Dual unlock padlock with dual indicator

Abstract

A padlock includes a main body configured to receive a combination mechanism configured to allow the padlock to operate from a locked mode to an unlocked mode and a key mechanism configured to allow the padlock to operate from the locked mode to the unlocked mode, a latch having a short leg and a long leg, a key mechanism indicator, and a lock catch having a short leg and a long leg. The latch assembly includes a key mechanism indicator configured to at least partially extend out of a body of the padlock when the padlock is operated to an unlocked mode through the key mechanism, and a latch configured to operably engage with the key mechanism indicator to maintain the key mechanism indicator at least partially extend out of the body of the padlock, until the padlock has been operated from the locked mode to the unlocked mode by the combination mechanism.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 563,216, filed on March 8, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates generally to padlocks and, more particularly, to a double unlock padlock having a reset indicator enclosed in the lock body / housing. Background Art

[0004] The combination padlock discussed in U.S. Patent No. 7,140,209, entitled "Padlock with Fully Integrated Dual Locking System," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, has a dual unlocking mechanism; however, the padlock lacks an indication of whether the shackle is in open, closed, or reset mode. Therefore, the novel present invention seeks to address this problem by providing a padlock with a reset indicator, such that the indicator provides a visual indication that the padlock is in reset mode. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The new padlock also contains a key mechanism that overrides the combination mechanism, like many TSA luggage locks, allowing TSA agents to override the key mechanism to open the lock. Key mechanism users can open the lock with the key mechanism, and the key mechanism indicator will pop up, indicating that the padlock has been opened with the key mechanism. Users can use the combination mechanism to reset the key mechanism indicator by entering the correct combination for the padlock.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a padlock having a key mechanism indicator disposed therein that indicates that the padlock has been opened by the key mechanism, and such key mechanism indicator provides a visual indication that the padlock has been opened by the key mechanism until the correct combination code of the padlock is entered into the combination mechanism of the padlock, such that the key mechanism indicator cannot be depressed without entering the correct combination code.

[0007] It is another object of the present invention to provide a padlock having a recoding indicator that provides a visual indication of when the padlock is in a reset mode that allows the combination mechanism of the padlock to be reset / reconfigured to the correct combination code.

[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide a padlock such that only one of the key mechanism indicator or the recode indicator extends from the body of the padlock at a time.

[0009] It is another object of the present invention to provide a padlock wherein the key mechanism indicator can be reset before the recoding indicator is activated.

[0010] It is another object of the present invention to provide a padlock having a recode / reset protrusion extending from the shackle, the protrusion being configured for resetting a key mechanism indicator and activating a recode indicator.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a padlock wherein the reset / recode protrusion can be divided into more than one protrusion, wherein the reset protrusion is one protrusion and the recode protrusion is another protrusion.

[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a padlock that is configured to operate into a reset mode in which the correct combination of the combination mechanism can be reset and / or reconfigured to a new correct combination of the combination mechanism, and when the padlock is in the reset mode, the user can have both hands free to rotate the dial of the combination mechanism to the new correct combination.

[0013] It will be appreciated that these and other objects can be achieved according to exemplary aspects of the present invention, which is directed to a padlock that may include a body configured to house a combination mechanism and a key mechanism, the combination mechanism being configured to allow the padlock to be operated from a locked mode to an unlocked mode by the combination mechanism, and the key mechanism being configured to allow the padlock to be operated from a locked mode to an unlocked mode by the key mechanism.

[0014] According to this and other exemplary aspects of the invention, the padlock may further include a shackle having a short leg and a long leg, the shackle being configured to be retained in the body and to perform linear and rotational movement relative to the body of the padlock.

[0015] According to this and other exemplary aspects of the invention, the padlock may further include a key mechanism indicator configured to extend at least partially outside the body of the padlock when the padlock is operated to an unlocked mode via the key mechanism.

[0016] According to this and other exemplary aspects of the invention, the padlock may further include a latch configured to operably engage the key mechanism indicator to maintain the key mechanism indicator at least partially extended out of the body of the padlock until the padlock has been operated from the locked mode to the unlocked mode via the combination mechanism.

[0017] According to this and other exemplary aspects of the invention, the combination mechanism may include at least one dial having a plurality of markings thereon, and at least one clutch configured to operably engage with the at least one dial such that rotation of each of the at least one dial is transferred to the corresponding at least one clutch, each of the at least one dial may include a plurality of teeth, and each of the at least one clutch may include an extension fin configured to operably engage with the plurality of teeth from the corresponding one of the at least one dial.

[0018] According to this and other exemplary aspects of the invention, the key mechanism may include a lock cylinder configured to receive a correctly cut key and a cam configured to operably engage with the lock cylinder so that rotation of the lock cylinder is transmitted to the cam, the cam may include a cam ramp formed in the cam, and the padlock may further include a baffle having a pin extending from the baffle and configured to operably engage with the cam ramp of the cam so that rotational motion of the cam is converted into linear motion of the baffle.

[0019] According to this and other exemplary aspects of the present invention, the cam may further include an inclined wing extending from the cam, and the key mechanism indicator may include a spring-loaded area formed on one end of the key mechanism indicator, a bottom inclined surface formed on an end of the key mechanism indicator opposite the spring-loaded area, and a neck formed in the key mechanism indicator disposed between the spring-loaded area and the bottom inclined surface.

[0020] According to this and other exemplary aspects of the invention, the padlock may further include a key mechanism indicator spring configured to operably engage a spring-loaded region of the key mechanism indicator to urge the key mechanism indicator into the body of the padlock, and the ramped wing configured to operably engage a bottom ramped surface of the key mechanism indicator such that rotation of the cam causes compression of the key mechanism indicator spring and extension of at least a portion of the key mechanism indicator out of the body of the padlock.

[0021] According to this and other exemplary aspects of the invention, the latch may include a spring assembly area configured to operably engage a latch spring and a tip extending from the spring assembly area, the tip being configured to maintain engagement with a neck of a key mechanism indicator to maintain at least a portion of the key mechanism indicator extending out of the body of the padlock when the padlock is operated to an unlocked mode by the key mechanism.

