US2408137A - Padlock - Google Patents

Description

p 4, 1946. R. K. GRAY ET AL 2,408,137

' PADLOCK Filed May 24, 1944 2 Sheets-Sheet l M I a 24,1946; R. K. GRAY ETAL 2,408,137

' PADLOCK Filed May 24, 1944 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 var Patentecl Sept. 24, 1946 PADLOCK Raymond K. Gray and Rollin Lester Gray, Chicago, IlL, assignors to The Illinois Lock Company, Chicago, 111., a corporation of Illinois Application May 24, 1944, Serial No. 537,114

, 6 Claims.

This invention relates to a key-operated padlock of the typewhich utilize a shackle slidable inwardly and outwardly relative to the padlock body, and is concerned primarily with a mounting for the various working parts whereby to assure a dependable and satisfactory operation thereof over a long period of service, and a facile assembly of such parts upon the mounting preliminary to insertion thereof as a unit into the lock body for securement therein. In general, the padlock.

provement, particularly the mounting for the working parts whereby to facilitate and speed the assembly thereof, all as hereinafter setforth and described.

An exemplification of the present padlock invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein Figure 1 is a view of the padlock in perspective, looking toward its bottom end; Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view, taken through a plane centrally of its longer dimension; Fig. 3 is a transverse section, taken on line 3-3 of Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a perspective View of the mounting per se, looking down upon the top and toward one end thereof; Fig. 5 is a similar view of the mounting, looking toward its opposite end; Fig. 6 is a view in perspective of (a) the locking gears, (b) the transmission and mounting therefor, and (c) the cylinder plug, in axial alignment ready for assembly into an operating unit; and Figs. '7, 8 and 9 are transverse sections all in the plane of line 8-.-8 of Fig. 2, showing, respectively, the positions of the parts as when ,(a) assembly thereof upon the mounting is about to take place, (1)) assembly is completed and the parts are operated to their locking positions, and (c) assembly is completed and the parts have been operated to their unlocking positions.

As shown, we utilize a hollow body A provided with a large chamber 0 open onlyat the bottom, and at the top by two openings a and I) through which may be extended the long and short arms [0 and II, respectively, of a shackle S. The chamber is further recessed, at (1, adjacent its bottom except'at the end opposite the shackle long arm where we have provided a shoulder l2 slightly spaced from the bottom end of the padlock body. The two arms of the shackle are provided with facing notches e at opposite points not far from the end of the short arm, each to be engaged by the locking devices presently to be described, and the long arm, below its notch and along its side which faces the other arm, is formed with a flat 1. In its lower region the long arm is provided with a tapered section l5 which joins with an extension l6, of reduced diameter whereon is built out an annular head I'l. Between this head and the body shoulder l2 therebelow i positioned a coiled compression spring [8 into which the arm extension [6 is fitted, a constant thrust force being thereby maintained axially of the long arm of the shackle such as to displace the shackle outwardly of the padlock body, whenever conditions will permit. v

The working parts are carried by a mounting M which, together therewith, are adapted to be inserted as a unit into the body chamber for securement therein. When so fitted and secured in place, a closure is provided for the chamber open end whereby the locking mechanism to the interior thereof is efiectively protected. This mounting, as shown, is formed with an enlarged base 20 of a size to fit within the chamber recess 01, the end of the base at one end being provided with a flange 2| which underlies the body shoulder l2. Rising from the base is a main column or post 22 with walls 23 extending toward the end whereon is the flange 2|, the walls defining between them an elongated half round surface g whichis adapted to face a similarly rounded surface h in the body Wall to provide therebetween a cylindrical chamber for accommodation of the shackle long arm I0. Between the post walls 23 at the bottom thereof is a floor 24 which is flush with the shelf I2 to cooperate therewith in providing for the shackle arm, chamber a bottom closure against which the compression spring l8 may be rested at one end. A drain opening 2' may be formed through the bottom closure, as shown.

