A PADLOCK BODY FOR ENGAGING WITH A REPLACEABLE LOCKING CYLINDER

Abstract

The invention relates to a padlock body (10) for engaging with a replaceable locking cylinder (20) comprising: an actuator (30) comprising a groove (32), the actuator (30) being rotatable about a vertical axis (X) between a locked position and an unlocked position; the actuator (30) further comprising a first end and a second end opposed to the first end, the first end comprising the groove (32) and the second end being operatively connectable to the replaceable locking cylinder (20); a shackle (12) comprising a first end (13) and a second end (14), the first end (13) being attached to said padlock body (10), the second end (14) being movable for engaging with the groove (32) of the actuator (30); and at least one fastener (40) for securing the padlock body (10) to the replaceable locking cylinder (20).

Claims

1-14. (canceled)

15. A padlock body (10) for engaging with a replaceable locking cylinder (20) comprising: an actuator (30) comprising a groove (32), the actuator (30) being rotatable about a vertical axis (X) between a locked position and an unlocked position; the actuator (30) further comprising a first end and a second end opposed to the first end, the first end comprising the groove (32) and the second end being operatively connectable to the replaceable locking cylinder (20); a shackle (12) comprising a first end (13) and a second end (14), the first end (13) being attached to said padlock body (10), the second end (14) being movable for engaging with the groove (32) of the actuator (30); and at least one fastener (40) for securing the padlock body (10) to the replaceable locking cylinder (20), wherein: in the unlocked position, the actuator (30) is rotated about the vertical axis (X) such that the groove (32) of the actuator (30) is positioned for engaging with the second end (14) of the shackle (12); and in the locked position, the actuator (30) is rotated about the vertical axis (X) such that, when the second end (14) of the shackle (12) is engaged with the groove (32) of the actuator (30), the second end (14) of the shackle (12) is restrained within the groove (32) of the actuator (30).

16. The padlock body (10) according to claim 15, further comprising an indentation (11), said indentation (11) being aligned with the groove (32) of the actuator (30) in the unlocked position.

17. The padlock body (10) according to claim 16, wherein the first end (13) of the shackle (12) rotates about a vertical axis which is parallel to the vertical axis (X) of the actuator (30).

18. The padlock body (10) according to claim 15, wherein the first end (13) of the shackle (12) rotates about a vertical axis which is parallel to the vertical axis (X) of the actuator (30).

19. The padlock body (10) according to claim 15, wherein the second end (14) of the shackle (12) comprises a depression adapted to interlock with the groove (32) of the actuator (30).

20. The padlock body (10) according to claim 15, wherein the actuator (30) rotates about 90 degrees between the unlocked position and the locked position.

21. The padlock body (10) according to claim 15, wherein the fastener (40) comprises at least one screw or bolt, each of the at least one screw or bolt being releasably fixed into a hole extending through part of the padlock body (10) and part of the replaceable locking cylinder (20).

22. The padlock body (10) according to claim 15, wherein: the padlock body (10) further comprises a first blocking element (55) and a first lateral hole (50) for receiving the first blocking element (55), the first lateral hole (50) intersecting a fastening direction of the fastener (40), such that removal of the fastener (40) is hindered by the first blocking element (55); the first end (13) of the shackle (12) further comprises a first recess (15), the first recess (15) radially enclosing part of the first lateral hole (50) when the second end (14) of the shackle (12) is disengaged with the groove (32) of the actuator (30); in the unlocked position, the first recess (15) and the first lateral hole (50) are aligned in a same plane, thereby exposing the first blocking element (55) inserted therein; and in the locked position, the first recess (15) is moved away from the radially enclosing position, such that the first end (13) of the shackle (12) hinders access to the first blocking element (55) inserted therein.

23. The padlock body (10) according to claim 22, wherein the first blocking element (55) is a screw or a bolt.

24. The padlock body (10) according to claim 15, wherein: the padlock body (10) further comprises a second blocking element (65) and a second lateral hole (60) for receiving the second blocking element (65), the second lateral hole (60) being substantially perpendicular to a fastening direction of the fastener (40); the first end (13) of the shackle (12) further comprises a second recess (16); and the second recess (16) radially enclosing part of the second lateral hole (60), such that the second blocking element (65) inserted into the second lateral hole (60) engages with the second recess (16), thereby fixing the first end (13) of the shackle (12) to the padlock body (10) and hindering axial movements of the first end (13) of the shackle (12).

