Dual lock combination padlock with decoding function

Abstract

To provide a padlock that has a decoding function and can recover lost code when unlocked by a key.SOLUTION: The padlock includes a lock body, a combination mechanism that controls the movement of a cam spindle 80 in the vertical direction, a key mechanism that controls the movement of the cam spindle 80 in the rotational direction, and more than one clutch 90 attached to the cam spindle 80 to control the longitudinal movement of the cam spindle 80. The cam spindle 80 is configured to control the locking and unlocking of the combination mechanism. More than one dial is installed inside the lock body. A locking bolt 70 is in contact with a shackle 60. The shackle 60 has a long leg portion 62 and a short leg portion 61, each of which has a bolt receiving notch 63.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a padlock having a dual locking mechanism. [Background technology]

[0002] The combination padlock developed by Eric Lai (U.S. Patent No. 7,117,69) is a highly secure padlock construction and is one of the most secure combination padlocks in the mid-range. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention has dual lock controls, one of which is controlled by a key mechanism and the other by a combination mechanism, and the padlock of the present invention has a decode function, allowing the user to recover a lost code (lost combination code) when the lock is unlocked by the key. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0004] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the present invention taken along line AA in FIG. 1B. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the present invention taken along line BB in FIG. 1A. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the present invention taken along line CC in FIG. 1A. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a protective cover 20 for the combination padlock of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a protective cover 30 for the combination padlock. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the front body of the combination padlock. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the rear body of the combination padlock. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the shackle of the combination padlock. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the bolt of the combination padlock. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the cam spindle of the combination padlock. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the clutch of the combination padlock. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the clutch of the combination padlock. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the dial of the combination padlock. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the transmission cam of the combination padlock. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the cylinder of the combination padlock. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the decode plate of the combination padlock. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a decode bar for a combination padlock. [Figure 15A] FIG. 15A is a cross-sectional view of the combination padlock taken along line AA of FIG. 15B. [Figure 15B] FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view of the combination padlock taken along line BB in FIG. 15A. [Figure 15C] FIG. 15C is a cross-sectional view of the combination padlock taken along line CC of FIG. 15A. [Figure 16A] FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional view of the combination padlock taken along line AA of FIG. 16B. [Figure 16B] FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view of the combination padlock taken along line BB in FIG. 16A. [Figure 16C] FIG. 16C is a cross-sectional view of the combination padlock taken along line CC of FIG. 16A. [Figure 17A] FIG. 17A is a cross-sectional view of the combination padlock taken along line AA of FIG. 17B. [Figure 17B] FIG. 17B is a cross-sectional view of the combination padlock taken along line BB of FIG. 17A. [Figure 17C]FIG. 17C is a cross-sectional view of the combination padlock taken along line CC of FIG. 17A. [Figure 18A] FIG. 18A is a cross-sectional view of the combination padlock taken along line AA of FIG. 18B. [Figure 18B] FIG. 18B is a cross-sectional view of the combination padlock taken along line BB of FIG. 18A. [Figure 18C] FIG. 18C is a cross-sectional view of the combination padlock taken along line CC of FIG. 18A. [Figure 19A] FIG. 19A is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment combination padlock taken along line AA of FIG. 19B. [Figure 19B] FIG. 19B is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment combination padlock taken along line BB of FIG. 19A. [Figure 19C] FIG. 19C is a cross-sectional view of the combination padlock of the second embodiment taken along line CC of FIG. 19A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0005] (Figures 1A-19C) The present invention is a padlock 10 having a weather protective cover 20 / 30 for protecting a lock body 40 / 50 having the following features:

