US3808848A

US3808848A - Safety lock

Info

Publication number: US3808848A
Authority: US
Inventors: Y Yang
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1967-07-20
Filing date: 1970-05-25
Publication date: 1974-05-07
Anticipated expiration: 1991-05-07

Abstract

A padlock which embodies both a variable key-operated device and a variable permutation-operated device independently within a lock. The lock can be locked either by one of the devices or by both of the devices. The lock can be unlocked by a coded key alone only when the variable permutation-operated device is in its unlocked position. Likewise the lock can be unlocked by the combination alone only when the key-operated device is in its unlocked position. When the devices are both in the locked position, the lock can be unlocked only when those who know the combination of the permutation-operated device as well as having possession of a coded key. Means are provided for varying either one or both of the devices by the owner of the lock, thus rendering the original coded key and/or the combination inoperative, hence a new coded key or a new combination or both of them are necessary.

Description

United States Patent [19] Yang I SAFETY LOCK Yin-Lung Yang, 21-9 Chih-Yuan Village, Kangshan, China [Taiwan 22 Filed: May 25,1970

21 Appl. No.: 40,188

Related US. Application Data [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 654,764, July 20,

1967, Pat. No. 3,546,906.

[76] Inventor:

s21 u.s.c|. 70/21, 70/25, 70/38 c,

i 70/284 51 int. Cl E05b 37/00,E05b 67/22 53 .Field of Search 70/33, 34,38 R, as A,

70/38 B, 38 C, 21, 25, 39, 52, 284, 285, 302, 303 R, 315, 326, 346, 382

[56] 5 References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 352,373 11/1886 Speieher 70/25 669,295 3/1901 Wendel.... 70/25 1,001,104 8/1911 Wayda 70/21 1,365,714 1/1921 Margulies.... 70/38 C 2,496,320

2/1950 Vickers 70/38 C [111 3,808,848 [451 May 7,1974

Primary ExaminerAlbert G. Craig, Jr.

[5 7] ABSTRACT When the devices are both 'in the locked position, the lock can be unlocked only when those who know the combination of the permutation-operated device as well-as having possession of a coded key. Means are provided for varying either one or both of the devices by the owner of the lock, thus rendering the original coded key and/or the combination inoperative, hence a new coded key or a new combination or both of them are necessary.

17 Claims, 28 Drawing Figures .lllnnliiillillilllill PATENTEDIAY mu SHEET 2 BF 3 FIG; 5'

FIG, 6a

FIG. 6

FIG. 7:2

F/Gf/O /Gf/o PATENTEMY 71914 A Y "3808848 SHEET 3 BF 3 FIG/6. 1 16.17 F/GIS m SAFETY LOCK This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 654,764 filed July 20, 1967, now US. Pat. No. 3,546,906 dated Dec. 15,1970.

This invention relates in general to locks, and more particularly to an improved padlock construction ingiven to the users of the lock are frequently lost, and

the setting ofcombinations of the permutation device are often learned by some one cognizant of the users, so that those who find the lost key or learn the combination may also be able to open the lock easily. To prevent such an occurrence, the improvements in the lock of my invention become extremely important as they add security against unauthorized opening of the lock.

' As above noted, an important'object of the present invention is more particularly concerned with the security or safety of a lock by locking the lock with both said locking devices at the same time or varying either one or both of the said devices.

Another object is to provide an improved padlock which may be selectively locked by means of either one of the said devices, when it is preferred for the sake of convenience.

Still another object of the invention is to provide such a lock with means to produce an audible feeling in determining the proper distance the shackle is being pulled up or pushed in for the purpose of selectively locking the lock by means of either one or both of the locking devices. v

Still another object of the invention is to provide simple means for varying the combination of the permutation operated device as well as the key-operated device individually or simultaneously without additional parts.

Still another object of the invention is to provide in a permutation lock of the dial operated type means whereby the combination can be easily checked or learned as long as the lock is in its unlocked position, no matter how long the lock has not been used or the combination has been forgotten, hence there is no need to look up the combination records because simple means for observing the correct combination is provided thereon.

Still another object of the invention is to provide such a lock in which the key-operated device indicates the particular coded-key required for the operation of the said device.

