AU2013204413A1 - Lock system - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A lock system is provided. The system includes a lock (10) which includes a lock housing (18) having a cylindrical cavity (16) for receiving a rotatable lock core (12). The housing (18) has upon its internal surface a longitudinal slot (30). A substantially cylindrical lock core (12) arranged within the cylindrical cavity (16). The lock core (12) has a keyway (18) formed therein and extending longitudinally from an end face of the lock core (12). The lock core (12) further includes a plurality of guide bores (20) which extend outwardly from the keyway (18) and communicate therewith. Each guide bore (20) is adapted to receive a locking pin (20). Coding on a key blade (44) inserted into the keyway (18) causes each locking pin (22) to move along the respective guide bore (20). The lock core (12) further includes a recess (24) extending outwardly from the plurality of guide bores (20) and communicating therewith. The recess (24) is adapted to receive a sidebar (26). The lock core (12) further includes a channel (50) extending longitudinally from the end face. The channel (50) includes an opening (52) which communicates with the recess (24). The channel (50) is adapted to receive a slideable sidebar blocking member (54). Each locking pin (22) includes a hole (36), the position of the hole (36) along the locking pin (22) dictating a locking combination for the respective locking pin (22). The sidebar (26) includes protrusions (28) which are directed inwardly towards the guide bores (20). The sidebar (26) is biased outwardly away from the guide bores (20) and into the longitudinal slot (30). The sidebar (26) further includes a blockable portion (60) which is arranged to protrude through the opening (52). The sidebar blocking member (54) is slideably arranged in the channel (50). The sidebar blocking member (54) includes a notch (58). The sidebar blocking member (54) is biased towards a position in which the notch (58) is not aligned with the opening (52), in which position the sidebar blocking member (54) presents a barrier to the blockable portion (60) and prevents the sidebar (26) from moving inwards towards the guide bores (20). The system further includes a key (40) including a key handle (46) and a key blade (44) extending therefrom. The key blade (44) includes coded bitings (42). Upon insertion of the key blade (44) into the keyway (18), correctly coded bitings (42) move the locking pins (22) along the guide bores (20) until the holes (36) are aligned with the recess (24). The key (40) further includes an unblocking member (70) which operatively protrudes from the key handle (46) alongside the key blade (44). Operatively, during key blade (44) insertion into the keyway (18), the unblocking member (70) enters the channel (50) and moves the sidebar blocking member (54) to an unblocking position in which the notch (58) is aligned with the opening (52), in which unblocking position the sidebar blocking member (70) presents no barrier to the blockable portion (60). Turning the inserted key (40) causes the lock core (12) to attempt to rotate, causing the unblocked sidebar (26) to move inwardly against its bias and the inwardly directed protrusions (28) enter the aligned holes (36), whereby the unblocked sidebar (26) is capable of moving out of the longitudinal slot (30), thereby allowing the lock core (12) to rotate. coc N Vo I \A.'

