WO2003062566A2

WO2003062566A2 - Multi-purpose lock

Info

Publication number: WO2003062566A2
Application number: PCT/US2002/002450
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert A. Vito
Original assignee: Vito Robert A
Priority date: 2002-01-24
Filing date: 2002-01-29
Publication date: 2003-07-31
Also published as: AU2002247038A1; WO2003062566A3

Abstract

A lock (40) including a housing (44) having a first portion (52) and a second portion (54). The second portion (54) is connected to the first portion and defines a slot (50). A bolt (42) is slidably disposed in the housing for movement from a first position to a second position. A locking mechanism (56) is disposed in the first portion of the housing and is adapted to secure a bolt in the second position by engaging a bolt engaging member with a portion of the bolt (42).

Description

[0001] MULTI-PURPOSE LOCK

[0002] BACKGROUND

[0003] The present invention is directed to an improved lock and, more

specifically, to a multi-purpose lock having improved strength, versatility, and ease of

use.

[0004] Padlocks and the like have been commonly used for years. However, the

typical padlock provides no protection for the hasp eye through which the padlock is

inserted. This allows unauthorized personnel to access locked areas by simply cutting the

relatively weaker hasp eye to remove the padlock. Thus, even though a heavy duty

padlock may be employed, no real security advantage is gained. Additionally, due to the

relatively simple construction of a conventional padlock, the applications for which the

padlock can be used are somewhat limited.

[0005 ] To attempt to overcome this problem, locks using a straight bolt to close a

breach have been developed. However, drawbacks remain in such locks as the bolt that

is inserted through the hasp eye is secured at an end of the lock housing opposite from the

insertion point of the bolt into the lock housing. This results in a weak and cumbersome

engagement between the lock and the bolt. Additionally, such lock recesses are

rectilinear and bounded on only three sides (with three open slot sides) to provide a continuous channel extending completely through the lock housing. This construction

limits the number of applications for which such locks are suitable.

[0006] Clearly, what is needed is a heavy duty, compact, easy to operate and easy

to attach multi-purpose lock of improved design. Also needed is a multi-purpose lock that

is suitable for use as a trigger lock for a firearm.

[0007] SUMMARY

[0008] One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a lock including a

housing having a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is connected to

the first portion and defines a slot. A bolt has first and second ends with an intermediate

portion therebetween. The bolt is adapted to be slidably disposed in the housing for

sliding movement from a first position, in which the bolt is at least partially located within

the first portion of the housing and does not extend across the slot, to a second position,

in which the bolt extends through the first portion, across the slot, and into the second

portion of the housing. Wherein when the bolt is in the second position, the first end of

the bolt is proximate to a side of the first portion of the housing that is generally opposite

from the second portion and the second end of the bolt is disposed proximate to the

second portion of the housing with the intermediate portion of the bolt extending across

the slot. A locking mechanism has an actuator mechanism in operative engagement with

a bolt engaging member. The locking mechanism is disposed in the first portion of the housing and is adapted to secure the bolt in the second position by engaging the bolt

engaging member with a portion of the bolt proximate to the first end while a portion of

the bolt is in the first portion of the housing

[0009] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a lock including a

the first portion and defines a slot. The slot is accessible from outside the housing and is

defined by first and second slot walls and first and second cross walls that each extend

generally transverse to the first and second slot walls. A bolt is adapted to be slidably

disposed in the housing for sliding movement from a first position, in which the bolt is

at least partially located in the housing and does not extend across the slot, to a second

position, in which the bolt extends at least partially through the first portion, across the

slot, and at least partially through the second portion of the housing. A locking

mechanism is disposed in the first portion of the housing and is adapted to secure the bolt

in second position by engaging a portion of the bolt.

[0010] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a trigger lock for a

firearm having a trigger and a trigger guard. The trigger lock includes a housing having

a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is connected to the first portion

and defines a slot adapted to receive the trigger guard of the firearm so that the housing

generally encloses the trigger guard. The slot is accessible from outside the housing and

is defined by first and second slot walls and first and second cross walls that each extend generally transverse to the first and second slot walls. A bolt is adapted to be slidably

slot, and at least partially through the second portion of the housing. Wherein the bolt is

adapted to prevent activation of the trigger of the firearm when the trigger guard is

inserted in the slot and the bolt is in the second position. A locking mechanism is

disposed in the first portion of the housing and is adapted to secure the bolt in the second

position by engaging a portion of the bolt.

