Double-unlocking padlock with reset function

Abstract

The present invention relates to a padlock with dual locking control mechanisms, one of which is a key control mechanism and the other is a password control mechanism. The key control mechanism is configured to allow the padlock to be unlocked and locked by using a prepared key, and the password control mechanism is configured to allow the padlock to be unlocked and locked by using a correct unlocking password input into the password control mechanism. The padlock may include a password reset function that enhances the user experience by allowing the user to turn the dial with both hands while resetting and / or reconfiguring the correct unlocking password of the password control mechanism.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 617,808, filed on January 5, 2024, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical field

[0003] The present invention generally relates to padlocks, and more particularly, to a padlock having more than one unlocking function and a reset function. Background art

[0004] The combination padlock discussed in U.S. Patent No. 7,140,209, titled "Padlock with Fully Integrated Dual Locking System", is one of the most commonly used travel padlocks, and the entire content of this patent is incorporated herein by reference. Previous padlocks may only allow the user to press a reset button and only allow the dial to be turned with one hand, making the entire reset process very difficult. Summary of the invention

[0005] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a padlock having a dual - locking control mechanism, wherein one locking control mechanism is a key - control mechanism and the other locking control mechanism is a password - control mechanism. The key - control mechanism is configured to allow the padlock to be unlocked and locked by using a key that has been cut to fit, and the password - control mechanism is configured to allow the padlock to be unlocked and locked by using a preset password entered into the password - control mechanism. In addition, the padlock includes a new password - reset function that enhances the user experience by allowing the user to turn the dial with both hands when resetting and / or reconfiguring the password of the password - control mechanism.

[0006] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a padlock that includes a lock body, a bolt - cam installed in the lock body and configured for rotational movement between a locked state and an unlocked state, a password - control mechanism configured to control the rotational movement of the bolt - cam at least from the locked state to the unlocked state, a key - control mechanism configured to control the rotational movement of the bolt - cam between the locked state and the unlocked state, and a cable having a flexible end neck and a fixed - end terminal neck, the flexible end neck configured to hold the lock body and to be removed from the lock body, the fixed - end terminal neck being installed in the lock body, the flexible end neck being operatively engaged with the bolt - cam for configuring the padlock between a locked mode and an unlocked mode, in the locked mode the flexible end neck being held in the lock body, and in the unlocked mode the flexible end neck being removed from the lock body.

[0007] According to this exemplary aspect and other exemplary aspects of the present invention, the password control mechanism may include a shaft mounted to linearly move within the lock body, one or more clutches and a reset clutch mounted within the lock body and configured to control the linear movement of the shaft within the lock body, and the one or more clutches and the reset clutch are configured to rotate about the shaft.

[0008] According to this exemplary aspect and other exemplary aspects of the present invention, the password control mechanism may further include a plurality of turntables mounted within the lock body, the plurality of turntables may include turntables for each of the one or more clutches and the reset clutch, and each of the plurality of turntables is configured to control the rotational movement of the corresponding clutch or reset clutch.

[0009] According to this exemplary aspect and other exemplary aspects of the present invention, the bolt-cam may include a pair of surfaces located on opposite sides of the bolt-cam, and the bolt-cam may further include a central rod extending from at least one of the pair of surfaces, the central rod being configured to limit the movement of the bolt-cam within the lock body to only rotational movement of the bolt-cam between a locked state and an unlocked state.

[0010] According to this exemplary aspect and other exemplary aspects of the present invention, the bolt-cam may include a locking surface configured to engage with the flexible end neck of the lock beam during the locking mode.

[0011] According to this exemplary aspect and other exemplary aspects of the present invention, the bolt-cam may include a notch recess configured to align with the flexible end neck of the lock beam when the bolt-cam is in the unlocked state to allow the flexible end of the lock beam to be removed from the lock body in the unlocked mode of the padlock.

[0012] According to this exemplary aspect and other exemplary aspects of the present invention, the bolt-cam may include a spring receiving arm configured to receive a bolt-cam spring, the bolt-cam spring being configured to push the bolt-cam to the locked state such that the locking surface is pushed to engage with the flexible end neck of the lock beam, the bolt-cam spring is further configured to accommodate a spring receiving pin of a snap plate, and the bolt-cam spring is further configured to push the tail of the snap plate towards the indicator such that when the key control mechanism controls the bolt-cam from the locked state to the unlocked state, the tail of the snap plate will engage into the neck surface of the indicator.

[0013] According to this exemplary aspect and other exemplary aspects of the present invention, the bolt-cam may include a control surface configured to allow the key control mechanism and the password control mechanism to control the rotation of the bolt-cam from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0014] According to this exemplary aspect and other exemplary aspects of the present invention, the bolt-cam control surface is configured to allow the key control mechanism to operate the padlock from the locked mode to the unlocked mode without interfering with the password control mechanism.

[0015] According to this exemplary aspect and other exemplary aspects of the present invention, the bolt-cam control surface is configured to allow the password control mechanism to operate the padlock from the locked mode to the unlocked mode without interfering with the key control mechanism.

[0016] According to this exemplary aspect and other exemplary aspects of the present invention, the password control mechanism may further include a button and a reset plate to control the rotational movement of the bolt-cam from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0017] According to this exemplary aspect and other exemplary aspects of the present invention, the key control mechanism may include a lock core installed in the lock body, a cam operably connected to the lock core, and a key-controlled latch that controls the rotational movement of the bolt-cam from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0018] According to this exemplary aspect and other exemplary aspects of the present invention, the indicator is configured to be activated by the key control mechanism and reset by the password control mechanism. The indicator may include an intermediate surface configured to engage with the tail of the snap plate, and when the key control mechanism is operated, the indicator-bevel of the key-controlled latch will engage with the bevel of the indicator to cause at least a portion of the indicator to protrude from the lock body. The bolt-cam spring will push the tail of the snap plate to engage with the neck surface of the indicator to lock the indicator in the position protruding from the lock body, and the indicator is configured to be reset by the password control mechanism to allow the bolt-cam to move to the unlocked state.

[0019] According to this exemplary aspect and other exemplary aspects of the present invention, the reset plate is configured to at least partially protrude from the lock body as an indication that the padlock is in the reset mode; and the correct unlocking password must be set on all dials to operate the padlock to the reset mode.

[0020] According to this exemplary aspect and other exemplary aspects of the present invention, the shaft includes at least one extending fin configured to align with the openings-clearances of the clutch and the reset clutch to allow the reset plate to slide the clutch and the reset clutch upward to operate the padlock to the reset mode.

[0021] According to this exemplary aspect and other exemplary aspects of the present invention, the reset plate includes a bevel member to slide the bevel of the reset clutch upward during the reset mode.

[0022] According to this exemplary aspect and other exemplary aspects of the present invention, the reset plate includes an edge aligned with the edge of the reset clutch such that the reset clutch holds the reset plate in place during the reset process and allows the user to free both hands to set a new unlocking code.

[0023] According to this exemplary aspect and other exemplary aspects of the present invention, the shaft may include extending fins for each of one or more clutches and the reset clutch, and each of the one or more clutches and the reset clutch includes an opening-gap formed therein to allow the corresponding extending fin to pass through.

[0024] According to this exemplary aspect and other exemplary aspects of the present invention, when the correct unlocking code is set on all the dials, the opening-gaps of the one or more clutches and the reset clutch are aligned with the corresponding extending fins of the shaft, the button is configured to be pushed inward into the lock body when the correct unlocking code is set, and the bevel of the button will push the bevel of the shaft in a direction generally perpendicular to the movement of the button such that the extending fins of the shaft travel into the corresponding opening-gaps of the one or more clutches and the reset clutch, the movement of the shaft allows the button to travel further inward, and the control wall of the button contacts the bolt-cam, which will allow the bolt-cam to rotate to the unlocked state such that the notch recess of the bolt-cam is aligned with the flexible end neck of the lock beam, this alignment allows the spring rod to push the flexible end of the lock beam out of the lock body to operate the padlock to the unlocked mode.

