US2933915A - Flexible shackle lock - Google Patents

Description

April 26, 1960 E. E. GOSSNER FLEXIBLE SHACKLE LOCK 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Sept. 22, 1958 z mgm ham ATTORNEYS A ril 26, 1960 E. E. GOSSNER 2,933,915

FLEXIBLE SHACKLE LOCK Filed Sept. 22, 1958 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. LOUIS E.E. Gossrcer ATTORNEYS in Figs. 6-l2, inclusive.

2,933,915 7 FLEXIBLE SHACKLE LOCK LouisEl-nest Elwin Gossner, SononiaiCalif. Application September 22, 1958, Serial No. 763,775 9 Claims. c 70-49) i This invention relates to an improved flexible shackle lock in which the length of the flexible shackle may be adjusted at will by the operator prior to positively locking the extremities thereof within the casing of the lock.

This application is a continuation-in-part of my prior application, Serial No. 554,435, filed September 21, 1955 and now abandoned. v

The improved lock is so designed that the flexible shackle is wound upon a rotatable hub or spool within the casing and may be unwound therefrom freely whenthe lock core tumblers are retracted and disengaged from the containing housing structure by insertion of the key into the keyhole in the lock core.

Iii-one embodiment of the invention a slotted head is provided at the outer extremity of the flexible shackle and seats within a receiving slot in the wall of the casing, the "rotatable spool-latch plate being provided with quadrantly arranged upstanding stop segments to close the slotted receptor in the casingwhen the slotted extremity of the shackle is fitted therewithin and the spool-latch plate is locked in positionby' the tumblers of the lock core upon removal of the key .from the lock core.

In this embodiment a cylindrical lock core is provided rotatably mounted within a cylindrical lock core housing permanently. afiixed within the interior of the casing. The :lock core housing is 'quadrantly slotted longitudinally of :its inner periphery which slots receive the aligned tumblers of the lock core where they are. moved outwardly by -:removal of the key from the lock core.

' "In this embodiment the inner extremity ofthe lockcore is permanently atfixed at the center of the hub of the rotatfing spool-latch plate of the lock structure so that the spoollatch plate may be freely rotated by the key inserted in the lock core, to take up or extend the flexible shackle which is wound thereupon at its inner extremity. When the key is removed from the lock core the lock core tumblers extend outwardly through the wall of the lock core and the lock core and spool-latch plate are locked in desired position by the seating of the lock core tumblers in one of the slots in the lock core housing. With the lock core tumblers withdrawn within the lock core by insertion of the key into the lock core the flexible shackle may be freely withdrawn through the casing, rotating the spool- .latch plate, to extend the flexible shackle to the desired length through the lock casing. The flexible shackle "cable may be taken up or extended by rotating the key,.the

lock core and the spool-latch plate, as desired.

Alternative embodiments of the invention are shown In these embodiments the lock core isshown provided with a single tumbler ortongne member retractable into the core by insertion of a key thereintoand fitting into one of a series of recesses disposed about the end periphery of the lock core housing to lock the spool-latch plate. Further, modified securing 1 means for the cable head within the lock casing are shown,

a modifiedspool-latch plate is shown and various friction means for the spool-latch plate are shown. Various alternativeshapes for the lock casing are also shown.

V assists Patented Apr. 26, 196 19 It is therefore anobject of this invention to evolve a new and improved flexible shackle lock structure in which the flexible shackle cable may be freely withdrawn through may be locked within the casing at any desired position to regulate the length of the flexible shackle extending outwardly through the casing.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a coordinated locking structure within the casing for locking both the inner and outer extremities of the flexible cable in desired position.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an improved and novel assembly for such a lock structure.

Other and further objects of this invention will become apparent as this specification proceeds.

Referring to the drawings,

Fig. 1 is a front elevation view of the improved lock structure, partially in phantom, taken from the keyhole face of the structure, with the slotted extremity of the shackle locked in position in the casing slot;

to open the casing slot;

Fig. 5 is an exploded view of the lock structure showing the various elements thereof in position for assembly; Fig. 6 is a partial, exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the lock with the casing partly broken away, showing a modified lock core and housing structure and a modified spool-latch plate in position for assembly over the lock core and lock core housing within the casing, the base plate not being shown;

ment of the invention shown in Fig. 6, fully assembled,

' Fig.7 is a vertical, cross-sectional view of the embodiwith the base plate in position and showing alternative locking means for the cable head and modified friction means for the spool-latch plate;

'Fig. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view, partially in cross section, of the casing, lock core and housing and spool-latch plate, showing alternative spring tension means between the lock core housing and the inner periphery of the spool-latch plate;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative configuration for the casing of thelock;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative configuration for the lock casing;

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a rectangular configuration for the lock casing; and

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of an alternative configuration for the casing.