[0011] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the

preferred embodiments of the present invention, will be better understood when read in

conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention,

there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It is

understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and

instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of a lock

according to the present invention;

[0014] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the lock of Figure 1 illustrating a bolt about to be inserted into a lock housing;

[0015] Figure 3 is a perspective of the lock of Figure 1 installed on a portion of a

rack assembly;

[0016] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the lock of Figure 1 installed on a lock-out

tag-out device such as that used in manufacturing and construction settings;

[0017] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the lock of Figure 1 as taken along the

line 5-5 of Figure 1;

[0018] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of a lock

according to the present invention;

[0019] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the lock of Figure 6 as taken along the

line 7-7 of Figure 6;

[0020] Figure 8 is a top plan view of a third preferred embodiment of a lock

according to the present invention illustrating the lock installed on a firearm;

[0021] Figure 9 is perspective view of the lock of Figure 8;

[0022] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the lock and firearm of Figure 8;

[0023 ] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a fourth preferred embodiment of a lock

according to the present invention illustrating the alignment of the lock with a hasp eye;

[0024] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the lock of Figure 11 installed on the hasp

eye;

[0025] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the lock of Figure 12 as taken along the line 13-13 of Figure 12 illustrating a preferred position of the bolt relative to the hasp

eye;

[0026] Figure 14 is a perspective view of a fifth preferred embodiment of a lock

according to the present invention;

[0027] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the lock of Figure 14 as taken along

the line 15-15 of Figure 14 and illustrates one bolt biasing element;

[0028] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view similar to that of Figure 15 illustrating

an alternative biasing element;

[0029] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the lock of Figure 16 as taken along

the lines 17-17 of Figure 16;

[0030] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view similar to that of Figure 15 illustrating

another alternative biasing element;

[0031] Figure 19 is a perspective view of a sixth preferred embodiment of a lock

according to the present inventions;

[0032] Figure 20 is an exploded perspective view of the lock of Figure 19

illustrating the pin ready for insertion into the lock;

[0033] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of the lock of Figure 19 as taken along

the line 21-21 of Figure 19;

[0034] Figure 22 is a perspective view of a seventh preferred embodiment of a lock

according to the present invention; [0035] Figure 23 is aperspective view of an eighth preferred embodiment of a lock

according to the present invention;

[0036] Figure 24 is an exploded perspective view of the lock of Figure 23;

[0037] Figure 25 is a perspective view of the lock of Figure 23 installed on a latch

for a locker;

[0038] Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view of the lock of Figure 23 as taken along

the line 26-26 of Figure 23;

[0039] Figure 27 is a perspective view of a ninth preferred embodiment of a lock

according to the present invention;

[0040] Figure 28 is a top-plan view of the lock of Figure 27 installed on the

firearm;

[0041] Figure 29 is a cross-sectional view of the lock of Figure 28 as taken along

the line 29-29 of Figure 28;

[0042] Figure 30 is a perspective view of a tenth preferred embodiment of a lock

according to the present invention illustrating a bolt having an end flush with the exterior

of the lock housing when the lock is installed on the firearm;

[0043] Figure 31 is a perspective view of the lock of Figure 1 illustrating a bolt

having a ball shaped end;

[0044] Figure 32 is perspective view of the lock of Figure 1 having a hemispherical

end; [0045] Figure 33 is a perspective view of the lock of Figure 1 having an L-shaped

end.

[0046] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0047] Certain termanology is used in the following description for convenience

only and is not limiting. The words "right,""left,""top,"and "bottom" designate directions

in the drawings to which reference is made. The words "inwardly" and "outwardly" refer

to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the lock and

designated parts thereof. The word "across," as used in the claims and in the

corresponding portions of the specification, means to "extend completely across." The

word "activate," as used in the claims and in the corresponding portions of the

specification in connection with a trigger of a firearm, means "to depress the trigger

sufficiently to discharge the firearm." The word "firearm," as used in the claims and in

the corresponding portions of the specification, means "any one of a pistol, revolver, gun,

shotgun, rifle, semi-automatic weapon, and automatic weapon." The termanology

includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivitives thereof, and words of similar

import. Additionally, the words "a" and "one" are defined as including one or more of

the referenced item unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0048] Referring to Figures 1-33, wherein like numerals indicate like elements

throughout, ten preferred embodiments of a lock according to the present invention are

shown and generally designated as 40 : 1 -40 : 10, respectively. Briefly stated, the lock 40 : 1 - 40:10 of the present invention uses a bolt 42 to secure a hasp eye 48 or the like within a

slot 50. The heavy duty design of the lock 40: 1-40: 10 provides increased theft deterrence

and ease of operation.