[0025] According to this exemplary aspect and other exemplary aspects of the present invention, the button may further include an indicator contact surface configured to push the tail of the snap plate away from the neck surface of the indicator, and the indicator spring pushes the indicator into the lock body.

[0026] According to this exemplary aspect and other exemplary aspects of the present invention, the key control mechanism may include a lock core installed in a lock body, a cam operably connected to the lock core, and a key-controlled latch. When a configured key is inserted into the lock core, the key-controlled latch controls the rotational movement of the bolt-cam from a locked state to an unlocked state. The lock core is configured to rotate, and due to the operable engagement of the engagement groove of the lock core and the engagement square of the cam, the lock core transfers this rotational movement to the cam. The cam may include an extended circular tip configured to engage a catcher of the key-controlled latch, and this rotational movement causes a linear movement of the key-controlled latch. The key-controlled latch may include a bolt contact surface configured to operably engage a control wall of the bolt-cam to convert the linear movement of the key-controlled latch into a rotational movement of the bolt-cam, such that the bolt-cam is placed in an unlocked state. The bolt-cam may include a notch recess configured to align with a flexible end neck of a lock beam when the bolt-cam is in the unlocked state to allow the flexible end of the lock beam to be removed from the lock body in the unlocked mode of the padlock.

[0027] According to this exemplary aspect and other exemplary aspects of the present invention, since the key-controlled latch may include an indicator-inclined surface configured to slide up the inclined surface of the indicator and engage the tail of a snap plate into a neck surface of the indicator, the indicator extends outside the lock body to indicate that the padlock has been operated to the unlocked mode by the key control mechanism.

[0028] According to this exemplary aspect and other exemplary aspects of the present invention, a padlock according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention may include a lock body, a bolt-cam that can be positioned between a locked state and an unlocked state, a password control mechanism configured to control the rotational movement of the bolt-cam, wherein one rotational direction of the bolt-cam is the locked state and the other rotational direction of the bolt-cam is the unlocked state, a key control mechanism configured to control the rotational movement of the bolt-cam, a shaft configured to control the locking and unlocking of the password control mechanism, one or more clutches installed in the lock body and configured to control the vertical movement of the shaft in the lock body, a reset clutch installed in the lock body and configured to control the vertical movement of the shaft in the lock body, one or more turntables installed in the lock body and configured to control the rotational movement of these clutches to control the vertical movement of the shaft in the lock body, and a lock beam having a flexible end neck and a fixed end terminal neck, the flexible end neck being controlled by the bolt-cam to configure the padlock between a locked mode and an unlocked mode.

[0029] According to this exemplary aspect and other exemplary aspects of the present invention, the bolt-cam includes a central rod to allow the bolt-cam to have only rotational movement.

[0030] According to this exemplary aspect and other exemplary aspects of the present invention, the bolt-cam includes a locking surface that aligns with the flexible end neck of the lock beam during the locking mode.

[0031] According to this exemplary aspect and other exemplary aspects of the present invention, the bolt-cam includes a notch recess that aligns with the flexible end neck of the lock beam to allow the flexible end of the lock beam to be pushed out of the keyhole of the lock body and into the unlocked mode.

[0032] According to this exemplary aspect and other exemplary aspects of the present invention, the bolt-cam includes a spring receiving arm to receive the bolt-cam spring, and the bolt-cam spring is also configured to receive the spring receiving pin of the latch plate, wherein the bolt-cam spring will always push the bolt-cam to the locked state such that the locking surface will always tend to be pushed to the locked state, wherein the bolt-cam spring will have a second force to push the tail of the latch plate towards the indicator such that when the key control mechanism is activated, the tail of the latch plate will engage into the neck surface of the indicator, and the bolt-cam spring pushes the bolt-cam to the locked state and pushes the latch plate towards the indicator.

[0033] According to this exemplary aspect and other exemplary aspects of the present invention, the bolt-cam further includes a control surface configured to allow the key control mechanism and the password control mechanism to control the rotation of the bolt-cam from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0034] According to this exemplary aspect and other exemplary aspects of the present invention, the bolt-cam control surface will allow the key control mechanism to open the padlock from the locked mode to the unlocked mode without interfering with the password control mechanism.

[0035] According to this exemplary aspect and other exemplary aspects of the present invention, the bolt-cam control surface will allow the password control mechanism to open the padlock from the locked mode to the unlocked mode without interfering with the key control mechanism.

[0036] According to this exemplary aspect and other exemplary aspects of the present invention, the password control mechanism includes a button, a shaft, one or more clutches, one or more turntables, a reset clutch, and a reset plate to control the rotational movement of the bolt-cam from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0037] According to this exemplary aspect and other exemplary aspects of the present invention, the key control mechanism includes a lock core, a cam, and a key-controlled latch to control the rotational movement of the bolt-cam from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0038] According to this exemplary aspect and other exemplary aspects of the present invention, the indicator is configured to be activated by a key control mechanism and reset by a password control mechanism, wherein the indicator includes an intermediate surface which is in a locked state / preset state, such that before the key control mechanism is activated, the tail of the latch plate will be located on the intermediate surface, and when the key control mechanism is activated, the alignment will be changed such that the indicator-ramp of the key-controlled latch will slide the ramp of the indicator upward, wherein the bolt-cam spring will push the tail of the latch plate onto the neck surface of the indicator to lock the indicator in the vertical position, and when the indicator is pushed upward, it will indicate that the lock is being opened by the key control mechanism, and wherein, by pushing the button inward, the indicator will be set back to the downward position to the open state via the password control mechanism, such that the indicator contact surface of the button will push the tail of the latch plate away from the neck surface of the indicator, and the indicator spring will push the indicator downward back to the preset state (locked state) position.

[0039] According to this exemplary aspect and other exemplary aspects of the present invention, when the padlock is in the reset mode, the reset plate will have some portions protruding from the lock body.

[0040] According to this exemplary aspect and other exemplary aspects of the present invention, when the turntable, clutch, reset clutch, and shaft are all aligned to the correct unlocking password, only a portion of the reset plate can be pulled out from the lock body.

[0041] According to this exemplary aspect and other exemplary aspects of the present invention, the extended fin of the shaft is aligned with the opening-gap of the clutch and the reset clutch, which allows the reset plate to slide the reset clutch upward and also push the upper clutch upward to reset the password of the turntable.

[0042] According to this exemplary aspect and other exemplary aspects of the present invention, the reset plate includes a ramp member to slide the ramp of the reset clutch upward during the reset mode.

[0043] According to this exemplary aspect and other exemplary aspects of the present invention, the reset plate includes an edge aligned with the edge of the reset clutch such that the reset clutch will rest and be held on the reset plate during the reset process and allows the user to free both hands to set a new password.

[0044] According to this exemplary aspect and other exemplary aspects of the present invention, in the password control mechanism lock opening mode, the turntable, the clutch, and the reset clutch rotate in the same manner, allowing the opening-clearance of these clutches and the reset clutch to align with the extending fins of the shaft, where the button pushes the lock body inward, and the inclined surface of the button will push the inclined surface of the shaft downward, such that the extending fins of the shaft travel into the opening-clearance of the clutch and the reset clutch, which allows the button to travel inward, and the control wall of the button will contact the bolt-cam, which will allow the bolt-cam to rotate to the open state, e.g., in the clockwise direction, such that the notch recess of the bolt-cam aligns with the flexible end neck of the lock beam, and then allows the spring rod to push the flexible end of the lock beam out of the lock body for unlocking by password.

[0045] According to this exemplary aspect and other exemplary aspects of the present invention, the button further includes an indicator contact surface, which will push the tail of the snap plate away from the neck surface of the indicator, which will generate an indicator spring to push the indicator downward, thus causing the indicator to return from the upward position to the downward position (rest position).