In the drawings, Figs. 1-5, 6 indicates the outer shell or casing for the lock structure, 7 indicates the spool-latch plate structure rotatably fitting Within the housing 6 and provided with a central hub 8 about which the flexible cable shackle is wound. Hub 8 of latch plate 7 is cylindrical in shape and rotatably fits over cylindrical loclt core housing 16 centrally mounted in housing 6.

Lock core 11 is rotatably fitted Within lock core housing 10 of casing 6 and is provided at its inner extremity with paired studs 12 and 13 which are fitted through orificesj14 and 15 in the base of hub 8 and crimped there- Base plate 16 is shown provided with a central boss 17 within whichis fitted curved tension spring 18 which bears within boss 17 against the inner face 19 of hub 8 to closely and resiliently maintain the entire structure in operative condition.

When the entire structure has been assembled base plate 16 is inserted within the open rear face of casing 6 and the edges of casing 6 are then crimped over the peripheral edges of base plate 16 to maintain the lock structure in positively assembled condition.

Key 20 is provided, fitting within the keyhole in lock core 11, to retract the aligned tumblers 21 thereof, as will hereinafter be discussed at more length.

Referring to casing 6 of the lock structure, it is preferably formed of metal and is cylindrical in shape to provide a cup-like container or casing for the balance of the lock structure. Casing 6 is provided at its center face with a circular orifice 22 within which is appropriately fixedly mounted, as by crimping or brazing, cylindrical lock core housing 10. Lock core housing is preferably longitudinally slotted at its quadrants to provide locking slots 23, 24, 25 and 26 therewithin designed to receive the aligned tumblers or dogs 21 of lock core 11 when the key is removed therefrom to move the tumblers outwardly of lock core 11.

Casing 6 is provided at its outer surface, about orifice 22 with quadrant lines or indicia I, aligned with slots 23, 24, and 26 of lock core housing 10.

Casing 6 is provided in its lateral wall with a shackle orifice 26 which is appropriately lined with a grommet 27, through which the flexible shackle cable 9 extends outwardly through the wall of easing 6 from the hub 8 of spool-latch plate 7.

Adjacent orifice 26 casing 6 is slotted approximately halfway across its width to provide locking slot 28 for the reception of the slotted extremity of terminal head of flexible shackle 9. Locking slot 28 is preferably downwardly extended into a T-shaped lower slot 29 in the outer face of easing 6, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3, designed to receive the terminal cap of shackle head 30.

Shackle head 30 is preferably provided adjacent its outer extremity with an enlarged shoulder 31, the face of which is flattened, and is extended into a narrow neck 32 and then enlarged into an outer, flattened cap 33 designed to bear against the inner wall of casing 6 under slot 28, the flattened surface of shoulder 31 thereof bearing against the outer face of easing 6 over slot 28 thereof. Neck 32 of shackle boss 30 is preferably of slightly smaller width than slot 28 to freely and slidably engage therewithin.

Flattened housing piece 41 is provided within casing 6 beneath slots 28 and 29 and is appropriately soldered or brazed at its extremities therewithin to provide a snug reception for cap 33 of shackle head 30 when neck 32 thereof is inserted within slot 28.

As shown, lock core housing 10 in casing 6 extends inwardly therein to a distance approximately equal to two-thirds of the depth of easing 6 and lock core 11 extends therethrough to a distance equal to substantially the. i.

full depth of easing 6, its studded inner extremities 12 and 13 fitting through holes 14 and 15 .of hub 8 of spoollatch plate 7 and being crimped at their extremities thereover. Slots 23 and 25 of lock core housing 10 are vertically aligned with slots 28 and 29 in casing 6.

carries the usual central key orifice. It is provided with aligned retractable tumblers or dogs 21 issuing from its upper surface, as shown in Fig. 5, which are actuated inwardly or outwardly therein by insertion or removal of key 20. Lock core 11 is of conventional construction and 1s provlded about its outer extremity with a shoulder, as shown, which bears against the face of easing 6 outwardly of orifice 22. Lock core 11 fits closely and rotatably within lock core housing 10 and is so designed that removal of key 20 from its keyhole will extend aligned tumblers 21 to their outer, locking position outwardly of lock core 11.

Spool-latch plate 7 is preferably formed of metal and is of slightly smaller diameter than casing 6. It is pry 5 vided at its center with upstanding cylindrical hub 8 which is of larger diameter and height than lock core housing 10, whereby hub 8 is freely rotatable over lock core housing 10 within easing 6. As previously indicated, hub 8 is provided at its face 19 with spaced'holes 14 and 15 10 which receive studs 12 and 13, respectively, provided on the extremity of lock core 11 and which are crimped thereover. Spool-latch plate 7 is preferably flattened to bear against the inner surface of casing 6 and is provided about its periphery with four inwardly curved lock seg- 15 ments 34, 35, 36 and 37 which are arranged at the four quadrants of the flattened base plate of spool-latch plate 7 and which are curved upwardly at an angle of approximately 45 thereto to conform to the inner curvature of casing 6 at its peripheral line, as shown in Fig. 3.

