GB2191534A

GB2191534A - Locking device

Info

Publication number: GB2191534A
Application number: GB08613882A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Clive Simmens; Godfrey Suckling
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1986-06-07
Filing date: 1986-06-07
Publication date: 1987-12-16
Also published as: GB8613882D0

Abstract

A locking device having an indicator and a lock mechanism contained within a housing 1. The operation of lock mechanism actuates the indicator causing the next number or code in the indicator's sequence to be displayed. The device has a serial number 2 for identification and a window 3 serves to protect the indicator whilst still allowing the indicator's display 4 to be read. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Locking device This invention relates to a lock and sequential counter which combinedtogetherform a re-usable seal.

Mechanical locks are well known ranging from simple padlocks to complex combination locks. The essential features of all mechanics locks being the ability to secure a door, safe, schackel etc. to prevent unauthorised access. The method of opening mechanical locks is generally by way of a key or number combination. Whilst a lock gives a mesure of security, you have no way of knowing if someone else opens the lock. Consequently mechanical seals are often combined with locks. These take many forms bust a typical seal would be a strip of thin metal with a number on it and a self gripping mechanism so that when the two ends are joined together the loop of metal cannot be opened without destroying the seal.

According to the present invention there is provided a locking device having a housing, and an indicator within the housing actuated by operation of the lock mechanism, also within the housing, to change it's display in a sequential manner.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 shows in perspective, a padlock incorporating a numeric sequential cou ter mechanism; Figures 2-4 show the operation of the padlock and counter.

Referring to the drawing the device comprises a padlock 1 in the body of which is incorporated a numeric sequential counter mechanism of the type found in hand tally counters, automobile odometers etc. The serial number 2 serves to identify the device and the window 3 serves to protect the counter mechanism whilst still allowing the counter's displayed number4to be read.

In operation the act of pushing home the hasp into the body of the padlock not only secures the hasp but also by way of a lever actuated by the hasp, increments the sequential counter.

In figure 2 proto opening the padlock the displayed number 4 is 3267, figure 3 shows the padlock in the open position with no change to the number. When the lock is now closed, figure 4, the sequential counter mechanism is incremented and the new number on display is 3268.

1.A A locking device having a housing, and an indicator within the housing actuated by operation of the lock mechanism, also within the housing, to change it's display in a sequential manner.

2. A locking device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the indicator display is numerical and each change is to increment the number shown.

3. A locking device as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the indicator is mechanical.

4. A locking device as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 or Claim 3, wherein the idnicator's display is visible through a protective window.

5. A locking device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a serial code or number is incorporated to identify the device.

6. A locking device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Locking device This invention relates to a lock and sequential counter which combinedtogetherform a re-usable seal. Mechanical locks are well known ranging from simple padlocks to complex combination locks. The essential features of all mechanics locks being the ability to secure a door, safe, schackel etc. to prevent unauthorised access. The method of opening mechanical locks is generally by way of a key or number combination. Whilst a lock gives a mesure of security, you have no way of knowing if someone else opens the lock. Consequently mechanical seals are often combined with locks. These take many forms bust a typical seal would be a strip of thin metal with a number on it and a self gripping mechanism so that when the two ends are joined together the loop of metal cannot be opened without destroying the seal. According to the present invention there is provided a locking device having a housing, and an indicator within the housing actuated by operation of the lock mechanism, also within the housing, to change it's display in a sequential manner. A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 shows in perspective, a padlock incorporating a numeric sequential cou ter mechanism; Figures 2-4 show the operation of the padlock and counter. Referring to the drawing the device comprises a padlock 1 in the body of which is incorporated a numeric sequential counter mechanism of the type found in hand tally counters, automobile odometers etc. The serial number 2 serves to identify the device and the window 3 serves to protect the counter mechanism whilst still allowing the counter's displayed number4to be read. In operation the act of pushing home the hasp into the body of the padlock not only secures the hasp but also by way of a lever actuated by the hasp, increments the sequential counter. In figure 2 proto opening the padlock the displayed number 4 is 3267, figure 3 shows the padlock in the open position with no change to the number. When the lock is now closed, figure 4, the sequential counter mechanism is incremented and the new number on display is 3268. CLAIMS