초록 ▼

A padlock having a horizontal shackle is disclosed. The padlock may include a base comprising a latching mechanism, a first shackle aperture, and a second shackle aperture. The padlock may also include a shackle. The shackle may comprise a first post extending from within the first shackle aperture,

A padlock having a horizontal shackle is disclosed. The padlock may include a base comprising a latching mechanism, a first shackle aperture, and a second shackle aperture. The padlock may also include a shackle. The shackle may comprise a first post extending from within the first shackle aperture, a second post extending from within the second shackle aperture, and a horizontal cross member extending in a line from the first post to the second post.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A padlock defining longitudinal, lateral, and transverse directions extending substantially orthogonally with respect to one another, the padlock comprising: a base comprising a latching mechanism, a first aperture extending in the longitudinal direction, and a second aperture extending in the lo

1. A padlock defining longitudinal, lateral, and transverse directions extending substantially orthogonally with respect to one another, the padlock comprising: a base comprising a latching mechanism, a first aperture extending in the longitudinal direction, and a second aperture extending in the longitudinal direction; anda shackle selectively engaging the base and comprising a first member extending in the longitudinal direction and having a first anchor and a first post, the first anchor extending within the first aperture, the first post connecting to the first anchor and extending away therefrom,a second member extending in the longitudinal direction and having a second anchor and a second post, the second anchor extending within the second aperture, the second post connecting to the second anchor and extending away therefrom, the second post having an extension,the second member comprising a lateral aperture extending in the lateral direction therewithin, anda third member extending in the lateral direction from a first end to a second end, the first end engaging the first post, the second end removably extending into the lateral aperture of the second post, a circumferential groove being formed proximal to the second end and a lateral groove being formed from the circumferential groove to the second end, the extension of the second post being configured to extend into the lateral groove. 2. The padlock of claim 1, wherein the first post, second post, and third member are substantially cylindrical in shape. 3. The padlock of claim 1, wherein the latching mechanism selectively secures at least one of the first and second anchors within the first and second apertures, respectively. 4. The padlock of claim 1, wherein the first end of the third member substantially permanently engages the first post. 5. The padlock of claim 1, wherein the extension extends into the circumferential groove at a location spaced from the lateral groove. 6. The padlock of claim 1, wherein the extension extends into the circumferential groove at a location substantially opposite the lateral groove. 7. The padlock of claim 1, wherein the extension extends into the circumferential groove and resists withdrawal in the lateral direction of the third member from the second post. 8. A method of operating a padlock defining longitudinal, lateral, and transverse directions extending substantially orthogonally with respect to one another, the method comprising: obtaining a padlock comprising a base comprising a latching mechanism, a first aperture extending in the longitudinal direction, and a second aperture extending in the longitudinal, anda shackle comprising a first member extending from within the first aperture, a second member extending from within the second aperture, and a third member extending in the lateral direction from a first end engaging the first member to a second end engaging the second member, the third member comprising a circumferential groove extending circumferentially thereabout at a location proximate the second end and a lateral groove extending in the lateral direction from the circumferential groove to the second end;releasing the latching mechanism;removing, after the releasing, the second member from the second aperture;separating, after the removing, the second member from the third member;passing, after the separating, the third member through at least one item;engaging, after the passing, the second member with the third member; andinserting, after the engaging, the second member into the second aperture. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the obtaining further comprises obtaining the padlock with the second member comprising: a lateral aperture extending in the lateral direction; andan extension extending into the lateral aperture. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the obtaining further comprises obtaining the padlock with the extension extending into the circumferential groove at a location spaced from the lateral groove. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the separating comprises: rotating the second member about the second end of the third member;aligning the extension with the lateral groove; andtranslating the second member off of the second end of the third member. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the translating comprises passing, by the extension, within the lateral groove.