Abstract: A security key control information system and method for vehicle dealerships and the like is provided. A key storage device A mounted to each vehicle window has a compartment for storing access keys B to the respective vehicles and contains a sensing device H which produces a signal indicating whether an event related to that vehicle is routine or hostile. A second device may be permanently attached to the vehicle for regularly transmitting identifying information as to that vehicle. Both devices report the information by radio through an intermediate transmitter network to a computer D inside the dealership which records the information along with the time of the event. The information is stored for subsequent retrieval for the purpose of generating reports useful to the dealership management. If an event is hostile, appropriate action may be taken including suitable signaling.

Abstract: A repository for storing small articles is constructed to resemble a common household object, such as a videotape cassette. The articles are placed in two containers mounted on the base of the repository, and the containers are sealed by a cover which is placed over them. The closed repository can be inserted into a sleeve which holds the base and the cover together. The sleeve has been marked with letters and designs to resemble the sleeve of a standard videotape cassette. The cover has been formed to resemble the top of a standard videotape cassette, but it also has a picture attached to it which depicts the inside of a videotape cassette and which thereby simulates a videotape cassette even more effectively. By simulating a common household object such as a video cassette, the repository is not likely to be discovered by a thief. The base includes apertures like those of a standard videotape cassette.

Abstract: A key control device comprises a primary key, a primary lock, a secondary key, a secondary lock, and a mechanical drive. The primary lock operably receives the primary key and is keyed such that when the primary key is inserted into the primary lock, it becomes movable between a primary key release state and a primary key capture state. The secondary lock operably receives the secondary key and is keyed such that when the secondary key is received by the secondary lock it becomes movable between a secondary key release state and a secondary key capture state. The mechanical drive interconnects the primary and secondary locks such that when the primary lock moves from its primary key release state to its primary key capture state, the secondary lock simultaneously moves from its secondary key capture state to its secondary key release state and vice versa.

Abstract: A cover lock assembly for a process transmitter having threadably removable end caps and corrugated outer surfaces is provided for engaging the corrugated surfaces by way of a toothed cover lock which is removably affixed to the transmitter housing.

Abstract: A wall mounting bracket is provided for a carrying case such as a gun case, a camera case or a jewelry case. The handle of the case fits onto the bracket and can be locked in place by a padlock. The padlock also prevents the case from being opened when fitted on the bracket.

Abstract: A transfer station is provided to allow a secure transfer of goods between a service person such as a cleaner and an owner of the goods at the owner's residence when the owner is not at home. The station includes a bag forming an enclosure for the goods and having a handle. The station also includes a capture box with a receiver for the handle and a closure that prevents removal of the handle from the receiver when closed and locked. The box has a relatively low profile and does not capture part or all of the bag to provide security for the bag. A mechanism is also provided to close and secure the bag.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a hand gun case having a top section hingedly attached to a bottom section. Into the top section there is placed a top insert that supports the front and two sides of the top section against prying and also has an additional guide through which the bolt of the lock is directed. A lock is attached proximate to the front of the top section. A bottom insert is placed into the bottom section which has a block which aligns underneath the lock when the top section is in a closed position. The bottom section also has a lock protection bar.

Abstract: A security box assembly has a body portion and a cover portion. The cover portion has a top wall with hook and loop type fastener sheets for adhering the box to the undersurface of a table or counter, and has depending walls defining a downwardly open hollow interior. The body portion has a bottom wall with upstanding walls defining an upwardly open hollow interior. The body portion is moveable to and from a closed, locked position against the underside of the cover portion, in which portion the upwardly and downwardly facing openings are in registration. A parallelogram linkage system consisting of pairs of parallel pivoted links on each side of the assembly connect the side walls of the body portion with side walls of the cover portion thereby enabling the body portion to move downwardly and forwardly from the closed, locked position to an open position providing ready access to the interior of the body portion.

