Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6729166
-
Patent Number
6,729,166
-
Date Filed
Monday, March 17, 200321 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, May 4, 200420 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
Agents
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 070 22
- 070 20
- 070 24
- 070 25
- 070 27
- 070 312
- 070 315
- 070 53
- 070 318
- 070 317
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
By providing a shackle holding assembly mounted in controlling engagement with the termination end of the long leg of the shackle, movement of the shackle is controlled and accidental changes to the combination are prevented. Preferably, the shackle holding assembly comprises a rim-bearing holding member mounted to the free end of the elongated leg of the shackle which is engaged with a spring member biased to prevent unwanted axial movement of the shackle. As a result, user force is required to axially move the shackle into the combination re-setting position.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to combination locks, and, more particularly, to combination locks constructed to virtually eliminate unwanted changes to the pre-set combination.
BACKGROUND ART
Numerous lock constructions have been developed and are widely employed by individuals to prevent unauthorized persons from gaining access to any area which has been closed and locked. Although many locks are constructed to be opened by a key, numerous combination locks have been developed which are opened by knowledge of a particular combination.
One particular type of combination lock that has become very popular due to its ease and convenience of use is a combination lock which employs a plurality of rotatable independent dials, each of which forms one of the indicia, usually numerals or letters, comprising the combination for releasing the lock. Although locks of this general nature have been available for several decades, these prior art combination lock constructions suffer from common deficiencies which have not been successfully overcome.
Although many manufacturers have attempted to solve the problems associated with rotatable dial or combination locks, these prior art constructions have been unable to produce a construction which substantially eliminates the ability of unauthorized persons discovering the combination for opening the lock. Although numerous attempts have been made in prior art constructions for achieving a system which would eliminate or prevent unauthorized opening or picking of a lock, these prior art constructions have failed to provide the desired results.
Another common problem which has consistently plagued prior art constructions is the cost of construction for producing and assembling prior art combination locks. In order to attain a combination lock which provides all of the features desired by consumers, prior art constructions typically incorporate numerous small components, each of which require expensive assembly procedures to produce the final product. As a result, these prior art lock constructions typically are expensive to produce, thereby reducing the ability of these locks to reach a broad base of consumers.
Another problem commonly found with prior art combination locks is the inability of these prior art constructions to prevent contaminants from reaching the rotatable, internal components of the lock, thereby causing damage to these components or interfering with the ease of operating the lock by an individual knowing the actual combination. Although numerous attempts have been made to reduce the adverse effects caused by contaminants reaching these components, such attempts have been incapable of satisfactorily eliminating this problem.
A further problem, which has consistently annoyed the user and caused the user to incur substantial problems is the ability of many prior art combination locks to enter a combination re-setting mode, without the user's knowledge. As a result, consumers are often unable to open a lock or cannot use the lock since the desired combination had been altered without their knowledge.
Therefore, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide a combination lock construction which virtually eliminates the ability of unauthorized persons from gaining access to the lock by attempting to pick the lock using known techniques.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a combination lock having the characteristic features described above which employs a minimum of components and is quickly and easily assembled, thereby providing a lock capable of being constructed at a competitive price.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a combination lock construction having the characteristic features described above which effectively seals the rotating components from external contamination and effectively prevents any external contaminants from reaching the rotating components thereof.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a combination lock construction having the characteristic features described above which prevents the combination for the lock from being accidentally changed or altered without the user's complete knowledge.
Other and more specific objects will in part be obvious and will in part appear hereinafter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
By employing the present invention, all of the difficulties and drawbacks of the prior art constructions are virtually eliminated and an effective, easily produced, combination lock is achieved which is capable of virtually eliminating the ability of unauthorized persons from opening the lock, using known picking techniques, while also preventing the combination from being accidentally changed or altered. 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, the prior art degradation and interference of the lock operation by contamination is virtually eliminated.
In accordance with the present invention, a minimum number of components are employed in combination with a housing and a movable shackle in order to provide the desired, unique combination lock construction of this invention. In general, in addition to the shackle and housing, only a plurality of rotating dials and a plurality of tumbler sleeves are required to provide the desired locking mechanism. Preferably, in order to assure user security that a locked item remains locked and incapable of access by unauthorized personnel, four dials and tumbler sleeves are employed with the housing.
As is well known in the lock industry, individuals seeking to pick or open a lock without knowledge of the combination use the audible sound produced by the tumbler entering the open chamber when properly aligned therewith. By rotating a dial and listening for the sound produced when the proper position is reached, such trained individuals are capable of determining the requisite position for each tumbler, without knowledge of the actual combination.
In the present invention, the ability of unauthorized persons to determine the actual combination using the sound is thwarted by incorporating in the housing a plurality of false void zones having a construction similar to the actual open chamber or open zone which provides the lock release for each tumbler. By providing a plurality of false void zones as part of the lock construction, the ability of trained individuals to pick the lock is virtually eliminated.
In the preferred construction, the central housing of the combination lock of this invention incorporates an elongated lock release groove or slot which provides the lock release zone for each of the independent rotatable tumbler sleeves. In addition, the housing also incorporates a plurality of non-releasing open 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.
