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A simple "U" shaped padlock shackle
inspired me to invent other use applications allowing
vertical up and down orientation of padlock using a wider
and stronger hasp. Easily secures a laptop computer, cell phone,
tablet or other electronic
like or not devices providing a thicker and stronger
padlock hasp.
comments:
Mon, 13 Dec 2010 Oh my god!!! This lock is the BEST!!!
You should market it. Thank you so much! Can I get
another one? Maybe 2 more? I'll pay for them this time!
Such a smart design. I'm impressed.
Sat, 14 Nov 2009 Dear Padlock inventor, I too have recently
looked at the padlock patents and it is indeed pathetic what
the conventional companies continue to sell.
Tue, 02 Sep 2008 I have to admit that those shackles
certainly seem very similar to me, but the threshold of
"novelty" for design patents is pretty low. There's no
functional difference between a lock with a round shackle
and one with an octagonal cross-section - but functional
difference is exactly what design patents are NOT intended
to protect. Clearly, a round shackle is different visually
from one with eight sides, and perhaps that's a difference
which means something to a padlock manufacturer. Or, more
likely, they hope that it will distinguish their goods from
their competitors', so that a consumer will see a lock with
an eight-sided shackle hanging on a rack with all the
round-shackled locks and say, "I like that company's locks,
so I'll buy that one." It's not unlike the differences in
design of keys for locks - the punched rectangular top
doesn't work any better than a round one, but it makes it
instantly recognizable as a Kwikset. (Design patent and
trade dress/product configuration protection kind of
overlap, here) Design patents have their place in the
general scheme of protection, but there's a reason why
they're less expensive, shorter lived, and easier to get.
They just cover a visual difference from what was done
before, and for some people, that's enough.
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Free confidential assistance available to mechanically "improve"
padlock patents belonging to others. If there is another way
using fewer parts, not free.
Acquisition rights available to investors, IP law firms,
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