AU2012101960A4 - Padlock - Google Patents

Abstract

A padlock 10 including a padlock body 12, a shackle 14, a wheel pack containing inner wheels 42 and outer wheels 44, an opening actuator 32 operated by a predetermined opening sequence, means for securely retaining portions of the shackle within the padlock body, and a means to change the unlocking sequence, wherein the shackle has legs 68, 70 which are securely retained within the padlock body 12 when the padlock 10 is locked and protected against forces acting sideways to the padlock body 12 or upwardly or downwardly of the top of the padlock body 12. to

Description

PADLOCK

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001 ] The invention relates to padlocks, and in particular to padlocks where the condition of opening is controlled by dialling a combination on a wheel pack.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Padlocks are portable locks commonly used to lock doors, gates and the like. They can usually be removed from the door, gate or other application when the lock is not required. This distinguishes padlocks from other forms of locking devices such as those that are mounted on or in doors and windows. Padlocks also find use in a large array of other applications.

[0003] Typical padlocks are formed with a strong padlock body (generally of brass or steel), and the padlock body usually contains an opening actuator. A cylinder, usually key operated, or a wheel pack chamber is fitted to the main body so that the padlock can be opened by turning the key in the cylinder or completing the correct wheel sequence.

[0004] Padlocks also typically have a shackle. The shackle generally comprises a rigid U-shaped metal insert which can be formed from steel or brass. The parallel portions of the U-shaped shackle form two spaced apart legs and one leg is generally longer than the other. In conventional padlocks, a portion of the longer leg is located in a blind bore extending from an opening in the top of the padlock body and is retained in a manner that the leg cannot be pulled out. Typically the padlock body is provided with a second blind bore extending from the second opening in the top of the padlock body to receive a portion of the shorter leg of the U-shaped shackle. Typically in standard key operated padlocks both legs of the U-Shaped shackle will be secured in place while the padlock is what is called in a locked state.

[0005] Typically, in padlocks that are operated with a wheel pack a portion of the longer leg of the U-shaped shackle engages with the combination wheel pack. The locking of such padlocks is achieved by the moving down of the legs of the U-shaped shackle into through the openings in the top of the padlock body into the blind bores provided in the padlock body. With both legs or in some cases one leg inserted into the blind bores the wheel pack is rotated and the longer leg of the U-shaped shackle is fixed in the locked position.

[0006] One disadvantage with many of this type of padlock where locking is obtained by using a wheel pack is that only one leg of the U-shaped shackle is securely retained in the body of the padlock when the legs of the U-shaped shackle are inserted into the blind bores. The shorter leg of the U-shaped shackle typically is only located in position and not retained securely against forces directed upwardly of the body of the padlock when a pulling action is applied to the U-shaped shackle.

[0007] Another disadvantage of wheel pack operated combination padlocks is that the longer leg side of the U-shaped shackle interacts directly with the wheel pack. As a result, with this design setup any external force applied to the U-shaped shackle upwardly of the body of the padlock causes damage to the wheel pack which may well render the padlock inoperable.

[0008] A further disadvantage in the typical wheel pack operated combination padlock is the reduced cross-sectional size of the lower section of the longer side of the U-shaped shackle where it is required to interact directly with the wheel pack during the operations of locking and unlocking of the padlock.

[0009] It would be desirable if a wheel pack operated padlock had secure potential of the U-Shaped shackle whereby both the longer and shorter legs of the U-shaped shackle are securely retained when the padlock is locked and protected against forces acting sideways to the padlock or upwardly or downwardly of the top of the padlock.

[0010] It may also be advantageous if a wheel pack operated padlock had a wheel pack operated locking system not interacting directly with the U-shaped shackle.

[ООП] In addition to the above it may be seen as an advantage if the wheel pack operated padlock was provided with a means that allowed for the easy changing of the number or letter sequence combination that is used to lock or unlock the padlock and that this means was protected from tampering when the padlock is in its locked state.