[0046] According to this exemplary aspect and other exemplary aspects of the present invention, when unlocking by the key control mechanism, the lock core, the cam, the key-controlled latch, and the key as a key component control the rotation of the bolt-cam from the locked state to the open state, where when the configured key is inserted into the lock core, the lock core will rotate, and due to the connected engagement groove and engagement square, and the rotational movement from the engagement groove of the lock core will be directly transmitted to the engagement square of the cam, the cam will rotate in the same manner, where the cam includes an extending circular tip, which will be assembled into the catcher of the key-controlled latch, and the rotational movement of the cam will then be converted into the horizontal (left-right) movement of the key-controlled latch, where when the lock core / cam rotates clockwise to unlock, the key-controlled latch will be dragged and moved leftward towards the locked-open direction, and when the key-controlled latch moves leftward, the bolt contact surface will contact the control wall of the bolt-cam, causing the bolt-cam to perform a rotational movement (e.g., clockwise), such that the alignment of the flexible end neck of the lock beam changes from the alignment with the locking surface of the bolt-cam to the notch recess of the bolt-cam, where the spring rod spring will push the spring rod upward, and when the spring rod is pushed upward, it will align with the notch recess of the bolt-cam, and the flexible end will pop out from the cable end channel-flexible end of the lock body, and then the padlock is opened.

[0047] According to this exemplary aspect and other exemplary aspects of the present invention, when the key-controlled latch is operated by the key control mechanism, the indicator-ramp of the key-controlled latch will slide the ramp of the indicator upward, and the tail of the snap plate will engage into the neck surface of the indicator, where the indicator protrudes from the lock body to show the user that the lock has been activated by the key control mechanism.

[0048] According to this exemplary aspect and other exemplary aspects of the present invention, the reset plate will extend a part of the lock body to show the user that the lock is in the reset mode.

[0049] The reference numerals and corresponding elements are summarized as follows:

[0050] 10 Padlock 20b Clutch projection groove

[0051] 20 Front side of the main body 30 Rear side of the main body

[0052] 21 Lock beam end channel - flexible end 31 Lock beam end channel - flexible end

[0053] 22 Lock beam end channel - fixed end 32 Lock beam end channel - fixed end

[0054] 23 Lock core hole 33 Lock core hole

[0055] 24 Cam hole 34 Cam hole

[0056] 25 Sub-body groove 35 Bolt - cam rod groove

[0057] 26 Button groove 36 Indicator groove

[0058] 27 Reset wing groove 37 Button groove

[0059] 28 Shaft tail groove 38 Reset wing groove

[0060] 29 Clutch hole 39 Shaft tail groove

[0061] 20a Turntable hole 30a Clutch hole

[0062] 30b Turntable hole 121 Ramp

[0063] 30c Clutch projection groove 122 Extension fin

[0064] 30d Fixed neck groove 123 Spring-loaded area

[0065] 40 Lock core 124 Tail

[0066] 41 Engagement groove 130 Clutch

[0067] 50 Cam 131 Extension fin

[0068] 51 Joint Square Piece 132 Opening - Gap

[0069] 52 Hole 133 Shaft Hole

[0070] 53 Protrusion Groove 140 Turntable

[0071] 54 Extended Round Tip 141 Tooth

[0072] 60 Spring Rod 150 Return Clutch

[0073] 61 Protrusion 151 Extended Fin

[0074] 62 Bottom 152 Opening - Gap

[0075] 70 Key - Controlled Latch 153 Shaft Hole

[0076] 71 Catcher 154 Bevel

[0077] 72 Latch Contact Surface 155 Edge

[0078] 73 Indicator - Bevel 160 Return Plate

[0079] 80 Latch - Cam 161 Wing

[0080] 81 Locking Surface 162 Gap

[0081] 82 Center Rod 163 Bevel

[0082] 83 Control Surface 164 Edge

[0083] 84 Spring Receiving Arm 170 Lock Beam

[0084] 85 Notch Recess 171 Flexible End

[0085] 90 Button 172 Flexible End Neck

[0086] 91 Pushing Area 173 Fixed End

[0087] 92 Bevel 174 Fixed End Terminal Neck

[0088] 93 Indicator Contact Surface 180 Sub - Body

[0089] 94 Control Wall 181 Latch - Cam Cutout Area

[0090] 100 Indicator 182 Latch - Cam Spring Cut

[0091] 101 Large Diameter 183 Snap Plate Tail Accommodation Area

[0092] 102 Neck Surface 190 Ratchet Plate

[0093] 103 Inclined Plane 200 Axial Spring

[0094] 104 Intermediate Surface 210 Indicator Spring

[0095] 110 Buckle Plate 220 Bolt-Cam Spring

[0096] 111 Spring Receiving Pin 230 Spring Rod Spring

[0097] 112 Tail 240 Key 120 Shaft Description of the Drawings

[0098] For a more complete understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0099] Figure 1A is a front view of an exemplary padlock according to one aspect of the present invention in a locked mode, in which the front side of the exemplary body and the exemplary sub-body are removed;

[0100] Figure 1B is a rear view of the exemplary padlock with the rear side of the exemplary body removed;

[0101] Figure 1C is a front perspective view of the exemplary padlock, in which the front side of the exemplary body and the exemplary sub-body are removed;

[0102] Figure 1D is a rear perspective view of the exemplary padlock with the rear side of the exemplary body removed;

[0103] Figure 1E is a perspective view of an exemplary locking mechanism that can be used for the exemplary padlock according to one aspect of the present invention;

[0104] Figure 1F is a perspective view of an exemplary locking mechanism according to one aspect of the present invention, which is operably connected to an exemplary lock core and a password control mechanism that can be used with the exemplary padlock;

[0105] Figure 1G is a front perspective view of the exemplary padlock, in which the front side sub-body of the exemplary body is removed;

[0106] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the front side of an exemplary body that can be used with the exemplary padlock according to one aspect of the present invention;

[0107] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the rear side of an exemplary body that can be used with the exemplary padlock according to one aspect of the present invention;

[0108] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary lock core that can be used with the exemplary padlock according to one aspect of the present invention;

[0109] Figure 5A is a top perspective view of an exemplary cam of an exemplary padlock that can be used in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;

[0110] Figure 5B is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary cam of an exemplary padlock that can be used in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;

[0111] Figure 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary spring bar of an exemplary padlock that can be used in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;

[0112] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary key-controlled latch that can be used with an exemplary padlock in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;

[0113] Figure 8A is a front perspective view of an exemplary bolt-cam that can be used with an exemplary padlock in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;

[0114] Figure 8B is a rear perspective view of an exemplary bolt-cam that can be used with an exemplary padlock in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;

[0115] Figure 9A is a top perspective view of an exemplary button of an exemplary padlock that can be used in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;

[0116] Figure 9B is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary button that can be used with an exemplary padlock in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;

[0117] Figure 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary indicator that can be used with an exemplary padlock in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;

[0118] Figure 11 is a perspective view of an exemplary snap plate that can be used with an exemplary padlock in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;

[0119] Figure 12 is a perspective view of an exemplary shaft that can be used with an exemplary padlock in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;

[0120] Figure 13 is a perspective view of an exemplary clutch that can be used with an exemplary padlock in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;

[0121] Figure 14 is a perspective view of an exemplary turntable that can be used with an exemplary padlock in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;

[0122] Figure 15Is a perspective view of an exemplary reset clutch that can be used with an exemplary padlock according to one aspect of the present invention;

[0123] Figure 16 Is a perspective view of an exemplary reset plate that can be used with an exemplary padlock according to one aspect of the present invention;

[0124] Figure 17 Is a perspective view of an exemplary lock beam that can be used with an exemplary padlock according to one aspect of the present invention;

[0125] Figure 18 Is a perspective view of an exemplary sub - body that can be used with an exemplary padlock according to one aspect of the present invention;

[0126] Figure 19A Is a front view of an exemplary padlock according to one aspect of the present invention, the padlock being in the unlocked mode by a key control mechanism, wherein the front side of the exemplary body and the exemplary sub - body are removed;

[0127] Figure 19B Is a rear view of the exemplary padlock with the rear side of the exemplary body removed;

[0128] Figure 19C Is a front perspective view of the exemplary padlock, wherein the front side of the exemplary body and the exemplary sub - body are removed;

[0129] Figure 19D Is a rear perspective view of the exemplary padlock, wherein the rear side of the exemplary body is removed;

[0130] Figure 19E Is a perspective view of an exemplary locking mechanism that can be used with an exemplary padlock according to one aspect of the present invention;

