Portable lock apparatus

An exemplary security apparatus generally includes a tether, a head, and a body. The head is secured to the tether, and generally includes a plug including a latch and an actuator at least selectively operable to move the latch from a latching position to an unlatching position. The body is secured to the tether, and includes a port operable to receive the plug. With the plug received in the port, the latch prevents separation of the head and the body when the latch is in the latching position, and does not prevent separation of the head and the body when the latch is in the unlatching position.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to portable lock apparatuses, and more particularly but not exclusively relates to ring locks including secondary locking features.

BACKGROUND

Portable lock apparatuses are often used to discourage theft of transportation devices, such as bicycles and motorcycles. As one example, certain existing portable lock apparatuses involve the use of a ring lock and a tether operable to engage the ring lock and to be retained in engagement with the ring lock by a lock mechanism of the ring lock. However, some existing ring locks face certain challenges and limitations, such as those relating to ensuring that the transportation device remains secured when the lock mechanism of the ring lock is defeated. For these reasons among others, there remains a need for further improvements in this technological field.

SUMMARY

An exemplary security apparatus generally includes a tether, a head, and a body. The head is secured to the tether, and generally includes a plug including a latch and an actuator at least selectively operable to move the latch from a latching position to an unlatching position. The body is secured to the tether, and includes a port operable to receive the plug. With the plug received in the port, the latch prevents separation of the head and the body when the latch is in the latching position, and does not prevent separation of the head and the body when the latch is in the unlatching position. Further embodiments, forms, features, and aspects of the present application shall become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an illustrative embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may or may not necessarily include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. It should further be appreciated that although reference to a “preferred” component or feature may indicate the desirability of a particular component or feature with respect to an embodiment, the disclosure is not so limiting with respect to other embodiments, which may omit such a component or feature. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to implement such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

Additionally, it should be appreciated that items included in a list in the form of “at least one of A, B, and C” can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (B and C); (A and C); or (A, B, and C). Similarly, items listed in the form of “at least one of A, B, or C” can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (B and C); (A and C); or (A, B, and C). Items listed in the form of “A, B, and/or C” can also mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (B and C); (A and C); or (A, B, and C). Further, with respect to the claims, the use of words and phrases such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” and/or “at least one portion” should not be interpreted so as to be limiting to only one such element unless specifically stated to the contrary, and the use of phrases such as “at least a portion” and/or “a portion” should be interpreted as encompassing both embodiments including only a portion of such element and embodiments including the entirety of such element unless specifically stated to the contrary.

With reference toFIG.1, illustrated therein is a system90according to certain embodiments. The system90generally includes a portable lock apparatus92and an additional security device94. In the illustrated form, the portable lock apparatus92is provided in the form of a ring lock100according to certain embodiments, and the security device94is provided in the form of a security tether200according to certain embodiments. As described herein, it is also contemplated that the portable lock apparatus92and/or the security device94may take another form. For example, the portable lock apparatus92may be provided in another form, such as that of a U-lock, a padlock, or another form of portable lock apparatus. Additionally or alternatively, the security device94may instead be provided along the lines of the security tether300illustrated inFIG.14, or the security tether400illustrated inFIG.15.

With additional reference toFIGS.2and3, illustrated therein is a ring lock100that may, for example, be utilized as the portable lock apparatus92of the system90. The ring lock100generally includes a housing110, a shackle120movably mounted in the housing110, a driver130operable to move the shackle120between an open position (FIG.2) and a closed positon (FIG.3), a lock mechanism140operable to selectively retain the shackle120in the closed position, and a port150. As described herein, the port150facilitates coupling of the ring lock100with an additional security apparatus, such as a security tether.

The housing110encloses one or more other components of the ring lock100, and provides a base to which one or more components of the ring lock100may be mounted. In the illustrated form, the housing110is configured for mounting to a wheeled transportation device (e.g., a bicycle or motorcycle) adjacent a wheel of the transportation device, and includes a gap112operable to receive a portion of the wheel of the transportation device. The illustrated housing110defines an arcuate guide path116along which a portion of the driver130travels during opening and closing of the ring lock100. Positioned on opposite sides of the guide path116are a pair of lips117that facilitate the guiding of the driver130along the guide path116.