[0049] It is preferred, but not necessary, that the lock 40:1-40:10 and its

components parts are formed of a rigid, strong, high-impact resistant material, such as

hardened stainless steel. However, the lock 40:1-40:10 can also be formed from other

suitable materials such as steel, titanium, suitable reinforced polymers, and alloys without

departing from the scope of the present invention. Preferably, an outer surface of the lock

40:1-40:10 is coated with a brightly colored paint or coating such as a flourescent red

colored paint or vinyl coating so that the lock 40;1-40:10 is prominently visible and

noticeable.

[0050] While various aspects and features of the ten preferred lock embodiments

40: 1-40: 10 are discussed below, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any

combination of the disclosed features and their equivalents can be used in a single lock

without departing from the scope of the present invention. To the extent that common

features exist in multiple preferred embodiments of the lock 40: 1-40: 10, it is understood

that the description of a common feature in connection with one of the preferred

embodiments applies generally to the common feature as shown in the other preferred

embodiments of the lock 40: 1-40: 10.

[0051 ] Referring to Figures 1-5, the lock 40: 1 includes a housing 44 having a first portion 52 and a second portion 54. It is preferable that the first portion 52 have a

generally cylindrical part which houses a locking mechanism 56 (further described below)

and a generally rectilinear portion through which the bolt 42 can slide. While the

generally cylindrical portion of the housing 44 is shown as askew from parallel with a

longitudinal axis of the bolt 42, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this

disclosure that the generally cylindrical portion of the first portion 52 of the housing 44

can extend at any angle without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Additionally, the shape of the first portion 52 of the housing 44 is not limited to that

shown and, accordingly, can appear to be a single discreet geometric shape without

departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0052] The second portion 54 is connected to first portion 52 and defines a slot 50.

The word "connected," as used in the claims and in the corresponding portions of the

specification, means "any one of welded, cast, forged, machined, mechanically connected,

or formed as one piece" (a unitary housing 44 is shown in cross-section in Figure 7).

[0053] The second portion 54 of the housing 44 is preferably generally U-shaped

to define the slot 50 therein. Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the second portion 54 of the

housing 44 can be generally L-shaped to define the slot 50 between the first and second

portions 52, 54 of the housing 44 without departing from the scope of the present

invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that the

specific shape of the second portion 54 of the housing 44 can be triangular, v-shaped, irregularly shaped or the like without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0054] Referring to Figures 16-18, it is preferable that the slot 50 be generally

rectilinear in shape. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this

disclosure that the slot 50 can have an arcuate, curved, polygonal, irregular shape or the

like without departing from the scope of the present invention. As best shown in Figures

5 and 7, the slot 50 is preferably accessible from outside the housing 44 and is defined by

first and second slot walls 58 A, 58B and a first cross wall 60A that extends generally

transverse to the first and second slot walls 58 A, 58B.

[0055] Referring to Figures 9 and 27, the lock 40:3, 40:9 of the present invention

may include a slot 50 that is accessible from outside the housing and that is defined by

first and second slot walls 58A,58B and first and second cross walls 60A, 60B that extend

generally transverse to the first and second slot walls 58 A, 58B. Referring to Figures 8

and 28, the lock 40:3, 40:9 which has a slot 50 formed by first and second slot walls 58A,

58B and first and second cross walls 60A,60B is well adapted to cover the trigger guard

62 of the firearm 46 while the bolt 42 prevents the firearm trigger 64 from being activated

(as only shown in Figure 8).

[0056] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the lock 40:3 is installed on the firearm by

positioning the two open slot sides facing toward the barrel and the grip of the firearm 46.

This allows the trigger guard 62 to be inserted within the slot 50 when the bolt 42 is not

obstructing the slot 50. Once the lock 40:3 is fully seated on the firearm 46, the bolt 42 can be depressed causing the bolt 42 to extend across the slot 50 and prevent the trigger

64 from being activated. This advantageous lock structure provides an easy to install

trigger lock that completely protects the trigger guard 62 and the trigger 64 to prevent

unauthorized use of the firearm 46. Additionally, the heavy duty construction of the lock

40:3 prevents removal of the lock 40:3 using impact force or by using typical cutting

implements. Additionally, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this

disclosure that the interior surface of the second portion 54 of the housing 44 which

defines the slot 50 can be customized to precisely fit a particular type of firearm without

departing from the scope of the present invention. Additionally, the housing 44 can also

be customized to extend over a portion of the grip 66 of the firearm 46 to further secure

the lock 40:3 in position.

