Push-button lock mechanisms

A sequence dependent push-button lock mechanism having compression loaded locking rod assemblies, arcuate segments of which are placed in compression if attempts are made to force the lock open, and unlocking by rotating the arcuate segments out of compression engagement with a sliding block associated with a thumb-actuated reciprocating shackle sleeve, particularly adapted for use in padlocks and deadbolt/cabinet locks. The locks are applicable to use in combination with pivot-only shackles in the padlock form, and thumb-actuated shackle or deadbolt release mechanisms. The thumb latch is of a break-away type to deter plurality of holes in a spaced array for receiving spring biased automatic return push-button assemblies which actuate locking rods that are disposed to rotate upon selective engagement with various combinations of special "T" and "C" shaped flanges on button actuator members. The permutations of T and C flanges, actuating from 2 to 6 locking rods, offers a large number of possible lock combinations. The lock mechanism may optionally include an extra re-lock push-button for actuating a re-lock bar that simultaneously resets all the locking rods to the locked position by acting on the lower canted end. An optional auxiliary master key is also provided that, upon turning, imparts a auxiliary master key is also provided that, upon turning, imparts a rotation to all the locking rods permitting the lock to be opened. Compression loading the locking rods to prevent opening provides a very high strength lock mechanism of simple construction and assembly. Simple modification of the actuators provides a non-sequence dependent lock, if desired.

RELATED APPLICATION 
This application in part discloses swivel-only shackle assemblies for 
padlocks in combination with the novel locking mechanisms of this 
invention characterized by locking rods under compression. Swivel only 
shackle feature are disclosed and claimed in our co-pending application 
Ser. No. 220,586, filed July 18, 1988, entitled PUSH BUTTON PADLOCKS 
HAVING SWIVEL-ONLY SHACKLES, the disclosure of which is hereby 
incorporated by reference. 
FIELD 
The invention relates to locks having selectively rotatable locking rod 
assemblies characterzed by locking rods under compression to prevent 
opening having particular use in padlocks and deadbolt type locks. In 
padlocks, the locks of this invention are also characterized by having 
shackles which only pivot, rather than reciprocate, to open. More 
particularly, the invention relates to pad and deadbolt type locks having 
a special reboundtype push-button actuated rotating rod locking assembly 
which may be used in combination with pivot-only shackles in the padlock 
form, and thumb-actuated shackle or deadbolt release mechanisms. The locks 
of this invention have the advantages of being easy to open, especially by 
visually impaired or handicapped persons or in the dark, of offering a 
high number of combination possibilities, and high strength. 
BACKGROUND 
It has been known in the prior art of exposed shackle padlocks to provide 
shackle assemblies for which a reciprocating movement between the shackle 
and the lock housing is required to open the padlock. The most common form 
of these padlocks comprises a relatively complex arrangement of locking 
members to latch and release the shackle relative to the padlock body. 
These padlocks have an inverted J-shaped shackle that when released, moves 
upwardly out of the body to achieve relative reciprocal movement. The 
short end of the shackle will then pivot to open only after vertically 
clearing the padlock body, and the long end is entrained in the locking 
mechanism. These type of padlocks are generally called reciprocating 
shackle padlocks. 
Another variation on this theme of relative reciprocal movement between the 
shackle and the padlock body is a reversal of parts as shown in Atkinson, 
U.S. Pat No. 3,837,189 issued Sept. 24, 1974. The Atkinson design padlock 
comprises an inverted U-shaped shackle with one end fractionally shorter 
than the other, and a lock body having an outer shell and an inner core 
which are adapted to move a constrained amount relative to each other. 
When the locking mechanism is actuated to an "open" position, the shorter 
end of the shackle is released by downward movement of the outer shell. 
This permits the shackle to pivot open. 
One serious problem with reciprocating padlocks is that internal space 
limitations do not provide a sufficiently deep recess for the free end of 
the shackle. Due to the inherent play in the lock mechanism in securing 
the entrained end of the shackle, the shackle often can be pulled out a 
sufficient distance to clear the upper end of the padlock body to be 
pivoted open. There is nothing to prevent the shackle from pivoting once 
it clears the upper surface of the padlock body. The force necessary to 
open some padlocks is as little as 140 lbs; many high school-age young men 
can pull open such locks easily by hand. 
Another disadvantage of many current padlocks is the use of rotary dials. 
Rotary dials can not be used in the dark or by many handicapped or 
visually impaired people. Often, dexterous fully-sighted persons have 
difficulty opening such locks, even in daylight. In addition, rotary dial 
operation is slow and requires relative precision of alignment of the dial 
markings with the index, and the settings are imprecise in all but the 
most expensive locks. 
There are also disadvantages with the use of key locks. Keys are an 
inconvenience to carry around and can be easily lost or stolen. Most 
people would prefer to keep a combination in their head rather than to add 
another key to their key ring. 
Push-button locks, such as Cheng, U.S. Pat. No. 4,751,830, issued June 21, 
1988, have significant advantages over rotary dial and key locks. The 
positive action of a push-button lock allows for quick, easy and accurate 
operation. They offer the relative pick-resistance of combination locks, 
and also can be opened in the dark, or by sightless, visually impaired or 
physically handicapped persons. 
One disadvantage with current push-button padlocks is the amount of 
internal parts required which results in a padlock that is complex to 
assemble. Another disadvantage is that some reciprocating shackle 
push-button padlocks are susceptible to being opened by a small prying 
forces as a result of the inherent amount of play in an exposed shackle, 
reciprocating padlock. Still another disadvantage with some push-button 
padlocks is that the buttons, as in Cheng, pass completely through the 
locks and do not reset themselves. Thus the combination can be observed 
while open, and care must be taken by the user to push all the buttons one 
way or the other (all to the front or all to the back) so as to disguise 
the combination and relock the lock. Further, such nonauto reset (relock) 
locks are not adaptable to deadbolt or cabinet lock usage, as the rear of 
the lock must be exposed for manual resetting of the buttons. In a 
deadbolt or cabinet type (mounted or inset) lock, the lock is mounted with 
the back inset, flush or abutting a carrying member, such as a door, door 
jamb, frame, casing or the like, and accordingly is not accessible for 
resetting the buttons. While some push button combination locks, 
particularly door locks, are available, they are typically very expensive 
or complex electronic locks dependent on fallible electric power. 
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a strong, autoreset push-button 
lock that is easy to operate, inexpensive to assemble, has a simplicity 
that does not yield excessive play permitting opening by a small prying 
force, and is equally adaptable to use either in a padlock or deadbolt 
form. 
THE INVENTION 
OBJECTS 
It is among the objects of this invention to provide a locking mechanism in 
which locking is accomplished by placing arcuate segments of rotatable 
locking rod members in compression, and unlocking by rotating the arcuate 
segments out of compressive engagement with a sliding block. 
