Multiple function lock

• US 20040255624A1
• Filed: 06/18/2004
• Published: 12/23/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 05/16/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: STANTON CONCEPTS LLC
• Original Assignee: STANTON CONCEPTS LLC
• Inventors: Loughlin, Robert, Loughlin, John
• Granted Patent: US 7,424,812 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 70/56
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 35/008 for simple tool-like keys
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 35/105 Locks allowing opening by official authorities, e.g. master key opening of luggage locks by customs officials
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 67/10 with devices for securing the free end of the shackle
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 67/22 Padlocks with sliding shackles, with or without rotary or pivotal movement
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/415 Combination and/or key-controlled
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/422 Rigid shackle
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/424 Sliding
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/428 Pivoted
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/439 Non-shackle type
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/459 Both legs engaged
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/48 Arcuate locus
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/489 Housings
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/491 Shackles
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/498 Shields or canopies
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7141 Combination and key
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7147 Combination or key

Abstract

A multiple function lock comprising a body, an engaging element having a first end and a second end, a locking mechanism for securing the first end and the second end of the engaging element to the body, and a gate mechanism for selectively concealing or revealing a passage in the body through which the second end may move to unlock the lock. In certain embodiments, a multiple function lock may comprise a body, a U-shaped shackle having toe and heel portions, the heel portion rotatably secured within the body, a locking mechanism for locking the heel and the toe portions within the body, a passage through the body adjacent to the toe portion, the toe portion adapted to move through the passage to unlock the lock, and either a retaining cup, an adjustable gate, or an outer housing, each being adapted to selectively block or reveal the passage.

Claims

1. A multiple function lock comprising:

a body,

an engaging element having a first end,

a locking mechanism for securing said first end to said body; and

,

a gate mechanism for selectively concealing or revealing a passage in said body through which said first end may move to unlock the lock without operating said locking mechanism.

2. The multiple function lock of claim 1, wherein said gate mechanism further comprises a blocking element, said blocking element concealing or revealing said passage through movement of said blocking element.

3. The multiple function lock of claim 1, wherein said gate mechanism further comprises a blocking element, said blocking element concealing or revealing said passage through rotation of said blocking element.

4. The multiple function lock of claim 1, wherein said gate mechanism further comprises a blocking element, said blocking element concealing or revealing said passage through translation of said blocking element.

5. The multiple function lock of claim 1, further comprising a spring operatively engaged with said gate mechanism, said spring adapted to influence said gate mechanism into a position concealing said passage.

6. A multiple function lock comprising:

a body;

a U-shaped shackle having a toe portion and a heel portion, said heel portion rotatably secured within said body;

a passage through said body adjacent to said toe portion, said toe portion adapted to move through said passage upon rotation of said heel portion to unlock said lock; and

,

a blocking member selectively revealing or concealing said passage to permit said toe portion to move therethrough.

7. The multiple function lock of claim 6, wherein said blocking member is a retaining cup adapted to be housed within said body, said retaining cup being arranged to move between a first position in which a barrier member blocks said passage and a second position in which said barrier member is clear of said passage.

8. The multiple function lock of claim 7, wherein said retaining cup is moveable by rotation and adapted to be engaged by a tool to rotate.

9. The multiple function lock of claim 6, wherein said body further comprises a slot and said blocking member further comprises a bore, said bore adapted to receive a tool through said slot, the tool adapted to selectively rotate said retaining cup between said first position and said second position.

10. The multiple function lock of claim 9, wherein the tool may be inserted into said body only through a mating hole in said body forming a portion of said slot, said mating hole aligned with said bore.

11. The multiple function lock of claim 6, wherein said blocking member comprises a base with a blocking element extending therefrom.

12. The multiple function lock of claim 11, wherein said base is cylindrical.

13. The multiple function lock of claim 6, further comprising a spring adapted to mate with said blocking member to default said blocking member to a position concealing said passage.

14. A multiple function lock comprising:

a body;

a U-shaped shackle having a toe portion and a heel portion, said heel portion rotatably secured within said body;

a passage through said body adjacent to said toe portion, said toe portion adapted to move through said passage to unlock said lock; and

,

an adjustable gate housed within said body, said adjustable gate being moveable between a first position blocking said passage and a second position not blocking said passage.

15. The multiple function lock of claim 14, wherein said adjustable gate comprises a base with an arm extending therefrom, said arm adapted to block said passage when said adjustable gate is in said first position.

16. The multiple function lock of claim 15, wherein said base is adapted to receive a tool to apply force to said base to move said adjustable gate between said first position and said second position.

17. The multiple function lock of claim 16, further comprising a spring housed within said body, said spring applying force to said arm such that said adjustable gate defaults to said first position.

18. A multiple function lock comprising:

a body;

a U-shaped shackle having toe and heel portions, said heel portion rotatably secured within said body;

a passage through said body adjacent to said toe portion, said toe portion adapted to move through said passage to unlock said lock upon rotation of said heel portion; and

,

an outer housing wrapping partially around said body, said outer housing being moveable between a first position concealing said passage and a second position revealing said passage.

19. The multiple function lock of claim 18, wherein said outer housing further comprises an aperture adapted to accept a tool for moving said outer housing between said first position and said second position.

20. The multiple function lock of claim 18, wherein said body includes a plurality of channels on the outer surface thereof, said outer housing adapted to engage said channels to attach said outer housing to said body.

21. The multiple function lock of claim 18, wherein said body houses a spring adapted to apply force to said outer housing such that said outer housing defaults to said first position.

22. The multiple function lock of claim 18, wherein said body further comprises a pin-tumbler mechanism and said outer housing further comprises at least one aperture aligned with said pin-tumbler mechanism, said pin-tumbler mechanism restricting movement of said outer housing relative to said body until said pin-tumbler system is aligned along a shear plane.

23. The multiple function lock of claim 18, wherein said outer housing extends beyond said body.

24. A tool for use with a multiple function lock having a first locking mechanism and a second locking mechanism, the first locking mechanism adapted to selectively engage or disengage a captive element from within a captive space and the second locking mechanism adapted to disengage or engage the captive element from within the captive space independent of the first locking mechanism, said tool having a structure adapted to attach to said lock to operate said second locking mechanism.

25. The tool of claim 24, wherein said tool comprises a first engaging element extending from a first jaw and a second engaging element extending from a second jaw, said engaging elements adapted to mate with the lock for opening the lock upon operation of said tool.

26. The tool of claim 24, wherein said tool further comprises a cutting mechanism.

27. The tool of claim 26, wherein said tool further comprises a pair of jaws and said cutting mechanism comprises at least one anvil housed between the jaws.

28. The tool of claim 24, wherein said tool further comprises a first handle and a second handle connected to a first jaw and a second jaw by a ratcheting mechanism, said ratcheting mechanism adapted to move said first jaw in proximity to said second jaw upon repeated actuation of said first and second handles.