Description

1 LOCK SYSTEM Technical Field [0001] The present invention relates to locks, keys and lock systems. Background of the Invention [0002] Locksmiths typically use several relevant terms interchangeably when referring to particular features associated with locks. To avoid confusion the following terms will be assumed to be used in the following sense throughout the description and claims. [0003] In a lock of the pin tumbler or similar type, the lock comprises a central core or plug and an outer housing or shell, in which the core rotates, the housing being mounted in a suitable latch structure. The terms core and housing will be used in this context. Similarly, it will be appreciated that the present invention may be applied to any type of latch structure for which pin tumbler and related locks are used, for example, cam locks, door locks, phone locks and security fittings. [0004] Although such locks afford a high degree of security, it would be desirable if the resistance of the lock to unauthorised unlocking was increased even further. [0005] In International PCT No. PCT/AU99/00722 by Australian Lock Company Pty Ltd, a locking system is described which was an improvement on their BILOCKTM locking system. The improved system added additional locking elements to the conventional BILOCKTM lock which was engaged by an additional moveable element on the modified BILOCKTM key. [0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative locking system. Summary of the Invention [0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a lock system, including: a lock, including: a lock housing having a cylindrical cavity for receiving a rotatable lock core, the housing having upon its internal surface a longitudinal slot; 2 a substantially cylindrical lock core arranged within the cylindrical cavity; the lock core having a keyway formed therein and extending longitudinally from an end face of the lock core; the lock core further including a plurality of guide bores which extend outwardly from the keyway and communicate therewith; each guide bore is adapted to receive a locking pin; wherein coding on a key blade inserted into the keyway causes each locking pin to move along the respective guide bore; the lock core further including a recess extending outwardly from the plurality of guide bores and communicating therewith; the recess is adapted to receive a sidebar; the lock core further including a channel extending longitudinally from the end face, the channel including an opening which communicates with the recess, the channel is adapted to receive a slideable sidebar blocking member; each locking pin includes a hole, the position of the hole along the locking pin dictating a locking combination for the respective locking pin; the sidebar includes protrusions which are directed inwardly towards the guide bores, the sidebar being biased outwardly away from the guide bores and into the longitudinal slot; the sidebar further including a blockable portion which is arranged to protrude through the opening; the sidebar blocking member is slideably arranged in the channel, the sidebar blocking member includes a notch; wherein the sidebar blocking member is biased towards a position in which the notch is not aligned with the opening, in which position the sidebar blocking member presents a barrier to the blockable portion and prevents the sidebar from moving inwards towards the guide bores; and the system further including: a key including a key handle and a key blade extending therefrom; the key blade includes coded bitings, wherein upon insertion of the key blade into the keyway, correctly coded bitings move the locking pins along the guide bores until the holes are aligned with the recess; the key further including an unblocking member which operatively protrudes from the key handle alongside the key blade; wherein operatively, during key blade insertion into the key way, the unblocking member enters the channel and moves the sidebar blocking member to an unblocking position in which the notch is aligned with the opening, in which unblocking position the sidebar blocking member presents no barrier to the blockable portion; wherein turning the inserted key causes the lock core to attempt to rotate, causing the unblocked sidebar to move inwardly against its bias and the inwardly directed protrusions enter the aligned holes, whereby the unblocked sidebar is 3 capable of moving out of the longitudinal slot, thereby allowing the lock core to rotate. [0008] In exemplary embodiments, the position of the notch on the sidebar blocking member can be selected from a number of possible positions, the selected position dictating the required length which the corresponding unblocking member is required to operatively protrude from the key handle in order to align the selected notch position with the opening. This advantageously extends the coding possibilities of the lock system and provides powerful masterkeying options for the system. [0009] According to further aspects of the present invention there are provided a lock, a key and a key handle, each having features which are adapted to be employed in the lock system. Brief Description of the Drawings [0010] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is an exploded view of a lock system according to a preferred embodiment; Fig. 2 is a further exploded view of the lock system of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 shows different notch positions on a sidebar blocking member; Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a lock system according to another embodiment having the sidebars blocked; Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the lock system of Fig. 4 having the sidebars unblocked; Fig. 6 is a view of the lock system of Fig. 4 with a key inserted; Fig. 7 is a side view of the system of Fig. 6; Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the system of Fig. 6; Fig. 9 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a key; Fig. 10 is a further exploded view of the key of Fig. 9 Fig. 11 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the lock system.

