Combination lock construction

• US 5,715,709 A
• Filed: 01/11/1996
• Issued: 02/10/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 01/11/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Sunrich Company, LLC
• Original Assignee: Sunrich Company, LLC
• Inventors: Lai, Eric
• Primary Examiner(s): JAYNE, DARNELL M
• Application Number:
  US08/585,112
• Time in Patent Office: 761 Days
• Field of Search: 70/25, 70/22, 70/318, 70/333 R, 70/334, 70/27, 70/51, 70/52, 70/54, 70/312
• US Class Current: 70/25
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 37/0058 by axial disengagement between hub and rim of tumbler discs or rings
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 37/025 in padlocks
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 67/14 with devices for securing the hinged end of the shackle
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/424 Sliding
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/487 Parts, accessories, attachments and adjuncts
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/489 Housings
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7305 Manually operable
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7429 Resonance type

Abstract

By forming a plurality of false void zones in a lock housing in association with the tumbler release channel, a combination lock construction is attained which virtually eliminates the ability of trained individuals to gain unwanted access to the lock. Preferably, the combination lock housing also incorporates a plurality of non-releasing open or void zones or slots formed in association with the lock release groove for each rotatable tumbler sleeve. In this way, the desired false click is provided for each rotatable dial in order to thwart unwanted opening of the combination lock of this invention. Furthermore, the lock construction of the present invention is constructed with the interior chambers thereof virtually sealed from ambient surroundings, thereby preventing unwanted contamination from entering the interior of the lock and the rotating components thereof. In this way, degradation by contamination is virtually eliminated. Finally, the present invention preferably employs a minimum number of components in combination with a housing and a movable shackle in order to provide the desired, unique combination lock construction of this invention. As a result, a cost effective, high quality combination lock is attained.

Claims

1. A combination lock constructed for ease of use, while also substantially eliminating the ability of unauthorized persons from opening the lock without knowledge of the combination, said combination lock comprising:

a housing incorporating

an elongated bore,

a plurality of dial receiving zones formed in the housing, each of said receiving zones

extending substantially perpendicularly to the axis of the central bore, and

defined by two juxtaposed, spaced, parallel facing surfaces, each of said surfaces extending perpendicularly to the central axis of the central bore; and

an elongated release channel formed in the central bore and axially extending therewith, said elongated release channel defining a zone for enabling the opening of the combination lock;

a shackle comprising a generally J-shape, incorporating

a short leg having a terminating end constructed for cooperative locking and unlocking interengagement with the housing, and

a long leg cooperatively mounted in the elongated central bore of the housing for axial movement and pivoting movement relative thereto;

a plurality of tumbler sleeves, each of said tumbler sleeves

rotationally mounted to the long leg of the shackle for rotational movement about the central axis thereof, and

incorporating a radially extending fin formed on the outside surface thereof and constructed for cooperative association with the elongated release channel and the parallel, facing surfaces of the dial-receiving zone for preventing axial movement of the long leg of the shackle as well as enabling axial movement thereof when each of said radial fins are positioned in the elongated release channel;

a plurality of dials each of said dials

mounted in a dial receiving zone of the housing,

peripherally surrounding a tumbler sleeve for cooperating therewith, and

comprising an inside surface formed by-a tumbler locking surface and a rambler release surface; and

a plurality of slots formed on one of said parallel, facing surfaces of the dial receiving zone for cooperating with the release channel and the radially extending fin of each tumbler sleeve, and constructed for providing a sound simulating the sound produced when the fin of a tumbler is positioned in the release channel;

whereby a combination lock construction is attained which is quickly and easily assembled with a minimum number of components and provides a highly effective combination lock which produces false rambler position sounds, thereby affording the ability of unauthorized persons to open the lock construction without knowledge of the specific combination.

2. The combination lock defined in claim 1, wherein said elongated bore comprises three separate and distinct zones, formed by a lowermost zone, a central zone and an uppermost zone, with each zone comprising different diameters with the lowermost zone comprising the smallest diameter and the uppermost zone comprising the largest diameter.

3. The combination lock defined in claim 2, wherein the dial is further defined as comprising a generally cylindrical shape having a plurality of indicia bearing panels on an outer surface thereof for establishing readily identifiable indicia which define elements usable as the combination for defining the release mode of the lock.

