HK1232271B - Padlock - Google Patents

Description

padlock

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a padlock and more particularly to an electronically openable padlock and system.

Background Art

The prior art discloses a variety of biometric and wirelessly operated padlocks. For example, U.S. Patent Application 2004/0255623 describes a padlock having a shackle and a body. The body includes a fingerprint sensor, a fingerprint data storage device, and an electromagnetic device activated by a sensed and matched fingerprint to unlock the shackle from the body. U.S. Patent Application 2008/0012686 discloses a padlock including an electronic circuit with a fingerprint sensor. The disclosed padlock can be unlocked using a fingerprint or thumbprint. U.S. Patent 8,453,481 discloses an electronic padlock. U.S. Patent Application 2014/0150502 discloses a portable lock including a wireless signal receiver. The lock can be unlocked by transmitting a wireless unlocking signal from a portable device, such as a mobile phone. WO2010/127389 discloses an electronic locking system including an electronic lock having a locking member and a communication device capable of receiving and transmitting radio frequency signals. The disclosed electronic locking system includes a microprocessor, a solenoid, a DC motor, or a servo motor, at least one capacitor, an antenna, and a battery. In addition, WO2013/078561 describes an electronic locking device and the control of the electronic locking device via communication through a local wireless communication network. U.S. patent application 2014/0250954 discloses a padlock that collects, stores, displays and/or transmits information each time the device is opened, closed or even simply moved. The functions and performance of the disclosed padlock can be controlled and manipulated manually or remotely. The disclosed device can also be manually or remotely interrogated and the information collected by the device can be stored locally and/or transmitted to a remote receiver (such as a mobile phone or computing device). Finally, European Patent 254609 discloses an electronic security seal or "eSeal" system that can monitor the authenticity and integrity of goods shipped in intermodal containers, report tampering in real time, monitor the environmental status of the goods and report anomalies in real time, and report the location of the shipped goods with sufficient frequency to allow management of supply chain anomalies.

Summary of the Invention

A padlock is provided that includes a metal body, a metal shackle, and a locking mechanism, the padlock being electronically unlockable by an authorized fingerprint and/or by receiving a radio frequency unlock signal from a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer.

More specifically, the present invention relates to a padlock that also includes electronic circuitry within the body of the padlock capable of receiving radio frequency signals from nearby sensor nodes containing information about temperature, humidity, moisture content, speed, vibration, liquid level, gas concentration, and other sensing devices. The included electronic circuitry is further capable of transmitting the received information and Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates in real-time to the internet via wireless communication in the form of radio frequency signals for monitoring, tracking, and tracing alarms, access management, access logging, and the authenticity and integrity of goods, documents, or other valuables in storage or transport. Optionally, the received and transmitted information can be stored in a memory for later processing and use.

The present invention also relates to the use of padlocks for security, travel, transportation, and supply chain logistics. The padlock can also be used as an electronic seal, or eSeal, which can be applied to physical goods to provide assurance regarding the important aspects of their protection. In this regard, the eSeal not only physically protects the sealed goods but also provides assertion and evidence of authenticity and integrity.

Specifically, a padlock is disclosed, comprising: a shackle, comprising a heel end and a toe end, the heel end being pivotally attached to the padlock body so as to rotate about a first axis perpendicular to a plane, and the toe end being opposite the heel end and movable in the plane between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the toe end is away from the body, and in the second position the toe end is received in a pawl in the body; a pawl mechanism, comprising a stop and an actuator, the actuator being used to move the stop between a locked position and an unlocked position in a direction parallel to the axis, wherein in the locked position the stop engages the toe end to secure the toe end in the pawl, and in the unlocked position the stop no longer engages the toe end; an electronic circuit, comprising at least one user input for controlling the actuator so that the stop moves between the locked position and the unlocked position; and a battery for powering the electronic circuit and the actuator.

Also disclosed is a system for securing a load in a closed storage room, the storage room including a door including a latching mechanism actuated from outside the storage room. The system includes: a wireless communication network; at least one sensor node for placement within the storage room, the sensor node including a near-field module and at least one sensor for detecting a condition selected from the group consisting of temperature, humidity, moisture content, speed, vibration, liquid level, gas concentration, and combinations thereof; and a padlock for securing the door latching mechanism. The padlock includes: electronics including a near-field interface for communicating with the at least one sensor node and a wireless interface for receiving and transmitting the detected conditions in real time via the communication network; and a locking mechanism that can be electronically actuated by at least one of an authorized fingerprint, an unlocking signal received via the near-field interface, and an unlocking signal received from the wireless communication network via the wireless interface.

