Description:ADJUSTABLE LOCK WITH VARIABLE THROAT SIZE

FIELD OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of mechanical locks. More particularly, the present disclosure pertains to an adjustable lock that allows for varying throat size thereof for security or other purposes.

BACKGROUND
[0002] In recent times, it has become increasingly necessary for individuals and businesses to have secure storage for their personal belongings or valuable items. This has been driven largely by the rising value of individual property ownership, as well as the growing risks posed by thefts and burglaries. Thus, the need for a secure locking mechanism is pertinent and undeniable. Locks are widely used devices designed to secure objects against theft, unauthorized access, or other forms of misappropriation. Conventional locks include a lock body and a shackle that can be secured into the lock body. While conventional locks serve the primary function of security effectively, they are rigid in terms of adaptability to varying sizes of objects that can be secured therewith, primarily due to the fixed throat size, i.e., the distance between the shackle drop bar and the body of the lock. This one-size-fits-all approach of the traditional locks makes them ill-suited to securing items whose size may not fit the throat of the lock.
[0003] The throat length is also significant because it can influence the lock's vulnerability to being tampered with or broken. Locks with longer throats allow more room for individuals to insert a rod and apply force in an attempt to break the lock. Conversely, locks with shorter throats limit the extent to which tools can be inserted, reducing the ability to apply force and thereby enhancing the lock's security.
[0004] The present disclosure seeks to address the aforementioned shortcomings by providing an adjustable lock that allows the user to vary the throat size as per requirement, thereby making the lock versatile for a range of applications.

OBJECTIVE
[0005] One of the key design features in locks that has faced scrutiny is the length of the throat, the part of a lock where the shackle enters the lock body. The throat length is significant because it can influence the lock's vulnerability to being tampered with or broken. Locks with longer throats allow more room for individuals to insert a rod and apply force in an attempt to break the lock. Conversely, locks with shorter throats limit the extent to which tools can be inserted, reducing the ability to apply force and thereby enhancing the lock's security. Yet, there is a need for versatility, as objects requiring locking can vary in size, and hence the throat length of the lock may need to be adaptable. The dilemma, then, is designing a lock that provides this adaptability without compromising security.
[0006] Therefore, a key challenge in the design of any lock is finding a balance between adaptability and security. Achieving a lock design with a throat that is easily adaptable to the size of the object being locked, yet is not vulnerable to tampering or forced breakage, is highly desired in the realm of security devices. Consequently, the need to balance security and flexibility is a driver for innovations in the design and functionality of locks.

