Patent Description:
Combination locks, such as those for lockers, are known. Lockers in secondary schools and health club locker rooms may include a mechanical combination lock with a mechanical key override. The mechanical key can be used when a student or a user has forgotten his or her combination, and an administrator can use the mechanical key to both open the lock and reset the combination. Moreover, a school administrator uses the mechanical key at the end of a school year to open all lockers, to individually re-set all combinations, then records the new combinations of each locker. Many of these locks have mechanical key lock cylinders inside the lock which are either not accessible to rekey or very labor intensive to remove, rekey, and reinstall. The administrator must do so to ensure that the older students who were previously assigned a locker do not have the combination for the forthcoming years. This process is laborious, time-consuming, and expensive. Moreover, if the administrator key is lost, the locks must be re-cored or re-keyed. Other mechanical combination locks having mechanical override keys are known. See, for example, <CIT>, assigned to the assignee of the present application, <CIT><CIT><CIT><CIT><CIT><CIT>, and <CIT> and <CIT>.

<CIT> describes a mechanical combination lock, where a mechanical key can be used with the lock to identify the unlocking combination. While it primarily describes a mechanical key, in a parenthetical it mentions an electronically operated mechanism that can identify the unlocking combination. But it fails to disclose any structure whatsoever for the electronically operated mechanism or how it operates.

Electronically-operated locks, moreover, are known as well. <CIT> and <CIT>, owned by the assignee of this application, describe electronic locker locks to fit a standard three-hole door prep layout as well as other doors. The electronic locks described in those patents comprise two housings, mounted at front and back of the door, and electronically connected through the center hole of the three-hole door prep layout, and they included an electromagnetically-driven latch, retracted automatically by the lock device when the proper code was entered by a user, either via a keypad or an electronic ID device such as an iButton®. <CIT> likewise discloses an electronically- operated lock to fit a standard three-hole door prep.

<CIT> discloses an electronic combination lock that can be operated via touchscreen and also with an electronic key. The same access code is sent to the microprocessor to open the lock, regardless of whether the access code is entered via the touchscreen or input via the electronic key. <CIT> discloses a dial combination lock that can be operated mechanically or electronically. Upon entering the dial combination or the electronic credential, the user must push the dial inwardly, and a lever actuator member drops down. Further rotation of the dial pulls the lever actuator member linearly to pull the lock element inwardly. <CIT> discloses a mechanical lock that may be operated with an electronic credential. It includes multiple rotatable selectors and a plate with a rectangular protrusion. It further discloses an actuator and a wholly separate second plate with a rectangular protrusion. Either of these protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> may be inserted into a slot <NUM> in a drive shaft <NUM> to couple the knob to the drive shaft.

There is a need for a mechanical combination lock that can be opened by an administrator or manager with an electronic key of relatively inexpensive construction, particularly for lockers but with more versatility as to use on various standard designs, modularity as to assembly and opposite-hand use, easy programmability and convenience and simplicity to the user. It would be particularly advantageous if the mechanical combination lock required no battery storage within its housing, but still permitted an electronic key to override the mechanical combination and unlock it. Finally, it would be advantageous if the lock scrambled the dial combination upon opening.

According to the invention there is provided a combination lock according to claim <NUM>.

A combination lock with electronic override includes a knob or a handle that is selectively rotatable between a closed position and an open position. A rotatable core is operatively coupled to the knob or handle on a first end, and the rotatable core is operatively coupled to a locking element on a second end. A slider is operatively coupled to the knob or handle and disposed between the knob or handle and the drive shaft. One or more rotatable selectors each has multiple indicia disposed thereon, wherein rotation of the one or more rotatable selectors to a predetermined indicium is configured to place the combination lock in a first unlocked position.

The combination lock further includes a microcontroller, an access terminal in communication with the microcontroller that is configured to receive a credential, and an actuator in communication with the microcontroller, the actuator operatively coupled to the locking slider, wherein upon receipt of a predetermined credential by the access terminal, the microcontroller is configured to direct the actuator to translate the slider from a first slider position to a second slider position, wherein when the slider is in the second slider position, the combination lock is in a second unlocked position.

The combination lock is configured such that in either the first unlocked position or the second unlocked position, the knob or handle and rotatable core are simultaneously rotatable to shift the combination lock between the closed position and the open position. A reset arm is operatively connected to the knob or handle, wherein rotation of the knob or handle shifts the reset arm from a first reset arm position to a second reset arm position. The one or more rotatable selectors each include a cam follower, and the reset arm is configured to engage the cam followers in the second reset arm position and drive the one or more rotatable selectors to a reset position.

<FIG> show a first example of a combination lock <NUM>, including an outer housing <NUM> and locking mechanism <NUM>, that is fixed to a door <NUM>. In this example, the door <NUM> is a door for a locker, and has the standard three-hole door prep as known in the art, with two opposed mounting holes <NUM>, <NUM> at top and bottom and a larger center hole <NUM>. The locking mechanism <NUM> includes through holes <NUM>, <NUM> that are coaxial with the mounting holes <NUM>, <NUM> in the locker door, and the outer housing <NUM> includes internally threaded holes (not shown) likewise coaxial. The combination lock <NUM> can be mounted to the door <NUM> via threaded bolts <NUM> as depicted in <FIG>. In other examples not shown, the combination lock <NUM> can be integral to the locker door <NUM> and therefore mounted permanently to the door <NUM>. Moreover, the combination lock <NUM> and door <NUM> can be one of many in a system of lockers, such as in a school, locker room, or corporate environment. Further, the combination lock <NUM> can be employed in other enclosures, such as, for example, drawers, desks, cabinets, and other panels.

The locking mechanism <NUM> includes a housing <NUM>, a bolt <NUM>, and a rotatable shaft <NUM> operatively coupled to the bolt <NUM> in a known manner. Rotation of the shaft <NUM><NUM> degrees will retract the bolt <NUM> into the housing, such that the combination lock <NUM> is in the open position. Rotating the shaft <NUM><NUM> degrees counterclockwise will extend the bolt <NUM> out from the housing <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, such that the combination lock <NUM> is in the closed position.

The bolt locking mechanism <NUM> is a typical application of a combination lock <NUM>, and other locking mechanisms can be used. For example, <FIG> depict a second example of a locking mechanism <NUM> operable with the outer housing <NUM> including a cam <NUM> that is likewise rotatable via operation of the combination lock <NUM>. Rotation of the cam <NUM> while the door <NUM> is closed can place the cam <NUM> behind a strike plate or door frame to lock the door <NUM>.

One of ordinary skill will understand that other locking mechanisms, such as slam-latch locking mechanisms, drop cam locking mechanisms, and the like, can be adapted to the combination lock <NUM>. As is known, in a slam latch, the latch is spring loaded and has an angled face such that as the door is closing, the latch contacts a strike plate on the door frame and is pushed into the locking mechanism. Once the door is fully closed and the latch passes by the strike plate, however, the latch extends out again from the latch housing under the force of the spring, thereby maintaining the door closed. Again, rotation of the shaft <NUM> will retract the latch into the housing <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the outer housing <NUM> includes a rotatable knob <NUM> with an arrow indicator <NUM> disposed on it. The outer housing <NUM> also includes a closed position symbol <NUM> and open position symbol <NUM>. When the knob <NUM> is rotated such that the arrow indicator <NUM> points to the closed position symbol <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, the combination lock is in the closed position, such that, for example, the bolt <NUM> is extended out from the housing <NUM> of the locking mechanism <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>), or cam <NUM> is rotated down, and the door <NUM> is secured in a closed position. In this position, the bolt <NUM> or cam <NUM> can extend into a recess in or behind a frame of the locker (not shown), or into or behind a strike plate (not shown) affixed to the locker, to secure the locker door shut, as is known in the art. Referring back to <FIG>, the knob <NUM> can be rotated counterclockwise so that the arrow indicator <NUM> points to the open position symbol <NUM>, the combination lock <NUM> is in an open position. The bolt <NUM> is retracted into the housing <NUM> of the locking mechanism <NUM> (or the cam <NUM> is rotated upwardly) away from the frame of the locker or the locker strike plate, and a user can freely open and close the door <NUM>. While the knob <NUM> is disclosed as generally cylindrical in shape, the knob <NUM> can also include a handle having a lever extending laterally outward to allow easier rotation of the knob <NUM>.