25. The padlock body (10) according to claim 24, wherein the second blocking element (65) is a pin or a rod.

26. The padlock body (10) according to claim 15, wherein the padlock body (10) is adapted for engaging with a standard replaceable locking cylinder (20).

27. The padlock body (10) according to claim 15, wherein the padlock body (10) is adapted for engaging with an oval replaceable locking cylinder (20).

28. A padlock (1) comprising: the padlock body (10) of claim 15; and a replaceable locking cylinder (20).

29. The padlock (1) according to claim 28, wherein the replaceable locking cylinder (20) is an oval replaceable locking cylinder (20).

30. A method of replacing a replaceable locking cylinder (20) from a padlock (1), the method comprising the steps of: providing a padlock (1) having a padlock body (10) and a replaceable locking cylinder (20), the padlock body (10) comprising: an actuator (30) comprising a groove (32), the actuator (30) being rotatable about a vertical axis (X) between a locked position and an unlocked position; the actuator (30) further comprising a first end and a second end opposed to the first end, the first end comprising the groove (32) and the second end being operatively connectable to the replaceable locking cylinder (20); a shackle (12) comprising a first end (13) and a second end (14), the first end (13) being attached to said padlock body (10), the second end (14) being movable for engaging with the groove (32) of the actuator (30); at least one fastener (40) securing the padlock body (10) to the replaceable locking cylinder (20); and a first blocking element (55) and a first lateral hole (50) for receiving the first blocking element (55), the first lateral hole (50) intersecting a fastening direction of the fastener (40), such that removal of the fastener (40) is hindered by the first blocking element (55), wherein the first end (13) of the shackle (12) further comprises a first recess (15), the first recess (15) radially enclosing part of the first lateral hole (50) when the second end (14) of the shackle (12) is disengaged with the groove (32) of the actuator (30); positioning the padlock (1) into an unlocked position, whereby the first recess (15) and the first lateral hole (50) are aligned in a same plane, thereby exposing the first blocking element (55) inserted therein; removing the first blocking element (55) from the first lateral hole (50), thereby exposing the at least one fastener (40); removing the at least one fastener (40) attaching the padlock body (10) to the replaceable locking cylinder (20); and replacing the replaceable locking cylinder (20).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0055] The invention is now described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0056] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of the padlock body, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0057] FIG. 2A illustrates an upper view of the padlock body in the locked position, and FIG. 2B illustrates an upper view of the padlock body in the unlocked position, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0058] FIG. 3 illustrates a shackle isolated from the rest of the padlock body, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0059] FIG. 4A illustrates a lateral view of the padlock body in the unlocked position, and FIG. 4B illustrates a lateral view of the padlock body in the locked position, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0060] FIG. 5 illustrates the padlock comprising a padlock body and a replaceable locking cylinder, according to an exemplary embodiment.

Description of embodiments

[0061] In the following, a detailed description of the padlock body 10 and the padlock 1 is disclosed.

[0062] The term unlocked position is to be understood as a position where the actuator is positioned for engaging with the shackle.

[0063] The term locked position is to be understood as a position where the actuator is engaged with the shackle and the actuator is positioned for restraining the shackle in place.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 1, the padlock body 10 for engaging with a replaceable locking cylinder 20 comprises a shackle 12 having a first end 13 and a second end 14. The first end 13 of the shackle 12 is pivotally attached to a first opening of the padlock body 10, while the second end 14 freely rotates about the first end 13 of the shackle 12. The shackle 12 has a U-shaped design, however the skilled person is aware of different designs that are also suitable for the padlock body 10 disclosed herein.

[0065] Unless otherwise disclosed herein, the padlock body 10 comprises a second opening which is suitable for engaging with any standard locking cylinder 20. Said second opening is located on the opposite side (i.e., remote from) of the first opening and allows connecting the padlock body 10 to the replaceable locking cylinder 20, such as the connection between the actuator 30 and the replaceable locking cylinder 20 There are many known standard locking cylinders on the market, and the padlock body 10 is preferably arranged for engaging with a replaceable locking cylinder 20 having an oval profile.