It is another object of this invention to provide special load-bearing 
locking rods as part of the locking mechanism to significantly increase 
the overall strength of the lock. 
It is another object of this invention to provide an improved, auto-relock 
push-button locking assembly, which is simple to manufacture and assemble 
and provides for easy selection of a wide variety of combinations 
involving either single or multiple buttons. 
It is another object of this invention to provide an improved push-button 
locking mechanism which may be used with auxiliary master key mechanisms. 
It is another object of this invention to provide two types or special 
actuators as part of the push-button assemblies, a T actuator, and a C 
actuator that act alone or in combination on a set of locking mechanism 
rods within the lock in order to open the lock and which provide sequence 
dependent opening combination features. 
It is another object of this invention to provide special push-buttons of 
four varieties being composed of all the permutation of the actuators, two 
types of flanges, a T-C button, a C-T button, an H button and a double T 
button, particularly adapted for use in push-button locking mechanisms. 
It is another object of this invention to provide a special relock button 
particularly adapted to reset all the locking rods and thereby relock the 
locking mechanism for use in push-button locking mechanisms. 
It is another object of this invention to provide an improved push-button 
locking mechanism comprising a simple button block having common 
push-button holes therein for receiving a plurality of different types of 
button assemblies resulting in a wide range of possible combinations and 
permutations, which buttons are spring-biased within the button block to 
provide an auto-rebound property. 
It is another object of this invention to provide the auto-rebound, 
single-button auto relock, reciprocating latch/sleeve, push-button, 
pivoting locking rod lock mechanisms of this invention adapted for use in 
padlock, deadbolt and cabinet-type locks. 
Still other objects will be evident from the summary, detailed description, 
drawings, abstract and claims which follow. 
SUMMARY 
The invention is described in most detail in its preferred adaptation as a 
push-button padlock, but it is clear from the detailed description below 
that it is equally applicable to deadbolt, cabinet, door and other types 
of locks. In its preferred form the invention comprises in operative 
combination a push-button padlock having a housing, an inverted, generally 
J-shaped shackle, a reciprocable shackle latching assembly including a 
thumb latch and a hardened sleeve, and a locking mechanism located in the 
housing actuated by the push-buttons projecting through one wall thereof. 
The shackle is adapted to only pivot, called a swivel-only shackle, the 
free end of which is receivingly engaged by the sleeve. In turn the sleeve 
is reciprocable into the padlock housing upon actuation of a thumb latch 
member projecting through the housing, preferably through a hole in the 
front face. The inverted J-shaped shackle has its longer end entrained in 
the padlock body wherein it engages a latching mechanism which includes 
the thumb latch and shackle sleeve members. The thumb latch is preferably 
of breakaway construction and the sleeve may be rotatable. A locking 
mechanism of any desired type to selectively lock and unlock the latching 
mechanism may be employed. 
The preferred locking mechanism is of a push-button type, and comprises a 
button block member secured to the inside of the housing face plate and 
having a plurality of holes in a spaced array for receiving up to five 
types of button assemblies, four types of which are combination actuating 
and a fifth type which serves to relock the locking mechanism. The button 
block includes a plurality of relatively wide cross grooves, oriented to 
form both transverse and longitudinally-oriented, parallel channels 
forming the top half of square-sectioned tubes in which special locking 
rod members lay. 
The push-button assembly comprises a flat plate with four parallel channels 
oriented longitudinally along the plate, intersected perpendicularly by a 
single wider channel at the upper end of the four parallel channels. Four 
rods are then disposed in the four parallel channels with the head of each 
rod resting in the wider transverse channel. The four channels in the 
push-button assembly are disposed coordinate with the longitudinal 
channels in the button block (secured to the underside of the face plate). 
The button block has a series of holes to accept the various types of 
spring-biased buttons. The buttons have different actuator configurations 
which rotate two of the rods beneath them to one of three positions when 
depressed. The rotation of the rods correspondingly rotates the heads; 
upon the desired rotation of all of the heads, the flat plate is permitted 
to reciprocate downward by actuation of the thumb latch assembly. 
Typically, each rod may be rotated by several buttons. Successfully 
turning one rod to the unlocked position does not insure that a 
subsequently depressed button will not further rotate the rod to an 
undesired (relocking) position. Therefore, the push-button combination is 
sequence dependent, which further adds to the difficulty of chancing upon 
the combination of the lock. The locking rod heads resist tremendous loads 
in compression making this type of push-button locking mechanism as strong 
as high security type key locks. 
In addition to the combination push-buttons, a single relock button (auto 
relock), having a base configuration of a long flat bar, engages the 
canted tail end portions of the rods and rotates all the heads to a relock 
position upon depression. 
The detailed description of the invention includes a 10 pushbutton 
combination lock, and an alternative 16 push-button combination with a 
master key override. The extra buttons of the 16 push-button combination 
lock add a greater possible number of combinations. The master key is 
inserted through a hole in the side of the housing and manually rotates 
the heads of the rods to the open position so that the release 
(unlatching) mechanism can be actuated. Also included in the detailed 
description of the invention is an alternate embodiment of the lock 
mechanism in the form of a dead bolt or cabinet-type lock.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODE OF THE INVENTION: 
The following detailed description illustrates the invention by way of 
examples, and not by way of limitation, of the principles of the 
invention. This description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to 
make and use the invention, and describes several embodiments, 
adaptations, variations, alternatives and uses of the invention, including 
what we presently believe is the best mode of carrying out the invention. 
In the detailed description below FIGS. 1-3, and 19-21 show the lock 
mechanism of FIGS. 1, 3-18, 22 and 23 applied and adapted to a padlock, 
particularly a swivel-only shackle type padlock. This type padlock is 
shown and disclosed with a different internal locking mechanism in our 
co-pending application Ser. No. 220,586 filed July 18, 1988, entitled 
PUSH-BUTTON PADLOCKS HAVING SWIVEL-ONLY SHACKLES, the disclosure of which 
is incorporated herein by reference to the extent needed. It should be 
understood that the locking mechanism of this invention may be used in a 
wide variety of lock types, regardless of trade designation, such as 
deadbolt locks, cabinet locks, and the like. An example of application to 
deadbolt and cabinet locks is disclosed in FIGS. 24-26 herein. Thus, where 
reference is made herein to a padlock, it should be understood that the 
locking mechanism may be easily adapted to a wide variety of lock types 
and styles. The term "shackle" is used herein in its broadest sense as any 
device to make something fast, including but not limited to any fixed or 
moveable clevis (U-shaped shackle), pin, bolt, shaft, dog, J-shaped 
shackle, or the like. 
FIG. 1 shows in exploded perspective view the locking mechanism of this 
invention adapted to a push-button padlock 1. In this embodiment the 
invention broadly comprises a lock housing 2, a J-shaped shackle 3, a 
thumb latch assembly 4, and a face plate 5. The lock housing may be of any 
general shape, but is preferably generally rectangular and comprises a 
backplate 6, opposed, spaced apart side walls 7 and 8, a bottom wall 9, 
and a top wall 10. The walls are upstanding with respect to the backplate. 