Abstract: A vertically adjustable extension rail system for a drawer used in a housing having opposed vertical walls with a plurality of horizontally-extending, vertically-spaced guide ribs leaving alternating guide grooves. The extension rail system comprises two spaced apart extension rail assemblies with each extension rail assembly having a carrier rail and a slide rail which are slidably interconnected. A guide arm is mountable at a plurality of vertical levels along each of the slide rails. The guide arms are adapted for being lengthwise slidably received by opposing guide grooves on the vertical walls. A fixed or removable drawer receptacle can be mounted between the two extension rail assemblies.

Abstract: A device for attachment to a bed frame for the receipt of articles therein having a receptacle with a closed end and an open end, a door fastened to said open end, a lock attached to the door so as to fix a position of the door with respect to the receptacle, a clamp attached to a forward end of the receptacle so as to affix the receptacle to the bed frame, and a support connected to a back end of the receptacle so as to support the receptacle above a surface. The clamp is a mounting bracket affixed by a bolt to the receptacle. An area between the receptacle and the mounting bracket engages corresponding surfaces of the bed frame. The receptacle has a top surface, a base, a pair of sides, and a pair of ends extending upwardly relative to the base. The support is an extendible leg fastened to a rear end of the receptacle so as to support the receptacle in a generally level condition.

Abstract: A utility meter box lock construction includes a male assembly having a male body which is bolted to the front wall of the utility meter box with a threaded bolt having an annular groove which is locked to the male body by a set screw. The lid is secured in place in a closed condition by a conventional utility plunger lock which is assembled to a female assembly having a bore which aligns with a bore in the male body. A threaded insert is threaded to the male body in the bore which is aligned with a second bore in the female assembly for receiving the plunger lock. The balls of the plunger lock are expandable to an extension locking state for mating with a groove in the insert threaded to the male body. The position of the plunger balls is set along the plunger bore by rotation of the threaded insert for ensuring that the female member with a lid-locking flange closely closes the lid of the box to the box sidewalls.

Abstract: A combination lock for a key safe has an over-center spring for biasing a unitary bolt in an extended or retracted position. A switch for actuating the bolt has a break-away button to foil vandals. The bolt includes checkers for engaging notches in a plurality of programmable combination rings when the combination is properly dialed. The checkers have V-shaped ridges for engaging false notches formed in the combination rings, making the lock pick-resistant. The checkers also include flat shoulders to prevent the bolt from being forcibly wedged into the combination rings to open the lock. The combination must be properly dialed to permit the bolt to be retracted for closing the key safe.

Abstract: A device for opening security packages used to protect audio-visual media from being stolen is disclosed. The security package opening device includes a base which assists with proper positioning of the security package to be opened. It also includes a slidable opening mechanism which, when slid forward, automatically causes key elements to enter the locking means of the security package. The opening mechanism then opens the security package permitting the contents of the security package to be removed.

Abstract: A comprehensive real estate lockbox system is disclosed which provides a variety of operational features. One of these includes a reader key that can retrieve access data from a system lockbox. The reader key is provided with an audible tone generator which can be selectively enabled by the user. The tone generator can be used to download data from the reader key over telephone lines.

Abstract: A combination vehicle steering wheel locking and article protection apparatus comprises an elongate, rigid locking bar having joined at one end region a first, longitudinally--opening fork configured for fitting over a conventional vehicle steering wheel rim. Included are a second, longitudinally-opening fork configured for fitting over the steering wheel rim and means for enabling the second fork to slide longitudinally along the locking bar with both the first and second forks directed longitudinally outwardly in opposite directions. Locking means are mounted for longitudinally sliding along the locking bar intermediate the first and second forks, the locking means being operative for being locked to the locking bar in any selected one of a multitude of longitudinal positions.

Abstract: A file box for video cassettes comprising a box, the box having a bottom panel, a rear wall panel, a top panel, a left side end cap, and a right side end cap, and a foam liner for covering inside surfaces of the top, bottom and rear panels. A door panel may be included for closing the opening in the front of the file box, and a latch for latching the door flap to the top panel and for closing the box. The foam liner has fingers which form individual compartments for holding the video cassettes firmly and resiliently in place.