[0006] Decode (definition of lost code) function The lock body 40 / 50 has a new decode slot 47 / 57, which is coupled to a number of decode fingers 132 of the decode plate 130. The decode plate 130 further has a slope 131, which is connected to a pin 141 of the decode bar 140. The decode bar 140 has a spring receiving bar 142 that allows the decode spring 170 to always push the decode bar 140 upward, so that the decode bar 140 pushes the decode plate 130 leftward. If the lock is unlocked by the key mechanism (described below), the user can push the decode bar 140 downward, so that the pin 141 pulls the slope 131 of the decode plate 130 rightward. As the decode plate 130 is displaced rightward, the number of decode fingers 132 move rightward toward the center of the decode slot 47 / 57. As the decode fingers 132 of the decode plate 130 move rightward toward the center of the padlock and the clutch 90 is rotated by the dial 100, the decode fingers 132 can catch the decode fins 93 of the clutch 90. The dial 100 has teeth 101 that connect to the short fins 91 and long fins 92 of the clutch 90. As the dial 100 rotates, the clutch 90 rotates in the same manner. As the user continues to press downward, the decode bar 140 and the decode fingers 132 push rightward toward the center. As the clutch 90 rotates clockwise, the fingers 132 eventually catch the decode fins of the clutch 90. This stops the clutch from rotating and the user knows that the dial has stopped at the correct code which brings the user to the lost code.

[0007] Dual lock function via combination mechanism The present invention has a cam spindle 80 that is controlled by a combination mechanism and a key mechanism, both of which can control the cam spindle 80 to change from a locked mode to an unlocked mode.

[0008] The cam spindle 80 has a spindle projection 81 which aligns with the open gap 94 of the clutch 90 and the cam spindle 80 is pushed downwards so that the bolt notch 82 aligns with the bolt 70 and the bolt 70 moves inwards and out of engagement with the bolt receiving notch 63. In this way, the shackle spring 180 pushes the shackle upwards to unlock the lock via the combination code. When the user of the combination lock pushes the shackle downwards to relock, the spindle spring 160 pushes the cam spindle 80 upwards so that the bolt notch 82 of the cam spindle 80 moves out of engagement with the bolt. The bolt 70 engages with the bolt receiving notch 63 of the shackle 60. The padlock is then back in the locked state.

[0009] Dual lock mechanism via key mechanism The cam spindle 80 has a spindle tail 84 that is connected to the spindle tail slot 111 of the transfer cam 110. The cylinder tail slot 121 of the cylinder 120 is connected to the cylinder tail 112 of the transfer cam 110. When the correct key 190 is inserted into the cylinder 120 and the cylinder rotates, the cam spindle 80 rotates in the same manner. The cam spindle 80 has a directional fin 83 that is located in the rotational longitudinal channel 59 of the lock body 50 that limits the rotation of the cam spindle 80 to only a certain extent in order to rotate the cam spindle 80 from the locked mode to the unlocked mode. As the cam spindle 80 rotates, the bolt notch 82 aligns with the bolt. Since the bolt is aligned with the bolt notch 82, it moves toward the bolt notch 82 and the bolt 70 moves away from the bolt receiving notch 63 of the shackle 60. The shackle is then pushed upward by the shackle spring 180 to unlock the lock. To lock, the user of the key and lock can push the shackle downward to the locked position so that the torque spring 150 engages the torque spring slot 113 of the transfer cam 110 and the torque spring slot 49 / 50B of the body 40 / 50. The torque spring 150 automatically rotates the cam spindle 80 back to the locked position, so that the bolt notches 82 move away from the bolt 70. The bolt 70 reengages with the bolt receiving notch 63 of the shackle 60. The padlock is now back in the locked state.

[0010] Locking mode (Fig. 1A-14) Bolt 70 is disposed in bolt slot 43 / 53 of lock body 40 / 50. Bolt 70 engages within bolt receiving notch 63 of shackle 60, thereby bringing bolt 70 into contact with cam spindle 80. When cam spindle 80 is not undergoing rotational or longitudinal movement, bolt 70 is not connected to any of bolt notches 82 which maintains bolt 70 in the locked position. Thus, the lock is in a locked state.