[0012] It is an object of the invention to provide a padlock that at least partially ameliorates one or more of the above mentioned disadvantages or which provide a useful or commercial alternative to existing wheel pack operated padlocks.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] According to a broad aspect of the present invention there is provided a padlock including a padlock body, a U-shaped shackle, a wheel pack, an opening actuator operated by a predetermined unlocking sequence, means for securely retaining shackle, and a means to change the unlocking sequence, wherein said wheel pack does not interact directly with said shackle.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a padlock including a padlock body, a shackle, a wheel pack, an opening actuator operated by a predetermined unlocking sequence, means for securely retaining portions of the shackle within the padlock body, and a means to change the unlocking sequence, wherein the means to change the unlocking sequence is protected from tampering when the padlock is in its locked state.

[0015] According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a padlock including a padlock body, a shackle, a wheel pack, an opening actuator operated by a predetermined opening sequence, means for securely retaining portions of the shackle within the padlock body, and a means to change the unlocking sequence, wherein the shackle has legs which are securely retained within the padlock body when the padlock is locked and protected against forces acting sideways to the padlock body or upwardly or downwardly of the top of the padlock body.

[0016] The body of the padlock may be any size and shape but it is envisaged that preferably it will take on a more general rectangle block shape and usually it will be of such a size that the padlock will be able to be operated by hand.

[0017] The body of the padlock may be made of a suitable material that will allow it to have strength generally equivalent to the strength of the U-shaped shackle and in most cases the body will be manufactured from brass or steel. It should be clearly understood that no limitation with regard to the material from which the body of the padlock is manufactured is intended.

[0018] The padlock body is provided with blind bores extending from openings in the top face of the body. These allow for the corresponding shackle legs to enter. In addition to the blind bores for receiving the shackle legs the body is also provided with a blind bore extending into the body from an opening in the bottom face of the body. This blind bore allows access to the opening actuator. The body also contains wheel pack millings. There is no limitation, other than that dictated by practicality of operation, to the number of these wheel pack millings.

[0019] The shackle of the present invention is of the kind, shape or construction adapted to satisfy the requirements of the application in which the padlock is to be operated. Consequently, the shackle may take a form generally similar to a traditional U-shaped shackle or may take a more unconventional shape that is more particularly adapted for an application where pin or cable locking is required. It is therefore to be understood that the present invention may be used with shackles that take a wide range of shapes and no limitation is intended for this kind of shackle.

[0020] The shackle of this present invention is intended to provide a suitable level of security against forced attack and will usually be manufactured from steel or a material similar in strength and other properties to steel. Where the current invention has a shackle that is non-conventional, for example, a bike cable, it will be constructed in a manner known to be appropriate to the purpose intended.

[0021] The legs of the shackle interact with the body of the padlock by one, usually the longer, leg of the shackle being retained in a blind bore extending inwardly from the top face of the body of the padlock and the other, usually the shorter leg of the shackle optionally entering and being retained in the second blind bore extending inwardly from the top face of the padlock. The legs of the shackle can move freely in an up and down motion with respect to the top face of the body of the padlock, subject to restraint by means limiting the extent of travel of the longer leg and subject to retention of the legs of the shackle when the padlock in the locked state. This motion may be assisted by a spring that may be located beneath the longer leg of the shackle. In addition to the up and down motion, the shackle, when in the unlocked state, will also be free to rotate in a circular motion about the longitudinal axis of the longer leg of the shackle, thereby allowing for easy positioning onto the item intended for securing.

[0022] The blind bores extending inwardly from the top face of the body of the padlock allow for snug fitting of the shackle legs. The blind bore extending inwardly from the bottom face of the body of the padlock allows for snug fitting of the opening actuator in a manner that provides smooth directional movement but at the same time prevents unauthorized tampering with the internal mechanisms of the padlock.

[0023] The securing of the shackle within the body of the padlock is achieved in a conventional manner through interaction of each of the legs of the shackle with one of two stainless steel ball bearings provided within the body of the padlock and projecting partway into the blind bores in which the legs of the shackle are or can be located. The positioning of ball bearings partway into the legs of the shackle provides resistance to retraction of the shackle. Furthermore, the legs of the shackle may take a milled form in which circumstances the cross-section of the milled legs determine the overall travel of the legs of the shackle in relation to the ball bearings.

[0024] In the locked state the relationship between the body, the legs of the shackle and the ball bearings provides effective securing of the shackle, with all external forces applied to the shackle being concentrated in the regions of interaction between the legs of the shackle and the ball bearings. No, or no appreciable, interaction between the shackle and the combination wheel pack provided in the padlock body occurs at this time.

