second engaging members and a connecting member therebetween. The first engaging member defines a first through bore having a first opening and a first central axis. The second engaging member defines a second through bore having second opening and a second central axis. The connecting member extends between and connects the first and second members relative to one another such that an opening plane extending between the first and second openings and intersecting the first and second central axes is at an acute angle relative to the first and second central axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Ingersoll Rand Company
    Inventor: Cornelius McDaid
  • Patent number: 8127577
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lock, in particular a hoop lock, having a lock housing, in which a locking cylinder of the lock is arranged, including a cylinder housing, a barrel rotatably mounted in the cylinder housing and a driver unit associated in a drive effective manner with the barrel, and having at least one bolt coupled to the barrel via the driver unit, so that by rotating the barrel the at least one bolt is moveable from a locked position into a release position. The lock housing has a receiving space in an axial extension of the locking cylinder, with the locking cylinder or a part thereof being able to be displaced from an operational position into the receiving space on the application of a predefined force in the axial direction of the locking cylinder, to adopt a sabotage position, in which the coupling of the at least one bolt to the barrel is taken out of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: ABUS August Bremicker Soehne KG
    Inventors: Joachim Buhl, Friedhelm Schell, Martin Hommel, Thomas Becker
  • Patent number: 8096151
    Abstract: The invention provides a padlock assembly (10) which can be convertible between a “snap lock” configuration and a configuration where a key is required to lock the padlock. Padlock assembly (10) includes a cam (62) with asymmetrical driver engaging means (64). Cam (62) can be inserted in the padlock assembly (10) in either of two positions to provide dual functionality. The invention also provides the cam (62), a driver (50) and a shackle (36) for a padlock assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Celestia Pty Limited
    Inventors: Scott D. Cheevers, Michael G. Lloyd, William G. Sims
  • Patent number: 8061730
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a trailer receiver lock for locking a trailer hitch to prevent unauthorized use. An embodiment of the trailer receiver lock for locking a trailer hitch, wherein the trailer hitch includes a receiver and a hitch bar, may include a body including a locking mechanism and a pin member including a base. A first leg may extend from the base, wherein the first leg may include an end capable of insertion into an aperture in the receiver and an aperture in the hitch bar. A second leg may extending from the base, wherein the second leg may include an end capable of insertion into the body. The second leg may also include at least one engagement portion capable of engagement with the locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Cequent Consumer Products
    Inventor: Francis Bernart
  • Patent number: 7856855
    Abstract: A lock assembly has a lock body and a shackle. The shackle has a leg. A locking element is disposed in the lock body. The locking element is selectively engageable to the shackle. A cam is disposed in the lock body. The cam has a lock position for moving the locking element to engage the shackle. There is also an unlocked position for moving the locking element to disengage the shackle. The cam has a shackle removal position for removing the shackle from the lock body. The leg has a shackle removal recess sized to receive the locking element sufficiently so as to permit movement of the cam to the shackle removal position. The cam is configured to displace the locking element into the shackle removal recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Commando Lock Company, LLC
    Inventors: Steven A. Fantl, Patrick Smith
  • Patent number: 7823424
    Abstract: A bicycle lock in the form of a cable lock includes an elongated lock body and a cable having first and second ends. The first end is fixed to one end of the elongated lock body and another end of the lock body has an insertion opening for an insertion pin that is attached to the second end of the cable and provided with two lateral, diametrically opposed recesses that are oriented parallel to a longitudinal direction of the lock body. Two locking bolts are insertable into the recesses in a translatory manner in the longitudinal direction of the lock body for securing the insertion pin in the lock body. The locking bolts form a part of a locking device. A driver, which lies with inner ends in an effective area of the drive, is rotatable by means of a closing cylinder. By actuation of the closing cylinder, the locking device is drivable in the longitudinal direction of the lock body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Inventors: Yaniv Shabtay, Xu Ju Xiang
  • Publication number: 20100269550
    Abstract: A lock assembly includes a lock body with a shackle. The shackle has a leg. A locking element is disposed in the lock body and is selectively engageable to the shackle. A cam is disposed in the lock body and includes a locked position, an unlocked position and a shackle removal position. The leg includes a shackle removal recess that only partially extends circumferentially about an outer peripheral surface disposed about a longitudinal axis of the leg and is sized to receive the first locking element sufficiently to permit movement of the cam to the shackle removal position. The shackle is rotatable in the unlocked position to expose the shackle removal recess to the locking element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventors: Steven A. FANTL, Patrick SMITH
  • Patent number: 7665333