[0131] Figure 19F Is a perspective view of the exemplary locking mechanism operably connected to an exemplary lock core and a password control mechanism that can be used with an exemplary padlock according to one aspect of the present invention;

[0132] Figure 19G Is a front perspective view of the exemplary padlock, wherein the front - side sub - body of the exemplary body is removed;

[0133] Figure 20A Is a front view of an exemplary padlock according to one aspect of the present invention, the padlock being in the unlocked mode by a password control mechanism, wherein the front side of the exemplary body and the exemplary sub - body are removed;

[0134] Figure 20B Is a rear view of the exemplary padlock with the rear side of the exemplary body removed;

[0135] Figure 20Cis a front perspective view of an exemplary padlock, with the front side of the exemplary body and the exemplary sub - body removed;

[0136] Figure 20D is a rear perspective view of the exemplary padlock with the rear side of the exemplary body removed;

[0137] Figure 20E is a perspective view of an exemplary locking mechanism that can be used with an exemplary padlock according to one aspect of the present invention;

[0138] Figure 20F is a perspective view of an exemplary locking mechanism operably connected to an exemplary lock core and a password control mechanism that can be used with an exemplary padlock according to one aspect of the present invention;

[0139] Figure 20G is a front perspective view of an exemplary padlock, with the front - side sub - body of the exemplary body removed;

[0140] Figure 21A is a front view of an exemplary padlock according to one aspect of the present invention in a reset mode, with the front side of the exemplary body and the exemplary sub - body removed;

[0141] Figure 21B is a rear view of the exemplary padlock with the rear side of the exemplary body removed;

[0142] Figure 21C is a front perspective view of an exemplary padlock, with the front side of the exemplary body and the exemplary sub - body removed; and

[0143] Figure 21D is a rear perspective view of the exemplary padlock with the rear side of the exemplary body removed. Detailed Description

[0144] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. However, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Like reference numerals always refer to like elements.

[0145] Now refer to Figures 1A - 18 which shows an exemplary padlock, in Figures 1A - 1DIn 1G, it is usually represented by the reference numeral 10. The padlock 10 can be composed of a front body side 20 and a rear body side 30. The front body side 20 and the rear body side 30 can be combined together to form a lock body for the components of the padlock 10. The padlock 10 can also include a lock beam 170, and the lock beam 170 is configured to be held in the lock body formed by the front body side 20 and the rear body side 30. The front body side 20 of the padlock 10 can include a lock beam end channel - flexible end 21, and the lock beam end channel - flexible end 21 is positioned opposite to the lock beam end channel - flexible end 31 of the rear body side 30 and forms an opening, and the opening is configured to receive and releasably hold the flexible end 171 of the lock beam 170. The front body side 20 can also include a lock beam end channel - fixed end 22, and the lock beam end channel - fixed end 22 is positioned opposite to the lock beam end channel - fixed end 32 of the rear body side 30 and forms an opening, and the opening is configured to receive and hold the fixed end 173 of the lock beam 170. Each of the front body side 20 and the rear body side 30 includes a lock core hole 23 / 33, and the lock core hole 23 / 33 is configured and dimensioned to receive and hold the lock core 40 within the padlock 10. The front body side 20 and the rear body side 30 can also each include a cam hole 24 / 34, and the cam hole 24 / 34 is configured and dimensioned to receive and hold the cam 50 within the padlock 10. The front body side 20 and the rear body side 30 can also each include one or more clutch holes 29 / 30a, one or more turntable holes 20a / 30b, and one or more clutch projection grooves 20b / 30c. The one or more clutch holes 29 / 30a are configured and dimensioned to each receive a corresponding one of one or more clutches 130 or a return clutch 150 within the padlock 10, and the one or more turntable holes 20a / 30b are configured and dimensioned to each receive one of one or more turntables 140 within the padlock 10. Each of the one or more clutches 130 and the return clutch 150 includes at least one extending fin 131 / 151, and the extending fin 131 / 151 is configured to be received within one of the clutch projection grooves 20b / 30c. Each of the one or more clutches 130 and the return clutch 150 can also include an opening - gap 132 / 152 and a shaft hole 133 / 153, and the return clutch 150 can also include an inclined surface 154 and an edge 155 extending from the inclined surface 154.

[0146] Still referring to Figures 1A - 18, each of the front side 20 and the rear side 30 of the body of the padlock 10 may also each include a button slot 26 / 37, and the button slot 26 / 37 is configured to allow the button 90 of the padlock 10 to at least partially extend outside the lock body of the padlock 10. The button 90 may include a push area 91 extending out of the lock body of the padlock 10, an inclined surface 92 positioned adjacent to the push area 91, an indicator contact surface 93, and a control wall 94. The front side 20 and the rear side 30 of the body may also each include a reset wing slot 27 / 38, and the reset wing slot 27 / 38 is configured to accommodate, hold and allow the wing 161 of the reset plate 160 of the padlock 10 to slide. The reset plate 160 may also include a gap 162 formed at one end thereof, an inclined surface 163 formed on its surface, and an edge 164 positioned adjacent to the inclined surface 163. Each of the front side 20 and the rear side 30 of the body of the padlock 10 may also include a shaft tail slot 28 / 39, and the shaft tail slot 28 / 39 is dimensioned and configured to accommodate the tail 124 of the shaft 120 provided in the padlock 10. The shaft 120 may also include an inclined surface 121 at one end thereof, a surface forming a spring-loaded area 123, and one or more extending fins 122 extending from the shaft 120. The shaft 120 is dimensioned to pass through the shaft holes 133 / 153 of one or more clutches 130 and the reset clutch 150. The front side 20 of the body of the padlock 10 may also include a sub-body slot 25, and the sub-body slot 25 is configured to accommodate the sub-body 180 of the padlock 10. The rear side 30 of the body may also include a bolt-cam rod slot 35, and the bolt-cam rod slot 35 is configured to accommodate the central rod 82 of the cam 80 in the padlock 10 and allow the cam 80 to rotate about the central rod 82. The rear side 30 of the body may also include an indicator slot 36, and the indicator slot 36 is configured to allow the indicator 100 to protrude from the padlock 10 when the padlock 10 has been operated to the unlocked mode by the key control mechanism. In the unlocked mode, the flexible end 171 of the lock beam 170 is separated from the lock body. The indicator 100 may include a large diameter 101 larger than the diameter of the indicator slot 36 so as to hold at least a part of the indicator 100 within the padlock 10. The indicator 100 may also include a neck surface 102 located between the intermediate surface 104 and the inclined surface 103. The rear side 30 of the body may also include a fixed neck slot 30d, and the fixed neck slot 30d is configured to accommodate and hold the fixed end terminal neck 174 of the fixed end 173 of the lock beam 170 in the padlock 10.

[0147] Still referring to Figures 1A - 18, the core 40 of the padlock 10 may include an engagement groove 41 configured to receive the engagement square 51 of the cam 50, so that when the key 240 is inserted into the core 40 and rotated, the rotational movement of the core 40 is transmitted to the cam 50. The cam 50 may also include a hole 52 formed therein, and the hole 52 is configured to receive the spring rod 60. The spring rod 60 includes one or more protrusions 61 that extend from the spring rod 60 and are configured to be received within corresponding protrusion grooves 53 of the cam 50, so that the rotation of the cam 50 is transmitted to the spring rod 60. The spring rod spring 230 is located between the bottom 62 of the spring rod 60 and the engagement groove 41 of the lock core 40, and the spring rod spring 230 pushes the spring rod 60 in a direction away from the lock core 40. The cam 50 may also include an extended circular tip 54 located at an end of the cam 50 opposite to the engagement square 51. The extended circular tip 54 is configured to engage with the catcher 71 of the key-controlled latch 70. The key-controlled latch 70 is configured to be actuated by a key control mechanism including the lock core 40 and the cam 50, and the key-controlled latch 70 includes a latch contact surface 72 and an indicator-bevel 73. The latch contact surface 72 is configured to operably engage with the bolt-cam 80, and the indicator-bevel 73 is configured to operably engage with the bevel 103 of the indicator 100. The latch contact surface 72 of the key-controlled latch 70 is configured to engage with the control surface 83 of the bolt-cam 80 to rotate the bolt-cam 80 from a locked state to an unlocked state. In the unlocked state, the locking surface 81 of the bolt-cam 80 no longer engages with the flexible end neck 172 of the flexible end 171 of the lock beam 170, and the notch recess 85 of the bolt-cam 80 is aligned with the flexible end neck 172, thereby allowing the flexible end 171 of the lock beam 170 of the padlock 10 to be released to configure the padlock 10 into an unlocked mode. The bolt-cam 80 may also include a spring receiving arm 84 configured to engage with the bolt-cam spring 220. The other end of the bolt-cam spring 220 is configured to engage with the spring receiving pin 111 of the snap plate 110. The tail 112 of the snap plate 110 is configured to be pushed into the intermediate surface 104 of the indicator 100.