Also disclosed is a method for securing an item of luggage suitable for locking with a padlock. The method includes attaching a padlock to the luggage to be locked, the padlock comprising electronics including a near-field interface and a locking mechanism electronically actuated by an unlock signal received via a near-field communication network; establishing a communication link between a smartphone executing a padlock control application and the near-field interface using the near-field network; and locking the luggage using the padlock by issuing a locking command via the padlock control application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

1A and 1B provide elevated right front and lowered right rear perspective views, respectively, of a padlock according to a first illustrative embodiment of the present invention;

2A and 2B provide bottom and top exploded views, respectively, of a padlock according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG3A provides a detailed exploded view of a lock securing and releasing assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG3B provides a detailed view of a lock securing and releasing assembly according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

4A and 4B provide a side plan view of the padlock in a closed position and a detailed cross-sectional view of portion A in FIG. 4A , respectively;

5A and 5B provide a side plan view of the padlock in an open position and a detailed cross-sectional view of portion B in FIG. 5A , respectively;

FIG6 provides a schematic diagram of electronics used in a padlock according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention;

7A and 7B provide a right front view and an exploded view, respectively, of a padlock according to a first alternative illustrative embodiment of the present invention;

8A and 8B provide right front and exploded views, respectively, of a padlock according to a second alternative illustrative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG9 provides a schematic diagram of the electronics used in a padlock according to an alternative illustrative embodiment of the present invention;

10A-10H provide screenshots of an application for interacting with a padlock to record a fingerprint, according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention;

FIG11 provides a front right view of a bicycle padlock according to a third alternative illustrative embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG12 provides a schematic diagram of a system including a padlock according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B , a padlock according to a first illustrative embodiment of the present invention and generally designated by reference numeral 10 will now be described. Padlock 10 is typically made of a hard and sturdy material, such as metal, and includes: a housing body 12; a housing top 14; a U-shaped stainless steel shackle 16, which includes a shackle heel 18 and a shackle toe 20. In particular embodiments, and as will be discussed in greater detail below, a fingerprint sensor (not shown) may also be provided. Padlock 10 additionally includes: a base 22; a battery recharging port 24, such as a USB-compatible receptacle (e.g., in the form of a USB Mini-B compatible receptacle or similar); a first antenna 26, such as a GSM receiver and transmitter; and a second antenna 28, such as an antenna suitable for GPS reception.

Referring now to Figures 2A and 2B, in a first embodiment of the padlock 10, the diameter of the shackle heel 18 is smaller than the diameter of the shackle 14, and a flange 30 is formed. During assembly, the shackle heel 18 is inserted into a hole 32 formed in the housing top 14 until the flange 30 abuts the housing top 14. The shackle 14 is then rotatably secured in this position using a collar 34. In this regard, the collar 34 includes a set screw or pin 36 that is received in a complementary hole 38 in the collar 32 that engages the end of the shackle heel 18. To reduce the ingress of water or the like into the padlock 10, a bushing seal 40 is inserted into the hole 32 and positioned around the shackle heel 18. As will be discussed in more detail below, the toe end 20 of the shackle 14 includes a slot 42. Additionally, a pin 44 extends from the toe end 20. The toe end 16 of the shackle 14 is releasably secured within a shackle detent 46 formed in the housing top 14. In this regard, the pawl 46 is open-sided and allows the toe end 20 of the shackle 14 to swing into the pawl 46 as the shackle 14 rotates about its rotationally fixed shackle heel 18 .

Still referring to Figures 2A and 2B, the padlock 10 also includes a printed circuit board (PCB) 48 having electronics 50 soldered thereon, as well as an antenna jack 52, a rechargeable battery 54, and a locking mechanism 56. The PCB 48, battery 54, and locking mechanism 56 are retained within the housing body 12 by the housing top 14 and housing bottom 22, which serve as end caps for sealing the housing body 12. The housing top 14 and housing bottom 22 are secured to the housing body 12 using fasteners 58, such as rivets or pins that engage with complementary holes or recesses 60 in the housing top 14 or housing bottom 22. When assembled, the threaded antenna jack 52 is accessible from the exterior of the padlock 10 via an aperture 62 provided in the housing bottom 22, to which the first antenna 26 and the second antenna 28 are secured. Additionally, the recharging port 24 illustratively includes a USB Mini-B plug 64, which is accessible from the exterior via a plug aperture 66 also provided in the housing bottom 22.

