nomeclature

Here's a question for the real professionals in this group.

What does it take to qualify as a "lock" ? Do the more or less toy handcuffs sold at Spencer Gifts have a "lock" or is that merely a latch ? Why do "locks" with bolts that ride on springs even in the locked state qualify, along with dead bolts ? Is it the "authentication" mechanism, the requirement of a key or combination that makes the difference, regardless of how easily spoofed the key might be ? In cases of biometric devices, are they still "locks" if the protection is provided to information systems and there is no physical component barring entry at all ? Is the child proof cap on a plastic prescription drug bottle a lock, with a combination of simply pushing down before one turns it ?

Just curious...

TR

Reply to
Tom Rauschenbach
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If it requires a special token or special knowledge to open it, it's a lock. It may not be a *good* lock, but it's a lock.

If it wasn't printed with "to open, push down and twist", I'd call it a trivial lock... IF you insist on trying to draw a sharp line through a space that is inherently fuzzy.

Reality is fractal. Defitinitions are likewise. Deal.

Reply to
Joe Kesselman

lock n. any device which prevents access or use by requiring special knowledge or equipment

Tom Rauschenbach wrote:

Reply to
Billy B. Edwards Jr.

Even toy handcuffs can be impossible for a victim to remove if the victim has no implement to open them or cannot reach the keyhole. Some have an accessible lever, etc so they can be opened without a key if need be.

Reply to
Peter

"Tom Rauschenbach" snipped-for-privacy@tomsdomain.org wrote in message news: snipped-for-privacy@tomsdomain.org...

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Reply to
Key

Works for me.

Reply to
Joe Kesselman

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