[0148] Each of the one or more turntables 140 may have a plurality of teeth 141 positioned along the inner perimeter of the turntable 141, and the plurality of teeth 141 are configured to engage with one or more extending fins 131 / 151 of the one or more clutches 130 and / or the return clutch 150 such that rotation of the turntable 140 about the shaft 120 causes corresponding rotation of the clutch 130 and the return clutch 150 about the shaft 120. The extending fins 131 / 151 are fitted into the teeth 141 of the turntable 140 such that rotation of the turntable 140 will rotate the clutch 130, the return clutch 150, and the extending fins 131 / 151 in the same manner. Each turntable 140 has one or more markings, which may be in the form of numbers, symbols, letters, colors, etc., corresponding to each of the plurality of teeth 141. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, ten markings in the form of the numbers 0-9 are shown, and each turntable 140 has ten teeth 141. The ratchet plate 190 may be positioned in the padlock 10 to give an indication when different markings of each turntable 140 of the password control mechanism are selected. The sub-body 180 may include a bolt-cam cutout region 181, a bolt-cam spring cutout 182, and a retaining plate tail receiving region 183. The shaft spring 200 may be located between the uppermost clutch 130 of the one or more clutches 130 and the spring-loaded region 123 of the shaft 120 to push the shaft 120 in the direction of the bevel 92 towards the button 90. The indicator spring 210 may be positioned between the rear side 30 of the body and the large diameter 101 of the indicator 100 to push the indicator 100 in the direction towards the interior of the padlock 10.

[0149] Still referring to Figures 1A - 18 , the function of the bolt-cam 80 of the padlock 10 will now be discussed. In the locked mode of the padlock 10, the locking surface 81 of the bolt-cam 80 engages into the flexible end neck 172 of the flexible end 171 of the lock beam 170. The central rod 82 of the bolt-cam 80 allows the bolt-cam 80 to rotate and aligns the notch recess 85 of the bolt-cam 80 with the flexible end neck 172 of the flexible end 171 of the lock beam 170 to open the padlock 10. The bolt-cam 80 can be controlled by the password control mechanism through the control wall 94 of the button 90, and the control wall 94 of the button 90 is configured to push the control surface 83 of the bolt-cam 80 from the locked state to the unlocked state. The bolt-cam 80 can also be controlled by the key control mechanism, which controls including a cam 50 having an extended circular tip 54 fitted into the catcher 71 of the key-controlled latch 70. The bolt contact surface 72 of the key-controlled latch 70 pushes the control surface 83 of the bolt-cam 80 from the locked state to the unlocked state. The operation of these two mechanisms does not interfere with each other.

[0150] Referring again to Figures 1A - 18, the locking mode of the padlock 10 according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention will be discussed. The bolt-cam 80 of the padlock 10 is configured to be operated by a password control mechanism and a key control mechanism. Both mechanisms can activate the bolt-cam 80 and change it from the locked state to the unlocked state without interfering with the operation of the other mechanism. The bolt-cam 80 includes a locking surface 81 to engage into the flexible end neck 172 of the flexible end 171 of the lock beam 170 during the locked state. The central rod 82 of the bolt-cam 80 is assembled into the bolt-cam rod slot 35 on the rear side 30 of the body. The bolt-cam spring 220 is assembled on the spring receiving arm 84 of the bolt-cam 80. The other end of the bolt-cam spring 220 is assembled into the spring receiving pin 111 of the snap plate 110. The tail 112 of the snap plate 110 is pushed into the intermediate surface 104 of the indicator 100. In this position, the central rod 82 of the bolt-cam 80 serves as the center point, such that the push of the spring 220 will cause the bolt-cam 80 to perform a rotational movement (e.g., counterclockwise for locking and clockwise for unlocking when the key user inserts the key from the bottom of the view), until the control surface 83 contacts the control wall 94 of the button 90 for unlocking by the password control mechanism. The control surface 83 has a portion that will contact the bolt contact surface 72 of the key-controlled latch 70, and the key-controlled latch 70 is configured to be operated by the key control mechanism. The control wall 94 of the button 90 and the bolt contact surface 72 of the key-controlled latch 70 will both contact the control surface 83 of the bolt-cam 80. Since the button 90 and the key-controlled latch 70 are in the locked position, the control wall 94 and the bolt contact surface 72 will not move, which will keep the bolt-cam 80 in the locked state. The notch recess 85 of the bolt-cam 80 is not aligned with the flexible end neck 172 of the lock beam 170, and the locking surface 81 engages into the flexible end neck 172, which keeps the lock beam 170 in the locked position within the padlock 10 and the padlock 10 is in the locked mode.

[0151] Still referring to Figures 1A - 18, the button 90 includes a pressing area 91. If all the dials 140 are aligned with the correct unlocking code, the user can press the button 90 inward to open the padlock 10 through the password control mechanism. The inclined surface 92 of the button 90 is configured to contact the inclined surface 121 of the shaft 120. The shaft 120 in the locked mode does not move downward because the opening-clearance 132 / 152 of the clutch 130 / reset clutch 150 is not aligned with one or more extension fins 122 of the shaft 120. The shaft spring 200 is assembled between the spring-loading area 123 and the uppermost clutch 130. During the locked mode, the shaft spring 200 pushes the shaft 120 upward. In the locked mode, the user is not allowed to push the button 90 inward to push the inclined surface 92 of the button 90 and slide the inclined surface 121 of the shaft 120 downward to open the padlock 10. The button 90 further includes an indicator contact surface 93. When the padlock 10 is opened by the key control mechanism, the indicator contact surface 93 is used to pop up the indicator 100 upward to at least partially protrude from the rear side 30 of the body of the padlock 10. And when all the dials 140 are aligned with the correct unlocking code, the user can push the button 90 inward, which will align the extension fins 122 of the shaft 120 with the opening-clearance 132 / 152 of the clutch 130 / reset clutch 150. This will engage the indicator contact surface 93 with the tail 112 of the snap plate 110 to move away from the neck surface 102 of the indicator 100 and allow the indicator spring 210 to push the indicator 100 inward back to the initial locked position.

[0152] If all the dials 140 are at the correct unlocking code, the control wall 94 of the button 90 can be pushed to contact the control surface 83 of the bolt-cam 80, so that the bolt-cam 80 rotates from the locking surface 81 to the notch-recess 85 to align with the flexible end neck 172 of the lock beam 170, thereby operating the padlock 10 to the unlocking mode. The spring lever 60 has a spring 230 to pop up the spring lever 60 upward, thereby pushing the flexible end 171 of the lock beam 170 away from the lock beam end channel-flexible end 21 / 31 of the lock body 20 / 30.

[0153] The snap plate 110 includes a spring receiving pin 111 to engage with the bolt-cam spring 220. The other end of the bolt-cam spring 220 will engage with the spring receiving arm 84 of the bolt-cam 80. In the locked mode, the tail 112 of the snap plate 110 will contact the middle surface 104 of the indicator 100. When the key control mechanism opens the padlock 10, the indicator-ramp 73 of the key-controlled latch 70 will engage with the ramp 103 of the indicator 100 and move the indicator 100 upward. As the indicator 100 moves upward, the neck surface 102 of the indicator 100 aligns with the tail 112 of the snap plate 110. The bolt-cam spring 220 will apply a force such that the tail 112 will fully engage into the neck surface 102 of the indicator 100, which causes the indicator 100 to stay in the ejected position to indicate to the user that the padlock 10 has been opened by the key control mechanism. To reset the indicator 100 back into the padlock 10, the user must open the padlock 10 via the code control mechanism such that the indicator contact surface 93 of the button 90 moves and pushes away the tail 112 of the snap plate 110 and disengages from the neck surface 102 of the indicator 100. In such a position, the indicator spring 210 will push the indicator 100 downward and the indicator 100 will retract back to the initial position.