[0066] The padlock body 10 further comprises an actuator 30 comprising a groove 32 at a first end and operatively connectable to a locking mechanism of the replaceable locking cylinder 20 at a second end, the second end being opposed to the first end. The second end of the actuator 30 may face the second opening of the padlock body 10, while the first end of the actuator 30 may face the opposite direction. The actuator 30 may be placed within a third opening of the padlock body 10, said third opening being arranged for allowing the groove 32 of the actuator 30 to receive the second end 14 of the shackle 12. The second end of the actuator 30 may be for instance rotatably and/or operatively connectable to the locking mechanism of the replaceable locking cylinder 20, such that a rotational force generated at the locking mechanism is transferred to the actuator 30, thus moving the actuator 30 between an unlocked and locked positions. Many locking mechanisms are known by the skilled person, which is aware of compatible locking mechanisms to the replaceable locking cylinder 20. Further, the actuator 30 has preferably a circular shape adapted for connecting with the locking mechanism at the second end, and has a groove 32 having a circular or oval shape that substantially matches the shape of the second end 14 of the shackle 12.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, the second end of the actuator 30 is operatively connectable to a plug within the replaceable locking cylinder 20. Said plug and said second end of the actuator 30 may be operatively connected by a cam, such that a rotational force generated by an actuator device (for instance, a key inserted into a keyhole) to the plug is transferred to the actuator 30 by the rotation of the cam, thus moving the actuator 30 between an unlocked and locked positions.

[0068] The actuator 30 rotates about a vertical axis X between a locked position and an unlocked position, for instance about 90 degrees. In the unlocked position, the groove 32 of the actuator 30 is positioned such as to engage with the second end 14 of the shackle 12 when said second end 14 is moved to the groove 32. In the locked position, the actuator 30 is rotated about the axis X, thereby rotating the groove 32 of the actuator 30 and locking the second end 14 of the shackle 12 between the groove 32 and the body of the padlock body 10. The second end 14 of the shackle 12 (and thus the whole shackle 12) is not movable in any direction, such as a radial or axial direction. Consequently, the padlock body 10 secures an object placed between the shackle 12 and the padlock body 10.

[0069] The actuator 30 may be made of metal or an alloy, such as stainless steel or brass. Further, the groove 32 of the actuator 30 is only accessible to the second end 14 of the shackle 12 when said actuator 30 is in the unlocked position. The groove 32 may have a substantially circular or oval shape and tightly engages with the second end 14 of the shackle 12.

[0070] As illustrated on FIG. 2A, the padlock body 10 further comprises a fastener 40, such as two screws 40 fitted into two tapped holes. The at least one fastener 40 may comprise one or more tapped holes extending from the surface of the padlock body 10 receiving the shackle 12 and the actuator 30 to the direction of the replaceable cylinder 20 (or the second opening of the padlock body 10). Standard replaceable locking cylinders 20 typically have two tapped holes for inserting screws 40 and fastening the padlock body 10 to the replaceable locking cylinder 20. However, the skilled person is aware that one screw may be sufficient for fastening the padlock body 10 to the replaceable locking cylinder 20. The fasteners 40 may have a fastening direction parallel to the rotational axis X of the actuator 30, i.e., the fastening direction is from the padlock body 10 to the replaceable locking cylinder 20. When the fastener 40 is inserted into the tapped hole of the padlock body 10, said fastener 40 reaches a corresponding tapped hole of the replaceable locking cylinder 20, thus attaching the padlock body 10 to the replaceable locking cylinder 20.

[0071] Additionally, one of the fasteners/screws 40 may be at least partially covered by a first blocking element 55, which physically blocks the removal of said fastener/screw 40 from the padlock body 10. Furthermore, said first blocking element 55 cannot be removed from the padlock body 10, when in the locked position, since access to the first blocking element 55 is hindered by the first end 13 of the shackle 12, which at least partly covers the first blocking element, as described elsewhere herein. On the other hand, in the unlocked position illustrated on FIG. 2B, the first blocking element 55 may be removed since the first end 13 of the shackle 12 no longer hinders access to the first blocking element 55, and therefore the fasteners/screws 40 become accessible from the top of the padlock body 10 (i.e., the surface of the padlock body 10 where the shackle 12 and the actuator 30 are located) and may be removed/screwed off using any compatible device, such as a screwdriver. Details about the functioning of the first blocking element 55 are disclosed elsewhere herein.