[0025] The combination wheel pack operates independently of the U-shaped locking shackle. This eliminates the possibility of forces on the shackle being transferred from the shackle to the wheel pack. The wheel pack is made up of a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted on an internal rod or spindle extending between the top and bottom wheels. The maximum number of wheels is limited by practicality. Each wheel is composed of an internal wheel hub positioned inside an outer wheel dial. The rod or spindle is held in position by the internal wheel hubs positioned inside the outer wheel dials which latter fit snugly in cavities provided in the body, each wheel being composed of an internal wheel hub positioned inside an outer wheel dial. The internal rod or spindle has a limited amount of up and down travel which is controlled by a spring positioned below the bottom end of the internal rod or spindle and interacting therewith. Protection against unauthorized manipulation of the wheel pack is provided by specifically located external grooving or groovings on the internal wheel hubs. The internal wheel hubs thereby provide a means to accept opening control pins in the lower regions of the hubs only upon the correct sequence of groovings being set up.

[0026] The internal wheel hubs have a degree of permitted vertical movement, that being defined as movement in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of a leg of the shackle. When downward force, i.e., force directed in a direction substantially from the top of the body of the padlock towards the bottom of the body of the padlock, is applied to the internal rod or spindle then a disengagement of the internal wheel hubs and outer wheel dials occurs and rotation of one or more of the outer wheel dials with respect to the internal rod or spindle allows the number or letter sequence to be changed. Releasing of the downwardly directed force on the spring loaded internal rod or spindle allows reengagement of the internal wheel hubs and outer wheel dials and thus normal operation of the wheel pack can resume. In the secure locked position no access to the wheel pack is achievable thereby preventing unauthorized tampering with the combination sequence adjustment procedure. An opening actuator, which is substantially cylindrical, is located in a blind bore extending into the padlock body from an opening in the bottom face of the padlock body and is retained in the body of the padlock by a locating pin which passes though the side of the padlock body and locates in a cavity provided in the upper region of the opening actuator. The cavity is so shaped as to enable control over the extent and direction of rotational movement of the opening actuator. When the correct sequence of the combination is applied to the wheel dials the opening actuator can be rotated through 90° on its longitudinal axis to allow release of the locking ball bearings.

[0027] In addition to the milled locating cavity, the opening actuator has a long milled cavity that is used as the opening channel. This cavity is located at the lower to middle region of the opening actuator and is positioned directly in line with the centre of both the wheel pack and centre of the padlock body.

[0028] The region in the padlock body that is located between the opening actuator and the wheel pack houses one chamber for each of the wheels that the legs of the combination padlock is provided with. Each of these chambers hosts a locating pin. Each locating pin is preferably made from stainless steel but alternatively maybe similarly be made of another suitable material such as brass or steel. Each locating pin is not fixedly located in its respective chamber, when the correct number sequence is applied to the wheel pack, is free to move sideways in the direction of the wheel pack to allow the opening actuator to rotate on its longitudinal axis through an angle of 90°.

[0029] The relocking of the combination padlock is effected by lowering the U-shaped shackle into the respective blind bores and then rotating the opening actuator on its longitudinal axis through an angle of 90° in the reverse direction from that used to release the locking ball bearings. At this point the combination wheels can be rotated away from the correct number sequence. This results in the padlock being put into the locked state. In addition to the combination wheels being located in position by way of the chamber locating pin, each wheel may be provided with a dial pressure locator, positioned on each wheel in the cavity that exists between the external wheel body milling and the external dials. Each pressure locator applies a constant force directed outwardly of the body of the padlock and applied to the grooves provided in the space between the numbers, letters or other indicia, that are provided on the external wheel dials.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 is a sectional view through a combination padlock being a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [0031] Figure 2 is an exploded view of a combination padlock being a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [0032] Figure 3 is a view from above of a known combination lock, being prior art; [0033] Figure 4 is a perspective view from one side of the known combination lock of Figure 3; [0034] Figure 5 is a side view of a standard padlock, being prior art; [0035] Figure 6 is a view from above of the body section of a combination padlock, being the aforesaid preferred embodiment of the present invention; [0036] Figure 7 is a side view of an opening actuator for a combination padlock, being a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [0037] Figure 8 is a side view of a U-shaped shackle for a combination padlock, being a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [0038] Figure 9 is another side view of the opening actuator shown in Figure 7; [0039] Figure 10 is a view of a combination change tool for use with the aforesaid preferred embodiment of the present invention; [0040] Figure 11 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] In Figure 1 the preferred embodiment of the present invention shows the combination padlock in the “secure locked position”.