SUMMARY
[0007] In an aspect of the present disclosure, an adjustable lock is provided. The adjustable lock comprises a lock body having a first slot and a second slot. The adjustable lock further comprises a U-shaped shackle having a first leg and a second leg. The first leg is slidably coupled within the first slot in the lock body, and the second leg is configured to be inserted into and retracted from the second slot in the lock body. The second leg comprises a first notch located proximally and a second notch located distally with respect to the lock body when the U-shaped shackle is coupled thereto. The adjustable lock further comprises a locking mechanism housed within the lock body. The locking mechanism includes a locking latch configured to selectively engage with either the first notch or the second notch on the second leg at a given instant to define a first station locking position and a second station locking position, respectively, for the U-shaped shackle with respect to the lock body, such that a throat size as formed between the lock body and the U-shaped shackle is adjusted by selectively positioning the U-shaped shackle in either the first station locking position or the second station locking position.
[0008] In one or more embodiments, the locking latch is movably mounted within the lock body, and is configured to selectively align and engage with either the first notch or the second notch on the second leg based on an extent of insertion of the second leg into the second slot in the lock body.
[0009] In one or more embodiments, the locking mechanism is adapted to shift engagement from the first notch to the second notch on the second leg of the U-shaped shackle when the second leg is further inserted into the second slot in the lock body from the first station locking position to the second station locking position, thereby enabling a transition from the first station locking position to the second station locking position.
[0010] In one or more embodiments, the first notch on the second leg of the U-shaped shackle is configured to engage with the locking mechanism when the U-shaped shackle is in the first station locking position, thereby defining a first throat size, and the second notch on the second leg of the U-shaped shackle is configured to engage with the locking mechanism when the U-shaped shackle is in the second station locking position, thereby defining a second throat size.
[0011] In one or more embodiments, the first notch and the second notch on the second leg of the U-shaped shackle are spaced apart at a predetermined distance, thereby defining the first throat size and the second throat size when engaged with the locking mechanism in the first station locking position and the second station locking position, respectively.
[0012] In one or more embodiments, the predetermined distance is in a range of 5 mm to 20 mm.
[0013] In one or more embodiments, the predetermined distance is about 10 mm.
[0014] In one or more embodiments, the first throat size is in a range of 20 mm to 30 mm, and the second throat size is in a range of 10 mm to 20 mm.
[0015] In one or more embodiments, the first throat size is about 28.5 mm and the second throat size is about 18.5 mm.
[0016] In one or more embodiments, the first notch and the second notch on the second leg of the U-shaped shackle are complementary shaped to facilitate a secure engagement with the locking latch of the locking mechanism.
[0017] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0018] For a more complete understanding of example embodiments of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a diagrammatic planar view representation of an adjustable lock, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 2A illustrates a diagrammatic planar view representation of the adjustable lock, with a front cover of a lock body thereof removed, in an unlocked position, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 2B illustrates a diagrammatic section view representation of the adjustable lock along a section AA’ of FIG. 2A, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 3A illustrates a diagrammatic planar view representation of the adjustable lock, with the front cover of the lock body removed, in a first station locking position, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 3B illustrates a diagrammatic section view representation of the adjustable lock along a section BB’ of FIG. 3A, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 4A illustrates a diagrammatic planar view representation of the adjustable lock, with the front cover of the lock body removed, in a second station locking position, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; and
[0025] FIG. 4B illustrates a diagrammatic section view representation of the adjustable lock along a section CC’ of FIG. 4A, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to these specific details.
[0027] Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The appearance of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Further, the terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not for other embodiments.
[0028] The terminology used in the description presented herein is intended to be interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even though it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain specific examples of the invention. Certain terms may even be emphasized below; however, any terminology intended to be interpreted in any restricted manner will be overtly and specifically defined as such in this description below.
[0029] Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present disclosure, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be understood that the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present disclosure.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, illustrated is a diagrammatic planar view representation of an adjustable lock (as represented by reference numeral 100), in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The adjustable lock 100 represents a device used to fasten or secure objects, with the ability to adjust the size or space within the lock itself, by providing a secure mechanism for locking in a wide variety of applications. The adjustable lock 100 includes a versatile design that allows for the adjustment of the lock's throat size, catering to different sizes and types of objects (as discussed later in more detail). This could be useful in situations where the size of the object or objects being secured can vary. The adjustability feature enhances its usability across a multitude of scenarios, from securing storage units to fastening personal belongings. The adjustable lock 100 of the present disclosure enhances security while offering improved flexibility over traditional lock designs. In the illustrated embodiments, the adjustable lock 100 has been shown to be in the form of a pad lock; however, it may be appreciated that the adjustable lock 100 may embody other types of lock without departing from the spirit and the scope of the present disclosure. The pad lock, as used, comes in a variety of sizes and styles, and can be used to secure a variety of objects, such as gates, doors, storage units, and more. The pad lock may be commonly used in residential, commercial, and industrial settings, and are often preferred for their portability and versatility.
