Patent Application
20170030109
This invention relates to portable locks. Some embodiments provide portable locks having locking mechanisms controlled by wireless signal(s). The signals may be sent from a portable device such as a smartphone or the like. Some embodiments provide self-closing locks.
Portable locks may be used to secure portable items to stationary objects or to secure lockers, gates doors and the like by means of a hasp, chain or the like. One type of portable lock is a padlock of the type having an inverted U-shaped shackle which can be opened at the turn of a physical key. Locks employing U-shaped shackles are often inconvenient to attach with one hand, and can sometimes appear to be locked even when the shackle is not fully engaged.
Most mechanical locks can be picked at the keyway, or their physical keys copied. It is often cheaper to buy a new padlock than to re-key one if old keys have not been returned. Other problems with mechanical-keyed locks include keyways that expose the insides of the lock to tampering or damage, and the limited number of available key combinations. Combination locks provide a limited number of combinations and can be susceptible to cracking with patient application.
Some locks can be locked or unlocked using wireless signals. The signals may be infrared (U.S. Pat. No. 7,948,359). U.S. Pat. No. 7,382,250 discloses a dedicated key-fob for opening a lock. U.S. Pat. No. 7,334,443 discloses a physical key combined with an attached transceiver element. These technologies still require the user to carry a secondary physical key or fob in order to open each lock.
Some electronic locks use an RF activated motor to physically open the shackle of the lock, but this method requires an inefficient amount of power for a device that needs to operate reliably (U.S. Pat. No. 8,225,629, U.S. Pat. No. 7,948,359).
There remains a need for portable locks that are convenient and trustworthy to use.
The invention has a number of aspects. One aspect provides wirelessly-controlled locks. An example embodiment provides a wireless self-closing portable lock which allows a user to conveniently and securely operate one or more locks by means of a smart phone or similar wireless device. A system includes such a lock and a software application that can be executed on a smartphone or other portable device to control the lock to switch from a locked state to an unlocked state. In some embodiments the locks are self-closing.
Another aspect provides lock mechanisms that comprise a pivoting shackle that can be secured in a receiver in a lock housing. In some embodiments the shackle may have two distinct latched positions. In some embodiments the lock may provide a spring-loaded latching member and a locking member. The spring-loaded member may be arranged to prevent interference with the locking member when the lock is in a locked state.
Another aspect provides portable locks that have housings having openings covered by covers. The portable locks have striker members that are actuated to lock and unlock the locks. Members extending from the covers are restrained by the striker member when the striker member is in a locked configuration, thereby locking the covers in place over the openings. The covers may comprise battery covers in some embodiments.
Another aspect provides locks having an electrically-operated actuating mechanism comprising one or two racks driven by a pinion. The rack(s) carry engagement member(s) arranged to engage with a movable locking member such as a striker plate, shackle, or other element that must be moved to permit opening of the lock. The racks may be moved by rotating the pinion between a locked configuration wherein the engagement members engage the locking member to restrict motion of the locking member and an unlocked configuration wherein the engagement members permit motion of the locking member. In an example embodiment the pinion is driven by an electric motor. The pinion may be driven by reduction gearing such as a worm drive or planetary drive or gear train, for example. In some embodiments the gear ratio provided by the reduction gearing is in the range of about 50:1 to about 400:1. In an example embodiment the gear ratio is 200:1±10%. In one embodiment two racks are arranged such that the engagement members are moved toward one another to reach the locked configuration. In such embodiments the engagement members may, for example, engage notches on edges of a striker plate or other locking member. In other embodiments two racks are arranged such that the engagement members are moved apart to reach the locked configuration. In such embodiments, the engagement members may, for example, engage notches or indentations in inner edges of a shackle, striker plate or other locking member.
Another aspect provides lock mechanisms that include an electrical actuating mechanism in which one or more memory wire actuators is coupled to move a locking member between locked and unlocked configurations.
These aspects may be applied individually or in any combinations.
Further aspects and example embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and/or described in the following description.