The outer housing <NUM> further includes four rotatable dials <NUM>, each with the indicia <NUM> printed on them. In this example, the indicia <NUM> are the numerals <NUM>-<NUM>. The outer housing <NUM> also includes four windows <NUM> that each allow a single numeral to be viewed, and thereby indicate to the user the currently selected number for each dial. As will be described herein, selection of four pre-selected indicia <NUM> will place the combination lock <NUM> in an unlocked position.

Referring now to <FIG>, and <FIG>, the outer housing <NUM> further includes a casing <NUM> and a back plate <NUM>. Dials shafts <NUM> extend from shaft recesses <NUM> in the back plate <NUM> to similar recesses (not shown) in the casing <NUM>. Disposed on the dial shafts <NUM> are the rotatable dials <NUM>, cam wheels <NUM>, and cam springs <NUM>. Moreover, as best shown in <FIG>, disposed on the back of the rotatable dials <NUM> and affixed to the dials <NUM> are <NUM>-point star drivers <NUM>. The dial shafts <NUM> each define an axis A about which the rotatable dials <NUM> and cam wheels <NUM> rotate. As best seen in <FIG>, each of the cam wheels <NUM> have an outer periphery <NUM> that is generally D-shaped in cross-section with a curved section <NUM> and a flat section <NUM>. Each of the cam wheels <NUM> further include a shoulder <NUM> with a cylindrical projection <NUM> extending in a direction F and a <NUM>-point star recess <NUM> within the projection <NUM> that is complementary to the <NUM>-point star drivers <NUM> of the rotatable dials <NUM>. The cam springs <NUM> bias the cam wheels <NUM> away from the back plate <NUM> in direction F such that the star drivers <NUM> are normally engaged with the star recesses <NUM>, and rotation of the dials <NUM> rotates the cam wheels <NUM> about axis A.

Also disposed within the outer housing <NUM> is a locking plate <NUM> and a cam plate <NUM>. The locking plate <NUM> includes locking springs <NUM> that bear against posts <NUM> (best seen in <FIG>) that extend rearwardly from the casing <NUM>. The locking springs <NUM> bias the locking plate <NUM> in a downward direction D as shown in <FIG>. The peripheries <NUM> of the cam wheels <NUM> bear on linear bearing surfaces <NUM> of the locking plate <NUM>, and therefore rotational motion of the cam wheels <NUM>, in combination with the biasing force of the locking springs <NUM>, controls linear motion of the locking plate <NUM> in directions U and D. In other words, when the flat surfaces <NUM> of each of the four cam wheels <NUM> are engaged with the linear bearing surfaces <NUM> of the locking plate <NUM>, the locking springs <NUM> bias the locking plate <NUM> and translate the locking plate <NUM> in direction D. The locking plate <NUM> also includes a push rod <NUM> that aids in the locking and unlocking of the combination lock <NUM>, as will be described below.

The cam plate <NUM> includes four circular openings <NUM> that are coaxial with the dial shafts <NUM>, and it is biased against the cam wheels <NUM> by cam plate springs <NUM> (only two of which are shown in <FIG>). The shoulders <NUM> of the cam wheels <NUM> bear on the distal side of the cam plate <NUM> with the projections <NUM> of the cam wheels <NUM> extending through openings <NUM> in the cam plate <NUM> such that the cam wheels <NUM> rotate relative to the cam plate <NUM>. The cam plate springs <NUM> include detents <NUM>, and the rotatable dials <NUM> include complementary recesses <NUM> (see <FIG>) corresponding to each indicium <NUM>, such that when rotating the rotatable dials <NUM>, the dial <NUM> will snap into place for each indicium <NUM> viewable through a window <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, <FIG>, a retaining plate <NUM> is disposed in the outer housing <NUM> and is affixed to the knob <NUM> via screws <NUM>. As best seen in <FIG>, the retaining plate <NUM> includes a slot <NUM> within which a locking slider <NUM> can slide back and forth. Accordingly, rotation of the knob <NUM> will likewise rotate the retaining plate <NUM> and the locking slider <NUM>. As will be discussed in further detail later, disposed within the knob <NUM> is a circuit board <NUM> with a microcontroller <NUM> and a swing actuator <NUM> having an arm <NUM> that extends through a slotted hole <NUM> in the retaining plate <NUM> and into a recess <NUM> in the locking slider <NUM>. Moreover, as best shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the push bar <NUM> of the locking plate <NUM> engages the base portion of the locking slider <NUM>, and the translational movement of the locking plate <NUM> in directions U and D, as described above, in combination with the swing actuator <NUM>, serves to control movement of the locking slider <NUM> within the slot <NUM>.

Also disposed within the outer housing <NUM> is a drive shaft <NUM>. Extending from the distal side of the drive shaft <NUM> is a boss <NUM>. The boss <NUM> extends through an opening in the back plate <NUM> of the outer housing <NUM>, through the center hole <NUM> in the locker door <NUM>, and into the rotatable shaft <NUM> of the locking mechanism <NUM>. As can be seen and is known, rotation of the drive shaft <NUM> controls the locking mechanism <NUM>.

On the proximal side of the drive shaft <NUM> is an inner cylinder <NUM> having upper and lower notches <NUM>, <NUM> in the sidewall of the inner cylinder <NUM>. The locking slider <NUM> is sized such that its length is shorter than the interior diameter of the inner cylinder <NUM>, that it can freely rotate within the inner cylinder <NUM>, and rotation of the knob <NUM> therefore does not engage the drive shaft <NUM>. When the locking slider <NUM> is within the inner cylinder <NUM>, the combination lock <NUM> is in the "locked position. " The position of the locking slider <NUM> can be linearly shifted, however, such that it is disposed within either the upper notch <NUM> or the lower notch <NUM>. In these positions, the locking slider <NUM> engages the inner cylinder <NUM>, and rotation of the knob <NUM> will rotate the drive shaft <NUM>. In this position, the combination lock is in an "unlocked position. " The drive shaft <NUM> also includes an outer cylinder <NUM> that defines a cylindrical cam surface <NUM>, which will be discussed in more detail below. The upper and lower notches <NUM>, <NUM> are collectively referred to herein as a recess.

The operation of the combination lock <NUM> will now be described. <FIG> and <FIG> depict the outer housing <NUM> in the unlocked position, but the knob <NUM> still positioned such that it points to the closed position symbol <NUM>; i.e., the user has unlocked the combination lock <NUM>, but has yet to open it. The user has rotated the dials <NUM> to the pre-selected unlocking code such that the flat surfaces <NUM> of the cam wheels <NUM> engage the linear bearing surfaces <NUM> of the locking plate <NUM>. Under the force of the locking springs <NUM>, the locking plate <NUM> moves in direction D, thereby retracting the push rod <NUM> away from the locking slider <NUM>. The biasing force of the swing actuator <NUM> pushes the locking slider <NUM> in direction D, thereby forcing the locking slider <NUM> into the lower notch <NUM> in the inner cylinder <NUM> of the drive shaft <NUM> (seen best in <FIG>). Accordingly, it is now possible for the user to rotate the knob <NUM> to rotate the drive shaft <NUM> in direction R1 to move the combination lock <NUM> from the closed position to the open position.

<FIG> and <FIG> depict the outer housing <NUM> in the unlocked position and the open position. In this position, the dials <NUM> and cam wheels <NUM> are in the same position as depicted in <FIG> and <FIG>, with the flat surfaces <NUM> of the cam wheels <NUM> bearing against the linear bearing surfaces <NUM> of the locking plate <NUM>. In this position, however, the user has rotated the knob <NUM><NUM>° counterclockwise, and the arrow indicator <NUM> on the knob <NUM> now points to the open position symbol <NUM>. The bolt <NUM> is retracted into the housing <NUM> of the locking mechanism <NUM>, and the user is free to open and close the locker door <NUM>.

