CN1491311A - Pivot tumbler side bar lock with side bar control - Google Patents

Abstract

A twisting tumbler lock with a side bar (16,16') is provided with additional levels of security by a axially reciprocable slider (24,24') which is normal ly positioned to block operation of the side bar (16,16') but is moved by a specially configured key (34,34') to free operation of the side bar (16,16') . This provides a third level of locking security, it also allows master keyin g. The unique key (34,34') has a portion of a rib (40) formed to cooperate with the slider (24,24') to further allow key control.

Description

Pivot tumbler side bar lock with side bar control

Related patent application reference

This application is a continuation of Patent Application Serial No. 09/776,929 filed February 6,2001.

technical field

The present invention relates to improvements in reversing tumbler side lock bar locks and keys thereof.

Background technique

Rotary or twist tumbler locks with side lock lever controls for the tumbler, and keys for operating such locks, are known in the art and are manufactured and marketed by Medeco Security Lock Company of Salem, Virginia. for more than 20 years. For example, the following patents assigned to Medeco Safety Lock Company: 3,499,302, inventor is Spain et al. (1970); 3,722,240, inventor is Spain et al. (1973); 4,635,455, inventor is Oliver (1987); 5,289,709, inventor is Field (1994); 5,419,168 by Field (1995); 5,570,601 by Field (1996); 5,615,565 by Field (1997) and 6,023,954 by Field (2000).

Security is a necessary feature of a lock, and the added security of a twist tumbler lock with a dual mechanism is particularly desirable.

Another particularly desirable feature of a high security lock is its master lock operating capability. Provides additional security and applies this precaution to the master lock operation, making the master lock system highly effective.

It is also useful to use a unique key and key blank for this type of lock, in order to provide the added security achievable by the lock control.

Contents of the invention

This invention relates to improvements to increase the security of basic twist tumbler double locking mechanism locks such as the Medeco type lock and can be used with any type of Medeco lock with a side locking bar mechanism including the original Medeco cylinder lock, Medeco cam lock , Medeco dual-axis ^® lock, and Medeco dual-stage lock ® with compensating top tumbler pin, ^etc. The present invention employs a slider that slides generally axially within the cylinder of the lock and has a projection for contacting the bottom end of a rib on the key blade. The key thus positions the slider controlling the side lock bar to allow movement of the side lock bar to an open position. The slide controlled side lock lever and unique key and key blade provide further security allowing master lock operation and key control.

Brief introduction to the drawings

Figure 1 is an end view of the cylinder or cylinder of a twist tumbler lock with a side lock bar;

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view obtained along section line 2-2 in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is the horizontal sectional view obtained along the section line 3-3 in Fig. 2;

Figure 4 is a plan view of the key blank of the present invention;

Figure 5 is an end view similar to Figure 1, with the lock in the open position;

Fig. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view obtained along section line 6-6 in Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view obtained along section line 7-7 in Fig. 6;

Figures 8, 9, 10 and 11 are alternative embodiments showing a shift key according to the invention, on which a slide is placed in order to show the possibility of operation of the master lock;

Figure 12 is a cutaway front view of a prior art Medeco cylinder lock to illustrate the basis of the present invention;

Figure 13 is a sectional view obtained along section line 13-13 in Figure 12;

Figure 14 is an end view of the cylinder of a twist tumbler lock having a side locking bar and showing another embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view obtained along section line 15-15 in Fig. 14;

Fig. 16 is a horizontal sectional view obtained along section line 16-16 in Fig. 15;

Figure 17 is an end view of the cylinder shown in Figure 14, showing the components of the cylinder in the locked position;

Fig. 18 is a longitudinal sectional view obtained along section line 18-18 in Fig. 17;

Figure 19 is a horizontal sectional view obtained along section line 19-19 in Figure 18;

Figure 20 is a plan view of a key blank used in the key of the present invention.

Detailed ways

As shown in Figures 1-3, a cylinder or cylinder 10 has a conventional keyhole 12 as found in Medeco locks. The tumbler holes 14 are used for rotating and reciprocating, i.e. twisting tumblers 11 (FIG. 12), on the sides of the tumblers 11 there are arrangements 13 for accommodating as described and shown in prior art Medeco lock structures and in the aforementioned patents. Side lock lever 16, as shown in Figures 12 and 13. Since the rest of this Medeco lock is known, these parts are not shown for simplicity, except in Figures 12 and 13 for the purpose of describing the prior art (where they are only shown).

The side lock bar 16 is positioned to reciprocate laterally relative to the axis of the cylinder cylinder 10 and is spring-loaded against the cylinder to provide what is known as a higher level of locking control for the lock. There is a cam 18 on the side lock bar for cooperating with a cam groove 19 inside the lock body, which is the same as the traditional structure in the Medeco lock, see FIG. 13 . When an attempt is made to turn the lock cylinder with the key, the cam slot 19 forces the side lock bar inwardly towards the center of the cylinder. The side lock bar has a projection 20 for engaging the arrangement 13 on the tumbler 11 so that when the tumbler is turned to a correct position by the key, the side lock bar can move towards the axis of the cylinder and unblock the lock body, Like Medeco locks.

