Tamper proof lock assembly and key

Details Tamper proof lock assembly and key Tamper proof lock assembly and key

2000-02-28

2001-02-06

Lavinder, Jack W. (Department: 3644)

Locks

Special application

For closures

C070S344000, C070S346000, C070S387000, C292S116000, C292S117000, C292S300000, C411S349000, C411S508000, C411S913000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06182482

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND
Many devices made of molded plastics, such as containers with covers, have mating parts which are secured together. Many forms of simple locking devices have been proposed to provide security against tampering by children or other unauthorized people. Ideally, such a locking device should provide security against tampering using ordinary hand tools or probes. One example is a rodent bait station having a removable or hinged cover to allow insertion of poison bait at a feeding position within the interior of the station. Many of these stations are made of molded plastic and include integrally molded locking devices. Such locking devices may each comprise one or more resilient barbs located in the cover and one or more ledges mounted in the base. When the cover is closed, the barbs resiliently snap over the ledges to lock the cover to the base. To release the barbs, a flat key having one or more tines is inserted through an opening in the cover and is used as a lever to pry the barbs away from the ledges. Once the lever is released, the resilient barbs return to a locking position.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, an improved locking mechanism of the barb type is provided for releasably locking two elements together. One of the elements comprises at least one and preferably two pairs of opposed barbs or hook-like resilient members, with the barbs or hooks of each pair facing each other and being spaced apart.
The other element comprises at least one and preferably a pair of opposed spaced ledges having downwardly facing surfaces engageable with the barbs in a locking relationship.
An appropriate size opening is provided in the first element above the opposed pairs of barbs. The opening preferably comprises a round central portion and a pair of side lobes coextensive with the opposed pairs of barbs.
A separate key having a central rotational axis is provided. The key has a handle, an intermediate round portion connected to a working end portion generally oval in shape or cross section. The key is insertable in the opening such that the narrow part of the oval portion rests between the pairs of opposed barbs. The key is rotated around its axis in either direction to simultaneously urge both pairs of opposed barbs away from each other and out of engagement with the ledges to unlock the mechanism. The key can be rotated to a central stable position to lock the barbs in an open or unlocked position, which is not possible in prior devices of this type.


REFERENCES:
patent: 345337 (1886-07-01), Tollner
patent: 845815 (1907-03-01), Pfleger
patent: 1161156 (1915-11-01), Quintal

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