Patent ID: 7946141
Filing Date: 2011-05-24
Classification: E05B,E05C,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A self-scrambling combination lock, comprising: a frame, said frame having a top surface, first and second sides and a bottom surface spaced from said top surface; at least two tumbler rings, said tumbler rings being marked with characters used for a combination for said self-scrambling combination lock; an activating slide, said slide moving a locking bar between a locked position and an unlocked position; said top surface having openings for said at least two tumbler rings and said activating slide; said frame supporting an axle, said axle having an axle end member disposed at a first end and a series of longitudinal ridges disposed on its exterior circumference and supporting said at least two tumbler rings; an urging member, said urging member being attached to said locking bar and disposed to contact said axle end member as said locking bar is moved from said locked position to said unlocked position; said longitudinal ridges extending along a length of said axle and being interrupted by unridged portions, said portions permitting rotation of said tumbler rings; said tumbler rings having mating grooves disposed on interior circumferences of said tumbler rings, said mating grooves permitting said axle to slide laterally through said tumbler rings when said rings are aligned according to said self-scrambling combination lock's combination and force input from said activating slide is applied to said axle end member by said urging member, lateral movement of said axle permitting said locking bar to move between said locked position and said unlocked position; each of said tumbler rings having a barrel section, each of said barrel sections extending laterally on at least one side of each of said tumbler rings; each of said barrel sections being of a smaller diameter than each of said tumbler rings and having a notch disposed on its outer surface, parallel to a longitudinal axis of said axle; at least one scrambling bar, said scrambling bar having a first end and a second end, being attached at said first end to said locking bar and having a notch-engaging feature disposed at said second end; each of said scrambling bars being urged towards one of said barrel sections by a first elastic element; said notch-engaging feature fitting into said notch when said tumbler ring is positioned according to said self-scrambling combination lock's combination and said activating slide moves said locking bar from said locked position to said unlocked position; each of said scrambling bars turning one of said barrel sections when said activating slide moves said locking bar from said unlocked position to said locked position; each of said barrel sections turns one tumbler ring to a position other than that of said self-scrambling combination lock's combination upon locking of said self-scrambling combination lock.