AU2008265749A1 - Combination lock - Google Patents

Description

WO 2008/157663 PCT/US2008/067439 COMBINATION LOCK Cross Reference to Related Application [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11/766,462, entitled "COMBINATION LOCK" and filed June 21, 2007, and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11/952,578, entitled "COMBINATION LOCK" and filed December 7, 2007, the entire contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference, to the extent that they are not conflicting with the present application. Background of the Disclosure [00021 Combination locks are used in commercial, residential, and institutional environments to provide lockable access to personal items and/or enclosures. The combination lock may be a separate device, such as a combination padlock, which may be shackled to a door, bracket, cable, or other item to restrict access. Alternatively, the combination lock may be integral to an enclosure, such as a safe or a storage locker. Combination locks include single-dial and multiple-dial designs. [0003] While the use of a combination lock, as compared to a key based lock, may eliminate the risk of lost, stolen, or copied keys, an authorized combination may be forgotten, preventing access to the locked item by the authorized user. Further, in a situation where an administrator or other such individual needs access to the locked item or items, it may be difficult or impossible to keep track of the authorized combinations, particularly where the combination code is changeable by the user. Summary of the Disclosure [0004] In accordance with an inventive aspect of the present application, a multiple dial combination lock may be provided with a mechanism or arrangement for identifying the authorized combination code corresponding to an unlocking orientation of the dials. The code identifying mechanism may be movable between a code concealing condition and a code identifying condition, for example, through use of a key-operated mechanism and a proper key, to prevent unauthorized users from learning the combination code. When the code WO 2008/157663 PCT/US2008/067439 identifying mechanism is in the code identifying condition, rotation of each dial to its unlocking orientation provides a perceptible indication that the unlocking orientation has been reached. [0005] Accordingly, in one exemplary embodiment, a code identifying combination lock includes a lock body, a shackle having a long leg and a short leg, and a plurality of dials at least partially disposed within the lock body. The lock includes a means for securing the short leg of the shackle in the lock body, and a means for releasing the short leg of the shackle from the lock body when each of the plurality of dials is rotated to an unlocking orientation. The lock further includes a means for selectively providing a perceptible indication when any one of the plurality of dials is rotated to an unlocked orientation. Brief Description of the Drawings [0006] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description made with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: [0007] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a combination lock; [0008] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the combination lock of Figure 1; [0009] Figure 3 is a front cross sectional view of the combination lock of Figure 1; [0010] Figure 4 is a side cross sectional view of the combination lock of Figure 1; [0011] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the internal lock components of the combination lock of Figure 1; [0012] Figure 6 is a side view of the internal lock components of the combination lock of Figure 1; [0013] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the dial assembly and code change mechanism of the combination lock of Figure 1; [0014] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of another combination lock; [0015] Figure 9 is a front cross sectional view of the combination lock of Figure 8; [0016] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the internal lock components of the combination lock of Figure 8; [0017] Figure 1 1A is a front perspective view of the locking arrangement of the combination lock of Figure 8, shown in a code identifying condition; 2 WO 2008/157663 PCT/US2008/067439 [0018] Figure 1 1B is an exploded view of the locking arrangement of Figure 1 1A; [0019] Figure 12 is a side perspective view of the internal lock components of the combination lock of Figure 8; and [0020] Figure 1.3 is a perspective view of the dial assembly and code change mechanism of the combination lock of Figure 8. Detailed Description of the Invention [0021] The present application relates to combination lock arrangements that may be used with many different types of locks, such as, for example, combination padlocks, safe locks, and integral locks for lockers, mailboxes, storage sheds, or other such structures and enclosures. While the embodiments described in the present application refer to a multiple dial combination padlock, the inventive aspects described herein may be applied to any type of lock incorporating any number of combination dials. This Detailed Description merely describes exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims in any way. Indeed, the invention as recited in the claims is broader than and unlimited by the described embodiments, and the terms used have their full ordinary meaning. [0022] According to one aspect of the present application, a multiple-dial combination lock utilizing a mechanical locking mechanism, such as, for example, a shackle lockably engaged by one or more locking members (for example, ball bearings), may be