In addition, in the preferred construction, all of the rotatable components are mounted in a single elongated bore formed in the housing and a sealing cap is employed to effectively close and seal the elongated bore once the components are mounted therein. As a result, ease of assembly is attained and, once assembly is completed, the elongated bore and the rotational components positioned therein are effectively sealed from external contamination. As a result, dirt, dust, debris, etc., commonly present in the environment, is eliminated from contaminating the working components of the combination lock of this invention. In this way, contamination from environmental sources which has often caused prior art lock assemblies to become defective or injured is effectively overcome.
In addition to these features, the present invention achieves a combination lock using a minimum number of independent components each of which is capable of being quickly assembled into the final product. As a result, a construction is attained which is capable of being manufactured at a competitive price, while providing a high quality, highly effective combination lock which prevents exposure to environmental contamination and also incorporates means for virtually eliminating unauthorized persons from opening the lock without knowledge of the combination.
Another important feature incorporated into the lock of the present invention is the control elements which prevent the pre-determined combination from being changed or altered without the user's knowledge or control. In order to attain this important and highly desirable control, the combination lock of the present invention incorporates a shackle holding assembly comprising a holding member or a sleeve or bowl which is mounted to the free end of the elongated leg of the shackle, with the sleeve/bowl incorporating a radially extending outer rim.
In addition, spring means are mounted in cooperating relationship with the rim of the sleeve/bowl, with the spring means being maintained under compression between the sleeve/bowl and a bottom surface of the housing of the combination lock.
In the preferred construction, a plug member is employed for forming the cooperating contact surface on which the spring means is maintained. In this way, ease of assembly is attained with a minimum of components being employed.
In typical prior art combination lock assemblies, the combination is changed by axially moving the long leg of the shackle downwardly towards the base or bottom of the lock housing in order to release the tumblers and allow the indicia bearing dials to freely rotate. However, in these prior art constructions, axial movement of the shackle has occurred without the knowledge of the user, with the dials being rotated to a new combination, completely unknown to the user.
By employing the construction provided in the present invention, unwanted axial movement or slippage of the shackle's long leg is prevented. In the present invention, the spring force is constantly acting upon the rim of the sleeve/bowl which is engaged with the terminating end of the long leg of the shackle. As a result, unwanted axial movement of the shackle is prevented.
Whenever a user wishes to alter the combination of the lock, the user must exert an activation force on the long leg of the shackle in order to axially move the shackle against the spring force. Only by providing an activation force to the shackle is the shackle leg able to move axially downwardly.
Once the shackle leg has been moved downwardly, the indicia bearing wheels are forced to move, thereby allowing this use to change the combination to a new setting. Once completed, the activation force is removed and the spring force causes the sleeve/bowl and shackle to be returned to their original positions. In addition, the spring means and the sleeve/bowl continue to biasingly maintain the shackle in this raised position, providing assurance that the newly set combination cannot be altered or changed accidentally.
The invention accordingly comprises an article of manufacture possessing the features, properties, and the relation of elements which will be exemplified in the article hereinafter described and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.
THE DRAWINGS
For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1
is a perspective view of the combination lock of the present invention shown fully assembled and in the locked position;
FIG. 2
is a front elevational view, partially in cross section, depicting the fully assembled combination lock of the present invention in its normal operating and locked position;
FIG. 3
is a bottom plan view of one rotating dial with one rotatable tumbler sleeve interengaged therewith;
FIG. 4
is a cross-sectional front elevation view of the housing of the present invention;
FIG. 5
is a top plan view of the housing of
FIG. 4
;
FIG. 6
is a cross-sectional plan view depicting a typical upper surface of each dial receiving zone of the housing of
FIG. 4
;
FIG. 7
is a front elevation view, mostly in cross-section, depicting the combination lock of the present invention in its unlocked configuration;
FIG. 8
is a cross-sectional front elevational view of the combination lock of the present invention, mostly in cross-section, depicting the combination lock of the present invention in its combination changing configuration;
FIG. 9
is a top plan view of the fully assembled housing of
FIG. 7
shown with the shackle removed; and
FIG. 10
is a cross-sectional elevation view of the sealing cap of the combination lock of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
By referring to
FIGS. 1-10
, along with the following detailed disclosure, the construction and operation of combination lock
20
of the present invention can best be understood. In the drawings and the following detailed disclosure, the preferred embodiment of the present invention is fully disclosed. However, the present invention can be implemented using alternate constructions, which alternate constructions are intended to be within the scope of the present invention.
As shown in
FIGS. 1-10
, combination lock
20
of the present invention is constructed using a minimum of principal components, thereby substantially reducing the complexity found in most prior art combination locks. In this way, the present invention provides a highly effective, commercially desirable construction capable of being produced at a competitive cost, while still providing all of the locking and theft deterrent features typically incorporated in prior art combination locks.
In the present invention, the principal components comprise a central housing
21
, a shackle
22
, four separate and independent tumbler sleeve
23
, and four separate and independent rotatable dials
24
. By employing these principal components, in the unique manner detailed herein, an easily produced, highly effective combination lock
20
is attained.
Each tumbler sleeve
23
comprises a generally cylindrical shape incorporating a single locking fin
25
radially extending from outer, circular-shaped surface
26
. In addition, each tumbler sleeve
23
also comprises an inside, circular-shaped surface
27
which is coaxially aligned with outside surface
26
. The diameter of inside surface
27
of tumbler sleeve
23
is constructed to enable each tumbler sleeve
23
to freely pivot about the outer surface of shackle
22
.