[0154] The shaft 120 includes a ramp 121 configured to contact the ramp 92 of the button 90. If the correct unlocking code has been set on all the dials 140, the ramp 92 of the button 90 will push the ramp 121 of the shaft 120 and cause the shaft 120 to move in a straight line. As the shaft 120 moves downward, the extending fin 122 of the shaft 120 will pass through the opening-clearance 132 / 152 of the clutch 130 / reset clutch 150. When the correct unlocking code is entered on all the dials 140, the opening-clearance 132 / 152 will align with all the extending fins 122 of the shaft 120. The opening-clearance 132 / 152 of the clutch 130 / reset clutch 150 allows the extending fins 122 to pass through such that the shaft 120 can move in a straight line within the lock body of the padlock 10.

[0155] The shaft 120 includes a spring-loaded area 123 to engage with the shaft spring 200, and the shaft spring 200 is configured to push the ramp 121 of the shaft 120 upward toward the ramp 92 of the button 90. The other end of the shaft spring 200 will push the clutch 130 and the reset clutch 150 downward. In the locked mode, at least one of the opening-clearance 132 of the clutch 130 and / or the opening-clearance 152 of the reset clutch 150 does not align with the corresponding extending fin 122 of the shaft 120, which prevents the shaft 120 from moving downward. The shaft 120 also includes a tail 124 that will engage into the shaft tail slot 28 / 39 of the body 20 / 30. This engagement will restrict any rotational movement of the shaft 120 to ensure that one or more of the extending fins 122 do not have rotational movement.

[0156] The fixed end 173 of the locking beam 170 includes a fixed end terminal neck 174 that will be assembled into the fixed neck groove 30d and pass through the locking beam end passage - fixed end 22 / 32 of the main body 20 / 30 to restrict any vertical movement of the fixed end 173 of the locking beam 170.

[0157] The lock body 20 / 30 of the padlock 10 further includes a keyhole 23 for receiving the key cylinder 40, a cam hole 24 / 34 for receiving the cam 50, a button slot 26 / 37 for receiving the button 90, a reset wing slot 27 / 38 for receiving the wing 161 of the reset plate 160 so that the reset plate 160 has a specific horizontal (left - right) movement area for the reset function, a clutch hole 29 / 30a for receiving the clutch 130 / reset clutch 150, the clutch hole 29 / 30b is cut away to receive the turntable 140 and enable the user to access the clutch hole 29 / 30b of the turntable 140, a clutch projection slot 20b / 30b that receives the extended fins 131 / 151 of the clutch 130 and the reset clutch 150 during the reset mode to restrict the rotational movement of the clutch 130 and the reset clutch 150 during the reset mode, and a sub - body slot 25 for assembling the sub - body 180 to facilitate the assembly of the bolt - cam spring 220 during the assembly process.

[0158] Now refer to Figures 19A - 19G, the operation of the padlock 10 by the key control mechanism will now be discussed. The key control mechanism includes a lock core 40 that contains an engagement groove 41 for engaging into an engagement square 51 of a cam 50. When a key blank 240 is inserted into the lock core 40, the lock core 40 is configured to rotate when the key blank 240 is rotated. When the lock core 40 rotates, the cam 50 will rotate in the same manner. An extended circular tip 54 of the cam 50 engages into a catcher 71 of a key-controlled latch 70. When the lock core 40 rotates clockwise in a direction that configures the padlock 10 in an unlocked mode, the extended circular tip 54 that engages into the catcher 71 will cause the key-controlled latch 70 to slide to the left, such that a bolt contact surface 72 will contact a control surface 83 of a bolt-cam 80. As a result of this engagement, the bolt-cam 80 will rotate clockwise, and a locking surface 81 will rotate away from a flexible end neck 172 of a lock beam 170. As the lock core 40 and the cam 50 continue to rotate clockwise, the engagement of the extended circular tip 54 and the catcher 71 will continue to drag and slide the key-controlled latch 70 to the left, such that the control surface 83 of the bolt-cam 80 will rotate until a notch-notch 85 aligns with the flexible end neck 172. When the notch-notch 85 aligns with the flexible end neck 172, a spring lever spring 230 will push a spring lever 60 upward. When the spring lever 60 is pushed upward, it will align with the notch-notch 85 of the bolt-cam 80, and a flexible end 171 will pop out of a lock beam end channel-flexible end 21 / 31 of a lock body 20 / 30, and the padlock 10 is opened to an unlocked mode by the key control mechanism.

[0159] Meanwhile, when the key-controlled latch 70 is pushed to the left, the indicator-ramp 73 of the key-controlled latch 70 will contact and slide along the ramp 103 of the indicator 100. As the key-controlled latch 70 continues to move leftward, the indicator-ramp 73 will drag the ramp 103 of the indicator 100 upward until the tail 112 of the latch plate 110 engages the neck surface 102 of the indicator 100. Due to the displacement of the bolt-cam spring 220, the tail 112 will snap into the neck surface 102, with one end assembled on the spring-receiving arm 84 of the bolt-cam 80 and the other end of the bolt-cam spring 220 assembled on the spring-receiving pin 111 of the latch plate 110. The bolt-cam spring 220 serves three purposes: 1. The bolt-cam spring 220 will push the bolt-cam 80 such that the bolt-cam 80 will have a rotational movement (e.g., a counterclockwise locking movement) so that the locking surface 81 will engage with the flexible end neck 172 of the lock beam 170 in the locked mode. 2. In the unlocking mode via the password control mechanism or the key control mechanism, once the flexible end neck 172 pops out of the keyhole 21 / 31 of the lock body, the bolt-cam spring 220 will push the notch recess 85 of the bolt-cam 80 to engage the spring lever 60, thereby preventing the bolt-cam 80 from rotating counterclockwise back to the locked state. 3. In the unlocking mode via the key control mechanism, with the engagement of the notch recess 85 of the bolt-cam 80 and the spring lever 60, the bolt-cam spring 220 will push the latch plate 110 to the right such that the tail 112 engages the neck surface 102 of the indicator 100. The indicator 100 now pops upward and shows the owner that the padlock 10 has been opened by the key, e.g., the luggage to which the padlock is engaged has been inspected by the inspector. The only way to retract the indicator 100 is to have the correct unlocking password to retract the indicator 100. After inspection, the inspector can push the flexible end 171 of the lock beam 170 back into the lock beam end channel - flexible end 21 / 31 of the main body 20 / 30. The flexible end 171 will push the spring lever 60 downward, and the flexible end neck 172 will align with the notch-recess 85 of the bolt-cam 80. When they are aligned, the bolt-cam spring 220 will push and rotate the bolt-cam 80 (e.g., counterclockwise) such that the locking surface 81 will engage with the flexible end neck 172 of the lock beam 170. The control surface 83 of the bolt-cam 80 will force the bolt contact surface 72 to move back to the right to the locked position. The catcher 71 engages the extended circular tip 54, which will cause the cam 50 to rotate counterclockwise back to the locked position. Then the key user or the inspector can now remove the key blank 240 from the padlock 10. Additionally, since the tail 112 of the latch plate 110 engages the neck surface 102 of the indicator 100, the indicator 100 remains popped upward.In the unlocking mode via the key control mechanism, the button 90, the shaft 120, the clutch 130, the turntable 140, the reset clutch 150, and the reset plate 160 are all not disturbed, which means that the operation of the padlock 10 to the unlocking mode via the key control mechanism does not interfere with these components of the password control mechanism.

