CLIAMS:1. A securing arrangement for a barrel lock, the securing arrangement comprising a bracket configured on the barrel lock with rotational freedom to move from first a position to a second position, wherein in the first position the bracket allows access to keyhole of the barrel lock whereas in second position the bracket blocks access to keyhole of the barrel lock; further wherein, in the second position, the rotational freedom of the bracket is blocked by one or more padlocks.
2. The securing arrangement of claim 1, wherein the bracket is configured on front face of the barrel lock.
3. The securing arrangement of claim 1, wherein the bracket is configured on the barrel lock with a rivet.
4. The securing arrangement of claim 1, wherein the bracket is made of a hard metal.
,TagSPECI:TECHNICAL FIELD

[1] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of security locks. In particular, the present disclosure pertains to compact and easy to install padlock arrangement, which can be adapted with security locks, such as barrel locks.

BACKGROUND
[2] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[3] Conventional barrel locks are cylindrical in structure and have a spring loaded mechanism for locking and unlocking. The mechanism forces a pair of balls outwardly to a position, where they exceed the circumference of the cylinder. Upon withdrawing spring forces with a key, balls can be released and moved inwardly to pass through a lock housing. Once the inserted key is removed, spring is released and the barrel lock is secured by the balls. This type of locks is expensive and is widely used for high security purposes.
[4] Barrel locks are typically used to inhibit tampering with public utility devices such as meters for gas, water and electricity. It incorporates two balls which are held in the extended, locked position by a spring loaded tapered mandrel. Key shapes are very limited, therefore keys can be easily duplicated. Common objects can also be used to open the lock. A common barrel lock is a plunger type lock and can become inoperable if affected by corrosion . It can also be easily disabled/tempered by simply inserting a foreign object into the key hole.
[5] In order to provide additional safety to barrel locks, key insert area can be provided with a security cover or bracket to prevent any possibility of insertion of unauthorized keys/other foreign objects into the keyhole. The security cover or bracket can be further secured by a physical lock such as a padlock. The said security cover/bracket along with physical lock thus provides an additional safety and security.
[6] In order to have additional safety and protection for barrel locks configured on their equipment, a number of customers demand padlocking arrangement. Padlocks can be installed through a hardware assembly mounted on barrel locks. A bracket/bracketing assembly/hasp can be used, which allows a barrel lock owner, to additionally secure it with a padlock. The bracket can be riveted to the front end of barrel lock or can be fixed by some other means.
[7] The prior arrangements for padlock installation, have space and installation constraints, which makes whole assembly very bulky. In cases, where padlocking arrangement is to be installed in-situ, it becomes a difficult task for service personals.
[8] Also, the padlocking arrangements known in the art support only single padlock per barrel lock. For better security purpose, if somebody wants to secure a barrel lock with more number of padlocks, there is no solution for this in the art. Even if, somebody gets success in securing a barrel lock with more than one padlock, the whole padlocking arrangement becomes bulky.
[9] There is therefore a need, for more efficient and light weight device (bracket), which can easily accommodate more than one padlocks and can provide additional security and protection to barrel locks.
[10] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
[11] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
[12] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[13] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[14] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[15] An object of the present disclosure is to overcome disadvantages and drawbacks associated with current arrangement of securing barrel locks.
[16] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a bracket, which can disable access of unauthorized/foreign objects in key insert area.
[17] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a compact bracket assembly for barrel locks, which can accommodate plurality of padlocks.
[18] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a light weight bracket for barrel locks, to accommodate more than one padlocks.
[19] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a bracket, which doesn’t require replacement of key insert of barrel lock, to install bracket assembly.
[20] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a bracket, which can be easily installed in-situ.

SUMMARY
[21] Aspects of the present disclosure in general relate to an arrangement to secure barrel locks with help of padlocks. In particular, a bracket/bracket assembly is disclosed which can accommodate plurality of padlocks, for enhanced security of barrel locks.
