Status indicator for a lock

• US 20050262902A1
• Filed: 01/21/2005
• Published: 12/01/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 05/27/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Sinox Company Limited
• Original Assignee: Sinox Company Limited
• Inventors: Ling, Renny Tse-Haw, Kuo, Yung-Li
• Application Number:
  US11/040,237
• Publication Number:
  US 20050262902A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 70/21
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 37/0034 actuated by either
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 37/025 in padlocks
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 39/00 Locks giving indication of authorised or unauthorised unlocking with key identification means E05B35/001; alarm locks E05B45/00
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 67/24 with built- in cylinder locks
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/415 Combination and/or key-controlled
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/424 Sliding
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/8027 Condition indicators

Abstract

A status indicator for a lock includes two locking units that operate independently, to execute locking and unlocking operations. The lock has a body, which contains an indicator and a brake bolt. The indicator is latched by the brake bolt to remain at a selected indication position. When one locking unit executes the unlocking operation, the indicator is driven concurrently to switch to another indication position corresponding to a window, and is latched by the brake bolt without returning. The brake bolt can only release the latch condition on the indicator through the unlocking operation of another locking unit. Likewise, the indicator returns to the original indication position. Thus through the window formed on the body surface, the indication position of the indicator may be recognized.

Claims

1. A status indicator for a lock comprising a body and a shackle coupled with the body from outside, the body having a window formed on the surface to indicate conditions, the body including:

an indicator marked with identified notations having a first indication position and a second indication position corresponding to the window, and coupling with a returning elastic element to maintain the indicator at the first indication position in a normal condition;

a brake bolt coupled with a ramming elastic element being in contact with the indicator in the normal condition to latch the indicator;

a first locking unit forming an unlocking position and a locking position relative to the body through operations, the indicator being driven concurrently when the first locking unit is moved from the locking position to the unlocking position so that the indicator is moved from the first indication position to the second indication position and latched by the brake bolt; and

a second locking unit switchable to the unlocking state and the locking state through operations, the brake bolt releasing the latch condition on the indicator in the unlocking state to allow the indicator to return from the second indication position to the first indication position.

2. The status indicator for a lock of claim 1, wherein the indicator switches the first indication position and the second indication position through a straight line movement.

3. The status indicator for a lock of claim 1, wherein the returning elastic element is a compression spring.

4. The status indicator for a lock of claim 1, wherein the brake bolt has a one-way retaining section in contact with the indicator, the one-way retaining section allowing the indicator to move one way from the first indication position towards the second indication position.

5. The status indicator for a lock of claim 1, wherein the indicator switches the first indication position and the second indication position through a turning path.

6. The status indicator for a lock of claim 1, wherein the returning elastic element is a torsional spring.

7. The status indicator for a lock of claim 1, wherein the indicator has a first latch notch and a second latch notch on the periphery to engage with the brake bolt when the indicator is located at the first indication position and the second indication position.

8. The status indicator for a lock of claim 1, wherein the shackle is locked by the second locking unit, the shackle being movable by a force to drive the brake bolt when the second locking unit is in the unlocking state so that the brake bolt releases the latch condition on the indicator.

9. The status indicator for a lock of claim 8, wherein the shackle has a lug to push the brake bolt and move the brake bolt in a direction to release the latch condition on the indicator.

10. The status indicator for a lock of claim 1, wherein the brake bolt is coupled with a brake knob which is movable by a force to drive the brake bolt to release the latch condition on the indicator and allow the indicator to return to the first indication position.

11. The status indicator for a lock of claim 1, wherein the identified notations are graphics.

12. The status indicator for a lock of claim 1, wherein the identified notations are characters.

13. The status indicator for a lock of claim 1, wherein the identified notations are color patches.