[0042] In the figures, apart from Figures 3, 4 and 5 which show a prior art padlock, the numeral 10 designates generally a padlock according to an embodiment of the invention. The padlock 10 includes a padlock body 12 and a U-shaped shackle 14. In

Figures 3,4 and 5 the numerals bear apostrophes but otherwise have the same general meanings as the other Figures.

[0043] In the above state the U-shaped shackle 14 is completely lowered into the padlock body by means of passing longer shackle leg 68 and shorter shackle leg 70 into respective blind bores 16 and 18 through the two locating holes 20 and 22. The secure fixing of the U-shaped shackle 14 is achieved by the interaction of cut outs 24 and 26 in the legs of the U-shaped shackle 14 and the locking ball bearings 28 and 30 which have been displaced toward the outer edges of the body 12. The location of the ball bearings 28 and 30 in the cut outs 24 and 26 is maintained when the opening actuator 32 is positioned with the top opening millings 34 and 36 therein at 90° to the ball bearings 28 and 30. The opening actuator 32 is prevented from rotating. This is achieved by at least one of the opening control pins 38 being completely extended into the respective one of the locking grooves 40 located in the opening actuator 32. This position is maintained when at least one of the inner combination wheels 42 is rotated away from the correct combination number opening index. In this position the sideways directional cavity has been reduced and the opening control pin 38 is unable to travel in a direction away from the opening actuator locking grooves 40.

[0044] The combination wheel pack operates independently of the U-shaped locking shackle 14. This eliminates the possibility of forces on the shackle being transferred from the shackle 14 to the wheel pack. The wheel pack is made up of a plurality of wheels 42,44 rotatably mounted on a wheel pin 64, being an internal rod or spindle extending between the top and bottom wheels. The maximum number of wheels is limited by practicality. Each wheel is composed of an internal wheel 42 positioned inside an outer wheel dial 44. The wheel pin 64 is held in position by the internal wheels 42 positioned inside the outer wheel dials 44 which latter fit snugly in cavities 74 provided in the body 12. The wheel pin 64 has a limited amount of up and down travel which is controlled by a wheel pin spring 66 positioned on a spring locator cap 76 below the bottom end of the wheel pin 64 and interacting therewith. A locating wheel pin retainer 78 is mounted on the upper end of wheel pin 64. Protection against unauthorized manipulation of the wheel pack is provided by specifically located external grooving or groovings on the internal wheels 42. The internal wheels 42 thereby provide a means to accept opening control pins 38 in the lower regions of the hubs only upon the correct sequence of groovings being set up.

[0045] When the correct number or letter sequence is known the outer combination wheels 44 can be rotated to show this combination on the outer combination wheels 44. In the process of rotating the outer combination wheels 44 the inner combination wheels 42 also rotate in the identical direction. When both the outer and inner combination wheels 44 and 42 are rotated to the correct number or letter sequence position the inner combination wheel 46 recess will be located directly in line with the chamber 48 that houses the opening control pins 38. In this state the opening control pin 38 is provided with additional horizontal space in which to travel. When and only when all outer combination wheels 44 have been rotated in the correct opening sequence the opening actuator 32 is permitted to rotate 90° in an anti-clockwise direction. In this procedure the 90° movement is directly controlled by the relationship between the drive pin 50 and the opening actuator control milling 52.

[0046] When the correct combination sequence is present and the opening actuator 32 is rotated by turning the actuator handle 72 the opening control pins 38 will travel freely in a direction away from the opening actuator 32 towards the inner wheels 42. In this condition the opening control pins 38 will come to locate in the inner wheel opening recesses 46. In this condition the outer combination wheels 44 are in a secure state and is unable to rotate in either direction. This state locks the combination in the correct sequence and is achieved as the horizontal travel distance has been reduced by the opening actuator 32 now having its locking millings 40 at 90° to the opening pin cavities so that no recesses are present in the opening actuator for the opening control pins to enter.