They may be integral with the backplate or secured with any convenient 
fastening means. 
While the push-button padlock is illustrated in FIG. 1 as having 10 
buttons, it should be understood that any convenient number of 
push-buttons may be provided, and an example of a 16 push-button lock 
(also in padlock form) and a 13 push-button lock (in deadbolt or cabinet 
lock form) are included in the drawings and detailed description. 
Generally, the more push-buttons that are provided, the greater number of 
combinations are available. Accordingly, if a great number of combinations 
is desired, then the number of push-buttons may be increased. 
In addition, the push-buttons are shown arrayed in a three by three matrix 
(3 push-buttons in a row, forming 3 columns, times three columns) with an 
additional single push-button located in the fourth row, second column 
position, but it is understood that the push-buttons may be arrayed in 
with greater spacing therebetween in the matrix. Likewise, they can be 
spaced in any type of pattern, such as a single column or row, or a 
circle, or triangular pattern, or the like. 
In FIGS. 19 and 20, buttons 1-3 or 1-5 are called a "row" of buttons, while 
buttons 1, 4 and 7 or 6 and 11 are called a "column". A convenient formula 
for a rectangular array of buttons may be expressed as T=(r.multidot.c)+1; 
where T=total number of buttons, r=number of rows and c=number of columns 
which is also the number of buttons in a row). For example, in FIG. 19 
where T=11, r=C=3 and in FIG. 20 where T=16, r=3, and c=5. 
In the specific examples of push-button locks shown, that of 10 and 16 
button push-button padlocks and the deadbolt/cabinet lock, the side plate 
7 of the lock housing 2 has a key hole 11 provided therein through which a 
master key 12 may be introduced, but it should be understood that a master 
key is an auxiliary secondary means for opening the padlock, providing a 
back-up in case of a forgotten combination or for opening the lock by a 
supervisor or security personnel, e.g. where the padlock is used to lock 
school lockers. 
The top wall 10 has a hole 13 through which the sleeve 14 of the thumb 
latch assembly 4 reciprocates. Spaced laterally therefrom in top wall 10 
and aligned in the same plane as hole 13 is a hole 15 which receives the 
long (entrained) end 16 of the J-shaped shackle 3. The lock housing 2 is 
provided with an upper journal block 17, which contains a hole therein 
which is aligned and a continuation of hole 15 in the top wall 10. The 
lock housing 2 is also provided with a lower journal block 18 which has a 
hole 19 that is axially aligned with the hole 15 passing through the top 
wall 10 and upper journal block 17 of the lock housing. Lower journal 
block 18 is spaced longitudinally from upper journal block 17, and 
compression spring 20, which receivingly engages the entrained end 16 of 
the J-shaped shackle, is disposed between the blocks. 
Continuing with FIG. 1, the thumb latch assembly 4 comprises a thumb latch 
block 25, to which is separately or integrally attached a locking plate 
26, a break away thumb latch 27 and a sleeve 14. The thumb latch block 
also has disposed therein, adjacent one marginal edge, a hole 28, which is 
axially aligned with holes 15 and 19 to receive the entrained end 16 of 
the J-shaped shackle. As best seen in FIGS. 2A and 3B, when assembled, the 
sleeve 14 of the thumb latch assembly 4 is received through hole 13 in the 
top wall 10 of the housing. The compression spring 20 is disposed on 
shackle entrained end 16 between the lower face 29 of the thumb latch 
block and the upper face 30 of the lower journal block 18. 
After the entrained end 16 of the shackle 3 is inserted in the journals as 
described above, shackle pin 31 is screwed or pressfit into hole 32 in the 
lower journal block 18. As best seen in FIGS. 2A and 3B, the shackle 
retaining pin engages the shackle groove 33, thus preventing it from being 
pulled out of the lock. The groove and pin are sized to permit swivel 
rotation of the shackle without binding, yet the groove is sufficiently 
deep and the shackle retaining pin of sufficient diameter that the shackle 
cannot be pulled out of the lock by deforming the shackle retaining pin 
short of totally destroying the lock. Preferably, both the shackle 
retaining pin and the surface area of the shackle groove 33 are hardened 
to improve the strength of the lock. Conveniently, a plastic collar 21 is 
placed adjacent the top plate 10 to seal the hole 15 therein. This is done 
most conveniently by slipping it over the short free end 35 of the shackle 
3. 
As best seen in FIG. 1 the locking plate 26 of the thumb latch assembly 4 
has a series of four lower locking rod channels 36 which are conveniently 
square bottomed channels in cross section, and are coordinately aligned 
with a series of similar upper locking rod channels 50 on the underside of 
the faceplate 5. The lower locking rod channels 36 have a first open end 
at the marginal edge 34 at the bottom of the locking plate 26 and a second 
open end where the lower locking rod channels 36 perpendicularly intersect 
the lower locking rod head channel 37. They also are spaced equidistant 
from each other and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the locking plate 
26. The lower locking rod head channel 37 traverses the entire width of 
the locking plate 26 and is open ended at both margins thereof. It has a 
depth equal to the depth of the lower locking rod channels 36. The width 
of the lower locking rod head channel 37 is defined between the 
perpendicular convergence of the lower locking rod channels 36 and the 
upper wall 39. The remaining upper surface of the locking plate 38 extends 
a distance beyond the upper wall 39 of the lower locking rod head channel 
37 by the amount necessary to accommodate the vertical reciprocating 
motion desired for the thumb latch assembly 4. 
The face plate 5 has secured to, or integral therewith, a button block 49, 
which has an array of button holes 22 defining, in this example, a three 
by three matrix with an additional (tenth) relock button hole 41 located 
below the matrix aligned with the middle column. Interspersed within the 
columns of the button holes 22 are a set of four parallel, equally spaced 
upper locking rod channels 50 and an upper locking rod head channel 53 
which are disposed, aligned and coordinate with the above-described lower 
set of four locking rod channels 36 and the lower locking rod head channel 
37 of the locking rod plate 26. A series of spaced key guide pins 51 are 
secured in intervals along the center longitudinal axis of the upper 
locking rod head channel 53. As shown, these guide pins protrude a 
vertical distance into the rod head channel 53 sufficient to engage the 
circular clearance grooves 72 of the master key 12 (best seen in FIGS. 17, 
18, 22 and 23). It should be understood that the key guide pins may be of 
varied dimensions and spacing in order to provide an infinite number of 
master key combinations (best seen in Comparing FIGS. 17A and 22). 