4. The combination lock defined in claim 3, wherein each of said dials is further defined as comprising a slot formed on the outer surface thereof between each adjacent indicia bearing panel.

5. The combination lock defined in claim 4, wherein said housing is further defined as comprising a cavity directly adjacent each dial receiving zone and the combination lock is further defined as comprising a spring and pin member mounted in each cavity for cooperating interengagement with each dial, providing a positive indicator for designating the position of the rotating dial and indicating when each panel is in a desired orientation for designating an element of the combination.

6. The combination lock defined in claim 2, wherein each of said tumbler sleeves is further defined as being mounted to the long leg of the shackle for rotational movement about the axis of the shackle while being essentially incapable of translational movement along the axis of the long leg of the shackle.

12. The combination lock defined in claim 1, wherein the tumbler locking surface of each dial is further defined as comprising a plurality of radial slots formed therein constructed for cooperating interengagement with the radially extending fin of the tumbler sleeve to assure secure, controlled, cooperative interengagement therewith and simultaneous rotation of the tumbler sleeve with the dial when the fin of the tumbler sleeve is engaged with any radial slot of the dial.

15. The combination lock defined in claim 1, wherein said plurality of slots are further defined as being formed on the upper surface of said two juxtaposed, spaced, parallel, facing surfaces peripherally surrounding the central bore in axially spaced locations relative to the release channel.

16. The combination lock defined in claim 15, wherein three slots are formed on the upper surface and positioned at an arcuate distance 90°

from an adjacent slot.

7. A combination lock constructed for ease of use, while also substantially eliminating the ability of unauthorized persons from opening the lock without knowledge of the combination, said combination lock comprising:

a housing incorporating

an elongated bore,

a plurality of dial receiving zones formed in the housing, each of said receiving zones

extending substantially perpendicularly to the axis of the central bore, and

defined by two juxtaposed, spaced, parallel facing surfaces, each of said surfaces extending perpendicularly to the central axis of the central bore; and

an elongated release channel formed in the central bore and axially extending therewith, said elongated release channel defining a zone for enabling the opening of the combination lock;

a shackle comprising a generally J-shape, incorporating

a short leg having a terminating end constructed for cooperative locking and unlocking interengagement with the housing,

a long leg cooperatively mounted in the elongated central bore of the housing for axial movement and pivoting movement relative thereto, and

a locking ring receiving slot and two radially extending protrusions formed on an outer surface of the long leg thereof in juxtaposed, spaced, aligned, axial relationship to each other, said slot and one of said protrusions defining a fixed axial length for said long leg;

a plurality of tumbler sleeves, each of said tumbler sleeves

rotationally mounted to the long leg of the shackle for rotational movement about the central axis thereof while being essentially incapable of translational movement along the axis of the long leg of the shackle, and

incorporating a radially extending fin formed on the outside surface thereof and constructed for cooperative association with the elongated release channel and the parallel, facing surfaces of the dial-receiving zone for preventing axial movement of the long leg of the shackle as well as enabling axial movement thereof when each of said radial fins are positioned in the elongated release channel;

a plurality of dials each of said dials

mounted in a dial receiving zone of the housing,

peripherally surrounding a tumbler sleeve for cooperating therewith, and

comprising an inside surface formed by a tumbler locking surface and a tumbler release surface;

a plurality of slots formed on one of said parallel, facing surfaces of the dial receiving zone for cooperating with the release channel and the radially extending fin of each tumbler sleeve, and constructed for providing a sound simulating the sound produced when the fin of a tumbler is positioned in the release channel; and

a washer, a spacer, and a locking ring, each of which are constructed for cooperating with the plurality of tumbler sleeves mounted to the long leg of the shackle for defining an overall length substantially equivalent to the axial length established between the protrusion and the slot, whereby rotation of each tumbler sleeve is provided, while eliminating axial translational movement thereof;

whereby a combination lock construction is attained which is quickly and easily assembled with a minimum number of components and provides a highly effective combination lock which produces false tumbler position sounds, thereby affording the ability of unauthorized persons to open the lock construction without knowledge of the specific combination.

