Dual Custody Privacy Padlock
AssigneeStanton Concepts Inc.
InventorsJohn Loughlin, Robert Loughlin
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A dual function lock having a body, a shackle and a frangible element extending from the body is disclosed. The dual function lock also includes a first locking mechanism within the body wherein when the first locking mechanism is locked, the shackle is in a first position where the toe of the shackle is located within the frangible element so that the shackle cannot be rotated and wherein when the first locking mechanism is unlocked, the shackle can be lifted from the first position so that the toe of the shackle is not within the frangible element so that the shackle can be rotated. Methods of using the lock and a refillable insert of frangible elements are also disclosed.
Claims20
A dual function lock, comprising:
- a body with an exterior wall forming a passage;
- a shackle rotatable about a vertical axis having a heel extending from the body and a toe;
- a frangible element extending from the body which is located between the body and the exterior wall;
- a first locking mechanism within the body;
- wherein when the first locking mechanism is locked, the shackle is in a first position where the toe of the shackle is located within the frangible element and the shackle cannot be rotated or lifted;
- wherein when the first locking mechanism is unlocked, the shackle can be lifted from the first position so that the toe of the shackle is not within the frangible element, and can be subsequently rotated.
A method of operating a dual function lock, comprising:
- fracturing a frangible element in the dual function lock retaining a toe of a shackle rotatable about a vertical axis whenever the toe is not retained, the shackle being locked by a locking mechanism inside a body of the dual function lock, the locking mechanism enabled to unlock the shackle;
- and
- rotating the toe of the shackle through a passage formed by an exterior wall of the dual function lock and the body of the dual function lock.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.