4 Detailed Description of the invention [0011] The present invention will be discussed in the context of the BILOCKTM devices manufactured and sold by Australian Lock Company, a description of which can be found in US patent No. 4,478,061, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by way of reference. It is emphasised, however, that in addition the present invention is readily applicable to single bladed key systems or any lock arrangement using a central core containing the complete set of lock coding elements, with suitable modifications to the recesses and sidebar arrangement as will be discussed below. [0012] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a lock 10 has a core 12 received in a longitudinal cavity 16 of a housing 18. As is well known, the core 12 has a keyway 18 and a plurality of guide bores 20 aligned with the keyway 18 and receptive locking pins 22. A face plate 23 is located at the end face of the core 12. The locking pins 22 are inwardly biased in the guide bores 20 by springs 25 and a cover plate 27 as per the original BILOCKTM design. On either side, the core 12 features a longitudinally disposed sidebar recess 24 for the accommodation of sidebars 26. The sidebar recess 24 is in communication with the guide bores 20. The sidebars 26 feature a series of inwardly extending protrusions 28 in the shape of pins and are biased away from the guide bores 20 by sidebar springs 29 or other biasing means as known in the art. At the end of the core 12 opposite the key entry of the keyway 18 the body of the core 12 is flattened on either side to provide a suitable means for interacting with a latch mechanism (not shown). [0013] As per the original BILOCKTM design, on the inner surface of the housing are two longitudinal slots 30. The longitudinal slots 30 are shaped to receive the sidebars 26, which are biased theretowards. [0014] Each locking pin 22 is provided with a hole 36. The holes 36 correspond to locking combinations for the lock dictated by the relative position of the hole 36 along the height of the locking pin 22. [0015] The combination of a key 40 is provided by bitings 42 cut on the key blade 44. When the key blade 44 is inserted into the keyway 18, the bitings 42 move the locking pins 22 a corresponding height along the respective guide bores 20. In accordance with the normal operation of BILOCK T M , a correctly coded key moves the locking pins 22 so that the respective holes 36 are aligned with the sidebar recess 24 and are capable of receiving the inwardly extending protrusions 28 of the sidebars 26 when the sidebars 26 are caused to move against their bias inwardly.

5 [0016] As will be appreciated, an incorrectly coded key blade would not align the holes 36, which would prevent the sidebar 26 moving inwardly and retain the sidebar 26 in the longitudinal slot 30, hence preventing rotation of the lock core 12. [0017] In contrast to the original BILOCKTM design, the core 12 includes a channel 50 which extends longitudinally alongside the keyway 18 and adjacent the recess 24. The channel 50 has an opening 52 between the channel 50 and the adjacent recess 24. Within the channel 50 is slideably arranged a sidebar blocking member 54 which is biased towards the end face of the core 12 by springs 56 or other biasing means as known in the art. [0018] As shown in Fig 3. , the sidebar blocking member 54 has a notch 58 which can be arranged on one of a number of positions along the member 54. [0019] The sidebar 26 includes additional protrusions 60 on its upper and lower surface which are arranged and shaped to protrude through the opening 52 with the adjacent channel 50. These additional protrusions 60 therefore extend into the adjacent channel 50 and are able to interact with the sidebar blocking member 54 as blockable portions of the sidebar 26. [0020] When the sidebar blocking member 54 is positioned so that its notch 58 is not aligned with the opening 52, the sidebar blocking member 54 acts as a barrier which prevents the sidebar 26 from moving inwardly due to the fact that the blockable portions 60 of the sidebar 26 would find their inward passage blocked by the sidebar blocking member 54, see Fig. 4. [0021] However, when the sidebar blocking member 54 is positioned so that its notch 58 is aligned with the opening 52, the notch 58 is shaped and sized so as to present an inward passage for the blockable portions 60 of the sidebar 26 and therefore allow inward movement of the sidebar 26, see fig. 5 [0022] As will be appreciated, the sidebar blocking member 54 and the modification to the sidebar act as an additional locking element to the lock. While a correctly coded BILOCKTM key would, when the blade is inserted into the keyway 18, properly align the holes 36 of the locking pins 22, the sidebar 26 would be prevented from being able to engage the holes 6 of the locking pins 22 due to the notch 58 of the sidebar blocking member 54 being unaligned with the opening 52.