Abstract: A security container, and a security cover that is locked via a locking mechanism onto the security container. The security cove is sized to fit snugly and substantially overlap the security container to prevent a prying instrument from being inserted between the security cover and the security container. Further, the long sidewalls create an overlap of the security cover and security container to hinder any attempt to insert a prying instrument between the container and the cover, further frustrating attempts to pry the cover off of the container.

Abstract: A device for locking a coin control mechanism and insert into the interior of the housing of cabinet of a newspaper rack, the device comprising a cross bar (30) permanently mounted across the housing front opening (22) on which there is attached a blade receipt member (32) or in which a blade receipt slot (33) is located. An insert (38) consisting of a metal perimeter (40) having an insert cross member (52) extending from an upper insert brace (42) to a lower insert brace (46) is connected to pivot cams (36) attached to or near a lower edge (24) of the housing opening. The insert cross member (52) has an insert bracket (56) attached thereto which is generally L-shaped, having an attachment leg (58) for attaching the insert bracket (56) to the insert cross member (52) and a lock receiving leg (60). The insert (38) attaches to the pivot cams (36), and is dimensioned such that the perimeter (40) fits snugly against the perimeter of the front opening (22) of the cabinet.

Abstract: An anti-theft apparatus includes a bracket-shaped auxiliary member which is displaceably guided longitudinally along a narrow side of a casing and has ends which are bent inwardly in order to clamp a box-like article. When the bracket is in its slid out position relative to the casing, its outer end can be bent in an elastic manner to enable removal or insertion of the article, and the inner end of the bracket has a locking lug which also projects inwardly to snap into a locking slot at the narrow side of the casing opposite of the slide-in opening when the bracket is completely inserted into the casing. The locking lug can be released out of this position only by use of a special tool.

Abstract: An object retention apparatus which includes, in its most preferred embodiment, an outer body member and an inner body member, which inner body member is insertable into the outer body member and includes an interior storage compartment closed by a cap to seal in solids, such as heart medication tablets or diabetes medication and which is preferably designed to additionally seal a container or vial which fits within the compartment for storing liquids, such as perfume, cologne, breath freshener, etc. The object retention apparatus also features two attachment rings attached to the body members and a quick release mechanism to allow separation of the two body members and, thus, the rings. The quick release mechanism includes a push button, a retaining loop, a biasing device, and a retaining ring device for holding the release mechanism in place. In an alternate embodiment, the inner body consists of a whistle. The quick release mechanism also has application in other devices unrelated to object retention.

Abstract: A lock box is provided with a locking cover held locked by a locking element. The lock mechanism is operated by the fingers of a hand actuating individual tumblers, one for each finger, simultaneously. The fingers push against the tumblers and the distance they push them is determined by the length of the fingers which are held by interdigital stops. The tumblers are spring biased against the finger motion. Each tumbler is provided with a stop and pass mechanism that is adjustable along the length of the tumbler to correspond to a particular finger length so that the pass elements of each tumbler will all be aligned to permit passage of the locking element when a particular hand actuates the mechanism, whereas hands of other elements will position at least one of the stop elements so that the locking element cannot pass and the container remains closed.

Abstract: A portable gun box for safely storing at least one of a variety of loaded and unloaded firearms. The gun box includes a child-resistant latching mechanism positioned inside the gun box. In turn, the latching mechanism has a slideable first latching arm; a slidable second latching arm adapted to engage and disengage the first latching arm; a catch attached to the second latching arm to engage a hook on the lid of the gun box when the gun box is closed and to disengage that hook when the gun box is open; and a guide bracket attached to the gun box and substantially surrounding the catch to prevent the hook from disengaging the catch unless the first latching arm and the second latching arm are disengaged.

Abstract: A locking system for locking and unlocking a container wherein the locking system is controlled via an electronically controlled code lock interacting with a control device. The code lock is pre-set in such a way that, for the purpose of locking, the code lock is arranged so as to be allocated a unique locking code for each individual occasion and, for the purpose of unlocking, is arranged to be allocated an unlocking code which differs from the locking code, which unlocking code is unique for each individual occasion. In the locking system, a pre-determined locking signal sequence is related to a pre-determined unlocking signal sequence, and, associated with the container, is an identification marking including an information carrier and a password associated with the signal sequence for unlocking the container.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tamper proof lockable firearm case having an internal chamber sized and configured to store a firearm. The case has a door which may be opened responsive to unlocking a computer controlled lock. The lock actuator consists of depressions in the case corresponding to fingers of the user's hand, with each depression having an actuator button. Depressing a sequence of buttons including simultaneous and sequential depressions in a pre-programmed sequence results in unlocking of the case and opening of the door to allow access to the firearm. A key lock is also provided in the event of battery failure.

