EP0761919A1

EP0761919A1 - Pin lock system

Info

Publication number: EP0761919A1
Application number: EP96108881A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Thomas J. Rudasics
Original assignee: Fulton Performance Products Inc
Current assignee: Fulton Performance Products Inc
Priority date: 1995-07-29
Filing date: 1996-06-03
Publication date: 1997-03-12

Abstract

A family of locking assemblies which utilizes identical tumbler locks (16) on identically configured lock pins (14) associated with various lock bodies (12). The body of the lock is in the form of an angled or linear bar, a cable or a U-shaped body each having a locking pin (14) integrally formed at one end of the body. The locking pin for each of these lock bodies (12) is identically configured to be received within a tumbler assembly (16). Although the tumbler assembly may be a dial combination tumbler or key tumbler, the identical tumbler assembly (16) may be used on each of the lock bodies (12) allowing for a substantial reduction of inventory.

Description

Background Of the Invention

I. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a lock assembly for securing recreational vehicles and, in particular, to a pin lock system consisting of a family of locks with lock bodies and a standardized lock pin for receiving a tumbler assembly securable to all the locks thereby reducing inventory requirements for the tumbler assemblies while offering a variety of lock systems.

II. Description of the Prior Art

Lock assemblies have become vital components for securing items from theft. As recreational pursuits have increased so has the theft of recreational vehicles and their components. Expensive bicycles and motorbikes are removed from racks and parking areas. Outboard motors are removed from their watercraft and personal watercraft are stolen from their mooring or trailer. Even complete trailers carrying recreational vehicles are hauled away. In the past, owners have relied upon the weight of these devices to prevent theft. However, thieves have become more sophisticated utilizing original equipment to haul away recreational vehicles.
In order to secure the recreational vehicles, owners in the past have relied upon standard locking assemblies such as a padlock or a high tensile strength cable lock. Although somewhat effective, such locks were never properly suited for the application. As a result, the industry developed a series of specialty locks of different sizes and configurations. Examples of previously developed locking assemblies include flexible cable locks and rigid elongated locks for trailer couples, outboard motors and personal watercraft. Each of these locks employed a stem specifically configured for the application varying the length and diameter of the lock stem. As a result, the tumbler assembly associated with each of these different locks varied since the lock pin received by the tumbler was a different size. Generally, the lock pin conformed to the size of the lock stem requiring a variety of tumbler assemblies. While similar in construction, the different locks required a large inventory including sufficient quantities of each type/size of tumbler.

Summary Of The Present Invention

The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior known lock systems by providing a variety of locks for different applications all of which incorporate a standardized lock pin and therefore tumbler assembly resulting in a substantial reduction in inventory.
The pin lock system of the present invention includes a lock body comprising a flexible cable or a rigid lock stem, a lock pin integrally formed with the lock body and a tumbler assembly detachably secured to the lock pin. The lock stem preferably includes an elongated portion and an angled tail to prevent withdrawal of the lock from its receptacle. The lock pin extends axially from the elongated portion of the lock body. The length and diameter of the elongated portion is varied to accommodate the application but the lock pin length, diameter and configuration is identical for all of the locks of the family. Accordingly, the tumbler assembly is standardized and can be used on each of the lock bodies. Similarly, the cable lock incorporates the same standardized lock pin for receiving the tumbler assembly which is permanently secured to the other end of the cable. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tumbler assembly comprises a dial combination lock which releases the lock pin upon alignment of the proper number sequence. Such dial combination locks can be programmed by the user to any number sequence.
Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description Of The Drawing

The present invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the views and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of the pin lock system embodying the present invention;
FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment thereof;
FIGURE 3 is a side view of a third embodiment thereof;
FIGURE 4 is a side view of a fourth embodiment thereof;
FIGURE 5 is a side view of a fifth embodiment thereof; and
FIGURE 6 is a side view of a sixth embodiment thereof.

Detailed Description Of A Preferred Embodiment Of The Present Invention

Referring to the drawing, there is shown a family of locks all generally designated by the reference numeral 10. The locks 10 of the present invention provide a locking system which standardizes the locking mechanisms across the family of locks providing a reduction in inventory requirements. The locks 10 are configured for securing various recreational vehicles and devices against theft and include lock bodies with specific configuration for securing such recreational devices.
The lock system of the present invention preferably incorporates pin locks for securing the recreational device. The locks 10 include a lock body 12 configured according to the application as will be subsequently described. Extending axially from the lock body 12 is a lock pin 14. The lock pin 14 is adapted to be matingly received by a tumbler lock 16 which selectively prevents withdrawal of the lock pin 14 from a housing 18 of the tumbler lock 16.
The tumbler lock 16 of the preferred embodiment comprises a dial combination lock having a plurality of rotatable dials 20 with indicia such as numerals for determining a combination which allows withdrawal of the lock pin 14 from the lock housing 18. As is well known, upon alignment of the tumblers associated with each of the dials 20, the lock pin 14 may be withdrawn from the lock housing 18. The lock pin 14 incorporates a corresponding plurality of circumferential slots 22 which are engaged by the tumblers to selectively prevent withdrawal of the lock pin 14 from the housing 18.
However, the locking system of the present invention standardizes the lock pin and tumbler lock 16 across the family of locks 10 to minimize inventory requirements and simplify manufacture. The lock pin 14 is provided a standardized length and diameter with a set number of grooves 22. In this manner, the same lock 16 can be used on each of the lock bodies 12 of the family. This standardization of the locking pin 14 is maintained despite the length, diameter and configuration of the lock body 12. The cable lock (Fig. 1) and heavy duty lock (Fig. 5) incorporate the identical lock pins 14 as the smaller and specialty locks of Fig. 3 and 4.
The foregoing detailed description has been given for clearness of understanding only and no unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom as some modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

A lock system for selectively securing recreational vehicles, said lock system comprising:
a lock body configured to secure the recreational vehicle and including a standardized lock pin, said lock pin having a predetermined length and diameter to lockingly receive a tumbler lock, said lock pin length and diameter remaining constant on differently configured lock bodies.
The lock system as defined in claim 1 wherein said tumbler lock includes a lock housing having a predetermined depth and diameter to receive said lock pin.
The lock system as defined in claim 2 wherein said tumbler lock includes a plurality of dial tumblers communicating with said lock housing for lockingly retaining said lock pin.
The lock system as defined in claim 3 wherein said lock pin includes a plurality of circumferential grooves corresponding to said plurality of tumblers.
The lock system as defined in claim 4 wherein said lock body includes a midsection having said lock pin extending axially from a first end and an end section extending from a second end, said end section integrally formed at an angle to said midsection to prevent withdrawal of said lock body.
The lock system as defined in claim 4 wherein said lock body includes a cable having said lock pin extending from a first end and said tumbler lock secured to a second end of said cable, said lock pin insertable into said tumbler lock to form a closed loop cable lock.
A lock system for selectively securing recreational vehicles, said lock system comprising:
a lock body configured to secure the recreational vehicle and including a standardized lock pin forming a first end of said lock body, said lock pin having a predetermined depth and diameter to matingly receive said lock pin, said lock pin length and diameter remaining constant on differently configured lock bodies.
The lock system as defined in claim 7 wherein said lock body includes a midsection having said lock pin extending axially from a first end and an end section extending from a second end, said end section integrally formed at an angle to said midsection to prevent withdrawal of said lock body from said recreational vehicle.
The lock system as defined in claim 7 wherein said lock body includes a cable having said lock pin extending from a first end and said tumbler lock secured to a second end of said cable, said lock pin insertable into said tumbler lock to form a continuous loop cable lock.