Padlock

• US 7,493,785 B2
• Filed: 08/15/2007
• Issued: 02/24/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 09/29/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Chun Te Yu, Cory O. Nykoluk
• Original Assignee: Chun Te Yu, Cory O. Nykoluk
• Inventors: Nykoluk, Cory O., Yu, Chun Te
• Primary Examiner(s): Gall; Lloyd A
• Application Number:
  US11/889,701
• Publication Number:
  US 20080034814A1
• Time in Patent Office: 559 Days
• Field of Search: 70/21, 70/25, 70/26, 70/38.R, 70/38.A, 70/38.B, 70/38.C, 702/84, 702/85, 70D/IG.63, 70D/IG.71
• US Class Current: 70/21
• 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: Y10S 70/63 Multiple locks
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 70/71 Combined permutation and key lock
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/415 Combination and/or key-controlled
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/424 Sliding
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/446 Rigid shackle
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7141 Combination and key
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7147 Combination or key
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7706 Operating connections

Abstract

A padlock can be unlocked by an owner dialing an unlocking number or security personnel using a general key. The padlock includes a lock body, a block, a shackle, a general locking device and a private locking device. The lock body includes a first channel and a second channel therein. The block is inserted in the second channel. The block includes a receptacle therein. The shackle includes a long arm movably disposed in the first channel and a short arm for engagement with the receptacle of the block. The general locking device is disposed in the lock body for locking and unlocking the long arm of the shackle. The private locking device is disposed in the lock body for controlling the block so that the block can be engaged with and disengaged from the short arm of the shackle.

Claims

1. A padlock comprising:

a lock body comprising a first channel and a second channel therein;

a block disposed in said second channel, said block comprising a receptacle therein, a mounting portion disposed in said second channel of said lock body and an engaging portion formed on said mounting portion and located outside said second channel of said lock body so that said receptacle is defined in said engaging portion;

a shackle comprising a long arm movably disposed in said first channel and a short arm for insertion in said receptacle of said block;

a key-operable locking means disposed in said lock body to control axial movement of said long arm of said shackle; and

a combination locking means formed in said lock body and comprising a stem connected to said mounting portion and plural number wheels rotationally mounted on said stem to control movement of said block so that said short arm of said shackle can be confined in or released from said block by said combination locking means.

2. The padlock according to claim 1, wherein said long arm of said shackle comprises a flange near an end thereof, said padlock further comprising:

a first spring pressed against said flange of said long arm of said shackle for biasing said shackle; and

a second spring compressed between said combination locking means and said block for biasing said block.

3. The padlock according to claim 1 wherein said long arm of said shackle comprises a flange near an end thereof, and said key-operable locking means comprises:

a body;

a rotor being disposed in said body and comprising a keyhole defined therein for receiving a key; and

a driving rod extending from said rotor and comprising a notch therein for engagement with said flange of said long arm of said shackle.

4. A padlock comprising:

a lock body;

a shackle comprising a long arm movably disposed in said lock body and a short arm;

a first locking means disposed in said lock body and configured to lock or unlock said long arm of said shackle to said lock body via a key;

a second locking means disposed in said lock body and operable independent of said key-operable locking means; and

a block connected with said second locking means and configured to engage with or disengage from said short arm of said shackle via said second locking means;

wherein said second locking means is a combination locking means, and comprises a stem connected to an end of said block and plural number wheels rotationally mounted on said stem to control said block.