As shown, lock segments 34, 35, 36 and 37 are preferably of a width slightly less than one-eighth of the circumference of spool-latch plate 7 and are separated by cut-out peripheral spaces of slightly greater width in the periphery of spool-latch plate 7.

Hub 8 is provided with a lateral orifice 39 designed to receive the inner extremity of flexible cable 9, which is inserted therethrough, a sleeve 40 being then applied over the extremity of cable 9 and crimped thereover to maintain the inner extremity of cable 9 fixedly in posi- 30 tion within hub orifice 39. As shown in Figs. 3; and 4, 'flexible cable 9 is preferably evenly wound about hub 8 of spool-latch plate ,7 to make it freely windable thereon. Curved tensionspring 18 is shown designed to fit over the. outer surface 19. of hub 8 within boss 17 of base plate 16 of the assembly to maintain the spool-latch plate :assembly 7 under tension in closer'rotative bearing condition over lock core housing 10 within casing 6. Base ;plate 16 is preferably of metal and is slightly concave and of a slightly smaller diameter than casing 6 to' permit 'its being crimped therewithin after the entire lock structure has been assembled. Base plate 16 is provided with central boss 17 of slightly greater diameter than hub 8 of spool-latch plate 7 and provides a terminal bearing surface, with tension spring 18 interposed, for the outer 'surface 19 of hub 8.

The manner of assembly of this embodiment of the f lock structureis as follows: with the flexible shackle 9 *afi'ix'ed at its inner extremity in orifice 39 of hub 8 of 'spool-latch plate 7 and with cable 9 wound about hub 8 to the desired length, the extremity of cable 9 is passed through orifice 26 of easing 6 and spool-latch plate 7 is then placed within casing 6, hub 8 thereof fitting over 'lock core housing 10 in rotative position thereover.. Lock 'core 11, with key 20 inserted and its aligned tumblers 21 thusin retracted position, is then inserted through lock -core housing 10 and studs '12 and 13 thereof are passed through holes-14 and 15 in the face 19 of hub 8 and the extremities of studs 12 and 13 are then crimped down- 'wardly about holes 14 and 15 to unite the extremity of lock core 11 and hub 8.

As paired studs 12 and 13 of lock core 11 are disposed i at 90 to the plane of tumblers 21'a'nd as holes 14 and 7 15 'of hub 8 are at 90 to lock segments 34 and 36 of Lock core 11 is preferably cylindrical in shape and spool-latch plate 7 and slots 23, 24, 25 and 26 are arfi'ranged quadrantly in lock core housing 10, with slots 23 and 25 lying in the vertical plane of locking slot2 8 in casing 6, when tumblers 21 of lock; core 11 seat in one of slots 23, 24, 25 and 26 of housing 10 one of locking seginents34, 35, 36 or 37 of spool-latch plate 7 will be dlisposed inwardly of the T-shaped lower extremity 29 of s ot 28.

Tension spring 18 is then placed against face 19 of hub 8 and end plate 16 is then placed in position over the assembly with boss 17 centered over tension spring 76 18 and face 19 of-hub 8. The peripheral edgesof 'the sesame v sernhly of the lock structure is complete, Slotted head 30 is then applied over the extremity of flexible shackle cable 9 and crimped thereover to provide the terminal slotted locking extremity therefor]. With the structure thus assembled and with key 20 in serted in lock core 11 and aligned tumblers'21 of lock core 11 retracted therewithin cable 9 may be freely Withdrawn outwardly of easing 6 through orifice 26 thereof, rotating spool-latch plate 7 within casing 6. Cable 9 may then be placed about the structure to be locked in position and the slotted extremity of shackle head 30 then is inserted into slots '28 and been turned until one of the open spaces between locking segments34, 35, 36 or 37 of latch plate 7 is aligned with slots 28 and 2.9 in casing 6. Key 20 is then turned to vertical or horizontal position in alignment with one of the quadrant lines I onthe face of easing 6, bringing one of the locking segments of latch plate 7 into position behind slot 29. The key is then-removed from the keyhole in lock core 11, tumblers 21 then seating in one of the slots 23, 24, 25 or 26 of lock core housing 10, looking spool-latch plate 7 in casing6, and the locking operation is complete.