provided with a code identifying arrangement that allows an authorized user or administrator to ascertain the combination code for the lock. When the code identifying arrangement is operated or moved to a code identifying condition, rotation of each dial to its unlocking orientation provides a perceptible indication that the unlocking orientation has been reached. The code identifying arrangement may be configured to provide many different types of perceptible indications of the unlocking orientation, including, for example, audible indicators (such as a click or beep), visual indicators (such as a light), or tactile indicators (such as a resistance to rotation or impeded rotation in one or both directions). [0023] Referring now to the drawings, Figures 1-7 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a multiple-dial combination padlock 100 having a key operated code identifying arrangement. As shown in Figure 1, the exemplary padlock 100 includes a lock body 110 configured to retain a shackle 120, and a series of wheels 145, partially exposed 3 WO 2008/157663 PCT/US2008/067439 through openings 115 in the lock body 110 to allow user rotation of the wheels 145. The exemplary lock body 110, as shown in the exploded view of Figure 2, includes a housing 111, top plate 112, outer casing 113, and wedge plate 114, which define cavities within the lock body for accommodating the internal components of the lock 100. [00241 The exemplary lock 100 includes a locking mechanism, discussed in greater detail below, that releases the shackle 120 from a locked condition when each of the wheels 145 is rotated to an unlocking orientation. While the illustrated wheels 145 include number markings to identify the rotational orientation of each wheel, any types of markings may be used (including, for example, letters, pictures, and colors). While many different locking mechanisms may be employed, in the illustrated embodiment, the shackle 120 is secured in a locked condition within the lock body 110 by a blocker or blocking member 130, which forces locking members 135 into engagement with corresponding notches 125 (as shown in Figure 3) in the shackle 120 when the blocker 130 is in an extended or locked condition, thereby preventing axial movement of the shackle 120. [00251 A dial assembly 140 is disposed within the lock body 110 of the exemplary lock 100, and includes a series of wheels 145 and hubs 143 rotatable about a post 142. Each of the wheels 145 engages a corresponding hub 143 on its inner diameter (for example, using interlocking gear teeth, as shown in the embodiment of Figure 12), such that each of the wheels 145 engages with one of the hubs 143 to rotate together as a series of dials. The lock 100 may further include a spring detent plate 147 (see Figures 2 and 6) to hold the wheels 145 in place in one of several set positions (for example, the numbered "0" through "9" positions on a conventional lock dial) when the wheels are not being manually rotated by a user. [00261 Each of the hubs 143 includes an unlocking feature, such as, for example, a recess 144 (shown in Figure 4), disposed on an outer periphery of the hub 143. Other types of unlocking features may be utilized, including, for example, notches, ramps, or projections. When the recesses 144 are aligned with dial contacting portions 134 of the blocker 130 (which may, for example, include finger-like extensions, as shown in Figure 2), the exemplary blocker 130 becomes axially movable from the extended or locked condition to the retracted or unlocked condition, with the dial contacting portions 134 being received in engagement with the recesses 144. In the unlocked condition, a narrow end portion 137 of the blocker 130 axially aligns with the locking members 135, allowing the locking members 135 to disengage 4 WO 2008/157663 PCT/US2008/067439 from the shacde notches 125, thereby allowing the shackle 120 to be axially extended from the lock body 110 to disengage the short leg 122 of the shackle 120 from the lock body 110. As shown in Figures 2 and 5, a biasing spring 136 may be disposed between the blocker 130 and the housing 111 to bias the blocker 130 toward the locked condition, such that the shackle 120 must be manually pulled by the user to force the locking members 135 inward and the blocker 130 downward against the force of the spring 136. While many different configurations may be used to retain the long leg 121 of the shackle 120 in the lock body 110 in this unlocked condition, in the illustrated embodiment, a shackle pin 127 biased by springs 128 engages a groove 124 near the end of the long leg 121 to prevent the long leg 121 from disengaging from the lock body 110. The upper edge of the groove 124 may be tapered to allow the pin 127 to be forced (against springs 128) out of the groove 124 when the shackle is returned to the locked condition. A chamfer may also be provided on a bottom surface of the shackle 120 to permit installation of the shackle after the shackle pin 127 has been installed. This may allow for installation of the shackle 120 at the end of the assembly process, which may make it easier and more efficient to provide locks having different size, shape, or material shackles. [00271 To identify or ascertain the proper combination code of a multiple dial combination lock, a code identifying or dial engaging mechanism may be included in the lock and movable between a code concealing (or dial disengaged) position and a code identifying (or dial engaging) position. In the code identifying position, the dial engaging mechanism is positioned to independently engage each of the dials, such that a perceptible indication is provided when each of the dials is rotated to an unlocking orientation. To provide for independent engagement with each of the dials, the dial engagement mechanism may be provided with a series of resilient pins, tabs, or other such components configured to move independent of each other. [0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the code identifying mechanism includes a spring plate 150 having resilient tabs 154 that align with and correspond to each of the hubs 143. When the spring plate 150 is moved to a code identifying or dial engaging position, the tabs 154 flex against the outer peripheries of the hubs 143. When one of the dials 140 is rotated to the unlocking orientation, the corresponding flexed tab 154 snaps into engagement with the recess 144 to provide an indication that the unlocking orientation has been reached. 