Each dial
24
is constructed for peripherally surrounding and cooperating with a tumbler sleeve
23
. In this regard, each dial
24
comprises two separate and distinct, circular-shaped inside surfaces
28
and
29
. In side surface
28
comprises a diameter slightly greater than the diameter of outside surface
26
of tumbler sleeve
23
, in order to enable tumbler sleeve
23
and dial
24
to cooperate with each other while being independently rotationally movable about shackle
22
.
In addition, each dial
24
comprises a plurality of slots
30
formed in inside surface
28
, with each slot being constructed for receiving and retaining radially extending fin
25
of tumbler sleeve
23
. In this way, whenever radially extending fin
25
is mounted in a slot
30
of dial
24
, tumbler sleeve
23
and dial
24
are in interlocked engagement, causing both members to rotate together about shackle
22
.
The number of slots
30
formed in dial
24
corresponds to the number of separate and distinct indicia formed on the outer surface of dial
24
. In the preferred embodiment, ten indicia are employed on the outside surface of dial
24
and ten slots
30
are formed in surface
38
.
Inside surface
29
of dial
24
comprises a circular shape formed by a diameter which is aligned with the axis of surface
28
, but is greater than the length of fin
25
. In this way, when fin
25
is disengaged from slot
30
of dial
24
, dial
24
is able to rotate about shackle
22
independently of tumbler sleeve
23
.
Shackle
22
comprises a conventional J-shape incorporating a short leg
31
with a terminating end
32
and a long leg
33
with a terminating end
34
. Each tumbler sleeve
23
is rotationally mounted to leg
33
of shackle
22
, with each tumbler sleeve having a dial
24
rotationally associated therewith.
As discussed above, each dial
24
has a plurality of indicia formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof, each of which represents one component of the combination for positioning tumbler sleeves
23
in the requisite location for releasing shackle
22
. Although any desired indicia can be employed, numerals or letters are typically employed on prior art constructions. In the present invention, each dial
24
comprises an outer surface
44
on which ten panels
45
are formed with slots
46
separating each panel
45
. In addition, one numeral ranging from 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 is formed on each panel
45
. The numeral in each panel
45
of each dial
24
is then employed to define the combination for lock
20
.
The remaining principal components employed to form combination lock
20
of the present invention comprise washer
35
, split locking ring
36
, sealing cap
37
, spacer
43
, and shackle holding assembly
88
, which comprises cylindrical closed-end holding member or sleeve or bowl
80
, spring
81
and plug
82
. In the preferred construction, leg
33
of shackle
22
incorporates ribs
38
and
39
formed on the outer surface thereof and a locking ring receiving slot
40
formed near terminating end of shackle
22
.
In the preferred embodiment, cylindrical, closed-end, holding member or sleeve/bowl
80
comprises a fully integrated construction consisting of substantially flat plate portion
83
, cylindrical wall portion
84
, and rim portion
85
. In the preferred construction, cylindrical wall portion
84
is integrally affixed and interconnected to plate portion
83
at one end thereof and integrally affixed and interconnected to rim portion
85
at the opposed end thereof. In addition, rim portion
85
is constructed to radially extend outwardly from its juncture with cylindrical wall portion
84
.
As more fully detailed below, cylindrical, closed-end sleeve/bowl
80
is mounted in zone
57
formed in the bottom of housing
21
peripherally surrounding leg
33
of shackle
22
, with terminating end
34
of leg
33
engaged with plate portion
83
of sleeve/bowl
80
. In addition, spring member
81
is mounted peripherally surrounding sleeve/bowl
80
, with one end thereof engaged with rim portion
85
of sleeve/bowl
80
with the opposed end thereof engaged with the interior surface of plug
82
which is mounted in zone
57
and effectively closes and seals zone
57
.
As clearly depicted in
FIGS. 2
,
7
and
8
, the axial distance between rib
39
and slot
40
is constructed for being substantially equivalent to the axial length required for enabling locking ring
36
, when mounted in slot
40
, to retain the four tumbler sleeves
23
and spacer
43
on leg
33
of shackle
22
, with each tumbler sleeve
23
being capable of independent rotational movement, while substantially eliminating any axial movement thereof. In this way, tumbler sleeves
23
are able to provide the desired locking and unlocking function, while achieving this result in an easily manufactured and easily assembled construction.
The final components incorporated into combination lock
20
of the present invention comprise a plurality of sets of pins
41
and springs
42
, which are mounted in a receiving cavity formed in housing
21
. Although these components are optional, the preferred embodiment incorporates one pin and spring in direct association with each rotatable dial
24
in order to provide positive position locating means which also produces an audible sound each time the precise position of each numeral on dial
24
is reached.
In the preferred construction, each spring
42
is maintained under compression, forcing each pin
41
into engagement with outer surface
44
of dial member
24
. In addition, with each dial member incorporating slots
46
formed between each numeral bearing panel
45
, the movement of spring loaded pin
41
into and out of slots
46
causes an audible click, designating the proper orientation of the dial for each numeral. In addition to the audible click produced, the movement of pin
41
into engagement in slot
46
also provides a positive structural indication and rotational stop indicating that one particular numeral is in its proper orientation.