With additional reference toFIG.4, the shackle120is generally arcuate, and is mounted for movement relative to the housing110between an open position and a closed position. The shackle120includes a rear end portion122that remains within the housing110, and a front end portion124that crosses the gap112and enters an opening118of the housing110during closing of the shackle120. With the shackle120in the closed position, a portion of the wheel of the transportation device may be captured within the enclosed opening112such that the shackle120interferes with spokes of the wheel to prevent rotation of the wheel relative to the frame. When the shackle120is in its open position, the shackle120is received in the housing110, and the wheel is free to rotate. The shackle120includes a closed position notch126operable to be engaged by the lock mechanism140when the shackle120is in its closed position to thereby retain the shackle120in its closed position. In the illustrated form, the shackle120further includes an open position notch128operable to be engaged by the lock mechanism140when the shackle120is in its open position to thereby retain the shackle120in its open position. The shackle120may be biased toward its open position, for example by a spring102connected between the shackle120and the housing110.

The driver130is connected with the shackle120, and facilitates manual manipulation of the shackle120between its open position and its closed position. The driver130generally includes a knob132mounted for movement along the arcuate path116, and a rigid connector134extending between the knob132and the rear end portion122of the shackle120. The knob132includes a pair of channels133that receive the lips117and thereby restrict the knob132to movement along the guide path116. The connector134is generally arcuate, and includes a first end portion135that is coupled with the knob132and a second end portion136that is coupled with the rear end portion122of the shackle120. In certain embodiments, the connector134may include a bend137. The connector134extends through an aperture in the housing110such that a slit in the internal case is not required for coupling the knob132with the shackle120.

The lock mechanism140is configured to selectively retain the shackle120in its closed position, and may further be operable to retain the shackle120in its open position. The lock mechanism140includes a lock core142and a bolt144operable to selectively engage the shackle120. More particularly, the bolt144is operable to engage the closed position notch126when the shackle120is in its closed position, and may further be operable to engage the open position notch128when the shackle120is in its open position. The lock core142is operable to selectively retain the bolt144in an extended position in which the bolt144engages one of the notches126,128of the shackle120. The lock mechanism140has a locked state in which the lock mechanism140prevents movement of the shackle120, and an unlocked state in which the lock mechanism140does not prevent movement of the shackle120.

In certain forms, the lock core142may be provided in the form of a mechanical core. For example, the lock core142may include a lock cylinder operable by a key149and/or a mechanical combination lock. Additionally or alternatively, the lock core142may include electronic features that facilitate the transition of the lock mechanism140between its locked and unlocked states. For example, the lock core142may include a credential reader and/or a wireless communication device operable to communicate with an external device. A credential reader may, by way of illustration, include a biometric credential reader operable to read biometric credentials, a card reader operable to read a credential embodied in tangible form, and/or a keypad operable to receive credential input. A wireless communication device may, for example, be configured to communicate with an external device via Bluetooth (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy), WiFi, Zigbee, and/or another wireless communication protocol. In certain embodiments, the lock mechanism140may be provided in the form of an Internet-of-Things (IoT) device.

With additional reference toFIG.5, the port150generally includes an entry or outer portion152, an inner portion154, and an engagement portion156positioned between the outer portion152and the inner portion154. The engagement portion156includes a recess157that is defined at least in part by a shoulder157′ operable to engage a latch254of a plug250of the security tether200as described herein. In the illustrated form, the port150has a generally circular cross-section, and the recess157is generally annular. As described herein, such a configuration may facilitate coupling of the security tether200with the ring lock100and/or may facilitate rotation of the inserted plug250. It is also contemplated that the port150may have a non-circular cross-section, and that the recess157may be non-annular.

With additional reference toFIG.6, the security tether200generally includes a tether210and a head230secured to the tether210, and may further include a body220secured to the tether210. As described herein, the head230generally includes an actuator240and a plug250, and may further include a lock mechanism260. As described herein, the plug250includes a latch254, and the actuator240is at least selectively operable to move the latch254from a latching position to an unlatching position. In embodiments that include the lock mechanism260, the lock mechanism260may selectively prevent the actuator240from moving the latch254to the unlatching position.

The tether210is generally flexible, and has a first end portion212and an opposite second end portion214. The tether210may, for example, include one or more of a chain, a rope, a cable, folding links, and/or another form of tether. The head230is secured to the first end portion212, and the body220may be secured to the second end portion214. In the illustrated form, a portion of the tether210passes through an opening222in the body220such that the second end portion214defines a loop215. It is also contemplated that the loop215may be omitted.