[0022] According to this and other exemplary aspects of the invention, the padlock may further include a lock hole formed in the body, the lock hole being configured to at least partially surround the short leg of the lock catch when the padlock is in the locked mode, the lock hole having an arcuate opening formed in the lock hole, the arcuate opening being configured to receive at least a portion of the baffle when the padlock is in the locked mode, the baffle being linearly positionable between an extended position when the padlock is in the locked mode and a retracted position when the padlock is in the unlocked mode by a key mechanism due to rotational movement of the cam, and when the baffle is in the retracted position, the lock catch can be rotated about the long leg of the lock catch to remove the short leg of the lock catch from the lock hole and operate the padlock to the unlocked mode by the key mechanism.

[0023] According to this and other exemplary aspects of the invention, the lock cylinder may include a square slot, and the cam may further include a square block configured to be received within the square slot of the lock cylinder such that rotational motion of the lock cylinder is transferred to the cam.

[0024] According to this and other exemplary aspects of the invention, the guard may further include a rib, which is located in the arcuate opening of the lock hole when the guard is in the extended position to prevent the short leg of the lock buckle from passing through the arcuate opening of the lock hole, and when the guard is in the retracted position, the rib is removed from the arcuate opening of the lock hole.

[0025] According to this and other exemplary aspects of the invention, the long leg of the lock may include a protrusion extending from the long leg for each clutch in at least one clutch, and each clutch in at least one clutch may also include a lock hole configured to receive the long leg of the lock through the clutch, a top surface located within the lock hole, a bottom surface opposite to the top surface, and an open gap extending from the top surface to the bottom surface and forming a channel therebetween, wherein the channel is for the protrusion of the long leg of the lock (which corresponds to the clutch) to at least partially pass through the clutch.

[0026] According to this and other exemplary aspects of the invention, the padlock may further include a lock hole formed in the body, the lock hole being configured to at least partially surround the short leg of the shackle when the padlock is in the locked mode, the linear movement of the long leg of the shackle away from the padlock body being configured to move the short leg of the shackle out of the lock hole when the padlock is operated to the unlocked mode by the combination mechanism, and when the correct combination code is set on all dials of at least one dial and the open gap of each clutch is aligned with each corresponding protrusion of the long leg of the shackle, the padlock is in the unlocked mode by the combination mechanism, thereby allowing each protrusion to move from the corresponding bottom surface of each corresponding clutch to the corresponding top surface.

[0027] According to this and other exemplary aspects of the invention, the long leg of the lock catch may also include a recoding protrusion extending therefrom, and when the padlock is in the unlocked mode by the combination mechanism, the recoding protrusion is configured to align with the recess formed in the main body, and the insertion of the recoding protrusion into the recess causes each protrusion of the long leg of the lock catch to engage with the corresponding top surface of each corresponding clutch, thereby causing the extended fin of each clutch to disengage from the teeth of the corresponding dial, and the extended fin of each clutch to be retained in the fin groove within the main body.

[0028] According to this and other exemplary aspects of the invention, the padlock may further include a recoding indicator having a shackle receiving aperture configured to receive the long leg of the shackle, a spring-loaded area configured to insert a shackle spring and a clutch contact surface, the recoding protrusions inserted into the recesses and the engagement of each protrusion of the long leg of the shackle with the corresponding top surface of each corresponding clutch resulting in operable contact between the bottom surface of at least one clutch and the clutch contact surface and depression of the shackle spring, and depression of the shackle spring allowing the spring-loaded area of ​​the recoding indicator to extend at least partially outside the body of the padlock.

[0029] According to this and other exemplary aspects of the invention, the long leg of the lock catch may further include a reset protrusion extending from the long leg of the lock catch, the key mechanism indicator may include a spring-loaded area formed at one end of the key mechanism indicator and a neck formed in the key mechanism indicator, the padlock may further include a key mechanism indicator spring, which is configured to operably engage with the spring-loaded area of ​​the key mechanism indicator to push the key mechanism indicator into the body of the padlock, the latch may include a spring assembly area configured to operably engage with the latch spring, a tip extending from the spring assembly area and a tail ramp extending from the latch opposite the tip, the tip being configured to remain engaged with the neck of the key mechanism indicator so as to keep at least a portion of the key mechanism indicator protruding from the body of the padlock when the padlock is operated to the unlocked mode by the key mechanism, and the reset protrusion is configured to operably engage with the tail ramp of the latch to cause the latch to compress the latch spring, and when the padlock is operated to the unlocked mode by the combination mechanism, the tip disengages from the neck of the key mechanism indicator.

[0030] According to this and other exemplary aspects of the invention, at least partial extension of the spring-loaded region of the recode indicator from the padlock body provides a visual indication that the padlock has been operated into a reset mode, with reset mode rotation of each dial not being transmitted to a clutch corresponding to each of the at least one dial.

[0031] According to this and other exemplary aspects of the invention, the body may include at least one recoding channel formed in the body and integrally connected to the recess, the recoding channel being configured to receive and retain the recoding protrusion of the long leg of the lock within the body after the recoding protrusion has been inserted through the recess, and to maintain the separation of the extended fin of each clutch from the teeth of the corresponding dial when the recoding protrusion is retained within the body by the recoding channel.

[0032] According to this and other exemplary aspects of the invention, the long leg of the lock catch may further include a reset protrusion extending from the long leg of the lock catch, the key mechanism indicator may include a spring-loaded area formed at one end of the key mechanism indicator and a neck formed in the key mechanism indicator, the padlock may further include a key mechanism indicator spring, which is configured to operably engage with the spring-loaded area of ​​the key mechanism indicator to push the key mechanism indicator into the body of the padlock, the latch may include a spring assembly area configured to operably engage with the latch spring, a tip extending from the spring assembly area and a tail ramp extending from the latch opposite the tip, the tip being configured to remain engaged with the neck of the key mechanism indicator so as to keep at least a portion of the key mechanism indicator extending outside the body of the padlock when the padlock is operated to the unlocked mode by the key mechanism, and the reset protrusion is configured to operably engage with the tail ramp of the latch to cause the latch to compress the latch spring, and when the padlock is operated to the unlocked mode by the combination mechanism, the tip disengages from the neck of the key mechanism indicator.

[0033] According to this and other exemplary aspects of the invention, the long leg of the lock catch may also include a recoding protrusion extending therefrom, and when the padlock is in the unlocked mode by the combination mechanism, the recoding protrusion is configured to align with the recess formed in the main body, and the insertion of the recoding protrusion into the recess causes each protrusion of the long leg of the lock catch to engage with the corresponding top surface of each corresponding clutch, thereby causing the extended fin of each clutch to disengage from the teeth of the corresponding dial, and the extended fin of each clutch to be retained in the fin groove within the main body.