[0057] Referring to Figure 28, the positioning of the bolt 42 and the locking

mechanism 56 can be reversed with respect to the second portion 54 of the housing 44

such that when the lock 40:9 is installed on the firearm 46, the bolt 42 is positioned

against the left inner surface of the trigger guard 62 (as viewed in Figure 28). Referring

to Figure 29, it is preferable that when the bolt 42 is used to sandwich the trigger guard

62 between the first cross wall 60 A and the bolt 42, that the lock 40:9 be configured so

that the distance between the bolt 42 and the first cross wall 60A is close to the thickness

of the trigger guard 62. Thus, regardless of the type of lock 40:3, 40:9 that is used as a

trigger lock for a firearm, the second portion 54 of the housing defines a slot 50 adapted to receive the trigger guard 62 of the firearm 46 so that the housing 44 generally encloses

the trigger guard 62. Referring again to Figures 8 and 10, it is preferable that the bolt 42

be adapted to prevent activation of the trigger 64 of the firearm 46 when the trigger guard

is inserted in the slot 50 and the bolt 42 is in a second position (further discussed below:

and shown in Figure 9).

[0058] Referring to Figures 11-13, the lock 40:4 of the present invention can

include a slot 50 that is accessible from outside the housing 44 and that is defined by first

and second slot walls 58A, 58B and first, second, and third cross walls 60A, 60B, 60C

that each extend generally transverse to the first and second slot walls 58 A, 58B. This

results in a second portion 54 of the housing 44 that defines a slot 50 having a single open

side. This configuration is ideal for engaging a hasp eye 48 that has a face plate 68 placed

thereover prior to securing the lock 40:4 to the hasp eye 48. Such a face plate 68 is

typically attached to a first structure 70A while the hasp eye 48 is typically attached to a

second structure 70B. To secure the first and second structure 70A, 70B together, the

structures 70A, 70B are aligned and the face plate 68 is pivoted over the hasp eye 48.

Then, when the lock 40:4 is secured to the hasp eye 48, the structures 70A, 70B cannot

be sperated due to the inability of the face plate 68 to be removed from the hasp eye 48.

When the lock 40:4 is properly installed over the hasp eye 48, the bolt 42 of the lock 40:4

is closely positioned to the inner surface of the hasp eye 48 that is furthest from the

corresponding structure 70 A or 70B. This results in the lock 40:4 not only securing the first and second structures 70A, 70B together, but protects the hasp eye 48 from being cut

in an attempt to circumvent the lock 40:4.

[0059] Referring to Figures 19-22, the second portion 54 of the housing 44 can be

positioned on the same side of the first housing portion 52 as the receptacle 72 for the

locking mechanism 56. Figures 19-21 illustrate such a second portion 54 that has a

generally U-shaped design. Figure 22 illustrates such a second portion 54 that has a

generally L-shaped design.

[0060] Referring to Figures 5, 26, and 29, the bolt 42 has first and second ends

74A, 74B with an intermediate portion 76 therebetween. The bolt 42 is adapted to be

slidably disposed in the housing 44. It is preferable that the bolt 42 be slidably disposed

in the housing 44 for sliding movement from a first position (shown in phantom lines in

Figure 15), in which the bolt 42 is at least partially located within the first portion 52 of

the housing 44 and does not extend across the slot 50, to a second position (shown in solid

lines in Figure 15), in which the bolt 42 extends through the first portion 52, across the

slot 50, and into the second portion 54 of the housing 44. Referring to Figure 15, it is

preferable that when the bolt 42 is in the second position, that the first end 72A of the bolt

is proximate to a side of the first portion 52 of the housing 44 that is generally opposite

from the second portion 54 and that the second end 74B of the bolt 42 is disposed

proximate to the second portion 54 of the housing 44 with the intermediate portion 76 of

the bolt 42 extending across the slot 50. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that the second end 74B of the bolt 42 is proximate to the second

portion 54 of the housing 44 regardless of whether the second end 74B is located within

a portion of the second housing portion 54 or whether the second end 74B of the bolt 42

protrudes generally outwardly from the second housing portion 54.