8. A combination lock constructed for ease of use, while also substantially eliminating the ability of unauthorized persons from opening the lock without knowledge of the combination, said combination lock comprising:

a housing incorporating

an elongated bore,

a plurality of dial receiving zones formed in the housing, each of said receiving zones

extending substantially perpendicularly to the axis of the central bore, and

defined by two juxtaposed, spaced, parallel facing surfaces, each of said surfaces extending perpendicularly to the central axis of the central bore; and

an elongated release channel formed in the central bore and axially extending therewith, said elongated release channel defining a zone for enabling the opening of the combination lock;

a shackle comprising a generally J-shape, incorporating

a short leg having a terminating end constructed for cooperative locking and unlocking interengagement with the housing, and

a long leg cooperatively mounted in the elongated central bore of the housing for axial movement and pivoting movement relative thereto;

a plurality of tumbler sleeves, each of said tumbler sleeves

rotationally mounted to the long leg of the shackle for rotational movement about the central axis thereof while being essentially incapable of translational movement along the axis of the long leg of the shackle, and

incorporating a radially extending fin formed on the outside surface thereof and constructed for cooperative association with the elongated release channel and the parallel, facing surfaces of the dial-receiving zone for preventing axial movement of the long leg of the shackle as well as enabling axial movement thereof when each of said radial fins are positioned in the elongated release channel;

a plurality of dials each of said dials

mounted in a dial receiving zone of the housing,

peripherally surrounding a tumbler sleeve for cooperating therewith, and

comprising an inside surface formed by a tumbler locking surface and a tumbler release surface;

a plurality of slots formed on one of said parallel, facing surfaces of the dial receiving zone for cooperating with the release channel and the radially extending fin of each tumbler sleeve, and constructed for providing a sound simulating the sound produced when the fin of a tumbler is positioned in the release channel; and

a sealing cap mounted in an open end of the elongated bore and constructed for effectively closing the bore with the tumbler sleeves mounted therein, preventing entry of any contamination into said bore.

9. The combination lock defined in claim 8, wherein said sealing cap is further defined as having a diameter substantially equivalent to the largest diameter zone of the elongated bore for enabling the sealing cap to be forced under pressure into said bore, thereby effectively sealing the bore.

10. The combination lock defined in claim 9, wherein said sealing cap is further defined as comprising a substantially circular shaped aperture, having a diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the shackle and two diametrically opposed radially extending slots constructed for cooperating with the protrusions formed on the outer surface of the shackle, thereby defining two entry zones for controlling the axial movement of the shackle relative to the sealing cap.

11. The combination lock defined in claim 10, wherein said sealing cap is further defined as comprising an internal ledge formed below the aperture and the radial slots for cooperating with the protrusions of the shackle for controlling the axial movement of the shackle relative thereto.

13. A combination lock constructed for ease of use, while also substantially eliminating the ability of unauthorized persons from opening the lock without knowledge of the combination, said combination lock comprising:

a housing incorporating

an elongated bore,

a plurality of dial receiving zones formed in the housing, each of said receiving zones

extending substantially perpendicularly to the axis of the central bore, and

defined by two juxtaposed, spaced, parallel facing surfaces, each of said surfaces extending perpendicularly to the central axis of the central bore; and

an elongated release channel formed in the central bore and axially extending therewith, said elongated release channel defining a zone for enabling the opening of the combination lock;

a shackle comprising a generally J-shape, incorporating

a short leg having a terminating end constructed for cooperative locking and unlocking interengagement with the housing, and

a long leg cooperatively mounted in the elongated central bore of the housing for axial movement and pivoting movement relative thereto;

a plurality of tumbler sleeves, each of said tumbler sleeves

rotationally mounted to the long leg of the shackle for rotational movement about the central axis thereof while being essentially incapable of translational movement along the axis of the long leg of the shackle, and

incorporating a radially extending fin formed on the outside surface thereof constructed for cooperative association with the elongated release channel and the parallel, facing surfaces of the dial-receiving zone for preventing axial movement of the long leg of the shackle as well as enabling axial movement thereof when each of said radial fins are positioned in the elongated release channel, and comprising a longitudinal dimension substantially equivalent to the longitudinal width of the dial, thereby assuring interengagement of the radially extending fin and a radial slot of the dial when the combination lock is in the secured and locked position, thereby providing the ability of both the dial and the tumbler sleeve to freely rotate relative to the axis of the long leg of the shackle;