[0034] According to this and other exemplary aspects of the invention, the key mechanism indicator may include a spring-loaded area formed on one end of the key mechanism indicator and a neck formed in the key mechanism indicator, the padlock may further include a key mechanism indicator spring configured to operably engage with the spring-loaded area of ​​the key mechanism indicator to urge the key mechanism indicator into the body of the padlock, the latch may include a spring assembly area configured to operably engage with the latch spring, a tip extending from the spring assembly area and a tail ramp extending from the latch opposite the tip, the tip configured to remain engaged with the neck of the key mechanism indicator so as to maintain at least a portion of the key mechanism indicator extending outside the body of the padlock when the padlock is operated to an unlocked mode by the key mechanism, and the recoded protrusion is configured to operably engage with the tail ramp of the latch to cause the latch to compress the latch spring and disengage the tip from the neck of the key mechanism indicator when the padlock is operated to the unlocked mode by the combination mechanism.

[0035] According to this and other exemplary aspects of the present invention, when the padlock is in the unlocked mode by the combination mechanism, the reset protrusion is configured to align with the notch formed in the body, and the insertion of the reset protrusion into the notch causes each protrusion of the long leg of the shackle to engage with the corresponding top surface of each corresponding clutch, thereby causing the extended fin of each clutch to disengage from the teeth of the corresponding dial, and the extended fin of each clutch to be retained in the fin groove in the body.

[0036] According to this and other exemplary aspects of the invention, the padlock may further include a lock hole formed in the body, the lock hole being configured to at least partially surround the short leg of the shackle when the padlock is in the locked mode, linear movement of the long leg of the shackle away from the padlock body being configured to move the short leg of the shackle out of the lock hole when the padlock is operated to the unlocked mode by the combination mechanism, and rotational movement of the shackle about the long leg of the shackle being configured to move the short leg of the shackle out of the lock hole when the padlock is operated to the unlocked mode by the key mechanism. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] 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:

[0038] Figure 1A is a front view of an exemplary padlock according to an aspect of the present invention in a locked mode with the exemplary front body removed;

[0039] Figure 1B is a rear view of an exemplary padlock with an exemplary rear body removed;

[0040] Figure 1C is a perspective front view of an exemplary padlock with an exemplary front body removed;

[0041] Figure 1Dis a perspective rear view of an exemplary padlock with an exemplary rear body removed;

[0042] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary front body usable with an exemplary padlock according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary rear body usable with an exemplary padlock according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary lock cylinder that may be used with an exemplary padlock according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary cam that may be used with an exemplary padlock according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary flapper that may be used with an exemplary padlock according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary key mechanism indicator that may be used with an exemplary padlock according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary latch that may be used with an exemplary padlock according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary clutch that may be used with an exemplary padlock according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary dial that may be used with an exemplary padlock according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 11 is a perspective view of an exemplary recoding indicator that may be used with an exemplary padlock according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 12 is a perspective view of an exemplary shackle that may be used with an exemplary padlock according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 13A is a front view of an exemplary padlock according to an aspect of the present invention, the padlock being in an unlocked mode by a key mechanism with the exemplary front body removed;

[0054] Figure 13B is a rear view of an exemplary padlock with an exemplary rear body removed;

[0055] Figure 13C is a perspective front view of an exemplary padlock with an exemplary front body removed;

[0056] Figure 13D is a perspective rear view of an exemplary padlock with an exemplary rear body removed;

[0057] Figure 14A is a front view of an exemplary padlock according to an aspect of the present invention, the padlock being in an unlocked mode with the combination mechanism and the exemplary front body removed;

[0058] Figure 14B is a rear view of an exemplary padlock with an exemplary rear body removed;

[0059] Figure 14C is a perspective front view of an exemplary padlock with an exemplary front body removed;

[0060] Figure 14D is a perspective rear view of an exemplary padlock with an exemplary rear body removed;

[0061] Figure 15A is a front view of an exemplary padlock according to an aspect of the present invention in a reset mode with the exemplary front body removed;

[0062] Figure 15B is a rear view of an exemplary padlock with an exemplary rear body removed;

[0063] Figure 15C is a perspective front view of an exemplary padlock with an exemplary front body removed;

[0064] Figure 15D is a perspective rear view of an exemplary padlock with an exemplary rear body removed;

[0065] Figure 16A is a front view of an exemplary padlock according to an aspect of the present invention in a reset key mechanism indicator mode with the exemplary front body removed;

[0066] Figure 16B is a rear view of an exemplary padlock with an exemplary rear body removed;

[0067] Figure 16C is a perspective front view of an exemplary padlock with an exemplary front body removed; and

[0068] Figure 16D is a perspective rear view of an example padlock with an example rear body removed.

[0069] The reference numerals and corresponding elements are summarized below:

[0070] 10 Padlock; 20 Front Body; 21 Keyhole; 22 Long Leg Lock Hole; 23 Lock Core Hole; 24 Cam Hole; 25 Latch Member Cutout; 26 Clutch Hole; 27 Dial Hole; 28 Recoding Indicator Hole; 29 Wall; 20a Fin Groove; 20b Recoding Channel; 30 Rear Body; 31 Keyhole; 32 Long Leg Lock Hole; 33 Lock Core Hole; 34 Cam Hole; 35 Key Mechanism Indicator Hole; 36 Latch Member Cutout; 37 Clutch Hole; 38 Dial Hole; 39 Recoding Indicator Hole; 30a Wall; 30b Notch; 30c Recoding Channel; 30d Fin Groove; 40 Lock Core; 41 Square Groove; 50 Cam; 51 Square Block; 52 Inclined Face; 53 Inclined Wing; 60 Baffle; 61 Retaining Edge; 62 Pin; 70 Key Key mechanism indicator; 71 spring loading area; 72 neck; 73 bottom ramp; 80 latch; 81 spring assembly area; 82 tip; 83 tail ramp; 90 clutch; 91 extension fin; 92 opening gap; 93 lock hole; 94 top surface; 95 bottom surface; 100 dial; 101 teeth; 102 cutout; 110 recoding indicator; 111 spring loading area; 112 major diameter; 113 contact clutch surface; 114 lock hole receiving hole; 120 lock; 121 short leg lock; 122 long leg lock; 123 protrusion; 124 recoding / reset protrusion; 130 dial spring plate; 140 lock spring; 150 latch spring; 160 key mechanism indicator spring; 170 key. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0071] 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 present invention may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

