Padlock with Key Retention or Non-Retention (& Snap-Lock) Facility

A padlock assembly including:

• a padlock body having a first shackle recess and a second shackle recess, a cylinder recess and a transverse recess communicating with the first and second shackle recesses and the cylinder recess, the cylinder recess being adapted to receive a lock assembly operable by a key;
• a shackle having a first leg adapted for receipt in the first shackle recess, the first leg including a first locking recess, and a second leg adapted for receipt in the second shackle recess, the second leg including a second locking recess, the second leg being spaced apart from the first leg;
• means for retaining the second shackle leg in the second shackle recess within the padlock body;
• a first shackle ball in the transverse recess adapted to fit partially into the first locking recess;
• a second shackle ball in the transverse recess adapted to fit partially into the second locking recess;
• a driver located in the transverse recess and having third and fourth locking recesses and cam engaging means;
• and a cam having driver engaging means;
• wherein the driver engaging means is asymmetrical and the cam is adapted to be inserted in the padlock assembly in either a first position, in which, when the lock assembly is unlocked by the key, the key is removable from the lock assembly, or a second position in which, when the lock assembly is opened by the key, the key cannot be removed from the lock assembly.