[0011] The stacked clutches 90 are assembled inside the dials 100. The clutches 90 have short fins and long fins that engage with teeth on the dials 100. The clutches further have decode fins 93 such that in the locked mode, the decode plate 130 is not operational so that the decode finger 132 is not positioned in the decode bar channel 58 of the lock body 50. In such a case, the rotational movement of the dial 100 equally freely rotates the clutches 90 without any intervention.

[0012] The clutches have open gaps 94, and in the locked mode, at least one of the open gaps 94 of the clutches 90 is not aligned with the spindle lug 81 of the cam spindle 80. In such a case, the cam spindle 80 cannot push down from the top to align the bolt 70 with the bolt notch 82. In this case, the bolt 70 remains engaged with the bolt receiving notch 63 of the shackle 60. The lock is in the locked state.

[0013] The clutches 90 have a pair of partial gates 95 on both sides of them. In this case, by pushing the cam spindle 80 downward from the top, the spindle protrusion 81 engages with the partial gates 95, preventing the rotation of the clutches 90 and the dial 100, thus preventing any picking of the lock. Also, even if any intruder tries to pick the lock by pushing the cylinder 120 inwards, the partial gates 95 will prevent the rotation of the clutches 90 and the dial 100.

[0014] The cam spindle 80 is constantly urged upwards by a spindle spring 160 disposed between the cam spindle 80 and the uppermost clutch 90 .

[0015] The cam spindle 80 is disposed inside the clutches 90, and the vertical movement is controlled by aligning the open gaps 94 of the clutches 90 with the spindle protrusions 81 of the cam spindle 80 in a straight line. The top of the cam spindle 80 is disposed in the spindle hole 44 / 54 of the lock body. The cam spindle 80 has a spindle tail 84, which is disposed in the spindle tail slot of the transmission cam 110. The transmission cam further has a cylinder tail 112, which is in contact with the cylinder tail slot 121 of the cylinder 120. The transmission cam 110 is disposed below the lowest clutch 90. The spindle tail slot 111 of the transmission cam 110 is formed so that the spindle protrusions 81 of the cam spindle 80 cannot rotate freely, but only the rotational movement is controlled by the movement of the cylinder 120.

[0016] The cylinder 120 is located within the cylinder hole 45 / 55 of the lock body 40 / 50 and will remain locked unless a properly cut key is installed, in which case the cylinder 120 will not rotate and the lock will remain in the locked state.

[0017] Combination code unlocking (Fig. 15A-15C) The dial 100 has teeth 101, which engage with the short fins 91 and the long fins 92 of the clutches 90. The dial is rotated with the same rotational motion as the clutches. The clutches 90 have cam spindles 80 on the inside, and the vertical movement is controlled by the spindle protrusions 81 of the cam spindles 80 and the opening gaps 94 of the clutches 90. To unlock the combination of letters on the dial, the user rotates the dial 100 so that all of the opening gaps 94 of the clutches 90 are aligned with the spindle protrusions 81 of the cam spindles 80. In this state, the user presses the cam spindle 80 downward so that the bolt notch 82 is aligned with the bolt 70. In this case, the bolt 70 moves inward toward the bolt notch 82 of the cam spindle 80. At this time, there is nothing blocking the bolt receiving notch 63 of the shackle 60. The shackle spring 180 pushes the shackle 60 upward, forcing the short shackle leg 61 out of the short shackle leg hole 41 / 51 in the body portion 40 / 50. The long shackle leg 62 of the shackle 60 remains in the long shackle leg hole 42 / 52 in all unlocking modes.

[0018] It should be noted that cam spindle 80 has a directional fin 83 that moves downward in the rotating longitudinal channel 59 of body portion 50 in the letter combination unlocking mode. When cam spindle 80 moves to the downward position, directional fin 83 does not perform any rotational movement.

[0019] Since the cylinder 120 is not rotating in the letter combination unlock mode, the cam spindle 80 in this release mode does not perform any rotational movement. The cam spindle 80 only moves vertically.