To unlock the lock the reverse of this operation is fol- 29 in casing 6,-key 20 having may be varied as desired.

nectien between leek core at Referring to the embodimentof the invention disclosed in Figs. 6 and 7, these figures show a modified lock core and lock core housing, a modified spool-latch plate and friction means and modified securing means for the head of the cable within the casin i Thus, in Fig. 6, an alternative construction for the lock structure is shown in which the lock core housing 43 is, as in the embodiment shown in Figs. l-S, centrally mounted in casing 44. As shown, lock core housing 43 is permanently mounted over a central, circular orifice in casing 44 and extends inwardly thereinto to distance equal to about two-thirds of the depth of casing 44. Casing 44 is provided in its lateral wall 46 with cable orifice 47 and locking orifice 48-,forifice 47 being designed for lowed. Key 28 is inserted in the keyhole in lock core a 11, withdrawing tumblers 21 into lock core 11 and freeing-spool-latch plate 7. Key 23 is then turned some until the locking segment of spool-latch plate 7 is removed from behind slot- 29 and'the slotted head of cable 9 is then withdrawn from slots 28-and 29. In view of the fact that slots 23, 24, 25 and 26 are arranged at 90 or quadrantly about the inner periphery of lock core housing 10 the relative movement of spool-latch plate 7 and hub 8 thereof, prior to the locking operation, is relatively small. cable 9 on hub 8 it is merely necessary to turn key 20 in a clockwise direction. With key 2% in position in the keyhole of lock core 11' and with tumblers 21 thereof thus withdrawn cable may be freely pulled 01f rotating spool-latch plate 7 by hand, or may be removed therefrom by counterclockwise rotation of key 20. 1 In assembling the structure it will be noted that loclc ing segments 34, 35, 36 and 37 of spool-latch plate 7 are aligned with slots 23, 24, 25 and- 26 of the lock core housing 10 in suchfashion that when tumblers 21 of lockcore 11 seat in one of the slots 23,. 2-4, 25 or 26 of lock core housing 10 the appropriate locking segment 34,. 35, 36 or 37 of spool-latch plate 7 is in position over the T-shaped extremity 29 of slot 28- to lock cap 33 of head 3i) of cable 9 therewithin. Thus, in assembling the structure locking segments 34 and 36 of spool-latch plate 7 are aligned vertically with slots 23 and 25 of lock core housing 10 and lateral locking segments 35 and 37 of spool-latch plate '7 are aligned horizontally with slots 2-5 and 26 of lock core housing 10. The rectangular disposition of studs 12 and 13 in lock core 11 and the disposition of holes 14 and 15 in hub 8 assure that this proper alignment of locking segments and slots will be maintained,,as shown in Fig. 5. Thus, whenever tumblers 21 of lock core 11 seat in one of slots 23, 24, 25 or 26 one of the appropriateali ned locking segments 34, 35, 35 or 37 of spool-latch plate '7 will cover the T-shaped lower extremity 29 of slot 28 in casing 6. With the cap 33 of boss 30 thus locked within slot 29 insertion of key 20 in lock core 11 will withdraw tumblers 21 of lock core 11 and will free spool-latch plate 7 to permit'alignment of one of the cut-away portions, thereof with slot 29 to allow removal of cap 33 of l1ead.30 from slot 29 to free the extremity of cable 9. In this embodiment-lock core 11 may be modified as desired. Further, the number of slots in lock core hous- 10 may be, varied at willand the nature of the con- In order to wind up and rotatably fit within casing 44 against the passage of cable 9 to and from the spool of the spook latch plate and locking orifice 48 being designed to receive the tongue of the terminal head of cable 9 for locking purposes, as will hereinafter be discussed at more length. I

Lock core housing 43 is provided about its inner extremity with a series of recesses 49 which are preferably six in number, but which may be of any desired number. Lock core housing 43 is designed to rotatably receive lock core 5%, which is preferably cylindrical in shape and is provided at its outer extremity with an enlarged shoulder 51 closely and rotatably fitting against the outer surface of end wall 45 of casing 44. Lock core 50 may be of pin tumbler or of any other appropriate and well known type and is provided at its upper, inner extremity with a single tumbler or tongue 52. Lock core 50 is so constructed that upon the insertion of key 53 into the keyhole thereof tumbler 52 will be retracted into core 50. Tumbler 52, as shown, is of such dimensions as to closely fit within terminal recesses 49 of lock core housing 43, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7, when key 53 is removed from the central keyhole of lock cor-e 50. Tumbler 52 is so positioned in lock core 50 that it is aligned with recesses 49 of lock core housing 43 when lock core 50 is fully seated in housing 43. Lock core 5% preferably extends inwardly beyond the inner ext'remity of-lock core housing 43 and is provided at its inner extremity with a pair of deformable studs 53 and 54, for a purpose hereinafter to be discussed- Also illustrated in Fig. 6 is modified spool-latch plate 55, which is preferably circular at its base 56 to closely end wall 45 thereof. Spool-latch plate 55 is provided at'its center with a rectangularly disposed hollow spool member 57, which, as shown, may be octagonal in configuration and which is designed to rotatably fit over lock core housing 43 and lock core 50. Spool member 57, as shown, is preferably rectangular in outer configuration and provided with beveled or rounded corners 58 and is designed to receive cable 9 of the lock structure, which, as shown in Fig. 7, is preferably evenly wound thereupon. Spool 58 is preferably of a length slightly greater than look core 50 and slightly less than the depth of casing 44. At its apex 59, which is preferably flattened, spool 57 is provided with aligned holes 60 and 61 designed to receive, respectively, studs 53 and 54 of lock core 50, which studs after insertion through holes 60 and 61 are then crimped downwardly over the apex 59 of spool 57 to join lock core 50 and spool 57 as an integral unit, whereby spool-latch plate 55 and lock core 56 will rotate together upon insertion of key 53 into lock core 50 and rotation thereof.

