Description
For purposes of this classification, a lock is defined asa securing device or a plurality of devices including mechanismrequiring means unknown or inaccessible to or beyond the controlof the public, or secret means, or secret knowledge, or a combinationof such means and knowledge for successful normal operation to areleasing condition. Generally, these devices embody fixed or movableblocking elements or impediments hindering or precluding unauthorizedor suppertitious manipulation except by the means above noted, orsecret knowledge, usually a special, prearranged or predetermined keyor combination of movements.
This class is essentially an element class but includes:
Certain special securing contrivances of general utility forapplication or securement to some conventional structure to preventnormal manipulation of the structure such as hasps and portablesecuring mechanisms, as fetters, padlocks, etc.
Certain special applications of locks to other conventionalstructures modified only sufficiently to provide a location therefor.
Certain systemic arrangements of locks wherein the initial,basic or ultimate control is a lock, although portions of the arrangementmay be controllable by other alternative means.
Certain specially contrived devices, mechanisms and adjunctsassociated with, part of, or ancillary or auxiliary to locks ortheir operating features.
In its elemental aspects, this class includes the constituentconstruction of the lock, which may include structure responsiveto other operating agents wherein initiation of operation is controllableby the lock either solely or alternatively, but constitutes a securingmechanism as an entity. The features of the elemental structure,both as an assembled entity and in its essential elements, as whencombined with features designed to defeat surreptitious or unauthorizedmanipulation by external force, are also found in this class.