[22] In an aspect, the disclosed bracket/bracket assembly can be fixed on front portion/face of a barrel lock. In another aspect, the fixing of the bracket/bracket assembly can be done by riveting. In another aspect, the riveted end of the bracket is fixed, while other end is movable with respect to the fixed end. The free end of the bracket can be configured with arrangement for engaging physical lock/padlock. In another aspect, in padlock engagement position, the bracket blocks access to key insert zone provided on barrel lock preventing any possibility of insertion of keys or any other foreign object. Blocking of key insert area ensures safety against tempering and unauthorized access to the barrel lock.
[23] In one aspect, the disclosed bracket is configured to receive multiple padlocks adapted to install or achieve padlocking on barrel locks. In another aspect a plural number of holes/slots, meant, to engage padlock rods/shackle are provided on the disclosed bracket to meet the requirement of receiving multiple padlocks. In another aspect multiple padlocking provides enhanced safety and security for the barrel lock.
[24] In an aspect, the bracket can be mounted or installed on barrel lock with the help of a rivet or any other fastening means that allow free rotational motion of the bracket. The rotational movement allows bracket to be moved from first position to a second position wherein first position allows access to the keyhole of the barrel lock whereas second position blocks the access to the keyhole of the barrel lock. Further padlocks can be received by the bracket in the second position so as to prevent rotational movement of the bracket wherein blocked movement of the bracket prevents any possibility of access to the keyhole of the barrel lock.
[25] In another aspect, the disclosed bracket is made of hard metals such as but not limited to steel that cannot be easily tempered to gain access to the keyhole of the barrel lock.
[26] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[27] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[28] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary front view of the bracket that can secure a barrel lock with help of padlocks to in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[29] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of the bracket that can secure a barrel lock with help of padlock(s) to in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[30] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary view of the bracket riveted on a barrel lock but not engaged with padlock(s) in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[31] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary view of the bracket engaged and secured with a padlock in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DISCRIPTION
[32] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[33] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.
[34] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[35] Aspects of the present disclosure in general relate to a bracket that can be configured on a barrel lock with a purpose to secure the barrel locks by incorporating conventional padlocks. In particular, a bracket/bracket assembly is disclosed, that can accommodate a plurality of padlocks, for increased safety and security of the barrel locks against possible intrusions and unauthorized access.
[36] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a bracket made of hard metal such as steel, suitable to provide adequate strength and toughness so that it cannot be easily tempered with. Bracket can be suitably fixed to barrel lock, either by rivets or any other suitable fixing/fastening means so that while one end of said bracket is fixed, other end is movable. This movement allows the bracket to easily adapt from one position to other that correspond to two positions in which padlock(s) can be configured and barrel lock secured and other in which barrel lock keyhole can be accessed.
[37] In an embodiment, the disclosed bracket has a proximal end, and a distal end. Proximal end can be riveted to the barrel lock, while distal end is configured for engagement with padlock(s). Once the bracket is fixed on a barrel lock, the front side of the proximal end can cover the keyhole of the barrel lock in position when the bracket is engaged with padlock(s). However when there is no padlock and bracket is moved to other position, a hole configured on the front side of the proximal end can provide access to the keyhole of the barrel lock. ,
[38] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the distal end of bracket can be configured with plurality of slots/openings/holes/lock engagement slots to engage plurality of padlocks therewith. The slots are made such, that they can accommodate padlocks of various sizes.
[39] It is to be understood that while the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described with reference to barrel locks, they can as well be applied with different alterations/modifications/model/types of lock. It will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art, to any other padlock engaging means, that requires similar mechanical and structural properties and all such applications are well within the scope of the present disclosure.
[40] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary front view of bracket 100 used for padlocking a barrel lock in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown therein, bracket 100 incorporates a rivet hole 102 that can be used to install/fix/fasten the bracket 100 with a barrel lock. There can be another opening/slot, key access slot104 which, when the bracket 100 is positioned appropriately, can allow key to be inserted in the keyhole of the barrel lock for unlocking barrel lock.
[41] The rivet hole 102 configured on bracket 100 can facilitate installation/fixing of the bracket 100 in close proximity of barrel lock keyhole. Bracket 100 can be built of a suitable metal such as but not limited to steel that can be hardened to a level that cannot be tempered with common tools such as a hacksaw, to obviate any possibility of tempering. In an embodiment, slot 104 can be suitably designed to match with resemblance of an authentic key, which can be used to unlock barrel lock. In another embodiment, key access slot 104 be designed so as, to simply allow any key to pass through it and have access to key insert of barrel lock.