[0072] Furthermore, the padlock body 10 may comprise an indentation 11 aligned to the groove 32 of the actuator 30 when said actuator 30 is in the unlocked position. The indentation 11 guides and allows the second end 14 of the shackle 12 to reach the groove 32 of the actuator 30, before rotating the actuator 30 to the locked position. Said indentation 11 advantageously provide a padlock body 10 that may be locked merely by positioning the second end 14 of the shackle 12 into the groove 32 of the actuator 30 and rotating said actuator 30 to the locked position. Thus, no axial (e.g., upward/downward) movement of the shackle 12 in relation to the padlock body 10 is required for operating the device. In an alternative embodiment, the padlock body 10 may comprise two indentations 11, each of which positioned for guiding the second end 14 of the shackle 12 to the groove 32 of the actuator 30 whether the shackle 12 is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0073] FIG. 3 illustrates a shackle 12 removed from the rest of the padlock body 10. The shackle 12 has a U shape, however other variations are known by the skilled person and may be used. The first end 13 of the shackle 12 may be longer than the second end 14, thus allowing rotatably attaching the first end 13 of the shackle 12 to the padlock body 10, while the second end 14 of the shackle 12 can rotate to the locked and unlocked positions. The first end 13 of the shackle 12 is located inside the padlock body 10 when the shackle 12 is connected to it and comprises a first recess 15. Said first recess 15 is located on part of the surface of the first end 13 of the shackle 12 and thus does not completely surround said surface. The first recess 15 comprises a smaller diameter when compared to a region of the first end 13 of the shackle 12 not comprising said first recess 15. Furthermore, the first recess 15 has preferably a circular or oval shape. The first recess 15 is positioned such that, in the unlocked position, said recess 15 aligns with the first lateral hole 50 in a same plane, for instance the same horizontal plane. The recess 15 radially encloses part of the first lateral hole 50. In other words, said part of the first lateral hole 50 is fitted in the first recess 15 in a position where both are aligned, and thus the first lateral hole 50 is unobstructed by the first end 13 of the shackle 12. In the locked position, (or when the second end 14 of the shackle 12 is moved towards the groove 32 of the actuator 30), said recess 15 is moved away and thus no longer aligns with the first lateral hole 50, which hinders placing or removing the first blocking element 55 from the first lateral hole 50 due to the presence of part of the first end 13 of the shackle 12.

[0074] The shackle 12 further comprises a second recess 16. The second recess 16 occurs about the whole surface of part of the first end 13 of the shackle 12, wherein said second recess 16 has a smaller diameter than the first end 13 of the shackle 12. The second recess 16 is positioned to align with a second lateral hole 60 of the padlock body 10, and therefore does not obstruct said second lateral hole 60, regardless of whether the device is in the locked position or in the unlocked position. When a second blocking element 65 is fitted into the second lateral hole 60, said second blocking element 65 is arranged within the second recess 16 of the shackle 12, thereby blocking an axial movement of the shackle 12.

[0075] Further, the second end 14 of the shackle 12 is adapted to interlock (i.e., tightly attach) with the groove 32 of the actuator 30. Said second end 14 of the shackle 12 may comprise a region having a smaller diameter when compared with the diameter of a non-engaging region of the shackle 12. Furthermore, the groove 32 may have a shape adapted to engage with the second end 14 of the shackle 12 having a smaller diameter such that at least part of the groove 32 is comprised in the region having a smaller diameter. Said region having a smaller diameter engages and interlocks with the groove 32 of the actuator 30, therefore locking the axial movement of the second end 14 of the shackle 12. When the actuator 30 is rotated to the locked position, the radial movement of the second end 14 of the shackle 12 is also obstructed.

