Locking Mechanism, for a Padlock for Example, in which a Shackle Can Be Severed for Luggage Inspection and then Relocked

Abstract

A locking mechanism (10) comprising a housing (16) and a shackle (14) having a first side (44) and a second side (46). The shackle (14) is slidable between a primary closed position in which the first and second sides (44 and 46) are each engaged with the housing (16) and a primary open position in which the first side (44) is engaged with the housing (16) and the second side (46) is free from the housing (16). A port (65) is provided in the housing (16) exposing a portion of the first side (44) of the shackle (14) in the primary closed position. Severing the shackle (14) through the port (65) allows the shackle (14) to move from the primary open position to a secondary open position, from which the shackle (14) can move back to a secondary closed position.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.