5 WO 2008/157663 PCT/US2008/067439 While different types of engagement may be used to provide different perceptible indications (such as, for example, a click-type detent or electrical connectivity between the hub and the dial engaging mechanism), in one embodiment, the recess (or other such unlocking feature) 144 and the tab (or other such dial engaging feature) 154 may be configured to provide stopping engagement or impeded movement of the dial in one or both rotational directions. In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, upon engagement of the tab 154 with the recess 144, rotation of the wheel 145 is impeded in the direction identified by arrow A. Therefore, to identify the proper combination code, each wheel 145 may be rotated in the direction A until rotation is impeded. [0029] While a dial engaging member (such as a spring plate) may be provided in many different orientations and positions within the lock, in the illustrated embodiment, the spring plate 150 is positioned between the blocker 130 and the dial assembly 140, such that movement of the blocker 130 to the unlocking condition moves the spring plate tabs 154 into engagement with the recesses 144, regardless of whether the spring plate 150 is in the dial disengaged position or the dial engaging position. In other embodiments (not shown), dial contacting portions of the dial engaging member may be provided in some other orientation for engagement with the unlocking features. In still other embodiments (not shown), a set of dials may be provided with a first set of unlocking features for engaging the locking mechanism (such as a blocker) and a second set of unlocking features for engaging the dial engaging member (such as a spring plate), where alignment of the first set of unlocking features with the locking mechanism corresponds with alignment of the second set of unlocking features with the dial engaging member, for identification of the combination code when the dial engaging member is in the code identifying position. [0030] Many different mechanisms or configurations may be utilized to allow an authorized user or administrator to move the dial engaging mechanism from the code concealing position to the code identifying position for identification of the combination code, including, for example, key-operated mechanisms, master code combinations (with wheels configured to move a dial engaging mechanism to a code identifying position when in a predetermined "master" combination), or electronically operated mechanisms (such as an electronic key card or an infrared or radio frequency transmitter and receiver). In the illustrated embodiment, a key-operated pin tumbler cylinder 160, as known in the art, extends 6 WO 2008/157663 PCT/US2008/067439 from a side of the lock body 110, and is operable (with a proper key) to move the spring plate 150 into the dial engaging position. While many different operative connections may be provided between the key operated cylinder 160 and the spring plate 150, in the illustrated embodiment, an inner end of the cylinder 160 engages a disc-shaped cam 170, which is rotatable to pivot (via pin 173) a drive arm 180 connected with the spring plate 150 by pin 185 for movement of the spring plate 150. Because the drive arm 180 and spring pin 150 need only move a short distance for movement from the dial disengaged position to the dial engaging position and the convention key cylinder rotates approximately 900 with a proper key, the drive arm 180 may be provided with an extended recess or slot 183 (see Figure 6), such that 90" rotation of the cam 170 results in reduced rotation (for example, approximately 15") of the drive arm 180. The lock 100 may be configured to use a conventional key cylinder, consistent with a door key cylinder, such that an authorized user may use his or her house key to identify the combination code on the combination lock. [0031] In another inventive embodiment of the present application, a code identifying mechanism for a combination lock includes a series of independent dial engaging members that may be moved into spring loaded engagement with the corresponding dials when the code identifying mechanism is in the code identifying condition. The spring loaded engagement each dial engaging member with a corresponding dial results in a perceptible indication (e.g., impeded rotation) when the dial engaging member aligns with an unlocking feature (e.g., a recess) on the dial. [0032] Figures 8-13 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a multiple-dial combination padlock 200 having a code identifying mechanism that utilizes a series of dial engaging members 234 (e.g., pins)configured to engage corresponding recesses 244 on the dials 241 when the code identifying mechanism is in the code identifying condition and any one of the dials 241 is in the unlocking orientation. As