To assemble a lock, the thumb latch assembly 4 is inserted into the lock 
housing 2, as above described, with the sleeve 14 passing through the hole 
13 in the top wall 10. Thereafter, the spring 20 is positioned as shown in 
FIG. 1, and the entrained end 16 of the J-shaped shackle is inserted 
through the holes 15, 28, through the open core of the spring 20 and 
thence into the hole 19 in the lower journal block 18. The 
shackle-retaining pin 31 is then press-fit into its receiving hole 32 and 
the shackle is thus secured into its operating position in the lock. The 
shackle can then be turned 90 degrees and the pivot lock pin 42 is press 
fit into hole 43 in the entrained end 16 of the shackle. The functioning 
of the pivot lock pin 42 is best shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 21. This pin 42 
and the area in which the hole 43 is positioned is preferably case 
hardened for lock security. 
As best seen in FIG. 21, thumb latch block 25 is provided on its upper face 
24 with a groove 44 (preferably hardened) that receives the pivot lock pin 
42 when the thumb latch assembly 4 is in its upper, locked position. This 
prevents opening the lock by rotating the shackle in the event the sleeve 
14 is removed by a thief, for example by attempting to saw the sleeve 14 
off the thumb block 25. Normally the sleeve 14 is case hardened, just as 
is the entire shackle; thus sleeve removal is unlikely. But in the event 
the sleeve 14 is removed, still the shackle cannot pivot because the 
case-hardened pivot lock pin 42 is trapped in the hardened groove 44 
preventing it from turning. This is also seen in FIG. 2A where the pivot 
lock pin 42 is shown in phantom received in groove 44 in the thumb latch 
block 25. Then, when the lock is opened by downwardly reciprocating the 
thumb latch assembly 4, the pin 42 is released from the groove 44 and the 
shackle can be pivoted. Since there is only one groove on the face 24 of 
the block 25, the pin 42, extending out beyond the outer margin of the 
shackle 16, can rest on the upper surface 24 of block 25, thus maintaining 
the thumb latch in the downward released (unlocked) position. This 
prevents the lock from locking in the open position. 
Continuing with the assembly, the locking rods 40 are placed into the lower 
locking rod channels 36, after which the face plate 5 containing the 
button block 49 and the 10 push-button assemblies 90 are then placed over 
the thumb latch assembly 4. To complete the assembly, one or more pins 79 
are press-fit through holes 80 in the face plate 5 and thence into 
correspondingly aligned bores 81 in the lock housing 2. As an alternative 
to press fitting, the face plate 5 may be secured by adding appropriate 
non-removable fastening means, such as one-way screws, headless screws, 
spot welding, locking bolts, or the like. 
The face plate also includes a relieved portion 52, through which the 
breakaway thumb latch 27 is received, and which aperture is vertically 
long enough to permit reciprocation of the thumb latch from its upper lock 
position to its lowered open position. 
The operation of the lock mechanism is best shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 
8-16. FIGS. 2A and 2B show the lock in front elevation with the face plate 
5 and locking rod members 40 removed to show the operation of the thumb 
latch assembly 4. FIG. 2A shows the thumb latch assembly 4 in its 
uppermost position which corresponds to the locked position, in which the 
short, free end 35 of the J-shaped shackle is received in the sleeve 14. 
Since the shackle retaining pin 31 is in place, the shackle cannot be 
reciprocated upwardly out of the sleeve 14. The locking rod head members 
(not shown) provide a blocking means, when any one of the locking rod 
members is rotated to a locked or relock position, preventing the thumb 
latch assembly 4 from being downwardly reciprocated to release the shackle 
from the sleeve 14 (as described in more detail below with respect to 
FIGS. 8 through 16). Further, the shackle cannot be rotated because the 
pivot lock pin 42 is received and engages the groove 44 in the upper face 
24 of the thumb latch block 25. 
FIG. 2B shows the thumb latch assembly being reciprocated downwardly as 
indicated by arrow A. This is accomplished by thumb pressure on the upper 
surface of the break-away thumb latch 27 after pushing the correct 
combination of push-buttons which rotates the locking rods 40 thereby 
permitting the locking plate 26 to reciprocate downwardly as illustrated 
by Arrow B. That causes the sleeve 14 to retract through hole 13 into the 
interior of the lock housing 2. This releases the pin 42 from its groove 
44, thus permitting the shackle to pivot about the axis of the entrained 
end as illustrated by Arrow C in FIG. 2B. The initial position of the 
shackle after opening is shown by the dotted line in FIG. 2B, and the 
fully open position is shown in solid lines. Note that there is only 
minimal clearance between the free end 35 of the shackle 3 and the top 
face of the top plate 10. 
To relock the lock, the shackle is first pivoted back to the position shown 
in dashed lines in FIG. 2B. Pressure is released from the thumb latch 27 
and the spring 20 urges the thumb latch block 25 upwardly, thus bringing 
the locking plate 26 back to the locked position as shown by Arrow D in 
FIG. 2A. The push-buttons are spring loaded and are therefore 
automatically rebound (return) to their neutral (outer) position once the 
depressing force acting on them is released. 
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF LOCK MECHANISM: 
FIGS. 3-7, show the locking rod members. FIG. 3 shows a top view of the 
locking rod member 40 which comprises a center rod portion 63 disposed 
between a locking rod head 60 and a locking rod tail 54. The center rod 
portion 63 is essentially circular in cross section with a V-shaped groove 
56 therein. As best illustrated in FIG. 4, the V-groove 56 is a pie slice 
section spanning an arc of 120 degrees. The locking rods 40 are oriented 
in the locking rod channels 36 so that the V-grooves 56 of the rods are 
face up. Depressing the combination push-button assemblies 91, 92 and 93 
engages the actuator member (herein also called a base) of the push-button 
assemblies with a surface of the V-section channels 56, thereby causing 
the locking rod member to rotate to either a first open, or second 
locked/relock position (the locked and relock position being mirror images 
of each other). 
An example of a locking rod member and corresponding locking rod head being 
rotated from a locked position to the open position is represented by 
comparing the rotational movement of the 1st position locking rod with its 
locking rod head from a "start" position in FIGS. 8B and 8C to a rotated 
position as seen in FIGS. 9B and 9C. 
As seen in FIGS. 4-7, (particularly FIG. 6), the locking rod head 60 is 
generally a half-cylinder having a sliding head flat 58 defined by a 
longitudinal plane (in which the longitudinal axis of the rod lies). A 
planar key flat 57, disposed spaced from and parallel to the sliding head 
flat 58, is notched into the top part of the curved surface of the locking 
rod head half cylinder. An and view of the locking rod head 60, as in FIG. 
6, shows two pieslice relieved portions 59 (of approximately 30.degree.), 
and a chamfered edge 62 defining the arc therebetween. When the padlock is 
fully assembled and the shackle is in the closed position, as shown in 
FIG. 2A, the sliding head flat 58 of the locking rod head 60 is positioned 
in the lower locking head channel 37 of the locking plate 26. The portion 
of the locking rod head 60 containing the pie-shaped relieved portions 59 
overlaps the upper surface 38 of the locking plate 26. After depressing 
the correct combination of buttons in the proper sequence, the locking rod 
heads 60 are rotated so that the sliding head flats 58 are parallel to the 
adjacent upper surface 38 of the locking plate 26, thus allowing 
sufficient clearance for the reciprocating movement of the locking plate 
26 upon actuation of the thumb latch 27. 