[0072] Now refer to Figures 1A-16D , which shows an exemplary padlock, Figure 1A-Figure 1D 、 Figures 13A-13D 、 Figures 14A-14D 、 Figures 15A-15D and Figures 16A-16D10. The padlock 10 may be comprised of a front body 20 and a rear body 30 that may be combined to form a housing for the components of the padlock 10. The padlock 10 may also include a shackle 120 configured to be retained within the front and rear bodies 20, 30. The front body 20 of the padlock 10 may include a shackle 120 positioned opposite a corresponding shackle 31 of the rear body 30 and forming an opening configured to receive and releasably retain a short leg shackle 121 of the shackle 120. The front body 20 may also include a long leg shackle aperture 22 positioned opposite a long leg shackle aperture 32 of the rear body 30 and forming an opening configured to receive and retain the long leg shackle 122 of the shackle 120. Each of the front body 20 and the rear body 30 includes a lock cylinder aperture 23 / 33 configured and dimensioned to receive and retain a lock cylinder 40 within the padlock 10. The front body 20 and the rear body 30 may each further include a cam aperture 24 / 34 configured and dimensioned to receive and retain a cam 50 operably coupled to the lock cylinder 40 within the padlock 10. The front body 20 and the rear body 30 may each further include a latch member cutout 25 / 36 configured and dimensioned to receive and retain a cam latch 80 within the padlock 10. The rear body 30 may further include a key mechanism indicator aperture 35 configured and dimensioned to receive and retain a key mechanism indicator 70 within the padlock 10. The front body 20 and the rear body 30 may also each include one or more clutch apertures 26 / 37, one or more dial apertures 27 / 38, and one or more fin slots 20a / 30d. The one or more clutch apertures 26 / 37 are configured and dimensioned to each receive one of the one or more clutches 90 within the padlock 10, and the one or more dial apertures 27 / 38 are configured and dimensioned to each receive one of the one or more dials 100 within the padlock 10. The one or more clutches 90 each include at least one extension fin 91, and each extension fin 91 is configured to be received within a corresponding one of the one or more fin slots 20a / 30d when the correct combination for the padlock 10 has been set on the one or more dials 100.

[0073] Still refer to Figures 1A-16DEach of the front body 20 and the rear body 30 of the padlock 10 may further include a recode indicator aperture 28 / 39, respectively, configured to allow the recode indicator 110 of the padlock 10 to extend at least partially outside the padlock 10. The recode indicator 110 may include a generally cylindrical spring-loaded region 111, a major diameter 112 extending circumferentially from the spring-loaded region 111 and configured to separate a contact clutch surface 113 from the spring-loaded region. The recode indicator 110 may further include a shackle aperture receiving aperture 114 configured to receive one end of a long-legged shackle 122. The spring-loaded region 111 is configured to be received within a shackle spring 140, and the shackle spring 140 is configured to engage the major diameter 112 to urge the recode indicator 110 into the padlock 10. The front body 20 and the rear body 30 may also each include a wall 29 / 30a configured to limit upward movement of one or more clutches 90 within the padlock 10. The wall 29 / 30a is configured and positioned so that when the padlock 10 has been operated to the unlocked mode via the combination mechanism, the uppermost protrusion 123 of the one or more protrusions 123 of the shackle 120 contacts the wall 29 / 30a, thereby limiting further movement of the shackle 120 away from the front body 20 and the rear body 30. Similarly, the wall 29 / 30a may also be configured to limit upward movement of the uppermost clutch 90 of the one or more clutches 90. The front body 20 and the rear body 30 may also each include a recode channel 20b / 30c configured to engage the recode / reset protrusion 124 of the shackle 120. A recode channel 30 c formed in the rear body 30 allows the recode / reset protrusion 124 to be inserted into the padlock 10 after the padlock 10 has been operated to the unlocked mode via the combined mechanism.

[0074] Still refer to Figures 1A-16DThe lock cylinder 40 of the padlock 10 may include a square slot 41 configured to receive the square block 51 of the cam 50, such that when a properly cut key 170 is inserted into the lock cylinder 40 and rotated, the rotational motion of the lock cylinder 40 is transmitted to the cam 50. The cam 50 may also include a beveled surface 52 formed therein, extending along the perimeter of the cam 50 at an angle relative to the square block 51. The padlock 10 may further include a retaining plate 60 having a rib 61 configured to be positioned within the lock aperture 31 of the rear body 30 to limit and / or prevent the short-legged shackle 121 from rotating out of the lock aperture 21 / 31. The retaining plate 60 may also include a pin 62 extending therefrom, the pin 62 being configured to engage the beveled surface 52 of the cam 50, such that when a properly cut key 170 has been inserted into the lock cylinder 40 and rotated therein, the rotational motion of the cam 50 is converted into linear motion of the retaining plate 60 away from the lock aperture 31. The cam 50 may also include angled wings 53 configured to engage a bottom angled surface 73 of the key mechanism indicator 70. When the cam 50 is rotated by rotational movement of a properly cut key 170 in the lock cylinder 40, the angled wings 53 engage the bottom angled surface 73 of the key mechanism indicator 70 to push the key mechanism indicator 70 against a key mechanism spring 160, which is configured to push the key mechanism indicator 70 to a retracted position within the padlock 10. The key mechanism spring 160 engages a spring-loaded region 71 of the key mechanism indicator 70. As the cam 50 rotates, the angled wings 53 also rotate to push the key mechanism indicator 70, causing a neck 72 formed in the key mechanism indicator 70 to engage a tip 82 of the latch 80. The latch 80 may also include a spring assembly region 81 configured to engage the latch spring 150. The latch spring 150 urges the tip 82 of the latch 80 into engagement with the neck 72 of the key mechanism indicator 70, causing the key mechanism spring 160 to be compressed and the key mechanism indicator 70 to extend from the padlock 10. The latch 80 may also include a tail ramp 83 positioned and configured to engage the recode / reset protrusion 124 of the shackle 120. Each of the one or more dials 100 may have teeth 101 positioned along the inner circumference of the dial 100, the teeth 101 being configured to engage with one or more extension fins 91 of the one or more clutches 90, such that rotation of the dial 100 about the long-legged shackle 122 results in corresponding rotation of the clutch 90. The extension fins 91 fit within the teeth 101 of the dial 100, such that rotation of the dial 100 rotates the clutch 90. Each dial 100 may have one or more indicia, which may be in the form of numbers, symbols, letters, colors, etc., corresponding to each of the teeth 101. For example, in the exemplary embodiment shown, ten markings in the form of the numbers 0-9 are shown, and each dial 100 has ten teeth 101 .A dial spring plate 130 can be positioned in the padlock 10 to indicate when the different markings of the combination control mechanism have been selected, as the dial spring plate 130 will engage with a notch 102 on the dial 100 located between each marking. Each clutch 90 has a generally cylindrical configuration with a bottom surface 95. Within each clutch 90 is a shoulder forming a top surface 94, an open gap 92 formed in the top surface 94, and a shackle aperture 93 formed through the clutch 90. The long leg shackle 122 of the shackle 120 includes one or more protrusions 123 extending therefrom, and each protrusion 123 is configured to engage with the bottom surface 95 of one of the one or more clutches 90 when the padlock 10 is in the locked mode, or to pass through the open gap 92 of one of the one or more clutches 90 when the padlock 10 is in the unlocked mode of the combination mechanism.