The accompanying drawings illustrate non-limiting example embodiments of the invention.
Throughout the following description specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding to persons skilled in the art. However, well known elements may not have been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure. The following description of examples of the technology is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the system to the precise forms of any example embodiment. Accordingly, the description and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive, sense.
This description describes portable locks and systems that include and/or work with portable locks. Features of the various example embodiments described below and illustrated in the drawings may be mixed with features of other described embodiments to yield further embodiments.
A portable lock as described herein may have any combination of features as described herein and may also leave out certain features. For example, portable locks according to some embodiments have an overall configuration as described herein but may have the same or different actuating mechanisms than the examples described herein. Portable locks according to some embodiments may have actuating mechanisms as described herein and may have overall configurations that are the same as or different from the example embodiments described herein. Portable locks according to some embodiments may include one or more locking covers as described herein and may otherwise be similar to or different from the example embodiments described herein. Portable locks according to some embodiments have locking mechanisms as described herein but have other features that are the same as or different from the example embodiments described herein. Portable locks according to any of these embodiments or other portable locks entirely may have optional features as described herein. Certain optional features and details of construction may have application in other contexts and so can be provided independently of other features described herein.
In some embodiments portable locks have an actuating mechanism that is controlled wirelessly to unlock and/or lock the portable lock. Such embodiments also include control electronics and a suitable wireless receiver.
Examples of optional features include means to jumpstart a discharged battery as described herein. Examples of details of construction include construction details of a secure battery and electronics bay, use of a carrier enclosed by a housing wherein lock components are supported on the carrier. These optional and detail features may also be applied in other embodiments.
The following example embodiments have been selected to illustrate applications of the invention. These example embodiments include locks having a shackle that is pivotally-mounted for movement across a lock opening (described as ‘pivot locks’), locks having overall configurations similar to carabiners (described as ‘clip locks’) and locks having overall configurations similar to padlocks (described as ‘padlocks’). Specific details of construction are illustrated for the described embodiments. However, the invention is more general than any of the specifically-described example embodiments.
Locks in some embodiments are designed so that they will normally be in only one of three possible states, namely locked, latched (unlocked, but unopened), or opened (i.e., the open position of the unlocked shackle or gate arm). A bias mechanism such as a spring may apply a force to the shackle or gate that tends to move the shackle or gate to the latched configuration.
GUI 14 may, for example, be provided by a dedicated software application. The user may, for example, obtain the application by downloading it into wireless device 12. After configuration with the lock the user is able to actuate 70 the locking mechanism 46 of one or more locks (e.g. lock 26 or 110) remotely by means of user input 24 to the software graphical user interface (GUI) 14 on their phone or other device.
Locks 26 and 110 may be configured to respond to the same or different signals. In this example embodiment, lock 26 has a pivot lock configuration and lock 110 has a clip lock configuration. In each of locks 26 and 110 internal electronics verify that the received signals are appropriate signals to authorize operation of the lock and, if so, actuate a locking mechanism (46 or 122) which locks 22 the gate 124 of the clip lock 110, and the shackle 60 of the pivot lock 26.
An example portable lock 26 which has a pivot lock configuration and a solenoid actuation mechanism is shown in
Any of the locks described herein may optionally comprise wireless receivers, electronics and an actuating mechanism controlled by the electronics such that the locks may be used in a wireless lock system.
Any of the locks disclosed herein may include signaling devices such as LEDs or other lamps, LCDs and/or speakers or buzzers or audio transducers operated by circuitry in the lock to provide visual and/or auditory indication of the lock's status or change of status. By this means, a visible and/or audible signal from the lock (e.g. 26 or 110) may be generated following receipt of a wireless signal 16 from a wireless device 12 or other control input (e.g. a signal from a fob) that changes the lock's status.
Locks as described herein may include any of a variety of actuation mechanisms. Example actuation mechanisms described herein use motors, solenoids, or memory wires to selectively move a locking member to lock or unlock a lock. A motor actuation mechanism may for example, use a rack and pinion mechanism or a worm gear to move a locking member. A worm gear or screw may, for example, advance or retract a locking member by turning as it engages one or more teeth, threads or projections on the locking member. A worm gear or screw may be turned directly by a motor or turned by way of a suitable transmission such as a speed-reducing gear train.
