posted on: 2010-09-09 03:04:10
A tool lock, especially useful in preventing theft or unauthorized use of a tool. The tool lock has a housing in which a lock cylinder assembly and locking balls are disposed. The tool lock housing has an opening at one end in which a portion of a tool, such as a pneumatic fitting on a pneumatic tool, may be inserted and secured by the engagement of the locking balls. The tool lock housing may further include a shackle portion which can be used in conjunction with a cable, either integral or separate, padlock, or chain to secure the tool lock to another object.
Pneumatic tools, such as, for example, nail guns, staple guns, impact wrenches, and body grinders are commonly found on contractor sites, in assembly plants, in automotive repair workshops, and in some homes. These tools can be fairly expensive to replace and may be dangerous, especially if used by an unauthorized person, such as a child.
Currently, pneumatic tools are protected from theft or unauthorized use by locking them in safe boxes with a padlock, or using a specially manufactured lock that prevents use of the tool. However, not all tools can be secured in such fashion. In particular, some tools are left out in the open for anyone to take or use simply because a locking mechanism has not been provided. In other circumstances, tools remained unsecured because the locking mechanism provided cannot be adapted to secure the specific tool.
Therefore, it is desirable to provide a lock that can be adapted to fit a wide variety of pneumatic tools and various pneumatic tool fittings. It is further desirable to provide a lock for pneumatic tools that is capable of preventing unauthorized use, theft, or both.
A lock for securing a pneumatic tool from unauthorized use or theft is provided. In one embodiment, the lock includes a lock housing with a cylinder assembly disposed therein. The lock also includes an inner surface that retains a set of spring-loaded locking balls. The locking balls engage a groove in a pneumatic fitting once inserted into the lock housing. The lock further includes a set of raised surfaces that engage the locking balls when in the locked position and thereby prevent the locking balls from withdrawal from engagement with the pneumatic fitting.
In one embodiment the lock includes a shackle portion which is integral with the lock housing and provides a means for securing the lock to another object. In another embodiment, a cable is included as an integral portion of the shackle.
In another embodiment of the pneumatic tool lock the lock contains an interchangeable cylinder that allows the lock cylinder to be rekeyed.
Another aspect of the present invention provides for a method of securing a pneumatic tool. The method includes locking the pneumatic tool fitting within a lock body. In one embodiment, the method includes securing the lock to another object by placing a cable or padlock through a shackle that is integral with the lock housing.
Still, other advantages and benefits of the present tool lock will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding of the following detailed description.
The tool lock of the present invention may be more readily understood by reference to the following drawings. While certain embodiments are shown as illustrative examples of the tool lock, the scope of this application should not be construed as limited to these illustrative examples.The invention relates to a lock for tools, and more specifically to a tool lock that engages a pneumatic fitting on a pneumatic tool thereby securing the tool from theft and/or unauthorized use.
Fits over part of pneumatic tool, or abuts against the surface of the pneumatic tool, thereby preventing access to the screws or bolts that retaining the pneumatic fitting 55. The shield 112 would thereby prevent bi-passing the fitting 55 and pneumatic tool lock 10 resulting in theft or unauthorized use of the lock.