[0075] Now refer to Figures 1A-12The locked mode of the padlock 10 will now be discussed. The padlock 10 includes a shackle 120, wherein a short-leg shackle 121 of the shackle 120 can be controlled between a closed mode and an open mode by a key mechanism, which may include a lock cylinder 40, a cam 50, and a stopper 60. When the short-leg shackle 121 is in the closed mode, the padlock 10 is in the locked mode. The short-leg shackle 121 is then in the open mode by the key mechanism, and the padlock 10 can be operated to the unlocked mode by the key mechanism. The long-leg shackle 122 of the shackle 120 can be controlled by a combination mechanism, which may include one or more clutches 90 and one or more dials 100, to allow the padlock 10 to be operated between the locked and unlocked modes by the combination mechanism of the padlock 10. When the padlock 10 is in the locked mode, the shackle 120 will not move linearly away from the padlock 10, and the short-leg shackle 121 remains in the lock holes 21 / 31 of the front / rear body 20 / 30. The short-legged shackle 121 is retained in the keyhole 21 / 31 by the stopper 60, preventing it from rotating out of the keyhole 21 / 31. Because an incorrectly cut key 170 is inserted into the lock cylinder 40, the cam 50 cannot rotate, and the stopper 60 holds the short-legged shackle 121 in the closed mode, preventing the padlock 10 from being keyed to the unlocked mode. Furthermore, when the padlock 10 is in the locked mode, at least one dial 100 is not set to the correct combination, resulting in at least one corresponding clutch 90 not having an open gap 92 aligned with the corresponding protrusion 123 of the long-legged shackle 122. Consequently, the shackle 120 cannot move away from the padlock 10 to release the short-legged shackle 121 from the keyhole 21 / 31. In the locked mode, at least one protrusion 123 of the lock catch 120 is not aligned with the open gap 92 of the clutch 90, and the lock catch 120 cannot be lifted upward to operate the padlock 10 to the unlocked mode by the combination mechanism because the bottom surface 95 of each clutch 90 corresponding to the dial 100 that does not contain the correct combination restricts the linear movement of the long-legged lock catch 122.

[0076] In the locked mode, without the correctly cut key 170, the lock cylinder 40 cannot rotate. The lock cylinder 40 can be a pin-tumbler lock cylinder, a wafer lock cylinder, or any other type of lock cylinder known in the art. It should be understood that when the correctly cut key 170 is not inserted into the lock cylinder 40, the pins, wafers, etc. are not properly aligned and prevent rotational movement of the lock cylinder 40. The pin 62 of the retainer 60 is assembled onto the inclined surface 52 of the cam 50. Since the lock cylinder 40 cannot rotate, the inclined surface 52 of the cam 50 also cannot rotate, and the pin 62 of the retainer 60 will be held in place by the inclined surface 52 of the cam 50. It should be understood that the retainer 60 cannot have any linear movement unless the cam 50 rotates and the retainer 60 is in the locked position. Since the lock cylinder 40 does not move, the cam 50 also does not rotate, which is the result of the engagement between the square slot 41 of the lock cylinder 40 and the square block 51 of the cam 50. When the blocking plate 60 is in the locked position, the rib 61 of the blocking plate 60 blocks the path of the short-leg lock catch 121 from moving out of the lock hole 21 / 31 of the lock body 20 / 30 , and the padlock 10 is in the locked mode.

[0077] Now refer to Figures 13A-13DNow, operating the padlock 10 to the unlocked mode via the key mechanism will be discussed. To unlock the padlock 10 using the key mechanism, a properly cut key 170 is inserted into the lock cylinder 40 and rotated, causing the cam 50 to rotate in the same manner as the lock cylinder 40 due to the operative coupling of the square slot 41 with the square block 51 of the cam 50. As the lock cylinder 40 rotates, the cam 50 rotates, and the angled wings 53 of the cam 50 contact the bottom angled surface 73 of the key mechanism indicator 70. The angled wings 53 push the bottom angled surface 73 of the key mechanism indicator 70 upward, and the key mechanism indicator 70 is also pushed upward. As the key mechanism indicator 70 moves upward, the neck 72 of the key mechanism indicator 70 engages the tip 82 of the latch 80. The latch spring 150 pushes the tip 82 of the latch 80 toward the neck 72 of the key mechanism indicator 70, causing the tip 82 to engage with the neck 72. The key mechanism indicator 70 will not be able to move downward in this engaged position, and the key mechanism indicator 70 will remain extended from the padlock 10. In this manner, the padlock 10 provides a visual indication that the padlock 10 has been opened by a properly cut key 170, for example, as a result of an airport official inspecting luggage. To operate the padlock 10 to the unlocked mode via the key mechanism, the cam 50 is rotated due to rotation of the properly cut key 170 in the lock cylinder, and the rotation of the cam 50 is converted into linear motion of the flapper 60 due to the interaction of the ramp 52 of the cam 50 with the pin 62 of the flapper 60. The pin 62 of the flapper 60 is configured to travel along the ramp 52 of the cam 50, so that as the cam 50 rotates, the pin 62 maintains its position relative to the ramp 52, and the position of the flapper 60 relative to the cam 50 is adjusted according to the position of the pin 62 along the ramp 52 of the cam 50. As the flapper 60 retracts relative to the cam 50, the rib 61 of the flapper 60 moves away from the locking aperture 21 / 31 of the body 20 / 30. By rotating the short leg shackle 121 out of the locking aperture 21 / 31 of the body 20 / 30, the short leg shackle 121 of the padlock 10 can be operated to the open mode, thereby operating the padlock 10 to the unlocked mode via the key mechanism. If the user wishes to position the short leg shackle 121 of the shackle 120 back to the closed mode and return the padlock 10 to the locked mode, the user can rotate the short leg shackle 121 of the shackle 120 back into the locking aperture 21 / 31 of the body 20 / 30 and rotate the lock cylinder 40 to the locked position using a properly cut key 170 by reversely rotating the lock cylinder 40. The ramp 52 of the cam 50 then pulls the pin 62 of the flapper 60 upward, causing the flapper 60 to extend relative to the cam 50. When the flap 60 is moved to its initial position relative to the cam 50, the flange 61 of the flap 60 blocks the lock holes 21 / 31 of the body 20 / 30. The user can remove the key 170. As a result, the short leg 121 of the shackle 120 is in the closed mode, and the padlock 10 is in the locked mode.