In the present invention, there are grooves 22 distributed along the lower surface of the side locking bar at intervals, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . The protrusions 23 are delimited by the spaces between these grooves.

Positioned in the shaft bore 30 of the cylinder cylinder is a slider 24 which slides on an axis parallel to the axis of the rotatable cylinder cylinder. The slider itself has a projection 26 at a bottom end which extends into the keyhole 12 for engagement with a suitable key as will be described. A spring 28 is provided for deflecting the slider axially in the bore 30 by a distance towards the front or towards the key entry point of the lock.

The slider 24 also has locking tongues 32 spaced apart on its surface, as shown in FIGS. 1 , 2 and 3 . These bolts are of sufficient size and length to cooperate with the slots 22 on the side lock bar when the slider is in the correct orientation, or to interfere with the projections 23 on the side lock bar when incorrectly positioned. As shown in Figure 2, the tongues 32 on the slider interact with projections 23 on the side lock bar 16, thereby preventing the side lock bar from moving inwardly, thus blocking the operation of the side lock bar and the lock.

When the slider spring 26 is compressed and the tongue 32 on the slider is positioned in the slot 22 on the side lock lever as shown in FIG. 6 , the side lock lever can operate as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 . Thus, in addition to the reciprocating and rotating motion of the tumbler, the slider also gives a third level of lock control.

A unique key blank 34 can be fitted with the appropriate key bit 35 for operating the lock. The key blank has a shank 36 and a blade 38 . The shape of the blade is consistent with the shape of the keyhole 12 . On the side of the key blank (and the key) there is an edge 40 which has a contact surface 42 for contact with the projection 26 on the slider 24 . As shown in Figure 6, when the key is inserted and the ridge end 42 contacts the projection 26, it compresses the spring 28 and positions the slider in a position that does not interfere with the operation of the side lock lever.

Figures 8, 9, 10 and 11 show other embodiments in which the contact surface 42 on the key edge 40 has a different configuration and shows the slide 24 placed thereon, the slide protruding 26 has a surface complementary to contact surface 42 . Figure 8 is the same embodiment as shown in Figures 1-7, but in the open position shown in Figure 6. The slider projection in Figure 9 is a step 44 for receiving a similarly configured key-edge base 42a. FIG. 10 has a bevel 46 for cooperating with the bevel 42b on the end of the key edge 40 . FIG. 11 has a toothed surface 48 on the projection 26 for cooperating with a rib surface 42 of complementary shape. To describe the possibilities for master lock operation, the key in Figure 8 will correctly position the slider shown in Figure 8, and the key in Figure 11 will correctly operate the slider in Figure 11. The key in Figure 8 will also position the slider in Figure 11 correctly. However, the key in Figure 11 pushes the slider in Figure 8 too far and does not open the lock. Similarly, the key in Figure 8 cannot operate a slider constructed as shown in Figures 9 or 10 because it pushes the slider too far to open the lock. By providing different keys with differently configured key-blade ends, and providing different cylinders with differently configured slider projections, the cylinders can be selectively operated by different keys.

Figures 14-20 show an alternative embodiment in which the block or slide is in the form of, rather than a rod insertable into the bottom end of the cylinder, but a block insertable from the bottom end of the keyhole. This is shown in more detail with reference to Figures 14, 15 and 16 which show the slide in a position which does not block the side locking bar. As shown in the figure, the lock cylinder 10 has a key hole 12 at its bottom. The side lock bar 16' has spaced slots 22' which will allow the side lock bar to be removed or blocked by a slide, as will be described below. As described in the previously described embodiments, the basis of the invention is the Medeco twist tumbler lock, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, in which the lateral locking lever 16 reciprocates laterally relative to the axis of the cylinder cylinder to obtain a higher Level locking, and the side lock bar is biased inwardly by the spring, so as to be supported by the cam groove 19 in the lock body, or pass through the convex groove 19 in the lock body and come out therefrom, the cam groove 19 is shown in Fig. 16 and Fig. 19 It cooperates with the cam 18 on the side lock lever of the Medeco lock, which is the same traditional style as the Medeco lock. When an attempt is made to turn the lock cylinder by the key, the cam 18 causes the side lock bar 16' to be pressed inwardly towards the center of the cylinder. The side lock bar has projections 20' for cooperating with twisted cylinders known in the prior art. The side locking bar also has slots 22' spaced along its sides.