    Abstract: A bicycle lock in the form of a U-lock includes a U-shaped closure bracket and an elongated lock body. The lock body includes insertion openings for receiving ends of the closure bracket, while the ends of the closure bracket are provided with recesses that are parallel to a longitudinal direction of the lock body. Two locking bolts can be moved for securing the closure bracket in the lock body, the locking bolts forming a part of oppositely moveable locking devices that can be moved by a driver that is rotatable by means of a closing cylinder. By actuating the closing cylinder, the locking devices are drivable in the longitudinal direction of the locking body. Each locking device has two sections into which the locking bolts are inserted. The locking bolts are preferably cylindrical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Inventors: Yaniv Shabtay, Xiang Ju Xu
  • Patent number: 7540140
    Abstract: An improved shackle assembly is disclosed that provides a bow having specially configured receptacle on one end portion that interlocks with a specially configured pin assembly. The pin assembly has locking members or lugs that move between locking and releasing positions. The locking lugs can be moved to a locking position or unlocked using a rotating end portion of the shaft opposite the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Inventors: Carroll Diaz, Derrick Prentice
  • Patent number: 7472568
    Abstract: The invention provides a padlock with a quickly changeable shackle, comprising a locking core, a locking member, blocking balls, a lock body on which two limb receiving chambers and a passage are disposed, and a shackle which takes U-shape defined by a longer and a shorter parallel limbs respectively received in the limb receiving chambers to lock the padlock. A ring groove with an abutment head is disposed at the free end of the longer limb, and a depressed portion with a screw hole is provided on the circumferential surface of the abutment head. A shackle changing screw is threaded into the screw hole and the end face of the screw in the threaded position is higher than the depressed portion and lower than the circumferential surface of the abutment head. The invention further provides a padlock having a freely-convertible deadlock mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Trans Ocean Group Limited
    Inventor: Xiong Wei Tang
  • Patent number: 7418844
    Abstract: A combination lock and pump having a shackle; a cross-member having a first end and a second end, the cross-member including a hole at the first end and a hole at the second end adapted to receive the shackle; a locking mechanism adapted to engage the shackle at the first end of the cross-member; a pump slidably engaging the cross-member at the second end of the cross-member, the pump having a pump shaft and a pump handle, the pump shaft including a hole to receive the shackle when the combination bicycle lock and pump is in a locked configuration; a connector for engaging an object to be pumped; a first one-way valve allowing air to enter the pump through the first one-way valve when the pump shaft is retracted from the pump and to prevent air from exiting the pump through the first one-way valve when the pump shaft is pushed into the pump; and a second one way valve preventing air from travelling into the pump from the connector but allowing air to be forced into the connector, wherein the shackle engages t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Inventor: Robert James Douglas Reeves
  • Patent number: 7233231
    Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel lock with a burglar-proof alarm device comprises a burglar-proof alarm circuit, A wireless signal detecting unit, an air pressure detecting unit; supersonic detecting unit for detecting movements of objects; an infrared receiver for receiving infrared signals from the portable alarm device. The wireless wave emitting unit includes a receiving antennal circuit, a high frequency amplifier, a band pass filter, a local oscillating circuit, a mixing circuit, a middle frequency circuit, and a second middle frequency IC; the receiving antenna circuit being for adjusting the harmonic receiving frequency for receiving high frequency signal, which is then passed through the high frequency amplifier, band pass filter, local oscillating circuit, and the mixing circuit; the local oscillator circuit having a baseband oscillating circuit, a nine-time amplifier circuit, a nine-time frequency modulating circuit for generating an oscillating frequency signal to the mixing circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Inventor: Chen-Kuei Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7121121
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to secure the coupler section of a trailer provides a locking device that includes a lock housing having a hitch ball element to engage the recess in the coupler, a shackle member lockable to the housing and having a bridge section that spans the hitch ball element, and a latch assembly to latch and unlatch the shackle member. The shackle member is shown to be U-shaped with legs that extend through and secure to the lock housing. The latch assembly provides a ratchet-type engagement to allow adjustable locking. A rotatable lock mechanism drives a cam based latch mechanism between a latch state and an unlatch state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventor: Philip W. Wyers
  • Patent number: 7036344
    Abstract: An improved padlock having a shackle retainer assembly that can be removed without removal of the padlock key locking assembly and/or convertible from a key retaining to a key nonretaining lock, or vice versa, by removal or insertion of a pin on the driver end of the key cylinder assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Hampton Products International Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Lee Gast, John Wade Landrum, Robert A. Wilkosz, Loring M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7013686
