Locks – Portable – Padlocks
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-12
2001-10-09
Barrett, Suzanne Dino (Department: 3627)
Locks
Portable
Padlocks
C070S288000, C070S305000, C070S316000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06298694
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is in the field of locks and more specifically it is concerned with a mechanism for combination locks, at times referred to as key-less locks. Such locks are useful as padlocks, case locks (e.g. suitcases, briefcases), doors, windows, safes, lockers, bicycles and their components, and the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND PRIOR ART
A combination lock as referred to in the art, is a lock which eliminates the use of a key for opening it. For opening such locks there is typically provided a single dial which should be rotated several times in different directions to reach the correct number forming the combination or by a plurality of dials in which each should be rotated to a position in which the correct combination number appears, or by a plurality of push-buttons which should be pressed in a correct sequence, to reach the right opening combination. The code which enables opening of the lock is at times referred to as a combination code, or an opening code.
A first disadvantage of heretofore known locks resides in that the locking mechanism is arranged in series, i.e. in order to render the locking mechanism some complication, it usually comprises three or more locking assemblies, each of which being separately handled. This arrangement results in that each locking assembly being successfully manipulated into its opening position, renders the picking procedure easier. Even single dial combination locks, although comprising only one manipulating dial, comprise three or more locking assemblies, which are handled in series.
Still a further drawback with prior art locks is the mechanical complexity requiring a plurality of elements, each adapted for manipulating a single locking assembly of a locking mechanism. Furthermore, locking mechanism arranged in series, also require more time for opening.
In addition, in some combination locks, the lock remains unlocked, even if it is closed (the shackle being introduced into its opening within the padlock, or the door of a safe being closed) until positive displacement of at least one manipulating member.
Even more so, most locks require visual contact with the lock to establish manipulation thereof. Obviously, such a requirement may be problematic for blind people or in conditions of darkness. Additionally, in may events it might be required to enable manipulation of a lock using a single hand. Such locks are suitable, in particular for invalids etc. Many other types of locks, in particular security locks, are electrically or electronically operated, the drawbacks of which being obvious.
Known combination or key-less locks are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,049,983, 2,830,447, 2,931,204, 4,476,698, 4,733,548, 5,109,684 and 5,267,460. However, it is considered that neither of these patents provides an adequate solution for the above referred to drawbacks. U.S. Pat. No. 2,491,779 discloses a combination lock comprising four actuating pins of different lengths, each adapted for engagement in turn with a corresponding lever of the four discs. A manipulating plate displaces each time only one of the levers, thus entailing angular displacement of a single disc at a time to the extent of one notch at a time.
It is the object of the present invention to provide a combination lock mechanism, in which the above referred to disadvantages are significantly reduced or overcome and which allow easy manipulation of the lock single handed and without visual contact with the lock.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention, there is provided a combination lock mechanism comprising a housing, a locking element fitted with a locking latch and extending into the housing; at least two coaxially disposed rotatable locking assemblies each comprising a cogged wheel, a locking disc formed with a peripheral recess and being fixable to the cogged wheel, and a reset element fixable to the cogged wheel; a forked locking member pivotally secured within the housing and fitted with first engaging fingers, each adapted for engagement with the peripheral recess of a corresponding locking disc, second engaging fingers, each adapted for engagement with a corresponding reset element, and a locking lug for locking engagement with the locking latch of the locking element; the forked locking member being displaceable between a locking position in which the locking lug arrests the locking latch, an opening position in which each of the first engaging fingers is engaged within the peripheral recess of a corresponding locking disc and the locking lug disengages from the locking latch, and a reset position in which each of the second engaging fingers engages a corresponding reset elements entailing its displacement into a reset position; a manipulating frame displaceable within the housing and comprising at least two arms, each arm fitted with inward lateral projecting teeth displacement blades, each corresponding with one of the cogged wheels, the arrangement being such that upon predetermined consecutive displacements of the manipulating frame the displacement blades encounter teeth of a respective cogged wheels entailing respective angular displacement of each of the at least two rotatable locking assemblies into a position in which all the peripheral recesses are aligned, thus allowing the forked locking member to shift into its open position.
The combination in accordance with the present invention may be suitable for use as a padlock or as a lock for locking any two elements swingable with respect to one another, e.g. for use in suitcases or briefcases, doors, windows, safes, etc.
According to a first embodiment the three components of each locking assembly are made integral with one another, either as a solid piece or by attachment to one another.
By a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the manipulation frame is manipulated by a single manipulating knob projecting from a front wall of the housing.
In accordance with the present invention, the forked locking member in its opening position is biased in a direction enabling the first engaging fingers to engage within the peripheral recess of the corresponding locking discs; and at the resetting position the forked locking member is biased in a direction so that the second engaging fingers engages the corresponding reset elements.
According to a preferred application, the forked locking member is fitted with a leaf-spring received within a corresponding recess in the locking element, whereby extracting displacement of the locking element from the housing entails biasing of the forked locking member into the opening position; and retracting displacement of the locking element with respect to the housing entails biasing of the forked locking member into the resetting position.
In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the manipulating frame is biased into a neutral position, in which the displacement blades are disengaged from the teeth of the cogged wheel. In accordance with one application, at least two non-diagonally disposed arms of the manipulating frame are each biased by a spring member fixed to the housing in a manner so as to allow displacement of the respective arm along a first axis, and bias it into the neutral position when displaced along a second axis perpendicular to said first axis.
By still preferred embodiment of the present invention, the manipulating frame is displaceable in a cross-like pattern, wherein the front wall of the housing is formed with a cross-like aperture, allowing displacement of the manipulating knob in a cross-like pattern.
In order to stabilize the manipulating frame within the housing, the back wall of the housing is formed on its inner face with a supporting cross-like groove, corresponding with each arm of the manipulable frame and corresponding in shape with the displacement thereof.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lock comprises three rotatable locking assemblies constituting together a locking mechanism, and a manipulating frame co
Barrett Suzanne Dino
Berkowitz Marvin C.
Knollan Ltd.
Nath Gary M.
Nath & Associates PLLC
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