shown in Figure 8, the exemplary padlock 200 includes a lock body 210 configured to retain a shackle 220, and a series of dials 241, partially exposed through openings 215 in the lock body 210 to allow user rotation of the dials 241. The exemplary lock body 210 includes housing portions 21 la and 21 1b, top plate 212, outer casing 213, and wedge plate 214, which define cavities within the lock body for accommodating the internal components of the lock 200. The exemplary lock 200 includes a locking mechanism consistent with the locking mechanism of the combination lock 100 of 7 WO 2008/157663 PCT/US2008/067439 Figures 1-7, as described above, that releases the shackle 220 from a locked condition when each of the dials 241 is rotated to an unlocking orientation. [0033] Each of the hubs 243 includes an unlocking feature, such as, for example, a recess 244 (shown in Figures 10 and 13), disposed on an outer periphery of the hub 243. Other types of unlocking features may be utilized, including, for example, notches, ramps, or projections. The blocking member 230 may include (or may be part of a blocker assembly including) dial engaging members 234 configured to engage the recesses 244 to unlock the lock. When the recesses 244 are aligned with the dial engaging members 234, the exemplary blocking member 230 becomes axially movable from the extended or locked condition to the retracted or unlocked condition, in which the dial engaging members 234 are received in engagement with the recesses 244. In the unlocked condition, a narrow end portion 237 of the blocking member 230 axially aligns with the locking members 235, allowing the locking members 235 to disengage from the shackle notches 225, thereby allowing the shackle 220 to be axially pulled from the lock body 210 to disengage the short leg 222 of the shackle 220 from the lock body 210. [0034] As described above, a code identifying mechanism may provide for independent engagement of each of the dials, such that a perceptible indication is provided when each of the dials is rotated to an unlocking orientation. To provide for independent engagement with each of the dials, the code identifying mechanism may be provided with a series of resilient pins, tabs, or other such components configured to move independent of each other and separate from a blocker assembly. In one such embodiment, portions of the blocker assembly (such as, for example, the dial engaging members) may be configured, when in the code identifying condition, to independently move and engage each of the dials to produce a perceptible indication when each dial is rotated to the unlocking orientation. [0035] In the illustrated embodiment of Figures 8-13, the code identifying mechanism includes a slider or code identifying member 250 having a series of axially extending passages 251 (see Figure 5B) sized to receive the dial engaging members 234 therethrough. A series of cavities 253 are aligned with the passages 251 to retain spring members 254 associated with each of the dial engaging members 234. Each of the dial engaging members 234 includes a flange portion 238 (or other suitable structure) having an upper surface that engages an end of the spring member 254, and a lower surface that abuts the bottom of the 8 WO 2008/157663 PCT/US2008/067439 cavity 253. When the code identifying member 250 is moved to a code identifying condition (in this embodiment, axially moved downward), each the dial engaging members 234 is moved into engagement with an outer periphery of the corresponding hub 243, and the spring members 254 are compressed to provide spring loaded engagement between the code identifying member 250 and the dial engaging members 234. When one of the dials 241 is then rotated to the unlocking orientation, the corresponding spring loaded dial engaging member 234 is forced into engagement with the recess 244 to provide an indication that the unlocking orientation has been reached. While different types of engagement may be used to provide different perceptible indications (such as, for example, a click-type detent or electrical connectivity between the hub and the dial engaging mechanism), in one embodiment, the recess (or other such unlocking feature) 244 and the dial engaging member 234 may be configured to provide stopping engagement or impeded movement of the dial in one or both rotational directions. In the illustrated embodiment, upon engagement of the dial engaging member 234 with the recess 244, rotation of the dial 241 is impeded. Therefore, to identify the proper combination code, after the code identifying member 250 is moved to the code identifying condition, each dial 241 is rotated until rotation is impeded. [0036] While a dial engaging member (such as a axially movable pin) may be provided in many different orientations and positions within the lock, in the illustrated embodiment, the dial engaging members 234 are positioned between the blocking member 230 and the dial assembly 240, such that when the dial engaging members 234 are aligned with the recesses 244, the blocking member 230, code identifying member 250, and dial engaging members 234 may all be axially moved to the unlocking position, regardless of whether the code identifying member 250 is in the code identifying condition or the code concealing condition. In other embodiments (not shown), dial contacting portions of the dial engaging members may be provided in some other orientation for engagement with the dials, and may function separately from the locking mechanism. [0037] In the embodiment of Figures 8-13, a key-operated pin tumbler cylinder 260, as known in the art, extends from a side of the lock body 210, and is