[0061] Referring to Figures 5 and 7, the bolt 42 is preferably slidably disposed

within a bore 78 that extends substantially through the lock housing 44. While it is

preferred that the bolt 42 be generally cylindrically shaped, those of ordinary skill in the

art will appreciate that the cross-section of the bolt 42 can be any one of a triangle, a

square, a polygon, irregularly shaped or the like without departing from the scope of the

present invention.

[0062] Referring to Figures 14 and 30, the bolt 42 preferably has a first end 74A

that is generally flush with an outer surface of the housing 44 when the bolt 42 is in the

second position. Referring to Figures 31-33, those of ordinary skill in the art will

appreciate from this disclosure that the first end 74A of the bolt 42 can have a ball shape,

a hemispherical shape 82, an L-shape 84 or the like without departing from the scope of

the present invention.

[0063] Referring to Figures 5 and 7, the lock 40:1-40:10 includes a locking

mechanism 56 having an actuator mechanism 86 in operative engagement with a bolt

engaging member 88. It is preferred, but not necessary, that the actuator mechanism 86

be key activated to cause a driving member 90 to move generally rightwardly to move the bolt engaging member 88 out of engagement with the pin 42. An elastic member, such

as a spring or the like, 92 biases the bolt engaging member 88 generally leftwardly so that

the bolt engaging member 88 secures the bolt 42 when the bolt engaging member 88 is

secured within the groove 94 of the bolt 42. This allows the locking mechanism 56 to

automatically secure the bolt 42 when the bolt 42 is slid into the second position.

[0064] Referring to Figures 15-18, it is preferable, that the lock 40:5, 40:5 ', 40:5 "

include a biasing element 96, 96 ', or 96 " within the first portion 52 of the housing 40 that

automatically moves the bolt 42 into the first position when the actuator mechanism 86

moves the bolt engaging member 88 out of engagement with the bolt 42. Referring to the

biasing element 96 shown in Figure 15, a spring 96 can be positioned through a portion

of the bolt 42 with a lower end biased on a lip 98 within the housing 44. Since it is

preferable that the biasing element 96 extend through a portion of the bolt 42, a spring

coil 100 can be positioned on each side of the spring 42. Thus, when the bolt 42 is

depressed downwardly into the second position, the biasing element 96 is compressed

and the bolt 42 is held in position by the bolt engaging member 88. Then, to move the

bolt 42 into the first position, the actuator mechanism 86 of the locking mechanism 56 is

used to move the driving member 90 generally rightwardly causing the bolt engaging

member 88 to slide generally outwardly away from the groove 94 in the bolt 42. This

allows the biasing member 96 to drive the bolt 42 generally upwardly so that the second

end 74B of the bolt 42 is clear of the slot 50. [0065] Referring to Figures 16 and 17, a second biasing element 96' is formed by

generally vertically aligned coil springs 96'. A bottom end of each coil spring 96' is

placed on a lip 98 within the housing. An upper end of each of the coil springs 96' is

secured on a flange 102 that is partially embedded or otherwise attached to the pin 42.

Thus, when the pin 42 is depressed into the second position, the flange 102 compresses

the coil springs 96' and the pin 42 is secured in position by the engagement by the bolt

engaging member 88 with the bolt grove 94. When the locking mechanism 56 is used to

disengage the bolt engaging 88 from the bolt groove 94, the biasing element (vertically

aligned coil springs) 96 ' drives the bolt 42 generally upwardly so that the second end 74B

of the bolt 42 is clear of the slot 50. As shown in Figure 17, when using vertically aligned

coil springs, it is preferable to have two vertically aligned coil springs 96' located in

adjacent corners within the housing. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will

appreciate from this disclosure that one, three, or four or more vertically aligned coil

springs can be used to bias the bolt 42 without departing from the scope of the present

invention.

[0066] Referring to Figure 18, a third type of biasing element 96 " is shown. This

biasing element 96" is a coil spring aligned along a longitudinal axis of the bolt 42. In

general the lower portion of the bolt 42 has a hollow 104 in which the coil spring biasing

element 96" can be housed. Additionally, the bolt 42 has an opening 106 which allows

a housing flange 108 to extend through a side of the bolt 42 and into the hollow 104. The housing flange 108 is preferably fixed within the housing interior so that when the bolt

42 is depressed, this biasing element 96" is compressed between the housing flange 108

and the top portion of the hollow 104 and the bolt 42 is secured in position by the bolt

engaging member 88. To release the bolt 42, the locking mechanism 56 is used to

disengage the bolt engaging member 88 from the bolt groove 94 to allow the biasing

element 96 " to drive the bolt 42 generally outwardly from the housing 44 until the second

end 74B of the bolt generally clears the slot 50.

