Sheaths Patents (Class 70/55)
  • Patent number: 11734973
    Abstract: An electronic straight shackle lock apparatus and system. Aspects of the present disclosure provide for a keyless, electronic straight shackle lock that provides a high level of security at a relatively low cost and without any opening for a physical mechanical key. Certain embodiments provide for an easy-to-use and compact adapter for a keyless, electronic straight shackle lock and the ability to manually override the electronic lock. Certain benefits and advantages of the present disclosure include a compact and flexible locking system that can be installed on many different enclosures and doors that can be locked and unlocked using an electronic device via a wireless signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Security Enhancement Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Philip J. Ufkes, Steven J. Malone, Matthew Frank Trapani
  • Patent number: 11255110
    Abstract: A to a padlock comprising a lock body and a hoop that is movable between a closed position and an open position and that has a first hoop end and a second hoop end, wherein a first hoop receiver for the first hoop end and a second hoop receiver for the second hoop end are formed in the lock body, and wherein a latch mechanism is provided that is adjustable by a cylinder core that is rotatable about a cylinder axis between a locked position in which the latch mechanism fixes the hoop in the closed position and a release position in which the latch mechanism releases the hoop for a movement into the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: ABUS August Bremicker Soehne KG
    Inventor: Wai Kuen Fan
  • Patent number: 8973415
    Abstract: In one example, a padlock storage system includes a central portion including a padlock body having a shackle and a key for opening the padlock body. The system includes an upper end having a chamber for accommodating the shackle and a lower end having a chamber for placement of a key. Additionally, a coupling system between the central portion and the lower end allows for rotation of the lower end in relation to the central portion and promotes the unlocking of the shackle, where the key activates the unlocking. The padlock system is operable in two operating positions, where the upper and lower ends are able to attach to each other by removal of the central portion or where the central portion is attached to both ends. When the central portion is removed, a retention capsule for containing the key is formed, and which can be held in an apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Papaiz Nordeste Indústria e Comércio LTDA
    Inventor: Paolo Papaiz
  • Patent number: 8863562
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to a padlock shackle guard for any padlock that includes a housing and a shackle. The guard is slid upon the shackle to prevent interjection of a jimmying device in-between the shackle and the padlock housing when the shackle is engaged within the padlock housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Inventor: Robert Leving
  • Patent number: 8813529
    Abstract: Anti-theft device for an inverter assembly including an inverter having a housing with a rear panel, a mounting plate to which the inverter is attached and a locking pin connected at one end to the mounting plate and extending through a hole in the rear panel of the inverter housing when the inverter is in a mounted position, wherein the locking pin includes an opening at the other end through which a U-lock can be inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: SMA Solar Technology AG
    Inventor: Andreas Donth
  • Patent number: 8739582
    Abstract: A locking arrangement for the latching of a door to a counterpart has an upper part and a lower part. The upper part has at least one base section, a first side section which is angled with respect to the base section, a cover section which is angled with respect to the first side section, and a securing section which is angled with respect to the cover section and has a securing opening. The lower part has at least one base section and a securing section which is angled with respect to the base section of the lower part and has a securing opening. A holding means for the holding of a hoop lock is provided at the upper part or at the lower part. The upper part and the lower part can be positioned in a position of use relative to one another such that the securing opening of the upper part and the securing opening of the lower part are arranged in alignment to be able to secure the two securing sections to one another by means of a lock hoop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: ABUS August Bremicker Soehne KG
    Inventor: Michael Diesing
  • Patent number: 8438884
    Abstract: A protective cover for an outdoor padlock or another lock which secures a hasp to a door, has a base, a housing dimensioned to accommodate the lock and the hasp, and a flexure hinge, preferably a living hinge. When the base of the protective cover is attached to the door protected by the padlock, the housing abuts and presses against the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Carl Bertrand
