US3824816A

US3824816A - Combination padlock

Info

Publication number: US3824816A
Application number: US00256648A
Authority: US
Inventors: L Dobrjanskyj; R Einhorn
Original assignee: Coats and Clark Inc
Current assignee: Coats and Clark Inc
Priority date: 1972-05-25
Filing date: 1972-05-25
Publication date: 1974-07-23
Anticipated expiration: 1991-07-23

Abstract

Combination padlock having a slidable internal bolt mounted between mating shells forming the body of the padlock. Combination number wheels are provided with internal slots that are engagable by projections formed on the bolt when slid to the unlocked position allowing the hasp to be released. Another embodiment utilizes combination cylinders having slots that receive corresponding projections on the bolt for the unlocked position. When the combination wheels or cylinders are rotated so that the projections cannot slide into the slots, the padlock remains in locked position.

Description

United States Patent [191 Dobrjanskyj et al.

[ July 23, 1974 COMBINATION PADLOCK [75] Inventors: Lew Dobrjanskyj, Flushing;

Ruediger Einhorn, Katonah, both of [73] Assignee: Coats & Clark, Inc., New York,

[22] Filed: May 25, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 256,648

[52] US. Cl. 70/25 [51] Int. Cl E05b 37/14 [58] Field of Search 70/24, 25, 26, 28, 38 A, 70/38 R, 38 B, 38 C, 53,332, 20, 21, 170/316-318 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 345,340 7/1886 Volke 70/25 718,146 1/1903 Nielander 1,176,327 3/1916 Takimoto i 1,486,846 3/1924 Valente 1,940,789 12/1933 Diaz 70/25 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 831,372 5/1954 Germany 70/25 426,274 3/1926 Germany 70/25 Primary ExaminerRobert L. Wolfe [57] ABSTRACT Combination padlock having a slidable internal bolt mounted between mating shells forming the body of the padlock. Combination number wheels are provided with internal slots that are engagable by projections formed on the bolt when slid to the unlocked position allowing the hasp to be released. Another embodiment utilizes combination cylinders having slots that receive corresponding projections on the bolt for the unlocked position. When the combination wheels or cylinders are rotated so that the projections cannot slide into the slots, the padlock remains in locked position.

14 Claims, 38 Drawing Figures .LZQ.

1 COMBINATION PADLOCK BROAD STATEMENT OF INVENTION DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART It is well known in the prior art to provide padlocks having combination indicia wheels which can be rotated to a particular combination of numbers so that a hasp of the padlock can be moved to unlocked position. An example of such a combination padlock is US. Pat. No. 3,386,271 issued on June 4, 1968 to Louis H. Morin. This patent shows a plurality of combination wheels'mounted on the side of the padlock through which an end of the hasp is inserted, and the hasp is slid out to the unlocked position when the wheels are set in the proper combination. However, the mounting of the combination wheels along the side of the padlock in direct contact with the hasp member may not be desired in all uses of the padlock. It may be desired to have the combination wheels mounted-differently with respect to the padlock body so that the dimensions of the padlock may be changed and the sides remain flat and smooth for other uses. Moreover, if the combination wheels could be mounted in another position, such as the lower part of the padlock, then it is possible to have a different type of hasp and arrangement for locking and unlocking the padlock.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an improved combination padlock with respect to the location of the combination indicia or number wheels and the locking an unlocking of the hasp.- r

In the present invention-the rotatable number units are provided on the bottom of the padlock and includes slots cooperable with an internally slidable'bolt that allows the hasp to be locked or unlockedn 1 Another provision of the present invention is a bolt mounted within a padlock and having projections allowing the bolt to slide when the projections enter into slots on correctly positioned number wheels so that the hasp can move to unlocked positions.

A further provision of the present invention is a padlock having mating shells within which a bolt having projections is slidable within correctly positioned number wheels for the unlocked position.

There is further provided in the present invention a combination padlock having number wheels with a plurality of internal slots therein corresponding in number to the indicia on the wheels, and one of said slots adapted to receive a projection of an internally sliding bolt for unlocking the padlock.

A still further provision of the present invention is a padlock having a plurality of number wheels mounted Another provision of the present invention is a pad lock having number wheels mounted with-their axes parallel and adjacent the bottom of enclosed mating shells with such wheels including slots engagable by projections on an internally sliding bolt for movement into the unlocked position.

A further provision of the present invention is a padlock having an internally sliding bolt with projecting hooks that are engagable by correctly positioned slots in corresponding number wheels for movement into the unlocked position.

A still further provision of the present invention is a padlock having number wheels of which part thereof include inclined surfaces for the indicia and the other part includes a plurality of slots of which one slot is sufficiently enlarged to receive a hook member carried by a sliding bolt within the padlock 50 that it will move into unlocked position.

Yet another provision of the present invention is a padlock having an internally sliding bolt of stepped configuration with a plurality of cylinder units extending inwardly from the bottom of the padlock and cooperable with the stepped configuration to move the padlock into unlocked position.

A further provision of the present invention is a padlock having an internally sliding bolt with stepped portions each of which is engagable with a correctly positioned slot in a corresponding cylindrical unit mounted to extend inwardly from the bottom of the lock with the cylindrical units rotatable into correct position for cooperation with the stepped portion to provide unlocking of the padlock.

In a first embodiment of the present invention the padlock is formed of mating shells with a hollow space formed therein to receive an internal bolt that is slidable against a biasing element. A hasp member is partly received within the shells and includes one end that is permanently in contact with one end of the bolt. The biasing of the bolt is provided in one direction by spring means, and includes an inclined surface that can form a locking engagement with a corresponding inclined surface on the one end of the hasp so that the padlock remains locked. The bolt includes alower projecting part on which a plurality of number wheels are mounted for rotation about a common axis. The number wheels include the usual indicia or numbers arranged around the outer periphery which may be an inclined surface and which extend partway out of the shells. The wheels also includeat least one internal slot selected to correspond with one of the numbers. The bolt includes a projecting part with spaced lugs mounted thereon corresponding in number to the wheels, and each lug is alignable with a respective internal slot in the wheel when the wheel is rotated into the correct combination. In this condition movement of the hasp towards its unlocked position allows the bolt to slide against the spring as the lugs move within the slots. If an internal slot of a wheel is not in its correct position in the combination, the lug will abut an external surface of the wheel and the bolt cannot slide so that the locking position of the hasp is maintained. A plurality of additional slots may be formed around the circular interior of the wheel corresponding to its indicia to allow partial entry of a respective lug to provide an indication of such number position but preventing complete entry of the lug to unlock the hasp.