The mounting column at its end opposite the walls 23 is formed with an elongated arcuate channel 7' provided by a curving surface bounded by vertical shoulders 30 and 30a beyond which is extended a pair of arcuate walls '3! and 32, both concentric with the curving surface of the arcuate channel 7', but of lesser radius, to define between them a partial cylindrical enclosure of something more than The base end adja cent these arcuate walls is curved concentrically therewith as at 33, but with aslightlygreater radius, so as to provide a complete enclosing wall for a circular opening 34 through the mounting base 20. In the plane of offset, where the arcuate walls 3! and 32 join with the circular base wall 33 of greater radius to enclose the opening 34, we provide an elongated arcuate notch k opposite to and complementary with the arcuate channel 7, and commencing with one end of this notch the arcuate wall 3| is formed along its bottom with a recess which continues to a depending lug 35. In addition, we provide upon the inner surface of both arcuate walls 3i and 32 at opposite points intermediately of their ends, arcuate channels m each extended in a plane which is transverse to the axis of the cylindrical enclosure therebetween. In the wall 32 there is also provided on its inner surface and extending down from the top, an arcuate recess 11 bordered by side and bottom shoulders 36 and 31, respectively (see Fig. 5). The top .of the column 22 carries an upstanding cylindrical boss 33. The mounting, as herein disclosed, may be cast or otherwise formed in a single piece, and it serves to carry all the operating parts of'the lock save only the shackle and its spring. It may accordingly be fitted with most of the parts it is to carry preliminary to insertion into the body chambenand when positioned and secured therein an operative-relationship with the shackle is assured. When so positioned a complete closure for the body chamber at its bottom may be provided permanently, as by interlocking the lower edge of the body with the mounting base by the well known process of knurling or crimping.

Referring now to Figs. 6-9, the locking parts are shown as comprising a cylinder plug P having at one end a circular base 1! adapted to be seated within the circular opening 34 to provide a complete closure therefor. Through the plug base is a central opening for a key to operate tumblers 43 which are adapted for opposite movements inwardly and outwardly to enter and vacatethe arcuate channel 7' and also a second arcuate channel p which is provided interiorly cf the body chamber in register with the arcuate notch k. The plug which providesa mounting for these tumblers is formed with a circular head end wall 44 from which is extended axially a' cylindrical boss 45 to one side of which is an arcuate shoulder 46 approximately 90 in length. The plug base is cut away to provide upon its upper or inner face an arcuate recess q extending a distance of 90 or so between shoulders ll and d8 which are adapted to alternately engage the lug 35 when the plug is oscillated through its full movement range.

Means are provided to releasably lock the plug in its operative position in the cylindrical space between the arcuate walls 3! and 32. For this purpose we may employ a split spring ring 50 (see Figs. 3 and 6) whos extremities are outwardly and reversely turned, away from each other, to form a pair of spaced hooks The ring is of general oval contour with its shorter diameter extending through the gap between its hooked ends, and its size is such as to straddle the plug head 44 wherein is a peripheral groove 1' for normal reception of certain portions of the ring, via, its two extremities adjacent the hooks and its straight or gently curved side opposite thereto. This groove r lies opposite the arcuate channels m in the walls 3| and 32, permitting opposite curved ends of the ring, viz. those portions of minimum radius, to enter thereinto in response to the tension force normally exerted by the ring. When so disposed, the plug is locked against axial movement while remaining free for rotation, the two hooked extremitiesof thespring being then extended into the tumbler channel 1). In this position they may be reached by a slender tool (not shown) which is inserted into the channel from its inner end when exposed by displacement of the shackle short arm I I; such a tool whose acting end is appropriately formed for the purpose may then be manipulated to draw the hooked extremities together thereby contracting the ring to disengage its curved ends from the arcuate channels m, whereupon the cylinder plug is freed for axial removal from its mounting.