Still another object of the invention is to provide such a lock to facilitate assembly or disassembly as well as replacement of any worn part by an unskilled user, thus it need not be sent to-the locksmith for repair, because there is no riveted or permanently fixed part in the lock and no special technique is required.

Thus, it will be seen that there has been provided in this invention a construction in which the various objects above noted, together with many thoroughly prac- 2 tical advantage, are achieved, and yet may be manufactured at a relatively low cost, because the structure of this invention is mainly and simply made of several circular disks and cylinders.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

In which:

FIG. 1 is a vertical front view of a lock embodying the features of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a lock.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a lock.

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of a lock.

FIG. 5 is also a front view of a lock showing flange type connections between the removable cap (J) and the lock body (E).

FIG. 6 is a front view' of the removable cap of the lock.

FIG. 6a is a bottom plan view of the lock.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the rotatable dial and the transfer disk of the lock, showing they are connected firmly by a hollow cylinderical shaft at the center.

FIG. 7a is a bottom plan view of the dial and the transfer disc of FIG. 7.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the snap ring.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the permutation disks driving plate.

FIG. 9a is the top plan view of the driving plate of FIG. 9. 0

FIG. 10 is a side view of the permutation disks locking cylinder.

FIG. 10a is a top view of the cylinder of FIG. 10.

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of a ward plate.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the key receiving plates mounted in the x-shaped mounting cup.

FIG. 12a is a top view of the x-shape mounting cup in FIG. 12.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the coded key.

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary view of a section taken transversely through the lower end of the lock body to show the operative relationship of certain parts of the key-operated mechanism in the locked position.

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the locking plate g in FIG. 14.

of the removable cap FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the hook f in FIG. I4.

FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the spacing washer l in FIG. 20. FIG. 18 is a top plan view of the

spacing washers

3,5,7, in FIG. 20.

FIG. 19 is a top plan view of the

permutation disks

2,4,6, in FIG. 20.

FIG. 20 is a side view of the shackle and the assembly of permutation disks and spacing washers mounted on the central arm of the shackle, the contour at the end of the said arm is the notch for automatic locking action of the key operated device.

FIG. 20a is a side view of another contour of the notch at the .end of the central arm of the shackle for manually, operated locking action of the key operated device.

FIG. 21 is the bottom plan view of the lock body.

FIG. 21a is the front view of the lock body.

The present embodiment of the invention is in the form of a padlock and comprises in general a casing (E), a shackle (G) having its arms extending into the casing and dial (I) on the top of the cap (J). The dial has a series of characters marked on its periphery, and a fixed mark is placed on the side wall of the cap (J) to cooperate with the characters on the dial. The cap (J) is connected with the casing (E) by suitable means. The said cap can be removed when the lock is in its unlocked position for disassembly or access to the internal mechanism of the lock. U-shaped shackle (G) embodies two arms in parallel, one of the arms, called a centering arm, slidably and rotatably extends into the lock body through the center opening in the dial and the cap and downwardly to abut against the bottom, and is capable of being rotated about its longitudinal axis when the lock is unlocked and the parallel arm is slid out of the opening in the lug of the body.

8 The assembly of the permutation disks and the spacing washers are mounted midway of the centering arm to hold the shackle in the locked position when the lock is locked as will be later described.

All parts and the body may be formed of bronze or any preferred type of noncorrosive metal. The invention comprises two major locking devices, one is known as a key-operated device and the other as a permutation-operated device. They are described in detail as follows:

Shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 14 is the key-operated device which occupies the lower part of the lock body. It comprises five concentrical ward plates k, l, n, 0, m, a locking plate g, and a hook f, they are the same in thickness (better seen at FIG. 12) and can be interchanged in their mounting positions except for the top plate and the mounting plate k. The locking plate g and the hook f must be mounted in such a manner that they abut against each other in the proper position for the hook to achieve a proper hooking of the locking plate in the-locked position only.

Since those interchangable plates are the same-in thickness as described, and the key receiving holes in those plates are different in diameters, it will be observed that interchanging the mounting position of those plates will have a result of requiring different coded key contours. Certain numbers are given to,and marked on the face of, those plates while zero is given to the locking plate and the hook. Thus thenumerical code marked on the key, generally four digits, will represent the mounting' order of the said plates.