Spool-latch plate 55 is provided about its outer-periph ery with a series of rectangularly and inwardly bent. looking projections 62, which are preferably evenly spaced about its periphery and extend'inwardly an a'ppreciahle distance, for a purpose hereinafter to be discussed .in more detail. Locking projections 62 are preferably six in number, toconform with the number of ,lockingrcr and spo'ohlatch plate hubs cesses 49'disposed' about the inner periphery of lock core housing 43. As shown, locking projections 62 are so disposed about the periphery of spool-latch plate 55 that when the spool-latch plate 55 is aflixed to the extremity of lock core 50by means of studs 53 and 54 a locking projection 62 will be aligned with each of the recesses 49 of the lock core housing. Further, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the top and bottom, or one and four, recesses 49 of the lock core housing are disposed in the same vertical plane as locking orifice 48 of casing 44. Thus, when tumbler 52 of lock core 50 is seated within one of the recesses 49 of lock core housing 43 an appropriate locking projection 62 will be aligned with and disposed inwardly of locking orifice 48 in casing 44 to register with the slot in the tongue of cable head 63 at the extremity of cable 9, as will be discussed more fully hereinafter.

The manner of assembly of this embodiment of the invention is identical with that illustrated in Figs. 1-5 of the drawings. Thus, to assemble the lock structure lock core 50 is first placed within lock core housing 43 With key 53 therein to hold tumbler 52 in retracted position within lock core 50. Spool-latch plate 55 is then inserted into casing 44 with spool 57 thereof closely and rotatably fitting over lock core housing 43 and lock core 50, studs 53 and 54, respectively, being passed through holes 60 and 61 in the apex of spool 57. Studs 53 and 54 are then crimped downwardly over apex 59 of spool 57 about holes 60 and 61 to closely join the extremity of lock core 50 and the apex of hub 57 of spool-latch plate 55. The inner extremity of cable 9 is then affixed to the surface of spool 57 in any desired fashion and the cable is wrapped thereabout in even coils, to any desired length. The extremity of cable 9 is then passed outwardly through orifice 47 in casing 44 and head 63 is then crimped or otherwise applied thereover. With the lock thus partially assembled, circular base plate 64 is inserted into the open rear extremity of casing 44, and the lateral edges of the open extremity of casing 44 are then crimped downwardly about the periphery of base plate 64, as shown in Fig. 7. Base plate 64 is preferably provided with a central boss 65 positioned over apex 59 of spool 57 and adapted, as shown in Fig. 7, to extend thereover. If desired, a rubber ring or grommet 66 or other friction means may be inserted between apex 59 of spool 57 and boss 65 of base plate 64 at the time of assembly to provide frictional contact therebetween and prevent backlash of spoollatch plate 55 when key 53 is inserted into lock core 50 to rotate the lock core 50 and spool-latch plate 55. Rubber grommet 66 or an analogous resilient frictional element acts as a substitute for spring 18 shown in the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Fig. of the drawings.

If desired, base plate 64 may be welded, brazed or otherwise affixed within the open extremity of casing 44.

Head 63 of cable 9 is provided at its center with a rectilinear circular shoulder 67 and at its inner extremity with a tongue portion 68 designed to fit closely within locking orifice 48 in casing 44 and to extend inwardly therethrough into casing 44. Tongue 68 is preferably provided, as shown, with a peripherally disposed slot 69 of such width as to closely receive one of the rectangularly bent locking projections 62 of spool-latch plate 55. As shown, slot 69 is of greater Width than locking projections 62 to prevent binding thereof in slot 69 upon rotation of the spool latch plate within casing 44. Further, locking projections 62 are slightly curved to conform to the peripheral curvature of the inner surface of casing 44, .which curvature eliminates binding of locking projections 62 within slot 69 of tongue 68.

An alternative embodiment of the friction means for .the spool-latch plate is shown in Fig. 8 of the drawings. In this embodiment of the invention the lock core and housing and the'spool-latch plate are similar to the structure. shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the friction means being provided to prevent slippage or backlash when the spoollatch plate 55 is rotated to extend or retract cable v9. In this figure the spool 57 is shown as cylindrical, although it may be hexagonal, as in Fig. 6, if desired. The friction means, as shown, comprises a flexible leaf spring 70 which is fixedly mounted at its extremity within a recess 71 in the outer wall of lock core housing 43. At its outer extremity 72 leaf spring 70 is preferably curved to conform to the inner peripheral curvature of spool 57 of spool-latch plate 55 and bears thereagainst to maintain spool-latch plate 55 against loose rotation over lock core housing 43. Curved spring 70 acts as a substitute for grommet 66 illustrated in Fig. 7 between the apex of spool 57 and boss 65 of base plate 64.