The plug which is adapted for limited oscillatory movements in response to operation of a properkey, is releasably connected to a transmission T whereby to move certain elements into and out of locking position relative to the shackle S. This transmission may comprise a cylindrical body 54 formed at one end with an axial socket (not shown) for accommodation of the cylindrical boss which projects axially from the plug end wall 44, an arcuate wing 55, of perhaps 180 in length, being extended laterally from this body adjacent its end which is proximate to the plug. This wing which is disposed. within the same plane as the arcuate shoulder 46 upon the plug end wall, cooperates therewith to limit relative rotary movement between the plug and transmission body to about 90. Coiled around the transmission body is a spring 56 having one end 5? turned to engage an end of the wing and its other end 58 outturnedto engage the shoulder Bil adjacent the channel 1' (see Fig. 2), thereby exerting its tension force to rotate the transmission to a position where a lug 59, which is extended laterally from a head 69 on the body 54 to lie within the recess n, is urged toward the shoulder 36.

Extending axially beyond the body head 60 is a boss 6| having a reduced end 62 formed with opposite flat sides 63 for operative connection with a driving gear X wherein is a complementary axial opening 64. This gear is in mesh with a comp-aniondriven gear Y wherein is an xial opening 65 for reception of the cylindrical boss 38 which projects from the end of the mounting insert M. It will be observed that the driving gear X is adapted for rotation about an axis which is common also to the transmission and cylinder plug, whereas the driven gear Y is free to rotate about the axis of the boss 38; also the operative connection between each gear and its mounting is freely releasable in response to an axial movement of one part relative to the other. The two gears occupy planes the same as the notches e in the shackle arms, each gear being formed with a heel 6B which is adapted to be moved into and out of the notch in the proximate arm whereby to lock or free the shackle as respects an movement toward or away from the padlock body.

In use, an operating key, inserted through the slot 0 in the plugbase, is engaged with the tumblers so that, when turned, the tumblers are pulled in to clear the channels :i and p, the plug then rotating with the key. Initially, before this movement starts, the shackle is locked by engagement of the two gear heels 66 within the notches e of its two arms (see Fig. 8); at the conclusion of the plug turning movement, the gear heels will have cleared these notches (see Fig. 9) so that the shackle is then free to be pushed outwardly by tension of the spring I 8 to the point where the head I! on its long arm [0 comes to rest against the underside of the driven gearY. In this position, the short arm l l isclear of the padlock body, permitting the shackle to execute a swingingmovement about the axis of its long arm. When the shackle is swung back again, to the position in which its two arms are aligned with the body' openings a and b, it may be pushed inwardly for automatic ment, the shackle long arm'tapered section [5.

lies just above the heel 65 of the driven gear Y so that, when inward movement takesplace, this section of the shackle arm will cam the gear around to whatever extent is necessary to remove interference to continued advance of the shackle against the tension of the compression spring l8. When this inward movement has continued to the point that the two shackle notches eare opposite the gears, the overhanging upper shoulder formed by the notch e in the long arm lfl will engage the upper face of the driven gear Y, thereby acting as a limit stop, In this position, the two gearsare free to rotate back into simultaneous engagement with the two notches 'e of theshackle which is therefore locked securely against further movement. Y Y 5 Between the plug and transmission there is provision for a slip movement of 90 or so. The range of plug oscillatory movement is determined by two stops, viz., the-shoulders 41 and 48 which are adapted to alternately engage opposite ends of the depending lug 35. The spring 55 acting through the transmission normally holds the plug in the rotative position wherein its tumblers are projected into the channels a. and p, the shoulder 1H3 then bearing against the lug 35. When 170- tated from this position by the operating key, the transmission turns with the plug to move the gears simultaneously to unlocking positions in which the shackle is freed for outward movement in response to tension of the spring I8. When this takes place, the spring 56acts to revent the gears from returning to locking positions (see. Fig. 9). The plug, however, is free to return to its initial position for withdrawal of the key. In

thus returning to its initial position, the'plug moves independently of the transmission which under tension of the spring 567rem'ains insits advanced position. When the shackle is again pushed in, as per the description already given, the spring, acting through the transmission, will operate to restore the gears to locking position, the transmission being concurrently rotated back to its initial position. a