As shown in FIG. 12a there are four angular mounting protrusions formed bythe inside wall of the x-shape cup. These protrusions are provided for mounting the key receiving ward plates k, l, m, n, 0, locking plate 3,

and the hook f. When the cup together with the plates guide has a flange at its one end to prevent it from dropping out of the receiving bore in the bottom of the lock body.

The top plate 0, like the other plates, has four corner cuts thereon for mounting over the four angular protrusions on the mounting cup respectively. The upper face of the plate 0 is located underneath and bearing against the bottom wall of the permutation-disk-locking cylinder (0) when they are assembled, the bottom wall serving as a cover for the key-operated mechanisms. A smaller hole u drilled in the plate 0 is provided for receiving the tip of a key and holding the key in its proper position when the said key is inserted through the key receiving guide and the holes of the key receiving plates.

The locking plate 3 is freely mounted between any two of the selected key receiving plates. The said plate g lies between the four angular protrusions of the mounting cup. These protrusions serve as a guide for longitudinal movement of the plate g. A spring S (see FIG. 15) clamped at the end of the plate urges the plate to the locked position. A hook f bears against the lock ing plate and lies, with its axis of translation perpendicular to that of the locking plate, in the four angular protrusions of the mounting cup. These protrusions also serve asa guide for longitudinal movement of the hook. A spring S clamped at the end of the hook urges the hook to grasp the locking plate in 'its locked or unlocked position (FIG. 14 shows in the locked position) by its tooth thereon.

The lower end of the centering arm of the shackle, freely protrudes through the centeropenings in the key receiving plates and abuts against the surface of the bottom of the lock, and has a fixed locking notch thereon for meeting the locking plate. When the locking plate extends into the locking notch, the shackle is held in the locked position and the lock is locked. It is understood that more than one set of the locking plate and the hook may be utilized. Also, more than one notch in the shackle may be utilized for better locking action and security of the lock. However, whenever the key receiving plates are interchanged for their new position to vary the use of different coded keys, the locking plate and the hook must remain in their original installation order, because the key receiving plates are of the same thickness and the locking notch in the shackle is fixed as previously described.

The shape of the locking notch at the end of the shackle may be formed into two different contours, one is for automatic locking action (see p p in FIG. 20) by thespring tension of the locking plate and the hook, when they are actuated by cam action of the notch as the shackle is being pushed in, and the other (see FlG. 20a) is for manual operation by means of a key to lock the lock when the shackle is in its proper position. Th

said two different contours of the notch have an advantage or disadvantage one over the other the first one has the advantage of being locked without using a key, but it has the disadvantage of possibly being locked while the key is unavailable. The second one is contrary to the first one. i

In the operation of the key-operated device with the above mentioned automatic locking action notch, just push in the shackle to a predetermined position, the contour of the notch will act as a cam to actuate the hook and release the locking plate, the plate will lock proper coded key into the key receiving guide at the bottom of the lock as far as it can go, and turn the key counter-clockwise to rotate the said guide. The bits of the key will first strike the hook in a direction opposing the tension of the spring S and force it to move and release the locking plate, the tension of the spring S, will extend the locking plate and lock the shackle at the notch, then the hook will return by the tension of the spring S and grasp the locking plate in its locked position by its tooth thereon. Turning the key in the clockwise direction will also first force the hook to release the locking plate, then retract the said plate by the continuous turning action of the key to its unlocked position and release the shackle, when the permutationoperated device is also in the unlocked position.

Several pairs of coded-keys are given to the user and when any one of them being used is lost, the user can use the remaining one of the same pair to unlock the lock and disassemble it, the lock can be disassembled only when the lock is unlocked, then interchange the mounting order of the above mentioned intermediate key receiving plates in accordance with the number of the new coded key which is going to be used and the numbers marked on the plates, and reassemble the lock ready for use. If some one else finds the lost key, and makes the attempt to unlock the lock, the said key will be inoperative to do so.

Whenever the mounting order of the plates is changed, remember that the locking plate and the hook must remain in their original installation order as previously described.

The permutation-operated device, referred to above, occupies the upper part of the lock body. The permutation disks as well as the spacing washers are the same in thickness, and are mounted on the centering arm of the shackle in such a manner that three said

disks

2, 4, 6 are mounted alternately between the four spacing washers l, 3, S, 7, (see FIG. 20). At the center aperture of each washer there is a protrusion formed integrally therewith (see FIG. 17, 18, 20) for extending into the longitudinal slot engraved on the arm of the shackle. However, the washer I must be fastened to the shackle by a screw. Thus those washers are stationary while the permutation disks are rotatable. Therefore the group of said washers and said disks can move up or down together with the shackle.

