What does pat 4697315 on 14k gold chain lock mean?

The marking "PAT 4697315" on a 14k gold chain lock indicates that the design or mechanism of the lock is protected by a patent, specifically patent number 4697315. This means that the design has been legally recognized and granted exclusive rights to its inventor or assignee. The "14k" signifies that the gold is 14 karats, meaning it contains 58.3% pure gold. Together, these markings provide information about the quality and uniqueness of the jewelry piece.