Referring now to FIG. 3A , in a first embodiment, the locking mechanism 56 includes a battery-powered DC stepper motor 68 that moves a stopper 70, illustratively in the form of a lock cylinder. The lock cylinder is rotatably mounted within a complementary threaded bore 74 in the housing top 14 via a threaded outer surface 72 and is moved by rotation. The lock cylinder 70 is prevented from being withdrawn from the threaded bore 74 by a collar 76 mounted to the unthreaded end 78, such as by a pin or set screw 80 or similar assembly. The end of the shaft 82 of the motor 68 is illustratively U-shaped in cross-section and is mounted to an impeller 84 that rotates with the shaft 82. The impeller 84 is slidably positioned within a slot 86 formed in the unthreaded end of the lock cylinder 70, such that as the impeller 84 rotates with the shaft 82, the lock cylinder 70 also rotates within the threaded bore 74, causing the lock cylinder 70 to move along the length of the threaded bore 74 depending on the direction and speed of rotation of the shaft 82 and the pitch of the threaded bore 74/threaded outer surface 72.

3B , in an alternative embodiment, the locking mechanism 56 can be modified to include a solenoid 88 that opposes the bias of a spring 92 and axially moves a stop (illustratively, a locking pin 90 ) between a normally locked position and an unlocked position. In this regard, to secure the toe end 20 within the pawl 46 , the locking pin 90 is inserted into a complementary axial bore (not shown) formed in the toe end 20 of the shackle 14 .

Now, referring to Figures 4A and 4B in addition to Figure 3A, as discussed above, the housing top 14 includes an open-sided pawl 46 to allow the toe end 20 of the shackle 16 to swing into the pawl 46 as the shackle 14 rotates about its rotatably fixed shackle heel 18. The pawl 46 includes a curved ridge 94 that engages a groove 42 formed in the toe end 20, thereby preventing the toe end 20 from being pulled axially out of the pawl 46. Additionally, to prevent the toe end 20 from moving laterally out of the pawl 46, once the toe end 16 is swung into position in the pawl 46, the motor 68 is activated, thereby rotating the shaft 82, the impeller 84, and the lock cylinder 70 within the threaded bore 74. Now, as one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, this causes the lock cylinder 70 to move relative to the toe end 20 as it rotates within the threaded bore 74. As the lock cylinder 70 moves toward the toe end 20, the tip 96 of the toe end 20 is received within the cup-shaped hollow portion 98 in the lock cylinder 70 and prevents the toe end 20 from being moved laterally out of the pawl 46. The padlock 10 is now secured in the locked position.

5A and 5B in addition to FIG3A , unlocking the padlock 10 can be effected by reversing the direction of rotation of the stepper motor 68, thereby causing the lock cylinder 70 to move axially away from the tip 96 of the toe end 20 and such that the tip 96 is no longer retained by the cup-shaped hollow portion 98 in the lock cylinder 70. This allows the toe end 20 to swing freely out of the pawl 46. The padlock 10 is now unlocked.

Now, referring to FIG6 in addition to FIG2A , the electronics 50 on the PCB 48 includes a microprocessor 98 that controls the stepper motor 68 of the lock securing and releasing assembly 56 via a stepper control 114 using programs and/or data stored in a memory (such as RAM 100, ROM 102, or SD data card 104) and commands received via one of a GSM/GPRS interface 106 and associated antenna 108 or a Bluetooth ^™ interface 110 and associated antenna 112 to position the padlock 10 in one of a locked position or an unlocked position. In a first embodiment, the electronics 50 may also include a GPS module 116 and associated antenna 118 for providing the current location of the padlock 10, as well as an audible alarm (such as a buzzer 120 or similar alarm). The current location and status of the padlock 10 can be stored in memory from time to time along with a timestamp and similar information, making the current location and status retrievable later for inspection and analysis.