[0020] To lock the padlock, the shackle is pushed back into the locked position corresponding to the bolt receiving notch 63 of the shackle 60. The spindle spring 160 then pushes the cam spindle 80 upwards to re-engage the bolt 70 with the bolt receiving notch 63. The bolt 70 is no longer in contact with the bolt notches 82 of the cam spindle 80. In this case, the lock is returned to the locked state by scrambling the dial so that the open gaps 94 of the clutches 90 rotate away from the spindle lugs 81 of the cam spindle 80.

[0021] Unlocking by the key user (Fig. 16A-16C) The cylinder 120 is placed in the cylinder hole 45 / 55 of the body 40 / 50. When a properly cut key 190 is placed in the cylinder 120, the cylinder can be rotated. The cam spindle 80 has a spindle tail 84, which is formed so that the spindle tail 84 is placed inside the spindle tail slot 111 of the transmission cam 110. The transmission cam 110 further has a cylinder tail 112, which is placed in the cylinder tail slot 121 of the cylinder 120. In this state, the rotational movement of the cam spindle 80 is only controlled by the cylinder 120. Also, when unlocking with the key in this way, the opening gaps 94 of the multiple clutches 90 are not aligned with the spindle protrusions 81 so that the cam spindle 80 does not move vertically, so the cam spindle does not move vertically.

[0022] When a properly cut key 190 is inserted into the cylinder 120, it rotates, causing the cam spindle 80 to rotate as well. As the cam spindle 80 rotates, the bolt notch 82 aligns with the bolt 70. The shackle spring 180 urges the bolt 70 toward the bolt notch 82 in the cam spindle 80 so that the bolt no longer engages the bolt-receiving notch 63 in the shackle 60. In this case, the shackle spring 180 continues to urge the shackle upward so that the short leg 61 of the shackle 60 clears the shackle short leg hole 41 / 51 in the body 40 / 50. In such a case, the padlock is unlocked by the unlocking operation of the key.

[0023] When the directional fins 83 of the cam spindle 80 contact the ends of the rotational longitudinal channels 59 in the body portion 50, the rotation of the cylinder 120 stops.

[0024] To relock, the user can return the shackle to its locked position by pushing the shackle 60 so that the short leg 61 of the shackle 60 aligns with the short leg hole 41 / 51 of the body 40 / 50. The shackle is then pushed downward so that the bolt receiving notch 63 of the shackle 60 aligns with the bolt 70. A torque spring 150 is disposed between the torque spring slot 49 / 50B of the body 40 / 50 and the torque spring slot 113 of the transfer cam 110. The torque spring 150 automatically rotates the transfer cam 110 to the locked position. In such a condition, the bolt 70 retracts and engages the bolt receiving notch 63 of the shackle 60. Due to the sandwiched position of the cam spindle 80, the transfer cam 110, and the cylinder 120, the bolt notch 82 of the cam spindle 80 rotates so that the bolt 70 is clear of the bolt notch 82 and always engages the bolt receiving notch 63 of the shackle. The user can then withdraw the key 190 from the cylinder 120.

[0025] Resetting the combination code (Fig. 17A-17C) The combination code must be reset when all of the dials 100 match the combination unlock code so that the open gaps 94 of the clutches 90 are aligned with the spindle protrusions 81 of the cam spindle 80. At that time, the user can push the cylinder 120 inwardly so that the transmission cam 110 is pushed upward to push the clutches 90 upward. When the clutches 90 are pushed upward, the open gaps 94 engage with the spindle protrusions 81 of the cam spindle 80. Also, the long fins 92 of the clutches 90 engage with the reset fin slots 48 / 58 of the body 40 / 50. In such a case, this limits the rotational movement of the clutches 90. When the clutches are pushed upward, the short fins 91 and the long fins 92 of the clutches 90 disengage from the teeth 101 of the dials 100.