Abstract: An improved key safe for a door wherein the door has a hole therethrough. A hollow key holder is shiftably mounted in the hole. A spring exerts a bias force against the key holder in the hole of the door so that the key holder and key held thereby will be automatically ejected into an adjacent room and become completely inaccessible to an intruder. Ejection of the holder occurs when a hold-down means at the opposite end of the holder is forced off the holder in any manner, such as by using a crowbar, screwdriver or the like. The hold-down means will preferably be an O-ring seated in an annular groove at the opposite end of the holder. When unseated from the groove, the hold-down means moves off the holder, thus permitting the holder to be projected off the door and into the adjacent room under the influence of the bias force of the spring. Since the door is locked, an intruder will be prevented from reaching the key for unlocking the door.

Abstract: A newspaper delivery box is provided for attachment to or placement outside the door of a house or apartment. The box is provided with a hinged top having a one-way slot, a lock adapted to lock the lid to the main portion of the box and a tether adapted to secure the box to a door knob or the like behind the closed door.

Abstract: A keysafe has tumblers which are set by a key-like programmer and has combination wheels which, when correctly set, have slots which receive the set tumblers. Thus, there is a unique combination for each programmer. In order to reset the combination wheels to their beginning, reference position, a slot is provided in each combination wheel, together with a lock bar which can enter the slot when the combination wheels are in the reference position. This lock bar is actuated to permit the programmer to be withdrawn.

Abstract: Sealable food storage containers having a time actuated locking mechanism to prevent access to food stored except at a predetermined time. The purpose of the invention is to aid dieters, children and compulsive snack or dessert consuming persons by permitting access to a particular stored food only at a predetermined time. This is to prevent between meal snacks or consumption of foods for dietary reasons. The device includes a sealable plastic or other type of food storage container that can be safely used within a refrigerated space and a removable separate time actuated locking mechanism that can be interchanged and used with a variety of food storage containers. The time locking mechanism includes a lid latching mechanism that has an engageable latch that is disengaged at a predetermined time by an electrical current provided to a small motor. The food storage containers include a pouch or separate access chamber that houses the timing mechanism and cooperates with the lid for the locking mechanism.

Abstract: In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a currency security box is releasably secured to a frame within a device, such as a vending machine, gaming machine, gaming table, amusement machine, bank machine or the like, and is automatically released from the frame by sliding a transportable security box cover over the security box. At the position where the security box cover releases the box from the frame, the security box cover also effectively encloses the security box and automatically latches onto the security box. The security box, along with the security box cover, may now be removed from the frame and the device. The security box cover includes a locking device which must be activated to release the security box cover from the security box so as to gain access to the currency in the box.

Abstract: A device for opening security packages used to protect audio-visual media from being stolen is disclosed. The security package opening device includes a base which assists with proper positioning of the security package to be opened. It also includes a slidable opening mechanism which, when slid forward, automatically causes key elements to enter the locking means of the security package. The slidable opening mechanism then unlocks the security package permitting the contents of the security package to be removed.

Abstract: A puzzle box includes a floor, side walls, a first end wall, and a second end wall to define a container, with a lid positioned to overlie the container, wherein the first end wall receives a through-extending shaft, wherein the side walls and second end wall include fixed block members. The shaft is directed through openings in flanges fixedly and orthogonally mounted to a bottom surface of the lid, wherein the shaft is only projected into the container through the first end wall and the remaining end walls and side walls are arranged to confuse availability of the shaft. A modification of the invention includes the floor formed with spring-biased rods selectively projected into the container, wherein the lid, when mounted on the container, includes locking blocks, wherein the locking blocks are positioned in locking engagement with the shaft and are in biased communication with the shaft.