[0076] As illustrated by FIG. 4A, a lateral side of the padlock body 10 which is closer to the first end 13 of the shackle 12 comprises a first lateral hole 50 for receiving a first blocking element 55. Said first blocking element 55 may be a screw or a bolt. The first lateral hole 50 is substantially perpendicular to the fastening direction of the fastener 40. Further, said first lateral hole 50 extends through the padlock body 10 and intersects with the fastener 40. Additionally, the first end 13 of the shackle 12 comprises a first recess 15 (not visible), which radially encloses part of the first lateral hole 50 when the shackle 12 is disengaged with the groove 32 of the actuator 30. The first recess 15 at the first end 13 of the shackle 12 is substantially circular and abuts with the first lateral hole 50, such that the first recess 15 and the first lateral hole 50 are aligned in a same plane (for instance, the same horizontal plane), in the unlocked position. In other words, the first recess 15 is adapted to align with the first lateral hole 50 only in the unlocked position, thereby exposing the first blocking element 55 inserted into the first lateral hole 50. Thus, the first blocking element 55 is at sight and may be removed from or inserted to the first lateral hole 50 of the padlock body 10 by using for instance a screwdriver.

[0077] As seen in FIG. 4B, when the shackle 12 is pivoted to the actuator 30 in the locked position, the first recess 15 is also pivoted away from the first lateral hole 50. Then, the first end 13 of the shackle 12 at least partly obstructs the first lateral hole 50 and the first blocking element 55 therein becomes inaccessible for removal from the outside.

[0078] Furthermore, when fully screwed into the first lateral hole 50, the first blocking element 55 is arranged upon the fastener 40 (e.g., the screw), thereby blocking access to the fastener 40 from the outside and hindering removal of the fastener 40 while in the locked position (visible on FIG. 2A).

[0079] As also illustrated by FIGS. 4A and 4B, a side of the padlock body 10 which is closer to the first end 13 of the shackle 12 further comprises a second lateral hole 60 for receiving a second blocking element 65. Said second blocking element 65 may be a pin or a rod. The second lateral hole 60 extends through the padlock body 10 and is substantially perpendicular to the fastening direction of the fastener 40. Further, the first end 13 of the shackle 12 comprises a second recess 16 which radially encloses part of the second lateral hole 60, regardless of whether in the unlocked or locked position. The second recess 16 at the first end 13 of the shackle 12 is substantially circular and abuts with the second lateral hole 60, such that the second recess 16 and the second lateral hole 60 are aligned in a same horizontal plane, in both locked and unlocked positions. Further, the second blocking element 65 inserted into the second lateral hole 60 is positioned within the recess 16, and thus attaches the second end 13 of the shackle 12 to the padlock body 10 and hinders an axial movement of the second end 13 of the shackle 12 in relation to the padlock body 10. The second blocking element 65 may be any element that is tightly fixed into the second lateral hole 60, such as a pin or a rod. The second blocking element 65 may be arranged to further avoid removal, for instance being glued or welded to the second lateral hole 60.

[0080] As illustrated by FIG. 5, the padlock 1 comprises a padlock body 10 as disclosed elsewhere herein, and a replaceable locking cylinder 20. As previously discussed, the padlock body 10 and the replaceable locking cylinder 20 are engaged by fasteners 40, such as screws. Furthermore, the replaceable locking cylinder 20 may comprise all necessary elements that constitutes a working padlock 1. For instance, the replaceable locking cylinder 20 may comprise a plug, an opening for inserting an actuator device such as a key (not shown) and a cam for transferring the rotational movement of the plug to the actuator 30.

[0081] The skilled person is aware of locking mechanisms suitable for the replaceable locking cylinder 20. The locking mechanisms is preferably aligned with the actuator 30 in the same axis X when the replaceable locking cylinder 20 is attached to the padlock body 10. In general terms, a correct key is inserted into a keyhole and rotated about 90 degrees. The rotation of the key also rotates the plug and the cam at the end of the plug, which is in operatively contact with the actuator 30. The rotation of the cam operatively connected to the actuator 30 promotes the rotation of the actuator 30 between a locked and an unlocked position. When the second end 14 of the shackle 12 is engaged with the groove 32 of the actuator 30, the rotation of the actuator 30 to the locked position hinders any axial and/or radial movement of the second end 14 of the shackle 12, thus locking an object located between the shackle 12 and the padlock 1. When the key is removed from the keyhole, the locking mechanism of the replaceable locking cylinder 20 hinders any movement of the actuator 30.

[0082] The padlock body 10, the replaceable locking cylinder 20 and/or the padlock 1 may be made of metal or an alloy, such as stainless steel or brass.

[0083] It is to be understood that while the invention has been described in conjunction with the detailed description thereof, the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the following claims.

[0084] Unless expressly described to the contrary, each of the preferred features described herein can be used in combination with any and all of the other herein described preferred features.