In the illustrated form, the body220is secured to the second end portion214of the tether210, and is operable to engage the head230such that the security tether200is capable of closing on itself to form a closed loop. To facilitate such engagement, the body220includes a port224operable to receive the plug250and to engage with a latch254of the plug250to thereby selectively prevent separation of body220and the head230. The port224is substantially similar to the above-described port150, and includes an engagement portion226including a recess227that is defined at least in part by a shoulder227′. As described herein, the shoulder227′ is operable to engage a latch254of the plug250to thereby selectively prevent separation of the body220and the head230.

The head230is secured to the first end portion212of the tether210, and is operable to engage the ring lock100as described herein. The head230generally includes a base232secured to the first end portion212of the tether210, an actuator240, and a plug250, and may further include a lock mechanism260.

As should be evident from the foregoing, the illustrated security tether200has a first end portion201and a second end portion202. The first end portion201includes the head230, and the second end portion202includes the loop215and the body220. Stated another way, the first end portion201may include a plug250configured to be received in the port150, the plug250may include a latch254, and the second end portion202may include a loop215and a body220defining a second port226sized and shaped to receive the plug250. As described herein with reference toFIG.12, the system90in certain embodiments has a configuration in which a portion of the security tether200passes through the loop215, the plug250is received in the first port150, and the latch254selectively prevents removal of the plug250from the first port150. As described herein with reference toFIG.13, the system90may have a configuration in which the plug250is received in the second port226and the latch254selectively prevents removal of the plug250from the second port226.

With additional reference toFIG.7, the actuator240is at least selectively operable to move the latch254from its latching position to its unlatching position. The actuator240is selectively operable to move the latch254to its unlatching position, and may be selectively prevented from moving the latch254to its unlatching position by the lock mechanism260. The illustrated actuator240includes at least one trigger242, and in the illustrated form includes a pair of triggers242positioned opposite one another. As described herein, when the actuator240is operable to actuate the latch254, depression of the trigger(s)242causes the actuator240to drive the latch254to its unlatching position.

With additional reference toFIGS.8and9, the plug250is sized and shaped to be received in each of the ports150,224, and generally includes a post252and the latch254. In the illustrated form, the post252includes a channel253in which the latch254is movably seated. An inner end of the latch254includes a ramp slot255, and an opposite end of the latch254includes a tang256. The ramp slot255receives a pin261that is coupled to a spindle262of the lock mechanism260such that movement of the spindle262from a proximal home position to a distal shifted position pivots the latch254from its latching position (FIG.8) to its unlatching position (FIG.9). As described herein, such pivoting of the latch254facilitates coupling and decoupling of the plug250with each of the ports150,224.

The lock mechanism260generally includes a spindle262, a plurality of inner dials264positioned about the spindle262, and a plurality of outer dials266positioned about the inner dials264. The spindle262is selectively axially movable between a proximal home position (FIG.8) and a distal shifted position (FIG.9). The spindle262is connected with the pin261that is engaged with the ramp slot255such that shifting of the spindle262between its home position and its shifted position causes a corresponding pivoting of the latch254between its latching position and its unlatching position. The spindle262includes a plurality of splines263, which are separated from one another by gaps263′. Each inner dial264includes a corresponding gate265operable to receive a respective one of the splines263. Each outer dial266includes a plurality of indicia267, and is selectively engaged with a corresponding one of the inner dials266such that the outer dial266is operable to rotate the corresponding inner dial264. As described herein, the lock mechanism260can be moved between a locked condition and an unlocked condition by entering the appropriate code via the outer dials266.

In the illustrated form, the lock mechanism260includes three outer dials266. It is also contemplated that the lock mechanism260may include more or fewer outer dials266. In such forms, the lock mechanism260may include a corresponding number of inner dials264, and the spindle262may include a corresponding number of splines263and gaps263′. Moreover, while the illustrated indicia267are provided as numerical digits zero through nine, it is also contemplated that each outer dial266may include more or fewer indicia267, and that such indicia267may be provided in another form. By way of example, one or more outer dials266may include indicia267in the form of numbers, letters, symbols, colors, and/or other indicia.

As noted above, the lock mechanism260has a locked condition and an unlocked condition. In the locked condition, at least one of the outer dials266is in an incorrect position, causing the gate265of the corresponding inner dial264to be misaligned with the respective spline263. As a result, the misaligned inner dial264retains the spindle262in its home position, and the latch254is retained in its latching position.

With the lock mechanism260in the unlocked condition, each spline263is aligned with a gate265of a corresponding inner dial264such that the spindle262is able to move distally to its shifted position. Such movement of the spindle262may be brought about by actuation of the actuator240, such as by depression of one or both of the triggers242. Depression of at least one trigger242causes a ramp243of the trigger242to engage a corresponding ramp of the spindle262to thereby drive the spindle262toward its shifted position. Movement of the spindle262toward its shifted position causes the pin261to ride along the ramp slot255, thereby moving the latch254to its unlatching position.