Anyother well known type of resilient friction means may be applied between lock core housing 43 and the inner periphery of hub 57 of the spool-latch plate, or, if desired, other types of frictional resilient means may be applied between the apex 59 of spool 57 and the inner surface of base plate 64 to prevent backlash and loose rotation of spool-latch plate 55 within casing 44.

This embodiment of the invention operates as follows: with key 53 inserted in the keyhole of lock core 50 and tumbler 52 retracted into core 50 spool-latch plate 55 is freely rotatable and cable 9 may be drawn outwardly through orifice 47 to any desired length. Conversely, by turning key 53 in a clockwise direction cable will be taken up on spool 57, as desired. When the cable is of the desired length, tongue 68 of cable head 63 is inserted through orifice 48 and key 53 may be further turned to register one of locking projections 62 of spool-latch plate 55 within slot 69 of tongue 68. If one of locking projections 62 is blocking orifice 48 key 53 is turned until orifice 48 is open and tongue 68 is then inserted therein. Key 53 is then turned until one of locking projections62 registers in slot 69 of tongue 68 of cable head 63. When the cable is of the desired length key 53 is removed from the lock core and tumbler 52 seats in one of recesses 49 in the lock core housing, thus locking the spool-latch plate 55 and the cable head 63 in the casing and making it impossible to withdraw cable 9. It may be necessary to turn key 53 back and forth slightly to register tumbler 52 with one of housing slots 49 prior to its withdrawal from the lock core. By partially withdrawing the key from the lock core and then turning it, tumbler 52 will immediately register in the closest slot 49.

Various alternative casing configurations are shown in Figs. 912, inclusive. Thus, in Fig. 9 a casing is shown which is roughly rectangular in shape with rounded corners, cable 9 issuing through orifice 73 in one of the rounded upper corners, tongue 68 of cable head 63 being inserted through locking orifice 48 in the opposite upper corner. In this embodiment of the invention, tongue 68 of cable head 63 must be of sufiicient length to register slot 69 thereof with the locking projections 62 of the spool-latch plate 55.

A similar embodiment is shown in Fig. 10 1n wh ch the overall configuration of the casing is rectangular with rectangularly beveled corners, the cable issumg from orifice 74 at one of the upper corners, tongue 68 of cable head 63 being inserted through locking orifice 48 in the opposite upper corner. Here again, tongue 68 must be of sufiicient length to allow registration of its slot 69 with locking projections 62 of the spool-latch plate.

A rectangular embodimeint of the lock is shown in Fig. 11, cable 9 issuing through an orifice 75 in the upper surface of the rectangular casing and tongue 68 of cable head 63 extending downwardly into the interior of the casing through the locking orifice 48, also positioned on the upper surface of the casing. Tongue 68 must be of sufiicient length to permit registration of slot 69 thereof with the locking projections 62 of the spool-latch plate.

Lastly, in "FigLlZ, there is illustrated an embodiment of the invention in 'which the casing is of figure eight configuration, the locking mechanism being disposed within the upperextremity, the cable issuing forth from orifice- 76 in the upper extremity of the casing and tongue 68 of head 63 being disposed inwardly into the casing through orifice 48 at the opposite side of the curved upper extremit'y thereof. a

In each of the foregoing embodiments of the-lock the locking and spool mechanism operate in precisely the same manner as that disclosed in Figs. 6 and 7 of the; drawmgs.

The foregoing embodiments of the invention are susceptible of numerous modifications without departing from the spirit thereof. Thus, the configuration and number of the locking projections disposed about the periphery of the spool-latch plate may be varied at will, as may the recesses in the lock core housing, Itwill be seen that the more recesses provided in the lock corehousing the more refined may be the adjustment of the length of the cable issuing from the casing and the more" readily this length may be adjusted.

As aforesaid, many different types of friction elements may be utilized between the lock core housing and the inner periphery of the spool-latch plate or between the apex of the spool and the base plate of the lock to prevent backlash and slippage.

- Many diiferent types of lock cores may be utilized without departing from the spirit of the invention. As aforesaid, the pin tumbler type of core may be utilized or any conventional lock core of the type in which thetumbler of the lock is retracted upon insertioniof the. key.

The configuration of the casing of the lock may be varied, as desired, as shown in Figs. 9-12, inclusive, the only proviso being that the length at tongue 680E head 63 of the cable be so adjusted in .each embodiment as to assure registration betweenlocking projections 62 of the spool-latch plate 55 and slot 69 of the tongue.

The size of the casing and spool-latch plate may be varied withiniwide limits to accommodate any length of cable desired and the lock may beas heavily constructed as is required for the particular usage to which it is to be put.