Still referring to FIG6 , in this manner, the padlock 10 is capable of receiving radio frequency signals, for example, from nearby devices transmitting between 2.4 GHz and 2.6 GHz and utilizing Bluetooth ^™ communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.15.1 standard. Signals received via the Bluetooth ^™ interface 110 can then be converted by the microprocessor 98 and programs and/or data stored in the RAM 100, ROM 102, or on the SIM card 104 into, for example, data and stored in a memory chip for subsequent retrieval using an external device (such as a smartphone, tablet, or the like). For example, the data can be retransmitted via radio frequency signals at 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, and/or 1900 MHz and the GSM/GPRS module 106, and then transmitted to a network via wireless communication or the like (neither shown).

Referring now to Figures 7A and 7B, in a first alternative embodiment, the padlock 10 includes a capacitive fingerprint scanning module 122. As is known in the art, capacitive fingerprint scanners utilize an array of capacitor circuits (not shown) to collect data about fingerprints. Because capacitors can store electrical charge, connecting them to conductive plates (also not shown) on the scanner's scanning surface 124 allows them to be used to track fingerprint minutiae. When the ridges of a finger are placed over the conductive plates, the charge stored in the capacitors changes slightly, but the air gap keeps the charge at the capacitors relatively constant. The electronics 50 tracks these changes, which can then be recorded, for example, via an analog-to-digital converter (also not shown) and transferred to the electronics 50 via a flexible ribbon cable 134 or similar device. In this embodiment, the housing top 14 is modified to provide a frame 126 for receiving the scanning surface 124, which requires a complementary cutout 128 in the housing 12. Other components, such as the stepper motor 68, the lock securing and release assembly 56, and the battery, remain essentially unchanged. In the particular embodiment shown, the heel 18 of the shackle 16 is secured to the housing top 14 using a bolt 130 received within a threaded hole 132 in the heel 18. A multi-color LED 136 is also provided to indicate the status of the padlock 10 and is mounted in an aperture 138 in the frame 126. Illustratively, a flashing red LED 136 indicates that the lock is secured, a flashing green LED 136 indicates that the lock is unlocked, and a flashing yellow LED indicates that the charge level of the rechargeable battery 54 is below 50%.

8A and 8B , in a second alternative embodiment of the present invention, the housing 12 includes a cutout 140 for receiving a frame 142, which in turn receives a scanning surface 124 of a fingerprint scanning module 122. The scanning module 122 is interconnected with the electronics 50 on the PCB 48 via a ribbon cable 134. The LED 136 is mounted to a socket 144 on the housing top 14 and, when assembled, is aligned with an aperture 146 in the housing 12. Other components, such as the stepper motor 68 and the rechargeable battery 54, and the like, are substantially the same as those of the first alternative embodiment.

9 , in addition to FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B and/or FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B , in the first alternative embodiment and the second alternative embodiment, the electronic device 50 on the PCB 48 includes a microprocessor 148 that controls the stepper motor 68 of the lock securing and release assembly 56 via a stepper control 164 using programs and/or data stored in a memory (such as a RAM 150, a ROM 152, or an SD data card 154) and commands received by a Bluetooth ^™ interface 156 and an associated antenna 158 and a capacitive fingerprint scanning module 122 including a fingerprint reader 160 and an associated capacitor array 162 to place the padlock 10 in one of a locked position or an unlocked position.

Referring now to Figures 10A to 10H , an application is provided for recording fingerprints so that a specific user can subsequently open the padlock. The application can be installed on a smartphone or tablet, such as an iOS or Android-compatible smartphone (not shown), which can communicate with the padlock 10 via a near-field network (such as a Bluetooth ^™ interface). Referring now to Figure 10A , upon opening the application, all padlocks 10 within range are displayed on a display 166 , including information such as the padlock name 168 and media access control (MAC) address. Referring now to Figure 10B , to access a selected padlock 10 , a password, such as a personal identification number (PIN), must be correctly entered. Referring now to Figures 10C and 10D , once the correct PIN or password is entered, the user is presented with an unlock screen. The selected padlock 10 can be unlocked by tapping the lock icon 170 . Once unlocked, a new fingerprint can be recorded and the recorded fingerprint can be deleted by tapping the finger icon 172 . Referring now to Figure 10E , to record a new fingerprint, the user taps "Add Fingerprint..." Referring now to Figures 10F to 10H, once the user has selected to add a fingerprint, they are prompted to place their finger on the capacitive fingerprint scanning module (reference numeral 122 in Figures 7A and 8A). The user must typically replay the tip of the finger being scanned multiple times until the fingertip scan is complete. Once the scan is complete, the fingerprint is stored in memory on the padlock 10 and can subsequently be used to unlock and lock the padlock. Multiple fingerprints can be scanned, including one or more fingerprints from different users.

