Locks – Operating mechanism – Using a powered device
Patent
1989-03-17
1990-08-21
Wolfe, Robert L.
Locks
Operating mechanism
Using a powered device
29216919, E05B 4700
Patent
active
049495623
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The present invention relates to a locking device, and in particular to a locking device which is capable of being operated by utilising either a conventional key, or by electric pulse activation.
The locking device of the present invention is primarily intended to be used in a safe, however, many other applications wherein there exists a frequent turnover of users of a lock would render the present invention useful. The locking device of the present invention is preferably provided in a cassette-type package such that it may be quickly and easily adapted to a wide variety of applications, for instance, to the doors of hotel rooms, filing cabinets, etc.
By the provision of a keyboard able to accept a code, a user is able to set a new code eachh time the lock is closed, such that the lock cannot be re-opened unless an identical code is re-entered. When the correct code is re-entered, the lock may be opened and the stored code is erased. On the next use, the user is able to set a new code, which may be identical or different to the previously stored code.
By way of illustration only, it is seen that a safe provided with a locking device in accordance with the present invention is extremely advantageous in a hotel room. Each guest is able to insert a new code into the keypad of the lock prior to closing the safe, thus achieving a high degree of security. Not only is the problem of previous users retaining the key to the safe obviated, but the present invention renders it unnecessary for a user to carry the key of the safe, thus avoiding the risk of losing same. Any unauthorised person would have to try his luck and endeavor to find the correct code, however, such attempts would activate associated electronic circuitry to sound alarms and/or block further use of the keypad for a period of time. It is thus seen that the pesent invention provides a secure but versatile locking device which is ideal in situations where there exists a frequent turnover of the users of the locking device. As a backup, for instance if a user forgets his code, the locking device may be key operated. Ideally, this backup key is retained by the hotel manager for use in case of emergency only.
The mechanics of the locking device of the present invention provide three basic modes of operation. A user would find the safe in "neutral mode". In neutral mode, the lock cannot be closed. When a code is entered via a keypad, or a key lock is rotated, the safe is placed in "locking mode", allowing the door to be closed in "locked mode". In the "locked mode", the lock is securely deadlocked preventing any movement of the bolt of the lock. The code is stored until the same code is re-entered or the key is rotated, returning the lock to "neutral mode", allowing the door to be re-opened. The stored code is then erased, allowing the cycle to commence once again, either using the same code or an entirely different code. The entry of the code essentially activates associated electronic circuitry to consequently transmit an electric pulse to a solenoid, which, as will be seen hereinafter, operates the locking device.
The present invention seeks to provide a locking device which is versatile, allowing a plurality of users to operate said locking device, whilst maintaining security.
The present invention also seeks to provide a locking device which is operable by a key and/or a code entered into a keypad.
The present invention also seeks to provide a locking device which is operable by associated electronic circuitry either connected to a mains power supply or a battery.
The present invention also seeks to provide a locking device which is electrically operable by two identical pulses of low level power and extremely short duration and which operates a solenoid to achieve the mechanical operation of the lock, thus providing a lock which uses minimal electric power.
The present invention also seeks to provide a locking device which is constructed in cassette form, allowing the locking device to be utilised in a wide variety of applications.
The present inv
REFERENCES:
patent: 1377061 (1921-05-01), Deeg
patent: 1774636 (1930-09-01), Cook
patent: 1997155 (1935-04-01), Sprecker
patent: 2045186 (1936-06-01), Honsel
patent: 3207273 (1965-09-01), Jurin
patent: 3890608 (1975-06-01), Peterson
patent: 4807455 (1989-02-01), Mauer
Holmes Owen B.
Thorncraft Irwin C.
Wolters Harry
Frorest PTY Limited
Wolfe Robert L.
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