Apparatus and associated methods relate to an access control system having a planar interlocking mechanism including two reflectively symmetric rotating moon gears mechanically coupled by a linear slide configured to respond to rotation of the moon gears. In an illustrative example, the moon gears are mechanically coupled by the linear slide via respective actuating cams. The moon gears may be provided, for example, with locking cams configured to releasably secure the linear slide via a corresponding follower on the linear slide. Rotation of one moon gear into a first mode may, for example, place the other moon gear in a second mode, and vice versa. Each moon gear may be configured, for example, to be operated by a removable peg. Various embodiments may advantageously be configured such that release of a removable peg from one moon gear captures a peg in a corresponding moon gear.

Apparatus and associated methods relate to an access control system having a planar interlocking mechanism including two reflectively symmetric rotating moon gears mechanically coupled by a linear slide configured to respond to rotation of the moon gears. In an illustrative example, the moon gears are mechanically coupled by the linear slide via respective actuating cams. The moon gears may be provided, for example, with locking cams configured to releasably secure the linear slide via a corresponding follower on the linear slide. Rotation of one moon gear into a first mode may, for example, place the other moon gear in a second mode, and vice versa. Each moon gear may be configured, for example, to be operated by a removable peg. Various embodiments may advantageously be configured such that release of a removable peg from one moon gear captures a peg in a corresponding moon gear.

A tubular lock assembly has a tubular lock, a cover, and a disassembling unit. The tubular lock has an annular keyhole and a cover screw hole enclosed by the keyhole. The cover is detachably assembled with the tubular lock, and has a covering board segment, a screw rod segment, and a first fitting segment. The covering board segment covers the keyhole. The screw rod segment is detachably screwed in the cover screw hole of the tubular lock. The first fitting segment is formed on the covering board segment. The disassembling unit has a second fitting segment. The second fitting segment corresponds in shape and size with the first fitting segment of the cover, such that the second fitting segment is adapted to engage with the first fitting segment, and the disassembling unit is capable of rotating the cover.

A tubular lock assembly has a tubular lock, a cover, and a disassembling unit. The tubular lock has an annular keyhole and a cover screw hole enclosed by the keyhole. The cover is detachably assembled with the tubular lock, and has a covering board segment, a screw rod segment, and a first fitting segment. The covering board segment covers the keyhole. The screw rod segment is detachably screwed in the cover screw hole of the tubular lock. The first fitting segment is formed on the covering board segment. The disassembling unit has a second fitting segment. The second fitting segment corresponds in shape and size with the first fitting segment of the cover, such that the second fitting segment is adapted to engage with the first fitting segment, and the disassembling unit is capable of rotating the cover.

A lock assembly includes a bolt movable between a first position and a second position, a rotating body rotatable between a first position and a second position, and a pawl member rotatable between a first position and a second position. Rotation of the rotating body from the first position to the second position is configured to cause the bolt to move from the first position to the second position. The pawl member is configured to prevent rotation of the rotating body from the first position to the second position when the pawl member is in the first position and the rotating body is in the first position.

A lock mechanism is disclosed, the lock mechanism having a rotary latch configured for rotation between a locked position and an unlocked position, the rotary latch rotating in a first plane and the rotary latch is retained in the locked position after it has been rotated into the locked position from the unlocked position, the rotary latch being spring biased into the unlocked position by a biasing member; and a first lock mechanism for retaining the rotary latch in the locked position after rotation of the rotary latch into the locked position, the rotary latch being capable of being manipulated back into the unlocked position from the locked position after actuation of the first locking mechanism into a release position, wherein actuation of the first lock mechanism is in a second plane that is not parallel to the first plane.

A lock mechanism is disclosed, the lock mechanism having a rotary latch configured for rotation between a locked position and an unlocked position, the rotary latch rotating in a first plane and the rotary latch is retained in the locked position after it has been rotated into the locked position from the unlocked position, the rotary latch being spring biased into the unlocked position by a biasing member; and a first lock mechanism for retaining the rotary latch in the locked position after rotation of the rotary latch into the locked position, the rotary latch being capable of being manipulated back into the unlocked position from the locked position after actuation of the first locking mechanism into a release position, wherein actuation of the first lock mechanism is in a second plane that is not parallel to the first plane.

Currently, people at a public or private location wishing to store their valuables have limited options. They may use a token locker where a coin-shaped token is inserted into and retained by the locking device, allowing the release of a locking key. They may use a similar electronic version of the token locker. In some cases, they may have to bring their own lock or even a separate private locker to store their valuables. The standard token requires a new token to be inserted each time the door is opened and leaves the location unable to track the duration of use. Electronic devices can be expensive and require a source of electricity. Bringing a lock or entire lock box is cumbersome.

The solution is a process whereby a universal key is used in place of a token. This universal key, as a token would do, releases a unique locking key from the locker. The universal key, labeled for tracking, is borrowed for use at the location. It is used in place of a token any number of times and then is returned after usage is completed. This process relies on a unique mechanism within each locker that handles the key that is used in place of a token and the key that secures the locker. The invention also allows an inexpensive method for a location to keep track of who has rented which locker and allows tracking of how long it is used. Furthermore, the user has the advantage of being able to reuse the universal key in different lockers prior to returning it. This advancement on the ordinary token locker creates clear advantages over current methods and can create employment opportunity that adds a human touch in the handling of the delivery and return of the universal key being used in place of a token.

Currently, people at a public or private location wishing to store their valuables have limited options. They may use a token locker where a coin-shaped token is inserted into and retained by the locking device, allowing the release of a locking key. They may use a similar electronic version of the token locker. In some cases, they may have to bring their own lock or even a separate private locker to store their valuables. The standard token requires a new token to be inserted each time the door is opened and leaves the location unable to track the duration of use. Electronic devices can be expensive and require a source of electricity. Bringing a lock or entire lock box is cumbersome.

The solution is a process whereby a universal key is used in place of a token. This universal key, as a token would do, releases a unique locking key from the locker. The universal key, labeled for tracking, is borrowed for use at the location. It is used in place of a token any number of times and then is returned after usage is completed. This process relies on a unique mechanism within each locker that handles the key that is used in place of a token and the key that secures the locker. The invention also allows an inexpensive method for a location to keep track of who has rented which locker and allows tracking of how long it is used. Furthermore, the user has the advantage of being able to reuse the universal key in different lockers prior to returning it. This advancement on the ordinary token locker creates clear advantages over current methods and can create employment opportunity that adds a human touch in the handling of the delivery and return of the universal key being used in place of a token.

A lock assembly includes a bolt movable between a first position and a second position, a rotating body rotatable between a first position and a second position, and a pawl member rotatable between a first position and a second position. Rotation of the rotating body from the first position to the second position is configured to cause the bolt to move from the first position to the second position. The pawl member is configured to prevent rotation of the rotating body from the first position to the second position when the pawl member is in the first position and the rotating body is in the first position.