As shown in
FIG. 1
, a visual indicator of the proper orientation for each numeral of each panel
45
of each dial
24
is also provided by incorporating on housing
21
a position orientating line
47
. Line
47
enables the user to visually position each numeral in the proper location for a pre-set combination. By employing orientation line
47
along with pins
41
and springs
42
, proper orientation of any particular numeral is easily achieved.
One of the principal components of combination lock
20
comprises housing
21
, which is clearly depicted in
FIGS. 4-6
. As shown therein, housing
21
comprises a single piece construction, within which various cavities, bores, and receiving zones are formed. In general, housing
21
comprises a top surface
50
, a bottom surface
51
, a front panel
52
, a rear panel
53
, and two side panels
54
and
55
.
In addition, housing
21
also incorporates a central, elongated bore
56
extending from top surface
50
to bottom surface
51
which comprises three separate diameters, forming three separate and independent coaxial zones
57
,
58
, and
59
. Zone
57
comprises the lowermost zone of bore
56
and extends through bottom surface
51
of housing
21
, forming an enlarged cavity therein. In the preferred construction, zone
57
comprises the largest diameter of bore
56
and, consequently, has a diameter which is greater than the diameter of adjacent zone
58
. In this way, ledge
86
is formed at the juncture between zone
57
and zone
58
.
Zone
58
comprises the intermediate zone of bore
56
and has a diameter slightly greater than the outside diameter of tumbler sleeves
23
. In this way, tumbler sleeves
23
are capable of axial movement through zone
58
of central bore
56
. In addition, zone
58
also comprises an elongated slot or channel
60
formed along one wall of zone
58
, providing the release position for each radially extending fin
25
of each tumbler sleeve
23
. As is more fully detailed below, when each locking fin of each tumbler sleeve
23
is aligned with release channel
60
, shackle
22
is capable of axial movement, thereby enabling shackle
22
to be removed from its locked position or, if desired, inserted into its locked position, or axially advanced into zone
57
of bore
56
of housing
21
, to enable the combination to be changed.
The final zone of bore
56
is upper zone
59
which comprises the second largest diameter of bore
56
. Generally, the diameter of zone
59
is constructed to enable each tumbler sleeve
23
with its radially extending fin
25
to be easily advanced through zone
59
. In this way, assembly of combination lock
20
is easily attained.
In addition, upper zone
59
is constructed for receiving and securely retaining sealing cap
37
. In its preferred construction, sealing cap
37
comprises a cylindrical shape formed by outer surface
70
and upper flange
71
. Preferably, the diameter of zone
59
is substantially equivalent to the diameter of outer surface
70
of cap
37
in order to require cap
37
to be forced into zone
59
and, once inserted therein, securely affixed thereto.
In the preferred construction, washer
35
, tumbler sleeves
24
, spacer
43
, and locking ring
36
are mounted to leg
33
of shackle
22
. Then, when dials
24
are mounted in place, the fully assembled leg
33
of shackle
22
is inserted into bore
56
of housing
21
. The assembly is then completed for forcing sealing cap
37
into zone
59
of bore
56
until the entire outer surface
70
of cap
37
is fully engaged in zone
59
and peripheral flange
71
contacts top surface
50
of housing
21
.
With sealing cap
37
securely, integrally fastened to housing
21
, tumbler sleeves
24
are protected from interference from environmental debris. Since bore
56
is effectively sealed from the ambient surroundings, the entry of unwanted dirt and/or debris into bore
56
is effectively prevented. As a result, long-term, trouble-free operation of combination lock
20
is provided.
In order to assure that each dial
24
is cooperatively associated with a tumbler sleeve
23
and is rotatable about leg
33
of shackle
22
along with its associated tumbler sleeve, housing
21
incorporates four separate and independent dial receiving zones
61
. Each dial receiving zone
61
is formed in juxtaposed spaced aligned parallel relationship with each other, while also being cooperatively associated with zone
58
of central bore
56
and elongated release channel
60
. In addition, each dial receiving zone
61
is defined by an upper surface
62
and a lower surface
63
which are parallel to each other. Furthermore, each dial receiving zone
61
is cooperatively associated with a cavity
65
, within which spring
42
and pin
41
are positioned for interengagement with dial
24
.
As discussed above, one of the difficulties encountered with prior art combination locks is the ability of some individuals to gain access to a secured lock by using known picking techniques. The principal technique employed is to apply pressure to the shackle while individually rotating the dials and listening for a known clicking sound which occurs whenever the locking fin or bar of the tumbler sleeve enters the release channel associated with that tumbler. By continuously repeating this process, a secured lock is capable of being unlocked even though the individual does not know the actual combination for that lock.
In order to virtually eliminate the ability of the combination lock of the present invention to be picked, housing
21
incorporates a plurality of recess slots
66
formed about elongated central bore
56
in an arcuate, juxtaposed, spaced relationship relative to release channel
60
. In the preferred embodiment, three recess slots
66
are formed about zone
58
of central bore
56
at approximately 90° from each other on each wall
62
of each dial receiving zone
61
.