When the padlock parts are to be'assembled, the transmission is first fitted into the mounting insert from its upper end, the lug 59 being located somewhere in the arcuate recess in posi-' tion to engage,'if need be, with its bottom shoulder 37. engaged respectively, with the wing 55 and shoulder 30, thereby tending to rotate the transmission to the point where its lug 59 normally rests against the shoulder 36. The two gears are next mounted on the bosses 38 and 6| in the abnormal meshed positions shown in Fig. 7. The mounting insert is now ready to be placed in the padlock body into which the shackle should also be fitted. With the gears shifted around to the abnormal position already referred to, there is sufiicient clearance for the head I! on the shackle long arm It) to advance past the driven gear Y. At this point (or optionally later) the insert may be permanently secured within the padlock body as by crimping or knurling of the latter.

The cylinder plug is last introduced in place through the opening 34. To reach its final axial The spring ends 51 and 58 are then position the arcuate shoulder 46 is required to move circularly to a position between the two ends of l the transmission wing 55. Shortly be- 5' turning movement of the plug, to engage one end of its shoulder 46 with an end of the wing 55 whereby to rotate the transmission slightly, the plug also being moved to a position where its two shoulders 41 and 4B lie opposite the depending lug 35 for alternate engagement therewith. The movement range of the plug, now operatively connected with the transmission, starts at a point where the transmission lug 59 remains spaced from the shoulder 36 and ends when this lug advances up against the shoulder 30. The split ring 50, which initially was compressed into the groove r to permit insertion of the plug through its full movement, is free to expand into engagemerit with the arcuate channels m when the plug is in final axial position, whereupon the plug is locked against withdrawal except with the aid of a special tool as already set forth. In succeedin operations of the lock the movement range of the transmission will be determined by and coincident with that of the plug so that the gears will occupy either of the two positions indicated in Figs. 8 and 9,but none other.

It should be noted that the spring 56 exerts its force to return the transmission and plug to the initial position in which the gears are engaged with the shackle; that in the opposite or unlocking position the shackle is freed to spring outwardly alimited distance only; that in this latter position the heel 650i the driven I gear is held with pressure laterally against the shackle long arm I?! whereby to impose a moderate restraint'against free or wild swinging movements of the shackle; that the drive gear, in cooperation With'the head I! on the shackle long arm, provides a limit stop whereby separation of the shackle from the padlock body is prevented; and that special provision is made for holding the two gears in an abnormal position, for purposes of assembly, whereby to afford suflicient clearance past the driven gear for insertion of the long shackle arm return movement of which is then prevented upon operative assembly of the cylinder plug in place.

Another feature of advantage is the large single chamber which is provided in this body.

This chamber is extended in length the full center to center distance between the shackle arms, and opposite walls of the chamber are parallel from the large Opening at the bottom clear to the chamber top wall through which are formed 'two relatively small spaced openings for extension therethrough of the shackle arms. Such duces the metal, and consequently the weight, of the padlock body. In addition, according to our invention, no openings intothe chamber need be provided other than the large one at the bottom and the two small ones at the top. The insert may. be formed, as by casting, from a suitable inexpensive material, of light weight if desired, and due to its parallel vertical walls it is adapted to fit closely and cooperatively adjacent the interior walls of thechamber. The insert, being itself chambered with an opening through its 7 base wall, may be assembled together with the gears and transmission, and locked in the enclosing body all in advance of application of. the cylinder plug in place. This is desirable because in mass production all parts, except the particular assembly of plug tumblers, are interchangefore'reaching this position it is possible, by a a chamber which is easy to produce greatly re- 7 able. With assembly completed up to this, point, cylinder plugs -m'ade to embody prescribed key changes, master keys, etc., may then'be fitted into place as a concluding step. When this is done, the padlock is substantially complete, ready for use.