Mechanical equivalents may be substituted for the various elements of this combination without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Attention is directed to the appended claims for a limitation of the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

' 1'. In a flexible shackle look, a circular, cup-shaped casing, a cylindrical lock core housing centrally mounted within said casing provided with quadrantly disposed longitudinal slots in its inner periphery, a spool-latch plate closely and rotatably fitted within said casing against its inner end wall, a cylindrical hub centrally disposed of said spool-latch plate rotatably fitting over said lock core housing, quadrantly disposed locking projections on the periphery of said spool-latch plate normally aligned with'the'slots in said lock core housing and. extending to the peripheral edge of the end wall of said casing, a cylindrical lock core closely andzro'tatably fitted within said lock core housing and affixed at its inner extremity to the hub of said spool-latch plate to rotate therewith, a line of retractable dogs longitudinally'disposed in said lockv core selectively engageable. within one of said slots in said lock core housing when in outward position and adapted to be retracted into said lock core by a key, a cable wound on the hub of said spool-latch plate and passing through an orifice in the side wall of said cas ng, a slotted head at the extremity of said cable fitting within a slot in the side wall of said casing periodically covered by one of said locking projections, n base platefitted into said casing over the hub of said "spool-latch plate whereby rotationv of said loclccore will'rotate'fsald spool-latch plate and hub to adjust the lengthofisaid cable' outwardly of said casing and move-the locking'projections of said spool-latch plate over or .clear of said; slot in said casing.

lock core closely and rotatably fitted within said lock core housing and afiixed at its inner extremity to the hub of said spool-latch plate to rotate therewith, a line of retractable dogs longitudinally disposed in said lock core se lectively engageable within one of said slots in said-look core housing when in outward position and adapted to be retracted into said lock .core by a key, a cable wound on the hub of said spool-latch plate and passing through an orifice in the side wall of said casing, a slotted head at the extremity of said cable fitting within a slot in the side wall of said casing periodically covered by one of said locking projections, abase plate fitted into said casing over the hub of said spool-latch plate, a curved spring applied over said hub between said base plate and said hub whereby rotation of said lock core will rotate said spool-latch plate and hub to adjust the length of 'said cable outwardly of said casing and move the looking projections of said spool-latch plate over or clear of said slot in said casing.

3. In a flexible shackle look, a circular, cup-shaped casing, a cylindrical lock core housing centrally mounted Within said casing provided with a plurality of equally spaced longitudinal slots in its inner periphery, a spoollatch plate closely and rotatably fitted within said casing against its inner end wall, a cylindrical hub centrally disposed of said spool-latch plate rotatably fitting over said lock core housing, a plurality of equally spaced locking projections on the periphery of said spool-latch plate normally aligned with the slots in said lock core housing and extending to the peripheral edge of the end wall of said casing, a cylindrical lock core closely and rotatably fitted within said lock core housing and affixed at its inner extremity to the hub of said spool-latch plate to rotate therewith, a line of retractable dogs longitudinally'disposed in said lock core selectively engageable within one of said slots in said lock core housing when in outward position and adapted to be retracted into said lock core by a key, a cable wound on the hub of said spool-latch plate and passing through an orifice in the side wall of said casing, a slotted head at the extremity of said cable fitting within a slot in the side wall of said casing periodically covered by one of said locking projections, a base plate fitted into said casing over the hub of said spoollatch plate whereby rotation of said lock core will rotate said spool-latch plate and hub to adjust the length of said cable outwardly of said casing and move the looking projections of said spool-latch plate over or clear of said slot in said casing.

4. In a flexible shackle lock, a circular, cup-shaped casing a cylindrical lock core housing centrally mounted within said casing provided with quadrantly disposed longitudinal slots in its inner periphery, a spool-latch plate closely and rotatably fitted within said casing against its inner end wall, a cylindrical hub centrally dispos'ed of said spool-latch plate rotatably fitting over said lock core housing, quadrantly disposed locking projections on the periphery of said spool-latch plate normally aligned with the slots in saidlock core housing and extending to the peripheral edge of the end Wall of saidjcasing abylindrical lock core closely and rotatably fitted within saidlock c'o're' housing and aifixed at' its 'inuer extremity to the hub'of said spool-latch plate to rotate therewith, retractable. dogs longitudinally disposed in said lock core se lectively engageable within one of said slots in said lock =core housing when in outward position and adapted to be retracted into said lock core by a key, a cable wound on the hub of said spool-latch plate and passing through an of said casing and move the locking projections of said spool-latch plate over or clear of said slot in said cas- 5. In a flexible shackle lock, a casing, a lock core housing centrally disposed in said casing provided with a plurality of lock receiving recesses, a lock core rotatably mounted in said housing, locking means in said lock core retractable by the insertion of a key thereinto and selectively registering with one of said lock receiving recesses in said lock core housing, a spool-latch plate rotatably mounted in said casing over said lock core and lock core housing aflixed at its apex to the extremity of said lock core, a cable wound on said spool-latch plate and passing through an orifice in said casing, a locking orifice in said casing, a head on said cable designed to fit in said locking orifice, locking projections about the periphery of said spool-latch plate engaging said cable head, whereby insertion of a key in said lock core frees said spool-latch plate for rotation in said casing and withdrawal thereof locks said spool-latch plate and cable head within said casing.