In this way, each dial and each tumbler sleeve is directly associated with three separate and independent recess slots
66
in order to assure that false clicking of position locating sounds are produced whenever each dial is rotated. As best seen by the uppermost tumbler sleeve
23
and dial
24
of
FIG. 2
, when lock
20
is in its secured and locked position, the rotation of dial
24
about leg
33
of shackle
22
also causes tumbler sleeve
23
to rotate, since fin
25
is captured in one slot
30
of dial
24
. If an unauthorized person attempts to pick combination lock
20
, seeking to hear the clicking sound made when each fin
25
enters release channel
60
, the individual will be thwarted, since a plurality of false clicks will be produced for each tumbler sleeve
23
and dial
24
.
In the present invention, whenever tumbler sleeve
23
and dial
24
are rotated with axial pressure placed on shackle
22
to pick lock
20
, fin
25
rotationally moves along upper surface
62
of dial receiving slot
61
until fin
25
enters one of the slots
66
formed in surface
62
. Upon entering a slot
66
, a clicking noise is produced which simulates the noise produced when fin
25
enters release channel
60
.
Since three separate recess slots
66
are formed on each surface
62
of each dial receiving slot
61
(FIG.
6
), each tumbler sleeve/dial combination produces four clicks, only one of which represents the actual entry of fin
25
into channel
60
. As a result, the easy and quick picking procedure attainable with most prior art constructions is eliminated, and a virtually pick-free structure is realized.
The final aperture formed in housing
21
is shackle receiving hole
67
formed in top surface
50
of housing
21
in juxtaposed, spaced, parallel aligned relationship with central bore
56
. Hole
67
is constructed for receiving terminating end
32
of leg
31
of shackle
22
, providing the desired receiving holding zone for terminating end
32
whenever combination lock
22
is in its secured and locked position. As with conventional constructions, hole
67
is constructed with a diameter slightly greater than the diameter of leg
31
of shackle
22
in order to assure ease of insertion and withdrawal of leg
31
with hole
67
.
By referring to
FIGS. 7-10
, along with the following detailed disclosure, the unlocking and combination resetting functions of combination lock
20
of the present invention can best be understood. In
FIG. 7
, combination lock
20
is depicted in its unlocked position. In order to attain the unlocked position, each dial
24
must be rotated to the precise location wherein radially extending fin
25
of each tumbler sleeve
23
is aligned with release channel
60
. Once each radially extending fin
25
is positioned within release channel
60
, leg
43
of shackle
22
is capable of being axially raised upwardly, removing terminating end
32
of leg
31
from the secure locked interengagement within hole
67
.
As shown in
FIG. 7
, when leg
43
of shackle
22
has been axially raised upwardly, removing leg
31
from retained interengagement with hole
67
of housing
21
, each radially extending fin
25
of each tumbler sleeve
23
enters a portion of release channel
60
of housing
21
. Since release channel
60
is constructed with dimensions which are slightly greater than radially extending fin
25
, fin
25
of each tumbler sleeve
23
is able to easily enter channel
60
, but any rotational movement of tumbler sleeve
23
or dial
24
is prevented, since each tumbler sleeve
23
is effectively locked in channel
60
.
Although tumblers sleeves
23
and dials
24
are incapable of rotational movement, once leg
31
of shackle
22
is removed from hole
67
, shackle
22
is capable of rotational movement about the axis defined by leg
33
. However, the longitudinal axial movement of leg
33
of shackle
22
is controlled by the construction of sealing cap
37
.
As shown in
FIGS. 9 and 10
, sealing cap
37
is preferably constructed with a top surface
73
and
75
and
76
defining two separate and distinct substantially circular shaped inside surfaces of cap
37
. Surface
75
defines a substantially circular shaped portal having a diameter slightly greater than the diameter of shackle
22
. In this way, shackle
22
is freely movable in portal
75
both axially and rotationally, while also cooperating with the diameter of shackle
22
to prevent unwanted debris from entering therebetween.
In addition to portal
75
, top surface
73
of sealing cap
37
also incorporates two diametrically opposed radially extending keyway slots
77
and
78
formed therein and cooperating with portal
75
. Keyway slots
77
and
78
are constructed for cooperating with ribs
38
and
39
of shackle
22
, in order to control the axial movement of shackle
22
.
As a result of this construction, sealing cap
37
incorporates two juxtaposed, spaced, facing, inwardly extending, radial ledges
79
formed on opposed sides of aperture
75
and keyway slots
77
and
78
. By employing this construction, top surface
73
and radially extending ledges
79
cooperate with ribs
38
and
39
of shackle
22
to control the axial movement of shackle
22
relative to housing
21
.
As shown in
FIG. 7
, when combination lock
20
is in the open position, with leg
31
removed from hole
67
, rib
38
is disengaged from keyway slot
77
, thereby allowing shackle
22
to pivot about the central axis of leg
33
, while terminating end
34
of leg
33
is spaced away from plate
83
of sleeve/bowl
80
. Furthermore, in this construction, washer
35
comprises an outer diameter which is less than the diameter of inside surface
76
, thereby enabling washer
35
to enter the interior zone defined by inside surface
76
. However, outside surface
26
of tumbler sleeve
23
is constructed with a diameter which is greater than the diameter of inside surface
76
of cap
37
. As a result, the axial advance of shackle
22
upwardly is limited by the contact of the uppermost tumbler sleeve
23
with the base of sealing cap
37
.