Abstract: A safe gun storage apparatus is disclosed for the storage therein and ready accessibility of a loaded handgun, said storage apparatus having child-deterrent latching apparatus provided therein is disclosed. A gun drawer containing a loaded handgun is retained within a cabinet which is substantially impervious to destruction and being pried open. Dual entry locking apparatus secures the loaded gun with the storage container. A first locking apparatus involving entry of a predetermined key punch code first unlocks a secondary child-deterrent latching apparatus. The latter unlatches after a given sequence of operations are carried out which then unlatches a latching bolt from within an opening provided within the drawer. The accessibility and, therefore, the gun within the drawer is provided in a quiet and otherwise undetectable mode of operation.

Abstract: A portable secure container or keysafe is provided which employs a conventional combination padlock with a permanently attached U-shaped shackle. The padlock serves as both the locking mechanism and closure for the container. The padlock is inserted into a sleeve extending from the container which slidably receives the lock. The mechanism to operate the lock is located in the same opening which receives the lock. The sleeve has a hole to receive the free end of the padlock shackle and a slot which receives the permanently attached end. The slot can be "L" shaped to allow a circular padlock to be rotated within a circular sleeve a limited distance to align the free end of the shackle with a hole in the sleeve. The container can also be secured to a permanent structure by the shackle of the padlock.

Abstract: A retention mechanism having a housing and a member mounted in the housing for movement between the first and second positions. The member has a shoulder formed thereon. A spring yieldably engages opposite sides of the member and the shoulder to prevent movement of the member from the first to the second position. An actuator is provided which includes an element engaging the spring means for moving the spring from a shoulder engaging or latched position to a shoulder disengaging or unlatched position to permit the movement of the member from the first to the second position.

Abstract: A detent clip adapted to fit around the edge of a door and positioned so that the clip prevents the swinging movement of a real estate lockbox attached to the handle of the door. The clip comprises a substantially U-shaped member, one leg of which has a projecting portion to bear against the lockbox thereby deterring its swinging movement when the door is opened or closed.

Abstract: A lockable key box having a tubular receiver portion with an integrally formed mounting flange, and a closure plug which is lockably receivable in an open end of the receiver portion. The closure plug is formed of an inner sleeve which fits within the outer sleeve formed by the receiver, and a master key-operated cylindrical lock mechanism which is retained within the inner sleeve so that a locking plunger extends from the lock mechanism through a transverse bore in the inner sleeve to engage a locking recess in the outer sleeve. The locking plunger is outwardly-biased and has a bevelled leading face so that the closure plug can be inserted into the receiver portion without using the master key. The receiver portion has a substantially continuous transverse cross section, so that it can be formed of extruded material, such as high strength extruded aluminum alloy.

Abstract: A key chain with interior storage compartment closed by a cap to seal in solids, such as heart medication tablets or diabetes medication and which, preferably, is designed to additionally seal a container or vial which fits within the compartment for storing liquids, such as perfume, cologne, breath freshener, etc. which also features two key rings with a quick release mechanism to allow separation of the two rings.

Abstract: A security box or a container assembly designed to be secured to the undersurface of a table, counter, bed frame, or like structure so as to extend beneath the undersurface in a substantially out-of-sight location and specifically adapted to hold a handgun or other applicable weapon, valuables or medication in a readily accessible location for easy removal once a cover of the container is opened. To mount the container under a bed, a mounting structure is removably attached to the bed frame so as to support the container in the preferred out-of-sight location beneath the bed in a somewhat cantilevered fashion. Mounting to other surfaces, such as under a table or counter top can be achieved by securing the top of the container to the mounting surface in such a manner as to be out of the general line of sight.

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.