[42] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary perspective view 200 of the bracket 100. Shown therein are rivet hole 102, key access slot 104, and lock engagement slots 202 for engagement of plurality of physical locks or padlocks.
[43] As illustrated in FIG. 2 lock engagement slots 202 can be designed, such that a number of physical locks/padlocks can be easily and suitably engaged with barrel lock. The slots 202 can be designed such that they can accommodate or engage locks of various shapes and/or sizes. The padlock rod diameter, may differ with different locks, therefore diameter of the slot 202 can be provided accordingly. Exemplary perspective view of FIG. 2 shows three lock engagement slots 202. It should be noted and must be appreciated that any number of slots can be made and incorporated, as per requirement.
[44] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary view of the bracket 100 riveted on a barrel lock but not engaged with padlock(s) in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Barrel lock 302 can have keyhole 304, which can be used to insert key in barrel lock 302 to lock/unlock it. Also depicted is Bracket 100, fixed on the barrel lock 302 by means of rivet 306 through the rivet hole 104.
[45] Barrel lock of FIG. 3 is a standard lock typically used to inhibit tampering with public utility devices such as meters for gas, water and electricity. It incorporates two balls which are held in the extended, locked position by a spring loaded tapered mandrel. Key shapes are very limited; therefore keys can be easily duplicated. Common objects can also be used to open the lock. Barrel locks are generally plunger type and are such that they get affected by corrosion and become inoperable when exposed to moisture. Further they can be easily disabled by simply inserting a foreign object into the key hole. The bracket 100 of the present disclosure can obviate such occurrences by covering the keyhole of the barrel lock.
[46] Bracket 304 as shown in FIG. 3 is engaged/installed/integrated with barrel lock by fixing means such as rivet 308. Rivet 308 is passed through rivet slot 306 provided on bracket 304 and suitably pressed to permanently fix, bracket with barrel lock firmly. The riveting arrangement of figure 3, allows longitudinal movement of bracket.
[47] In one aspects, rotational movement of the bracket 100 can result in moving of key access slot 104 away from keyhole 304 resulting in blocking of keyhole 304. Alternatively it can take a position to allow access to the keyhole 304. FIG. 3 shows bracket 100 in an open position, where a key can be inserted through the keyhole 304 through key access slot 104. In this position, slot 104 is in alignment with keyhole 304 allowing insertion of keys into keyhole 304.
[48] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary view of bracket 100 in engaged position with physical locks/padlocks 402. The bracket 100 is moved from its initial position, where keyhole 304 was in alignment with key access slot 104. From this initial position, bracket 100 is moved to second position, where keyhole 304 gets blocked due to key access slot 104 getting misaligned with keyhole 304 of the barrel lock. In this position it is not possible to access the key hole 304 of the barrel lock for unauthorized opening or tempering.
[49] In an embodiment, the plurality of lock engagement slots 202 provided at distal end of the bracket can be used to engage a plurality of locks/padlock 402, through lock engagement slots 202. Plurality of padlocks, which can be of different sizes, get engaged with the barrel lock easily. The movement of bracket 404 gets stopped and now it is fixed at that end, where padlocks 408 are in engaging state with lock engagement slots.
[50] Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a device for securing barrel locks. The disclosed bracket/bracket assembly can accommodate a plurality of padlocks to provide increased security for barrel locks.
[51] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[52] The present disclosure overcomes disadvantages and drawbacks associated with current arrangement of securing barrel locks plurality of locks/padlocks.
[53] The present disclosure provides a compact bracket assembly for barrel locks, which can accommodate plurality of padlocks.
[54] The present disclosure provides a light weight bracket for barrel locks that can accommodate more than one padlocks.
[55] The present disclosure provides a bracket, which can disable access of unauthorized/foreign objects in key insert area.
[56] The present disclosure provides a bracket, which doesn’t require replacement of key insert of barrel lock, to install bracket assembly.
[57] The present disclosure provides a bracket, which can be easily installed in-situ.