When the combination lock <NUM> is in the open position, the user can change the unlocking code. Rotation of the drive shaft <NUM> also rotates its cylindrical cam surface <NUM> relative to a cooperating cam surface <NUM> of the cam plate <NUM>. When the combination lock <NUM> is in the closed position, such as shown in <FIG>, the cylindrical cam surface <NUM> of the drive shaft <NUM> forces the cam plate <NUM> in direction F away from the back plate <NUM> of the outer housing <NUM>. As the knob <NUM> is rotated and the combination lock <NUM> is placed in the open position, however, the cylindrical cam surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> allow the cam plate <NUM> to move in direction B toward the back plate <NUM> of the outer housing <NUM>. Moreover, the cam plate springs <NUM> overcome the force of the cam wheel springs <NUM>, and the cam plate springs <NUM> force the cam plate <NUM> in direction B. The cam plate <NUM> thereby lifts the cam wheels <NUM> off of the <NUM>-point star drivers <NUM> and into cooperating D-shaped recesses <NUM> in the back plate <NUM>. Thus, when the combination lock <NUM> is in the open position, the cam wheels <NUM> are rotationally fixed by the recesses <NUM> in the back plate <NUM> and in the unlocked position. The dials <NUM> can be rotated independently of the cam wheels <NUM>, and the cam wheels <NUM> will stay in the rotational position that places the combination lock <NUM> in the unlocked position. The user can therefore set the dials <NUM> to a new unlocking combination. Upon rotating the knob <NUM> in direction R2 back to the closed position shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the cylindrical cam surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> force the cam plate <NUM> in direction F, and the cam wheel springs <NUM> push the cam wheels <NUM> forwardly to again seat on the <NUM>-point star drivers <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> show the combination lock <NUM> while it is in the locked position and the knob <NUM> is rotated such that the arrow indicator <NUM> points to the closed position symbol <NUM>. The rotatable dials <NUM> have been rotated so that the curved surfaces <NUM> of the cam wheels <NUM> engage the linear bearing surfaces <NUM> of the locking plate <NUM>, thereby forcing the locking plate <NUM> in direction U, as seen in <FIG>, and against the biasing force of the locking springs <NUM>. The push rod <NUM> of the locking plate <NUM> engages the locking slider <NUM> and pushes it, again in direction U, so that the locking slider <NUM> is wholly contained inside the inner cylinder <NUM> of the drive shaft <NUM>. The swing actuator <NUM> is biased in direction D, and thereby maintaining the locking slider <NUM> against the push rod <NUM>. As mentioned earlier, the locking slider <NUM> is freely rotatable within the inner cylinder <NUM> of the drive shaft <NUM> when in the locked position, and therefore when the combination lock <NUM> is in the locked position, rotation of the knob <NUM> will not rotate the drive shaft <NUM>. Note that the push rod <NUM> engages the base of the locking slider <NUM>, and therefore does not interfere with the rotation of the locking slider <NUM> within the inner cylinder <NUM>. The combination lock <NUM> cannot, therefore, move from the closed position to the open position.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, an electronic key <NUM> can override the mechanical operation of the combination lock <NUM> and shift the combination lock <NUM> from the locked position to the unlocked position without regard to the position of dials <NUM> or cam wheels <NUM>. The knob <NUM> includes a removable face plate <NUM> which, when removed, reveals an input or terminal or port <NUM> in a knob cap <NUM> for receiving the electronic key <NUM>. The circuit board <NUM> is affixed to the knob cap <NUM> by a screw <NUM> (see <FIG>). The port <NUM> includes three contacts <NUM> that serve to receive an electrical current and data from the electronic key <NUM>. The terminal or port <NUM> preferably has a protective wall or collar <NUM>, with the contacts <NUM> recessed inwardly, so as to protect those contacts <NUM>. Other electrical connections that can transmit both data and current can also be used, such as the various USB ports, and the term port shall be understood to encompass all such connections.

The housing <NUM> further includes the circuit board <NUM> having the microcontroller <NUM> and memory which is connected to the port <NUM> (see <FIG>). In this case, the circuit board <NUM> is contained within the knob <NUM>. Moreover, the swing actuator <NUM> includes a coil <NUM> that is connected to the circuit board <NUM>. The microcontroller <NUM> is pre-programmed such that it can read and analyze a code passed to it by the electronic key <NUM> and compare it to a code stored in its memory. Although the term microcontroller is used herein, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill that any number of structures can be used to effectuate the functions described herein, e.g. controllers, processors, microprocessors, and addressable switches, and therefore the term microcontroller as used herein shall be understood to encompass all such structures.

Referring back to <FIG> & <FIG>, the electronic key <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> and three contacts (not shown) that mate with the contacts <NUM> of the port <NUM> and allow electrical communication between the two. Disposed within the housing <NUM> is a jump battery (not shown), which can be a rechargeable battery that is recharged using two of the three contacts, and circuitry capable of storing a master code or access code or both. The three contacts <NUM> of the port <NUM>, and the mating contacts of the electronic key <NUM> are sufficient to transmit power from the jump battery using two of the contacts (a common and a power contact), and to communicate with the combination lock <NUM> using two of the contacts (the common and a data contact). The jump battery can be of sufficient voltage to provide the necessary current to power the operation of the combination lock <NUM>, thereby eliminating the need for battery storage within the combination lock <NUM> itself. In other words, the outer housing <NUM> has no battery compartment and needs no batteries to permit the electronic key <NUM> to override the mechanical operation of the combination lock <NUM>.

The contacts of the electronic key <NUM> can be spring-biased contacts or plug-in type contacts, with the contacts <NUM> of the port <NUM> being sockets in the case of a plug-in arrangement. As shown, the electronic key <NUM> preferably has a wall or collar <NUM> surrounding the contacts, so that the wall <NUM> fits closely within the collar <NUM> of the knob <NUM>, with a complementary shape to assure correct orientation in engagement.

The internal circuitry of the electronic key <NUM> can include an access code or master code for all combination locks <NUM> in the system, communicated via two of the contacts to the combination lock <NUM> when the electronic key <NUM> is pushed against or plugged into the combination lock <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. At the same time, the battery of the electronic key <NUM> will provide jump power to the combination lock <NUM>. If desired, the casing <NUM> can have an external switch, such as a momentary switch, to switch on the power jumping function only when needed to conserve battery power, and not when the only problem is a lost electronic code. The design of the collars <NUM>, <NUM> and the contacts provide protection against inadvertent shorting of the power.

The electronic key <NUM> can be pre-programmed to be multi-functional. For example, the electronic key <NUM> can be programmed to only open combination locks <NUM> during business hours to ensure that, should the key fall into the wrong hands, it cannot be operated after hours. Further, the electronic key <NUM> can include a memory to record operational data, such as the date and time it is used to open any combination lock <NUM>, the identity of the combination lock <NUM> that has been opened, and so forth. Finally, the electronic key <NUM> can have differing levels of authorization, such as administrator keys and manager keys. Administrator keys can be restricted such that they, for example, may only be authorized to open the lock at certain times or they may only open lockers in certain locations (such as restricting staffers from opening locks in health club lockers in locker rooms of the opposite gender). They may further be programmed with an access code, whereby they can open a lock but not change the electronic code that opens the lock.

A manager key, however, may be programmed with a master code, which will both open the lock and set a new electronic code for the combination lock. This can be important if one of the administrator keys is lost or stolen. By setting a new code for a combination lock, the administrator keys are rendered inoperable until they are reprogrammed with the new code set by the administrator key. This process is far more efficient than re-coring and/or re-keying the lockers with mechanical override keys if a master key is lost. Other examples of items that can serve as an electronic key <NUM> could be, for example, smart phones, tablet computers, and laptop computers.