[0067] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that

any one or combination of the above described biasing elements 96, 96' , 96" or the like

can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. Additionally,

while it is preferable that the locking mechanism 56 be key activated, those of ordinary

skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that the locking mechanism 56 can be

thumb print activated, voice activated, an electronic padlock, magnetic swipe card

activated or like without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0068] Referring to Figure 15, the locking mechanism 56 is preferably disposed in

the first portion 52 of the housing 44 and is adapted to secure the bolt 42 in the second

position by engaging the bolt engaging member 88 with a portion of the bolt 42 proximate

to the first end 74A while the portion of the bolt 42 is in the first portion 52 of the housing

44. By securing the bolt 42 proximate to the same side through which the bolt 42 is

inserted, the locking mechanism 56 provides superior engagement and reliability over conventional locks. Thus, in addition to providing improved security and ease of use, the

lock 40:1-40:10 of the present invention provides superior engagement between the

locking mechanism 56 and the bolt 42.

[0069] Referring to Figures 8-10, one embodiment of the present invention

operates as follows. The locking mechanism 56 is activated to disengage a bolt engaging

member 88 from the bolt 42 to allow the bolt 42 to be moved into the first position. Then,

the lock 40:3 is aligned with the two slot openings ready to receive a trigger guard 62 of

a firearm 46. Then, the trigger guard 62 is properly seated within the slot 50 and the bolt

42 is depressed into the second position so that bolt extends through the trigger guard 62

and behind the trigger 64 to prevent discharge of the firearm. In addition to the above

use, the locks 40:1-40:10 of the present invention can be used in various applications in

addition to those normally used with padlocks. Referring to Figure 3, the lock 40: 1 can

be used to secure an inner rack member 110 relative to an outer rack member 112 of a

rack assembly. This is useful whenever it is necessary to limit linear movement of the

inner member 110 relative to the outer member 112. Referring to Figure 4, the lock 40: 1

can be used with a lockout tag-out device, such as those commonly used in construction

and manufacturing areas. The lock-out tag-out device 115 is formed by a top plate 116

and a bottom plate 118 that are pivotally connected via a pin 120. When it is necessary

to lock out a power station to prevent the reactivation of power during a construction

project, the lock-out tag-out device 114 can be positioned with its pincers 122 extending through a hasp eye on the access doors to a power supply. The lock-out tag-out device

114 has multiple holes 124 to allow multiple users to insert personal locks on the tag 114.

Thus, individual users can safely work with power conduits without worrying that another

user, upon finishing their work, will reactivate the power. Accordingly, only once all the

users have removed their locks will the lock-out tag-out device 114 be removable to

allow power to be reactivated at a job site. Referring to Figures 11-13, as discussed

above, the lock 40 :4 can be used with hasp eyes 48 that operate in conjunction with a face

plate 68 to secure structures 70A, 70B together. Referring to Figure 25, the lock 40:8 can

be used to secure a locker 126. To do so, the lock 40:8 is positioned with the second

portion 52 positioned over the locker latch 128 to prevent access to the majority of the

locker latch body. The simplified design of the lock 40:8 makes it ideal for use by

children in schools. Referring also to Figure 15, the biasing element 96 can prevent the

bolt 42 from being fully withdrawn from the housing 44. This further enhances the

usefulness of the lock 40:8 for children's school lockers as there are no lock parts to lose.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the heavy duty construction of the

locks 40 : 1 -40 : 10 of the present invention makes them ideal for use in many environments,

such as to secure a trailer to a hitch, that are not discussed above.