[0031] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the adjustable lock 100 includes a lock body 102, a U-shaped shackle 104, and a locking mechanism 106 (externally shown and referred to in FIG. 1, with details provided in description of subsequent drawings). The lock body 102 is a central part of the adjustable lock 100, providing the primary structure that holds the various elements thereof. The lock body 102 is generally sturdy, made from materials like steel or hardened plastic to resist forced entry. As shown, the lock body 102 has a front cover 103 and also has a complementary back cover (not visible) which are coupled together to define an enclosed structure therefor. In some examples, the lock body 102 may be provided with laminated strips for reinforcement. Depending on the design, the lock body 102 may feature different slots or openings for interacting with other lock components. Herein, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the lock body 102 includes two slots, a first slot 108 and a second slot 110, which accommodate legs of the U-shaped shackle 104. The first slot 108 and the second slot 110 in the lock body 102, are generally cylindrical openings/extrusions designed to accept and interact with other components. In an example, the first slot 108 and the second slot 110 may be accompanied with a large pipe and a small pipe, respectively, in the lock body 102, with each of those equipped with a spring. It may be appreciated that the first slot 108 and the second slot 110 may vary in shape and size, and the positioning of these slots 108, 110 often determines how the parts of the lock interact and how the lock functions as a whole.
[0032] The U-shaped shackle 104 in the adjustable lock 100 refers to a U-shaped metal loop that can pivot or slide into the lock body 102. The two ends of “U” of the U-shaped shackle 104 define legs therefor, which interact with the lock body 102 by entering slots 108, 110 therein to create a secure connection. Specifically, as illustrated, the U-shaped shackle 104 includes a first leg 112 and a second leg 114. The first slot 108 and the second slot 110 in the lock body 102 are designed to accommodate the first leg 112 and the second leg 114 of the U-shaped shackle 104, respectively. Herein, the first leg 112 is slidably coupled within the first slot 108 in the lock body 102. The second leg 114 is configured to be inserted into and retracted from the second slot 110 in the lock body 102. In other words, the first leg 112 is designed to be slidably coupled within the first slot 108 in the lock body 102, and the second leg 114 can be selectively inserted into and retracted from the second slot 110. This way the U-shape allows the U-shaped shackle 104 to encompass the object or objects to be locked.
[0033] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the second leg 114 of the U-shaped shackle 104 includes a first notch 116 and a second notch 118. When the U-shaped shackle 104 is coupled to the lock body 102, the first notch 116 is located proximally, and the second notch 118 is located distally with respect to the lock body 102. Similarly, as shown, the first leg 112 of the U-shaped shackle 104 may also include a first notch 117 and a second notch 119. Again, the first notch 117 is located proximally and the second notch 119 is located distally, with respect to the lock body 102. The first notch 116 and the second notch 118, are typically indentations or recesses made into a surface in the second leg 114. Hereinafter, the description has been made in respect of the first notch 116 and the second notch 118 for explaining embodiments of the present disclosure. It would be contemplated by a person skilled in the art that similar teachings may be applied to the first notch 117 and the second notch 119 in the adjustable lock 100, and thus not repeated herein for brevity of the present disclosure.
[0034] In the context of the adjustable lock 100 of the present disclosure, the notches 116, 118 are designed to interact with the locking mechanism 106, allowing the adjustable lock 100 to secure in different positions. In an example, the locking mechanism 106 may be in the form of a “spider” based locking mechanism, as known in the art. In particular, the locking mechanism 106 includes a locking latch 120 which is configured to selectively engage with the first notch 116 and the second notch 118 on the second leg 114 of the U-shaped shackle 104 at a given instant. That is, either one of the first notch 116 and the second notch 118 located on the second leg 114 of the U-shaped shackle 104 engage with the locking latch 120 at a given instant to secure the U-shaped shackle 104 within the lock body 102. The location and distance between the notches 116, 118 determine the available throat sizes and the positions of the U-shaped shackle 104 in relation to the lock body 102, and thereby dispose the adjustable lock 100 in either a first station locking position or a second station locking position thereof, as discussed in detail in the proceeding paragraphs.
[0035] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the locking latch 120 is movably mounted within the lock body 102. In some examples, the lock body 102 may be provided with a resting plate for the locking latch 120. Herein, the first notch 116 and the second notch 118 on the second leg 114 of the U-shaped shackle 104 are complementary shaped to facilitate a secure engagement with the locking latch 120 of the locking mechanism 106. This complementary shape enhances the security feature of the adjustable lock 100 by ensuring a firm engagement between the notches 116, 118 and the locking latch 120. This also minimizes any risk of the U-shaped shackle 104 slipping or dislodging from the lock body 102. The locking latch 120 is configured to selectively align and engage with either the first notch 116 or the second notch 118 on the second leg 114. This selective alignment and engagement depend on the extent of insertion of the second leg 114 into the second slot 110 in the lock body 102. Specifically, the locking mechanism 106 is designed to shift engagement of the locking latch 120 from the first notch 116 to the second notch 118 on the second leg 114 of the U-shaped shackle 104 when the second leg 114 is further inserted into the second slot 110 in the lock body 102. This further insertion allows the U-shaped shackle 104 to transition from the first station locking position to the second station locking position. This selective engagement and disengagement capability of the locking mechanism 106, which can be manually operated or automated, is what enables the transition between the two station locking positions for the adjustable lock 100 of the present disclosure.
[0036] In present configuration, the engagement of the locking latch 120 with either the first notch 116 or the second notch 118 helps define the first station locking position and the second station locking position, respectively, for the U-shaped shackle 104 with respect to the lock body 102. This enables the adjustment of a throat size, which is the distance formed between the lock body 102 and the U-shaped shackle 104. The throat size can be adjusted by selectively positioning the U-shaped shackle 104 in either the first station locking position or the second station locking position. It may be understood that the said adjustment of the throat size may be dependent on placement of the first notch 116 and the second notch 118 on the second leg 114 of the U-shaped shackle 104. Herein, the first notch 116 and the second notch 118 are spaced apart at a predetermined distance ‘D’. This predetermined distance ‘D’, therefore, defines the throat size when the U-shaped shackle 104 engages with the locking mechanism 106 in the first station locking position and the second station locking position, respectively. In the present embodiments, the predetermined distance ‘D’ may be in a range of 5 mm to 20 mm, or about 10 mm. This predetermined distance ‘D’ between the first notch 116 and the second notch 118 may be defined during the manufacturing stage based on the specific application and requirements of the adjustable lock 100.