[0160] Now refer to Figures 20A - 20G , and now the operation of the padlock 10 and the reset indicator 100 through the password control mechanism will be discussed. When the padlock 10 has been opened by the key control mechanism, the indicator 100 will protrude from the padlock 10, indicating that the padlock 10 has been unlocked using the key control mechanism, for example, by an inspector. The tail 112 of the snap plate 110 engages into the neck surface 102 of the indicator 100, preventing the indicator 100 from returning downward into the padlock 10. The indicator 100 in the popped-up position protrudes at least partially from the lock body of the padlock 10, showing the user that the padlock 10 has been operated to the unlocking mode by the key control mechanism. To reset the indicator 100, the user must turn all the turntables 140 to the correct unlocking password. The turntable 140 includes a set of teeth 141 that engage with the extension fins 131 / 151 of the clutch 130 and the reset clutch 150. When the turntable 140 is turned, the clutch 130 and the reset clutch 150 will turn in the same manner as the corresponding turntable 140. The shaft holes 133 / 153 are in the appropriate positions to allow the shaft 120 to pass through the clutch 130 and the reset clutch 150. When the correct unlocking password is aligned on the turntable 140, the opening-clearances 132 / 152 of the clutch 130 and the reset clutch 150 are aligned with the extension fin 122 of the shaft 120, and the shaft 120 is no longer prohibited from moving downward. In this position, the user can press the pressing area 91 of the button 90, and the inclined surface 92 of the button 90 will slide the inclined surface 121 of the shaft 120 downward. As the inclined surface 121 moves downward, the button 90 will be able to move further to the left. As the button 90 moves further to the left, the control wall 94 will contact the control surface 83 of the bolt-cam 80. When the bolt-cam 80 rotates clockwise, the locking surface 81 will rotate away from the flexible end neck 172 of the lock beam 170, and when the bolt-cam 80 continues to rotate, the notch recess 85 will align with the flexible end neck 172, and the spring lever spring 230 will apply a force to push the spring lever 60 upward until the spring lever 60 aligns with the notch recess 85 of the bolt-cam 80 and prevents the bolt-cam 80 from rotating counterclockwise. The spring lever 60 includes a protrusion 61 that is used to guide the spring lever to push upward or downward within the protrusion groove 53 of the cam 50. The flexible end 171 has now been pushed out of the lock beam end passage - flexible end 21 / 31 of the lock body 20 / 30.

[0161] As described in the key - on mode, the indicator 100 has popped up. During the operation of the padlock 10 from the password - controlled mechanism to the unlocked mode, if the user pushes the button 90 to the left, the contact surface 93 of the indicator will push the tail 112 of the latch plate 110 to the left, so that the tail 112 will disengage from the neck surface 102 of the indicator 100. The indicator slot 36 is assembled on the indicator 100 for the indicator 100 to reset and move within the indicator slot 36. The indicator spring 210 pushes down on the large diameter 101 of the indicator 100, and the indicator 100 will spring back to its initial position. When the indicator 100 moves downward, the intermediate surface 104 will align with the tail 112 of the latch plate 110 for the next inspection using the key - controlled mechanism.

[0162] After opening the padlock 10 through the password - controlled mechanism and resetting the indicator 100 back to its initial position, the user can release the button 90. The user can insert the flexible end 171 of the lock beam 170 back into the lock - beam end passage - flexible end 21 / 31 of the lock body. The flexible end 171 will push down on the spring rod 60, and the flexible - end neck 172 will align with the notch - recess 85 of the bolt - cam 80. When they are aligned, the bolt - cam spring 220 will push the bolt - cam 80 and cause it to rotate counter - clockwise so that the locking surface 81 will engage back with the flexible - end neck 172 of the lock beam 170. Additionally, as the bolt - cam 80 rotates counter - clockwise, the control surface 83 of the bolt - cam 80 will push the control wall 94 of the button 90 to the right. When the button 90 is pushed to the right, the bevel 92 of the button 90 will move to the right, which will create a space for the bevel 121 of the shaft 120 to push upward. Since the shaft spring 200 is assembled between the shaft - loading area 123 of the shaft 120 and the first clutch 130, the shaft 120 is pushed upward. The shaft spring 200 will apply a force to push the shaft 120. As the shaft 120 is pushed back upward, the extended fin 122 of the shaft 120 moves away from the openings - gaps 132 / 152 of the clutch 130 and the reset clutch 150. When the openings - gaps 132 / 152 disengage from the extended fin 122 of the shaft 120, the user can rotate the turntable 140 so that the openings - gaps 132 / 152 of the clutch 130 / 150 will move away from the extended fin 122 of the shaft 120. The teeth 141 of the turntable 140 engage with the extended fins 131 / 151 of the clutch 130 / 150, so that the rotation of the turntable 140 will move the clutch 130 / 150 in the same way. During the operation of the padlock 10 from the password - controlled mechanism to the unlocked mode, the lock core 40, the cam 50, and the key - controlled latch 70 are not disturbed, which means that the password - controlled mechanism does not interfere with these components of the key - controlled mechanism.

[0163] The rear side 30 of the body includes an indicator slot 36 to accommodate the indicator 100. The sub-body 180 will cover the bolt-cam 80, the indicator 100, and the bolt-cam spring 220. This sub-body 180 facilitates assembly because the bolt-cam spring 220 will force the bolt-cam 80 to rotate, and it will be easier to assemble the components into the entire padlock 10 using the sub-body 180. The sub-body 180 includes a bolt-cam cutout area 181 that provides space for assembling the bolt cam 80 into the sub-body 180. The sub-body 180 also includes a bolt-cam spring cutout 182 to allow the bolt-cam spring 220 to act within the cam spring cutout 182. The latch plate tail receiving area 183 is for allowing the tail 112 of the latch plate 110 to move within this area. The clutch 130 / 150 is assembled onto the clutch holes 29 / 30a of the lock bodies 20 / 30. The ratchet plate 190 is assembled to provide a ratcheting feel to the turntable 140.

[0164] Now refer to Figures 21A - 21D, the reset and / or configuration of the correct unlocking code of the password control mechanism will now be discussed. The padlock 10 includes a reset plate 160 which will assist the user in keeping both hands free during the entire reset mode. The reset plate 160 can also be used as an indicator to the user that the padlock 10 is in the reset mode. To reset and / or reconfigure the correct unlocking code of the password control mechanism, the user needs to align all the dials 140 with the correct unlocking code such that the opening-gap 132 / 152 of the clutch 130 / reset clutch 150 is aligned with the extension fin 122 of the shaft 120. The gap 162 of the reset plate 160 is a stepped design which allows the user to place a fingernail or a sharp object to slide the reset plate 160 to the right to perform the reset process. The user can slide the reset plate 160 to the right such that the inclined surface 163 of the reset plate 160 contacts the inclined surface 154 of the reset clutch 150, and then the reset clutch 150 slides upward. The reset plate 160 will be able to slide within a certain range and is guided by the wing 161, and it will be allowed to slide between the reset wing slots 27 / 38 of the body 20 / 30. When the reset plate 160 slides to the extreme right, the edge 155 of the reset clutch 150 will be placed within the edge 164 of the reset plate 160. When the reset clutch 150 slides upward, the stacked clutch 130 also slides upward in the same manner. When all the clutches 130 / 150 slide upward, the extension fins 131 / 151 of the clutches 130 / 150 will disengage from the teeth 141 of the dials 140. The extension fins 131 / 151 will now be placed in the clutch projection slots 20b / 30c such that the clutches 130 / 150 will have no rotational movement during the reset process. Since the clutches 130 / 150 do not rotate in the same manner, the user can now freely rotate the dials 140 to the desired new correct unlocking code. During the entire reset process, the reset plate 160 protrudes outward to indicate to the user that the padlock 10 is in the reset mode. When the user has completed setting the new correct unlocking code, the user can push the extended reset plate 160 to the left / inside such that the edges 155 and 164 will move apart, and the shaft spring 200 will apply a force to push the stacked clutch 130 / reset clutch 150 downward back to the initial position. When the clutches 130 / 150 are pushed downward, the extension fins 131 / 151 of the clutches 130 / 150 will re-engage with the teeth of the dials 140.