[0070] This invention provides a heavy duty, easy to use, highly versatile lock. It

is recognized by those skilled in the art, that changes may be made to the above described

embodiments of the invention without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments

disclosed, but is intended to cover all modifications which are within the spirit and scope

of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSI claim:

1. A lock, comprising:

a housing having a first portion and a second portion, the second portion being

connected to the first portion and defining a slot;

a bolt having first and second ends with an intermediate portion therebetween, the

bolt being adapted to be slidably disposed in the housing for sliding movement from a

first position, in which the bolt is at least partially located within the first portion of the

housing and does not extend across the slot, to a second position, in which the bolt

extends through the first portion, across the slot, and into the second portion of the

housing, wherein when the bolt is in the second position, the first end of the bolt is

proximate to a side of the first portion of the housing that is generally opposite from the

second portion and the second end of the bolt is disposed proximate to the second portion

of the housing with the intermediate portion of the bolt extending across the slot; and

a locking mechanism having an actuator mechanism in operative engagement with

a bolt engaging member, the locking mechanism being disposed in the first portion of the

housing and adapted to secure the bolt in the second position by engaging the bolt

engaging member with a portion of the bolt proximate to the first end while the portion

of the bolt is in the first portion of the housing.

2. The lock of claim 1 , wherein the second portion of the housing is generally

L-shaped to define the slot between the first and second portions of the housing.

3. The lock of claim 1 , wherein the second portion of the housing is generally

U-shaped to define the slot therein.

4. The lock of claim 1 , wherein the locking mechanism automatically secures

the bolt when the bolt is slid into the second position.

5. The lock of claim 4, further comprising a biasing element located within the

first portion of the housing that automatically moves the bolt into the first position when

the actuator mechanism moves the bolt engaging member out of engagement with the

bolt.

6. The lock of claim 1 , wherein the slot is accessible from outside the housing

and is defined by first and second slot walls and a first cross wall that extends generally

transverse to the first and second slot walls.

7. The lock of claim 6, wherein the slot is generally rectilinear.

8. The lock of claim 1 , wherein the slot is accessible from outside the housing

and is defined by first and second slot walls and first and second cross walls that each

extend generally transverse to the first and second slot walls.

9. The lock of claim 8, wherein the lock is adapted to cover a trigger guard

of a firearm while the bolt prevents a firearm trigger from being activated.

10. The lock of claim 1 , wherein the slot is accessible from outside the housing

and is defined by first and second slot walls and first, second, and third cross walls that

each extend generally transverse to the first and second slot walls.

11. The lock of claim 1 , wherein the first end of the bolt is generally flush with

an outer surface of the housing when the bolt is in the second position.

12. A lock, comprising:

a housing having a first portion and a second portion, the second portion being

connected to the first portion and defining a slot;

the slot being accessible from outside the housing and being defined by first and

second slot walls and first and second cross walls that each extend generally transverse

to the first and second slot walls. a bolt adapted to be slidably disposed in the housing for sliding movement from

a first position, in which the bolt is at least partially located in the housing and does not

extend across the slot, to a second position, in which the bolt extends at least partially

through the first portion, across the slot, and at least partially through the second portion

of the housing; and

a locking mechanism disposed in the first portion of the housing and adapted to

secure the bolt in the second position by engaging a portion of the bolt.

13. The lock of claim 12, wherein the second portion of the housing is generally

14. The lock of claim 12, wherein the second portion of the housing is generally

U-shaped to define the slot therein.

15. The lock of claim 12, wherein the locking mechanism automatically secures

the bolt when the bolt is slid into the second position.

16. The lock of claim 15 , further comprising a biasing element located within

the first portion of the housing that automatically moves the bolt into the first position

when the locking mechanism disengages from the bolt.

17. The lock of claim 12, wherein the lock is adapted to cover a trigger guard

of a firearm while the bolt prevents a firearm trigger from being activated.

18. A trigger lock for a firearm having a trigger and a trigger guard, the trigger

lock comprising:

a housing having a first portion and a second portion, the second portion being

connected to the first portion and defining a slot adapted to receive the trigger guard of

the firearm so that the housing generally encloses the trigger guard;

to the first and second slot walls.

a bolt adapted to be slidably disposed in the housing for sliding movement from

of the housing, wherein the bolt is adapted to prevent activation of the trigger of the

firearm when the trigger guard is inserted in the slot and the bolt is in the second position;

and

a locking mechanism disposed in the first portion of the housing and adapted to

secure the bolt in the second position by engaging a portion of the bolt.

19. The lock of claim 18, wherein the second portion of the housing is generally

20. The lock of claim 18, wherein the second portion of the housing is generally

U-shaped to define the slot therein.

21. The lock of claim 18, wherein the locking mechanism automatically secures

the bolt when the bolt is slid into the second position.

22. The lock of claim 21 , further comprising a biasing element located within

when the actuator mechanism moves the bolt engaging member out of engagement with

the bolt.