EP2379917A1 - Locking module for sprayers - Google Patents

Abstract

A locking module is designed for use with airless paint sprayers. The locked lock (12) is inserted into the module (10) which pushes a wedge (14) between the gears (16) of the sprayer (18), such sprayers (18) typically having a gearset to reduce the motor (20) speed to usable levels. The lock (12) cannot be removed unless it is unlocked as there is a hasp (22) on the inside of the module (10) which can only be moved with the travel of the lock (12) as it unlocks. An enclosure (24) surrounds housing (26) and is attached thereto by fasteners (screws, bolts, rivets, etc.) (28). Tabs (30), part of enclosure (24), are captured between lock (10) and housing (26).

Description

LOCKING MODULE FOR SPRAYERS

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application claims the benefit of US Application serial number 61 /139,801 , filed December 22, 2008, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND ART

Airless sprayers, being a popular, useful and portable item, are often the target of theft.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of this invention to provide a theft deterrent mechanism for use with airless sprayers and similar products. Towards this end, the module on the sprayer is designed to work with a #5 MASTER lock or other standard lock design. The owner can then supply the lock of his or her choice.

The locked lock is inserted into the module which pushes a wedge between the gears of the sprayer, such sprayers typically having a gearset to reduce the motor speed to usable levels. The lock cannot be removed unless it is unlocked as there is a hasp on the inside of the module which can only be moved with the travel of the lock as it unlocks. The moving parts of the module are encased in a robust and visible enclosure to deter theft and withstand abuse. Damage to such enclosure would be a clear signal that the ownership or legal status of the unit should be examined.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will appear more fully from the following description made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters refer to the same or similar parts throughout the several views.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the module of the instant invention.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view at a right angle to that of Figure 1 showing the module of the instant invention.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the module of the instant invention in the locked position.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the module of the instant invention in the unlocked position.

Figure 5 shows the module of the instant invention on a sprayer.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The locked lock 12 is inserted into the module 10 which pushes a wedge 14 between the gears 16 of the sprayer 18, such sprayers 18 typically having a gearset to reduce the motor 20 speed to usable levels. The lock 12 cannot be removed unless it is unlocked as there is a hasp 22 on the inside of the module 10 which can only be moved with the travel of the lock 12 as it unlocks. An enclosure 24 surrounds housing 26 and is attached thereto by fasteners (screws, bolts, rivets, etc.) 28. Tabs 30, part of enclosure 24, are captured between lock 10 and housing 26.

The enclosure 24 cannot be removed without first removing the lock 10 due to tabs 30. The fasteners 28 only hold the enclosure 24 in place when the lock is not in place (Fig,

2). Figure 3 shows the lock 10, when inserted into the module 10, forces the cam 32 and plunger 34 (with wedge 14 into the gears 16. The hasp 22 is then forced to ride up the ramp 36 on the cam 32 and firmly holds the shackle 38 on the padlock 12.

In Figure 4, when the lock 12 is unlocked, the distance between the shackle 38 and the lock body 12a allows the cam 32 to be pulled out of the gears 16 by spring 40. Other springs 42 and 44 also serve to bias the parts they are attached to. The hasp 22 rides down the ramp 36 on the cam 32 enabling removal of the lock 12.

The moving parts of the module 10 are encased in a robust and visible enclosure 24 to deter theft and withstand abuse. Damage to such enclosure 24 would be a clear signal that the ownership or legal status of the unit should be examined. It is contemplated that various changes and modifications may be made to the locking module without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A locking module in combination with a paint sprayer having a motor and reduction gears thereon, said module comprising:

an enclosure

lock insertable into said enclosure and manipulable between locked and unlocked positions;

a wedge in said enclosure and movable positions engaging and disengaged from said gears; and

a hasp inside said module which can only be moved with the travel of the lock into said unlocked position.