Combination and key operated locks with indicators
First Claim
1. A lock having both a combination mechanism and a key mechanism with each being usable independently to unlock the lock, with the lock having an indicator that alters an initial appearance of the lock when the lock is unlocked using the key mechanism, with the indicator being resettable to reestablish the initial appearance of the lock only after a procedure has been followed that includes setting a correct combination for unlocking the lock by use of the combination mechanism.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A lock for luggage, travelcases, briefcases and the like that can be unlocked by setting a combination using a combination mechanism of the lock, and, alternatively, by using a key in a key mechanism of the lock. An indicator of the lock moves to signal when the lock has been unlocked by use of the key mechanism. In some embodiments the indicator can only be reset after the lock has been unlocked using the combination mechanism. In some embodiments the indicator is automatically reset when the lock is unlocked using the combination mechanism. In some embodiments the lock is a padlock that has a shackle defined, at least in part, by a flexible cable.
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Citations
30 Claims
- 1. A lock having both a combination mechanism and a key mechanism with each being usable independently to unlock the lock, with the lock having an indicator that alters an initial appearance of the lock when the lock is unlocked using the key mechanism, with the indicator being resettable to reestablish the initial appearance of the lock only after a procedure has been followed that includes setting a correct combination for unlocking the lock by use of the combination mechanism.
- 7. A lock having both a combination mechanism and a key mechanism that are usable alternatively and independently to unlock the lock, wherein the lock has an indicator that moves from a first position to a second position to alter the appearance of the lock when the lock is opened by use of the key mechanism, with the indicator being returnable to the first position only after a correct combination has been set using the combination mechanism.
- 21. A padlock having both a combination mechanism and a key mechanism that each is usable independently of the other to unlock the padlock, with the padlock including an indicator 1) that displays a first appearance as soon as the padlock is unlocked by use of the key mechanism, 2) that displays a second appearance different from the first appearance as soon as the padlock is unlocked by use of the combination mechanism, and 3) that is resettable from displaying the second appearance to displaying the first appearance only after a correct combination for unlocking the padlock is set by use of the combination mechanism.
- 25. A lock for luggage that can be unlocked by use of a combination mechanism of the lock, and that alternatively can be unlocked by use of a key mechanism of the lock, with the lock also having a movable indicator that signals when the lock his unlocked by use of the key mechanism, with the indicator being resettable only after the lock has been unlocked by use of the combination mechanism.
- 28. A padlock for luggage that can be unlocked by use of a combination operated mechanism of the padlock, and, alternatively, by use of a key operated mechanism of the padlock, with the padlock including an indicator that provides a signal promptly as the result of the padlock being unlocked by use of the key mechanism, with the padlock having a shackle movable to an open position after a correctly configured key is inserted into and turned in a first direction in the key operated mechanism, and, alternatively, after a correct combination is set by turning dials of the combination operated mechanism.
Specification