These dimensions are controlled in order to assure that rib
39
may contact radially extending ledge
79
, but is incapable of entering keyway slots
77
or
78
. As a result, the free rotational movement of shackle
22
is attained. In this way, a user is able to mount leg
31
of shackle
22
with any desired object for securely closing and effectively locking the object once leg
22
has been pivoted back to aligned relationship with hole
67
of housing
21
.
When shackle
22
is released from engagement with hole
67
, shackle
22
is capable of pivoting about the axis defined by leg
33
, but is incapable of axially advancing into engagement with bore
56
due to the contact of rib
38
with top surface
73
of cap
37
. The only positions in which shackle
22
is capable of axial movement is when rib
38
is aligned with keyway slot
77
or keyway slot
78
. As is evident from the foregoing detailed disclosure, whenever rib
38
is aligned with keyway slot
77
, shackle
22
is capable of being moved into its locked position. However, further axial advance of shackle
22
relative to housing
21
is prevented since the terminating end
32
of leg
31
engages receiving hole
67
, preventing any further axial movement of shackle
22
. However, as shown in
FIG. 8
, whenever shackle
22
is pivoted 180° from its locked position, bringing rib
38
into alignment with keyway slot
78
, shackle
22
can be axially advanced into engagement with housing
21
.
In prior art constructions, when shackle
22
is arcuately pivoted in this manner with rib
38
aligned with slot
78
, for allowing shackle
22
to axially advance into housing
21
, these prior art constructions enable the combination of the lock to be re-set without the user's knowledge. However, by employing the present invention, leg
33
of shackle
22
is in capable of being axially advanced into the combination resetting position without the user's full knowledge and operational control.
When shackle
22
is arcuately pivoted 180° from the position shown in
FIG. 7
to the position shown in
FIG. 8
, leg
33
of shackle
22
is capable of being axially advanced towards sleeve/bowl
80
until terminating end
34
of leg
33
contacts plate portion
83
. However, without receiving a manual actuating force from the user, any further axial movement of leg
33
of shackle
22
is prevented due to the spring biasing force imposed upon sleeve/bowl
80
by spring member
81
.
In the preferred construction, spring member
81
is mounted under compression between sleeve/bowl
80
and plug
82
. Consequently, sleeve/bowl
80
is continuously urged upwardly by spring member
81
, holding and maintaining leg
33
of shackle
22
in its normally locked position, as shown in FIG.
2
.
In addition, the outside diameter of rim portion
85
of sleeve/bowl
80
is greater than the diameter of zone
58
of bore
56
. Consequently, sleeve/bowl
80
is incapable of being forced upwardly by spring member
81
beyond the juncture of zone
57
with zone
58
, due to the engagement of rim portion
85
with ledge
86
. Since ledge
86
limits the upward travel distance of sleeve/bowl
80
, spring member
81
continues to exert its force on sleeve/bowl
80
, preventing leg
33
of shackle
22
from moving downwardly, when not desired by the user.
By employing the present invention, the user must provide an input force to shackle
22
in order to move leg
33
of shackle
22
downwardly into the position shown in FIG.
8
. This force is required in order to overcome the force of spring member
81
and cause sleeve/bowl
80
to be advanced toward the bottom surface of plug
82
. Without providing this downward force, leg
33
of shackle
22
is incapable of moving into the combination resetting position shown in FIG.
8
.
When shackle
22
is advanced into this position, with sleeve/bowl
80
contacting the base of plug
82
, rib
38
passes through slot
78
, enabling shackle
22
to arcuately pivot relative to housing
21
. However, the removal of shackle
22
from any arcuate position is prevented due to the contact of rib
38
with ledge
79
. The only position within which shackle
22
can be removed from this position is when rib
38
is aligned with keyway slot
78
.
As clearly shown in
FIG. 8
in addition to sleeve/bowl
80
being in contact with the base of plug
82
, tumbler sleeves
23
are advanced into housing
21
into a position wherein each radially extending fin
25
of each tumbler sleeve
23
is securely mounted in channel
60
of housing
21
. In addition, radially extending fins
25
of each tumbler sleeve
23
is lowered into a position whereby each radially extending fin
25
is disengaged from slot
30
of each dial
24
. As a result, although tumbler sleeves
23
are incapable of being rotationally moved, due to the secure interengagement of fin
25
with slot
60
, each dial
24
is free to rotate about the axis defined by shackle
22
since fin
25
has been completely disengaged from each dial
24
. In this way, any desired numeral can be aligned with position orientation line
47
, thereby enabling the user to select any desired combination of numbers to represent the particular combination for opening lock
20
.
Once dials
24
have been arranged into the numeral sequence desired by the user to form the opening combination for lock
20
, shackle
22
is pivoted to the position wherein rib
38
is aligned with keyway slot
78
and shackle
22
is axially raised upwardly until rib
38
exits slot
78
. Once in this raised position, shackle
22
is capable of being freely pivoted about its central axis with leg
31
being engaged with the desired item to be locked and then pivoted into aligned relationship with hole
67
for securing combination lock
20
in the precisely desired location. In addition, sleeve/bowl
80
is free to move upwardly and return to engagement with ledge
86
.