A locking cylinder (0) having three unequally spaced parallel columns of locking protrusions on its inside wall (see FIG. & 10a) encircles the permutation disks assembly when they are assembled. The locking protrusions are formed integrally with the cylinder, and are aligned circumferentially with like protrusions in the other columns. The columer distances between the protrusions are each just a little larger than the thickness of the permutation disk, and the thickness of each of the protrusions are just a little smaller than the thickness of the spacing washer except the top and bot, tom one of the protrusions (see R, R, in FIG. 10) which are lengthened for the purpose to be later described. The width of the protrusions are just a little smaller than the width of the notches N, N N, on the peripheries of the permutation disks. With such an arrangement the disks can rotate freely within the spaces of the protrusions, when they are encircled in the locking cylinder. However the locking cylinder can not be moved by the friction of any of the disks, because the locking protrusion R, which is lengthened as mentioned above is grasped by the notch Y on the periphery of the stationary washer 1 (see FIG. 17). Thus when the disks are driven and rotated, the washers as well as the cylinder will remain stationary with the shackle and, as the shackle is pulled to slide up or down when the notches on the permutation disks are lined up with the locking protrusions, the cylinder will remain in its position, be-

cause the top edge of the cylinder is bearing against the transfer disk (K). When assembled, it will be observed that only the notch Y on the periphery of the washer I will slide up and down along the protrusion R when the shackle is pulled.

A transfer disk (K) having protrusions equally spaced around its periphery is fixed concentrically with the dial (I) by a hollowed-shaft, protruded through the central opening of the cap (J), for unitary movement. The hollow shaft accommodates the centering arm of the shackle which passes therethrough.

A castle shape permutation-disk-driving-plate (L) having notches equally spaced around its top periphery (see FIG. 9) is secured between the protrusions (R,) and the transfer disk (K) to keep contact with the transfer disk (K). The notches of the said plate (L) are made to fit the protrusions on the transfer disk for unitary movement of the dial, transfer disk and the driving plate. Any shift in the relationship of the driving plate to the transfer disk by their notches and the protrusions will change the combination of the permutationoperated device. -A small tooth T protruded from the bottom surface of the driving plate is formed integrally with the plate and is provided for driving the permutation disks.

There are three driven teeth T, T T fastened, by

three small screws, adjacent theperipheries of the three permutation disks respectively, the teeth being located in any one of several selected cuts which are provided around the peripheries of the disks (see FIG. 19), for the purpose of adding changeability of the combinations. These cuts in the disks are deeper and narrower than the first mentioned notches N, N N, on the disks. Thus the locking protrusions of the locking cylinder can not enter these cuts nor can they interfere with movement of the teeth T, T, T, on the disks.

In the operation of the permutation-operated device, the motion of the dial (I) will impart to the permutation-disk-driving plate (L) through the transfer disk (K) unitary movement as described. The tooth T at the bottom surface of the said plate will first strike the tooth T and rotate the disk 6, and then will impart rotation to disk 4 and disk 2 through teeth T T and T, accordingly until the notches N, N N, on the said disks are finally in alignment with the previously described three paralleled locking protrusions on the locking cylinder (Q), the shackle can then be pulled and slid upwardly to unlock the lock, when the key-operated device is also in the unlocked position. However the shackle can be pulled no further when its off-set arm is clear of the opening in the lug of the casing (E), because the top spacing washer 7 mounted on the centering arm of the same shackle serves as a stop to its movement, when it comes against the under surface of the driving plate (L). As soon as the shackle is pulled up, the locking protrusions will fall into the confines of the notches N, N N respectively. Thus the rotation of the shackle about its centering arm will not disturb the alignment of the disks, but the disks as well as the locking cylinder (0) will rotate with the shackle simultaneously, because the notch Y on the spacing washer l grasps the protrusion R of the locking cylinder for unitary movement. The disks will still not be disturbed when the shackleis pushed into its locked position. Therefore it is necessary to turn the dial over a complete turn in either direction to disturb the disks purposely to lock the lock.