A second embodiment of the present invention has the primary distinction in the positioning of the number wheels. The mating shells are the same as in the first embodiment except at the location where the number 3 wheels are mounted to extend partway therefrom. The number wheels in this embodiment have their axes parallelly spaced as the wheels are mounted along the bottom of the mating shells which include a hollow space for the reception of an internal bolt that is slidable against a spring bias. The hasp is formed inthe same manner as in the first embodiment including an inclined surface to form a locking relationship with the bolt. Hook-like members are formed on the bottom of the bolt with each individual hook alignable to be received in an individual slot of the respective wheel when it is positioned in the correct position of the combination. With such. correct positioning, movement to unlock the hasp will allow the bolt to be slid against the spring as the hooks are received in the slot so that the hasp can move to the unlocked position. The individual number wheels are mounted with stub shafts to rotate within the shells and include a first part that can be inclined for the indicia to appear thereon and a second part which includes an individual slot sufficiently deep to receive its respective hook. A plurality of additional slots of less depth can be formed around the inner periphery corresponding to the indicia to provide an indication of the position of the wheel without unlocking the hasp. At the end of each hook can be formed a small protuberance that will fit into the additional slots as the wheel is rotated. In this second embodiment the bolt has its main portion substantially filling the space between the mating shells at the upperpart thereof, and the lower portion is offset to include the hook-like members with the open space provided by the offset for receiving the number wheels. Since the second embodiment of the invention includes the number wheels with their axes spaced in parallel, it is seen that a thinner lock is provided as compared with the first embodiment.

In a third embodiment ofthe present invention a slidable bolt is again mounted between mating shells and has the same locking arrangement with a hasp. However, the lower portion of this sliding bolt has stepped portions, and cylindrical units are mounted along the bottom of the padlock with each cylindrical unit being of a different elongation to be in contact with a respective stepped portion. The sliding bolt is biased as in the earlier described embodiments to normally maintain the hasp in locked position. Each cylindrical unit has one end extending outwardly of the shells and includes a marker alignable with indicia on the shell surfaces. A slot is formed at the internal end of the cylindrical unit corresponding to the marker, and the slot is configured so that it can completely receive its respective stepped portion when it is' in the correct combination position.

This allows the bolt to be slid against the bias of the spring as the hasp is moved to the unlocked position. The cylindrical units can have a plurality of slots formed around the internal end, but such slots have insufficient depth'to fully receive a stepped portion so that they merely indicate theposition of the marker with respect to the various indicia. Each cylindrical unit includes a narrow portion extending through the abutting edges of the shellsfor holding such units in place and allowing rotation therein.

The nature of the present invention will become more clearly apparent and better understood from the following description and accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view with one body shell re- 7 FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 with the number wheels in section to show the operating parts of the padlock in unlocked condition;

FIG. 3 is an end view of the combination padlock;

FIG. 4 is a top view of one body shell;

FIG. 5 is an inside elevational view of the body shell of FIG. 4; I

FIG. 6- is a top view of the opposite body shell;

FIG. 7 is an inside elevational view of the body shell of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an elevational view of the internal bolt of the combination .padlock;

FIG. 9 is an end view of the bolt shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a front view'of a number wheel of the present invention shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line l1-ll of FIG. 10; f

FIG. 12 is an elevational view of the internal bolt showing a modification of the biasing means;

FIG. 13 is a second embodiment of the present invention in a diagrammatic view similar to FIG. 1 showing the combination padlock in locked condition;

FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 13 showing the combination padlock in unlocked condition;

. FIG. 15 is a top view of one body shell of the padlock shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is an inside elevational view of the body shell shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a top view of the opposite body shell of the padlock shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 18 is an inside elevational view of the body shell of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is an elevational view of the internal bolt of the padlock shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 20 is an end view of the bolt shown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a front view of anumber wheel of the padlock shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 22 is a sectional view of FIG. 21

FIG. 23 is a sectional view taken along lines 23-23 of FIG. .14;

FIG. 24 is an elevational view of a number wheel and the internal bolt with part thereof broken away showing a modification thereof;

FIG. 25 is afurther embodiment of the present invention in a diagrammatic view similarto FIG. 1 showing the combination padlock in locked condition;

FIG. 26 is a view similar to FIG. 25 showing the combination padlock in unlocked condition;

FIG. 27 is a top view of one body shell of the padlock shown in'FIG. 25;

FIG. 28 is an inside elevational view of the body shell shown in FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 isa top view of the opposite body shell of the padlock shown in FIG. 25;

taken along lines 2222 FIG. 30 is an inside elevational view'of the body shell shown in FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is an elevational view of the internal bolt of thepadlock shown in FIG. 25;

FIG. 32 is'an end view of the bolt shown in FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is a sectional view taken along lines 33-33 of FIG. 31;

FIG. 34 is a sectional view taken along lines 34-34 of FIG. 31;

FIG. 35 is an elevational view of one of the cylindrical units shown in FIG. 25;

FIG. 36 is a top view of the cylindrical unit shown in FIG. 35;

FIG. 37 is a bottom view of the cylindrical unit shown in FIG. 35; and

FIG. 38 is a bottom view of the padlock shown in FIG. 25.

It will be understood that the accompanying drawings are merely diagrammatic, and reference should be made to the following description for a more detailed explanation of the various modifications of the present invention. In FIGS. 1 and 2 a first embodiment of a combination padlock 50 of the present invention is shown in locked and unlocked condition, respectively. Padlock 50 comprises a body portion 52 and a yoke or hasp 54 that is slidable between the locked position of FIG. 1 and the unlocked position of FIG. 2. Body portion 52 comprises a pair of

mating shells

56 and 58, and in FIGS. 1 and 2 shell 58 has been removed so that the interior elements can be clearly seen.

Shells

56 and 58 are the same except for the fastening means to be described hereinafter. The body shells have a generally rectangular shape as shown in the drawings, but this is not a critical feature of the invention, and other configurations can be utilized as long as they include inner flat surfaces for the sliding elements to be explained hereinafter.

