This application claims priority to Brazil Patent Application No. MU9002269-6, filed on Nov. 23, 2010, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated herein by reference.
This field relates to improvements in padlock storage systems.
In the current prior art, several dispositions in locks are known.
Currently the locks assist users in many different applications in order to increase security in the sanctity of property.
The small locks allow for use in gyms lockers, schools, and other equipment for temporary confinement of small volumes. Since they are small, they are easy to transport, but they are difficult to keep. There are awkward situations for the use of “key ring” or other elements to store the key.
Normally, due to the small size of the small padlock's key, the user finds it difficult to locate the key, and may even lose the key when they do not want to store it on a “key ring”. This represents a major drawback, because the loss of key results in the need to use a specialized service for its opening, or even its disruption and destruction.
In the state of the art, there are also locks that do not use a key to open, but these types of locks are not relevant for this disclosure.
There remains a continuous need for improved lock systems that avoid misplacing the key.
In one example, a disposition inserted in the padlock comprises two extreme upper and lower parts connected by mobile bracelet or anklet, a central part fixed to the padlock, and a bracelet or anklet for transportation, whereby the upper and lower ends are attachable to each other, when the central part and thereby the padlock are removed from the ends.
The central part aims to protect and store the body of the padlock and is fixed to the padlock. The upper and lower ends are intended to protect the padlock rod and the key when the assembly is composed of three parts, i.e., the upper and lower ends over the central part.
When the central part and consequently the padlock is in use or out of the assembly, the upper and lower ends can form a key storage retention capsule and padlock due to the existence of the bracelet or anklet as a link between the upper and lower ends, thereby allowing use of the capsule in the wrist and/or ankle, and thereby providing greater security in key storage.
In another example, a disposition introduced in the padlock, more particularly the small ones, includes a capsule or wrapping that forms when the padlock and (central part) is in use or off the assembly and the extreme top and bottom parts are joined and engaged, involving and storing the key inside it, being connected by a bracelet or anklet, which makes it possible to transport the key fastened to the wrist and/or ankle.
The examples and drawings provided in the detailed description are merely examples, which should not be used to limit the scope of the claims in any claim construction or interpretation.
In one example, a disposition introduced in the padlock, containing three parts of protection to the padlock and a bracelet or anklet for transportation, two extreme mobile parts connected by bracelet or anklet and a central part, which is fixed to the padlock. The center part aims to protect and to store the body of the padlock, fixed to the padlock. The outer edges are intended to protect the shaft and the key, when the assembly is composed of three parts (the extremes plus the central part).
When the padlock (central part) is in use or out of the assembly, the upper and lower ends can interlock, thereby forming a capsule for storage of the padlock key and due to the existence of the bracelet or anklet acting as a link between the ends, it is possible to use the capsule on the wrist and/or ankle, thereby providing greater security in key storage.
Alternative constructive dispositions are disclosed, and the key can be attached to the far lower part or also embedded and can be removed.
According to
The said central part (2) is attachable to both the upper end (1) and to the lower end (3), configuring an attachable set.
The chamber (8) accommodates the padlock body (6) in its interior, with the said central part (2) coupled to the upper end (1). The padlock may be a rod, for example.
The lower end (3) is provided with a cavity (9) that holds the key (5), which is fastened and is not removable from the lower end (3) in this embodiment.
As shown in
Thus, the use of the ends (1,3) attachable to the central part (2) allows the accommodation of the key (5) and padlock (6) inside in the retention capsule.
As shown in
To use a free padlock (6), disengage the upper end (1) from the central part (2) and in turn disengage the lower end (3) from the central part (2), such that the central part is thereby disengaged (2) and the padlock (6) is thus unlocked. For example, the lower end (3) may be rotated or spinned (23) to be disengaged from the central part.
With the central part (2) disengaged and the padlock (6) unlocked, its use is allowable.
According to
The mentioned central part (2) is attachable both to the upper end (1) and the lower end (3), configuring an attachable set.
The chamber (8) accommodates the padlock body (6) in its interior, and the mentioned central part 2 is coupled to the upper end (1). The padlock body may be a rod, for example.
The lower end (3) is provided with a cavity (10) that holds the key (7), which is attachable and removable from the lower end (3).
As shown in
Thus, the use of the ends (1,3) attachable to the central part (2) allows for the accommodation of the removable key (7) and padlock (6) inside in the retention capsule.
The coupling system between the central part (2) and lower end (3) allows the rotation of the mentioned lower end (3) in the central part (2), promoting the unlocking of the padlock (6), since the key (7) activates the padlock's unlocking, where the key is being housed inside the cavity (10).
To use a free padlock (6), disengage the upper end (1) from the central part (2) and in turn disengage the lower end (3) from the central part (2) such that the central part (2) is disengaged and the padlock rod (6) is unlocked, while allowing the non-fastened key (7) which does not remain lodged in the padlock (6). Thus, when the central part (2) is disengaged and the padlock (6) unlocked, the padlock's use is possible.
For storage of the key (7) not fastened to the retention capsule, the key is removed from the padlock (6) and is installed in the cavity (10) of the lower end (3).
According to
The mentioned central part (12) is attachable to both the upper end (11) and the lower end (13), configuring an attachable set.
The front part of the ends (11,13) is provided with ergonomic notches (21) which extend to the vicinity of a contact area with the central part (12).
The chamber (18) accommodates the padlock (16) inside, with the mentioned central part (2) being coupled to the upper end (11).
The lower end (13) is provided with a cavity (20) that holds the key (17), which is attachable and removable from the lower end (13).
As shown in
Thus, the use of ends (11,13) attachable to the central part (12) allows the accommodation of the removable key (17) and the padlock (16) inside a retention capsule.
The coupling system between the central part (12) and lower end (13) allows for the rotation of the mentioned lower end (13) in the central part (12), promoting the unlocking of the padlock (16), since the key (17) activates the padlock's unlocking, where the key being housed inside the cavity (20).
To use the padlock (16) disengage the upper end (11) from the central part (12) and in turn disengage the lower end (13) from the central part (12), such that the central part (12) is disengaged and the padlock (16) unlocked, while allowing the non-fastened key (17) to remain housed in the padlock (16).
When the central part (12) is disengaged and the padlock (16) is unlocked, the use of the padlock is possible.
To store the unfastened key (17) in the retention capsule, the key is removed from the padlock (16) and the key is installed in the cavity (20) of the lower end (13).
One advantage of the disposition refers to the fact that the existence of the capsule allows for easy storage of the key, making it harder to lose.
Moreover, the existence of a bracelet or anklet allows the user to always have the key to the padlock with them during their activities, in a safe and practical manner.
Furthermore, the capsule represents a safe and ergonomic casing to keep the key inside.
The following is a list of reference numerals and associated parts as used in this specification and drawings:
While the principles of the invention have been described herein, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation as to the scope of the invention. Other embodiments are contemplated within the scope of the present invention in addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, which is not to be limited except by the following claims.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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MU9002269-6 | Nov 2010 | BR | national |