Example Pivot Lock with Solenoid Actuation Mechanism
One overall configuration for a portable lock is a pivot lock. A pivot lock has a shackle that is pivotally mounted to a housing. A free end of the shackle can be pivoted between an unlocked position and a locked position. In the unlocked position the free end of the shackle may be inserted into an aperture, such as a hasp, eye or the like, or may be passed behind an object, such as a part of an item to be secured by the lock. In the locked position the free end of the shackle is received by a receiver. When the lock is locked the free end is secured so that it cannot be removed from the receiver.
Lock 26 comprises a housing 28 which includes a pivot drum portion 30. Housing 28 encloses and protects components of lock 26 other than shackle 60 and shackle cap 32. A carrier 42 is insertable into a carrier bay 43 defined in housing 28 as shown in
Actuator 70 is electrically operated and in this embodiment comprises a solenoid 74 with a plunger 76 which can be retracted to move a locking block 72 against the force of a plunger spring 78 by electrically energizing solenoid 74. In the illustrated embodiment locking block 72 is affixed by a fastener 73 to the end of the plunger 76. Locking block 72 may be extended toward carrier 42 where it blocks movement of a striker plate 48 and latch pin 50 away from a locked configuration.
Locking/latching mechanism 46 includes: striker plate 48, pivot spring 82, and shackle 60. Striker plate 48 includes a latch pin 50, spring 52, spring trap 54, and guide slots 58. Cylindrical travel guides 57 are secured by guide bolts 56 to the face of carrier 42. Carrier 42 also supports a striker spring cup 37. Pivot spring 82 biases shackle toward its latched configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, pivot spring 82 is secured between a lock plate 80 and a shackle cap plate 90, whereby a hook 84 on spring 82 fits into a slot 89 of lock plate 80 and an end of spring 82 inserts into a hole 88 in cap plate 90. The pivot spring assembly is secured by tang bolts 96 into threaded holes 68 in the tang 64 of shackle 60 through corresponding holes in a plate washer 92 (which in some embodiments is made from a suitable plastic such as Delrin™) and a washer well 94 in the shackle cap 32. When assembled, latch pin 50 protrudes from the pin outlet 40 in the base of the shackle inlet 38 and into the pin divot 62 in shackle 60. (see
Electronics 100 includes a main PCB 102 with a wireless signal receiver 104, and a drive PCB 106. Electronics 100 are secured by a cover 34 into bay 43 of carrier 42. Batteries 108 are secured in a battery well 44 in carrier 42 by a cover 36.
When the free end of shackle 60 is seated in receiver 38, pin 50 engages divot 62 and in combination with the force exerted by pivot spring 82, holds shackle 60 with its free end engaged in receiver 38 (in this configuration, lock 26 is latched).
When locking block 72 is retracted by operation of an actuation mechanism, striker plate 48 is released and can move in a direction such that pin 50 is disengaged from divot 62 within the range of motion permitted by travel guides 57 and guide slots 58. Striker spring 52 which is supported between a striker spring cup 37 protruding from the face of carrier 42 and striker plate 48 biases striker plate 48 toward its locked configuration.
Housing 28 contains electronics 100 and striker plate 48. Pivot drum 30, which is part of or contiguous with housing 28 encloses actuator 70 and pivot spring 82. When lock 26 is unlocked, shackle 60 can pivot against the torsional force of pivot spring 82 by means of shackle cap 32 at the end of pivot drum 30. When lock 26 is locked, shackle 60 is secured by latch pin 50 of striker plate 48 which protrudes from pin outlet 40 inside receiver 38 and into pin divot 62 of shackle 60.
