Lock having an indicatory lock core

• US 20080307839A1
• Filed: 06/13/2008
• Published: 12/18/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 06/14/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Chun Te Yu
• Original Assignee: Chun Te Yu
• Inventors: Yu, Chun Te
• Granted Patent: US 8,011,212 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 70/330
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 35/00 Locks for use with special keys or a plurality of keys ; keys therefor
• 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 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: Y10S 70/59 Lock with indicator
• 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 70/446 Rigid shackle
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/463 Long leg engaged
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/491 Shackles
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7141 Combination and key
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7147 Combination or key
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7407 Operating indicators
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7486 Single key
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7576 Sliding and rotary plug
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7644 Key- and tool-controlled
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/8027 Condition indicators

Abstract

This invention relates to a lock, which includes a housing and an indicative lock core. The indicative lock core is operable by a key to move to an indicative position and be stuck in the indicative position. The indicative lock core can move back to its original position only through a restore mechanism. When the key-operated lock core is in the indicative position, the key-operated lock core is partly situated outside the housing and is easily noticed.

Claims

1. A lock comprising an indicative lock core, said indicative lock core including a spindle;

said spindle defining a keyhole to receive a key and being capable of moving to an indicative position in response to operation of said key and remaining in said indicative position to indicate that said indicative lock core has been operated by said key.

2. The lock of claim 1 comprising a housing, said housing defining an opening;

said spindle exposed in said opening, wherein when said spindle remains in said indicative position, said spindle is partly situated outside said opening of said housing.

3. The lock of claim 2 comprising a combination lock core;

and said combination lock core disposed in said housing and configured to be independent of said indicative lock core to lock or unlock said lock.

4. The lock of claim 3 comprising a shackle, said shackle having a root section and a free section;

said root section movably disposed in said housing;

said free section connected with said root section and disposed outside said housing, wherein said combination lock core controls movement of said shackle independently and said indicative lock core controls movement of said shackle independently.

5. The lock of claim 4 wherein said combination lock core controls axial movement of said shackle independently and said indicative lock core controls axial movement of said shackle independently.

6. The lock of claim 5 wherein said combination lock core includes a plurality of numeral wheels and a movable part;

said numeral wheels is capable of controlling axial movement of said movable part; and

the lock further includes a controlling unit connected with said root section of said shackle and being capable of moving axially with said shackle and rotating about said root section of said shackle;

wherein said spindle of said indicative lock core connects with said controlling unit and is able to drive the controlling unit to rotate;

said controlling unit has a block and is rotatable between a first position where said block is obstructed by an end of said movable part and a second position where said block departs from said end of said movable part.

7. The lock of claim 1 wherein said indicative lock core includes a plurality of latch plates and a plurality of springs, said spindle defines a plurality of latch slots parallel to one another;

said latch slots are vertically interconnected with said keyhole;

said latch plates together with the corresponding springs are received in said latch slots respectively;

said springs are biased by said latch plates such that said latch plates are normally partly situated outside said latch slots;

each latch plate defines a hole in alignment/communication with said keyhole; and

said latch plates have inner plateaus in said holes with different height levels, some higher, some lower.

8. The lock of claim 7 wherein said indicative lock core includes a blocking plate;

said spindle defines a blocking slot;

said blocking plate is movably received in said blocking slot;

said blocking slot is parallel with said latch slots and is vertically interconnected with said keyhole;

said blocking plate defines a hole in alignment/communication with said keyhole.