6 [0023] In order to facilitate correct operation of the lock, not only do the holes 36 of the locking pins 22 need to be aligned by correct coding on a corresponding key 40, but the sidebar blocking member 54 needs to be moved so that the notch 58 is aligned with the opening 52. Movement of the sidebar blocking member 54 is achieved by modification to the original BILOCKTM key. [0024] As shown, the key 40 is formed of a key handle 46 and an attachable key blade 44. The key 40 includes unblocking members 70 which operatively protrude from the key handle 46 alongside the attached key blade 44. [0025] Referring to Figs. 6 to 8, during operation, when the key blade 44 is inserted into the keyway 18, the unblocking member 70 is arranged to be inserted into the channel 50, via an entrance 72, thereby engaging and moving the sidebar blocking member 54. The extent to which the unblocking member 70 protrudes from the key handle 46 dictates the amount that the sidebar blocking member 54 is moved in its channel 50. [0026] A correct key will have the unblocking member 70 protruding such that the sidebar blocking member 54 is moved to a position in which its notch 58 aligns with the opening 52. Consequently, turning the key 40 would allow the sidebar 26 to move inwardly and engage the aligned holes 36 of the locking pins 22. An unblocking member 70 of incorrect protruding length will not properly align the notch 52 and hence will leave the sidebar 26 blocked. [0027] As will be appreciated, the appropriate operable length of the protrusion of the unblocking member 70 is dictated by the selected notch 52 position of the corresponding sidebar blocking member 54. Consequently, the combination of the selectable operable length of an unblocking member 70 with the selectable position of the notch 54 on a corresponding sidebar blocking member 54 presents the lock system with an extra dimension of coding possibilities, on top of the locking pins combinations. [0028] Conceivably the unblocking members 70 could be fixed protrusions extending from the key handle 46, as per the key shown in Figs. 1 and 2. This would certainly function correctly, however, from a practical and aesthetic perspective, this is less than ideal. [0029] In preferred embodiments, the unblocking members 70 are able to be retracted within the key handle 46. Obviously, in a retracted position, the unblocking 7 members 70 are inoperable and are required to be moved to an operable protruding position into order to function with the lock. [0030] As shown in Figs. 9 and 10, the unblocking members 70 are affixed to a slideable portion 74 of the key handle 46. This provides an actuator on the key handle 46 which can be manually slid while inserting the key blade 44 into the keyway 18 to cause the unblocking members 70 to move from their retracted position to an operable protruding position. A spring 76 biases the slideable portion 74 to the retracted position. [0031] An advantage of this retractable arrangement with the actuator is that given the unblocking members 70 can be selectively left retracted, the key could be employed for an original BILOCKTM lock, provided the coding on the key blade 44 is correct. This means the new key structure retains adaptable for use with the new and old systems. [0032] Conceivably, the unblocking members 70 could be arranged so as to be biased into an operable protruding position but be capable of moving to a retracted position if they encounter a solid obstacle. This would similarly provide a beneficial use for the new key with old BILOCKTM locks, as the unrequired unblocking members would retract when they come into contact with a sold lock face instead of channels 50. [0033] There are a number of variations on the locking system which can be embodied depending upon the number of sidebars 26 and number of sidebar blocking members 54 employed per sidebar 26. [0034] In Figs. 1 and 2, there is shown a BILOCKTM type of lock with two sidebars 26. Each sidebar 26 having only one respective sidebar blocking member 54 in a respective channel 50. In this embodiment, the key only requires a corresponding number of unblocking members 70, that being two. [0035] In figs. 4-8 and 11, there is shown a BILOCKTM type of lock with two sidebars 26. Each sidebar 26 having two respective sidebar blocking members 54 in respective channels 50. In this embodiment, the key requires a corresponding number of four unblocking members 70. [0036] As will be appreciated, a single bladed key embodiment would only require a single set of locking pins 22 and, hence, use of only a single sidebar 26. Consequently, a single sidebar arrangement may only require one respective sidebar blocking member 54 and associated channel 50; whereby the key would only require a single corresponding unblocking member 70.