As is evident from the foregoing detailed disclosure, by employing the present invention, a uniquely constructed combination lock is attained which provides all of the desired functions of a combination lock in a highly effective, easily assembled and easily employed construction capable of being produced with substantially greater ease and convenience. Furthermore, the construction of the present invention provides assurance that the pre-set combination for the lock will not be accidentally changed or altered and incorporates a plurality of means for producing a false click, thereby effectively attaining a combination lock which virtually eliminates unauthorized individuals from gaining access to the combination lock, when in its locked position, using conventional picking techniques.
Furthermore, the combination lock of the present invention incorporates a virtually sealed construction which eliminates unwanted debris from entering the rotating mechanisms of the combination lock. As a result, interference of these rotating components with environmental debris is virtually eliminated and a combination lock is attained which is capable of providing long-term use, free from interference or destruction by environmental contamination.
In addition to employing the present construction detailed above, the present invention can also be implemented using alternate design features. One such feature easily employed in the present invention without deviating from the scope of the present invention would be the elimination of rib
39
and the incorporation of a radially extending ledge in leg
33
of shackle
22
to define the stop position for washer
35
. In addition, washer
35
may comprise a ledge or diameter so as to prevent the entry of washer into the cavity formed by inside surface
76
of cap
37
. In this way, the axial movement of shackle
22
upwardly would be limited by the contact of washer
35
with the base of cap
37
.
These variations, as well as other variations, can be incorporated into combination lock
20
of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention. Consequently, it is intended that all such variations form a part of this invention and are within the scope of this invention.
It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in the above article without departing from the scope of this invention, it is intended that all matter contained in this disclosure or shown in the accompanying drawings, shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention which as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.
Claims
- 1. A combination lock constructed for ease of use, while also substantially eliminating the ability of unwanted, accidental, and/or unauthorized changes being made to the combination for opening the lock, said combination lock comprising:A. a housing incorporating a. an elongated bore, b. a plurality of dial receiving zones formed in the housing, each of said receiving zones 1. extending substantially perpendicularly to the axis of the central bore, and 2. defined by two juxtaposed, spaced, parallel facing surfaces, each of said surfaces extending perpendicularly to the central axis of the central bore; and c. 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; B. a shackle comprising a generally J-shape, incorporating a. a short leg having a terminating end constructed for cooperative locking and unlocking interengagement with the housing, and b. a long leg cooperatively mounted in the elongated central bore of the housing for axial movement and pivoting movement relative thereto; C. a plurality of tumbler sleeves, each of said tumbler sleeves a. rotationally mounted to the long leg of the shackle for rotational movement about the central axis thereof, and b. 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; D. a plurality of dials each of said dials a. mounted in a dial receiving zone of the housing, b. peripherally surrounding a tumbler sleeve for cooperating therewith, and c. comprising an inside surface formed by a tumbler locking surface; and E. a shackle holding assembly mounted in the elongated bore in cooperating relationship with the long leg of the shackle for biasing the long leg of the shackle towards a raised position, preventing axial, downward movement of the long leg of the shackle without the receipt of an external force on the shackle, said shackle holding assembly comprising: a. a holding member constructed for receiving and cooperatively holding the terminating end of the long leg of the shackle; b. a spring member biasingly engaged with the holding member for continuously urging the holding member in an upward direction, and c. a plug member constructed for closing the entry portal to the lowermost zone and for securely retaining the holding member and the spring member in the lowermost zone; 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 unwanted axial movement of the long leg of the shackle, thereby preventing accidental changes to the combination from occurring.
- 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 the lowermost zone comprising a diameter substantially equal to or greater than the uppermost zone.
- 3. The combination lock defined in claim 2, wherein the elongated bore is further defined as extending through the housing with the lowermost zone forming a cavity for receiving and retaining the shackle holding assembly.
- 4. The combination lock defined in claim 3, wherein the lowermost zone and the central zone cooperate to form a retaining ledge at the juncture therebetween.
- 5. The combination lock defined in claim 1, wherein the holding member is further defined as comprising a substantially cylindrically shaped wall portion interconnected at one end thereof to a substantially flat plate portion and interconnected at its opposed end to a radially extending rim portion.
- 6. The combination lock defined in claim 5, wherein said rim portion is further defined as radially extending outwardly from the outer surface of the cylindrically shaped wall portion and comprises a diameter greater than the diameter of the central portion, whereby the holding member is maintained in abutting engagement with the retaining ledge by the forces of the spring member.
- 7. The combination lock defined in claim 6, wherein the long leg of the shackle is normally retained in the holding member with the terminating end of the shackle in contact with the plate portion and the end portion is peripherally surrounded by the cylindrically shaped wall portion, whereby the long leg of the shackle is incapable of being moved downwardly without the input of sufficient force the move the holding member against the force of the spring member, thereby preventing unwanted or accidental movement of the shackle.
- 8. The combination lock defined in claim 1, 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 fin of a tumbler is positioned in the release channel.
- 9. The combination lock defined in claim 8, 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.
- 10. The combination lock defined in claim 9, 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.
- 11. The combination lock defined in claim 10, wherein each of said dials is further defined as comprising a slot formed on the outer surface thereof between each adjacent indicia bearing panel.
- 12. The combination lock defined in claim 11, 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.