In this embodiment, the slider is a piece 24' shaped to fit the cylindrical casing and to be inserted through the open bottom end of the keyhole 12. A spring 28' is used to push the slider towards the key handle, as shown in Figures 15 and 18. The slider moves axially along the key in the space 30'. The lock cylinder-shaped sliding member has locking tongues 32' spaced apart on its upper surface, as shown in Figures 15 and 18. These deadbolts are movable into slots 22 in the side lock bars when the slide is keyed into position as shown in Figures 15 and 16 . However, as shown in Figure 18, when the key is not actuating the slide, the deadbolt 32' intersects the portion of the side lock bar outside the slot 22' shown at interference point 33, which prevents inward axial movement of the side lock bar And prevent the lock from being operated to complete unlocking. This situation occurs unless a suitable key, such as key 34' as shown in Figure 20, is inserted into the keyhole 12 so that the slider 24' moves from the normal position of Figure 18 to the unlocked position of Figure 15. This is accomplished by another projection 35 on the slider 24' which extends into the keyhole so as to intersect the profile of the key blade 38'. The key blade has a stop 42' which engages the projection 35 and compresses the spring 28' when the key is inserted, thereby causing the side lock bar to move when the bolt 32' is seated in the slot 22' as shown in Figure 15.

In operation, the key 34' is inserted into the keyhole 12 to drive the slider 24' to move in a direction opposite to the biasing action of the spring 28'. The lock bar 16' moves to allow the key to turn the cylinder and actuate the lock. Unless portion 42' of key 34' contacts projection 35, the slider or block 24' will block the operation of the lock.

The keys shown in Figures 8-11 can also be used with this embodiment.

An advantage of the above arrangement is that it allows master lock operation and achieves greater security because it eliminates the need for conventional pin and tumbler master lock operating techniques to equip the lock with selective master lock operating capabilities. When used to supplement traditional master lock operating techniques, it provides additional effectiveness thereby providing a more secure system for the user.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood that these embodiments are only illustrative of the disclosed application and principles of the invention. Many other arrangements can be made and designed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

claims

(Amended in accordance with Article 19 of the Treaty)

Chinese translation amended under Article 19 of the PCT Treaty

Modify the description:

The amended claims (items 1, 3-9, 11-14, 16-18/page 4) replace the original claims.

Inserts into the lock through a keyhole cut in the lock.

8. The cylinder lock of claim 3, wherein said slider is longitudinally insertable into the bottom end of said cylinder.

9. A key used in combination with the cylinder lock according to claim 1, when the key is inserted into the keyhole, the key, the ribs on the key, and the ribs that match the keyhole of the cylinder A portion of the upper is positioned to contact and control the locking movement of the movable member.

11. A master lock operating system comprising a cylinder lock as claimed in claim 1 and a key as claimed in claim 9, said several keys having different configurations on their keys and slides so that one key can operate to control the operation of the slide, while another key cannot control the operation of the slide.

12. A cylinder lock combination comprising a rotatable cylinder having an axis and a keyhole, said cylinder being controlled by a rotatably reciprocating tumbler, said tumbler contacting and further controlling a side lock bar, improved is to include:

a slide, which is supported by a cylinder,

a spring for biasing the slide towards the entrance of said keyhole to a position,

The slider has locking tongues distributed at intervals,

The side lock bar has projections at intervals, and the lock tongue on the slider and the projections on the side lock bar interfere with each other to prevent operation of the side lock bar unless the The slider moves against the biasing action of the spring until the locking tongue of the slider is in the space between the side lock bar projections,

the slider has a protrusion having a contact surface extending into the keyway, and

a key configured to be inserted into the keyway, the key having a contact surface for contacting the raised contact surface on the slider and aligning the slider in a direction opposite to the biasing action of the spring Move to a position where the deadbolt on the slider does not contact the projection on the side lock bar.

13. The cylinder lock combination of claim 12, wherein the slider is insertable into the lock through the bottom end of the keyhole.

14. The cylinder lock combination of claim 12 wherein said slider is longitudinally insertable into the lock through an opening in the bottom end of the cylinder.

16. A key for a cylinder lock comprising a rotatable cylinder having an axis and a keyhole, a rotatably reciprocable tumbler, a movable side lock bar for engaging said tumbler, A protrusion on the slider that controls the operation of the side lock lever, a slider that extends into the keyhole, the key includes a key shank and a key blade, the shape of the key blade and the configuration of the shape of the keyhole Complementarily, there is at least one rib on the key, and a contact surface on the rib is used to cooperate with the protrusion and drive the slider to move in a direction parallel to the axis of the cylinder so as to open the key. Described side lock lever.