11 , in a third alternative embodiment, the padlock may be in the form of a large U-shaped lock 174 suitable for securing a bicycle or similar item (not shown). In this regard, the padlock operates in substantially the same manner as the padlocks of the first and second alternative embodiments, in that the padlock 174 may be opened via a command transmitted via Bluetooth ^™ or using the fingerprint reader 122.

Referring now to FIG. 12 , the communication network utilizing padlock 10 will now be described. The dashed arrows represent a Bluetooth ^™ near-field mesh communication network. The dotted arrows represent wireless communication via GSM/GPRS and GPS. The solid arrows represent communication via a fixed terrestrial network (such as DSL, cable, or similar). Each of padlocks 10 ¹ , 10 ² , and 10 ³ illustratively includes a Bluetooth ^™ module (such as a Bluetooth ^™ Smart 4.2 chip) as part of their electronic circuitry, thereby providing communication with other similarly equipped padlocks 10 ¹ , 10 ² , and 10 ³ via a Bluetooth ^™ mesh network. Padlocks 10 ¹ , 10 ² , and 10 ³ can also communicate with the Internet 176 via a wireless GSM/GPRS network. Additionally, padlocks 10 ¹ , 10 ² , and 10 ³ can also communicate with GPS satellites 178 via a wireless GPS network. In this regard, the padlocks ¹⁰² and ¹⁰³ communicate via a Bluetooth ^™ mesh network with a mobile device 180 (such as a smartphone or tablet or similar device), which in turn can connect the padlock 10 to the Internet 176 via a GSM/GPRS/GPS network.

A number of non-limiting examples of possible applications for the padlock are discussed below.

The padlock 10 of the present application, as discussed above, can be used to secure products that are sensitive to temperature and humidity (such as vaccines, plasma products, frozen medicines, and insulin) that must be stored and transported when the temperature is maintained within a specific range. For example, vaccines shipped by truck from a supplier to customers in different locations must be stored in a cooling container (not shown) with a temperature between 2°C and 8°C. Illustratively, a cooling container is securely sealed using one of the padlocks 10. A temperature sensor node 168 is placed in the cooling container to monitor the temperature. A radio frequency signal from the temperature sensor node 182 is transmitted to the padlock 10 via a Bluetooth ^™ connection. Subsequently, the temperature and global positioning coordinate data are transmitted to the Internet in real time via wireless communication by a GSM/GPRS/GPS module in the padlock 10. If the temperature in the cooling vaccine container is sensed to be outside a specific range, for example, the padlock 10 can alert the transporter via an SMS text message or similar means. Information about the temperature and GPS coordinates of the entire journey can be retrieved from the padlock 10's memory or from a server 184 that communicates with the padlock 10 from time to time. Additionally, to open the padlock 10, authorization via wireless communication or an authorized fingerprint is required, thereby restricting access to the cooling container. This feature can, for example, prevent theft of container contents or replacement of the contents with counterfeit products.

Another application of the padlock 10 is in the transportation of fresh and frozen meat and seafood in trucks or freight containers. Meat and seafood are typically stored and transported at temperatures between -18°C and 4°C. The padlock can be used to lock the door of the truck or container (not shown) to prevent unauthorized access. Several temperature sensor nodes 182 can be placed inside the truck or freight container and transmit radio frequency signals to the padlock 10 via Bluetooth ^™ communication. The padlock 10 receives the signals from the temperature sensor nodes 182 and then uses the GSM/GPRS/GPS module in the padlock 10 to transmit the information to the Internet 176 via wireless communication. If the temperature inside the refrigerated container falls outside the required temperature range, a notification can be sent to the relevant parties via SMS text message or similar means. In addition, information about the temperature and GPS coordinates of a specific trip segment can be retrieved from the padlock 10's memory or from the server 184.