Each body shell includes a main portion around the periphery of which is an internally extending border portion. In shell 56 the main portion 60 is surrounded by the border portion 62, and in shell 58 the main portion 64 is surrounded by the border portion 66. When

shells

56 and 58 are mated as shown in FIG. 3,

border portions

62 and 66 abut and form a hollow space 70 therebetween. The fastening means for the mating shells comprise a plurality of projections or rivets 72 formed or mounted in the corners of shell 56 and a plurality of corresponding openings 74 formed in the corners of shell 58. The shells are mated together and the rivets 72 staked in the holes 74 for the fastening.

The top portion of each of mated

shells

56 and 58 include an opening on one side for one end 76 of hasp 54 to pass therethrough. This opening is formed with part in each body shell so that it is seen that half of a circular opening 78 is formed in shell 56 with a corresponding matching circular opening 80 formed in shell 58. Each

opening

78 and 80 includes part of a slot extending toward the center of the padlock along the center line thereof, with slot part 82 extending from opening 78 and slot part 84 extending from opening 80.

Hasp 54 has a circular cross-section and isbent in the form of a U with the one end 76 being longer and permanently mounted in a sliding manner within space 70. End 76 passes through the

opening

78,80, and as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, end 76 includes a projection 86 located to correspond with and slide through

slot

82,84. As seen in FIG. 1, when padlock 50 is in the locked position, projection 86 is located withinslot 82,84. However, when hasp 54 is moved to the unlocked position shown in FIG. 2, projection 86 extends above

shells

56 and 58, and if hasp 54 is rotated to a different angular position about end 76, hasp 54 cannot be moved downward into the locked position since projection 86 would then be stopped by the

top border

62 or 66.

I-Iasp 54 includes another end 88 which is received in a depression formed in the other side of the top of

borders

62 and 66. Part of the depression is formed in each body shell, and as seen in FIGS. 4 and 6 a semi-circular depression 90 is formed in shell 56 while a matching and corresponding semi-circular depression 92 is formed in shell 58. When the body shells are mated, a circular depression is thereby formed by

depression parts

90 and 92 to receive end 88 in the locked position as shown in FIG. 1.

End 76 of hasp 54 includes a termination part 94 that is enlarged with respect to the cross-sectional diameter of the upper part of the hasp and includes surface 96 that is inclined downwardly when considered with respect to projection 86.

Within hollow space 70 is mounted a bolt 100 of a size extending between the top and bottom surfaces of

borders

62 and 66 and adapted for longitudinal sliding movement between the side surfaces of the borders. Bolt 100 includes an upper section 102 having one end in contact with the one end of hasp 54 and having a cutback section including a surface 104 that has an inclination corresponding with inclined surface 96.

Surfaces

96 and 104 are seen to be in abutting relationship in the locked position of FIG. 1.

At the other end of section 102 a cut-out portion 106 is formed, and a coil spring 108 is seated therein toextend and abut against the side of

body shells

56 and 58 so as to create a bias forcing bolt 100 toward end 76.

Bolt 100 includes a lower section formed as a projecting part 110 that is attached to section 102 through connecting part 112 as shown in FIG. 8 so that a space 114 is formed between

sections

102 and 110. As seen in FIG. 9, section 102 is formed as a generally flat section with parallel sides to slide between

shells

56 and 58 while section 110 has -a circular configuration in order to receive number wheels to be rotatably positioned thereon as explained hereinafter. A plurality of projections 116 are formed on the part of the section 110 nearest section 102. The projections 116 are equally spaced from the lower surface borders 62 and 66 and in alignment with each other along a plane that passes through the intersection of the mating shells. In the embodiment disclosed, two projecting lugs 116 have been shown to correspond with the number wheels, but it is to be understood that the invention is not to be restricted to two projections 116 or two number wheels as more than two number wheels and projections 116 can be utilized in the present invention.

Number wheels 120 are mounted to freely rotate on circular section 110.:Wheels 120 would have a close fit on section 110 so that a predetermined force would be necessary to effect the rotation as is conventional in a combination padlock, and the wheels would remain in the position desired due to the close fit.

Cut-out sections 122 are formed in the lower part of

body shells

56 and 58 for receiving the major part of wheels 120 and restrain them from any longitudinal movement at the time that the bolt 100 and section 110 is moved. Accordingly, it is seen that part of wheels 120 extend beyond the padlock for visibility.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show a desired configuration for number wheels 120, and an outer periphery on one side designated the face has an inclined surface 124'on which indicia, such as numbers 1-8, are spaced as is conventionally known. Each number wheel 120 includes a bore 126 corresponding in size to the diameter of section 110. Spaced around central bore 126 and extending radially outwardly therefrom are a plurality of slots corresponding in number to the indicia. One slot 130 extends completely through number wheel 120, and the remaining slots 132 extend partway from the face of the wheel.

It is-to be noted that the projections 116 are of a size such that they can fit completely within slot 130 as shown in FIG. 2, thereby allowing bolt 100 to move to the extreme left as shown in FIG. 2 and allow the hasp 54 to move to the unlocked position. This is provided by rotating each wheel 120 so that its slot 130 is positioned to be in alignment with the respective projection 116. It is understood that each wheel would have its through slot 130 positioned opposite a different indicia number to provide a varying combination, and when this combination of numbers is correctly set as shown in FIG. 2, each of the projections 116 can then slide within its respective slot 130.

In operation, the padlock generally is in the locked position as shown in FIG. 1, and the wheel numbers are set on different indicia whereby through'slots 130 are not in alignment with projections 116. If an attempt is made to open the padlock by pulling up on hasp 54, inclined surface 96 transmits a force toward inclined surface 104 tending to force bolt 100 to the left as shown in FIG. 1. However, in the locked position the projections 116 abut against wheels 120 and are individually received within one of shallow slots 132. Accordingly, it is not possible for bolt 100 to slide any further to the left, and the inclined surface 104 prevents the upward movement of hasp 54 so that padlock 50 remains in the locked position. In-this position the wheels 120 can be rotated allowing projections 116 to click into each slot 132, and this will prevent tampering or the possibility of easily determining the combination. However, when the correct combination is set so that each through slot 130 is aligned with its corresponding projection 116, an upward pull on hasp 54 allows surface 96 to slide with respect to surface 104 since bolt 100 can now move to the unlocked position shown in FIG. 2 as the projections 116 slide completely within slots 130. In this unlocked position with enlarged end 94 moved upwardly as shown in FIG. 2, the side surface of enlarged end 94, which is parallel to the border 62, now abuts the upper end of bolt 100 presenting a similar parallel surface so that bolt 100 remains in the unlocked position since

inclined surfaces

96 and 104 no longer are engaged. In this unlocked position wheels 120 cannot be rotated because of the presence of'projections 116 within slots 130, and the combination padlock can be mounted for display and sold in this position since the proper combination is then available. for observation. As mentioned hereinabove, if hasp 54 is rotated in the unlocked position, it cannot then be moved downwardly to allow locking since projection 86 can only move downwardly through

slots

82,84 when end 88 is positioned to drop into

opening

90,92.