The cap (J) as above referred to is mounted freely and rotatably about the hollowed shaft between the dial (l) and the transfer disk (K), and is capable of being removed from the lock body, after the lock is unlocked and the fastening screw e is unscrewed, for disassembly or replacement of the parts as well as for varying the locking devices. The connection between the cap and the casing can be a threaded type or a slot and flange type (see FIG. 6a and 21a), or any other preferable type, as long as the connection will restrain the cap from movement away from the casing and from turning in one direction, while the arm of the shackle will restrain the same from .turning in the other direction when the cap is installed in its proper position and the lock is locked. When assembling, the cap is first installed over the top of the casing in a manner to line up the projections a b c d on the cap with the gaps between the projections a b c d on the top edge of the casing. The cap is then pushed downwardly as far asit can go and turned in the proper directionuntil the lug of the cap is lined up below, and fully matched with, the lug of the casing. The end of the projections on the top edge of the casing will act as a stop for the said projections on the cap so that it can be turned no further. As soon as the shackle is pushed into the lock and locked, the offset arm of the shackle will bear against the shoulder of the lug of the cap and thus the cap can not be turned in the reverse direction. A small screw e is provided to fasten the cap to the casing and prevent it from accidentally becoming loose when the lock is unlocked. To disconnect the cap from the casing a reverse procedure is followed: first remove the fastening screw e and unlock the lock, second, pull the shackle out of the opening in the lug of the casing, third, turn the cap in the opposite direction of that of installation as far as it can turn, then lift the cap off the casing. it will be noted that the dial and the transfer disk as described will be removed together with the cap.

. Several apertures are cut in the wall of the said locking cylinder (see FIG. 10). The said apertures are provided fr inspection or for checking the combination of the lock. The inspection can be made through the apertures before the permutation-operated mechanism is can be varied and tried for unlocking and locking the structed so that: the first audible feeling, when the shackleis being pushed in, indicates the lock is ready to be locked by the permutation-operated device alone; the second audible feeling, when-the shackle is further pushed in, indicates the lock is ready to be locked by both of the locking devices at the same time and; and the third audible feeling, when the shackle is still further pushed in against the bottom of the lock, indicates the lock will be locked by the key-operated device alone. The said snap ring and the circular grooves may be made at any convineint location other than at the dial as in this construction (see FIG. 7), for coacting each with the other.

It will be noted that when the shackle is pushed in against the bottom of the lock, for permitting the lock to be locked by the key-operated device alone, the driving tooth T of the driving plate (L) will clear the driven teeth of the permutation disks, making the dial inoperative with respect to the permutation disks while said disks are held in their unlocked positions by the above mentioned protrusions on the inside wall of the locking cylinder, hence no interference exists between the dial, or permutation-operated mechanism andthe key-operated mechanisms. Thus other person will not know whether the lock is locked either by one or by both of the locking devices, this of course adds to the secrecy of a lock.

Although the invention is illustrated as being embodied in a padlock, it will be apparent that the invention may, with equal facility, be utilized in other types of locks. It is of course to be understood that although I have described in detail the preferred embodiment of my invention, the invention is not to be thus limited but onlyinsofar as defined by the scope and spirit of the ap pended claims.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a lock construction, in combination, a lock comprising a body, a removable cap having a center opening and a removable key operated mechanism, a slidable and rotatable shackle having one arm extending centrally into the body through the center opening of the said removable cap, the said key operated mechanism spaced longitudinally of said arm having means to retain the shackle in locked position.

2. In a lock construction, in combination, a lock as defined in claim 1 wherein the key operated locking mechanism comprises a key receiving guide, a plurality mechanism as many times as desired, until the new combination has been familiarized and remembered,

before it is put back into the lock casing ready for use.

There are three circular grooves formed integrally on the centering arm of the shackle (see 11 in FIG. 20) for the purpose of holding the shackle in its desired position by a removable snap ring (see FIG. 8). Said ring is mounted stationary in the dial or between any two appropriate adjacent structures within the lock and encircles the centering arm for engaging in said grooves of the arm. Whenever the shackle is pulled up or pushed in, the said ring will slide over the circular groove or grooves of the said arm and, produce an audible feeling for determining the desired-position of the shackle for selectively locking the lock by either one or both of the locking devices. it is arranged and conof interchangeable ward plates of the same thicknesses,

but different in diameters of axially aligned key receiving holes therethrough, means to interchange the mounting order of the ward plates to change the key operated locking mechanism, a locking plate and a hook beingremovably and replaceably mounted between any selected two of said key receiving plates whereby varying coded keys having numerals thereon can be used in accordance with numerals marked on the key receiving plates.