a plurality of dials each of said dials

mounted in a dial receiving zone of the housing,

peripherally surrounding a tumbler sleeve for cooperating therewith, and

comprising an inside surface formed by a tumbler locking surface and a tumbler release surface, with the tumbler locking surface of each dial comprising a plurality of radial slots formed therein constructed for cooperating interengagement with the radially extending fin of the tumbler sleeve to assure secure, controlled, cooperative interengagement therewith and simultaneous rotation of the tumbler sleeve with the dial when the fin of the tumbler sleeve is engaged with any radial slot of the dial;

a plurality of slots formed on one of said parallel, facing surfaces of the dial receiving zone for cooperating with the release channel and the radially extending fin of each tumbler sleeve, and constructed for providing a sound simulating the sound produced when the fin of a tumbler is positioned in the release channel;

whereby a combination lock construction is attained which is quickly and easily assembled with a minimum number of components and provides a highly effective combination lock which produces false tumbler position sounds, thereby affording the ability of unauthorized persons to open the lock construction without knowledge of the specific combination.

14. The combination lock defined in claim 13, wherein the long leg of the shackle, with the plurality of tumbler sleeves mounted thereto and positioned in the elongated release channel, is capable of axial movement within the elongated bore relative to the plurality of dials to effectively remove the radially extending fin of the tumbler sleeves from cooperating interengagement with the tumbler locking surface of the dial, thereby enabling the dial to rotate about the axis of the shackle independently of the tumbler sleeves, allowing any desired indicia bearing panel of the dials to be positioned for selecting desired elements to define the release combination.

17. A combination lock constructed for ease of use, while also substantially eliminating the ability of unauthorized persons from opening the lock without knowledge of the combination, said combination lock comprising:

a housing incorporating

an elongated bore having one open end;

a plurality of dial receiving zones formed in the housing, each of said receiving zones

extending substantially perpendicularly to the axis of the central bore, and

defined by two juxtaposed, spaced, parallel facing surfaces, each of said surfaces extending perpendicularly to the central axis of the central bore; and

an elongated release channel formed in the central bore and axially extending therewith, said elongated release channel defining a zone for enabling the opening of the combination lock;

a shackle comprising a generally J-shape, incorporating

a short leg having a terminating end constructed for cooperative locking and unlocking interengagement with the housing, and

a long leg cooperatively mounted in the elongated central bore of the housing for axial movement and pivoting movement relative thereto and comprising at least one protrusion formed on the outside surface thereof;

a plurality of tumbler sleeves, each of said tumbler sleeves

rotationally mounted to the long leg of the shackle for rotational movement about the central axis thereof, and

incorporating a radially extending fin formed on the outside surface thereof and constructed for cooperative association with the elongated release channel and the parallel, facing surfaces of the dial-receiving zone for preventing axial movement of the long leg of the shackle as well as enabling axial movement thereof when each of said radial fins are positioned in the elongated release channel;

a plurality of dials each of said dials

mounted in a dial receiving zone of the housing,

peripherally surrounding a tumbler sleeve for cooperating therewith, and

comprising an inside surface formed by a tumbler locking surface and a tumbler release surface; and

a separate and independent sealing cap mounted in the open end of the elongated bore and incorporating a substantially circular shaped aperture formed therein, having a diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the shackle, and two-radially diametrically opposed radially extending slots constructed for cooperating with the protrusion formed on the outer surface of the shackle, for receiving and retaining the long leg of the shackle in peripheral surrounding axially removable engagement therewith, sealing the bore and the components mounted therein while enabling the shackle to be axially movable;

whereby a combination lock construction is attained which is quickly and easily assembled with a minimum number of components and provides a highly effective combination lock which prevents entry of unwanted contamination into the bore and the operating components therein.

18. The combination lock defined in claim 17 and further comprising

a plurality of slots formed on one of said parallel, facing surfaces of the dial receiving zone for cooperating with the release channel and the radially extending fin of each tumbler sleeve, and constructed for providing a sound simulating the sound produced when the free of a tumbler is positioned in the release channel.

19. The combination lock defined in claim 18, wherein said plurality of slots are further defined as being formed on the upper surface of said two juxtaposed, spaced, parallel, facing surfaces peripherally surrounding the central bore in axially spaced locations relative to the release channel.