If the combination padlock is formed with three number wheels, it is understood that there would then be three corresponding projections 116 formed on section 110, but otherwise the construction of the padlock would be the same as shown in FIGS. 1-11. The use of three number wheels instead of two number wheels is 8 for the purpose of making a more complex combinatron.

FIG. 12 illustrates a modification of the biasing means for the bolt. In FIG. 12 a'bolt would be mounted in the padlock in the same position as the bolt shown in FIG. 1, and would include a first section 142 having an inclined surface 144 that would be in contact with a corresponding inclined surface on the hasp in locked position. Bolt 140 includes a lower section 146 on which projections 148 are mounted in the same manner as the projections shown in FIG. 8. The body shells would be formed substantially similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-7. However, along the side of the body shell indicated by numeral 150 a projecting part 152 is formed to provide an anchor for a spring 154. The spring 154 has one end 156 held under anchor.v 152 to be fixed thereon. The other end 158 of spring 154 is anchored in an opening 160 formed in bolt 140, and the center part of the spring is bent around a projection 162 mounted on bolt 140 to provide a constant bias tending to force bolt 140 to the right as shown in FIG. 12. I

The operation of bolt 140 is the same as the operation of bolt 100 described previously. Spring 154 causes the bolt to tend to be forced to the right maintaining a pressure on the hasp through inclined surface 144. If the number wheels are positioned so that projections 140 are aligned with through slots in the number wheels, then pulling on the hasp will force the projections 148 into the trough slots in the number wheels, and the bolt 140 will move to the left against the bias of spring 154 so that the hasp can be pulled out to the unlocked position.

FIGS. 1323 represent a second embodiment of the present invention wherein the number wheels have their axes in spaced parallel arrangement transverse to the body of the padlock, and the slidable bolt includes hook-like members engagable with corresponding slots in the number wheels to effect the unlocked position. As seen in FIGS. 13 and 14, padlock includes a body portion 172 which is formed from a pair of

mating shells

174 and 176 as clearly shown in FIGS. 15-18. The

shells

174 and 176 have generally the same shape, except as explained hereinafter, as the shells in the first embodiment, although it is to be understood that this rectangular shape as shown is not critical to the present invention, and other shapes can be used for the mating shells as long as internal flat surfaces are provided for sliding of a bolt as will be described. An internally projecting border 178 is formed around the inside periph-- cry of shell 174, and an internally projecting border 180 is formed around the inside periphery of shell 176 so that when the shells are fastened together, a hollow space 182 (see FIG. 23) is formed therebetween within which a sliding bolt 184 and one end of a hasp 186 are mounted. Hasp 186 is formed in the same shape as hasp 54 shown in the first embodiment and is positioned in body portion 172 so as to slide in a similar manner between locked and unlocked position. Accordingly, it is seen in FIGS. 13 and 14 that hasp 186 includes an enlarged end 188 that remains permanently within the padlock and has an inclined surface 190 on its upper portion as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. Hasp 186 includes its other end 192 that is removable from body portion 172 in the unlocked position. Hasp l86 further includes a projecting lug 194 that is located in the same position and performs the same function as projecting lug 86 in the first embodiment.

Shells

174 and 176 each include a semi-circular depression in the upper borders as in the first embodiment that forms a receiving depression for end 192 in the locked position. Semi-circular depression 196 is formed on one side of shell 174, and semi-circular de- A pression 198 is formed on a corresponding part of shell 176. At the other end of this same side of the mating shells as in the first embodiment are formed corresponding circular openings including slot portions to receive the other part of the hasp that includes projecting lug 194. In shell 174 opening 200 includes slot portion 202, and in shell 176 opening 204 includes slot portion206. The fastening means for the mating shells are the same as in the first embodiment and include projecting rivets 208 in shell 174 and corresponding receiving openings 210 in shell 176.

The configuration of bolt 184 is seen in FIGS. 19 and 20 and in cross-section in FIG. 23 and includes an upper portion 212 that substantially fills the crosssectional dimension of hollow space 182 and further includes a depending off-set portion 214 to which are appended hook-like elements 216. Although two hook elements are shown, there may be three or more hook elements provided in this embodiment of the present invention as long as the number of hook elements cor-, respond to the number of number wheels provided for the combination. Top portion 212 of bolt 184 has a similar configuration to the top portion of bolt 100 shown in the first embodiment in that it'includes acutout portion 216 on one side to receive a coil spring 218 that abuts the borders of the mating shells to exert a bias tending to force bolt 184 toward the end of the hasp having enlarged end 188. At the other end of bolt 184 opposite to cut-out portion 216 a cut-back section is formed with an inclined surface 220 that corresponds in inclination with surface 190 and is in abutment therewith when the padlock is inthe locked condition as shown in FIG. 13. FIGS. 19 and 20 clearly show these portions of bolt 184, and it is to be appreciated that the surface shown as the top thereof is flat as in the first embodiment so as to slide in abutting relationship with the corresponding adjacent borders of the mating shells while the outermost surfaces of hooks 216 are flat to slide along the opposing borders of the mating shells.

A plurality of number wheels 222 are provided, and in the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1323 two wheels are shown although the invention is not to be considered so limited since three or more number wheels can be utilized to provide a more complex combination. Wheels 222 are constructed differently from wheels 120 shown in the first embodiment, particularly as to the slot that receives the hook element 216. As most clearly shown in FIGS. 21-23 .each wheel 222 includes a large diameter portion 224 having-a flat outer surface 225 and an inner surface extending radially outwardly from its outer periphery down to a smaller diameter portion 226 to form an inclined face 227 on which the indicia numbers are provided. A pair of depressions 230 are located within the mating shells adjacent the lower borders, respectively, to mount each number wheel. As shown in FIGS. 16, 18 and 23, depressions 230 are circularly shaped and sized to accommodate in rotative engagement a pair of stub shafts 228 formed on the extended axis of each number wheel.