  • Patent number: 8347660
    Abstract: A padlock is provided that may include a lock body and a hoop which is movable between an open position and a closed position with respect to the lock body. The lock body may include an inner housing, an outer housing and a latching mechanism for latching the hoop in the closed position. The inner housing may include a first insertion part and a second insertion part which may receive the latching mechanism to form a pre-installable module. The pre-installable module may be inserted between first and second shells of the outer housing in shape matched manner to place the padlock in a fully assembled condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Abus August Bremicker Soehne KG
    Inventor: Raymond Guenther
  • Patent number: 8307677
    Abstract: A key containment apparatus includes a key container having a pocket and a liner positioned in the pocket of the key container, the liner being shaped to receive a key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: UTC Fire & Security Corporation
    Inventors: Wayne Larson, Matthew S. Hill, Jon Marc Luebeck
  • Patent number: 8245546
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a container lock, a method for locking a container with at least one door (2), and a container provided with a lock, said door (2) having a first frame edge portion (4), and said container having a second frame edge portion (5) positioned adjacent to said first frame edge portion (4) in a closed position of the door, wherein said container lock comprises: an interior blocking portion (6), having a body (20) adapted to extend over said first and second frame edge portions (4, 5), and an engaging abutment (7, 47, 87, 107) and an extension portion (8, 88, 108) extending out from said body (20) so that, when said interior portion (6) is arranged on the inside of said second frame edge portion (5), said engaging abutment (7, 47, 87, 107) and extension portion (8, 88, 108) provide interacting engagement of opposite side surfaces of said second frame edge portion (5), and said extension portion (8, 88, 108) extends from the interior of the container to the exterior of the container,
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventor: Nils Olsson
  • Patent number: 8225631
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hoop lock for two wheelers, wherein the hoop lock has a lock body and a substantially U-shaped hoop. The hoop is selectively releasable from the lock body or latchable to the lock body. The hoop has at least two wire sections which extend along the U-shape of the hoop alongside one another, and which are surrounded, at least regionally, by a sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: ABUS August Bremicker Sohne KG
    Inventor: Thomas Becker
  • 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: 8141396
    Abstract: A lock box assembly includes a lock box which includes a first casing and a second casing pivotally coupled to the first casing. The first casing has a combination lock disposed thereon. A protective shell is coveringly and detachably assembled with the first casing. The protective shell includes a cover panel shielding the first casing. A plurality of side panels extend from the cover panel for enclosingly forming a receiving space adapted for accommodating the first casing. At least one buckle is formed on the plurality of side panels. The cover panel has an opening defined therein and corresponds to the combination lock of the first casing. A lid is pivotally hinged to an edge of the opening for selectively shielding the opening. The protective shell and the lid protectively prevents the first casing the combination lock from exposing to weathering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventor: Yao Kun Yang
  • Patent number: 7926215
    Abstract: A plurality of color-coded lockbox tags that attach to a lockbox and visibly communicate a corresponding plurality of showing instructions relative to the lockbox. Where the underlying lockbox includes an entry mechanism involving an infrared port, the lockbox tag may include an aperture or window to expose an infrared port. A plurality of optional placards may also be provided to augment or override the primary showing instructions of the lockbox tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Realtor Biz Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Terri L. Riker, Cheryl M. Olivere
  • Patent number: 7775564
    Abstract: An animal-resistant latching system for inhibiting animals from accessing food and food containing refuse within containers. The device is composed of an access panel containing an opening to which is secured at least one latching members, a cam assembly, a cover, and a bracket. The latching members are positioned so as to inhibit access to the container when the member is in the latched position and allow access to the container when the member is in the unlatched position. The cam assembly communicates with the latching members so as to move the members between the latched and unlatched positions. The cover and bracket are dimensioned and positioned on the access panel in a predetermined manner so as allow human hands access to the cam assembly and unlatch the container while simultaneously inhibiting such access by animals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Compumeric Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: David E Moore