operable (with a proper key) to move the code identifying member 250 into the dial engaging position. The lock 200 may be configured to use a conventional key cylinder, consistent with a door key cylinder, such that an authorized user may use his or her house key to identify the combination code on 9 WO 2008/157663 PCT/US2008/067439 the combination lock. [0038] While many different operative connections may be provided between the key operated cylinder 260 and the code identifying member 250, in the illustrated embodiment, an inner end of the key cylinder 260 engages a disc-shaped cam driver 270, which is rotatable to pivot (via pin 273 in slot 283) a camming lever 280 assembled with the blocking member 230 and partially disposed between the blocking member 230 and the code identifying member 250. Pivoting of the camming lever 280 forces the code identifyifig member 250 axially downward and away from the blocking member 230 into the code identifying condition, as shown in Figure 5A. Springs 237 may be provided between a lower portion of the blocking member 230 and an upper portion of the code identifying member (see Figures 3 and 5B) to return the code identifying member 250 to the axially upper or code concealing condition when the key cylinder 260 is rotated back to the normal code concealing condition. Also, a guiding pin 255 may be affixed to the code identifying member 250 for sliding movement through a corresponding opening 239 in the blocking member 230 (see Figure 5B), to maintain alignment of the code identifying member 250 with respect to the blocking member 230. [00391 A combination lock (such as, for example, the locks 100, 200 described herein), may additionally or alternatively be configured to allow an authorized user to change the combination code upon unlocking the lock. As best seen in Figures 7 and 13, a code change member 190, 290 is disposed in the lock body 110, 210 and is accessible through an opening 119 (see Figure 1) in the bottom of the lock body 110, 210. The code change member 190, 290 includes a contoured surface 191, 291 that engages the post 142, 242. When the shackle 120, 220 is locked, the end of the long leg 121, 221 engages a stepped end 192, 292 of the code change member 190, 290 to prevent movement of the code change member (see Figure 4). When the lock 100, 200 is unlocked and the shackle 120, 220 is lifted, the code change member 190, 290 may be rotated (for example, by a screwdriver inserted in a slot 194, 294 in the exposed end) such that the contoured surface 191, 291 axially pushes the post 142, 242 and hubs 143, 243, disengaging the hubs 143, 243 from the wheels 145, 245. Upon disengagement of the hubs 143, 243 from the wheels 145, 245, the wheels 145, 245 may be rotated to a new authorized combination. Once the new combination has been set, the code change member 190, 290 may be returned to the original position, and a 10 WO 2008/157663 PCT/US2008/067439 biasing spring 149, 249 returns the post 142, 242 and hubs 143, 243 to reengage the hubs 143, 243 with the wheels 145, 245 in the new orientation. A fastener or pin 105, 205 used to secure the outer casing 113, 213 to the housing 111, 211 may also retain the code change member 190, 290 at the base of the housing 111, 211. [00401 While various inventive aspects, concepts and features of the inventions may be described and illustrated herein as embodied in combination in the exemplary embodiments, these various aspects, concepts and features may be used in many alternative embodiments, either individually or in various combinations and sub-combinations thereof. Unless expressly excluded herein all such combinations and sub-combinations are intended to be within the scope of the present inventions. Still further, while various alternative embodiments as to the various aspects, concepts and features of the inventions--such as alternative materials, structures, configurations, methods, circuits, devices and components, software, hardware, control logic, alternatives as to form, fit and function, and so on--may be described herein, such descriptions are not intended to be a complete or exhaustive list of available alternative embodiments, whether presently known or later developed. Those skilled in the art may readily adopt one or more of the inventive aspects, concepts or features into additional embodiments and uses within the scope of the present inventions even if such embodiments are not expressly disclosed herein. Additionally, even though some features, concepts or aspects of the inventions may be described herein as being a preferred arrangement or method, such description is not intended to suggest that such feature is required or necessary unless expressly so stated. Still further, exemplary or representative indicators and ranges may be included to assist in understanding the present disclosure; however, such indicators and ranges are not to be construed in a limiting sense and are intended to be critical indicators or ranges only if so expressly stated. Moreover, while various aspects, features and concepts may be expressly identified herein as being inventive or forming part of an invention, such identification is not intended to be exclusive, but rather there may be inventive aspects, concepts and features that are fully described herein without being expressly identified as such or as part of a specific invention, the inventions instead being set forth in the appended claims. Descriptions of exemplary methods or processes are not limited to inclusion of all steps as being required in all cases, nor is the order that the steps are presented to be construed as required or necessary unless expressly so stated. 11

