Lock assembly

The subject invention relates to a lock assembly and in particular to a lock assembly that, although essentially toddler proof, can be locked or unlocked by an adult without the need to use a key or to remember and punch a code into a keypad. While the lock assembly of the subject invention has many applications, the lock assembly of the subject invention is particularly well suited for applications where there is a need to keep toddlers from gaining access to an area, such as a swimming pool, where the toddler may come to harm or from gaining access to the contents of a cabinet, trunk, closet or storage area that may contain substances harmful to the toddler or other objects best kept out of the hands of toddlers. A lock assembly includes an elongated generally U-shaped resilient shackle, a base block, and may also include a keyed auxiliary locking bar. A first shackle arm is slidably and rotatably secured to the base block so that the shackle can be moved between extended and depressed positions and pivoted between locked and unlocked positions. The base block includes a catch for retaining a second shackle arm in the locked position. To pivot the shackle so that the second shackle arm can be moved into or out of the catch, the second shackle arm must be flexed toward the first shackle arm. When the shackle is in the locked position, a locking mechanism holds the shackle in the extended position and requires the shackle to be depressed, while the second shackle arm is flexed, to pivot the shackle and move the second shackle arm out of the catch.