Abstract: An electronic real estate lockbox system includes a facsimile reporting capability. More particularly, numeric data detailing the location of a lockbox, dates and times of accesses to the lockbox, and the identities of the keyholders who accessed the lockbox, is transferred from the lockbox to a central computer. The central computer interprets this numeric data to provide human-readable names, addresses, etc. After translation, the central computer formats the data for facsimile transmission to the local real estate offices that require the information to track usage of the lockbox. A variety of other features are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved apparatus to lock a handgun within a compartment while the compartment is readily lockable to a stationary object using a clip. The compartment is only accessible by authorized persons to unlock a latch to open the compartment. The latch can be lighted to allow entry at night. The apparatus also serves to carry the handgun and can subsequently be used to so secure the handgun at another location.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a safe for providing an enclosure housing for video films or the like, the safe being lockable to a doorknob. The safe has a back panel and a front panel which define the housing. The back panel is disposable over a doorknob, and a front cover is hingedly swingable onto said front panel and said back panel to lock them together, and to lock the safe containing the video films or like products onto the doorknob.

Abstract: A container having a concealed closure which is operable through a mechanism on the interior of the container only by deformation of a resiliently deformable top closure.

Abstract: An electronic lock system is disclosed in which a key can be assigned a limited lifetime, such as by storing data indicative of an expiration date in a key memory. Whenever the key is used with a lock, the lock first examines this key data and verifies that the key is still timely before performing any operations. After a key's expiration date has passed, it is useless until a new expiration date is stored in its memory. By this arrangement, keys that are lost or stolen soon lose their efficacy and no longer pose a threat to system security. The invention also permits the lock administrator to issue keys with different useful lives, so that, for example, a person who needs a key for only one day can be issued a key that expires the next day. A variety of other operational features are also disclosed.

Abstract: A readily portable safe is bracketed to a bracket plate adapted to be secured to a solid surface by relative sliding motion. The safe is in two parts hinged together. A cylinder lock has a bolt which engages in registering holes in lugs on the plate and the two parts of the safe.

Abstract: A lock box having a housing and a lid mounted to said housing. The housing has a ridge mounted about its inner periphery adjacent its open side. A retainer on the lid which is complementary to the ridge is mounted over the ridge to retain the lid in its mounted position. A spring biased pin is mounted to the lid and extends between a retracted position where the lid can be removed from the housing and an extended position where the lid is locked to the housing. A lock controls the position of the pin as it moves between the retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: A locking video cassette case for a single video cassette includes a case defining a space to receive a video cassette, a lid hingedly secured to the case, a first locking member secured to a surface of the case, a second locking member secured to a surface of the lid, the first and second locking members incorporating means for locking the lid in a closed position, and means for manipulating the locking means for releasing the lid from the closed position.

Abstract: A security cabinet comprising a compartment (1) equipped at the front with a door (6) which is normally closed by a bolt (40) released by at least one electromagnet (39) activated under the effect of a means of opening the door (38, 49, 50, 53), and a back plate (3) opposite the door.

Abstract: A novel locking mechanism and specific applications for same are disclosed. One aspect of the invention provides a product security system having a locking mechanism for preventing sliding movement between a slidably juxtaposed product container and product container locking structure, and a separate decoupling unit. The decoupling unit has a frame adapted to receive the slideably juxtaposed parts, and means within the frame adapted to disengage the locking mechanism, thereby permitting sliding decoupling of the parts. The locking mechanism has a magnetically attractable pin in a blind hole in the first part and a detent opening or recess in the second part. The pin is moveable between a first position in which the pin enters the detent, thereby preventing sliding movement between the first and second parts, and a second position in which the pin is retracted into the blind hole from the detent, thereby permitting sliding movement. Means are provided for biasing the pin into the first position.

Abstract: A wall safe assembly that is designed to be secured to a vertically oriented stud such as that positioned behind a sheet of drywall or paneling in the structure of a building. Generally the wall safe assembly would be mounted in a closet in one of its corners. The major components of the wall safe are the safe housing and the mounting block. The safe housing has a cylindrical configuration and it has a top wall or cover that is threadably received in the top end of the cylindrically shaped safe housing. An integrally formed ear extends horizontally from the bottom wall of the safe housing and also from the top wall. These ears are removably received in horizontal slots formed in the front wall of the mounting block. A pair of vertically spaced eye lag slots are also formed in the rear wall of the mounting block for receiving the ring portion of the heads of eye lags that have been screwed into the wall studs.