  • Publication number: 20090199602
    Abstract: A locking arrangement for the latching of a door to a counterpart has an upper part and a lower part. The upper part has at least one base section, a first side section which is angled with respect to the base section, a cover section which is angled with respect to the first side section, and a securing section which is angled with respect to the cover section and has a securing opening. The lower part has at least one base section and a securing section which is angled with respect to the base section of the lower part and has a securing opening. A holding means for the holding of a hoop lock is provided at the upper part or at the lower part. The upper part and the lower part can be positioned in a position of use relative to one another such that the securing opening of the upper part and the securing opening of the lower part are arranged in alignment to be able to secure the two securing sections to one another by means of a lock hoop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: ABUS AUGUST BREMICKER SOEHNE KG
    Inventor: Michael DIESING
  • Patent number: 7481085
    Abstract: A padlock includes a lock body, a shackle, and a sleeve. The lock body includes opposed front and rear longitudinally extending side walls terminating at first and second end portions. The shackle extends from the first end portion of the lock body. The sleeve covers at least a portion of each of the longitudinally extending side walls, and an internal surface of the sleeve includes at least one longitudinally extending rib contacting at least one of the front and rear longitudinally extending side walls to define a gap between the sleeve and the lock body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Master Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Rohde, John Blomstrom, John Weber, Robert Rice
  • Patent number: 7334437
    Abstract: A device for accommodating a padlock, including two halves that each have a cavity and that are hingedly interconnected such that they are movable between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position the cavities mate to form an enclosure for accommodating a padlock. At least one of the halves has a cutout for receiving the shank of the padlock. A latching mechanism retains the two halves in the closed position to contain the padlock body within the enclosure formed by the cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Mark Meyer
  • Patent number: 7131300
    Abstract: A protective cover for cargo seals. The cover has two parts with intermating elements on the two parts, and a pair of apertures that can be aligned in the two parts. When the apertures are aligned a padlock hasp can be passed through the aligned apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Inventor: Larry Monasco
  • Patent number: 6813914
    Abstract: A protective device for a padlock. The device includes a casing having a connecting member at either top or bottom, a cover formed at the top of the casing and a base formed at the bottom of the casing being connected to the top and bottom of the connecting member by soldering respectively, so that the casing, the cover and the base are adapted to enclose a body of the padlock. The base includes an opening having an annular downwardly extended flange for receiving a keyhole of the padlock, and an extension member having a recessed enlargement at one open end for being hingedly coupled to one side of the base, so that a pivotal movement of the extension member toward the base will snap the enlargement into and seal the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventor: Min-Hui Chen
  • Patent number: 6769157
    Abstract: A seat belt buckle guard device is provided for preventing access to a release button on a seat belt. The device comprises a sleeve structured to fit over a variety of shapes and sizes of seat belt buckles. The sleeve comprises a front face and a top face that are capable of covering the front portion of a variety of seat belt buckles. The sleeve is made of sufficiently rigid material to prevent indentation of the faces and thereby prevent contact with both front and top belt buckle release button. The sleeve further comprising a split back face, which enables the sleeve to expand to fit over the variety of seat belt buckles. A top arm extending from the sleeve engages the scat belt strap with a tight friction fit to resist removal of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventor: Patricia L. Meal
  • 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: 6705134