[0037] As depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the adjustable lock 100 is shown to be disposed in the first station locking position thereof. Herein, the U-shaped shackle 104 is positioned such that the first leg 112 is slidably coupled within the first slot 108 of the lock body 102. In this position, the first leg 112 is not completely inserted into the first slot 108, but rather is partially inserted such that a portion of the first leg 112 still remains outside the lock body 102. Simultaneously, the second leg 114 of the U-shaped shackle 104 is configured to be selectively inserted into the second slot 110 in the lock body 102. In the first station locking position, the first notch 116, which is located proximally on the second leg 114, is engaged with the locking latch 120 of the locking mechanism 106. The distally located second notch 118 remains disengaged from the locking latch 120 at this position. The locking latch 120 engages with the first notch 116 on the second leg 114, thus locking the U-shaped shackle 104 in the first station locking position with respect to the lock body 102, and thereby defining a first throat size ‘T1’ for the adjustable lock 100.
[0038] Similarly, as depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the adjustable lock 100 is shown to be disposed in the second station locking position thereof. In this configuration, the U-shaped shackle 104 is further adjusted in a manner such that the first leg 112 is further slid into the first slot 108 of the lock body 102. In the second station locking position, the first leg 112 is inserted deeper into the first slot 108 compared to the first station locking position, and as a result, a smaller portion of the first leg 112 remains outside the lock body 102. Concurrently, the second leg 114 of the U-shaped shackle 104 is further inserted into the second slot 110 in the lock body 102. In the second station locking position, the distally located second notch 118 on the second leg 114 comes into alignment and engagement with the locking latch 120 of the locking mechanism 106. Conversely, the proximally located first notch 116 becomes disengaged from the locking latch 120 in the second station locking position. Further, the locking latch 120 engages with the second notch 118 on the second leg 114, effectively locking the U-shaped shackle 104 in the second station locking position with respect to the lock body 102. This engagement in the second station locking position, and the further insertion of the first leg 112 into the first slot 108, results in a reduced throat size ‘T2’ for the adjustable lock 100, compared to the first throat size ‘T1’.
[0039] Therefore, the adjustable lock 100 of the present disclosure allows to adjust the throat size between two distinct measures as a function of the locking position of the U-shaped shackle 104 with respect to the lock body 102. In the present embodiment, the first throat size ‘T1’ for the adjustable lock 100 may range from 20 mm to 30 mm, and the second throat size ‘T2’ for the adjustable lock 100 may range from 10 mm to 20 mm. In a more specific embodiment, the first throat size ‘T1’ for the adjustable lock 100 is about 28.5 mm, and the second throat size ‘T2’ for the adjustable lock 100 is about 18.5 mm. The wider first throat size ‘T1’ can be advantageous for certain applications where a larger object needs to be secured, and the smaller second throat size ‘T2’ could be utilized for locking applications requiring a tighter fit or when the object to be secured has a smaller dimension. It is, however, to be duly noted that the given throat sizes are merely exemplary in nature, and in no way serve to limit the scope of the present disclosure. The exact dimensions could be varied based on specific requirements, material properties, manufacturing processes, or design considerations without deviating from the core principle of an adjustable throat size in a lock mechanism. As a person skilled in the art would appreciate, the adjustable lock 100 could be implemented in other configurations and dimensions according to the invention disclosed herein.
[0040] The adjustable lock 100 of the present disclosure provides a versatile and robust solution for securing a wide range of items. The unique design of the adjustable lock 100, specifically, by providing two notches 116, 118 on the second leg 114 of the U-shaped shackle 104 and the complementary locking mechanism 106 with the locking latch 120 configured to selectively engage with either the first notch 116 or the second notch 118 at a given instant, allows for secure and adjustable locking configurations. Moreover, the ability to change throat size could deter attempts at lock picking or other unauthorized access methods. By reducing the accessible area, it becomes more challenging for an intruder to manipulate the lock's internal components. The increased difficulty could deter casual thieves and provides an extra layer of security. The present adjustable lock 100 overcomes the limitations of conventional lock designs by providing a high degree of adaptability in terms of the throat size. This innovative design allows for greater flexibility in the application of the adjustable lock 100, catering to a wide variety of sizes. The adjustable lock 100 is user-friendly and convenient to operate. Shifting between the first station locking position and the second station locking position is straightforward and does not require any specialized tools or extensive knowledge of locking systems. The adjustable lock 100 caters to a broader range of locking requirements, thereby offering superior usability and performance.
[0041] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present disclosure and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present disclosure and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. An adjustable lock comprising:
a lock body having a first slot and a second slot;
a U-shaped shackle having a first leg and a second leg, the first leg being slidably coupled within the first slot in the lock body, and the second leg being configured to be inserted into and retracted from the second slot in the lock body, the second leg comprising a first notch located proximally and a second notch located distally with respect to the lock body when the U-shaped shackle is coupled thereto; and
a locking mechanism housed within the lock body, the locking mechanism including a locking latch configured to selectively engage with either the first notch or the second notch on the second leg at a given instant to define a first station locking position and a second station locking position, respectively, for the U-shaped shackle with respect to the lock body, such that a throat size as formed between the lock body and the U-shaped shackle is adjusted by selectively positioning the U-shaped shackle in either the first station locking position or the second station locking position.