Stated another way, the upper wall 39 of locking plate 26 butts against 
shoulder 61 in rod head 60 preventing opening. When the rod is rotated 
properly (Rod #2 in 8C as compared to Rod #2 in FIG. 9C), the wall 39 no 
longer abuts shoulder 61 and locking plate upper surface 38 can slide by 
(or along)flat 58 in the rod. It is a principle of this invention that 
locking is accomplished by placing arcuate segments of rod members in 
compression, and unlocking by rotating the arcuate segments out of 
compressive engagement with a sliding block (thumb latch block). By 
providing a number of segments, totalling a significant angular percentage 
of an entire rod, a lock of high strength is achieved. Thus, for example 
aluminum rod segments totalling a 1/4" rod provide compressive resistance 
against opening of considerably more than the 900 to 1200 lbs. to open 
typical high strength padlocks. Hardened steel parts or greater total area 
under compression can give even greater strengths. 
This important feature is explained further with reference to FIGS. 5 and 
6. The pie-slice radial relieved portions 59 each extend partway along the 
longitudinal length of the locking rod heads 60 beginning with one end at 
the top of the locking rod head and terminating in a shoulder 61. Prior to 
any reciprocating movement of the thumb latch 27 and block 25 each 
shoulder 61 abuts the upper wall 39 of the lower locking rod head channel 
37 and rod head surface 59 rests on or in close proximity to and parallel 
with block face 38. Upon rotation of the locking rod heads 60 to the 
unlocked position, there is just sufficient clearance for the shoulder 61 
to slidingly clear upper wall 39 and permit the block face 38 to slide on 
face 58 of rod head 60. Conversely, when an improper sequence of 
combination push-buttons have been depressed, at least one of the locking 
rod heads 60 will have been rotated to either the locked or relock 
position. That is, one of the shoulders 61 of pie-shaped relieved sections 
59 will abut wall 39 thereby preventing downward reciprocating movement of 
the locking plate 26 and opening of the lock. 
As best shown in FIG. 1, each push-button assembly 90 comprises a base (or 
rod actuator) member 88, a button stem 95 perpendicularly attached 
thereto, a button rebound spring 96, and a button cap 97. The base 88 
configurations are different for each of four types of buttons and 
comprise all the permutations and combinations of a so-called C flange and 
a T flange. For ease of convention, the buttons are described by the 
alphabet letters they resemble and are read from left to right. Thus, the 
combination push-button assembly 90 is provided for in four different 
types, so-called H actuator 92, C-T actuator 89, T-C actuator 91 (a mirror 
image of C-T actuator 89), and double T actuator 93 (not pictured in FIG. 
1). There is also a single relock button 94, which resets the combination 
to the relock position by punching only one button (fast relock feature). 
FIGS. 8-12, 15 and 16 illustrate the different combination type 
push-buttons and the functioning of the locking mechanism when these 
push-buttons are depressed. It is important to note that by combining two 
base types in a single button assembly, each button can engage two rods. 
By this feature the push-button locking mechanism of this invention is 
sequence dependent. For example if the correct combination in a 9 
push-button lock (10 PB including relock) is 2-6-7, pressing the buttons 
in the order 7-6-2 or 6-2-7 or 2-7-6 or 6-7-2 will not open the lock. This 
is a great advantage over conventional push buttons, e.g. of the Cheng 
type which are independent of sequence, as this vastly increases the 
number of possible combinations with fewer buttons. In Cheng, all 6 
permutations of 2-7-6 open the lock. In our invention each of the locks 
has a unique combination sequence. 
FIGS. 8-12 show a three-part partial cross section view of the 10 button 
padlock which illustrates the rotation of the center rod portions and 
corresponding locking rod heads by engagement of the C or T flanges of the 
various push-button bases (actuators) with the side walls of the V-groove 
in the center portion of rod 60 upon depressing the push-buttons. The 
button spring 96 is shown in FIGS. 8B and 9B but is omitted from FIGS. 
10B--16B for clarity. FIGS. 8-10 show an arrangement of a T-C actuator 91, 
double T actuator 93, C-T actuator 89, while FIGS. 11 and 12 show a C-T 
actuator 89, H actuator 92, and T-C actuator 91 arrangement. In the 
3.times.3 matrix arrangement of combination push-buttons each button 
affects two rods simultaneously with the C-T actuator 89 and T-C actuator 
91 each rotating one locking rod head 60 to the unlocked position and one 
rod to the locked position. The H actuator also rotates one locking rod 
head 60 to the locked position and an adjacent locking rod head 60 to the 
relock position, and the double T actuator rotates two rods to the 
unlocked position. The number of possible correct push-button combinations 
is dependent on the number and arrangement of C-T or T-C actuators, double 
T actuators and the number of rows of actuators employed, so that the use 
of each double T actuator, by rotating two rods to the unlocked position, 
reduces the number of depressed buttons required by one. 
As best seen in FIG. 8A, the 1st position T-C actuator 91 has a composite 
base 88 comprising a T-flange 98 (stem of T oriented to the left) joined 
to a C-flange 99, while the 2nd position double-T actuator 92 comprises a 
head to head union of two T-flanges 98 with the stems oriented left and 
right. The 3rd position C-T actuator 89 is mirror image of the 1st 
position T-C actuator 91. The two types of flanges, T-flange 98 and 
C-flange 99, are distinctly different in appearance and function. The 
depth of the flange (or thickness as seen in side elevation, best seen in 
FIG. 9B), measured from the top surface of the flange to the bottom 
surface of the flange, and length of the flange (lateral extent) determine 
the degree of rotation imparted to the locking rods upon depression of the 
push-buttons. As best seen in FIG. 9B, the C-flange 99 of the depressed 
1st position T-C button 91, by having a greater depth and shorter length 
than the T-flange 98, engages the adjacent side of the V-groove 56 of the 
locking rod thereby causing a complete 60.degree. rotation of the locking 
rod head 60 of the 2nd position locking rod member to the locked position 
(Compare FIG. 8C, to FIG. 9C). Hereafter, the locked position is defined 
as the maximum permitted (complete) clockwise rotation of the locking rod 
head as seen in the positions of all four rods in FIG. 8C, while the 
relock position is the complete 60.degree. counterclockwise rotation of 
the locking rod head as viewed from the same perspective, e.g. rod 2 in 
FIG. 9C. But it is understood that these two positions could be reversed 
depending on which way the canted end relock flat 55 slant, since it is 
the actuation of the relock button assembly 97, causing the relock bar 94 
to engage the canted end relock flats 55, that results in a rotation of 
the locking rod heads to the relock position. Where the canted end relock 
flat 55 slants downwardly to the left (as seen in FIG. 7), the relock 
position and the locked position would be reversed, and the new locked 
position would be defined as the complete counterclockwise rotation of the 
locking rod head and the relock position would be defined as the complete 
clockwise rotation of the locking rod head. 