In another example of electronic keys <NUM>, a key <NUM> can be configured to store a credential comprising a serial number and a revision number. The serial number is specific to the end user of the lockers, and may be specific to the location of the end user. In other words, an end user may have several sites, and each site may have its own serial number. Each credential also can include a revision number appended to the end of the serial number. By connecting a key <NUM> with this configuration to a lock <NUM> via the port <NUM>, the key <NUM> will provide the credential that can electronically unlock the lock <NUM>, and the microcontroller <NUM> will store the credential in memory. In the case of an end user losing a key <NUM>, a new key <NUM> can be sent to the end user by the manufacturer having the same serial number but with a revision number incremented by one relative to the lost key <NUM>. By connecting the new master key <NUM> to the port <NUM>, the microcontroller <NUM> recognizes the incrementally-advanced revision number, then rewrites and stores the new credential in memory. Moreover, this process will work even if the revision number for the new key <NUM> is more than one higher than the current revision number. In other words, a key <NUM> with revision number four can update a lock have revision number <NUM> stored therein if any of the locks were forgotten in the previous round of updates. But the keys with the lower revision number will no longer be operable.

Although a key <NUM> is disclosed herein, it is contemplated that outer housing <NUM> could be adapted and or modified to include a wireless reader, such that a user could transmit a code wirelessly to the circuit board <NUM> via RFID, BLE, Bluetooth, NFC, or the like. In this scenario, the outer housing <NUM> would likely require batteries or line power to power the wireless reader. In this example, the wireless reader serves the same function as the port <NUM> and can be considered a port.

Referring now to <FIG>, to operate the combination lock <NUM> with the electronic key <NUM>, the user first opens the face plate <NUM> to expose the contacts <NUM> of the port <NUM>. The user then inserts the contacts of the electronic key <NUM> into the contacts <NUM> of the port <NUM> to power the circuit board <NUM>. The microcontroller reads the access code (or master code) from the electronic key <NUM>; if it matches with the pre-programmed code stored in the memory associated with the microcontroller, the microcontroller allows the electronic key <NUM> to power the coil <NUM> of the swing actuator <NUM>, and the magnetic field generated by the coil <NUM> pushes the magnet of swing actuator <NUM> to swing in direction U, thereby forcing the locking slider <NUM> into the upper slot <NUM> of the inner cylinder <NUM> of the drive shaft <NUM>. The user can then rotate the knob <NUM>, which will rotate the drive shaft <NUM>, from the closed position to the open position, despite the dials <NUM> not being in the pre-selected unlocking combination.

If desired, the user can then re-set the unlocking combination. Because the dials <NUM> are not in the pre-selected unlocking combination, the cam wheels <NUM> will not initially be seated within the D-shaped recesses <NUM> of the back plate <NUM>. The cam wheels <NUM> will be, however, forced against the back plate <NUM> due to the force of the cam plate springs <NUM>. The user can rotate each dial <NUM> until he or she feels or hears the cam wheels <NUM> 'click' into place within the recesses <NUM> (or rotate the cam wheels <NUM>° in any event). At that point, with the cam wheels <NUM> will be secured in the recesses <NUM> and therefore in the unlocked position, the user can then rotate the dials <NUM> to select a new unlocking combination prior to rotating the knob <NUM> back to the closed position.

<FIG> depicts an indicator system that indicates to the user whether the combination lock <NUM> is in the locked position or the unlocked position. The outer housing <NUM> includes an opening <NUM> that serves as an indicator window. An indicator <NUM> extends forward from the locking plate <NUM> and includes a two-colored face <NUM>. In this example, the indicator face <NUM> includes a red portion <NUM> and a green portion <NUM>, but only one of the portions is visible through the indicator window <NUM> at a time. When the user places the dials <NUM> in the unlocking combination, the locking springs <NUM> push the locking plate <NUM> downwardly in the direction D, and the green portion <NUM> of the indicator <NUM> can be viewed through the indicator window <NUM>. Similarly, when the user places the dials <NUM> in a locking combination, the cam wheels <NUM> force the locking plate <NUM> upwardly in a direction U, and the red portion <NUM> of the indicator <NUM> can be viewed through the indicator window <NUM>.

The indicator system requires no power or current to provide the information to the user, and it therefore adds nothing to any power storage requirements of the combination lock <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, an outer housing <NUM> is depicted that is generally the same as outer housing <NUM> except for an alternative electronic actuator <NUM>. The same numbers used in the previous examples reference the same elements in this example. The actuator <NUM> here is a linear solenoid actuator with a direction of travel in direction U. Other actuators, such as an electric motor, could be employed as well. The actuator <NUM> includes a coil <NUM>, a spring <NUM>, and a wrap-around shaft <NUM> having an end portion <NUM> that extends perpendicularly to direction U of the actuator <NUM>. Similar to earlier embodiments, the end portion <NUM> of the shaft <NUM> extends into a recess <NUM> in the locking slider <NUM>.

In other regards, the outer housing <NUM> operates similarly to the outer housing <NUM>. When in the locked position, the push rod <NUM> maintains the locking slider <NUM> within the inner cylinder <NUM>. The knob <NUM> rotates freely without engaging the drive shaft <NUM>. When the user unlocks the outer housing <NUM> by rotating the dials <NUM>, the locking plate <NUM> moves in direction D, the push rod <NUM> moves laterally in the same direction away from the locking slider <NUM>, and the spring <NUM> biases the wrap-around shaft <NUM> in the same direction, such that the shaft <NUM> slides the locking slider <NUM> into the lower notch <NUM> of the inner cylinder <NUM>. At this point, rotation of the knob <NUM> will rotate the drive shaft <NUM>.

Alternatively, the user can electronically override the lock by way of the key <NUM> or other electronic means, and the actuator <NUM> will drive the wrap-around shaft <NUM> in direction U such that the slider <NUM> slides into upper notch <NUM> of the inner cylinder <NUM>. Again, rotation of the knob <NUM> will rotate the drive shaft <NUM>.

<FIG> & <FIG> depict another example of a system for shifting the outer housing <NUM> between the locked position and the unlocked position. Disclosed is a knob <NUM> including a port <NUM> and a circuit board <NUM>, similar to the previous embodiments. A linear solenoid actuator <NUM> is further disclosed that includes a coil <NUM> and a push rod <NUM>. Unlike previous embodiments, the direction of actuation of the push rod <NUM> is in direction B, i.e., toward the back plate <NUM>.

A retaining plate <NUM> is affixed to the knob <NUM> via two screws <NUM>. The retaining plate <NUM> includes two tongues <NUM> extending upwardly in parallel and a push rod hole <NUM> that allows the push rod <NUM> to traverse through it. A sliding plate <NUM> is disposed on the retaining plate <NUM> and includes parallel passages <NUM> that are configured to receive the tongues <NUM>. The passages <NUM> in the sliding plate <NUM> are longer than the tongues <NUM>, and so sliding plate <NUM> can slide laterally relative to the retaining plate <NUM> in a direction perpendicular to direction B. The tongues <NUM> have a height that is greater than the thickness of sliding plate <NUM> and therefore extend above the top surface of the sliding plate <NUM> to form a slot therebetween. The sliding plate <NUM> further includes a pair of ramps <NUM> disposed between the passages <NUM> and a push rod slot <NUM> through which the push rod <NUM> can traverse.

A locking slider <NUM> is disposed on the sliding plate <NUM> in the slot defined by the tongues <NUM> extending up through the passages <NUM> from the retaining plate <NUM>. On the bottom of the locking slider <NUM> is a pair of ramp followers <NUM> configured to interact with the ramps <NUM> such that translational movement of the sliding plate <NUM> results in movement of the locking slider <NUM> in direction B. The locking slider <NUM> further includes a post <NUM> extending upwardly, and a spring <NUM> is disposed about the post <NUM>.