Another use for the padlock 10 of the present invention is in the storage and transportation of temperature- and humidity-sensitive products, such as offset printing plates and inkjet printing inks. For example, most negatively biased computer-to-plate machines that can be imaged with near-infrared, ultraviolet, and ultraviolet lasers are sensitive to elevated temperatures and humidity and are therefore typically stored in air-conditioned warehouses and transported in air-conditioned shipping containers. The preferred temperature and humidity levels are below 25°C and 60%, respectively. The padlock 10 can be used to lock the doors of such air-conditioned warehouses or shipping containers to monitor and prevent unauthorized access. Several temperature nodes 182 and humidity sensor nodes 186 can be placed within each warehouse and shipping container. These temperature and humidity sensor nodes transmit radio frequency signals indicating temperature and humidity to nearby padlocks 10 via Bluetooth ^™ communication. Upon receiving the signals, the padlock 10 retransmits the data to the internet 176 via wireless communication, for example, using a GSM/GPRS/GPS module. If conditions inside the air-conditioned warehouse or shipping container fall outside the required temperature and humidity ranges, appropriate parties can be notified via SMS text messaging. Additionally, information regarding temperature, humidity, and location throughout the trip segment may be retrieved from the memory of the padlock 10 or from the server 184 for later use.

Yet another application of the smart padlock according to the present invention is for monitoring the temperature and moisture content in a modern greenhouse equipped with several temperature, humidity, helium and oxygen (gas) sensor nodes 188. The padlock 10 receives the radio frequency signal from the gas sensor node 188 and then retransmits the signal via GSM/GPRS/GPS wireless communication to the Internet 716 for monitoring.

Another use of the disclosed padlock is for securing, monitoring, and tracking luggage (not shown). For example, the padlock 10 can be used to secure checked luggage for passengers traveling on an airplane. Because the smart padlock is unlocked electronically by an authorized fingerprint and/or a radio frequency unlocking signal from a mobile device, the passenger does not need to carry a physical key or remember a combination, as is required with conventional padlocks.

Additionally, the padlock 10 can improve airport baggage inspections and enhance security. Currently, if a conventional padlock is used to secure a zipper or closure on a piece of luggage, security personnel are required to remove the padlock by cutting the shackle for internal inspection. Specialized locks have been designed so that security personnel can unlock them using a set of master keys and reattach them to the luggage after inspection. However, due to the high diversity of specialized locks on the market, distributing master keys for each type of specialized lock to all baggage inspectors is both expensive and difficult to manage. Furthermore, unauthorized individuals could obtain the master keys and open the luggage to steal or replace items within the luggage without being detected. The padlock 10 can enhance airport security by enabling baggage inspectors to open the padlock 10 and secured luggage for internal inspection using a secure radio frequency unlocking signal from an authorized mobile device running an application specifically developed for use by baggage inspection authorities. This system eliminates the need for distributing physical master keys and also verifies and records the identities of authorized individuals inspecting luggage. The padlock can store its locked and unlocked status in memory so that the luggage owner can later retrieve such information, for example, using a suitable Bluetooth ^™ enabled mobile device. Additionally, the padlock 10 can monitor its locked and unlocked status in real time and notify the luggage owner via SMS text message when the padlock is opened.

Furthermore, since the padlock of the present invention transmits RF signals and GPS coordinates to the passenger's smartphone via Bluetooth ^™ communication, the passenger can check on the smartphone whether the luggage has actually arrived at the aircraft's cargo hold. Before takeoff, the RF signal can be turned off using the smartphone.

Another application of the third alternative embodiment of the padlock 174 of the present invention is for securing a parked bicycle to a rack, railing, pole, or other street furniture or building. The bicycle padlock 174 can be electronically unlocked by an authorized fingerprint and/or a radio frequency unlocking signal from a mobile device, eliminating the need for the cyclist to carry a physical key.

Furthermore, the bicycle owner can authorize the padlock 174 to be opened via a radio frequency unlocking signal emitted by another mobile device, allowing owners to safely share the bicycle and monitor its use. For example, the bicycle owner rides his bicycle to work and secures it to a rack outside his office building using padlock 174. A colleague requests to borrow the bicycle via the smart padlock's accompanying mobile app. The owner can choose to accept or deny the colleague's request. If the owner accepts the request in the mobile app, the colleague's smartphone is authorized to open the padlock 174 using the radio frequency unlocking signal and borrow the bicycle. Furthermore, the smart padlock can monitor its locked and unlocked status in real time and notify the bicycle owner via SMS text message when the smart padlock is opened.

In addition to securing a bicycle, the padlock 174 can be used as a health and location tracker. The padlock 174, which can be attached to the bicycle frame during a ride, can track rider data (such as speed, distance, and route) using a GSM/GPRS/GPS module. Additionally, the padlock 174 can help riders find their bicycle by providing its global positioning coordinates. This data can be stored in the lock's memory and retrieved via the rider's mobile device.

