Patent 920,105 · Backus's Lock and Check Hook · Page 3

long as the lock-bolt is retracted or thrown upward. A plate 28 closes the space in the rear of the guide 26 and between the upper ends of the rear vertical flanges 10, thereby preventing the key-check being dropped accidentally into the space formed in the rear of the casing and between the back plate thereof and the board or support to which the check-lock is attached. Each key-check is provided with a number or other identifying character and each casing or check-lock is similarly numbered or supplied with a designating mark so that the proper key-check may be applied for opening the lock for which intended. As shown, a tag 29 bearing a numerical or other identifying characters is secured to the casing preferably by means of spurs which are pressed outward from the front or cap 12, said spurs being bent inward to engage with the tag 29 and prevent possible displacement thereof.     In the modification shown in Fig. 4, the lock-bolt is in U or staple form, one leg 20 extending in front of the casing and spaced therefrom to provide ample clearance for adapting the check-lock or device for the reception of hats, the brim passing upward between the casing and the leg 30. The hook coöperating with the leg 30 is substantially the same as that theretofore described, the only difference being that the depression 7 in the rear of the head 2 is dispensed with the hook proper is made of a length to coöperate with the cross head at the lower end of the leg 30. The lock-bolts and coöperating hooks are interchangeable and may be used with the same casing and lock device, thereby providing a check-lock specially adapted for coats or hats only, or a combination check-lock for both hats and coats.     To prevent the lock mechanism being picked by the blade of a penknife or other instrument, a guard 31 is placed against the back plate of the casing, said guard being pivoted at 32 and having an extension 33 at its upper end which passes through a slot 34 in said back plate and projects across the path of the key-check to be engaged thereby when placing said key-check in the guide 26. The upper forward corner of the guard 31 is adapted to extend beneath the trip 27 and prevent the member 18 of the dog being disengaged from the lock bolt except by proper use of the key-check which latter, when introduced into the guide 26, engages with the extension 33 of the guard and withdraws the

same out of the path of the trip 27, thereby permitting the dog to be operated in the manner herein stated. The lower member of the spring 15 is extended beyond the spur of the casing with which it is in engagement and bears against the lower portion of the guard 31 so as to press the same toward the dog.     Having thus described the invention, what I claim as new is:     1. A check-lock comprising a hook, a lock-bolt coöperating with the hook, means for securing the lock-bolt when depressed or projected, and a key-check for effecting release of the lock-bolt and in turn adapted to be secured by the lock-bolt securing means and adapted to be released when said lock-bolt is depressed or projected, and a guard for preventing operation of the lock-bolt securing means until first released by the key-check.     2. In combination a plate having an opening formed with a contracted portion, a hook provided with a stud to engage with the plate and prevent turning of the hook, and with a cross head adapted to pass through the opening of said plate and engage with the contracted portion thereof to form securing means for the hook, a lock-bolt coöperating with the hook and key-operating lock means for said lock-bolt.     3. In combination, suspending means, a lock-bolt coöperating therewith, a dog adapted to interlock with said lock bolt and hold the same projected, a guard having a portion extended into the path of said dog, and a key-check for operating said guard preliminary to effecting disengagement of the said dog from the lock-bolt.     4. In combination, a casing provided with a key and guide, suspending means, a lock-bolt coöperating with said suspending means, a dog adapted to interlock with said lock-bolt and hold the same projected and having a projection extended into the key guide, a guard having a portion extended into the path of said dog and provided with an extension projecting into the aforesaid key-guide, and a key-check for withdrawing the guard from the path of the said dog preliminary to actuating the latter to effect release of the lock-bolt.     In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses. JOHN C. BACKUS. [L.S.] Witnesses:     RALPH E. BURDICK,     OILO J. HAMLIN.