Combination and key operated padlock with indicator
US6877345B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 5, 2003 |
| Grant date | Apr 12, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 18, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T70/8162
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A padlock for luggage that can be operated by setting a combination or by inserting and turning a key is provided with an indicator that normally displays a first state when the lock being used in a normal way as a combination operated luggage padlock, but which displays a second state if the padlock has been opened by government inspectors utilizing a key for purposes of inspecting contents of the luggage. The indicator can be reset from a display of the second state to a display of the first state only after the padlock has been opened utilizing a combination known to the owner. The indicator is movable between first and second positions, and has first and second surfaces of different appearance, one or the other of which is displayed through a window of the housing depending on whether the indicator is in the first position or the second position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.