    Abstract: A padlock assembly includes a padlock including a lock body and a shackle. The lock body has a top surface and a bottom surface and at least one body pin having a longitudinal dimension and extending through the lock body and beyond the top surface and the bottom surface. The shackle is fixedly attachable to the lock body through the top surface. The padlock assembly also includes a jacket having a hollow member shaped to receive the lock body and fixedly attached to the lock body. The jacket has a length at least as great as the longitudinal dimension of the at least one body pin and the jacket is disposed on the lock body to extend beyond the top surface and the bottom surface coextensive with the at least one body pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventor: Richard Miranda
  • Patent number: 6578393
    Abstract: A security cover for a padlock used to lock a hasp or other similar structure comprises a housing having first, second and third openings. The openings provide limited access to the housing's interior region. When installed on a hasp, the shackle and a substantial portion of the hasp's eye extend through the second and third openings, respectively, and are contained within the housing for protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventor: Doyle Yarborought
  • Patent number: 6526786
    Abstract: A protective cover for a realtor's lock box is provided. The cover comprises a substantially rectangular assembly of panels, wherein at least some of the panels include a resilient layer that protects the lock box from impacts and protects objects that impact the lock box. The cover may also include one or more straps, and the straps may be releasably attached to one or more of the panels. The cover includes an opening at a bottom end to allow a key compartment to eject from the lock box. In a preferred embodiment, the cover includes a sleeve for storing realtor's business cards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: Debra L. Kayoda
  • Patent number: 6505488
    Abstract: A tire lock mounts to an opening in the vehicle frame in order to suspend a locking bar down through an opening in the spare wheel. A locking device may then be slid over the distal end of the locking bar in order to lock the spare wheel securely in place. The locking device is designed to accept a lock cylinder from the manufacturer's easily-defeated spare tire lock, so that the locking device of the present invention may be keyed with the remaining locks of the vehicle. The locking mechanism of the present invention also incorporates a spring-loaded resilient boot which engages the vehicle spare wheel lug nut hole, thereby preventing annoying rattling between the spare tire lock of the present invention and the spare tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Inventor: William E. Princell
  • 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: 6357266
    Abstract: A latch cover is secured over a latch to be protected by the lock which locks the latch, and the latch cover restricts access to the latch to reduce the chance of tampering with the latch. The latch cover includes a cover plate sized to cover a substantial portion of the latch and lock when held in a position in front of the latch. Holding plates extend from the cover plate over the sides of the latch where a lock member of a lock locking the latch extend. Such lock member extends from the opposite sides of the latch and through holes in the holding plates to secure the cover in place. Side plates preferably extend between the holding plates to form a box structure to more fully cover the latch. Notches in the side plates receive items extending into or from the latch and help position the cover. The cover allows access to the lock so the lock and latch can be opened when desired and the cover removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Inventor: Randy C. Van Buren
  • 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: 6192721
    Abstract: A protector for a padlock of the kind having a body and a shackle, said protector having a pouch for holding the body and a flap for forming a closed pocket with said pouch, with the shackle extending out of the pocket. In this manner the shackle is free to rotate so that it can engage a chain link, a hasp, and so on. The protector is preferably made of flexible material such as rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventor: Louis Monteleone
  • Patent number: 6041480
    Abstract: A seat belt lock cover for use with a seat belt having a seat belt release button, for selectively preventing a child from accessing the seat belt release button, comprising a main housing and a cover plate. The main housing has a pair of side surfaces, a top surface and an elongated channel for allowing the seat belt to pass through the housing. The top surface has an open portion for selectively allowing access to the release button of the seat belt extending through the elongated channel. The cover plate selectively covers the open portion and prevents access to the release button. A pair of release latches, located on opposite side surfaces, prevent the cover plate form opening unless operated simultaneously by a large, adult-size hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Paula White
  • Patent number: 5761935