When the wheels 222 are mounted therein, a portion of the wheels will extend outside of body 172 for viewing of the combination numbers as they are rotated. It is understood that the mounting is of a tight fit so that the wheels rotate only when a turning pressure is applied, and they remain in the position set.

A plurality of radially located slots are formed around the periphery of wheel portion 226 extending axially inwardly from the end surface thereof and corresponding respectively to individual indicia formed on sur'face 227. The radial slots comprise one slot 232 that extends completely along the periphery of wheel portion 226 up to the inclined surface 227 so as to have a length sufficient to completely receive therein a respective hook element 216 when correctly positioned. The remaining radially located slots are shown as slots 234 and extend partially into portion 226 so that they will receive only part of a respective hook element 216 when aligned therewith. It is understood that rotation of wheel 222 will continually allow one of the radial slots to be positioned opposite a hook element 216, and when opening pressure is put on hasp 186 so that inclined surface is forced against inclined surface 220, the hook 216 will sequentially enter each radial slot but will only beable to pass completely within slot 232. The partial positioning within one of slots 234 will maintain bolt 184 in the locked position so that hasp 186 cannot be removed from body portion 172. It will also be appreciated that a click will take place every time hook element 216 slides into one of slots 234 or into slot 232. Accordingly, rotating number wheel 222 will give no indication as to which of the slots is the correct position for opening the padlock unless the proper combination is known.

The operation of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13-23 is the same as the operation of the first embodiment. In the locked position when hook elements 216 are not in alignment with the corresponding slots 232, the bolt is forced to the right by spring 218 as shown in FIG. 13, and an opening force applied on hasp 186 will not allow end 188 to move upwardly since bolt 184 cannot move towards spring 218. However, when the wheels 222 are set so that slots 232 are aligned with the respective hook elements 216, then bolt 184 is movable to the position shown in FIG. 14 as hasp 186 can then be pulled upwardly with respect to body portion 172. When bolt 184 moves to the left as shown in FIG. 14, inclined surface 190 can slide past surface 220 so that hasp end 192 moves out of depression 196 and the padlock is open. Projecting lug 194 has thereby moved out of slot 202,206, and it is to be noted that if the hasp 186 is now rotated about end 188, then it cannot be moved back into the locked position since lug 194 will be out of alignment with slot 202,206. This is to prevent the hasp being moved into the locked position when end 192 is out of alignment with depression 196. It is to be understood that in the unlocked position wheels 222 will remain in the settingof the correct combination since hook elements 216 are located within slots 232. In this position the padlock can be maintained and sold, such as on a blister display sheet so that the correct combination is therefore available to the purchaser.

Both of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-12 and FIGS. 13-23 are intended for combination padlocks of a small size, such as would be utilized for locking jewelry boxes, purses, drawer cabinets, small lockers or the like. With the embodiments described the padlocks 1 1 could be made quite small and of a size such that the padlock body itself could be on the order of about one inch in the longest dimension. The advantage of having the number wheels on the side of the body opposite to the hasp provides continuous flat sides on the padlock on which decorative designs or panels can be placed. For example, if the padlock of the present invention is used in conjunction with an object having decorative elements, such as hinges, then the same decorative design could also appear on the padlock to give a matching set of related elements. Such design could extend -to a door in which the same design appears on the hinges, the knob element and the padlock associated therewith.

A further embodiment of the hook element is shown in FIG. 24. In this embodiment a hook element 216' has a protuberance 240 located on the tip thereof projecting toward a number wheel 222. Wheel 222' has a single extended slot 232 for completely receiving the hook element 216' when the wheel is placed in the correct position. The difference in the FIG. 24 embodiment is that the radially located remaining slots are of a smaller size, sufficient only to receive the proturberance 240. Such smaller slots are shown as radially spaced slots 242 located opposite a respective indicia to perform the same function as previously described. As wheel 222 is rotated and each slot'222 comes into alignment with the end of hook element 216, protuberance 240 will click into a respective slot. However, only slot 232 will completely receive the hook element 216 to allow the bolt to move to the unlocked position. The advantage of the FIG. 24 embodiment is that smaller slots can be formed in the number wheel as compared with the previously described embodiments.

A third embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 25-38 wherein cylindrical units are utilized in the padlock instead of the number wheels illustrated in the earlier described embodiment. In FIGS. 25 and 26 a padlock 300 is seen to comprise a body portion 302 which is formed from

mating shells

306 and 308 as most clearly shown in FIGS. 2730. The

shells

306 and 308 have generally the same shape, except as explained hereinafter, as the shells in the earlier described embodiments. An internally projecting border 310 is formed around the inside periphery of shell 306, and an internally projecting border 312 is formed around the inside periphery of shell 308 so that when the shells are fastened together, a hollow space 314 is formed therebetween within which a sliding bolt 316 and one end of a hasp 318 are located. Hasp 318 is formed in the same shape as the hasp in the earlier embodiments and is positioned in body 302 so as to slide in a similar manner between locked and unlocked position. Hasp 318 includes an enlarged end 320 that remains permanently within padlock 300 and has an inclined surface 322 on its upper portion as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26. Hasp 318 includes its other end 324 which is removable from body portion 302 in the unlocked position. A project-' ing lug 326 is located on hasp 318 adjacent enlarged end 320 to perform the same function as described in the earlier embodiment.

Shells

306 and 308 each include a semi-circular depression in the upper'parts of

borders

310 and 312, respectively, as described in the earlier embodiments so as to form a receiving depression for end 324 in the 1 locked position. Semi-circular depression 328 is of the upper borders are formed corresponding circular openings including slot portions to receive the part of the hasp that includes projecting lug 326. In shell 306 the circular opening 332-is provided and includes slot portion 334, and in shell 308 the circular opening 336 is provided and includes slot portion 338. The fastening means for the mating shells are the same as in the earlier embodiments and includes projecting rivets 340 formed in shell 306 and corresponding receiving openings 342 formed in shell 308.