Claims (41)

1. A code identifying combination lock comprising: a locking mechanism movable between a locked condition and an unlocked condition; a plurality of dials rotatable about a post, each of the plurality of dials including a recess disposed on an outer periphery of the dial, wherein when each of the plurality of dials is rotated to an unlocking orientation, each of the recesses aligns with a portion of the locking mechanism, allowing the locking mechanism to move from the locked condition to the unlocked condition; and a code identifying member including a plurality of dial engaging portions, the code identifying member being movable between a dial engaging position and a dial disengaged position; wherein when the code identifying member is in the dial engaging position, and one of the plurality of dials is rotated to the unlocking orientation, one of the dial engaging portions of the code identifying member engages the recess of the one of the plurality of dials to provide a perceptible indication that the one of the plurality of dials is in the unlocking orientation.

2. The combination lock of claim 1, wherein the perceptible indication comprises impeded rotation of the dial in only one direction beyond the unlocking orientation.

3. The combination lock of claim 1, wherein the perceptible indication comprises impeded rotation of the dial in both directions beyond the unlocking orientation.

4. The combination lock of claim 1, further comprising a key-operated mechanism configured to move the code identifying member from the dial disengaged position to the dial engaging position when a proper key is inserted and rotated.

5. The combination lock of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of dials comprises a hub including the recess and a user rotatable wheel, the hub being separable from the wheel to 12 WO 2008/157663 PCT/US2008/067439 change the rotational orientation of the wheel with respect to the hub, thereby changing the unlocking orientation of the dial.

6. The combination lock of claim 5, further comprising a code changing member accessible from outside the lock, wherein movement of the code changing member axially moves the post to separate the hubs from the corresponding wheels.

7. The combination lock of claim 1, wherein the plurality of dial engaging portions comprises a plurality of resilient tabs configured to contact corresponding ones of the plurality of dials when the code identifying member is in the dial engaging position.

8. A code identifying combination lock comprising: a lock body; a shackle having a long leg retained within the lock body and a short leg secured within the lock body when the lock is in a locked condition and separable from the lock body when the lock is in an unlocked condition; a blocker disposed within the lock body, the blocker being movable between a shackle securing position, in which the blocker forces at least one locking member into locking engagement with the shackle, and a shackle releasing position, in which the blocker allows the at least one locking member to disengage from the shackle for separation of the short leg from the lock body; a plurality of dials, each of the plurality of dials including a recess disposed on an outer periphery of the dial, wherein when each of the plurality of dials is rotated to an unlocking orientation, each of the recesses aligns with a portion of the blocker, allowing the blocker to move from the shackle securing position to the shackle releasing position; and a code identifying member disposed within the lock body and including a plurality of dial engaging portions, the code identifying member being movable between a dial engaging position and a dial disengaged position; 13 WO 2008/157663 PCT/US2008/067439 wherein when the code identifying member is in the dial engaging position and one of the plurality of dials is rotated to the unlocking orientation, the dial engaging portion of the code identifying member engages the one of the plurality of dials to provide a perceptible indication that the one of the plurality of dials is in the unlocking orientation.

9. The combination lock of claim 8, wherein the perceptible indication comprises impeded rotation of the dial in only one direction beyond the unlocking orientation.

10. The combination lock of claim 8, wherein the perceptible indication comprises impeded rotation of the dial in both directions beyond the unlocking orientation.