- 13. The combination lock constructed for ease of use, while also substantially eliminating the ability of the unauthorized persons from opening the lock without knowledge of the combination, said combination lock comprising:A. a housing incorporating a. an elongated bore, b. a plurality of dial receiving zones formed in the housing, each of said receiving zones 1. extending substantially perpendicularly to the axis of the central bore, and 2. defined by two juxtaposed, spaced, parallel facing surfaces, each of said surfaces extending perpendicularly to the central axis of the central bore; and c. 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; B. a shackle comprising a generally J-shape, incorporating a. a short leg having a terminating end constructed for cooperative locking and unlocking interengagement with the housing, and b. a long leg cooperatively mounted in the elongated central bore of the housing for axial movement and pivoting movement relative thereto; C. a plurality of tumbler sleeves, each of said tumbler sleeves a. 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 b. 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; D. a plurality of dials each of said dials a. mounted in a dial receiving zone of the housing, b. peripherally surrounding a tumbler sleeve for cooperating therewith, and c. 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; and E. a shackle holding assembly being defined as comprising: a. a holding member constructed for receiving and cooperatively holding the terminating end of the long leg of the shackle; b. a spring member biasingly engaged with the holding member for urging the holding member towards an upward direction, and c. a plug member constructed for closing the entry portal to the lowermost zone and for securely retaining the holding member and the spring member in the lowermost zone; 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 the combination from being re-set without the user's knowledge.
- 14. The combination lock defined in claim 13, wherein the holding member is further defined as comprising a substantially cylindrically shaped wall portion interconnected at one end thereof to a substantially flat plate portion and interconnected at its opposed end to a radially extending rim portion.
- 15. 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. a housing incorporating: a. an elongated bore, b. a plurality of dial receiving zones formed in the housing, each of said receiving zones 1. extending substantially perpendicularly to the axis of the central bore, and 2. defined by two juxtaposed, spaced, parallel facing surfaces, each of said surfaces extending perpendicularly to the central axis of the central bore; and c. 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; B. a shackle comprising a generally J-shape, incorporating a. a short leg having a terminating end constructed for cooperative locking and unlocking interengagement with the housing, and b. a long leg cooperatively mounted in the elongated central bore of the housing for axial movement and pivoting movement relative thereto; C. a plurality of tumbler sleeves, each of said tumbler sleeves a. 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 b. 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; D. a plurality of dials each of said dials a. mounted in a dial receiving zone of the housing, b. peripherally surrounding a tumbler sleeve for cooperating therewith, c. comprising an inside surface formed by a tumbler locking surface; E. a shackle holding assembly mounted in the elongated bore in cooperating relationship with the long leg of the shackle for biasing the long leg of the shackle towards a raised position, preventing axial, downward movement of the long leg of the shackle without the receipt of an external force on the shackle, said shackle holding assembly comprising: a. a holding member constructed for receiving and cooperatively holding the terminating end of the long leg of the shackle; b. a spring member biasingly engaged with the holding member for continuously urging the holding member in an upward direction, and c. a plug member constructed for closing the entry portal to the lowermost zone and for securely retaining the holding member and the spring member in the lowermost zone; and F. 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.
- 16. The combination lock defined in claim 15, wherein said sealing cap is further defined as having a diameter substantially equivalent to the diameter of the uppermost zone of the elongated bore for enabling the sealing cap to be forced under pressure into said bore, thereby effectively sealing the upper end of the bore.
- 17. The combination lock defined in claim 16, 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 surfaced of the shackle, thereby defining two entry zones for controlling the axial movement of the shackle relative to the sealing cap.
- 18. The combination lock defined in claim 17, 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.
- 19. The combination lock constructed for ease of use, while also substantially eliminating the ability of the combination being changed when not desired, said combination lock comprising:A. a housing incorporating a. an elongated bore, b. a plurality of dial receiving zones formed in the housing, each of said receiving zones 1. extending substantially perpendicularly to the axis of the central bore, and 2. defined by two juxtaposed, spaced, parallel facing surfaces, each of said surfaces extending perpendicularly to the central axis of the central bore; and c. 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; B. a shackle comprising a generally J-shape, incorporating a. a short leg having a terminating end constructed for cooperative locking and unlocking interengagement with the housing, and b. a long leg cooperatively mounted in the elongated central bore of the housing for axial movement and pivoting movement relative thereto; c. 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 sid protrusions defining a fixed axial length for said long leg; C. a plurality of tumbler sleeves, each of said tumbler sleeves a. 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 b. 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; D. a plurality of dials each of said dials a. mounted in a dial receiving zone of the housing, b. peripherally surrounding a tumbler sleeve for cooperating therewith, and c. comprising an inside surface formed by a tumbler locking surface; E. a shackle holding assembly mounted in the elongated bore in cooperating relationship with the long leg of the shackle for biasing the long leg of the shackle towards a raised position, preventing axial, downward movement of the long leg of the shackle without the receipt of an external force on the shackle, said shackle holding assembly comprising: a. a holding member constructed for receiving and cooperatively holding the terminating end of the long leg of the shackle; b. a spring member biasingly engaged with the holding member for continuously urging the holding member in an upward direction, and c. a plug member constructed for closing the entry portal to the lowermost zone and for securely retaining the holding member and the spring member in the lowermost zone; and F. 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 prevents the long leg of the shackle form axially moving downwardly without receiving an input force, thereby preventing the combination from being altered when not desired.
US Referenced Citations (18)