As will be appreciated, the lock mechanism260may include a reset mechanism268by which the code for the lock mechanism260can be changed. When the proper code is entered and the lock mechanism260is in its unlocked condition, the reset mechanism268may be actuated (e.g., by hand or by a tool) to drive the inner dials264out of engagement with the outer dials266. With the dials264,266disengaged with one another, the outer dials266may be rotated relative to the inner dials264to input a new combination. When the new combination is entered, the reset mechanism268may be deactuated to thereby return the inner dials264to engagement with the outer dials266. With the inner dials264once again engaged with the outer dials266, the combination for the lock mechanism260is reset, and can be entered to move the lock mechanism260to its unlocked condition.

With additional reference toFIG.10, the head230is operable to selectively couple with the ring lock100via engagement of the plug250with the port150. As noted above, the port150is sized and shaped to receive the plug250, and includes an engagement section156operable to engage the latch254. When the latch254is in its latching position (illustrated in solid), the tang256enters the recess157such that a shoulder257of the tang256is aligned with the shoulder157′ of the recess157. In this state, the latch254prevents separation of the head230from the ring lock100. When the lock mechanism260is moved to its unlocked condition and the actuator240is actuated, the latch254moves to its unlatching position (illustrated in phantom) as described above, thereby permitting removal of the plug250from the port150and separation of the head230from the ring lock100.

As should be appreciated from the foregoing, in the illustrated form, the coupling of the plug250with the port150is independent of the locked/unlocked state of the lock mechanism140. Stated another way, the lock mechanism140is inoperable to retain the plug250in engagement with the port150, and the plug250is operable to remain coupled with the port150and to decouple from the port150both when the lock mechanism140is locked and when the lock mechanism140is unlocked. It is also contemplated that the lock mechanism140may be operable to selectively prevent removal of the plug250from the port150. By way of example, an additional latch may selectively engage a recess253′ of the post252, and the position of such an additional latch may be controlled by the lock mechanism140.

With additional reference toFIG.11, in certain embodiments, the head230is also operable to selectively couple with the body220via engagement of the port224with the plug250. As noted above, the port224is sized and shaped to receive the plug250, and includes an engagement section226operable to engage the latch254. When the latch254is in its latching position (illustrated in solid), the tang256enters the recess227such that a shoulder257of the tang256is aligned with the shoulder227′ of the recess157. In this state, the latch254prevents separation of the head230from the body220. When the lock mechanism260is moved to its unlocked condition and the actuator240is actuated, the latch254moves to its unlatching position (illustrated in phantom) as described above. With the latch254in its unlatching position, the tang256disengages from the engagement section156, and the latch shoulder257clears the recess shoulder157′, thereby permitting removal of the plug250from the port224and separation of the head230from the body220.

With additional reference toFIG.12, illustrated therein is a first example use case scenario for the security tether200. In the first scenario, the ring lock100is mounted to a wheeled transportation device such as a bicycle80, and the security tether200is coupled with the ring lock100. More particularly, the ring lock100is mounted to the frame82of the bicycle80adjacent a wheel84of the bicycle80, and the head230is engaged with the ring lock100along the lines described above. A portion of the wheel84is received within the recess112such that the ring lock100is operable to selectively prevent rotation of the wheel84. When the shackle120is in its open position, the wheel84is free to rotate as normal. However, when the shackle120is in its closed position, the shackle120interferes with spokes85of the wheel84, thereby preventing rotation of the wheel84relative to the frame.

In the first scenario, the bicycle80is also secured to a stationary object such as a bike rack70via the security tether200. More particularly, the tether210has been wrapped about a portion of the bike rack70, and the head230has been passed through the loop215and engaged with the port150of the ring lock100. As a result, the bicycle80is not only prevented from its normal mode of travel by the ring lock100, but is also prevented from being carried away by the security tether200.

With additional reference toFIG.13, illustrated therein is a second example use case scenario for the security tether200. In this scenario, the security tether200is used independently of the ring lock100, which may be omitted. The security tether200has been wrapped around a portion of the bicycle80and a portion of the rack70, and the head230has been engaged with the body220along the lines described above. As a result, the security tether200may serve to secure the bicycle80to the rack70even in the absence of the ring lock100.