    Abstract: A weatherproof casing for a padlock having a body and a shackle. A lower casing includes a body, a bottom cap having a flat bottom and an annular wall projecting therefrom, and a strap connecting the body and the bottom cap. The casing body includes an upper portion conforming to the shape of the padlock body and open at the top for receiving the body of the padlock, and an upper casing in the form of a cap having an annular downwardly projecting flange defining an opening for receiving the top of the lower casing body. The lower casing body additionally includes an enlarged flange at the bottom defining a second opening for receiving the annular wall of the bottom cap. The strap extends between the side of the bottom of the bottom cap and the side of the enlarged flange proximate the top thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventor: Gerard G. Adelmeyer
  • Patent number: 5713230
    Abstract: A gearshift-stick locking assembly includes a padlock body, an annular fluorescent seat and a shackle. The seat is shaped as a rectangular frame and is made of a rubber containing a fluorescent material. The padlock body has a top surface and a mushroom-shaped projection which projects integrally from the top surface so as to define therebetween an annular groove within which the frame is engaged. The frame has two curved opposite side surfaces each of which defines a shackle-positioning slot. The legs of the shackle are engaged fittingly within the slots. Preferably, each of the curved opposite side surfaces of the frame is provided with several longitudinally extending ribs and bumps for contact with the legs of the shackle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Inventor: Nana Wang
  • Patent number: 5706679
    Abstract: A harness for securing more than one part of a vehicle to a station comprising a tether and a U-lock. The U-lock includes a tubular body and a solid shackle. The body has a pair of aligned holes in the wall and a locking mechanism. The shackle is a U-shaped, solid rod, where one leg has a bent foot that fits into one aligned hole and the other leg has a shaped foot adapted to be captured by the locking mechanism after being inserted into the other aligned hole. The tether includes a length of flexible material and a cuff. The length is a braided cable or a chain, and is sheathed. A hardened steel cuff is rotatably connected to the one end of the length. The cuff has a number of configurations of openings through which components of the U-lock are inserted before the U-lock is assembled. A loop is connected to the other end of the length and is sized to permit the cuff, but not the U-lock, to pass through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Kryptonite Corporation
    Inventors: Michael S. Zane, Cornelius McDaid
  • Patent number: 5704231
    Abstract: The improved padlock and protective cover assembly includes a flexible resilient cover of natural or elastomeric material releasably disposed around the body of a padlock. The hasp, including its rungs, project up and out of the top of the cover. The cover top is removable from the lower portion of the cover and fits snugly around the rungs to prevent water from contacting the padlock body. That body is disposed snugly within an open-topped insert, the insert also fitting snugly within the lower portion of the cover. Both the insert bottom and the bottom of the lower portion of the cover define an opening up through which a key can be inserted into the lock body to release the hasp. The opening in the cover lower portion bottom is normally closed but can be flexed open. In one embodiment that bottom is specially configured as an upwardly projecting arc to facilitate squeezing the opposite sides of the bottom toward each other to flex open the keyhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Inventor: Charles J. Heald
  • Patent number: 5615567
    Abstract: An exterior door lock cover (22) comprising a flexible sleeve (24) which fits over an exterior exposed lock member (10) having a keyhole (12) on an exterior door (16). The flexible sleeve (24) will stop any contaminants (20) from entering the keyhole (12) in the lock member (10) which can accumulate and clog the lock member (10) and prevent the proper insertion of a key (26) into the keyhole (12) for operating the lock member (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Inventor: Alan D. Kemp
  • Patent number: 5309741
    Abstract: A padlock having a body, a U-shaped keeper at one end of the body, and a key receptor at the opposite end of the body, the body containing a row of pieces to be engaged by key teeth comprising an indicator device on the body; the device having a location on the body relative to the pieces to indicate the left or right directional orientation of key teeth insertion into the receptor, to effect opening of the padlock keeper; and the indicator device extending in the direction of key insertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Inventor: Henry P. Nava
  • Patent number: 5236527
    Abstract: A labelled padlock has a body circumscribed by a heat shrunk plastic sleeve displaying a notice. The notice can be imprinted on a hermetically sealed label adhesively affixed to the body of the padlock before a transparent sleeve is applied, or on a surface of the sleeve itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Idesco Corp.