[0078] Now refer to Figures 14A-14D and Figures 16A-16D , operating the padlock 10 to the unlocked mode via the combination mechanism and resetting the key mechanism indicator 70 will now be discussed. When the padlock 10 is operated to the unlocked mode via the combination mechanism using the combination mechanism, the fins 91 of each clutch 90 fully engage the teeth 101 of the corresponding dial 100. The user dials the dial 100 to the correct combination, and the open gap 92 of each clutch 90 engages the corresponding protrusion 123 on the long-legged lock 122 of the lock catch 120. Each clutch 90 includes a lock catch hole 93 to accommodate the long-legged lock 122. The dial spring plate 130 engages the cutout 102 of the dial 100 to ensure that each dial 100 includes a ratchet feel, thereby ensuring that the dial 100 feels each marking on the dial 100. When all protrusions 123 on the long-legged shackle 122 align with the corresponding openings 92, nothing obstructs the protrusions 123 of the shackle 120, allowing the shackle 120 to move linearly within the body 20 / 30 of the padlock 10. The protrusions 123 are no longer obstructed by the bottom surface 95 of the corresponding clutch 90, and the shackle 120 can move away from the body 20 / 30, allowing the short leg 121 of the shackle 120 to move away from the lock aperture 21 / 31 of the lock body 20 / 30 into the open position. The shackle 120 can move away from the lock body 20 / 30 until the uppermost protrusion 123 on the long-legged shackle 122 contacts the wall 29 / 30a of the lock body 20 / 30. Once the shackle 120 is in the open position, it can freely rotate about the long-legged shackle 122. To position the padlock 10 in the locked mode, the user can push the shackle 120 toward the padlock 10, causing the short leg 121 to reinsert into the keyhole 21 / 31 of the lock body 20 / 30. The rib 61 of the bezel 60 will prevent the short leg 121 of the shackle 120 from rotating out of the keyhole 21 / 31, as the keylock mechanism is in the locked position, and the bezel 60 will remain in the locked position. This will cause the bezel 60 to restrict the shackle 120 from rotating into the unlocked mode. When the shackle 120 is in the locked position, the protrusion 123 of the long-legged shackle 122 will be located below the corresponding bottom surface 95 of each clutch 90. The user can then scramble the dial 100 so that it is no longer set to the correct combination, and the fins 91 of each of the one or more clutches 90 will rotate in the same manner, causing the open gap 92 of the clutch 90 to no longer align with the corresponding protrusion 123 of the long-legged shackle 122 of the shackle 120. In this case, the shackle 120 will no longer be able to be pulled away from the padlock 10 and the padlock 10 is now returned to the locked mode.

[0079] More specifically refer to Figures 16A-16DTo reset the key mechanism indicator 70, the user operates the padlock 10 to the unlocked mode using the combination mechanism described above. The user then pulls upward on the shackle 120, causing the recode / reset protrusion 124 of the shackle 120 to contact the trailing ramp 83 of the latch 80. The contact between the recode / reset protrusion 124 and the trailing ramp 83 causes the latch 80 to move leftward (opposite the spring force of the latch spring 150), and the tip 82 of the latch 80 disengages from the neck 72 of the key mechanism indicator 70. The key mechanism indicator spring 160, which is engaged with the spring-loaded area 71 of the key mechanism indicator 70, then pushes the indicator 70 downward back to its initial position, retracted and concealed within the lock body 20 / 30 of the padlock 10.

[0080] Now refer to Figures 15A-15D , the reset mode of the padlock 10 will now be discussed, wherein the correct combination code of the combination mechanism can be changed and / or reset. In the reset mode, the user can change and / or reset the correct combination code of the combination mechanism as described above with reference to Figures 14A-14DThe combination mechanism operates the padlock 10 to an unlocked mode. When the lock catch 120 is pulled upward, the user can rotate the lock catch 120 ninety (90) degrees so that the recode / reset protrusion 124 will align with the notch 30b of the rear body 30, so that the lock catch 120 can be pushed downward so that each protrusion 123 of the lock catch 120 will push downward on the top surface 94 of each clutch 90. When the user pushes the lock catch 120 completely downward, the recode / reset protrusion 124 of the lock catch 120 will be able to rotate the recode / reset protrusion 124 to the recode channel 20b / 30c of the lock body 20 / 30. The recode channel 20b / 30c will only allow the recode / reset protrusion 124 to engage and prohibit the lock catch 120 from moving upward. The recode channel 20b / 30c allows the user to free both hands without the user having to continue to push the lock catch 120 downward throughout the reset process. When the set of clutches 90 is pushed downward, the fins 91 on each clutch 90 disengage from the teeth 101 of the corresponding dial 100. The user can rotate the dial 100 without the clutch 90 rotating. The open gap 92 of the clutch 90 maintains the same orientation, so that after setting the new correct combination, the open gap 92 aligns with the protrusion 123 of the shackle 120. Furthermore, as a result of engaging the extended-legged shackle 122, the recode indicator 110 has been pushed downward and extended beyond the lock body 20 / 30, indicating to the user that the padlock 10 is in reset mode. The user can rotate the dial 100 to the desired new correct combination because the extended fins 91 of each clutch 90 are already engaged with the fin slots 20a / 30d of the lock body 20 / 30. Rotating the dial 100 to the new correct combination does not transfer rotation to the clutch 90 because the dial 100 is disengaged from the corresponding clutch 90. After setting the new correct combination, the user can rotate the lock catch protrusion 123 ninety (90) degrees so that the recode / reset protrusion 124 of the lock catch 120 will be away from the recode channel 20b / 30c of the lock body 20 / 30. The lock catch spring 140 is then assembled in the spring loaded area 111 of the recode indicator 110, which will push the recode indicator 110 upward, and the set of clutches 90 will move upward in the same direction. The extended fins 91 of the clutch 90 will engage with the teeth 101 of the corresponding dial 100. The recode indicator 110 will be pushed upward until the large diameter 112 of the recode indicator 110 contacts the top of the recode indicator hole 28 / 39 of the lock body, and the contact clutch surface 113 will push the bottom most clutch 90 upward, and the top most clutch 90 will also contact the wall 29 / 30a of the lock body 20 / 30. The recoding indicator 110 includes a long leg buckle receiving hole 114 for receiving the long leg 122 of the buckle 120 .To operate the padlock 10 to the locked mode after resetting the correct combination code, the user can place the short leg 121 of the lock catch 120 into the lock hole 21 / 31 of the body 20 / 30 and turn the dial 100 so that the open gap 92 of the clutch 90 is away from the protrusion 123 of the lock catch 120.