6. In a flexible shackle lock, a casing, a lock core housing centrally mounted within said casing provided with a plurality of lock receiving recesses about its extremity, a spool-latch plate closely and rotatably fitted within said casing against its inner end wall, a hub centrally disposed of said spool-latch plate rotatably fitting over said lock core housing, a plurality of locking projections on the periphery of said spool-latch plate, a lock core closely and rotatably fitted within said lock core housing affixed at its inner extremity to the hub of said spool-latch plate, locking means in the extremity of said. lock core selectively engageable within one of said lock receiving recesses in said lock core housing when in outward position and adapted to be retracted into said lock core by the insertion of a key thereinto, a cable wound on the hub of said spool-latch plate passing through an orifice in the wall of said casing, a head at the extremity of said cable fitting within an orifice in the wall of said casing periodically engaged by one of said locking projections, a base plate closing said casing and extending over the hub of said spool-latch plate whereby rotation of said lock core will rotate said spoollatch plate to adjust the length of said cable outwardly of said casing and move the locking projections of said spool-latch plate into or out of engagement with said head at the extremity of said cable.

7. In a flexible shackle lock, a casing, a lock core housing centrally mounted within said casing provided with a plurality of lock receiving recesses about its extremity, a spool-latch plate closely and rotatably fitted within said casing against its inner end wall, a hub centrally disposed of said spool-latch plate rotatably fitting over said lock core housing, a plurality of rectangularly disposed locking projections on the periphery of said spool-latch plate aligned with said lock receiving recesses in said lock core housing, a lock core closely and rotatably fitted within said lock core housing afiixed at'its inner extremity to the hub of said spool-latch plate, locking means in the extremity of said lock core selectively engageable within one of said lock receiving recesses in said lock core housing when in outward position and adapted to be retracted into said lock core by the insertion of a key thereinto, a cable wound on the hub of said spool-latch plate pass- 12 :in'g through-an orifice in the wall of said casing, a head at the extremity of said cable provided with a peripherally slotted tongue portion fitting within an orifice in the wall of said casing periodically engaged by one of said locking projections, a base plate closing said casing and extending over the hub of said spool-latch plate whereby rotation of said lock core will rotate said spoollatch plate to adjust the length of said cable outwardly of said casing and move the locking projections of said spool-latch plate into or out of contact with said head at the extremity of said cable.

8. 'In a flexible shackle lock, a casing, a lock core housing centrally mounted within said casing provided with a plurality of lock receiving recesses about its extremity,

,a spool-latch plate closely and rotatably fitted within said casing against its inner end wall, a hub centrally disposed of said spool-latch plate rotatablyrfitting over said lock core housing, a plurality of locking projections on the periphery of said spool-latch plate aligned with said lock receiving recesses in said lock core housing, a lock core closely and rotatably fitted within said lock core housing affixed at its inner extremity to the hub of said spool-latch plate, locking means in the extremity of said lock core selectively engageable within one of said lock receiving recesses in said lock core housing when in outward position and adapted to be retracted into said lock core by the insertion of a key thereinto, a cable wound on the hub of said spool-latch plate passing through an orifice in the wall of said casing, a head at the extremity of said cable fitting within an orifice in the wall of said casing periodically engaged by one of said locking projections, a base plate closing said casing and extending over the hub of said spool-latch plate, resilient means disposed between the hub of said spool-latch plate and said base plate .whereby rotation of said lock core will rotate said spoollatch plate to adjust the length of said cable outwardly of said casing and move the locking projections of said spoo1- latch plate into or out of contact with said head at the extremity of said cable.

9. In a flexible shackle lock, a casing, a lock core housing centrally mounted within said casing provided with a plurality of lock receiving recesses about its extremity, a spool-latch plate closely and rotatably fitted within said casing against its inner end wall, a hub centrally disposed of said spool-latch plate rotatably fitting over said lock core housing, a plurality of locking projections on the periphery of said spool-latch plate aligned with said lock receiving recesses in said lock core housing, a lock core closely and rotatably fitted within said lock core housing affixed at its inner extremity to the hub of said spool-latch plate, a tumbler in the extremity of said lock core selectively engageable within one of said lock receiving recesses in said lock core housing when in outward position and adapted to be retracted into said lock core by the insertion of a key thereinto, a cable wound on the hub of said spool-latch plate passing through an orifice in the wall of said casing, a head at the extremity of said cable fitting within an orifice in the wall of said casing periodically engaged by one of said locking projections, a base plate closing said casing and extending over the hub of said spool-latch plate whereby rotation of said lock core will rotate said spool-latch plate to adjust the length of said cable outwardly of said casing and move the locking projections of said spool-latch plate into or out of contact with said head at the extremity of said cable.

UNITED STATES PATENTS References Cited in the file of this patent

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