11. The combination lock of claim 8, further comprising a key-operated mechanism configured to move the code identifying member from the dial disengaged position to the dial engaging position when a proper key is inserted and rotated.

12. The combination lock of claim 8, wherein the plurality of dial engaging portions comprises a plurality of resilient tabs configured to contact corresponding ones of the plurality of dials when the code identifying member is in the dial engaging position.

13. A dial code combination identifying arrangement comprising: a plurality of dials each comprising an unlocking feature, each of the plurality of dials being rotatable about a post to an unlocking orientation; and a code identifying mechanism movable between a code concealing position and a code identifying position, the code identifying mechanism comprising a plurality of dial contacting portions configured to provide a perceptible indication upon engagement with a corresponding one of the unlocking features; wherein when the code identifying mechanism is in the code concealing position, the dial contacting portions are only engageable with the unlocking features when all of the plurality of dials are in the unlocking orientation; 14 WO 2008/157663 PCT/US2008/067439 further wherein when the code identifying mechanism is in the code identifying position, each of the dial contacting portions is independently engageable with the corresponding unlocking feature when the corresponding dial is in the unlocking orientation.

14. The arrangement of claim 13, wherein the perceptible indication comprises impeded rotation of the dial in only one direction beyond the unlocking orientation.

15. The arrangement of claim 13, wherein the perceptible indication comprises impeded rotation of the dial in both directions beyond the unlocking orientation.

16. The arrangement of claim 13, further comprising a key-operated mechanism configured to move the code identifying mechanism from the code concealing position to the code identifying position when a proper key is inserted and rotated.

17. The arrangement of claim 13, wherein the unlocking features comprise recesses on outer peripheries of each of the plurality of dials.

18. The arrangement of claim 13, wherein the plurality of dial contacting portions comprises a plurality of resilient tabs configured to contact corresponding ones of the plurality of dials when the code identifying mechanism is in the code identifying position.

19. The arrangement of claim 13, wherein the code identifying mechanism comprises a rigid member configured to move each of the dial contacting portions into engagement with the corresponding unlocking features when all of the plurality of dials are in the unlocking orientation.

20. The arrangement of claim 13, wherein the code identifying mechanism is configured to be movable from a locked position to an unlocked position when all of the plurality of dials are in the unlocking orientation.

21. A code identifying combination lock comprising: a lock body; a shackle having a long leg and a short leg; 15 WO 2008/157663 PCT/US2008/067439 a plurality of dials at least partially disposed within the lock body; means for securing the short leg of the shackle in the lock body; means for releasing the short leg of the shackle from the lock body when each of the plurality of dials is rotated to an unlocking orientation; and means for selectively providing a perceptible indication when any one of the plurality of dials is rotated to an unlocked orientation.

22. A code identifying combination padlock comprising: a lock body; a shackle having a long leg retained within the lock body and a short leg lockably securable within the lock body; a plurality of dials at least partially disposed within the lock body, each of the plurality of dials including a recess positioned on an outer periphery of the corresponding dial; a blocker disposed within the lock body, the blocker comprising a blocking member and a plurality of dial engaging members configured to hold the blocking member in a shackle securing position, wherein when each of the plurality of dials is rotated to an unlocking orientation, each of the corresponding recesses aligns with each of the corresponding ones of the plurality of dial engaging members, allowing the blocking member to move from the shackle securing position to a shackle releasing position; and a code identifying member disposed within the lock body, the code identifying member being movable between a code concealing condition and a code identifying condition; wherein when the code identifying member is in the code identifying condition, each of the plurality of dial engaging members is in biased engagement with a corresponding one of the plurality of dials, such that rotation of any one of the plurality of dials to the unlocking orientation causes the corresponding dial engaging member to engage the corresponding 16 WO 2008/157663 PCT/US2008/067439 recess to provide a perceptible indication that the one of the plurality of dials is in the unlocking orientation.

23. The combination padlock of claim 22, wherein the perceptible indication comprises impeded rotation of the dial in both directions beyond the unlocking orientation.

24. The combination padlock of claim 22, further comprising a key-operated mechanism configured to move the code identifying member from the code concealing condition to the code identifying condition.

25. The combination padlock of claim 24, further comprising a pivotable camming lever configured to translate rotational movement of the key operated mechanism to axial movement of the code identifying member.