The configuration of sliding bolt 316 is seen most clearly in FIGS. 31-34 and includes an upper section 344 that substantially fills the narrow transverse dimension of hollow space 314 and further includes a lower section 346 having a novel configuration to be described hereinafter. Upper portion 344 has a similar configuration to the upper portion of the sliding bolts of the earlier described embodiments in that it includes a cut-out portion 348 for receiving a coil spring 350 which abuts the side surfaces of

borders

310 and 312 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 so as to exert a bias tending to force bolt 316 toward the end of the hasp having en larged end 320. At the other end of bolt 316 opposite to cut-out portion 348 is formed a cut-back section with an inclined surface 352 that corresponds in inclination with surface 322 and is in abutment therewith when padlock 300 is in the locked condition as shown in FIG. 25. As shown in the drawings and particularly in FIGS. 25, 26 and 31 from inclined surface 352 a side 354 extends vertically for a distance and then projects outwardly so that lower portion 346 has a lower projection 356. Portion 356 is then connected with the other end of bolt 316 by a plurality of stepped

portions

358 and 360. The number of steps determine how many numbers will be in the combination, and although only two steps are shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 25-38, it is to be understood that more than two steps can be utilized for a more complex combination by merely increasing the number of steps and the corresponding cylindrical units, which will be described hereinafter.

Each

step

358 and 360 includes a respective step projection of .smaller transverse dimension that is located so as to extend in a plane passing through the center of space 314, and FIGS. 33 and 34 particularly show the relative dimensions and location of the step projections. Step 358 includes a step projection 362, and step 360 includes a step projection 364.

A plurality of cylindrical units are provided corresponding in number 'to the steps of the sliding bolt. Each cylindrical unit is elongated in shape with the main part of the unit located in space 314 adjacent to and cooperating with one of the steps of the bolt, and part of each cylindrical unit extends outwardly from the mating shells for a determination of the combinationnumber as will be described. Due to the stepped configuration of bolt 316, step 358 is spaced farther than step 360 from the lower surfaces of borders 310,312, as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26. Accordingly, each cylindrical unit has a different elongation so that it can cooperate with its respective step and yet extend outside of the padlock for the same distance. A first cylindrical unit 370 is located to be cooperative with step 358, and a second cylindrical unit 372 is located to cooperate with step 360. Although the cylindrical units differ in elongation, they are alike in the part that extends outside of padlock body 302 and the portion that is located to be rotatable within borders 310,312. This particular configuration of the lower part of each cylindrical unit is most clearly shown in FIGS. 35-37 which is an enlargement of cylindrical unit 372. The cylindrical unit is seen to include a narrowed or necked-down portion 374 which is mounted to rotate in a correspondingly shaped opening 376 in the lower part of borders 310,312. The'narrowed or pinched section 374 maintains each cylindrical unit in palce within body v 302 while the rotation takes place. It is desirable that a close fit be formed between portion 374 and opening 376 so that a predetermined amount of force is needed to rotate each cylindrical unit from its set position. Portion 378 of the cylindrical unit is the part that extends outwardly of body 302 and terminates in a flat surface 380 of circular configuration. On surface 380 is located a marker 382 which may be in the form of an arrow as shown in FIG. 37, but may be any other type of indicia marking such as a line or dot for indicating a number in the combination.

The upper partof each cylindrical unit includes a plurality of slots equally spaced around the periphery. As shown in FIG. 36, one slot 384 has a depth and a longitudinal dimension sufficient to accommodate in its entirety a corresponding step projection. The remaining slots 386 have the same longitudinal dimension for receiving a step projection, but they have less depth so that a step projection can only extend partway therein. Accordingly, it is to be appreciated that as

cylindrical unit

370 or 372 is rotated, the different slots move into position to receive

step projections

362 and 364, respectively. If the deep slot 384 is positioned adjacent step projection 364 and the corresponding deep slot of cylindrical unit 370 is positioned adjacent step projection 362, the step projections are completely received in the deep slots as shown in FIG. 26, and hasp 318 can be pulled into the unlocked position as bolt 316 moves to the left. If one or both of the

steps

362 or 364 is aligned with a shallow slot 386, then bolt 316 can move only partway to the left as shown in the drawings, and the enlarged portion 320 cannot clear the bolt in order to move to the unlocked position. As an aid for rotating each cylindrical unit, end 378 may have a knurled portion 388.

FIG. 38 shows the relationship of the indicia numbers with markers 382 on the cylindrical units. Indicia numbers 390 are formed on the bottom of

shells

306 and 308 to be equally spaced adjacent the periphery of

cylindrical units

370 and 372. As shown in FIGS. 38, indicia numbers 390 may comprise the numerals 1 through 6, but this is to be considered merely illustrative since other indicators can be used such as additional or less numerals or other symbols as long as a plurality are provided so that a combination can be arranged. The markers382 are seen to be rotatable to be positioned opposite the various indicia, and each marker 382 is located on surface 380 such that when it is positioned opposite the correct predetermined number, deep slot 384 will then be in alignment with its corresponding step projection.

The operation of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 25-38 will now be described; In the locked position shown in FIG. 25, all of deep slots 384 are not in alignl4 ment with step projections 362 there by spring 350 with the abutment of

surfaces

322 and 352. In the locked position an upward opening force applied to hasp 318 will not allow enlarged end 320 to move upwardly, since bolt 316 cannot move sufficiently to the left to eliminate the abutment of

surfaces

322 and 352, and accordingly padlock 300 remains in the locked position. I

Each cylindrical unit can be rotated by means of projecting ends 378, and as each

slot

384 or 386 comes into alignment with a step projection, there will be a click as the projection moves into the slot. The provision of slots 386 provides a security feature in that the click will be the same for any slot so that it cannot be appreciated when the right slot is in alignment unless the indicia combination is known. When the markers 382 are positioned opposite the correct indicia numbers so that each deep slot 384 is positioned in alignment with its respective step projection, an upward force applied to hasp 318 will thereby force bolt 316 completely to the left as shown in FIG. 26 so that the enlarged end 316 can move upwardly to the unlocked position. Lug326 is now in its exposed position, and if hasp 318 is rotated so that lug 326 is no longer in alignment with slot 334,338, then hasp 318 cannot be moved back intothe locked position, and this will prevent the .hasp being locked when end 324 is out of alignment with depression 328,330.

It is to be understood that in the unlocked position shown in FIG. 26,

step projections

362 and 364 remain within slots 384 due to the abutment of bolt 316 against enlarged end 320. In this position the padlock can be maintained and sold, so that the purchaser has the correct combination indicated to him.