[0165] Accordingly, it can be seen that the objectives obvious from the foregoing description are effectively achieved, and since certain changes may be made to the above without departing from the scope of the present invention, all matter contained in this disclosure or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not restrictive. It should be understood that all of the current drawings and the accompanying narrative discussions of the corresponding embodiments do not purport to be a complete and rigid treatment of the present invention under consideration. It should be understood that the above arrangements are merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. Many modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A padlock, comprising: A lock body; A bolt-cam, installed in the lock body and configured for rotational movement between a locked state and an unlocked state; A password control mechanism, configured to control the rotational movement of the bolt-cam at least from the locked state to the unlocked state; A key control mechanism, configured to control the rotational movement of the bolt-cam between the locked state and the unlocked state; And A lock beam, having a flexible end neck and a fixed end terminal neck, the flexible end neck configured to be held in and removed from the lock body, the fixed end terminal neck installed in the lock body, and wherein the flexible end neck is operably engaged with the bolt-cam for configuring the padlock between a locked mode and an unlocked mode, in the locked mode the flexible end neck is held in the lock body, and in the unlocked mode the flexible end neck is removed from the lock body; Wherein the password control mechanism includes a shaft and one or more clutches and a return clutch, the shaft installed for linear movement in the lock body, the one or more clutches and the return clutch installed in the lock body and configured to control the linear movement of the shaft in the lock body, wherein the one or more clutches and the return clutch are configured for rotational movement about the shaft; Wherein the password control mechanism further includes a plurality of turntables installed in the lock body, wherein the plurality of turntables includes a respective one turntable for each of the one or more clutches and the return clutch, and wherein each of the plurality of turntables is configured to control the rotational movement of the respective clutch or return clutch.

2. The padlock according to claim 1, wherein, The bolt-cam includes a pair of surfaces located on two opposite sides of the bolt-cam, the bolt-cam further includes a central rod extending from at least one of the pair of surfaces, the central rod configured to limit the movement of the bolt-cam in the lock body to the rotational movement of the bolt-cam between the locked state and the unlocked state.

3. The padlock according to claim 1, wherein, The bolt-cam includes a locking surface, the locking surface configured to engage with the flexible end neck of the lock beam during the locked mode.

4. The padlock according to claim 1, wherein, The bolt-cam includes a notch recess, the notch recess configured to align with the flexible end neck of the lock beam when the bolt-cam is in the unlocked state to allow the flexible end of the lock beam to be removed from the lock body in the unlocked mode of the padlock.

5. The padlock according to claim 3, wherein, The bolt-cam includes a spring receiving arm configured to receive a bolt-cam spring, wherein the bolt-cam spring is configured to push the bolt-cam to the locked state such that the locking surface is pushed to engage with the flexible end neck of the lock beam, wherein the bolt-cam spring is further configured to receive a spring receiving pin of a snap plate, and wherein the bolt-cam spring is further configured to push the tail of the snap plate towards an indicator such that when the key control mechanism controls the bolt-cam from the locked state to the unlocked state, the tail of the snap plate will engage into the neck surface of the indicator.

6. The padlock according to claim 1, wherein, The bolt-cam includes a control surface configured to allow the key control mechanism and the password control mechanism to control the rotation of the bolt-cam from the locked state to the unlocked state.

7. The padlock according to claim 6, wherein The bolt-cam control surface is configured to allow the key control mechanism to operate the padlock from the locked mode to the unlocked mode without interfering with the password control mechanism.

8. The padlock according to claim 6, wherein, The bolt-cam control surface is configured to allow the password control mechanism to operate the padlock from the locked mode to the unlocked mode without interfering with the key control mechanism.

9. The padlock according to claim 1, wherein, The password control mechanism further includes a button and a reset plate to control the rotational movement of the bolt-cam from the locked state to the unlocked state.

10. The padlock according to claim 5, wherein, The key control mechanism includes a lock core, a cam, and a key-controlled latch. The lock core is installed in the lock body. The cam is operably connected to the lock core. The key-controlled latch controls the rotational movement of the bolt-cam from the locked state to the unlocked state.

11. The padlock according to claim 10, wherein, The indicator is configured to be activated by the key control mechanism and reset by the password control mechanism. The indicator includes an intermediate surface configured to engage the tail of the latch plate. When the key control mechanism is operated, the indicator-ramp of the key-controlled latch will engage the ramp of the indicator, causing at least a portion of the indicator to protrude from the lock body. The bolt-cam spring will push the tail of the latch plate into engagement with the neck surface of the indicator to lock the indicator in the position protruding from the lock body. The indicator is configured to be reset by the password control mechanism, allowing the bolt-cam to move to the unlocked state.

12. The padlock according to claim 9, wherein, The reset plate is configured to protrude at least partially from the lock body as an indication that the padlock is in the reset mode. And the correct unlocking password must be set on all dials to operate the padlock to the reset mode.

13. The padlock according to claim 12, wherein, The shaft includes at least one extending fin configured to align with the openings-clearances of the clutch and the reset clutch to allow the reset plate to slide the clutch and the reset clutch upward, thereby operating the padlock to the reset mode.

14. The padlock according to claim 13, wherein, The reset plate includes a ramp member to slide the ramp of the reset clutch upward during the reset mode.

15. The padlock according to claim 14, wherein, The reset plate includes an edge aligned with the edge of the reset clutch such that the reset clutch holds the reset plate in place during reset and allows the user to free both hands to set a new unlocking password.

16. The padlock according to claim 9, wherein, The shaft includes extending fins for each of the one or more clutches and the reset clutch. Each of the one or more clutches and the reset clutch includes an opening-clearance formed in this one clutch or reset clutch of the one or more clutches and the reset clutch to allow the corresponding extending fin to pass through this one clutch or reset clutch of the one or more clutches and the reset clutch.

17. The padlock according to claim 16, wherein, When the correct unlocking code is set on all the turntables, the openings - gaps of the one or more clutches and the return clutch are aligned with the corresponding extended fins of the shaft. The button is configured to be pushed inward into the lock body when the correct unlocking code is set, and the bevel of the button will push the bevel of the shaft in a direction substantially perpendicular to the movement direction of the button, so that the extended fins of the shaft travel into the corresponding openings - gaps of the one or more clutches and the return clutch. The movement of the shaft allows the button to travel further inward, and the control wall of the button contacts the bolt - cam, which will allow the bolt - cam to rotate to the unlocked state, such that the notched recess of the bolt - cam is aligned with the flexible end neck of the lock beam. This alignment allows the spring lever to push the flexible end of the lock beam out of the lock body to operate the padlock to the unlocked mode.

18. The padlock according to claim 17, wherein, The button further includes an indicator contact surface configured to push the tail of the latch plate away from the neck surface of the indicator. An indicator spring pushes the indicator into the lock body.

19. The padlock according to claim 1, wherein, The key control mechanism includes a lock core, a cam, and a key - controlled latch. The lock core is installed in the lock body. The cam is operably connected to the lock core. The key - controlled latch controls the rotational movement of the bolt - cam from the locked state to the unlocked state when a key - cut is inserted into the lock core. The lock core is configured to rotate and transfer this rotational movement to the cam through the operable engagement of the engagement groove of the lock core with the engagement square of the cam. The cam includes an extended circular tip configured to engage with the catcher of the key - controlled latch, and the rotational movement causes a linear movement of the key - controlled latch. The key - controlled latch includes a bolt contact surface configured to operably engage with the control wall of the bolt - cam to convert the linear movement of the key - controlled latch into the rotational movement of the bolt - cam, so that the bolt - cam is placed in the unlocked state. The bolt - cam includes a notched recess configured to be aligned with the flexible end neck of the lock beam when the bolt - cam is in the unlocked state to allow the flexible end of the lock beam to be removed from the lock body in the unlocked mode of the padlock.

20. The padlock according to claim 19, wherein, The key - controlled latch includes an indicator - bevel configured to slide the bevel of the indicator upward and engage the tail of the latch plate into the neck surface of the indicator. The indicator extends out of the lock body indicating that the padlock has been operated to the unlocked mode by the key control mechanism.

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