In the above-described embodiment of a security tether200, the security tether200includes lock mechanism260in the form of a mechanical combination lock mechanism. It is also contemplated that the lock mechanism260may be provided in another form. By way of example, the lock mechanism260may instead be provided in the form of a key-operable lock cylinder, for example as described below with reference toFIG.14. In certain embodiments, the lock mechanism260may include electronic features, such as a credential reader and/or a wireless communication device. A credential reader may, by way of illustration, include a biometric credential reader operable to read biometric credentials, a card reader operable to read a credential embodied in tangible form, and/or a keypad operable to receive credential input. A wireless communication device may, for example, be configured to communicate with an external device via Bluetooth (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy), WiFi, Zigbee, and/or another wireless communication protocol. In certain embodiments, the lock mechanism260may be provided in the form of an Internet-of-Things (IoT) device. In certain embodiments, the lock mechanism260may be omitted, for example as described below with reference toFIG.15.

With additional reference toFIG.14, illustrated therein is a security tether300according to certain embodiments. The security tether300may, for example, be utilized as the security device94in place of the above-described security tether200. The security tether300is substantially similar to the security tether200, and similar reference characters are used to indicate similar elements and features. For example, the security tether300includes a tether310, a head330, an actuator340, a plug350, and a lock mechanism360, which respectively correspond to the above-described tether210, head230, actuator240, plug250, and lock mechanism260. In certain embodiments, the security tether300may further include a loop and/or a body corresponding to the loop215and the body220. In the interest of conciseness, the following description of the security tether300focuses primarily on elements and features that are different from those described above with reference to the security tether200.

As with the above-described security tether200, the security tether300includes an actuator340and a lock mechanism360operable to selectively prevent the actuator340from moving the latch to its unlatching position. In the illustrated form, however, the actuator340is provided in the form of a slider342, and the lock mechanism360includes a lock cylinder362that is operable by a key364. When the proper key364is inserted and rotated, the slider342can be manually moved from a home position to a shifted position to thereby move the latch354from its latching position to its unlatching position. As will be appreciated, the security tether300is operable to be utilized in a use case scenario corresponding to the use case scenario described above with reference toFIG.12. In embodiments in which the security tether300includes a body along the lines of the above-described body220, the security tether300may further be operable to be utilized in a use case scenario corresponding to the use case scenario described above with reference toFIG.13.

With additional reference toFIG.15, illustrated therein is a security tether400according to certain embodiments. The security tether400may, for example, be utilized as the security device94in place of the above-described security tether200. The security tether400is substantially similar to the security tether200, and similar reference characters are used to indicate similar elements and features. For example, the security tether400includes a tether410, a head430, an actuator440, and a plug450, which respectively correspond to the above-described tether210, head230, actuator240, and plug250. In certain embodiments, the security tether400may further include a loop and/or a body corresponding to the loop215and the body220. In the interest of conciseness, the following description of the security tether400focuses primarily on elements and features that are different from those described above with reference to the security tether200.

In the illustrated form, the security tether400lacks a lock mechanism corresponding to the lock mechanism260. As a result, the actuator440is at all times operable to move the latch454between its latching position and its unlatching position. While the tether410of the illustrated embodiment is provided in the form of a chain, it is also contemplated that the tether410may be provided in another form, such as that of a cable, rope, or other form of tether. As will be appreciated, the security tether400is operable to be utilized in a use case scenario corresponding to the use case scenario described above with reference toFIG.12. In embodiments in which the security tether400includes a body along the lines of the above-described body220, the security tether400may further be operable to be utilized in a use case scenario corresponding to the use case scenario described above with reference toFIG.13.

It should be appreciated from the foregoing that at least some embodiments of the subject matter described herein may provide for additional security as compared to conventional ring lock systems. In many such conventional systems, a security tether may be selectively coupled to the ring lock by the same lock mechanism that selectively retains the shackle in the closed position. In such conventional systems, defeating the lock mechanism allows the attacker to both move the shackle to the open position (thereby defeating the immobilization capability) and to remove the tether (thereby enabling the attacker to remove the bicycle or other transportation device from the stationary object to which it was secured by the tether).

In contrast to the above-described limitations of conventional ring lock systems, at least certain embodiments described herein provide for a second security stage that prevents theft of the device being secured even in the event that the lock mechanism140of the ring lock100is defeated. More particularly, in embodiments in which the security tether includes its own lock mechanism, such a lock mechanism may prevent removal of the security tether from the ring lock even in the event that the lock mechanism140is defeated.