[0026] While continuing to press the cylinder, the user can turn multiple dials to set a new code.

[0027] After setting, the user can release the cylinder, allowing the spindle spring 160 to push the clutches 90 downward. Pushing the clutches 90 downward re-engages the short fins 91 and long fins 92 with the teeth 101 of the dial 100, and disengages the long fins 92 from the reset fin slots 48 / 58 of the lock body 40 / 50. The padlock is now programmed with a new code for unlocking via the combination of letters on the dials.

[0028] Decoding function (Fig. 18A-18C) The lock body 40 / 50 has a new decode slot 47 / 57 for locating the decode finger 132 of the decode plate 130. The decode plate 130 further has a slope 131 which is connected to a pin 141 of the decode bar 140. The decode bar 140 has a spring receiving bar 142 which causes the decode spring 170 to constantly push the decode bar 140 upward, and the decode bar 140 pushes the decode plate 130 to the left.

[0029] When the user unlocks the lock via the key mechanism, the decode function can be activated. After unlocking the lock via the key mode as described above, the shackle leg 61 of the shackle 60 leaves the shackle short leg hole 41 / 51 of the lock body 40 / 50. The user can then use a sharp object such as a screwdriver to push the decode wand 140 downward.

[0030] When the lock is unlocked by the key mechanism, the user can push the decode bar 140 downward so that the pin 141 pulls the slope 131 of the decode plate 130 to the right. As the decode plate 130 displaces to the right, the decode fingers 132 move rightward toward the center of the decode slot 47 / 57. As the decode fingers 132 of the decode plate 130 move rightward toward the center of the padlock, the decode fingers 132 can catch the decode fins 93 of the clutch 90 when the clutch 90 is rotated by the dial 100. The dial 100 has a number of teeth 101, which are connected to the short fins 91 and the long fins 92 of the clutch 90. As the dial 100 rotates, the clutch 90 rotates in the same way. As the user continues to push the decode bar 140 downward, the decode fingers 132 are pushed rightward toward the center. As the clutch 90 rotates clockwise, the decode finger 132 eventually catches the decode fins 93 of the clutches 90. This stops the rotation of the clutches, and the user knows that the dialing has stopped at the correct code, providing the user with the lost code.

[0031] By manipulating each dial, the user can completely determine the lost code. The user can release the decode bar 130, place the decode spring 170 on the spring receiving bar 142, and push the decode bar 140 upward. When the decode bar 140 is pushed upward, the pin 141 of the decode bar 140 pulls the slope 131 of the decode plate 130 to the left. In such a case, the decode finger 142 moves to the left and leaves the decode slot 47 / 57 of the lock body 40 / 50. In such a case, since the multiple decode fingers 132 of the decode plate 130 have already left the decode slot 47 / 57 of the lock body 40 / 50, the multiple decode fins 93 of the clutch 90 do not contact either during their rotational movement.

[0032] The cam spindle 80 has at least two sets of bolt notches 82, one set controlled by a combination mechanism and the other set controlled by a key mechanism. For this embodiment of the invention, the bolt notches controlled by the combination mechanism are below the bolt notches 82 controlled by the key mechanism, and the combination bolt notches are below and perpendicular to the bolt notches controlled by the key mechanism.

[0033] Second embodiment with cable function (FIGS. 19A-19C) The padlock may include a cable having a pair of cable ends 200 instead of the shackle 60. The cable ends 200 further have a bolt notch 201 which engages the bolt 70 in the locked mode, the bolt notch 201 having a similar function as the bolt receiving notch 63 of the shackle 60. [Explanation of symbols]

