Patent ID: 6981725
Filing Date: 2006-01-03
Classification: B65D,G09F,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A bi-directional locking device including a locking arrangement for receiving and locking a shackle thereto, the shackle having at least one locking element, the shackle being insertable into a device chamber for engagement with the locking arrangement, the locking arrangement comprising: a body defining said chamber therein having a longitudinal axis defining a longitudinal direction, the body having opposing top and bottom ends wherein the top end defines a top opening communicating with the chamber in the longitudinal direction, and the bottom end defines a bottom opening communicating with the chamber in the longitudinal direction; and a plurality of resilient fingers positioned in the chamber, respective ones of the fingers extending in opposing directions toward and substantially aligned with each other in the longitudinal direction, the plurality of fingers each being positioned to allow passage of the at least one locking element of the shackle in first and second opposite insertion longitudinal directions through either the top or the bottom opening, the fingers being arranged so that at least one locking element can pass through the chamber and through both said top and bottom openings in the same insertion direction, at least one of the fingers for locking engaging the at least one locking element to preclude shackle withdrawal from the chamber in a direction opposite to the insertion direction to lock the shackle to the body in the opposite direction.