    Abstract: A motorbike lock includes a cylindrical body, two limit discs, two springs, a retainer, a core, a press button, a sleeve, a cap and a shackle. When the pressure button is pushed inward, the retainer is moved to force the core push the limit discs to compress the spring, with the stopper of one shackle end stopped in the cylindrical body. Then the pin in the retainer inserts in an insert hole of the cylindrical body to secure the retainer immovable, finishing locking of the lock. When the key is inserted through the press button and in the core and rotated, the pin is pressed inward to separate from the insert hole of the cylindrical body, with the retainer no longer kept immovable by the pin, letting the spring recover its elasticity to push the retainer back, with the stopper of the shackle end becoming free and the lock unlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventor: Meng-Fu Chen
  • Patent number: 6766673
    Abstract: An improved padlock having a shackle retainer assembly that can be removed without removal of the padlock key locking assembly and/or convertible from a key retaining to a key nonretaining lock, or vice versa, by removal or insertion of a pin on the driver end of the key cylinder assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Hampton Products International Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Lee Gast, John Wade Landrum, Robert A. Wilkosz, Loring M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6718802
    Abstract: A lock that is tamper resistant and includes a lock member. Two tubes are disposed on the lock member. Each of the two tubes extend generally outwardly therefrom and each define a bore therethrough. The lock includes a closure member which has two shafts. The two shafts are inserted through the two tubes and detachable within the lock member when the lock is an installed configuration. A locking mechanism detachably locks the closure member to the lock member when the lock is in the installed configuration wherein the two tubes substantially cover the two shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Robert A. Vito
  • Patent number: 6694781
    Abstract: A tow-deterrent lock for camping trailers includes a latch assembly and a latch bolt dock coupling with each other. The latch bolt dock has a transverse beam on one end that has an inner side bonding to a spherical shell which has a housing chamber with an opening. When a coupling dock extending from a camping trailer is coupled with a towing rod of a vehicle, the housing chamber of the spherical shell may house a fastening nut located below the towing rod to couple with the latch bolt dock and latch assembly to confine and lock the coupling dock and the lower end of the spherical head rod to form a theft-proof protection. When the camping trailer is not coupled with the vehicle, the spherical shell may be wedged into a spherical trough of the coupling dock to couple with the latch bolt dock and latch assembly to lock the coupling dock and form a theft-proof protection. Thus the invention can provide locking and theft-proof function in two use conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Vulcan Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Show-Mon Li
  • Patent number: 6666051
    Abstract: A guarding lock for a camping trailer and particularly an anti-theft guarding lock for a camping trailer to prevent the trailer from being stolen and hauled away illegitimately mainly includes a lock having a semispherical dome located thereon. A U-shaped lock bar is provided to couple with the lock for fastening to a connection socket of the trailer such that the semispherical dome is housed in and coupled with a semispherical trough formed in the connection socket to achieve anti-theft function for the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Vulcan Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Show-Mon Li
  • Patent number: 6584815
    Abstract: The invention elates to a hoop lock comprising a lock body and a hoop. The hoop can be coupled a its hoop ends to the lock body and latched thereto in the coupled state wherein two force cells spatially separated from one another are arranged in the lock body for the reception of the hoop ends. Each force cell is associated with a latching arrangement for a hoop end which is adjustable between a latched state and a released state and which can be actuated via a locking unit. At least one latching arrangement has a bolt element whose side remote from the inserted hoop end is supported at the force cell in the latched state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Abus August Bremicker Söhne KG
    Inventor: Michael Bremicker
  • Patent number: 6530248
    Abstract: This invention relates to a lock assembly to be used in conjunction with two or more padlock assemblies. The lock assembly comprises a main body 1, a main shackle 2, and a locking portion 7. When all subsidiary padlocks 5, 6 are locked into the apertures 3, 4 the main shackle 2 cannot be opened. The removal of either subsidiary shackle allows the locking portion 7 to circumvent the second subsidiary shackle and the main shackle 2 may be opened. This allows two persons to independently use the padlock without sharing keys or other secure information. Moreover the lock assembly may be used with any secure fitting designed for use with a traditional padlock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Tayhope Enterprises Limited
    Inventor: Julian Parker
  • Patent number: 6457336
    Abstract: A lock, in particular a brake disk lock for motorcycles, comprising a lock housing and a bolt lockable thereto; with the bolt having a stop member, a bolt head and a bolt neck arranged therebetween, and with the lock housing having a receiving region to receive the bolt head of the bolt, a lock cylinder and a latch movable by a rotary actuation of the lock cylinder to lock or unlock the bolt head inserted into the receiving region. The lock housing further has at least one conversion element, by means of which a rotary actuation of the lock cylinder can be converted into an axial locking or unlocking movement of the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: ABUS August Bremicker Soehne KG
    Inventor: Michael Bremicker
  • Patent number: 6430975
    Abstract: Changing the locking mechanism in a U-lock, cable lock or other tie lock as often as desired is achieved without compromising the lock's resistance to physical damage. This function is achieved by an auxiliary sleeve that removably fits over the U-lock's crossbar or the cable lock's end bar. Either bar provides an aperture, which is too small to permit the locking mechanism to be picked or pried, but which is operatively positioned and sufficiently large to provide access for a key to the keyway of the locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Kryptonite Corporation