We claim:

1. ,In a padlock, a chambered body substantially fully open at one end and having in its D- posite end two relative small openings, a shackle having two armsone movable through each small opening into the chamber within the body, an insert movable through the jfull opening into the body chamber and provided with a base adapted to provide a closure therefor, dual locking devices-mounted on the insert'for movement within the confines thereof and in one position being engageable with both arms of the shackle to restrain movement thereof, a, transmission also mounted on the insert inoperative connection with the dual locking devices, spaced stop means confining the rotary movements of the transmission to a relatively wide range, tension means normally urging the transmission to a position of engagement with one stop means in which position the dual locking devices are engaged with both shackle arms, the dual locking devices being removed wholly from the confines of the shackle arms when the transmission is operated to the extreme opposite position in its movement range whereby to permit the shackle arms to be advanced freely past the dual locking devices, key-controlled rotatable means axially movable toward the transmission to establish operative connection therewith, and spaced stop means confining the rotary movements of the key-controlled means, and thereby the transmission, to a different and relatively narrow range in which the dual locking devices act always to restrain advance of one shackle arm outwardly from the padlock body.

2. In apadlock a shackle formed with long and short arms having opposed notches, a pair of interconnected locking devices one engageable with a notch of each shackle arm, a rotatable cylinder plug operable by a key for movement within fixed limits, a rotatable transmission in operative connection with both the locking devices and the plug and confined by the latter to movements within a fixed range wherein one lockin device remains always within the confines of the shackle long arm, and stop means for the transmission affording thereto an increased movement range only When the plug is disconnected therefrom, the increased movement range permitting the said locking device to be shifted beyond the confines of the shackle long arm.

3. In a padlock, a shackle formed with long and short arms having opposed notches, locking means engageable with both shackle arm notches,

a rotatable cylinder plug operable by a key for movement within fixed limits, a rotatable transmission in operative connection with the locking means and with the plug and confined by the latter to movements within a fixed range wherein thelocking means remains always within th confinestofthe shackle long arm, and stop means for the transmission affording thereto an increased movement range only when the plug is disconnected therefrom, the increased movement range permitting the locking means to be shifted beyond the confines of the shackle long arm.

4. In a padlock, a shackle formed with long and short arms having opposed notches, locking means engageable with both shackle arm notches, tension means urging the locking means to a position beyond the confines of the shackle long arm, a rotatable key-operated cylinder plug, stop means whereby .to confine the operating movements'of the plug within fixed limits, and means formingan operative connection betwen the plug and operating means whereby to transmit motion from the former to the latter and to confine movements of the latter within limits fixed by those of "the plug; the locking means being thereby held always within the confines of the shackle long arm. 7

5. In a padlock, a shackle formed with long and short arms having opposed'notches, locking means engageable with both shackle arm notches, tension meansurging the locking means to a position beyond the confines of the shackle long arm, a rotatable keyoperated cylinder plug, stop means engageable with the plug only When the latter is advanced axially to substantially its final position and acting to confine operating movements of the plug withinfixed limits, and means forming an operative connection between the plug andlocking means when the former has advanced to a point short of engagement with its stop means, said operative connection serving to transmit motion from the plug to the locking means and also to confine movements of the locking means within limits fixed by those of the plug, the locking means being held thereby always Within theconfines of the shackle long arm.

'6. In a'padlock, a shackle formed with a short arm and a long arm having a notch, locking means en ageable with the shackle long arm notch, tension means urging the locking means to a position beyond the confines of the shackle long arm, a rotatable key-operated cylinder plug,.

stop means engageable with the plug only when the latteris advanced axially to substantially its final position and acting to confine operating movements of the plug within fixed limits, and meansfo'rming an operative connection between the plug and'locking means when the former has advanced to a'point short of engagement with its stopmeans, said operative connection serving to transmit motion from the plug to the locking means and also to confine movements of the locking-means within limitsfixed by those of the plug, the locking means being thereby held always withinth'e confines ofthe fixed shackle.

RAYMOND GRAY. ROLLIN LESTER GRAY.

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