    Inventor: Gerald Brodsky
  • Patent number: 5216903
    Abstract: A concealed shackle padlock includes a shackle having a first straight protecting tube sleeved on the fixed end thereof, a second straight protecting tube removably sleeved on the free end of the shackle and connected to the casing of the padlock by a chain, and an arched protecting tube sleeved on the arched middle part of the shackle. By way of the protection of the first and second straight protecting tube, and the arched protecting tube, it is nearly impossible to open the padlock with bolt cutters, hacksaws or jimmying tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Inventor: Sheng-Tai Chen
  • Patent number: 5156029
    Abstract: The assembly includes a lock with a main lock body having a bottom keyhole and an inverted u-shaped double rung top hasp connected to the top of the main body and extending upwardly therefrom. The assembly also includes a flexible, resilient, elastomeric protective lock cover removably enclosing and sealing the lock body against the elements. The cover is in two pieces. It includes a bottom portion extending over the lower sides of the lock body and continuing below the lock body. The bottom portion has opposed sides and a tapered bottom defining an openable closed slit through which, when opened, by squeezing opposed sides toward each other, the keyhole can be reached by a key. The cover also includes an upper cap having a top and interconnected depending sides. The inner surfaces of the cap sides bear a circumferential groove engageable with and of smaller diameter than the base of a circumferential bead with sloping top and bottom on the outer surface of the sides of the bottom portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Inventor: Charles J. Heald
  • Patent number: 5092142
    Abstract: An improved bicycle lock, featuring a U-shaped shackle, a cross bar and means for securing one to the other, is disclosed. The means for securing the shackle to the cross bar also functions as a fulcrum, permitting a tilting movement between the two parts, required in assembling and dissassembling them. The means further includes a locking mechanism removably mounted in the cross bar in between the shackle's legs, and features a dead bolt. The cross bar extends beyond the shackle's legs less than twice the diameter of one of those legs, resulting in a compact and sturdy design. A plastic cover encloses at least the cross bar and is preferably formed of two parts slidably fitted over the cross bar, with means for securing the two parts to one another. Preferably, an environmental protection means is provided for the locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: Kryptonite Corporation
    Inventors: Michael S. Zane, Peter L. Zane
  • Patent number: 5046339
    Abstract: A lock box, or key safe, is provided with a light weight, flexible, shock-absorbing jacket to minimize or eliminate marking, denting, or other damage caused by the box's inadvertently contacting areas adjacent to where it is mounted. The presently preferred jacket material is crosslinked closed cell polyethylene foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Inventor: Darrnell D. Krell
  • Patent number: 5033279
    Abstract: A flexible elastic padlock cover both form-fit and stretch-fit to the padlock body and having handle means for ready handling of the cover in putting it on and taking it off. The cover may be split so that the upper half can remain on the body while the lower half is removed for lock operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: Master Lock Company
    Inventor: Horst Lebrecht
  • Patent number: 5010746
    Abstract: An improved bicycle lock, featuring a U-shaped shackle, a cross bar and means for securing one to the other, is disclosed. The means for securing the shackle to the cross bar also functions as a fulcrum, permitting a tilting movement between the two parts, required in assembling and dissassembling them. The means further includes a locking mechanism removably mounted in the cross bar in between the shackle's legs, and features a dead bolt. The cross bar extends beyond the shackle's legs less than twice the diameter of one of those legs, resulting in a compact and sturdy design. A plastic cover encloses at least the cross bar and is preferably formed of two parts slidably fitted over the cross bar, with means for securing the two parts to one another. Preferably, an environmental protection means is provided for the locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Assignee: Kryptonite Corporation
    Inventors: Michael S. Zane, Peter L. Zane
  • Patent number: 5003795
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a lock protector includes a front and back cover and a hinge portion formed from a single sheet of vinyl material. A hasp slot is formed in the back cover of the protector through which a hasp is inserted. The front and back covers include mutually contact adherent strips around the perimeter of the covers adapted to sealingly engage when the front cover is folded onto the back cover along the hinge portion with the lock situated within and attached to the hasp. Another embodiment is disclosed in which the lock protector includes a pouch defining a pocket for receiving the lock therein. The protector includes a flap extending from the pouch and adapted to overlay the opening of the pocket. The flap includes a hasp slot which is intersected by the hinge portion so that when the flap is folded over the pocket opening the hasp slot opens upward to receive the hasp. A number of contact adherent strips are provided on the flap for engaging the pouch and for engaging about the hinge portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Inventor: A. Chyril Hoke