Claims (13)

1. A lock system including: a lock, including: a lock housing having a cylindrical cavity for receiving a rotatable lock core, said housing having upon its internal surface a longitudinal slot; a substantially cylindrical lock core arranged within said cylindrical cavity; said lock core having a keyway formed therein and extending longitudinally from an end face of said lock core; said lock core further including a plurality of guide bores which extend outwardly from said keyway and communicate therewith; each guide bore is adapted to receive a locking pin; wherein coding on a key blade inserted into said keyway causes each locking pin to move along the respective guide bore; said lock core further including a recess extending outwardly from said plurality of guide bores and communicating therewith; said recess is adapted to receive a sidebar; said lock core further including a channel extending longitudinally from said end face, said channel including an opening which communicates with said recess, said channel is adapted to receive a slideable sidebar blocking member; each locking pin includes a hole, the position of the hole along the locking pin dictating a locking combination for the respective locking pin; said sidebar includes protrusions which are directed inwardly towards said guide bores, said sidebar being biased outwardly away from said guide bores and into said longitudinal slot; said sidebar further including a blockable portion which is arranged to protrude through said opening; said sidebar blocking member is slideably arranged in said channel, said sidebar blocking member includes a notch; wherein said sidebar blocking member is biased towards a position in which said notch is not aligned with said opening, in which position said sidebar blocking member presents a barrier to said blockable portion and prevents said sidebar from moving inwards towards said guide bores; and said system further including: a key including a key handle and a key blade extending therefrom; said key blade includes coded bitings, wherein upon insertion of said key blade into said keyway, correctly coded bitings move the locking pins along the guide bores until the holes are aligned with said recess; said key further including an unblocking member which operatively protrudes from said key handle alongside said key blade; wherein operatively, during key blade insertion into said key way, said unblocking member enters said channel and moves said sidebar blocking member to an unblocking position in which said notch is aligned with said opening, in which unblocking position said sidebar blocking member presents no barrier to said blockable portion; wherein turning the inserted key 9 causes the lock core to attempt to rotate, causing the unblocked sidebar to move inwardly against its bias and the inwardly directed protrusions enter the aligned holes, whereby the unblocked sidebar is capable of moving out of the longitudinal slot, thereby allowing the lock core to rotate.

2. The lock system according to claim 1, wherein the position of the notch on the sidebar blocking member can be selected from a number of possible positions, the selected position dictating the required length which the corresponding unblocking member is required to operatively protrude from the key handle in order to align the selected notch position with the opening.

3. The lock system of claim 1 or 2, wherein said lock core further includes a second channel extending longitudinally from said end face, said second channel including a second opening which communicates with said recess, said second channel is adapted to receive a second slideable sidebar blocking member having a notch; wherein said sidebar further includes a second blockable portion which is arranged to protrude through said second opening; wherein said key includes a second unblocking member operatively corresponding to said second channel in order to move said second sidebar blocking member to an unblocking position in which its notch is aligned with the second opening.

4. The lock system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said lock core includes a second recess adapted to receive a second sidebar, said second sidebar being biased outwardly into a second longitudinal slot formed on the internal surface of said lock housing.

5. The lock system of claim 4, wherein said lock core includes a second set of locking pins which operatively interact with said second sidebar.

6. The lock system of claim 5, wherein said keyway is adapted to receive a key having a second blade, wherein said second blade operatively interacts with said second set of locking pins.

7. The lock system of any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein said lock core includes at least one further channel with an opening communicating with said second recess and an associated sidebar blocking member which interacts with said second sidebar; wherein said key includes at least one further unblocking member to operatively interact with a corresponding further sidebar blocking member.

8. The lock system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said unblocking member(s) are arranged to be retractable within said key handle to an inoperable 10 retracted position, said key further including an actuator which, when actuated causes said unblocking member(s) to operatively protrude.

9. The lock system of claim 8, wherein said unblocking member(s) is/are biased towards said retracted position.

10. The lock system of claim 8 or 9, wherein said actuator is a sliding portion of said key handle which can be manually displaced.

11. A lock including the features of the lock set out in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said lock is able to interact with an appropriate key to form the lock system of any one of the preceding claims.

12. A key including the features of the key set out in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said key is able to interact with an appropriate lock to form the lock system of any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. A key handle adapted to receive a key blade in order to form the key of claim 12.