Like in previous examples, a drive shaft <NUM> includes an outer cylinder <NUM> having a cam surface <NUM> and an inner cylinder <NUM>. But unlike in previous examples, disposed within the inner cylinder <NUM> in this example is a slotted recess <NUM> configured to receive the locking slider <NUM> and a post recess <NUM> configured to receive the post <NUM> of the locking slider <NUM>. Accordingly, when the sliding plate <NUM> translates laterally, the ramps <NUM> force the locking slider <NUM> in direction B into the slotted recess <NUM>, such that rotation of the knob <NUM> now causes rotation of the drive shaft <NUM>. Typically, the spring <NUM> biases the locking slider <NUM> away from and out of the slotted recess <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, the outer housing <NUM> is in the unlocked position, but the knob <NUM> still positioned such that it points to the closed position symbol <NUM>; i.e., the user has unlocked the combination lock <NUM>, but has yet to open it. The user has rotated the dials <NUM> to the pre-selected unlocking code such that the flat surfaces <NUM> of the cam wheels <NUM> engage the linear bearing surfaces <NUM> of the locking plate <NUM>. Under the force of the locking springs <NUM>, the locking plate <NUM> has moved in direction D, thereby forcing the push rod <NUM> toward the sliding plate <NUM>. The sliding plate <NUM> translates laterally in direction D, and its lateral motion is constrained by the tongues <NUM> disposed in the slots <NUM> as described above. The ramps <NUM> of the sliding plate <NUM> interact with the ramp followers <NUM> of the locking slider <NUM>, and force locking slider <NUM> upwardly into the slotted recess <NUM> of the drive shaft <NUM>. Accordingly, it is now possible for the user to rotate the knob <NUM> to rotate the drive shaft <NUM> to move the combination lock <NUM> from the closed position to the open position.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, the dials <NUM> remain rotated to the pre-selected unlocking code such that the flat surfaces <NUM> of the cam wheels <NUM> engage the linear bearing surfaces <NUM> of the locking plate <NUM>. In this position, however, the user has rotated the knob <NUM><NUM>° counterclockwise, and the arrow indicator <NUM> on the knob <NUM> now points to the open position symbol <NUM>. The bolt <NUM> is retracted into the housing <NUM> of the locking mechanism <NUM>, and the user is free to open and close the locker door <NUM>. The action of the cam plate <NUM> lifting the cam wheels <NUM> off the star drivers <NUM> and into the D-shaped recesses <NUM> is the same as described with respect to <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> and <FIG> show the outer housing while it is in the locked position and the knob <NUM> is rotated such that the arrow indicator <NUM> points to the closed position symbol <NUM>. The rotatable dials <NUM> have been rotated so that the curved surfaces <NUM> of the cam wheels <NUM> engage the linear bearing surfaces <NUM> of the locking plate <NUM>, thereby forcing the locking plate <NUM> in direction U, as seen in <FIG>, and against the biasing force of the locking springs <NUM>. The push rod <NUM> of the locking plate <NUM> retracts from the sliding plate <NUM>, and the spring <NUM> pushes the locking slider <NUM> downwardly, forcing the sliding plate <NUM> in direction U due to the interaction of the ramps <NUM> and the ramp followers <NUM>, and further forcing the locking slider <NUM> and out of the slotted recess <NUM>. The locking slider <NUM> no longer engages the drive shaft <NUM>, and therefore when the combination lock <NUM> is in the locked position, rotation of the knob <NUM> will not rotate the drive shaft <NUM>. The combination lock <NUM> cannot, therefore, move from the closed position to the open position.

Referring now to <FIG>, the combination lock <NUM> can be operated with the electronic key <NUM> as described earlier. The user first opens the face plate <NUM> to expose the contacts <NUM> of the port <NUM>. The user then inserts the contacts of the electronic key <NUM> into the contacts <NUM> of the port <NUM> to power the circuit board <NUM>. The microcontroller reads the access code (or master code) from the electronic key <NUM>; if it matches with the pre-programmed code stored in the memory associated with the microcontroller, the microcontroller allows the electronic key <NUM> to power the coil <NUM> of the solenoid actuator <NUM>, and the magnetic field generated by the coil <NUM> pushes the push rod <NUM> in direction B, thereby lifting the locking slider <NUM> off the sliding plate <NUM> and into the slotted recess <NUM> of the drive shaft <NUM>. The user can then rotate the knob <NUM>, which will rotate the drive shaft <NUM>, from the closed position to the open position, despite the dials <NUM> not being in the pre-selected unlocking combination.

Other structures, including other actuators, will be seen by those of skill in the art that can translate the sliders <NUM>, <NUM> as described above. These other structures could include, for example, electric motors, pneumatic actuators, screw actuators, and the like.

Referring now to <FIG>, an actuating system <NUM> for a fourth example of a combination lock is shown. Like in the previous examples, the actuating system <NUM> includes a knob <NUM> with a port and a microcontroller disposed therein, which are not shown in <FIG> but can be the same as described with respect to <FIG>, <FIG>. And again as in previous examples, the port can be a connector for receiving an electronic key <NUM> or it can be a wireless reader for receiving RFID, BLE, Bluetooth, NFC, or other wireless signals.

The actuating system <NUM> further includes a drive shaft <NUM> that is coupled to the knob <NUM>. The knob <NUM> includes a set of pins <NUM> extending in the direction B, and the drive shaft <NUM> includes recesses (not shown) for receiving the pins <NUM>. Accordingly, rotational motion of the knob <NUM> is transferred to the drive shaft <NUM> via pins <NUM>. The drive shaft <NUM> further includes an opening <NUM> in its side, a first layer <NUM> generally having a circular cross-section, a second layer <NUM> having an irregular cross-section, and an annular surface <NUM> extending out from a base of the second layer <NUM>. As in the previous examples, the first layer <NUM> rotates within an opening in the back plate <NUM>.

The drive shaft <NUM> further includes a recess <NUM> that forms an interior (seen best in <FIG>), and the opening <NUM> in its side extends through the first layer <NUM> and second layer <NUM>. Finally, the drive shaft <NUM> includes the cylindrical cam surface <NUM> as in previous examples, which serves the same function as in the previous examples.

A slider <NUM> is disposed within the recess <NUM> with a locking end <NUM> of the slider <NUM> extending through the opening <NUM> and outside of the drive shaft <NUM> (seen best in <FIG>). A spring <NUM> is disposed in the recess <NUM> as well and biases the slider <NUM> in the direction F such that the locking end <NUM> of the slider <NUM> sits against the annular surface <NUM> (see <FIG>).

This example includes a locking plate <NUM> that is slightly different than in previous embodiments. While the locking plate <NUM> of this embodiment also includes linear bearing surfaces <NUM> that interact with the cam wheels <NUM> similarly to previous examples, it also includes an interior opening <NUM> with a bearing surface <NUM> that can selectively interact with the locking end <NUM> of the slider <NUM>.

Finally, the actuating system <NUM> includes a linear actuator <NUM> with a push rod <NUM>. When actuated, the push rod <NUM> of the linear actuator <NUM> translates in direction B, thereby translating the slider <NUM> off and away from the annular surface <NUM> and against the biasing force of the spring <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, the knob <NUM> includes a quarter-turn annular projection <NUM>, and the casing <NUM> includes a half turn recess <NUM> sized and shaped to receive the quarter-turn projection <NUM> (see also <FIG>). As will be understood, the quarter turn projection <NUM> slides within the half turn recess <NUM> as the knob <NUM> rotates, and the half-turn recess <NUM> limits the rotation of the knob <NUM> to a quarter turn between the open position and the closed position.

