Patent Publication Number: US-2009229329-A1

Title: Combination Lock Simulating a Slot Machine

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an improved combination lock primarily designed for use as a luggage lock. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many styles of luggage locks are known, and it has become desirable to provide a lock simulating an area of interest of the potential user. Sports lock are, for example, known which simulate a game ball such as a soccer ball or basketball. 
     Combination luggage locks conventionally are arranged using a combination assembly of rotating wheels adapted to engage a shackling u-shaped hasp such that rotating the wheels into the proper position enables one end of the u-shaped hasp to be released, thereby opening the lock. Such locks often incorporate a secondary key-hole mechanism enabling an alternative means of opening the lock. Present security measures for air travel now require such key-hole mechanisms on luggage locks. The locks disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 972,171; 3,837,189; 7.047,773; 7,204,108; and 7,370,497, for example, are constructed of rotating combination wheel assembly adapted to directly engage the u-shaped hasp with an alternative key-hole assembly for opening the lock. 
     However, such combination locks are not suited to simulate the function of a slot gaming machine, since they are lacking an external lever-arm adapted to engage the rotating wheel assemble of the lock. Therefor, it is an object of the present invention to provide an external lever-arm as an intermediate mechanism between the rotating wheels and the u-shaped hasp, whereby rotation of the wheels into the proper alignment is not alone sufficient to release the hasp; the user must also actuate the lever-arm, in a manner simulating the mechanical operation of a slot machine, to release the hasp. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to the present invention, a lock is provided resembling the traditional “one arm bandit” slot or gaming machine. The lock is a combination lock wherein the symbols on the several rotating wheels can be rotated to set the combination, simulating the rotating wheels that would be provided on a slot machine. The combination lock operates by setting the proper combination by rotating the wheels much in the manner of a conventional combination lock. But to release the hasp of the lock, a lever must additionally be actuated. This lever simulates the handle arm of a traditional “one arm bandit” style slot machine that is pulled by the user to spin the dials of the slot machine. Actuation of the lever releases the hasp to open the lock. The present invention also provides for the inclusion of an alternative traditional key-hole mechanism as a secondary means to release the hasp and open the lock. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The attached figures illustrate the mechanics of a lock according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates the interior of a lock of the present invention in a locked condition; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates the interior of the lock of the present invention in the unlocked condition; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates the interior of a lock of the present invention in a locked condition from the reverse side of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     A lock  10  as shown has a housing  30 , whereas each end of a u-shaped hasp  12  enters housing  30 . One end of hasp  12  is pivotably affixed to fulcrum  32  within the housing, and the other end held in a locked position within housing  30  by notch  15 . On one end of rotatable clasp  14 . Clasp  14  can be rotated to allow notch  15  to release one end of the hasp  12 . Clasp  14  is rotated by the user rotating wheels  16 ,  17  and  18  in a conventional manner for a combination lock and actuating lever-arm  20 . 
     A lever-arm  20  is provided on the side of the lock and extends beyond housing  30 . The lever-arm  20  resembles the lever-arm of a “one arm bandit” slot machine, and the rotating dials  16 ,  17  and  18  resemble the spinning wheels of a slot machine. 
     When the wheels  16 ,  17  and  18  are rotated to provide the proper combination to open the lock, the lever-arm  20  may be actuated to rotate clasp  14  and release the hasp for opening the lock. 
     More specifically, when the wheels  16 ,  17  and  18  have been rotated to position the proper combination, shaft  22  is aligned so that it may be slide inwardly when the lever-arm  20  is actuated against spring  23 . The lever-arm  20  abuts stub end  24  of clasp  14  and when lever-arm  20  is actuated when the proper combination is set, clasp  14  rotates, compressing spring  26 , and causing clasp  14  to rotate into the position shown in  FIG. 2  and notch  15  releases hasp  12  and allows the lock to be opened. 
     Alternatively, clasp  14  can be rotated by use of the proper key in the key-hole mechanism  27 . More specifically, when the proper key is inserted in key-hole mechanism  27  and rotated, rod  28  is rotated. Rod  28  abuts engaging end  29  of clasp  14  such that rotation of rod  28  causes clasp  14  to rotate into the position shown in  FIG. 2  and notch  15  releases hasp  12  and allows the lock to be opened.