3. In a lock construction, in combination, a lock as defined in claim 2 wherein a mounting cup of x-shape having four angular protrusions formed integrally and equally apart on its inside wall serves as a mounting frame for the ward plates, locking plate and the hook, said protrusions also serve as a guide for the longitudinal movement of the locking plate and the hook.

. 4. In a lock construction, in combination, a lock as defined in claim 3 wherein the said removable cap serves as a closure for the top of said body, means confined by said cap and abutting the key operated mechanism to make the locking action effective when the cap is properly installed and the lock is in locked condition.

5. In a lock construction, in combination, a look as defined in claim 4 wherein the connection between the cap and body provides means preventing said cap from turning in one direction and co-acting structure between the cap and the other arm of the shackle provides means for preventing rotation of said cap in the other direction, thereby preventing the cap and the key operated mechanism from being removed from the lock body, except when the lock is in unlocked condi tion.

6. In a lock construction, in combination, a lock comprising a body, a removable cap having a center opening and a removable permutation operated mechanism, a slidable and rotatable shackle having one arm extending centrally into the body through the center opening of the said removable cap, the said permutation operated mechanism including adjustably positioned tumblers with said body and carried by said arm and movable therewith during its sliding motion and having means to retain the shackle in locked position.

7. In a lock construction, in combination, a lock as defined in claim 6 wherein the permutation operated mechanism comprises said tumblers in the form of a plurality of rotatable permutation disks, a rotatable dial for rotating said disks, a member interconnected with said dial for unitary movement therewith, said disks each having a single tooth and a pluraltiy of notches in the periphery thereof, means for shifting the relationship between the dial and member, and means for changing the relationship of the teeth and notches on the permutation disks, either or both of the last two means operating to change the permutation controlled locking mechanism.

8. In a lock construction, in combination, a lock as defined in claim 7 wherein a transfer disk is fixed to the dial, said member being a rotatable plate intercom nected with said dial through said transfer disk, and spacing washers fixedly mounted on said arm between alternate permutation disks.

9. In a lock construction, in combination, a lock as defined in claim 8 wherein the lock body includes a cylindrical wall and comprising a locking cylinder mounted within the cylindrical wall of the lock body and encircling the permutation disks and washers, protrusions thereon cooperating with the notches in said permutation disks for locking and unlocking the permutation operated locking mechanism, cooperating means on said locking cylinder and at least one of said washers for holding the locking cylinder stationary while the permutation disks are driven by the rotatable member, said means also maintaining theproper relationship between the protrusions and notches when the disks are in the unlocked position whereby the locking arm is free of interference in sliding in and out of the body.

10. In a lock construction, in combination, a lock as defined in claim 9 wherein said locking cylinder has a plurality of apertures cut in the side wall thereof for checking the correct combination of the permutation operated locking mechanism before it is inserted into the lock body.

11. In a lock construction, in combination, a look as defined in claim 10 wherein a removable cap serves as a closure for the top of said body, said cap abutting the permutation operated mechanism to make the locking action effective when the cap is properly installed and the lock is in locked condition.

12. In a lock construction, in combination, a lock as defined in claim 11 wherein the connection between the cap and body provides means preventing said cap from turning in one direction and co-acting structure between the cap and the other arm of the shackle provides means for preventing rotation of said cap in the other direction, thereby preventing the cap and the permutation operated mechanism from being removed from the lock body except when the lock is in unlocked condition.