[0081] It will thus be seen that the above objects, which are apparent from the foregoing description, have been effectively achieved, and since certain changes may be made to the above articles without departing from the scope of the invention, all matter contained in this disclosure or shown in the drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not restrictive. It should be understood that all present drawings and the accompanying narrative discussion of the corresponding embodiments are not intended to be a completely rigorous treatment of the invention under consideration. It should be understood that the above-described arrangements are merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A padlock comprising: a main body configured to house a combination mechanism configured to allow the padlock to be operated from a locked mode to an unlocked mode by the combination mechanism and a key mechanism configured to allow the padlock to be operated from the locked mode to the unlocked mode by the key mechanism, a shackle having a short leg and a long leg, wherein the long leg is configured to be retained in the body and to perform linear and rotational movement relative to the body of the padlock, a key mechanism indicator configured to extend at least partially outside the body of the padlock when the padlock is operated to the unlocked mode by the key mechanism, and A latch is configured to operably engage the key mechanism indicator to maintain the key mechanism indicator at least partially extended out of the body of the padlock until the padlock has been operated from the locked mode to the unlocked mode by the combination mechanism.

2. The padlock according to claim 1, wherein: The combined mechanism includes at least one dial having a plurality of markings thereon, and at least one clutch configured to operably engage with the at least one dial such that rotation of each of the at least one dial is transferred to the corresponding at least one clutch, wherein each of the at least one dial includes a plurality of teeth, and each of the at least one clutch includes an extended fin configured to operably engage with the plurality of teeth from a corresponding one of the at least one dial.

3. The padlock according to claim 1, wherein: The key mechanism includes a lock cylinder and a cam, wherein the lock cylinder is configured to receive a correctly cut key, and the cam is configured to operably engage with the lock cylinder such that rotation of the lock cylinder is transmitted to the cam, wherein the cam includes a cam ramp formed therein, and wherein the padlock further includes a baffle having a pin extending therefrom and configured to operably engage with the cam ramp of the cam such that rotational motion of the cam is converted into linear motion of the baffle.

4. The padlock according to claim 3, wherein: The cam further includes an angled wing extending therefrom, and the key mechanism indicator includes a spring-loaded area formed on one end of the key mechanism indicator, a bottom angled surface formed on an end of the key mechanism indicator opposite the spring-loaded area, and a neck formed in the key mechanism indicator located between the spring-loaded area and the bottom angled surface, wherein the padlock further includes a key mechanism indicator spring configured to operably engage the spring-loaded area of ​​the key mechanism indicator to urge the key mechanism indicator into the body of the padlock, and wherein the angled wing is configured to operably engage the bottom angled surface of the key mechanism indicator such that rotation of the cam causes compression of the key mechanism indicator spring and extension of at least a portion of the key mechanism indicator out of the body of the padlock.

5. The padlock according to claim 4, wherein: The latch includes a spring assembly area configured to operably engage a latch spring and a tip extending from the spring assembly area, wherein the tip is configured to maintain engagement with a neck of the key mechanism indicator to maintain at least a portion of the key mechanism indicator extended from the body of the padlock when the padlock is operated to the unlocked mode by the key mechanism.

6. The padlock of claim 3 , further comprising a lock aperture formed in the body, the lock aperture being configured to at least partially surround the short leg of the shackle when the padlock is in the locked mode, wherein the lock aperture has an arcuate opening formed therein, the arcuate opening being configured to receive at least a portion of the bezel when the padlock is in the locked mode, wherein Due to the rotational movement of the cam, the shutter can be linearly positioned between an extended position when the padlock is in the locked mode and a retracted position when the padlock is in the unlocked mode by a key mechanism, and wherein, when the shutter is in the retracted position, the lock catch can be rotated about the long leg of the lock catch to remove the short leg of the lock catch from the lock hole and operate the padlock to the unlocked mode by the key mechanism.

7. The padlock according to claim 3, wherein: The lock cylinder includes a square groove, and the cam further includes a square block configured to be received in the square groove of the lock cylinder such that rotational movement of the lock cylinder is transferred to the cam.

8. The padlock according to claim 6, wherein: The guard also includes a rib, wherein when the guard is in the extended position, the rib is located in the arcuate opening of the lock hole to prevent the short leg of the lock buckle from passing through the arcuate opening of the lock hole, and wherein when the guard is in the retracted position, the rib is removed from the arcuate opening of the lock hole.

9. The padlock according to claim 2, wherein: The long leg of the lock includes a protrusion extending from the long leg for each of the at least one clutch, and each of the at least one clutch further includes a lock hole configured to receive the long leg of the lock through the clutch, a top surface located within the lock hole, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and an open gap extending from the top surface to the bottom surface and forming a channel therebetween, the channel being used for the protrusion of the long leg of the lock corresponding to the clutch to at least partially pass through the clutch.

10. The padlock of claim 9 , further comprising a lock hole formed in the body, the lock hole being configured to at least partially surround the short leg of the lock catch when the padlock is in the locked mode, wherein when the padlock is operated to the unlocked mode by the combination mechanism, the linear movement of the long leg of the lock catch away from the body of the padlock is configured to remove the short leg of the lock catch from the lock hole, and wherein when the correct combination code is set on all dials of the at least one dial and the open gap of each clutch is aligned with each corresponding protrusion of the long leg of the lock catch, the padlock is in the unlocked mode by the combination mechanism, thereby allowing each protrusion to move from the corresponding bottom surface of each corresponding clutch to the corresponding top surface.