Referring now to <FIG>, the outer housing <NUM> is in the unlocked position. The user has rotated the dials <NUM> to the pre-selected unlocking code such that the flat sections <NUM> of the cam wheels <NUM> engage the linear bearing surfaces <NUM> of the locking plate <NUM>. Under the force of the locking springs <NUM>, the locking plate <NUM> has moved in direction D. The bearing surface <NUM> defined by the interior opening <NUM> is removed from the locking end <NUM> of the slider <NUM>. A user is free to rotate the knob <NUM>, which will simultaneously rotate the drive shaft <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the dials <NUM> of the outer housing <NUM> have been rotated such that the curved sections <NUM> of the cam wheels <NUM> engage the linear bearing surfaces <NUM> of the locking plate <NUM>. The cam wheels <NUM> force the locking plate <NUM> in direction U, with the bearing surface <NUM> of the interior opening <NUM> now engaging the locking end <NUM> of the slider <NUM>. The knob <NUM> cannot be rotated in the counter-clockwise direction because of the interaction of the slider <NUM> and the bearing surface <NUM>. Further, the knob <NUM> cannot be rotated in the clockwise direction due to the position of the quarter-turn projection <NUM> within the half turn recess <NUM>. Accordingly, the knob <NUM> is precluded from rotation in either direction when in the locked position.

<FIG> depict the outer housing <NUM> with the electronic override key <NUM> applied to the port. In this example, when the actuator <NUM> is activated, it translates the push rod <NUM> in direction B. The actuator <NUM> overcomes the biasing force of the spring <NUM> and forces the slider <NUM> in direction B. The slider <NUM> moves to a position where it is no longer co-planar with the locking plate <NUM>, and therefore the locking end <NUM> of the slider <NUM> no longer engages the bearing surface <NUM> of the locking plate <NUM>. The user is therefore free to turn the knob <NUM> between the open position and the closed position while the actuator <NUM> is activated, regardless of the positioning of the dials <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, a fifth example of an actuating system <NUM> is depicted. The actuating system <NUM> operates similarly to the actuating system <NUM>, but with several of the components inverted. The actuating system <NUM> includes a knob <NUM> with pins <NUM> that couple the knob <NUM> to a drive shaft <NUM>. The drive shaft <NUM> includes a recess <NUM> and an opening <NUM> extending through a first layer <NUM> and a second layer <NUM>. As best seen in <FIG>, disposed within the recess <NUM> is a connector <NUM> that is in communication with the microcontroller <NUM> disposed on the circuit board <NUM> within the knob <NUM>. As in previous examples, the microcontroller <NUM> is in communication with the port <NUM>. And similar to the previous example, also disposed within the recess <NUM> is a lower spring <NUM> and a slider <NUM>. Again, the slider <NUM> extends through the opening <NUM> in the first and second layers <NUM>, <NUM>, such that a locking end <NUM> of the slider <NUM> is external to the drive shaft <NUM>.

The actuating system <NUM> further includes a collar <NUM> with legs <NUM> extending into the recess <NUM> and connecting the collar <NUM> to the drive shaft <NUM>. A plug <NUM> is disposed within the collar <NUM> and connects to the connector <NUM>. A generally cylindrical cap <NUM> is affixed to the collar <NUM> and houses a linear actuator <NUM>, having a push rod <NUM>, and an upper spring <NUM>. The upper spring <NUM> biases the push rod <NUM> in direction F, thereby pushing the slider <NUM> in direction F such that it is co-planar with the locking plate <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> is connected electronically to the microcontroller <NUM> via the connector <NUM> and the plug <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts a combination lock <NUM> with a locking mechanism <NUM> having a retractable bolt <NUM>. The locking mechanism <NUM> operates as is known in the art, with rotation of the knob <NUM> causing the bolt <NUM> to alternately extend and retract from the housing <NUM> of the locking mechanism <NUM> via gears <NUM> and <NUM>. In this example, the collar <NUM> is integral with the gear <NUM>. Here, the cam wheels <NUM> have been placed in the unlocking position, and the locking plate <NUM> is translated to in direction D via springs <NUM>. This is the same position of the slider <NUM> and locking plate <NUM> as in <FIG>, and the user can similarly rotate the knob <NUM> between the open and closed position. In this example, the actuator <NUM> is contained within the housing <NUM>, and the spring <NUM> biases the push rod <NUM> in direction F, thereby pushing the slider <NUM> in direction F such that it is maintained co-planar with the locking plate <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts the combination lock <NUM> with a cam blade <NUM> as the locking element. In this view, all of the cam wheels <NUM>, the locking plate <NUM>, and the slider <NUM> are in the same position as in <FIG>, with the locking plate <NUM> moved to in direction U relative to <FIG>. The combination lock <NUM> is therefore in the locked position, with the upper spring <NUM> biasing the push rod <NUM> in direction F, thereby biasing the slider <NUM> to be co-planar with the locking plate <NUM>. The locking end <NUM> of the slider <NUM> bears against the bearing surface <NUM> of the locking plate <NUM>, thereby preventing rotational motion of the knob <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the electronic key <NUM> has been inserted into the port <NUM> with the proper access code being entered. The microcontroller <NUM> signals the actuator <NUM> to energize, and the actuator <NUM> translates the push rod <NUM> in direction B, against the biasing force of upper spring <NUM>. The slider <NUM> is then pushed in direction B under the force of lower spring <NUM>. The slider <NUM> is pushed above the plane of the locking plate <NUM>, as in the previous example, thereby removing the locking end <NUM> of the slider <NUM> from the bearing surface <NUM> of the locking plate <NUM>. The knob <NUM> is thereby free to rotate, and therefore the cam blade <NUM> is free to rotate, between the open position and the closed position.

Referring now to <FIG>, a fifth example of a combination lock <NUM> with an electronic override is disclosed. The combination lock <NUM> includes four openings <NUM> through which four rotatable dials <NUM> are accessible, each of the rotatable dials <NUM> bearing indicia <NUM>, and this example the indicia <NUM> are numerals from <NUM>-<NUM>. As is well known, a user may physically manipulate and rotate the dials <NUM> to select a specific numeral <NUM> for each dial <NUM>, thereby selecting a set of numerals. In the example shown in <FIG>, as is known, each dial <NUM> has the numeral "<NUM>" in the selected position.

The combination lock <NUM> also includes a rotatable knob <NUM> located on a front side <NUM> of the combination lock <NUM>. Again, as is well known, and as will be described further, when predetermined numerals <NUM> are each in the selected position, the combination lock <NUM> is in the unlocked position, and the user may rotate the knob <NUM>. The knob <NUM> may include a port <NUM> that may serve as a connection point for an electronic key <NUM>, as described above. In this example, the knob <NUM> includes an arrow <NUM>, and the combination lock <NUM> includes a 'locked' symbol <NUM>, such that when the arrow <NUM> on the knob <NUM> points to the locked symbol <NUM>, the combination lock <NUM> is in the closed position, and the door or panel to which the combination lock is attached normally cannot be opened (that is, without the electronic override).

<FIG> is an exploded view depicting the combination lock <NUM> mounted to a door or panel <NUM>, and <FIG> is a top assembly view of the same. The door or panel <NUM> will be referred to simply as a door <NUM> for ease of reference, and no limitation should be inferred. The door <NUM> includes an opening <NUM> and has an exterior face <NUM>. The combination lock <NUM> has a main body portion <NUM> that has a cross section that is complementary to the opening <NUM> in the door <NUM>, and the combination lock <NUM> further has a face portion <NUM> that includes a lip <NUM> that extends laterally out from the main body portion <NUM>. When the combination lock <NUM> is installed on the door <NUM>, the lip <NUM> bears against the exterior face <NUM> of the door <NUM>.

The combination lock <NUM> can be mounted to the door <NUM> with the assistance of a separate mounting plate <NUM>. The mounting plate <NUM> is disposed against a rear face of the door <NUM>, and fasteners <NUM> extend through openings <NUM> in the mounting plate <NUM> and into complementary threaded holes (not shown) in the lock <NUM>. As is well known in the art, a locking element <NUM> such as a cam blade can be affixed to a rotatable core <NUM> extending out a rear side of the main body portion <NUM> of the combination lock <NUM>. Again, although a cam blade is shown, other known locking elements, such as bolts and latches, can be employed.