13. In a lock construction, in combination, a lock comprising a body, a removable cap, a slidable and rotatable shackle having one arm extending centrally into the body through the cap, two removable locking mechanisms within said body and each having means spaced longitudinally of said arm and coacting individually therewith to retain the shackle in locked position, key ward means controlling key operating of one of said mechanisms and permutation means controlling the operation of the other of said mechanisms, said-two mechanisms being removably contained within said body and constructed and arranged to provide means permitting separate and independent operation of each so that either one is effective to lock and unlock the lock while the other is ineffective said key ward means comprising a mounting cup of x-shape having four angularprotrusions formed integrally and equally apart on its inside wall and located in the lower part of said body, at least one locking plate and a hook and a plurality of ward plates of the same thickness interchangeably mounted within said x-shaped cup and having axially aligned key receiving holes therethrough which differ in diameter, and a key rceiving hole through the bottom of said body and axially aligned with the holes through the ward plates, and said permutation means comprising a rotatable dial, a transfer disk fixed to said dial, a rotatable plate separably interconnected with said transfer disk for rotation therewith, a locking cylinder having inwardly extending protrusions thereon and located in the upper part of said body, a plurality of rotatable permutation disks driven from said rotatable plate and located within said locking cylinder and each having a plurality of peripheral notches cooperating with said protrusions for locking and unlocking the permutation locking mechanism, spacing washers mounted on said arm and located between alternate permutation disks, cooperating means on said locking cylinder and at least oneof said washers for holding the locking cylinder stationary while the permutation disks are driven by said rotatable plate, this cooperating means also maintaining the proper relationship between the protrusions and notches when the disks are in the unlocked position, the driving relationship between the rotatable plate and the rotatable permutation disks including a single tooth carried by each, means whereby the relationship between the teeth and peripheral notches may be varied and means whereby therelationship between the rotatable plate and the transfer disk may be varied, either or both of these latter two means operating to change the permutation controlled locking mechanism, and the locking cylinder having a plurality of apertures in its side wall through which the permutation arrangement may be viewed prior to installation for determining the correct combination.

14. In a lock construction, in combination, a lock as defined in claim 13 wherein a removable snap ring, around the central arm of the shackle, is mounted stationary between any two appropriate adjacent structures of the lock, several circular grooves formed in the said arm, said ring and said grooves coacting with each other to produce an audible feeling for indicating the desired position of the shackle as it is being pulled up or pushed in for the purpose of selectively locking the lock either by one or by both of the locking devices.

15. In a lock construction, in combination, a lock as defined in claim 14 wherein the said two mechanisms 1 are constructed and arranged to provide means for selectively locking the lock either by one or by both of the locking devices, in which: the first audible feeling of the said ring and saidgroove, when the shackle is being pushed in, indicating the lock will be lock by permutation operated locking mechanism alone; the second audible feeling of said ring and said groove, when the shackle is being further pushed in, indicating the lock will be locked by both locking mechanisms at the same time and, the third audible feeling of said ring and said groove, when the shackle is being more further pushed in against the bottom of the lock, indicating the lock will be locked by key operated locking mechanism alone, means also provided in the third operation causing the dial to become inoperative with respect to the permutation disks while the disks are held in their un locked position by the protrusions of the locking cylinder.

16. In a lock construction, in combination, a lock as defined in claim 13 wherein a removable cap serves as a closure for the top of said body, said cap and said locking mechanisms abut one another to make the locking action effective when the cap is properly installed and the lock is in locked condition.

17. In a lock construction, in combination, a lock as defined in claim 16 wherein the connection between the cap and body provides means preventing said cap body except when the lock is in unlocked condition.

Claims

2. In a lock construction, in combination, a lock as defined in claim 1 wherein the key operated locking mechanism comprises a key receiving guide, a plurality of interchangeable ward plates of the same thicknesses, but different in diameters of axially aligned key receiving holes therethrough, means to interchange the mounting order of the ward plates to change the key operated locking mechanism, a locking plate and a hook being removably and replaceably mounted between any selected two of said key receiving plates whereby varying coded keys having numerals thereon can be used in accordance with numerals marked on the key receiving plates.

4. In a lock construction, in combination, a lock as defined in claim 3 wherein the said removable cap serves as a closure for the top of said body, means confined by said cap and abutting the key operated mechanism to make the locking action effective when the cap is properly installed and the lock is in locked condition.

5. In a lock construction, in combination, a lock as defined in claim 4 wherein the connection between the cap and body provides means preventing said cap from turning in one direction and co-acting structure between the cap and the other arm of the shackle provides means for preventing rotation of said cap in the other direction, thereby preventing the cap and the key operated mechanism from being removed from the lock body, except when the lock is in unlocked condition.