As shown in
As shown in
The inside of carrier 42 provides a channel in which the striker plate 48 can move, while the outside provides a bay 43 in which electronics 100 are housed. Cylindrical travel guides 57 are secured by guide bolts 56 to the carrier 42 face, and delimit striker plate 48 travel as shown in
Another overall configuration for a lock is a clip lock. A clip lock comprises a frame which defines an opening. A pivotally-mounted gate extends across a gap in the periphery of the opening. When the clip lock is unlocked, the gate can be moved to allow objects (e.g. hasps, objects to be secured, etc.) to pass through the gap into the opening. When the clip lock is locked, the gate is secured in a configuration such that it extends across the gap. A clip lock may have a configuration generally like a carabiner. A bias mechanism may be provided to bias the gate to extend across the gap.
Clip lock 110 includes a locking mechanism 122 comprising a movable gate 124, which is the other half of the “clip” part of the lock. Gate 124 is pivotal about a wheel post 134 provided on housing 112. A gate wheel 126 is attached to or forms part of gate 124. Gate wheel 126 is also mounted to rotate about wheel post 134. Gate 124 may be secured to hook 114 by a gate interlock 128 interleaving with a hook interlock 130 (see
A pawl 148 pivots on post 150 and is biased toward gate wheel 126 by a spring 152. Pawl 148 can engage gate wheel 126 to lock the gate wheel 126. A catch 154 with a seated spring 158 controls the position of pawl 148. Positions of pawl 148 and catch 154 are controlled by an actuation mechanism to lock and/or unlock clip lock 110.
Clip lock 110 comprises an actuator 136 which, in this example embodiment, uses electrically-contracting memory wire to actuate the locking mechanism. In alternative embodiments solenoids or other actuating devices are used to actuate the locking mechanism. The memory wire can be made to contract by passing an electrical current through it: The illustrated actuation mechanism comprises a pawl wire 138 and a catch wire 139 each comprising electrically-contracting memory wire. Pawl wire 138 is attached to pull on pawl 148, when energized. Catch wire 139 is attached to pull on catch 154, when energized. Pawl wire 138 and catch wire 139 are guided by pulleys which include a top pawl pulley 142, a catch pulley 144, and a bottom pawl pulley 146. Ends of each length of memory wire may be terminated with ring terminals 140 which connect to power wires. The ring terminals are electrically insulated, for example by non-conductive fasteners which, in the illustrated example embodiment include Delrin™ washers and nylon fasteners.
Clip lock 110 includes electronics 160 which include a main printed circuit board (PCB) 162 which includes a wireless receiver 164; a battery 168 and its conductive securement clip 170. Installed behind rear cover 118 is a switch board 166 and one or more flat pack capacitors 172.
In an embodiment of the clip lock having electrically-contracting memory wire for actuating the locking mechanism, when a user sends a signal to the electronics 160 to unlock the clip lock 110, the electronics 160 first energize pawl wire 138. When pawl wire 138 is energized, it contracts and pulls pawl 148 causing it to pivot into the disengaged position. With the pawl 148 in the disengaged position, the gate wheel 126 is free to rotate thereby allowing the gate 124 to move freely between a first position in which the gate interlock 128 is in contact with the hook interlock 30 and a second position in which there is a gap between the gate interlock 128 and the hook interlock 30. In this state, the lock is unlocked and can be opened. Pawl 148 may be held in its disengaged position after pawl wire 138 is no-longer energized by catch 154. Catch 154 may be engaged by briefly energizing catch wire 139. When catch wire 139 is subsequently de-energized, it expands and catch spring 156 biases catch 154 into a position such that it holds pawl 148 in the disengaged position. Once the catch 154 secures the pawl 148 in the disengaged position, the pawl wire 138 no longer needs to be energized to keep the pawl 148 in the disengaged position. This allows for efficient use of battery power. The lock may be locked, for example, by energizing pawl wire 138 to pull pawl 148 away from catch 154, energizing catch wire 139 to withdraw catch 154, deenergizing pawl wire 138 and then deenergizing catch wire 139.
Other embodiments provide alternative actuation devices, such as solenoids or other actuating means to move the pawl and the catch to lock and unlock a lock.