[0047] When the opening actuator has been moved in a 90° anti-clockwise direction the locking ball bearings 28,30 are able to travel in a direction towards the centre of the padlock body 12. This situation is achieved as the top millings 34, 36 are now located directly adjacent to the ball bearings 28, 30 and create a cavity in which they may travel. In this state the opening of the padlock is performed when the locking ball bearings 28, 30 move from their secure position into the cavities that are now accessible when the opening actuator is rotated anticlockwise 90°. This situation arises when the U-shaped shackle 14 has upwards pulling force applied to it.

[0048] In this state if the invention is fitted with an optional U shackle spring 56 the upwards force will be achieved without the need for a pulling action to be applied. The locking ball bearings 28, 30 are transitioned in a direction of the centre of the lock body due to the angles and cavities that are present on the U-shaped shackle 14.

[0049] In the open position the U-shaped shackle is able to be rotated 360° on the longer leg 68 of the shackle. This situation is achieved with the milled groove 58 that is present on the longer leg 68 of the shackle. When the padlock is in the open position and only when it is in the open position, the combination sequence can be altered to allow different opening combinations to be achieved. In the open position the combination change tool 62 can be inserted into blind bore 18 via open hole 22. When the combination change tool 62 is inserted into blind bore 18 as described above, applying downward pressure to the said tool 62 will move the wheel pin 64 down into the hole cavity 74. The downwards pressure on the wheel pin 64 will meet upwards resistance from the lower wheel pin spring 66. When the downward pressure is released on the wheel pin 64 it will return to its “natural” correct location. When the downward pressure is applied to the wheel pin the inner wheels 42 and the outer wheels 44 will disengage from each other under the effect of outer wheel pressure springs 84 and free rotation of the outer wheels 44 is available. The outer wheels 44 are made with internal grooving 82 extend partway down the inner side of each outer wheel 44 and each of these grooves corresponds to a number or letter (not shown) on the outer wheel. When the inner wheel 42 and outer wheel 44 are disengaged the outer wheel 44 may be rotated and the internal groove 82 can be relocated in relation to a location projection 80 provided on each of the inner wheels 42 and it is this process that allows for the changing of the combination.

[0050] Releasing of the pressure that is applied to the wheel pin 64 will allow the inner wheel locator projections 80 to re-position themselves with the internal grooving 82 on the outer wheels 44 and thus return the wheels 42,44 to their correctly operating state. Lowering of the shorter leg 70 of the U-shaped shackle 14 into the blind bore 18 via locating hole 22 will seal off the access to the wheel pin 64. At this point rotating the opening actuator 90° clockwise will move both the ball bearings 28, 30 and the opening control pins 38 back to their secure position and will leave the padlock in the secure locked state.

[0051 ] It should be understood that the above description is of a preferred embodiment and included as illustration only. It is not limiting of the invention. Clearly variations of the method and apparatus for a non-invasive treatment of viruses would be understood by a person skilled in the art without any inventiveness and such variations are included within the scope of this invention.

[0052] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0053] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not, be taken as an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in New Zealand, Australia or elsewhere.

Claims (3)

1. A padlock including a padlock body, a U-shaped shackle, a wheel pack, an opening actuator operated by a predetermined unlocking sequence, means for securely retaining shackle, and a means to change the unlocking sequence, wherein said wheel pack does not interact directly with said shackle.

2. A padlock including a padlock body, a shackle, a wheel pack, an opening actuator operated by a predetermined unlocking sequence, means for securely retaining portions of the shackle within the padlock body, and a means to change the unlocking sequence, wherein the means to change the unlocking sequence is protected from tampering when the padlock is in its locked state.

3. A padlock including a padlock body, a shackle, a wheel pack, an opening actuator operated by a predetermined opening sequence, means for securely retaining portions of the shackle within the padlock body, and a means to change the unlocking sequence, wherein the shackle has legs which are securely retained within the padlock body when the padlock is locked and protected against forces acting sideways to the padlock body or upwardly or downwardly of the top of the padlock body.