26. The combination padlock of claim 22, wherein each of the plurality of dial engaging members comprises a pin configured to be biased against the corresponding dial when the code identifying member is in the code identifying condition.

27. The combination padlock of claim 22, wherein each of the plurality of dials comprises a hub including the recess and a user rotatable wheel, the hub being separable from the wheel to change the rotational orientation of the wheel with respect to the hub, thereby changing the unlocking orientation of the dial.

28. The combination padlock of claim 27, further comprising a code changing member accessible from outside the lock, wherein movement of the code changing member axially separates the hubs from the corresponding wheels.

29. The combination padlock of claim 22, further comprising a plurality of spring members each configured to provide spring loaded engagement between the code identifying member and a corresponding one of the dial engaging members when the code identifying member is in the code identifying condition.

30. The combination padlock of claim 29, wherein the code identifying member comprises a plurality of cavities, each cavity receiving a corresponding one of the plurality of spring members. 17 WO 2008/157663 PCT/US2008/067439

31. The combination padlock of claim 22, wherein the code identifying member comprises a plurality of axially extending passages for movably receiving the code identifying members therethrough.

32. A dial code combination identifying arrangement comprising: a plurality of dials each comprising an unlocking feature, each of the plurality of dials being rotatable about a post to an unlocking orientation; and a code identifying mechanism movable between a code concealing condition and a code identifying condition, the code identifying mechanism comprising a plurality of dial engaging members and a plurality of spring members, each of the spring members being configured to bias a corresponding dial engaging member into spring loaded engagement with the corresponding dial when the code identifying mechanism is in the code identifying condition, such that rotation of any one of the dials to the unlocking orientation causes the corresponding dial engaging member to engage the corresponding unlocking feature to provide a perceptible indication that the corresponding dial is in the unlocking orientation.

33. The arrangement of claim 32, wherein the perceptible indication comprises impeded rotation of the dial in both directions beyond the unlocking orientation.

34. The arrangement of claim 32, further comprising a key-operated mechanism configured to move the code identifying mechanism from the code concealing position to the code identifying position.

35. The arrangement of claim 34, further comprising a pivotable camping lever configured to translate rotational movement of the key operated mechanism to axial compression of the plurality of spring members.

36. The arrangement of claim 32, wherein the code identifying mechanism further comprises a code identifying member axially movable to compress the plurality of spring members against the corresponding dial engaging members when the code identifying mechanism is moved to the code identifying condition. 18 WO 2008/157663 PCT/US2008/067439

37. The arrangement of claim 36, wherein the code identifying member comprises a plurality of cavities, each cavity receiving a corresponding one of the plurality of spring members.

38. The arrangement of claim 36, wherein the code identifying member comprises a plurality of axially extending passages for movably receiving the code identifying members therethrough.

39. The arrangement of claim 32, wherein the unlocking features comprise recesses on outer peripheries of each of the plurality of dials.

40. The arrangement of claim 39, wherein each of the plurality of dial engaging members is configured to hold a blocking member in a shackle securing position, further wherein when each of the plurality of dials is rotated to an unlocking orientation, each of the corresponding recesses aligns with each of the corresponding ones of the plurality of dial engaging members, allowing the blocking member to move from the shackle securing position to a shackle releasing position.

41. A code identifying combination lock comprising: a plurality of user rotatable dials each including a recess positioned on an outer periphery of the corresponding dial; a locking mechanism comprising a plurality of dial engaging members configured to hold the locking mechanism in a locking position, wherein when each of the plurality of dials is rotated to an unlocking orientation, each of the corresponding recesses aligns with each of the corresponding ones of the plurality of dial engaging members, allowing the locking mechanism to move from the locking position to an unlocking position; and a code identifying member assembled with the locking mechanism, the code identifying member being movable between a code concealing condition and a code identifying condition; wherein when the code identifying member is in the code identifying condition, each of the plurality of dial engaging members is in biased engagement with the plurality of dials, 19 WO 2008/157663 PCT/US2008/067439 such that rotation of any one of the plurality of dials to the unlocking orientation causes the corresponding dial engaging member to engage the corresponding recess to provide a perceptible indication that the one of the plurality of dials is in the unlocking orientation. 20