In an embodiment of the clip lock having electrically-contracting memory wire for actuating the locking mechanism, when a user sends a signal to the electronics 160 to lock the clip lock 110, the electronics 160 first energize the catch wire 139. When the catch wire 139 is energized, it contracts and pulls the catch 154, against the bias of the catch spring 156, away from the pawl 148. If the pawl wire is de-energized, the pawl 148, which is biased by pawl spring 152 towards the gate wheel 126, is then free to move towards the gate wheel 126. In this state, if the gate wheel 126 is rotated such that the gate interlock 128 is in contact with the hook interlock 130, then the pawl 148 will securably contact the gate wheel 126 thereby preventing the gate wheel 126 from rotating and thereby preventing the gate 124 from moving into an open position in which there is a gap between the gate interlock 128 and the hook interlock 130. In this state, the lock is locked and remains closed. In other embodiments of the clip lock, it is possible to use alternative methods, such as solenoids or other actuating means to move the pawl and the catch.
The housing 112 of clip lock 110 is a shell that uses both sides to support device elements, is enclosed by front 116 and rear 118 cover plates, and supports a contiguous stationary hook 114 which mates with a gate 124 arm which rotates around a contiguous gate wheel 126 and creates the lock. Interlocks increase the security of the clip lock 110 by preventing the hook 114 from being forced or bent away from gate 124. A carrier 120 supports internal actuator 136 and mechanism 122 and is inserted into the front of the housing 112. (see
As shown in
As shown in
The rear of housing 112 contains some of the electronics 160, namely the capacitor(s) 172 and related switch board 166, while the main PCB 162 with its receiver 164 and the battery 168 overlay actuator and mechanism elements in front of the housing 112. (see
Example Pivot Lock with Actuating Motor
Some parts of pivot lock 180 that differ from those illustrated in pivot lock 26 are a Carrier 184 with cover hook receiver(s) 204; a striker plate 208 with a tab slot 210 and stop receiver(s) 222; a locking carrier cover 186 with a tab eyelet 188 (see
Lightpipe 252 directs light from status LED 250 on main circuit board 102 to porthole 190.
Lock 180 has an actuation mechanism comprising a motor 226 with an integral reduction gear 228 and output shaft 230 keyed to a pinion 214. Pinion 214 engages one or more racks. Top rack 216 and bottom rack 218 are shown.
The state (locked-latched-opened) of pivot lock 180 is determined primarily by the position and freedom of movement of striker plate 208, and the position of pinion 214, top rack 216, bottom rack 218 and rack stop(s) 220.
A wirelessly actuated lock may be less vulnerable to combinatorial methods of unlawful entry, but if one can gain access to the interior of the lock housing, the lock may be vulnerable to defeat. For this reason, a lock may be constructed so that means of access to the interior such as battery and carrier covers are secured while the lock is in the locked state. Locks according to any of the embodiments as described herein as well as locks of other designs may include one or more covers that can be opened or removed only when the lock is in an unlocked state.
Lock 180 has a locking battery cover 194 and a locking carrier cover 186. Battery cover 194 has a member that interacts with striker plate 208 such that the cover cannot be removed when lock 180 is in its locked configuration. Battery cover 194 holds carrier cover 186 in place such that carrier cover 186 can be removed only after battery cover 194 has been removed.
As shown in
A locking cover as described herein may be situated to provide access to interior components of a lock (e.g. batteries, circuit boards, mechanical components) for repair or replacement of such components Such locking covers may also, or in addition be used to control access to small objects such as keys for other locks, etc.
An authorized user may need to be able to open a lock even if the internal batteries die. For example, if pivot lock 180 is locked and has a dead battery, the user is prevented from accessing the lock housing 28 in order to change batteries by locking battery cover 194. Lock 180 has a receiver 254 which is accessible when lock 180 is locked. An external battery 108 may be inserted into receiver 254 (see
Lock 180 includes an external battery receiver 254. Battery receiver 254 includes a disc-like negative contact pad 238, an isolation ring 240, a positive contact ring 242, and a conical spring 244. Power from an external battery 108 (see
One feature of lock 300 is that when the free end of shackle 360 is engaged with receiver 338, shackle 360 can also slide in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation between the first latched configuration and the second latched configuration. The space between housing 328 and shackle 360 is smaller in the first latched configuration than in the second latched configuration. Lock 300 may be locked when shackle 360 is in the second locked configuration.