8. In a lock construction, in combination, a lock as defined in claim 7 wherein a transfer disk is fixed to the dial, said member being a rotatable plate interconnected with said dial through said transfer disk, and spacing washers fixedly mounted on said arm between alternate permutation disks.

9. In a lock construction, in combination, a lock as defined in claim 8 wherein the lock body includes a cylindrical wall and comprising a locking cylinder mounted within the cylindrical wall of the lock body and encircling the permutation disks and washers, protrusions thereon cooperating with the notches in said permutation disks for locking and unlocking the permutation Operated locking mechanism, cooperating means on said locking cylinder and at least one of said washers for holding the locking cylinder stationary while the permutation disks are driven by the rotatable member, said means also maintaining the proper relationship between the protrusions and notches when the disks are in the unlocked position whereby the locking arm is free of interference in sliding in and out of the body.

11. In a lock construction, in combination, a lock as defined in claim 10 wherein a removable cap serves as a closure for the top of said body, said cap abutting the permutation operated mechanism to make the locking action effective when the cap is properly installed and the lock is in locked condition.

13. In a lock construction, in combination, a lock comprising a body, a removable cap, a slidable and rotatable shackle having one arm extending centrally into the body through the cap, two removable locking mechanisms within said body and each having means spaced longitudinally of said arm and coacting individually therewith to retain the shackle in locked position, key ward means controlling key operating of one of said mechanisms and permutation means controlling the operation of the other of said mechanisms, said two mechanisms being removably contained within said body and constructed and arranged to provide means permitting separate and independent operation of each so that either one is effective to lock and unlock the lock while the other is ineffective said key ward means comprising a mounting cup of x-shape having four angular protrusions formed integrally and equally apart on its inside wall and located in the lower part of said body, at least one locking plate and a hook and a plurality of ward plates of the same thickness interchangeably mounted within said x-shaped cup and having axially aligned key receiving holes therethrough which differ in diameter, and a key rceiving hole through the bottom of said body and axially aligned with the holes through the ward plates, and said permutation means comprising a rotatable dial, a transfer disk fixed to said dial, a rotatable plate separably interconnected with said transfer disk for rotation therewith, a locking cylinder having inwardly extending protrusions thereon and located in the upper part of said body, a plurality of rotatable permutation disks driven from said rotatable plate and located within said locking cylinder and each having a plurality of peripheral notches cooperating with said protrusions for locking and unlocking the permutation locking mechanism, spacing washers mounted on said arm and located between alternate permutation disks, cooperating means on said locking cylinder and at least one of said washers for holding the locking cylinder stationary while the permutation disks are driven by said rotatable plate, this cooperating means also maintaining the proper relationship between the protrusions and notches when the disks are in the unlocked position, the driving relationship between the rotatable plate and the rotatable permutation disks including a single tooth carried by each, means whereby the relationship between the teeth and peripheral notches may be varied and means whereby the relationship between the rotatAble plate and the transfer disk may be varied, either or both of these latter two means operating to change the permutation controlled locking mechanism, and the locking cylinder having a plurality of apertures in its side wall through which the permutation arrangement may be viewed prior to installation for determining the correct combination.

15. In a lock construction, in combination, a lock as defined in claim 14 wherein the said two mechanisms are constructed and arranged to provide means for selectively locking the lock either by one or by both of the locking devices, in which: the first audible feeling of the said ring and said groove, when the shackle is being pushed in, indicating the lock will be lock by permutation operated locking mechanism alone; the second audible feeling of said ring and said groove, when the shackle is being further pushed in, indicating the lock will be locked by both locking mechanisms at the same time and, the third audible feeling of said ring and said groove, when the shackle is being more further pushed in against the bottom of the lock, indicating the lock will be locked by key operated locking mechanism alone, means also provided in the third operation causing the dial to become inoperative with respect to the permutation disks while the disks are held in their unlocked position by the protrusions of the locking cylinder.

17. In a lock construction, in combination, a lock as defined in claim 16 wherein the connection between the cap and body provides means preventing said cap from turning in one direction and co-acting structure between the cap and the other arm of the shackle provides means for preventing rotation of said cap in the other direction, thereby preventing the cap and the locking devices from being removed from the lock body except when the lock is in unlocked condition.