[0034] 10 Padlock 20 Protective cover 30 The other protective cover 40 Front lock body 41 Shackle short leg hole 42 Shackle long leg hole 43 Bolt Slot 44 Spindle hole 45 Cylinder hole 46 Long protruding leg slot 47 Decode Slot 48 Reconfigurable Fin Slots 49 Torque spring slot 50 Rear lock body 51 Shackle short leg hole 52 Shackle long leg hole 53 Bolt Slot 54 Spindle hole 55 Cylinder hole 56 Long protruding leg slot 57 Decode Slot 58 Decode Bar Channel 59 Rotating Vertical Channel 50A Reconfigurable Fin Slot 50B Torque spring slot 60 Shackle 61 Shackle short leg 62 Shackle long leg 63 Bolt receiving notch 64 Long leg projection 70 Volts 80 Cam spindle 81 Spindle protrusion 82 Bolt notch 83 Directional Fin 84 Spindle tail 90 Clutch 91 Short Fins 92 Long Fins 93 Decode Fin 94 Opening gap 95 Incomplete Gate 100 Dial 101 teeth 110 Transmission Cam 111 Spindle tail slot 112 Spindle tail 113 Torque spring slot 120 cylinder 121 Cylinder tail slot 130 Decode Board 131 Slope 132 Decode Finger 140 Decoding Stick 141 Pin 142 Spring receiving rod 150 Torque spring 160 Spindle spring 170 Decode Spring 180 Shackle spring 190 Key 200 Cable End 201 Bolt notch

Claims

1. A padlock, comprising: A lock body portion, Shackle and a pair of locking bolts configured to engage with the shackle, the shackle having a long leg for engaging one of the pair of locking bolts and a short leg for engaging the other of the pair of locking bolts; a combination mechanism for controlling the movement of the cam spindle in the vertical direction; a key mechanism for controlling the movement of the cam spindle in a rotational direction; the combination mechanism includes one or more clutches attached to the cam spindle and controlling longitudinal movement of the cam spindle; the cam spindle is configured to control the locking and unlocking of the combination mechanism; the combination mechanism includes more than one dial mounted within the lock body; the cam spindle has at least two sets of bolt notches, one set controlled by the combination mechanism and the other set controlled by the key mechanism; one bolt notch of the set of bolt notches controlled by the combination mechanism is configured to engage one of the pair of locking bolts, and the other bolt notch of the set of bolt notches controlled by the combination mechanism is configured to engage the other of the pair of locking bolts; A padlock wherein the bolt notch of the combination mechanism is positioned on the cam spindle substantially perpendicular to the bolt notch of the key mechanism.

2. 2. The padlock of claim 1, wherein the cam spindle comprises a first portion controlled by the combination mechanism having at least one spindle lug and a second portion controlled by the key mechanism having a spindle tail.

3. 2. The padlock of claim 1, wherein the plurality of bolt notches for the combination mechanism are different from the plurality of bolt notches for the key mechanism.

4. 2. The padlock of claim 1, wherein the cam spindle has a spindle lug for each of the more than one clutch, each spindle lug unlocking the padlock when aligned with an open gap of a corresponding one of the more than one clutch.

5. 2. The padlock of claim 1, wherein the cam spindle has directional fins assembled within a rotational longitudinal channel of the lock body and controls the amount of rotation of the key mechanism and the amount of longitudinal movement by the combination mechanism.

6. 6. The padlock of claim 5, wherein said cam spindle has a spindle tail connected to a transfer cam which is connected to a cylinder for said key mechanism.

7. The padlock of claim 1 further comprising a decoding mechanism.

8. 8. The padlock of claim 7, wherein the decode mechanism is operable when the padlock is in an unlocked mode.

9. the decoding mechanism includes a decoding bar and a decoding plate; the decode bar has a pin that can drive the slope of the decode plate to the right to push the decode finger of the decode plate toward the decode slot of the lock body, 9. The padlock of claim 8, wherein when said decode bar is depressed, said clutch rotates a predetermined amount to bring a decode fin into contact with said decode finger to determine a lost code.

10. 2. The padlock of claim 1, wherein a transmission cam is connected between a cylinder and said cam spindle to control the rotational movement of said cam spindle and thereby control the unlocked and locked states of said padlock.

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