2. The adjustable lock as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locking latch is movably mounted within the lock body, and is configured to selectively align and engage with either the first notch or the second notch on the second leg based on an extent of insertion of the second leg into the second slot in the lock body.

3. The adjustable lock as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism is adapted to shift engagement from the first notch to the second notch on the second leg of the U-shaped shackle when the second leg is further inserted into the second slot in the lock body from the first station locking position to the second station locking position, thereby enabling a transition from the first station locking position to the second station locking position.

4. The adjustable lock as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first notch on the second leg of the U-shaped shackle is configured to engage with the locking mechanism when the U-shaped shackle is in the first station locking position, thereby defining a first throat size, and the second notch on the second leg of the U-shaped shackle is configured to engage with the locking mechanism when the U-shaped shackle is in the second station locking position, thereby defining a second throat size.

5. The adjustable lock as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first notch and the second notch on the second leg of the U-shaped shackle are spaced apart at a predetermined distance, thereby defining the first throat size and the second throat size when engaged with the locking mechanism in the first station locking position and the second station locking position, respectively.

6. The adjustable lock as claimed in claim 4, wherein the predetermined distance is in a range of 5 mm to 20 mm.

7. The adjustable lock as claimed in claim 4, wherein the predetermined distance is about 10 mm.

8. The adjustable lock as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first throat size is in a range of 20 mm to 30 mm, and the second throat size is in a range of 10 mm to 20 mm.

9. The adjustable lock as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first throat size is about 28.5 mm and the second throat size is about 18.5 mm.

10. The adjustable lock as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first notch and the second notch on the second leg of the U-shaped shackle are complementary shaped to facilitate a secure engagement with the locking latch of the locking mechanism.