The rotation of

cylindrical units

370 and 372 can be performed otherwise than as described hereinabove.

' For example, the ends of the cylindrical units remote cial tool supplied to the purchaser.

It will be understood that other changes and modifications may be made by those skilled in the art in the particular features of the various embodiments which have been described above for illustrative purposes without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A combination padlock comprising a pair of mating body shells whose sides form the body of the padlock and provide a hollow space therein;

a movable bolt having sides located in said hollow space, said bolt being biased in one direction;

a hasp member having one end permanently located in said hollow space in contact with said bolt, a central U-shaped portion, and further having the other end positionable within said shells in a locked position and being removable from said shells to an unlocked position;

said bolt including a projecting part spaced from said ends of said hasp;

means located on said projecting part;

a plurality of spaced number wheels mounted to rotate within said hollow space and extend partway out of said shells;

projecting part means to allow said bolt to move in a direction opposing its bias to allow said has'p to move from locked to unlocked position; I each said shell having a generally rectangular shape with an internally extending border of predetermined width formed along its four sides, one side ,of each said mating shells including anend part having an opening for said one end of said hasp to pass therethrough and further including an opposite end part having a depression to receive the other endof said hasp in locked position, the opposing side of each said shell including a plurality of cut-out portions corresponding innumber to i '2. A combination padlock comprising a pair of mating body shells whose sidesform the body of the'padlock and provide a hollow space therein; 1

a movable bolt having sides located in said'hollow v space,.said bolt being biased in one direction;

' l a haspmember having one endpermanently located insaid hollow space in contact with said bolt, a central U-shaped portion, and further having the other endpositionable within saidshells ina locked position and being removable from said shells to an unlocked position; a said bolt including a projecting part spaced from said ends of said hasp; 1 means located on said projecting part; a plurality of spaced number wheels mounted to rotate within said hollow spaceand extendpartway out of said shells; l said wheels including means cooperable with said projecting part means to allow said bolt to move in a direction opposing its bias to allow said hasp to move from locked to unlocked position, each shell having a generally rectangular shape with an internally'extending border of predetermined,

width formed along its four sides, one side of each of said mating shells including an end parthaving an opening for said one end of said hasp to pass therethrough and further including an opposite end part having. a depression to receive the other side of said hasp in locked position, the opposing side of each said shell including corresponding pairs of depressions that correspond to said wheels,

each said wheel having a pair of stub shafts projecting respectively along its axis from each sidethereof for mounting in said pairs of depressions respectively, whereby the taxes of adjacent wheels lie in parallel spaced planes.

3. A combination padlock'comprising a pair of mating body .shells 'whose'sides form the body of the padlock and providea hollow space therein; a l a movable bolt having sides located in said hollow space, said bolt being biased in one direction;

a hasp member havingone end permanently located" in said hollow space in contact with said bolt, a

v 16 v central U-shaped portion, and further having the other end positionable within said shells in a locked position and being removable from said shells to an unlockedposition; i a

said bolt including a projecting part spaced from said ends of said hasp;

means located on said projecting part;

a plurality of spaced number wheels mounted to rotate within said hollow space and extend partway out of said shells; v 1

' said wheels including means'cooperable with said projecting part means to allow said .bolt tomove in a direction opposing its bias to allow said hasp to move from locked to unlocked position, each shell having a generally rectangular shape with an internally extending border of predetermined width formed along itsfour sides one side of each of said mating shells including an end part having 1 an opening for said'one end of said hasp to pass therethrough and further including an opposite end part having a depression to receive the other side of said hasp in locked position,"the opposing side of each said shell incudi'ng correspondingpairs of depressions that correspond to said wheels,

said bolt projecting part means comprising a plurality 'of hook-like elements depending therefromand corresponding in number with said number wheels,

, said elements positioned out of contact with said wheels when said bolt is in its locked position, and said elements adapted toslide withinrespective wheels. to provide the unlocked position.

A padlock according to claim 3 in whicheach number wheel includes a plurality of indiciaequally spaced around its periphery, said number wheel coopera'ting means comprises aplurality of slots formed in the surface of an inner part of each wheel, said slots corresponding'in number to saidindicia with each slot respectively located adjacenttone of said indicia, one of .said slots-projecting deeper into its said respective said, hook-like elements comprises an extending part of predetermined size so as to be completely received within said one slot in a close fit, said extending part having a protuberance on the end thereof, and said other slots being smaller in width than said one slot so as to selectively receive only said protuberance therein.

7. A combination lock, comprising a body member defining a hollow space having first and second parallel opposed sides,

a first aperture in said one side,

a U-shaped hasp having one end extending through said first aperture,,said one end being enlarged and having an inclined surface;

a bolt in said space and having a first edge slidably engaging said first side of said space,

means resiliently urging said bolt to slide in a first direction along said first side of said space toward said one end of said hasp,

said bolt having an inclined surface engaging the inclined surface of said hasp,

said second side of said space being apertured,

a plurality of number wheels rotatably mounted in said space and having indicia carrying portions extending through said second side in spaced-apart relation to permit manual rotation thereof, each of said wheels having a notch thatis angularly displaceable upon rotation of the respective wheel,

and projection means on said 'bolt positioned to engage said notches at predetermined angular displacements thereof,

whereby when said notches are positioned at said predetermined angular displacements, outward directed force upon said hasp affects the displacement of said projection means into said notches due to the engagement between the inclined surfaces of said bolt and hasp to permit outward displacement of said hasp, and at other angular displacements of said notches displacement of said bolt is inhibited to prevent outward displacement of said bolt.

8. The combination padlock of claim 7 wherein said number wheels are rotatably mounted on separate axes which extend in a plane parallel to the plane of said second side of said space and extending normal to said first direction, said projection means comprising hook shaped projections on the edge of said bolt opposite said first edge.

9. The combination padlock of claim 8 wherein said hook shaped projections are positioned to slidably engage said second side of said space.

10. The combination lock of claim 7 wherein said number wheels are rotatably mounted on separate parallel axes which extend in a plane parallel to said second side and normal to said direction of movement of said bolt, said number wheels having first end portions carrying indicia and second end portions of a diameter smaller than said first end portions, said notches being radially extending notches positioned in said second end portions of said number wheels, said first end portions extending through the apertures in said second side of said body member.