11. The padlock according to claim 10, wherein: The long leg of the lock catch also includes a recoding protrusion extending from the long leg, wherein when the padlock is in the unlocked mode by the combination mechanism, the recoding protrusion is configured to align with a recess formed in the main body, and the insertion of the recoding protrusion into the recess causes each protrusion of the long leg of the lock catch to engage with the corresponding top surface of each corresponding clutch, thereby causing the extended fin of each clutch to disengage from the teeth of the corresponding dial, and wherein the extended fin of each clutch is retained in the fin groove in the main body.

12. The padlock according to claim 11 further includes a recoding indicator having a lock receiving hole configured to receive the long leg of the lock, a spring-loaded area configured to insert a lock spring and a clutch contact surface, wherein the insertion of the recoding protrusion into the recess and the engagement of each protrusion of the long leg of the lock with the corresponding top surface of each corresponding clutch result in operative contact between the bottom surface of at least one clutch and the clutch contact surface and depression of the lock spring, and wherein depression of the lock spring allows the spring-loaded area of ​​the recoding indicator to extend at least partially outside the body of the padlock.

13. The padlock of claim 10, wherein: The long leg of the shackle further includes a reset protrusion extending from the long leg, wherein the key mechanism indicator includes a spring-loaded area formed at one end of the key mechanism indicator and a neck formed in the key mechanism indicator, wherein the padlock further includes a key mechanism indicator spring configured to operatively engage the spring-loaded area of ​​the key mechanism indicator to urge the key mechanism indicator into the body of the padlock, wherein the latch includes a spring assembly area configured to operatively engage a latch spring, a tip extending from the spring assembly area, and a trailing ramp extending from the latch opposite the tip, wherein the tip is configured to remain engaged with the neck of the key mechanism indicator to maintain at least a portion of the key mechanism indicator extending out of the body of the padlock when the padlock is operated to the unlocked mode by the key mechanism, and wherein the reset protrusion is configured to operatively engage the trailing ramp of the latch to urge the latch to compress the latch spring, and wherein the tip disengages from the neck of the key mechanism indicator when the padlock is operated to the unlocked mode by the combination mechanism.

14. The padlock of claim 12, wherein: At least partial extension of the spring-loaded region of the recode indicator from the body of the padlock provides a visual indication that the padlock has been operated into a reset mode, wherein reset mode rotation of each dial is not transmitted to a clutch corresponding to each of the at least one dial.

15. The padlock of claim 11, wherein: The body includes at least one recoding channel formed in the body and integrally connected to the recess, wherein the recoding channel is configured to receive and retain the recoding protrusion of the long leg of the lock within the body after the recoding protrusion has been inserted through the recess, and wherein when the recoding protrusion is retained within the body by the recoding channel, the extended fin of each clutch is maintained separated from the teeth of the corresponding dial.

16. The padlock of claim 11, wherein: The long leg of the shackle further includes a reset protrusion extending from the long leg, wherein the key mechanism indicator includes a spring-loaded area formed at one end of the key mechanism indicator and a neck formed in the key mechanism indicator, wherein the padlock further includes a key mechanism indicator spring configured to operably engage with the spring-loaded area of ​​the key mechanism indicator to urge the key mechanism indicator into the body of the padlock, wherein the latch includes a spring assembly area configured to operably engage with a latch spring, a tip extending from the spring assembly area, and a trailing ramp extending from the latch opposite the tip, wherein the tip is configured to remain engaged with the neck of the key mechanism indicator to maintain at least a portion of the key mechanism indicator extending out of the body of the padlock when the padlock is operated to the unlocked mode by the key mechanism, and wherein the reset protrusion is configured to operably engage with the trailing ramp of the latch to urge the latch to compress the latch spring, and wherein the tip disengages from the neck of the key mechanism indicator when the padlock is operated to the unlocked mode by the combination mechanism.

17. The padlock of claim 13, wherein: The long leg of the lock catch also includes a recoding protrusion extending from the long leg, wherein when the padlock is in the unlocked mode by the combination mechanism, the recoding protrusion is configured to align with a recess formed in the body, and the insertion of the recoding protrusion into the recess causes each protrusion of the long leg of the lock catch to engage with the corresponding top surface of each corresponding clutch, thereby causing the extended fin of each clutch to disengage from the teeth of the corresponding dial, and wherein the extended fin of each clutch is retained in the fin groove in the body.

18. The padlock of claim 11, wherein: The key mechanism indicator includes a spring-loaded area formed at one end of the key mechanism indicator and a neck formed in the key mechanism indicator, wherein the padlock further includes a key mechanism indicator spring configured to operably engage the spring-loaded area of ​​the key mechanism indicator to urge the key mechanism indicator into the body of the padlock, wherein the latch includes a spring assembly area configured to operably engage a latch spring, a tip extending from the spring assembly area, and a trailing ramp extending from the latch opposite the tip, wherein the tip is configured to remain engaged with the neck of the key mechanism indicator to maintain at least a portion of the key mechanism indicator extending out of the body of the padlock when the padlock is operated to the unlocked mode by the key mechanism, and wherein the recoded protrusion is configured to operably engage with the trailing ramp of the latch to cause the latch to compress the latch spring and disengage the tip from the neck of the key mechanism indicator when the padlock is operated to the unlocked mode by the combination mechanism.

19. The padlock of claim 13, wherein: When the padlock is in the unlocked mode by the combination mechanism, the reset protrusion is configured to align with the notch formed in the body, and the reset protrusion is inserted into the notch to engage each protrusion of the long leg of the lock catch with the corresponding top surface of each corresponding clutch, thereby causing the extended fin of each clutch to disengage from the teeth of the corresponding dial, and wherein the extended fin of each clutch is retained in the fin groove in the body.

20. The padlock of claim 1 , further comprising a lock hole formed in the body, the lock hole being configured to at least partially surround the short leg of the shackle when the padlock is in the locked mode, wherein when the padlock is operated to the unlocked mode by the combination mechanism, linear movement of the long leg of the shackle away from the body of the padlock is configured to remove the short leg of the shackle from the lock hole, and wherein when the padlock is operated to the unlocked mode by the key mechanism, rotational movement of the shackle about the long leg of the shackle is configured to move the short leg of the shackle out of the lock hole.

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