×

Lock assembly capable of counting the number of times of unlocking operation

  • US 7,661,278 B1
  • Filed: 10/16/2008
  • Issued: 02/16/2010
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/16/2008
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A lock assembly comprising:

  • a housing having an accommodation chamber, a first top hole in communication with said accommodation chamber, and a second top hole in communication with said accommodation chamber;

    a shackle having a pivotal portion, which passes through said first top hole into said accommodation chamber and is axially moveable and pivotable relative to said housing, and a hook portion integrally connected with said pivotal portion and provided with a free end insertable into said second top hole by means of the axial movement of said pivotal portion, at least one of said pivotal portion and said free end of said hook portion having an insertion groove;

    at least one latch movably disposed in said accommodation chamber of said housing and engagable with said insertion groove;

    a counter disposed in said accommodation chamber of said housing; and

    a key controlled lock unit disposed in said accommodation chamber of said housing and having a plug disposed in a plug casing and rotatable between an unlocked position where a first arm, which extends from said plug casing, is located at a first place enabling a disengaging movement of said latch from said insertion groove such that said pivotal portion of said shackle can be axially moved to allow said free end of said hook portion of said shackle to leave said second top hole, and a second arm, which extends from said plug casing, can start said counter, and a locked position where said first arm is located at a second place prohibiting the disengaging movement of said latch from said insertion groove such that said pivotal portion of said shackle cannot be axially moved;

    wherein each of said pivotal portion and said free end of said hook portion has one said insertion groove;

    wherein said at least one latch comprises two latches respectively engaged with said insertion grooves of said pivotal portion and said free end of said hook portion, and an elastic member having two ends respectively stopped against said latches; and

    wherein said first arm of said key controlled lock unit has a block end, which leaves a space defined between said latches such that said latches are movable relative to said housing when said plug is located at said unlocked position, and blocks said space defined between said latches such that said latches are immovable relative to said housing when said plug is located at said locked position.

View all claims
  • 0 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×