Lockbox with user configured combination locks

Abstract

A lockbox with user-configured combination includes a body that has a top surface, side surfaces, an attachment bail and an interior cavity that extends inwardly from an opening in a side surface. The attachment bail extends from the top and slides from an open to a closed position. A first combination lock is located on the top surface and secures the bail in the closed position. A first key lock is located within the interior cavity and controls a combination for the first combination lock. A door is removably secured to the opening. A second combination lock is fitted to the door, controls access to the interior cavity through the opening, and has at least two tumbler rings. The tumbler rings have a plurality of user-selectable positions, each identified with at least one character. A second key lock in the interior cavity controls a combination for the second combination lock.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION[0001]The invention is a lockbox for use in real estate sales and related transactions. More particularly, the invention relates to lockboxes designed to permit selection of lockbox combinations in the form of words or recognizable alpha codes.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Lockboxes are commonly used in the real estate sales industry to provide means for a large number of salesmen to gain access to a locked building. The lockbox is secured to the building and contains a key fitting a lock controlling access to the building. The lockbox key repository is typically secured with a combination lock. The combination for this lock is usually distributed to the real estate community so as to provide limited access to the building. In most lockboxes, once the correct combination has been entered and the repository opened, the lockbox may be removed from the attachment to the building. Further, with the repository open, the combination may also be changed. This sometimes...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0016]When the attachment bail is locked through a building fixture with the first combination lock, the combination of the second combination lock is set and secured with the second key lock, a building key is inserted in the interior cavity and the door secured to the opening with the second combination lock, access to a building is permitted to only those who have been given the combination. Changes to the combination and removal of the lockbox are prevented.

[0025](10) In still another variant, the lockbox includes a resilient covering for the body. The covering is located over the side surfaces of the body to prevent damage to buildings.

[0026](11) In yet another variant, the lockbox includes a resilient sleeve for the attachment bail. The sleeve prevents damage to building fixtures.

Problems solved by technology

This sometimes leads to problems.

A further problem relates to the combinations selected for lockbox use.

For most people, however, numeric combination are difficult to remember.

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