Dual-function locks and sub-assemblies therefor

A dual-function padlock capable of repeated conversion between key-retaining and non-key-retaining lock functions, said padlock comprising:

• a padlock body;
• a shackle which is at least partially disposed within the padlock body;
• at least one movable shackle-release-mechanism to selectively release/retain said shackle;
• a rotatable lock cylinder at least partially mounted within the padlock body and defining a rotation axis;
• an actuator which rotates about said rotation axis in response to rotation of at least part of said cylinder;
• and
• a function-determinative rotator bolt mounted within the padlock body for rotation about said axis, said rotator bolt including a first end having a release-mechanism-engaging portion for controlling movement of said shackle-release-mechanism, said rotator bolt also including an oppositely-disposed second end for receiving said actuator, said rotator bolt cooperating with said actuator such that said padlock can be converted between key-retaining and non-key-retaining functions without introduction of any additional components therebetween, and without removal of any components from between said rotator bolt and said actuator.

A rotator bolt sub-assembly for use in a lock of the type having a release-mechanism and an actuator, said sub-assembly comprising:

• first and second axially-aligned rotator members having confronting first end faces and oppositely facing second end faces, said rotator members defining a rotation axis and being rotatable about said axis;
• means defining a lost-motion recess and an anchor recess in one of said confronting first end faces, said recesses being radially spaced from said axis;
• at least one recess-engaging member extending from the other of said confronting end faces, said at least one recess-engaging member cooperating with said means defining said recesses such that said recess-engaging member can be selectively disposed within either one of said recesses, at least in part, by rotating said rotator members relative to one another;
• means for transferring rotational motion about said axis from the actuator to said rotator members, said means for transferring being disposed on said second end face of one of said rotator members;
• and
• means for actuating the lock release-mechanism in response to transfer of rotational motion to said rotator members, said means for actuating being disposed on said second end face of the other of said rotator means.