Suitcase lock that can be opened either by setting a combination or by a key

Abstract

A suitcase lock that can be opened either by setting a combination or by a key, in which dials of a suitcase lock are disposed with sleeves, and characterized in that a key tumbler is additionally fitted to the suitcase lock, and tongues located at a lower portion of a swing plate clamp connect to a slider. A groove at one end of the slider enables a push rod of the key tumbler to be clamped therein, and sloping grooves defined on another end enable the tongues of the swing plate to displace therein. In general, dials are used to control cuttings or circular arcs on the sleeves to operate the swing plate and hooking to a locked object and realize opening and closing of the lock. However, when in a locked state, without moving the dials, a key can be used to directly activate the key tumbler to push the slider, and thereby causes the swing plate to tilt in an opposite direction and the stopper at one end of swing plate can release the locked object from hooking position, thus opening the lock or suitcase.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top sectional view of a prior art suitcase lock;

FIG. 2 is a top sectional view of the present invention;

FIG. 2˜1 is a front elevational view of a slider of the present invention;

FIG. 2˜2 is a front elevational view of a swing plate of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a partial elevational view of the present invention when in an unlocked position, swing plate is at the first angle, an open combination on dials;

FIG. 3˜1 is a partial structional view of the present invention when in an unlocked position, swing plate is at the first angle, an open combination on dials;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the present invention when in a locked position, swing plate is at the second angle, a locking combination on dials;

FIG. 4˜1 is a partial structural view of the present invention when in a locked position, swing plate is at the second angle, a locking combination on dials;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the present invention with the lock opened by a key with a locking combination on dials, the 3rd angle of the swing plate is shown;

FIG. 5˜1 is a partial structural view of the present invention with the lock opened by a key with a locking combination on dials, the 3rd angle of the swing plate is shown;

FIG. 5˜2 is an enlarged view of the circled section “a” in FIG. 5 of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a partial structional view of the present invention;

FIG. 6˜1 is another partial structional view of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is another partial structional view of the present invention; and

FIG. 7˜1 is another partial structional view illustrating action of the present invention.

Claims

1. A suitcase lock that can be opened either by setting a combination or by a key, comprising: a combination lock assembly having a housing;a plurality of dials, anda swing plate that is movable relative to the housing, the swing plate having a plurality of openings for receiving said plurality of dials, at least one stopper connected to an upper portion of said swing plate, and at least one engagement on a lower portion of said swing plate;a key tumbler having a drive coupling; anda slider having a first end portion adapted to engage said drive coupling of said key tumbler, and a second end portion adapted to engage with said at least one engagement of said swing plate of said combination lock assembly;wherein the swing plate may be positioned in at at least three angle positions, a first angle position is realized by setting an open combination of numbers on said dials that opens the lock, a second angle position is realized by setting a combination of numbers on said dials that does not open the lock, a third angle position is realized by a key, both the first and third angle positions independently enable releasing a locked object.

2. The suitcase lock according to claim 1, wherein the engagement of the swing plate is comprised of at least one projecting tongues, with the slider having at least one slot for receiving said at least one tongue of said swing plate.

3. The suitcase lock according to claim 1, wherein said drive coupling has a push rod.

4. The suitcase lock according to claim 3, wherein the slider has a groove at first end portion thereof for receiving said push rod.

5. The suitcase lock according to claim 1, wherein the second angle position and the third angle position are in opposite directions.

6. A suitcase lock that can be opened either by setting a combination or by a key, comprising: a combination lock assembly having a housing;a plurality of dials, anda swing plate that is movable relative to the housing, the swing plate having a plurality of openings for receiving said plurality of dials, at least one stopper connected to an upper portion of said swing plate, and at least one engagement on a lower portion of said swing plate;a key tumbler having a push rod; anda slider having a first end portion adapted to engage said push rod, and a second end portion adapted to engage with said at least one engagement of said swing plate;wherein the swing plate may be positioned in at least three angle positions, a first angle position is realized by setting an open combination of numbers on said dials that opens the lock, a second angle position is realized by setting a combination of numbers on said dials that does not open the lock, a third angle position is realized by a key., both the first and third positions independently enable releasing a locked object; andfurther wherein the engagement of the swing plate is comprised of at least one projecting tongue, with the slider having at least one slot for receiving said at least one tongue of said swing plate and a groove at said first end portion for receiving said push rod, and the second angle position and the third angle position are in opposite directions.