    Inventor: Cornelius McDaid
  • Patent number: 6415635
    Abstract: A device for locking a bicycle helmet to a bicycle, the helmet comprising a helmet shell (19) having a through-going hole (20). A lock case (4) is fixedly mounted on a frame rod (2), the frame rod being arranged to support the saddle (1) of the bicycle. A longitudinal locking element (11) at both ends has a lock head (10), the lock head (10) may be locked in the lock case. The locking element (11) is arranged to extend through the hole (20) of the helmet shell in order to have its lock head (10) locked in the lock case (4) and thus securing the helmet to the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: Lars Jonasson
  • Patent number: 6397648
    Abstract: A keyway protector having housing and the slider. The housing hugs the crossbar of a U-lock and secured by screws. The slider fits into a shallow depression in the inner surface of the housing and moves between open and closed positions. In the open position, an aperture in the housing, a hole in the slider, and the keyway are aligned to allow access to the keyway. In the closed position, the slider hole is not aligned, denying access to the keyway. A knob outside the housing is used to move the slider. Protrusions in opposed pivoting arms on the slider snap into opposed notches in the depression walls to hold the slider in the open or closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Kryptonite Corporation
    Inventors: Jason A. Morris, John D. Fiegener, Cornelius McDaid
  • Patent number: 6393411
    Abstract: A secure funds device for use with a computer system, such as a personal computer, for transferring funds, in response to a funds transfer request for amounts of funds from the computer system, to a funds receiver. One or more electronic cash devices store electronic funds and transfer funds in response to funds transfer request when authorized by an authorization signal. A processor is used for connecting the funds transfer request from the computer system to the electronic cash device and for transferring electronic funds from the electronic cash device to the computer system when the authorization signal is present. User control means, including for example a pushbutton switch and an LCD display, that is not accessible by the computer system is used for providing the authorization signal. The secure funds device has a secure interface that prevents the computer system from generating the authorization signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Amdahl Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Leslie Bishop, Robert Peter Freeman
  • Patent number: 6373382
    Abstract: Embodiments of an alarm system are described, which may be mounted or built-in to a bicycle or other device which is in need of anti-theft protection. A loud alarm is connected to or mounted in the protected device, and is operatively connected to either or both: a lock that anchors the device to a stationary object, and/or parts of the protected device that might be stolen or vandalized. The alarm unit is built and wired in such a way that the lock or parts of the protected device may not be significantly tampered with or removed without triggering the alarm. Externally-mounted alarm units preferably include a weather-proof casing, which contains a unique clamping feature that makes the alarm tamper-resistant or tamper-proof. The alarm casing may contain a sound chamber that preferably amplifies the alarm sound, waterproofs the alarm component, and prevents a thief from muffling the sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventors: Vickie Tikkanen, Paul Tikkanen
  • Patent number: 6341509
    Abstract: Changing the locking mechanism in a U-lock, cable lock or other tie lock as often as desired is achieved without compromising the lock's resistance to physical damage. This function is achieved by an auxiliary sleeve that removably fits over the U-lock's crossbar or the cable lock's end bar. Either bar provides an aperture, which is too small to permit the locking mechanism to be picked or pried, but which is operatively positioned and sufficiently large to provide access for a key to the keyway of the locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Kryptonite Corporation
    Inventor: Cornelius McDaid
  • 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: 6055833
    Abstract: A plug lock assembly is provided. The assembly comprises a sleeve member to which a detent catch member, a cylinder member, and a latch member are coupled. The detent catch member engages a face wall portion of the sleeve member through cooperating cambered surfaces such that the detent catch member may be placed into and out of its locking position. The detent catch member has formed thereon an open cambered groove section which is engaged by a locating pin extending from the sleeve member for limiting the axial displacement of the detent catch member in at least one direction. This reinforces the lock assembly against compromise of its locking function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventor: Ma Ding-Chiang
  • Patent number: 6043733
    Abstract: A lock for a vehicle such as a motorcycle includes a housing having a U-shaped portion and a transverse portion attached thereto. A first terminal end of the U-shaped portion is removeably received within an opening on the transverse portion allowing the housing to be secured about a portion of a vehicle. Removeably received within the transverse portion is a tubular insert having a keypad thereon in communication with an audible alarm means. The alarm means is in communication with a wire disposed within the U-shaped portion for emitting an audible alarm if the U-shaped portion is severed. The alarm means also activates a cellular transmission means for automatically dialing a predetermined number upon the alarm means being activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Carl E. Lind
  • 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