Conversely, the T-flange 98, having a longer length but shallower depth 
causes a rotation just sufficient to set the locking rod head 60 in the 
unlocked position; see the #1 position locking rod member in FIG. 9C. 
As best seen in FIG. 9C, rod #1, the T flange 98 is long enough to contact 
both ridges 45 and 46 of the V groove 56 permitting only 30.degree. or so 
rotation. Upon depressing 1st position push-button assembly 91, the T 
flange 98 first contacts ridge 46 and rotates it counterclockwise. Then 
ridge 45 contacts flange 98 and the rotation stops in the unlocked 
position. Thus, only T-flange buttons are "correct" combination buttons. 
Where a C button is in another row, say behind the button 91 (FIGS. 8-12) 
and can act on the #1 rod, if button 91 is pressed and the rod #1 is 
unlocked, then if the C button in the next row is pushed, the rod is again 
locked. Thus, pushing buttons in the correct sequence is required. 
Conversely however, if non-sequence dependence is desired, only T and 
dummy actuators (actuators with a stem 95 and no C or T flange(s)) can be 
used, the T-flange actuators for the combination and dummies for all other 
buttons. 
The functioning of a depressed double T actuator is best illustrated in 
FIG. 10, wherein the T-flanges 98 of the 2nd position push-button (shown 
in cross section in 10B) have engaged the ridges 45, 46 of the V-groove 56 
of the 2nd and 3rd position locking rod members, causing rotation of the 
2nd and 3rd position locking rod heads (see FIG. 10C) to the unlocked 
position. 
The H actuator 92 is a union of two C flanges 99 and imparts a rotation to 
the locking rod members it engages to the locked or relock positions. This 
is best illustrated in FIG. 11 where the left C-flange 99 of the 2nd 
position H button 92 has engaged the right wall of the V-groove 56 of the 
2nd position locking rod member 40 and imparted a rotation to the 2nd 
position locking rod head 60 to the locked position (FIG. 11C, rod #2), 
while the right C-flange 99 of the 2nd position H actuator 92 has engaged 
the left wall of the V-groove 56 of the 3rd position locking rod member 
and imparted a rotation to the 3rd position locking rod head 60 to the 
relock position (FIG. 11C, rod #3). 
FIG. 12 illustrates how the orientation of all four locking rod members may 
be affected by the depression of the 1st and 3rd position push-buttons. In 
this example, the depressed 1st position C-T actuator 89 acts on the 1st 
and 2nd position locking rod members. Using FIG. 8C as a reference point 
for the initial position of the locking rod heads 60, the 1st position 
locking rod head 60 in FIG. 12C is unaffected by the engagement of the 
right wall of its V-groove 56 with the left C-flange 99 (see FIG. 12B) of 
the C-T actuator 89 since it is already in the locked position. The 2nd 
position locking rod head 60 is rotated counterclockwise approximately 
30.degree. to the unlocked position. This is a result of engagement of the 
T-flange 98 with both ridges of the V-groove 56 (see FIG. 12B). FIGS. 12B 
and 12C show how the C-flange 99 of the 3rd position T-C actuator 91 
engages the left Wall of the V-groove 56 of the 4th position locking rod 
member and how it imparts a rotation counter-clockwise to the 4th position 
locking rod head to the relock position. 
In summary, only the T-flange 98 functions to rotate a locking rod member 
30.degree. into the unlocked position, while the C-flange 99 functions to 
rotate a locking rod member 60.degree. to either the locked or relock 
position depending on which side wall of the V-groove 56 it engages. 
Therefore, T-C actuator 91 and C-T actuator 89, both comprising a T-flange 
98 and a C-flange 99, function to set one locking rod member to the 
unlocked position and one locking rod member to the locked position. 
Similarly, double T actuator 93 is a double-acting unlocking actuator, and 
H actuator 92, comprising two C-flanges 99, is a double-acting locking 
actuator. 
It should be understood that the locking rod member may be incrementally 
rotated by multiple button actuation of one or more flanges into a locking 
or unlocking position. While 30.degree. rotation into an unlocked, and 
60.degree. rotation into a locked or relock position is shown in the 
specific examples, the pie-slice relieved portion and V-groove angles need 
not be 30.degree. and 120.degree. respectively, but may be more or less 
than that. Also, by selectively varying the lateral extent and thickness 
of a flange i.e. a C-flange 99, rotations of less than 60.degree. (but not 
equal to 30.degree., since this would function as a T-flange) can be 
achieved. Thus, a sequence dependent depression of two or more actuators 
each having preselected thicknesses of C-flanges will incrementally rotate 
the locking rod member affected until the sum of the angular rotational 
increments adds up to that angle necessary to position it in the unlocked 
position. The selectively varied thickness C-flanges, still function as 
locking or relocking flanges, when individually engaged to rotate a 
locking rod member by an insufficient or too great amount, or when 
severally engaged to a single locking rod member in an incorrect sequence 
to under- or over-rotate the locking rod member. Thus, more combinations 
and greater sequence dependence is possible with fewer buttons, e.g. as 
many combinations (or none) are possible with a 10 PB incrementing flange 
locking mechanism as with a 16 PB non-incrementing arrangement. 
It should also be understood that the flanges are not limited to "T" 
configurations. For example the lateral extending member of a T flange may 
extend from the upper or lower meridian of the actuator base forming an 
L-flange. Likewise, since it is unnecessary for the C-flange to have 2 
laterally extending members, it can also be modified to resemble a 
truncated "L" or 7-flange. 
Thus, the actuator combinations would be identified "7L", "L7", "double L" 
and "double 7" actuators. However, as with C and T flanges consideration 
must be given to the placement in a row to insure no interference of 
adjacent flanges. 
FIGS. 15 and 16 show in a three-part partial cross section view, an 
alternate five push-button row arrangement for a 16 push-button 
combination padlock. Note how the 1st and 5th position push-buttons (the 
outermost push-buttons), i.e. the left most double C and right most T-C 
actuator, affect only the 1st and 4th position locking rods respectively 
(the outermost locking rods). This 16 push-button configuration offers a 
greater number of possible combinations than the 10 push-button 
configuration. While the left most actuator is shown as a double C 
actuator comprising C flanges 99a and 99b, the C flange 99a may be omitted 
from the #5 position button. Conversely, 6 rods, providing greater 
strength and more combinations, could be used by adding a rod on the 
outside of rod numbers 1 and 4, so that the C flanges 99a, 99c contact 
them. In at least one other row of buttons, a T-C or double T flange would 
be on button #1, and a double T or C-T flange on button #5 to open those 
rods. 