In lock 360, shackle 360 is mounted to hinge 337 by way of shackle cap 32. Hinge 337 is slidably disposed within hinge cover 330. When shackle 360 is in the first latched configuration (
Another feature of lock 300 is that it has a pair of latching mechanisms. One latching mechanism comprises striker plate 308 cooperating with ball 309. A second latching mechanism comprises secondary striker 313 and ball 311. Secondary striker 313 is biased toward receiver 338 by secondary striker spring 352. When shackle 360 is in the second latched position, ball 311 is engaged in divot 362a. When shackle 360 is slid into its first latched position, ball 309 is engaged in divot 362a and ball 311 is engaged in divot 362b. When lock 300 is locked, striker plate 308 holds ball 309 in engagement with divot 362A. When lock 300 is locked, the second latching mechanism helps to block any attempt by a person trying to force lock 300 from applying force to ball bearing 309.
When lock 300 is in the locked configuration shackle 360 is prevented from rotating by all of: the engagement of ball 309 in divot 362a, the engagement of features 337a on hinge 337 with corresponding features in hinge cover 330 and the engagement of the tip of shackle 360 within receiver 338. In addition, the engagement of ball 311 in divot 362b further resists attempts to rotate shackle 360 when lock 300 is locked.
Lock 300 can be locked only when it is in the first configuration. In the first latched configuration, shackle 360 enters further into receiver 338 such that the housing itself prevents shackle 360 from rotating or being pried open. As with lock 180, lock 300 may have an actuating mechanism controlled by a wireless signal 16. When circuitry in lock 300 detects an authorized wireless signal, the circuitry may trigger operation of motor 226 to rotates pinion wheel 214 to cause top rack 216 and bottom rack 218 to move rack stops 222 inwardly to lock or outwardly to unlock lock 300. When lock 300 is not locked, balls 309 and 311 can be depressed, thereby allowing the user to manually move shackle 360 between the second latched position and first latched position against the force of compression spring 335 or from the second latched position to the open position against the force of pivot spring 82.
An authorized user may need to be able to open lock 300 even if the internal batteries die.
Padlock 400 comprises a housing 402 and a shackle 404. Housing 402 encloses and protects components of lock 400 other than shackle 404 such as the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may be a motor actuated mechanism.
In one embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises a motor 406 which drives an output shaft 410 keyed to a pinion 412 by way of a reduction gear 408. Pinion 412 engages one or more racks. First rack 414 and second rack 416 are best shown in
The state (locked-latched-unlocked) of padlock 400 is determined primarily by the position and freedom of movement of the first striker plate 418, the second striker plate 420, pinion 412, first rack 414, second rack 416, first rack stop 422, second rack stop 424, first ball 426, and second ball 428.
A wireless signal 16 triggers the actuator, which in this example embodiment comprises geared motor 406 which rotates pinion 412 wheel to slide first rack 414 and second rack 416 apart to latch, and together to lock the first striker plate 418 and the second striker plate 420. This is best illustrated in
An authorized user may need to be able to open padlock 400 even if the internal batteries die.
A wide range of materials may be used for constructing locks as described herein. For example, housings and covers may be made of cast, forged, stamped or machined steel, brass. Exposed structures such as shackles, gates, hooks and/or structures that may experience significant wear such as gate wheels, pawls, catches and striker plates may be hardened, made from hardened steel, plated or otherwise coated with hard materials or have wear surfaces reinforced appropriately. Carriers may be made, for example of suitable plastics such as Delrin™ (acetal) or other suitable rigid materials. Carriers are advantageously made of electrically non-conductive materials. In addition or in the alternative, Kapton™ tape or similar electrical insulating material may be used to insulate between components and to prevent unwanted conduction paths as needed. Pulleys, plates & washers that are desired to be electrically insulating may be made, for example, from acetal (e.g. Delrin™), ceramic or nylon as desired to provide adequate electrical isolation. Other materials may be used also or in the alternative.
