Locks – Operating mechanism – Key
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-10
2001-04-24
Barrett, Suzanne Dino (Department: 3627)
Locks
Operating mechanism
Key
C070S387000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06220066
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to a locking device, and more particularly to a locking device based on the coin lock principle but instead using an element other than a coin in conjunction with locking and unlocking the lock.
Locking devices of this known kind are designed to function through the medium of a lock activating element, normally a coin. Such locks are known as coin locks.
Although locks of this kind find use in different applications, the use of such locks is relatively limited by virtue of the fact that the coin is collected by the locking device subsequent to the coin having performed its intended function, i.e. has allowed rotation of the catch hook and removal of the lock key in conjunction with renewed turning of the key to open the catch hook, therewith requiring a new coin to be inserted when again using the lock.
The present invention is based on the realization that the principle on which the coin lock is based can be further developed in a way to enable the comparatively simple, robust and reliable components of such a lock to be used in a more advanced manner that will widen the use possibilities of the lock principle.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide on the basis of the coin lock principle a mechanically simple novel locking device with which an element other than a coin is used in conjunction with locking and unlocking the lock.
Another object is to provide a locking device of the aforesaid kind in which the element inserted into the lock mechanism to activate said mechanism can exhibit functions that provide the owner of said activating element with possibilities other than that of activating a locking device.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a locking device of the aforesaid kind which is activated by a separate activating element and which an attempt to force the lock, e.g. by damaging the activating element, will result solely in the catch hook being held in its locked state.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Patent Publication DE-A-1 960 523 (Carl Maier+Cie) teaches an example of a lock in which, instead of a coin, there is used a punched card which is designed to receive a latching device. The arrangement presumes the use of a cam disc which can be rotated by means of a key and with which part of the peripheral surface of the disc functions in the manner of a latch bolt. This lock construction is highly complicated.
Patent Publication EP-B-0 447 906 (Tamura Plastic) describes a code lock for a bag, suitcase, or the like, said code lock including a plurality of waistless pins. These pins are not intended to coact with a displaceable intermediate member.
Patent Publication SE-B-389 159 (Glavna Direkzia Kbumkp Pri Sgns) teaches a code lock that includes a plurality of waisted pin-like elements that lack conical ends, said elements being referred to as “cylinders”.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The aforesaid objects and other objects are fulfilled by a locking device of the aforedescribed kind wherein the lock activating element comprises a card which is operative to be inserted at least partially into the lock housing and which includes at least one hole; the latch member comprises a pin which includes a waist and has a conical tip and is operative to move against an action of a spring, the waist having a height slightly exceeding a thickness of the intermediate member. The latch pin is operative to move perpendicularly to the card such that when a correct card is inserted, the conical tip of the pin is operative to enter the hole in the card and therewith take a position in which the latching effect of the pin is canceled and the intermediate member is free to move; and when the locking member is swung out and a portion of the intermediate member is received in the waist part of the pin, the intermediate member functions to hold the pin and therewith the card so as to prevent removal of the card until the intermediate member has been moved out of engagement with the latch pin by turning the lock key.
The fact that the lock-insertable element has the form of a card, which is suitably of the same shape and size as other commercially available so-called plastic cards, provides a number of advantages. The card need only be provided with one or more holes that have been formed with substantially high precision and given the correct diameter.
Naturally, the lock may be constructed to function with cards of special quality and special shape and size.
The card may also incorporate a number of other functions, for instance a bar code, a microchip and/or a magnetic strip. For instance, when such a card is purchased for the purpose of obtaining entry to a locked area or space, such as a clothing locker in a swimming pool facility, the card may include other functions that enable the card holder to utilize other facilities and services, for instance admittance to different types of exclusive facilities in the building, such as sun beds, the fee for which is included in the cost of the card.
All such additional use of service possibilities can take place with the minimum of supervisory personnel, etc.
The card is held fixed in the inventive locking device until the catch hook is swung-in with the aid of the lock key.
The card may also be constructed so as to be readily destroyed should it be subjected to force in an attempt to force open the lock.
It is preferred in practice that the intermediate member will include a shoulder that engages with the latch pin so as to prevent movement of said intermediate member in the absence of a card or when the wrong card is inserted, but which can be accommodated in the waist part of the pin for movement relative to said pin when the correct card is inserted.
This also contributes towards the aforesaid simple and reliable design of the lock mechanism.
It is often sufficient to provide the card with only one hole. Security can be enhanced, however, by providing the card with two or more holes for coaction with a corresponding number of latch pins.
When the card is provided with two holes, these holes will suitably be positioned diagonally on the card. Because the latch pin has a conical tip, the hole or holes provided in the correct card must have the correct diameter.
The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to exemplifying embodiments thereof and also with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings.
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patent: 3375443 (1968-03-01), Tamura
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patent: 5606881 (1997-03-01), Drake
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patent: 5884511 (1999-03-01), Preddey
patent: 1 960 523 (1974-05-01), None
patent: 2848308 (1980-05-01), None
patent: 0 447 906 A2 (1991-09-01), None
patent: 2148379 (1985-05-01), None
patent: 2176233 (1986-12-01), None
patent: 389 159 (1976-10-01), None
Assa AB
Barrett Suzanne Dino
Sughrue Mion Zinn Macpeak & Seas, PLLC
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