As seen in FIGS. 13 and 14, the base (or actuator) of the relock button 94 
is a simple rectangular bar having a length, width and depth sufficient to 
engage all of the canted end relock flats 55 upon depression of the relock 
button. Once the proper sequence of combination buttons have been pressed, 
the canted end relock flats 55 and the locking rod heads 60 assume the 
orientation shown in FIGS. 13B and 13C respectively. It is at this point 
that the thumb latch assembly can be actuated and the lock opened. After 
closing the shackle, the operator simply depresses the relock button 94, 
which engages the canted end relock flats 55 and rotates them to a 
horizontal orientation (see FIG. 14B), and correspondingly rotates the 
locking rod heads 60 to the relock position (see FIG. 14C). FIG. 14C shows 
all four locking rod heads 60 rotated counterclockwise with the left sided 
pie-slice relieved portions 59 resting on the upper surface 38 of the 
locking plate 26. 
The assembly and functioning of the push buttons are best illustrated upon 
examination of the 1st position T-C actuator 91 of FIGS. 10A and 10B. The 
push-buttons have an automatic return (rebound) action by virtue of the 
spring 96 and are easily assembled into the button block 49 by inserting 
the button stem 95 through the button hole 22 in the outward direction so 
that the button stem 95 protrudes from the outer surface face plate 5. The 
button spring 96 (omitted for clarity in FIG. 10B), which occupies the 
annular space created between the button stem 95 and button hole 23, is 
then placed over the protruding button stem 95 followed by the button cap 
97 that is press fit onto the end of the button stem. The button hole 23 
extends through the face plate 5 and a substantial depth into the button 
block 49. The smaller stem hole 22 in the lower portion of the button 
block 49 is axially aligned with and a continuation of button hole 23. It 
is a smaller diameter than hole 23, being just sufficient to receive the 
button stem 95 there through and provide a shoulder 48 defining a stop 
against which the button spring 96 can work. The diameter of the button 
hole 23 is just sufficient to permit movement of the button cap 97 without 
wobbling or scratching. The button spring 96 is confined between the 
bottom surface of the button cap 97 and the shoulder 48. As best seen in 
FIGS. 8 and 9, the "throw", that is the up and down (in and out) travel of 
the buttons in the lock housing is determined by the relative depth of the 
face plate holes 23 and the stacking height of the compressed button 
springs 96. FIG. 8B shows a cross section view of three push-buttons in a 
undepressed position with the button springs 96 in a relaxed state. FIG. 
9B shows a T-C button being depressed to fully compress the button spring 
96 height. 
Turning now to FIGS. 19 and 20, the button holes 23 are conveniently 
numbered consecutively from left to right, top to bottom starting with the 
top left button hole. In the 10 pushbutton combination shown in FIG. 19, 
where 4 rods are used, a 4-6-2 combination may be provided for by 
inserting a T-C button in hole 4, a C-T button in hole 6, and a double T 
button in hole 2. Note that the depression of buttons is partially 
sequence-dependent in a 4-rod lock, as the locking rod heads would also be 
rotated to the unlocked position for a 6-4-2 combination. But it is 
required that the number 2 double T button to be depressed last in this 
sequence, as it will rotate the 2 center rods simultaneously to the 
unlocked position. The subsequent depression of any other buttons with a 
C-flange oriented towards hitting either of the center 2 rods thereafter 
would further rotate the affected center rod to a second locked or relock 
position. This can be changed to a 2 button combination by having a double 
T button in the left column of holes 1, 4, or 7 and in the right column of 
holes 3, 6, or 9, and depressing both double T buttons only. 
In addition, a greater number of buttons may be depressed and the lock 
successfully opened, but this would require a redundancy of like T-flanges 
acting on the same locking rod, and affect sequence dependence. FIG. 20 
shows an alternate button hole configuration for increasing the complexity 
of the total number of possible combinations and permutations. As 
mentioned above, the buttons in the 1st and 5th column positions (buttons 
1,6 and 11, and buttons 5, 10 and 15, respectively) only affect the 
locking rods of the 1st and 4th rod positions respectively, and not two 
locking rods at once as do the buttons in the center three columns 
(columns 2, 3 and 4). Thus a possible combination of 7, 9, 3 that consists 
of a T-C button in hole 7, a C-T button in hole 9, and a double T button 
in hole 3 would move all the locking rods to the unlocked position as 
would a 6, 10, 3 that has a C-T button in hole 6, a T-C button in hole 10 
and a double T button in hole 3. 
OPTIONAL AUXILIARY MASTER KEY AND OPERATION: 
FIG. 18 shows the special features of the auxiliary master key 12. As best 
seen in FIG. 18A and 18B, the key shaft 75 is generally cylindrical except 
for having a key guide flat 74 (see FIGS. 18B, 18C and 18E), which is a 
flat surface running substantially the length of the shaft, the width of 
which defines a chord length preferably less than the diameter of the 
cylinder. Transverse to the key shaft are located three spaced-apart 
circular clearance grooves 77 that follow the curved section of the shaft. 
It must be understood that these circular clearance grooves need not be 
identical in width, or spaced at regular intervals, as varying these 
parameters affords a greater number of possible combinational 
configurations for the master key. The pin guide (longitudinal clearance 
groove) 72 is disposed longitudinally along the key shaft 75, intersects 
the circular clearance grooves 77, and extends from the free end of the 
shaft to some convenient distance beyond the third circular clearance 
groove 77c. The longitudinal clearance groove 72 and the circular 
clearance groove 77 are equally recessed portions of the key shaft 75. The 
longitudinal clearance groove functions as a longitudinal clearance guide 
for insertion of the master key 12 into the padlock housing. The circular 
clearance grooves 77 function as a circular clearance guide for rotation 
of the master key once the master key is properly inserted. The shoulder 
73 acts as a stop and prevents over-insertion of the key shaft 75 into the 
housing. The key also has a key head 78 for easy manipulation by the 
operator's thumb and fingers and a hole 71 for a key ring. 
As best seen in FIG. 18C, the key shaft 75 has a notched cut relieved 
portion defining a cam stop 76 along one side adjacent the shoulder end of 
the key guide flat 74. The cam stop 76 prevents over rotation of the key 
within the padlock housing as is further described below. FIG. 18F is a 
cross section view showing the cam stop 76 oriented at a right angle to 
the key guide flat 74 with a corner edge therebetween. FIG. 18E is another 
cross section view taken along line 18E--18E of FIG. 18C which shows the 
longitudinal clearance groove 72, the circular clearance groove 77, the 
key shaft 75, and the key guide flat 74. 