Moreover, it should be appreciated that at least some embodiments of the subject matter described herein facilitate use of a security system in multiple configurations. For example, the security system90may be utilized in a first configuration corresponding to the use case scenario described in connection withFIG.12, and a second configuration corresponding to the use case scenario described in connection withFIG.13. Such adaptability for different configurations may provide the user with additional options for securing a portable object to a stationary object, and may further facilitate the use of a security tether in combination with a portable lock apparatus and/or as a standalone security device.

Certain embodiments of the present application relate to a system, comprising: a portable lock apparatus comprising a first port and a first lock mechanism operable to selectively retain the portable lock apparatus in a closed condition; and a security apparatus, comprising: a tether; and a head secured to the tether, wherein the head comprises: a plug configured to be received in the first port, the plug comprising a latch having a latching position and an unlatching position; and an actuator at least selectively operable to move the latch from the latching position to the unlatching position; wherein, with the plug received in the first port, the latch in the latching position prevents removal of the plug from the first port; and wherein, with the plug received in the first port, the latch in the unlatching position does not prevent removal of the plug from the first port.

In certain embodiments, the head further comprises a second lock mechanism; and wherein the second lock mechanism is operable to selectively prevent the actuator from moving the latch from the latching position to the unlatching position.

In certain embodiments, the second lock mechanism comprises a combination lock mechanism.

In certain embodiments, the second lock mechanism comprises a key-operable lock mechanism.

In certain embodiments, the security apparatus further comprises a body secured to the tether; wherein the body comprises a second port operable to receive the plug; wherein, with the plug received in the second port, the latch in the latching position prevents removal of the plug from the second port; and wherein, with the plug received in the second port, the latch in the unlatching position does not prevent removal of the plug from the second port.

In certain embodiments, the body retains a portion of the tether in a loop.

In certain embodiments, the tether further comprises a loop.

Certain embodiments of the present application relate to a security apparatus, comprising: a tether; a head secured to the tether, the head comprising: a plug comprising a latch; and an actuator at least selectively operable to move the latch from a latching position to an unlatching position; and a body secured to the tether, the body comprising a port operable to receive the plug; wherein, with the plug received in the port, the latch prevents separation of the head and the body when the latch is in the latching position; and wherein, with the plug received in the port, the latch does not prevent separation of the head and the body when the latch is in the unlatching position.

In certain embodiments, the head further comprises a lock mechanism operable to selectively prevent the actuator from moving the latch from the latching position to the unlatching position.

In certain embodiments, the lock mechanism comprises at least one of a combination lock mechanism or a key-operable lock mechanism.

In certain embodiments, the security apparatus further comprises a loop defined at least in part by the tether; and wherein the loop is sized and shaped to permit passage of the head through the loop.

In certain embodiments, the loop is defined in part by the body.

In certain embodiments, a portion of the tether passes through an opening in the body and an end of the tether is secured to the body such that the security apparatus defines a loop.

Certain embodiments of the subject application relate to a system comprising the security apparatus, the system further comprising a portable lock apparatus; wherein the portable lock apparatus comprises an additional port and a lock mechanism operable to selectively retain the portable lock apparatus in a closed condition; wherein, with the plug received in the additional port, the latch prevents separation of the head and the portable lock apparatus when the latch is in the latching position; and wherein, with the plug received in the port, the latch does not prevent separation of the head and the portable lock apparatus when the latch is in the unlatching position.

Certain embodiments of the present application relate to a system, comprising: a portable lock apparatus comprising a first port and a first lock mechanism operable to selectively retain the portable lock apparatus in a closed condition; and a security tether comprising: a first end portion including a plug configured to be received in the first port, wherein the plug comprises a latch; and a second end portion comprising a loop and a body defining a second port sized and shaped to receive the plug; wherein the system has a first configuration in which a portion of the security tether passes through the loop, the plug is received in the first port, and the latch selectively prevents removal of the plug from the first port; and wherein the system has a second configuration in which the plug is received in the second port and the latch selectively prevents removal of the plug from the second port.

In certain embodiments, the security tether further comprises an actuator; and wherein the actuator is at least selectively operable to move the latch from a latching position to an unlatching position.

In certain embodiments, the actuator is at all times operable to move the latch from the latching position to the unlatching position.

In certain embodiments, the security tether further comprises a second lock mechanism; and wherein the second lock mechanism operable to selectively prevent the actuator from moving the latch from the latching position to the unlatching position.

In certain embodiments, the portable lock apparatus is a ring lock.

In certain embodiments, coupling of the plug with the first port is independent of a locked/unlocked state of the first lock mechanism.