<FIG> is an exploded view of the combination lock <NUM>. As described above, disposed within the knob <NUM> is a port <NUM>, and under the port <NUM> is a circuit board <NUM> with a microcontroller <NUM> and a connector <NUM> disposed thereon. See also <FIG> & <FIG>. The connector <NUM> may serve to receive the electronic key <NUM> as described in previous examples. Disposed underneath the circuit board <NUM> in the examples shown in <FIG> and <FIG> is an electric motor <NUM> which is operatively connected to a locking slider <NUM>. The knob <NUM> is mounted in fixed orientation to the rotatable core <NUM>, and the port <NUM>, circuit board <NUM>, electric motor <NUM>, and locking slider <NUM> are disposed in a compartment <NUM> formed between the knob <NUM> and the rotatable core <NUM>. Further, the rotatable core <NUM> includes an opening <NUM> in its sidewall, and the locking slider <NUM> is disposed such that a locking end <NUM> of the locking slider <NUM> is disposed outside the rotatable core <NUM>. Operation of the electric motor <NUM> translates the locking slider <NUM> between a position where the locking end <NUM> is exterior to the rotatable core <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, to a position where the locking end <NUM> is within the compartment <NUM>. Referring now to <FIG>, instead of an electric motor <NUM>, a linear actuator <NUM> is connected to the circuit board <NUM>. The linear actuator <NUM> includes a push rod <NUM> terminating in a ramp <NUM>, and a push rod spring <NUM> biases the ramp <NUM> in direction U away from the locking slider <NUM>. Further, the locking slider <NUM> in this example includes a sloped opening <NUM> and is biased by a spring <NUM> to a position where the locking end <NUM> of the locking slider <NUM> is exterior to the rotatable core <NUM>. Operation of the linear actuator <NUM> forces the ramp <NUM> in direction D, which translates the locking end <NUM> of locking slider <NUM> into the compartment <NUM>.

The combination lock <NUM> includes an upper housing <NUM> and a lower housing <NUM> that can be fixed together using fasteners <NUM>. The upper housing <NUM> and the lower housing <NUM> include concentric openings <NUM> through which the knob <NUM> and the rotatable core <NUM> are mounted. The lower housing <NUM> includes a first wall <NUM> and a second wall <NUM> that define a chamber <NUM> in which many of the mechanical components of the combination lock <NUM> are disposed and mounted.

Referring now to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the dials <NUM> are rotatably disposed on a shaft <NUM>. The shaft <NUM> is mounted through a first opening <NUM> in the first wall <NUM>. A push block <NUM> is disposed in a first opening <NUM> in the second wall <NUM>, and the push block <NUM> includes a cylindrical opening <NUM> (seen best in <FIG>) in which the shaft <NUM> is disposed. The cylindrical opening <NUM> is constructed such that the push block <NUM> can slide laterally back and forth in directions F and S on the shaft <NUM> as it slides within the first opening <NUM> in the second wall <NUM>.

Also disposed on the shaft <NUM> is a series of cam wheels <NUM>, one for each dial <NUM>. Each cam wheel <NUM> includes a cylinder <NUM>, a star gear <NUM>, and a cam <NUM>. Each cam <NUM> has a circular portion <NUM> and a flat edge <NUM>. Within each flat edge <NUM> is a recess <NUM>. Each dial <NUM> includes an internal star gear <NUM> complementary to the star gear <NUM> of the cam wheel <NUM>. Accordingly, when the star gears <NUM>, <NUM> are engaged, rotation of the dial <NUM> also rotates the cam wheel <NUM>. Further, each cylinder <NUM> of each cam wheel <NUM> extends through an internal opening <NUM> of the associated dial <NUM>, and the cylinder <NUM> of a cam wheel <NUM> abuts a cam <NUM> of an adjacent cam wheel <NUM>. Therefore, as disclosed in <FIG>, translation of the push block <NUM> in the direction F translates all four of the cam wheels <NUM> in the direction F, while at the same time the dials <NUM> remain laterally stationary and are prevented from lateral motion by the openings <NUM> in the upper housing <NUM>, such that the star gears <NUM> of the cam wheels <NUM> engage the internal star gears <NUM> of the dials <NUM>.

Disposed on the shaft <NUM> on an end distal from the push block <NUM> is a spring <NUM> and a washer <NUM>. The spring <NUM> biases the cam wheels <NUM> in direction S, to the position that they are disengaged from the dials <NUM> (see <FIG>), and only when the push block <NUM> forces the cam wheels <NUM> in direction F are the cam wheels <NUM> engaged with the dials <NUM> (see <FIG>).

A locking arm <NUM> is pivotably mounted within the first and second walls <NUM>, <NUM> of the lower housing <NUM>. The locking arm <NUM> includes pins <NUM> disposed in second openings <NUM>, <NUM> in the first and second walls <NUM>, <NUM>. The locking arm <NUM> includes four cradles <NUM>, each cradle <NUM> bearing against a respective cam wheel <NUM>. Each cradle <NUM> includes a protrusion <NUM> facing upwardly. When the push block <NUM> is translated in direction F, and the cam wheels <NUM> are engaged with the dials <NUM>, then rotation of the dials <NUM> will cause the cam wheels <NUM> to rotate freely within the cradles <NUM> without engaging the protrusions <NUM>.

The locking arm <NUM> is further biased upwardly (in direction U) by leaf spring <NUM>. Accordingly, when all of the dials <NUM> are rotated such that the flat edges <NUM> of the cam wheels <NUM> are facing down (direction D), the locking arm <NUM> pivots upwardly from the force of the leaf spring <NUM>. As will be described further below, this position defines an unlocked position. When at least one of the dials <NUM> is rotated to a position where its cam wheel <NUM> flat edge <NUM> is not down, that cam wheel <NUM> will pivot the locking arm <NUM> in direction D. This position defines a locked position.

Also disposed within the chamber <NUM> is a reset arm <NUM>. See <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. The reset arm <NUM> includes pins <NUM> mounted in a third hole in the first wall <NUM> (not seen) and a third hole <NUM> in the second wall <NUM>, such that the reset arm <NUM> can pivot about the pins <NUM>. At an end of the reset arm <NUM> is a post <NUM> that servers as a follower, which is disposed within a channel <NUM> in the rotatable core <NUM> that serves as a cam. The channel <NUM> is constructed such that as the rotatable core <NUM> is rotated, the path of the channel <NUM> forces the post <NUM> up and down, and the reset arm <NUM> pivots up and down about an axis defined by its pins <NUM>.

The reset arm <NUM> further includes a plurality of cams <NUM>, where when the reset arm <NUM> is forced up by the channel <NUM>, the cams <NUM> pivot up. See <FIG> & <FIG>. Further, on a side of the dials <NUM> opposite the side incorporating the internal star gear <NUM>, each dial <NUM> includes an egg-shaped cam follower <NUM>. Accordingly, when the reset arm <NUM> pivots upwardly, the cams <NUM> engage the followers <NUM> and force the dials <NUM> to rotate to a reset position (shown in dashed lines in <FIG>), and in this example the numeral <NUM> is the reset position.

Referring now to <FIG>, the combination lock <NUM> is depicted in the locked position. Referring particularly to <FIG>, the knob <NUM> includes a rib <NUM> that forces the push block <NUM> in direction F. The push block <NUM> slides in direction F over the shaft <NUM> and pushes all of the cam wheels <NUM> in direction F such that the star gears <NUM> engage the internal star gears <NUM>. The dials <NUM> have been rotated such that at least one of the flat edges <NUM> of the cam wheels <NUM> is not facing down, and the cam wheel <NUM> is therefore pushing the locking arm <NUM> down. Moreover, the locking end <NUM> of the locking slider <NUM> extends out from the rotatable core <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the electric motor <NUM> has placed the locking end <NUM> outside the rotatable core <NUM>, and as shown in <FIG>, the actuator <NUM> has retracted and the spring <NUM> maintains the locking end <NUM> outside the rotatable core <NUM>.