The functioning of the circular clearance groove 77, longitudinal clearance 
groove 72, the cam stop 76 and the shoulder 73 of the master key 12 is 
best shown in FIG. 17. FIG. 17A is a partial transverse cross section view 
of the lock housing taken along line 17A--17A in FIG. 2A showing all four 
locking rod heads 60 in the relock position interspersed by the guide pins 
51a, 51b and 51c extending vertically downward from the underside of the 
face plate 5. Along the tops of the locking rod heads 60 are the key flats 
57 which act as a caming surface to the cylindrical portion of the key 
shaft 75 upon rotation of the key. 
In operation, the key is inserted through a keyhole 11 in the side wall 7 
of the padlock housing with the longitudinal clearance groove 72 
vertically upward in order for the guide pins 51 to guide the key shaft 
straight in the lock housing. The material removed from the key shaft 75 
leaving exposed a face defined by the key guide flat 74 is sufficient to 
permit insertion of the key without interference of the locking rod heads 
60 by the key guide flat 74. Upon complete insertion of the key, the 
circular clearance grooves 77a, 77b and 77c of the key shaft 75 are 
aligned with the guide pins 51a, 51b, 51c and the shoulder 73 abuts 
against the side wall 7. This is best illustrated in FIG. 17B. Clockwise 
rotation of the key simultaneously rotates all locking rod heads 60 to the 
unlocked position by a caming action between the curved portion of the key 
shaft 75 and the key flats 57 of the locking rod heads 60. The key is 
prevented from further rotation by the cam stop 76. 
As best seen in FIG. 17C, the keyhole 11 in the side wall 7 has attached 
thereto a key journal block 70. This is also visible behind the partially 
broken away side wall 7 in the area of the key hole 11 of FIG. 1. The 
keyhole 11 extends through the key journal block 70 except for a remaining 
bottom portion of the hole where the extra material defines a horizontal 
chord and the arc it spans. It is along the surface of this chord where 
the cam stop 76 of the key shaft is engaged and prevented from further 
rotation. The length of the chord defining the key guide flat 74 is 
sufficiently less than the length of the chord defining the cam stop 76 so 
that the key shaft 75 can rotate in the hole 11 in the key journal block 
70 without interference of the corner edge created by the intersection of 
the key guide flat 74 and the cam stop 76. 
An alternate combination configuration for a master key is shown in FIG. 
22, where the width and spacing of the circular clearance grooves 77a, 
77b, 77c have been changed. Likewise, the corresponding dimensions and 
spacing of the guide pins 51a, 55b, 55c along the underside of the face 
plate 5 have been changed. As best shown in FIG. 23, an insertable guide 
pin block 69 carrying one or more pins 51a, 51b and/or 51c can be press 
fit into a block channel 68, thereby simplifying manufacturing so that 
uniquely individual face plates need not be made. In addition, the 
insertable guide pin block 69 permits changing a master key combination or 
providing for replacement in case of damaged pin guides due to misuse or 
abuse. 
FIGS. 24-26 show as an alternate embodiment, the lock mechanism of this 
invention in a deadbolt or cabinet lock application. In FIG. 24 a fixed 
dead bolt 82 is secured to a retainer block 83 which is secured to a door 
jamb 85 by fasteners 104. The lock housing 2 is mounted onto the door 87 
with the sleeve 14 axially aligned with the fixed dead bolt 82 by securing 
the back plate of the lock housing to the door by one or more securing 
screws 104 or 86 (shown in phantom in FIGS. 24-26). Where the deadbolt 
lock is mounted on the inside of the door the mounting tab 103 and screws 
104 may be used (shown in phantom in FIG. 25) where the deadbolt is 
mounted on the outside of a door, the hidden screws 86 are used. In both 
cases one-way screws may be used. 
The unlocking operation of the dead bolt push-button lock is identical to 
that of the padlock except that the J-shaped shackle is replaced by the 
fixed dead bolt 82 and dead bolt retainer block 83. The correct sequence 
of buttons must first be depressed before the thumb latch 27 can be 
actuated thereby reciprocating the sleeve 14 into the lock housing 2. This 
is shown in FIG. 25 where the sleeve 14 (represented in dashed lines) has 
been fully retracted into the lock housing. 
A pawl 85 has been added to the door mounted push-button lock embodiment in 
order to conveniently hold the latching assembly in the open position 
without the need for continued thumb pressure on the thumb latch 27. 
Recall that in the push-button padlock embodiment (see FIGS. 2A, 2B) a 
pivot lock pin 42 is provided to hold the thumb latch block 25, along with 
the attached sleeve 14 thereto, in the downwardly reciprocated, open 
position. Since that is not provided in this embodiment, upon actuation of 
the thumb latch 27, the pawl 85 is rotated into position as shown in FIG. 
25 to retain the thumb latch in the fully reciprocated position whereby 
the sleeve 14 is retracted from the fixed dead bolt and the door 87 is 
permitted to swing open. The pawl 85 rests in the pawl notch 101. To 
relock, the door is shut re-aligning the sleeve 14 with the fixed dead 
bolt 82, the pawl 85 is lifted from the notch 101 by the pawl retract knob 
102 to release the thumb latch 27 thereby causing the sleeve 14 to 
reciprocatingly engage the fixed dead bolt 82. The pawl 85 is pivotally 
secured to the face of the lock housing, but it should be understood that 
the pawl or other thumb latch retaining mechanism could be disposed 
internally in the lock housing as part of the thumb latch assembly by 
means of a rachet, ball detent, or other convenient retaining mechanism. 
FIG. 26 shows the lock housing mounting scheme, whereby nuts or threaded 
holes for receiving the securing screws 86 are provided in the inside back 
plate 6 of the lock housing 2. This provides for hidden attachment 
particularly for external mounting of the lock, but it should be 
understood that external attachments such as tab 103 and screws 104 are 
also possible. Likewise, the lock can be inset in the door so the button 
faceplate 5 is flush with the outside of the door and the shackle 82 and 
block 83 are either embedded in the door or are on the inside of the door. 
The shackle 82 and sleeve 14 may be reversed. 
Small 4, 7 or 10 button versions of this lock arrangement are particularly 
suitable for use in medicine cabinets to child-proof them, where either 
the door or casing carries the lock and the casing or door, repetitively 
carries the retainer block and dead bolt. This would add a significant 
margin of safety to often deadly medicine cabinets where it is impractical 
for the user to have a key on his or her person, e.g. after stepping out 
of the shower or getting up from bed. 
It should be understood that various modifications within the scope of this 
invention can be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without 
departing from the spirit thereof. For example, the push-button locking 
mechanism disclosed herein may be used with a variety of shackle and 
shackle latch types, such as reciprocating shackles, and a variety of 
housing types and shapes, such as round, square, cubic, rectangular, etc. 
Conversely the pivot-only shackle and/or reciprocating thumb latch 
assembly with sleeve may be used alone or in combination with a wide 
variety of locking mechanisms such as rotary dial locks, cylinder dial 
(brief case type) locks, key locks, or other push-button configurations. 
We therefore wish our invention to be defined by the scope of the appended 
claims as broadly as the prior art will permit, and in view of the 
specification if need be.