Any lock as described herein (e.g. a lock 26, 110, 180, 300, or 400) may also include a portable key fob that interfaces with the lock. The fob device may act as a key to open the lock in the absence of a wireless signal and/or supply power to operate the lock. Such a fob may, for example, fit into an external battery receiver 254, 386, or 446). Where the fob device holds a spare battery, the spare battery may supply external power through the battery receiver. The portable fob may also comprise means to open the pivot lock 180 such as a readable memory chip or a wireless module that can be interrogated by the lock or transmit a passcode to the lock or a wired path between the fob and a Bluetooth™ receiver in the lock. Such a fob may be used as a convenient portable backup means to open a specific lock or multiple locks.
In another embodiment a fob and lock may be configured such that a particular fob can only be used a defined number of times (e.g. once, ten times, seven times, one hundred times) and/or during a limited period (which may be defined from the first time the fob is used—e.g. for 24 hours after the fob is first used, for one week after the fob is first used—or which may be defined in terms of times/dates—e.g. between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on a specified day or days). A fob as described herein may employ a rolling passcode that needs to be reset by a parent device (e.g. a smartphone originally paired with the lock). such a fob may be used in order to allow access to the lock under defined conditions but to prevent unauthorized access.
In addition, a wirelessly accessible portable lock system as described herein may allow one to electronically re-key a lock or locks remotely and/or designate access limits by time and/or number of uses. For example, a signal receiver or other electronic system within the lock may include a counter that counts a number of times a particular passcode or other electronic key has been used to open the lock. The lock may also comprise a data store or fixed record containing a maximum number of times that the particular electronic key may be used to open the lock. The lock may include logic circuits configured to compare the value stored by the counter to the maximum number of times that the particular electronic key may be used to open the lock and to inhibit operation of the lock by the particular electronic key if doing so would cause the value of the counter to exceed the maximum number.
The shapes of gates and shackles may be varied for specific applications. For example, a pivot lock shackle need not be L-shaped but may have other shapes that permit a free end of the shackle to engage a receiver. Other shapes can be employed for specific applications such as special reinforced conduits covering the shackle, as may be employed on shipping containers or security doors or portable equipment containers.
Various embodiments described herein have certain advantages over conventional padlocks. Not all embodiments necessarily provide any or all of these advantages.
An advantage to using an L-shaped shackle as compared to the common U-shaped shackle is that most loops or door hasps through which padlock shackles are inserted are vertical, requiring a user to rotate a conventional padlock lock hook the U-shaped shackle through the hasp or loop. By contrast, an L-shaped shackle may be easily inserted directly and, in the case of a self-closing lock may then snap shut automatically and reliably.
Embodiments which provide a self-closing clip or shackle may advantageously facilitate one-handed operation.
Embodiments which are controlled using a portable device such as a smartphone have the advantage that separate keys are not required. Also there is no need to orient a lock and fit a key into a keyway in cases where the lock is controlled by wireless signals. Further, a wirelessly-controlled lock does not require a keyway. A keyless portable lock can be made resistant to water and other contaminants Users with hand/finger disabilities or similar impairments will find that a lock system which can be remotely unlocked without the need for keyed operation, and which requires less strenuous pivoting or levering will be much easier to open than conventional padlocks.
Wireless lock actuation may permit faster lock securement and/or removal of one or many locks. Devices can be conveniently opened as a user approaches, by the user, anyone sent the passcode, or even by a facility security administrator from a distance. The ability to electronically transfer a passcode to an authorized user's wireless device 12 as they stand in front of a wireless lock barring their way is an advantage that mechanical locks and physical keys lack. An additional level of security can be created by using rolling pass-codes, and limiting the number of unsuccessful unlocking attempts, neither of which could be possible with generic mechanical locks.