When the combination lock <NUM> is in the locked position, and the locking end <NUM> of the locking arm <NUM> is down, it abuts the locking end <NUM> of the locking slider <NUM> and prevents rotation of the knob <NUM>. The locking end <NUM> of the locking arm <NUM> prevents the opening of the combination lock <NUM> by blocking movement of the locking end <NUM> of the locking slider <NUM>, and therefore a user cannot rotate the knob <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the combination lock <NUM> is depicted in an unlocked position. The cam wheels <NUM> continue to engage the dials <NUM> as in <FIG>, and the user has rotated the dials <NUM> to the pre-selected unlocking code, where the flat edges <NUM> of the cam wheels <NUM> all face downwardly. The locking arm <NUM> is pivoted upwardly by the leaf spring <NUM> into the unlocked position. When the locking arm <NUM> is up, the locking end <NUM> of the locking arm <NUM> is above the plane of the locking end <NUM> of the locking slider <NUM>, and it no longer prevents rotation of the knob <NUM>, thereby allowing a user to rotate the knob <NUM> from a closed position to the open position. Although the locking end <NUM> of the locking slider <NUM> is still external to the rotatable core <NUM>, the locking end <NUM> of the locking bar <NUM> no longer interferes, and the user is able to rotate the knob <NUM>. Rotation of the knob <NUM> rotates the rotatable core <NUM>, which will rotate the locking element <NUM>, as is known.

<FIG> depict the combination lock <NUM> with the electronic override key <NUM> applied. In this position, the locking arm <NUM> is in the down position as in <FIG>, and the combination lock <NUM> is in the locked position. Upon successful application of the electronic key <NUM> to the knob <NUM>, however, the electronics associated with the circuit board <NUM> cause the electric motor <NUM> (see <FIG>) to rotate and pull the locking slider <NUM> such that the locking end <NUM> of the locking slider <NUM> is within the rotatable core <NUM>. In the other disclosed embodiment, <FIG>, the actuator <NUM> causes the push rod <NUM> and the ramp <NUM> to push downwardly, which interacts with the sloped surface <NUM> of the locking slider <NUM> to pull the locking end <NUM> of the locking slider <NUM> to within the rotatable core <NUM>. With the locking end <NUM> of the locking slider <NUM> pulled within the rotatable core <NUM>, it no longer abuts the locking end <NUM> of the locking arm <NUM>, and therefore does not prevent rotation of the knob <NUM>. The user can thereby open the combination lock <NUM>. Again, an override key <NUM> is disclosed, but wireless technologies such as Bluetooth, BLE, NFC, and RFID may be used as well.

As discussed above, the scrambling of the dials <NUM> is enabled by the interaction of the post <NUM> of the reset arm <NUM> and the cam channel <NUM> of the rotatable core <NUM>. As can be seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, the cam channel <NUM> can be designed such that when the knob <NUM> is rotated a quarter turn to open the lock <NUM>, the cam channel <NUM> forces the reset arm <NUM> to pivot up, thereby scrambling all of the dials <NUM> to a selected position of "<NUM>. " Thus, when a user turns the knob <NUM> to open the combination lock <NUM>, the lock with automatically rotate the dials away from the pre-selected unlocking code so that the user does not accidentally leave the combination lock <NUM> in the unlocked position.

The unlocking combination for the combination lock <NUM> may also be easily reset. As best seen in <FIG>, the knob <NUM> also may include a rib <NUM> extending radially outwardly. When the combination lock <NUM> is in the closed position, the rib <NUM> forces the push block <NUM> in the direction F, which forces the cam wheels <NUM> in direction F, such that the cam wheels <NUM> engage the dials <NUM>.

Once the dials <NUM> are rotated and the cam wheels <NUM> are placed with flat edges <NUM> down-and the lock <NUM> is in the unlocked position-the user may rotate the knob <NUM> to the open position. The rib <NUM> serves as a cam surface, and the push block <NUM> as a cam follower. As the knob <NUM> is rotated, the thickness of the rib <NUM> relative to the push block <NUM> may recede. The push block <NUM>, along with the cam wheels <NUM>, will travel in direction S toward the knob <NUM> under force of spring <NUM>. In this position, the cam wheels <NUM> are disengaged from the dials <NUM>, and the recesses <NUM> of the cam wheels <NUM> are disposed on the protrusions <NUM> of the cradles <NUM>. The dials <NUM> can therefore be rotated freely without rotating the cam wheels <NUM>, and the cam wheels <NUM> remain in the unlocking position. In this manner, the end user can change the unlocking code. The user can then rotate the knob <NUM> back, with the rib <NUM> then re-engaging the push block <NUM> as the knob <NUM> is turned, which pushes the push block <NUM> back in direction F, thereby forcing the cam wheels <NUM> to engage with the dials <NUM> again, with the new unlocking code having been set.

Referring now to <FIG> & <FIG>, a sixth example of a combination lock <NUM> is disclosed. The combination lock <NUM> is similar in many ways to the combination lock <NUM> of the fifth example, with the following differences. The combination lock <NUM> is constructed to be mounted vertically, with first and second dials <NUM>, <NUM> disposed above the knob <NUM>, and third and fourth dials <NUM>, <NUM> disposed below the knob <NUM>. The dials <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> rotate horizontally, with the indicia aligned accordingly.

Referring now to <FIG>, the combination lock <NUM> is constructed to mount to a standard three-hole locker prep. Lockers have an industry standard three-hole configuration, vertically aligned, to which locks are mounted. The locker door <NUM> in <FIG> includes an upper hole <NUM>, a middle hole <NUM>, and a lower hole <NUM>. Extending from a rear side of the combination lock <NUM> is a first threaded post <NUM> configured to extend through the upper hole <NUM> and a second threaded post <NUM> configured to extend through the lower hole <NUM>. The rotatable core <NUM> extends through the middle hole <NUM>. Once the threaded posts <NUM>, <NUM> are placed through the first and third holes <NUM>, <NUM>, complementary nuts <NUM>, <NUM> may be threaded on to the first and second posts <NUM>, <NUM> to fasten the combination lock <NUM> to the door or panel <NUM>, with the rotatable core <NUM> extending through the middle hole <NUM> and the locking element <NUM> affixed to the rotatable core <NUM> on the interior side of the door <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, the combination lock <NUM> includes an opposing right side <NUM> and left side <NUM> on either side of the knob <NUM>. Each side <NUM>, <NUM> can include structural elements that are a mirror image of the other. Further, each side <NUM>, <NUM> includes structural elements that are the same as in the combination lock <NUM>, but instead of having four dials <NUM> with associated structural elements, each side <NUM>, <NUM> includes a total of two dials with associated structural elements. The structure and function of the combination lock <NUM> can otherwise be the same as the combination lock <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A combination lock (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) with electronic override configured to mount to a standard three-hole locker prep on a door, the combination lock comprising:
a locking element (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) translatable between an open position and a closed position;
a rotatable drive shaft (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) operatively coupled to the locking element;
a knob (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) selectively rotatable between a first position in which the combination lock is in the closed position and a second position in which the combination lock is in the open position;
a slider (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) operatively coupled to the knob;
one or more rotatable selectors (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) each having multiple indicia disposed thereon;
wherein rotation of the one or more rotatable selectors each to a predetermined indicium is configured to shift the slider to operatively couple the slider to the rotatable drive shaft, thereby coupling the knob to the rotatable drive shaft, to shift the combination lock from a locked state to an unlocked state;
wherein when the combination lock is in the unlocked state, rotation of the knob causes rotation of the rotatable drive shaft and translation of the locking element, and selectively places the combination lock in the closed position and the open position;
a circuit board (<NUM>, <NUM>) including a processor;
a port (<NUM>, <NUM>) in communication with the processor and configured to receive a credential; and
an actuator (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) in communication with the processor, wherein upon receipt of a predetermined credential by the processor, the processor is configured to instruct the actuator to shift the slider to operatively couple the slider to the rotatable drive shaft, thereby coupling the knob to the rotatable drive shaft, to shift the combination lock from the locked state to the unlocked state.