Another application of padlocks is as electronic seals.

Although the present invention has been described above by way of specific embodiments thereof, modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and essence of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (16)

1. A padlock comprising: A hook includes a heel end and a toe end, the heel end being pivotally attached to a padlock body for rotation about a first axis perpendicular to a plane, and the toe end being opposite to the heel end and movable between a first position and a second position in the plane, in the first position being away from the body, and in the second position being received within a pawl in the body; A pawl mechanism includes a stop and an actuator, the stop defining a hollow portion for receiving the toe tip, the actuator for moving the hollow portion between a locked position and an unlocked position in a direction parallel to the axis, in the locked position where the toe tip is received within the hollow portion to secure the toe tip within the pawl, and in the unlocked position where the toe tip is no longer received within the hollow portion; Electronic circuitry, including at least one user input for controlling the actuator to move the hollow portion between the locked position and the unlocked position; and A battery, which powers the electronic circuitry and the actuator. 2. The padlock of claim 1, wherein the at least one user input terminal includes a fingerprint sensor, and the recognition of an authorized fingerprint activates the actuator to move the hollow portion between the locked position and the unlocked position. 3. The padlock of claim 1, wherein the at least one user input terminal includes a wireless receiver, and the receipt of a wireless control signal from an authorized wireless control device activates the actuator to move the hollow portion between the locked position and the unlocked position. 4. The padlock as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hook is elongated and U-shaped. 5. The padlock of claim 1, wherein the body defines a threaded hole around a second axis parallel to the first axis, the second axis being aligned with the center of the toe when in the locked position, wherein the actuator includes a stepper motor and the stop includes a threaded lock cylinder defining the hollow portion and mounted within the threaded hole and attached to the stepper motor for rotation therewith, and further wherein rotation of the stepper motor and the lock cylinder in a first direction moves the lock cylinder and the hollow portion toward the toe and rotation of the stepper motor and the lock cylinder in a second direction moves the lock cylinder and the hollow portion away from the toe. 6. The padlock of claim 1, wherein the pawl includes a curved ridge for engaging a circumferential groove in the toe tip when the toe tip is in the locked position, thereby preventing vertical movement of the toe tip. 7. The padlock of claim 1, further comprising a sensor for detecting when the toe is in the locked position. 8. The padlock of claim 1, wherein the hook is sized to fit a bicycle. 9. A padlock comprising: A hook includes a heel end and a toe end, the heel end being pivotally attached to a padlock body for rotation about a first axis perpendicular to a plane, and the toe end being opposite to the heel end and movable between a first position and a second position in the plane, in the first position being away from the body, and in the second position being received within a pawl in the body, the toe end including an axial hole; A pawl mechanism includes a locking pin and an actuator for moving the locking pin between a locked position and an unlocked position in a direction parallel to the axis, wherein in the locked position the locking pin is received in the axial bore to secure the toe end in the pawl, and in the unlocked position the locking pin is no longer received in the axial bore. Electronic circuitry, including at least one user input for controlling the actuator to move the locking pin between the locked position and the unlocked position; and A battery, which powers the electronic circuitry and the actuator. 10. The padlock of claim 9, wherein the at least one user input terminal includes a fingerprint sensor, and the recognition of an authorized fingerprint activates the actuator to move the locking pin between the locked position and the unlocked position. 11. The padlock of claim 9, wherein the at least one user input terminal includes a wireless receiver, and the receipt of a wireless control signal from an authorized wireless control device activates the actuator to move the locking pin between the locked position and the unlocked position. 12. The padlock as claimed in claim 9, wherein the hook is elongated and U-shaped. 13. The padlock of claim 9, wherein the body defines a hole around a second axis parallel to the first axis, the second axis being aligned with the center of the toe when in the locked position, wherein the actuator includes a solenoid, the locking pin being attached to the axis of the solenoid for movement therewith along the second axis, and further wherein the solenoid is normally biased toward the toe so that actuation of the solenoid causes the locking pin to move away from the toe. 14. The padlock of claim 9, wherein the pawl includes a curved ridge for engaging a circumferential groove in the toe tip when the toe tip is in the locked position, thereby preventing vertical movement of the toe tip. 15. The padlock of claim 9, further comprising a sensor for detecting when the toe is in the locked position. 16. The padlock of claim 9, wherein the hook is sized to fit a bicycle.