The foregoing description of the preferred apparatus and method of fabrication and operation should be considered as illustrative only, and not limiting. Other forming techniques and other materials may be employed towards similar ends. Various changes and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art, without departing from the true scope of the invention as defined in the above disclosure, and the following illustrations.
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the
Words that indicate directions such as “vertical”, “transverse”, “horizontal”, “upward”, “downward”, “forward”, “backward”, “inward”, “outward”, “vertical”, “transverse”, “left”, “right”, “front”, “back”, “top”, “bottom”, “below”, “above”, “under”, and the like, used in this description and any accompanying claims (where present), depend on the specific orientation of the apparatus described and illustrated. The subject matter described herein may assume various alternative orientations. Accordingly, these directional terms are not strictly defined and should not be interpreted narrowly.
Embodiments of the invention may be implemented using specifically designed hardware, configurable hardware, programmable data processors configured by the provision of software (which may optionally comprise “firmware”) capable of executing on the data processors, special purpose computers or data processors that are specifically programmed, configured, or constructed to perform one or more steps in a method as explained in detail herein and/or combinations of two or more of these. Examples of specifically designed hardware are: logic circuits, application-specific integrated circuits (“ASICs”), large scale integrated circuits (“LSIs”), very large scale integrated circuits (“VLSIs”), and the like. Examples of configurable hardware are: one or more programmable logic devices such as programmable array logic (“PALs”), programmable logic arrays (“PLAs”), and field programmable gate arrays (“FPGAs”)). Examples of programmable data processors are: microprocessors, digital signal processors (“DSPs”), embedded processors, graphics processors, math co-processors, general purpose computers, server computers, cloud computers, mainframe computers, computer workstations, and the like. For example, one or more data processors in a control circuit for a lock may implement methods as described herein (e.g. methods of receiving a signal, determining that the signal authorizes opening or locking a lock and controlling an actuating mechanism to open or lock the lock by executing software instructions in a program memory accessible to the processor(s).
Software and other modules may reside on servers, workstations, personal computers, tablet computers, smart phones, PDAs, and other devices suitable for the purposes described herein. Those skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that aspects of the system can be practised with other communications, data processing, or computer system configurations, including: Internet appliances, hand-held devices (including personal digital assistants (PDAs)), wearable computers, all manner of cellular or mobile phones, multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics and the like.
In some embodiments, aspects of the invention or components of embodiments of the invention may be implemented in software. For greater clarity, “software” includes any instructions executed on a processor, and may include (but is not limited to) firmware, resident software, microcode, and the like. Both processing hardware and software may be centralized or distributed (or a combination thereof), in whole or in part, as known to those skilled in the art. For example, software and other modules may be accessible via local memory, via a network, via a browser or other application in a distributed computing context, or via other means suitable for the purposes described above.
Where a component (e.g. an arm, member, mechanism, assembly, device, circuit, etc.) is referred to above, unless otherwise indicated, reference to that component (including a reference to a “means”) should be interpreted as including as equivalents of that component any component which performs the function of the described component (i.e., that is functionally equivalent), including components which are not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the illustrated exemplary embodiments of the invention.
Specific examples of systems, methods and apparatus have been described herein for purposes of illustration. These are only examples. The technology provided herein can be applied to systems other than the example systems described above. Many alterations, modifications, additions, omissions, and permutations are possible within the practice of this invention. This invention includes variations on described embodiments that would be apparent to the skilled addressee, including variations obtained by: replacing features, elements and/or acts with equivalent features, elements and/or acts; mixing and matching of features, elements and/or acts from different embodiments; combining features, elements and/or acts from embodiments as described herein with features, elements and/or acts of other technology; and/or omitting features, elements and/or acts from described embodiments.
It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions, omissions, and sub-combinations as may reasonably be inferred. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/CA2014/050336 | 4/3/2014 | WO | 00 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 14093357 | Nov 2013 | US |
| Child | 15301317 | US |