11. The combination lock of claim 8 in which said body member has parallel first and back sides extending between said first and second sides, said bolt being positioned in said hollow space to slidably engage said front and back sides, said projection means being positioned to slidably engage said second side of said space adjacent said second end portions of said number wheels.

12. The combination lock of claim 11 wherein said projection means are positioned to slidably engage one of said front and back sides and are spaced from the other of said front and back sides, said first end portions of said number wheels extending between said projection means and said other of said front and back sides.

13. The combination lock of claim 7 wherein said inclined surface of said hasp inclines inwardly from said one end of said hasp.

14. The combination lock of claim 13 wherein said bolt has a recess on the end thereof toward said first direction, said inclined surface of said bolt defining in part said recess of said bolt.

Claims

1. A combination padlock comprising a pair of mating body shells whose sides form the body of the padlock and provide a hollow space therein; a movable bolt having sides located in said hollow space, said bolt being biased in one direction; a hasp member having one end permanently located in said hollow space in contact with said bolt, a central U-shaped portion, and further having the other end positionable within said shells in a locked position and being removable from said shells to an unlocked position; said bolt including a projecting part spaced from said ends of said hasp; means located on said projecting part; a plurality of spaced number wheels mounted to rotate within said hollow space and extend partway out of said shells; said wheels including means cooperable with said projecting part means to allow said bolt to move in a direction opposing its bias to allow said hasp to move from locked to unlocked position; each said shell having a generally rectangular shape with an internally extending border of predetermined width formed along its four sides, one side of each said mating shells including an end part having an opening for said one end of said hasp to pass therethrough and further including an opposite end part having a depression to receive the other end of said hasp in locked position, the opposing side of each said shell including a plurality of cut-out portions corresponding in number to said number wheels to receive said wheels in operative position, and further comprising a projecting lug on said hasp between said central portion and said one end, and a corresponding slot in said one side of each said mating shell in communication with said opening therein allowing said lug to slide therethrough when said other end of said hasp is aligned with said depression.

2. A combination padlock comprising a pair of mating body shells whose sides form the body of the padlock and provide a hollow space therein; a movable bolt having sides located in said hollow space, said bolt being biased in one direction; a hasp member having one end permanently located in said hollow space in contact with said bolt, a central U-shaped portion, and further having the other end positionable within said shells in a locked position and being removable from said shells to an unlocked position; said bolt including a projecting part spaced from said ends of said hasp; means located on said projecting part; a plurality of spaced number wheels mounted to rotate within said hollow space and extend partway out of said shells; said wheels including means cooperable with said projecting part means to allow said bolt to move in a direction opposing its bias to allow said hasp to move from locked to unlocked position, each shell having a generally rectangular shape with an internally extending border of predetermined width formed along its four sides, one side of each of said mating shells including an end part having an opening for said one end of said hasp to pass therethrough and further including an opposite end part having a depression to receive the other side of said hasp in locked position, the opposing side of each said shell including corresponding pairs of depressions that correspond to said wheels, each said wheel having a pair of stub shafts projecting respectively along its axis from each side thereof for mounting in said pairs of depressions respectively, whereby the axes of adjacent wheels lie in parallel spaced planes.

3. A combination padlock comprising a pair of mating body shells whose sides form the body of the padlock and provide a hollow space therein; a movable bolt having sides located in said hollow space, said bolt being biased in one direction; a hasp member havinG one end permanently located in said hollow space in contact with said bolt, a central U-shaped portion, and further having the other end positionable within said shells in a locked position and being removable from said shells to an unlocked position; said bolt including a projecting part spaced from said ends of said hasp; means located on said projecting part; a plurality of spaced number wheels mounted to rotate within said hollow space and extend partway out of said shells; said wheels including means cooperable with said projecting part means to allow said bolt to move in a direction opposing its bias to allow said hasp to move from locked to unlocked position, each shell having a generally rectangular shape with an internally extending border of predetermined width formed along its four sides one side of each of said mating shells including an end part having an opening for said one end of said hasp to pass therethrough and further including an opposite end part having a depression to receive the other side of said hasp in locked position, the opposing side of each said shell incuding corresponding pairs of depressions that correspond to said wheels, said bolt projecting part means comprising a plurality of hook-like elements depending therefrom and corresponding in number with said number wheels, said elements positioned out of contact with said wheels when said bolt is in its locked position, and said elements adapted to slide within respective wheels to provide the unlocked position.

4. A padlock according to claim 3 in which each number wheel includes a plurality of indicia equally spaced around its periphery, said number wheel cooperating means comprises a plurality of slots formed in the surface of an inner part of each wheel, said slots corresponding in number to said indicia with each slot respectively located adjacent one of said indicia, one of said slots projecting deeper into its said respective wheel than any of said other slots of said wheel, and said one slot adapted to receive a respective hook-like member therein in its entirety to allow the hasp to move to unlocked position.

5. A padlock according to claim 4 in which each said number wheel includes a portion inclined to its rotating axis, and said indicia comprise numbers formed on said inclined portion.

6. A padlock according to claim 4 in which each of said hook-like elements comprises an extending part of predetermined size so as to be completely received within said one slot in a close fit, said extending part having a protuberance on the end thereof, and said other slots being smaller in width than said one slot so as to selectively receive only said protuberance therein.

7. A combination lock, comprising a body member defining a hollow space having first and second parallel opposed sides, a first aperture in said one side, a U-shaped hasp having one end extending through said first aperture, said one end being enlarged and having an inclined surface; a bolt in said space and having a first edge slidably engaging said first side of said space, means resiliently urging said bolt to slide in a first direction along said first side of said space toward said one end of said hasp, said bolt having an inclined surface engaging the inclined surface of said hasp, said second side of said space being apertured, a plurality of number wheels rotatably mounted in said space and having indicia carrying portions extending through said second side in spaced-apart relation to permit manual rotation thereof, each of said wheels having a notch that is angularly displaceable upon rotation of the respective wheel, and projection means on said bolt positioned to engage said notches at predetermined angular displacements thereof, whereby when said notches are positioned at said predetermined angular displacements, outward directed force upon said hasp affects the displacement of said projection means into said notches due to the engagement between the inclined surfaces of said bolt and hasp to permit outward displacement of said hasp, and at other angular displacements of said notches displacement of said bolt is inhibited to prevent outward displacement of said bolt.