  • Patent number: 4905486
    Abstract: A security and protective cover for a padlock, which cover is releasably latchable to the padlock to cover the padlock case including keyway, and to shield the padlock shackle, is disclosed. There is a first cover portion having a lower part with spaced apart walls that form a case-receiving chamber with an open front to allow placement of the padlock case therein, with a top chamber wall having a spaced pair of semi-circular indentations for receiving the shafts of the shackle. Extending upwardly from the top of the lower part of the first cover portion is a shackle-shielding wall with a central slot extending downwardly from its top to define twin wall projections lying behind and adjacent the upstanding shackle shafts of a padlock mounted in the cover to surround first portions of these shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Inventor: Paul Appelbaum
  • Patent number: 4896518
    Abstract: An access prevention device having a rigid metal enclosure body made of metal plate and having a plurality of sides. A first elongated slot is formed linearly in a first wall and adapted to receive the shackle of a padlock inserted into a first end of the body. A second elongated slot is formed linearly in a second wall and adapted to receive the staple loop of a hasp interlinked with the shackle of the padlock. The device may be heat treated to resist being disabled. The padlock shackle encloses a portion of the first wall and the loop of the staple when it is locked into place. A protective skirt extends longitudinally between the ends of the body and forms the sides of the body. The protective skirt is adapted to protect the padlock shackle from access by external cutting devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1990
    Inventor: Donald W. Appelgren
  • Patent number: 4869082
    Abstract: A padlock cover with storage compartment, having a first portion which covers the case of a conventional padlock, this first portion having a pair of openings for passing the legs of the padlock shackle. The cover has a second portion having spaced apart walls that define a storage compartment, with an access opening in one wall. A flexible, resilient, elongated lid member is mounted in guide means such that it has a closed position in which one end portion covers the storage compartment opening and the other end abuts the releasably locked leg of the shackle to hold the lid closed; and the lid member being slidable to an open position in which the compartment opening is uncovered when the shackle leg is released from the padlock case thereby unobstructing further guided movement of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Inventor: Paul Appelbaum
  • Patent number: 4794771
    Abstract: A device and method for locking spare tires, such as spare tires which are raised and lowered by a winch mechanism on the undercarriages of vehicles. The device in one embodiment includes first and second flanges, which may be part of a yoke saddled over a support member, such as the shaft connected to the spare tire winch mechanism. The flanges have holes through which an upper segment of a shaft is placed and held. The lower segment of the shaft typically passes through the lug hole of the wheel, below which a lock housing is coupled to the shaft. A plurality of grooves are provided in the shaft to allow the lock housing to be placed at various positions therealong to accommodate various tire and wheel size combinations. The upper segment of the shaft may include core and tab portions which engage a hole in one of the flanges when the upper segment of the shaft is rotated in the hole. This may be accomplished using a tab having a chorded circle shape corresponding to a chorded circle profile of the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Inventor: William E. Princell
  • Patent number: 4790163
    Abstract: A cover for the keyway of a lock comprising a multilayered disk-like lid adapted to allow penetration by a key therethrough, yet being resistant to ingress of environmental contaminants when the key is withdrawn, the lid being rotatably mounted to housing for the lock so as to rotate with a key that has been inserted therethrough for engagement within the keyslot of the lock, the lid having an upper and an intermediate layer of elastomer material, and a bottom support layer of material appreciably less resilient than the upper and intermediate layers. There is a first water impervious slit extending through the upper layer, and a second slit in the intermediate layer that lies in a vertical plan parallel to the first slit and laterally spaced therefrom. A slot in the bottom layer lies below the first and second slits. The first slit is adapted to be deformably opened by the downward passage of a key therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1988
    Inventor: Paul Appelbaum