17. A cylinder lock comprising a rotatable cylinder with an axis and a keyhole, said lock being controlled by a tumbler contacting and controlling the rotatable reciprocation of a side lock bar, the improvement comprising:

a slide supported by said cylinder,

a spring for biasing said slide towards the entrance of said keyhole,

The slider has locking tongues distributed at intervals,

The side locking lever has projections distributed at intervals,

The deadbolt on the slide and the protrusion on the side lock bar interfere with each other to prevent operation of the side lock bar unless the slide is moved against the biasing action of the spring until the slide's deadbolt is in the space between the side lock bar projections, and

The slider has a projection with a contact surface extending into the keyway for engagement and actuation by a suitable key insertable into the keyway.

18. A cylinder lock as claimed in claim 17 wherein the contact surface on the slider projection is shaped to cooperate with a differently shaped contact surface on a key for the lock to provide master lock operation.

Claims (19)

1. A cylinder lock comprising a rotatable cylinder having an axis and a keyhole, said lock being controlled by a rotatable and reciprocating tumbler which can be controlled by a side lock under the control of a key Rods are selectively accessible, improvements are included: A movable member which is movable by contact with the key and cooperates with the side lock bar to control the movement of the side lock bar and to control the operation of the lock. 2. A cylinder lock according to claim 1, wherein said movable member is a sliding member slidable within the cylinder in a direction parallel to the axis of said cylinder. 3. The cylinder lock of claim 2, wherein said slide is offset in a direction parallel to the axis of said cylinder. 4. A cylinder lock as claimed in claim 3, wherein said bias is given by a spring within the cylinder to force the slider towards the keyhole entrance. 5. The cylinder lock of claim 3, wherein said slider has an extension extending into the keyhole for engagement with the key. 6. A cylinder lock as claimed in claim 5, wherein said extension is a protrusion shaped to fit a portion of a key inserted into the keyhole. 7. The cylinder lock of claim 3 wherein said slider is insertable into the lock through a keyhole cut in said lock. 8. The cylinder lock of claim 3, wherein said slider is longitudinally insertable through an opening in the bottom end of the cylinder. 9. A key for a cylinder lock as claimed in claim 1, when the key is inserted into the keyhole, said key, a rib on the key, a part of the rib cooperating with the keyhole are positioned to contact And control the locking movement of the movable member. 10. A key blank for a cylinder lock as claimed in claim 1, when the key blank is inserted into the key hole, the key blank, a rib on the key blank, and a part of the rib that match the key hole is positioned to contact a contact portion of the slider and controls locking movement of the slider. 11. A master lock operating system comprising a cylinder lock as claimed in claim 1 and a key as claimed in claim 7, said several keys having different configurations on their edge contact portions and slides, whereby One key is operable to control the movement of the slide while the other key cannot control the movement of the slide. 12. A cylinder lock combination comprising a rotatable cylinder having an axis and a keyhole, said lock being controlled by a rotatably reciprocating tumbler which engages and further controls a side lock bar, the improvement in that include: a slide supported by a cylinder, a spring for biasing the slide towards the entrance of the keyhole to a position, The slider has locking tongues distributed at intervals, The side lock bar has spaced projections, and the lock tongue on the slider and the projections on the side lock bar interfere with each other, thereby preventing operation of the side lock bar unless the The slide is moved against the biasing action of the spring until the tongue of the slide is in the space between the side lock bar projections, The slider has a projection with a contact surface extending into the keyhole, and a key configured for insertion into the keyway, the key having a contact surface for engaging the raised contact surface on the slider and moving the slider to a position in a direction opposite to the biasing action of the spring , in which position the locking tongue on the slider does not contact the protrusion on the side locking bar. 13. The cylinder lock combination of claim 10, wherein the slider is insertable into the lock through the bottom end of the keyhole. 14. The cylinder lock combination of claim 10, wherein said slider is longitudinally insertable into the lock through a hole in the bottom end of the cylinder. 15. A key blank for forming a key for a cylinder lock comprising a rotatable cylinder having an axis and a keyhole, a rotatably reciprocating tumbler, a tumbler for contacting said tumbler a movable side lock bar, a slider for controlling the movement of the side lock bar, and a protrusion on the slider extending into the keyhole, the key blank comprising a key shank, a key bit having slots blade, the shape of which is complementary to the configuration of the keyhole profile, at least one rib on said key blank, and a contact surface on said rib for cooperating with said protrusion and moving said slider to open said Side lock lever. 16. A key for a cylinder lock comprising a rotatable cylinder having an axis and a keyhole, a rotatably reciprocable tumbler, a movable side lock bar for engaging said tumbler, a projection on the slide which controls the operation of the side lock bar, a slide which extends into the keyhole, said key comprising a key shank with slots of a shape complementary to the configuration of the keyhole profile, There is at least one rib on the key and a contact surface on the rib for cooperating with the projection and moving the slider to unlock the side lock bar. 17. A cylinder lock comprising a rotatable cylinder having an axis and a keyhole, said lock being controlled by a tumbler contacting and controlling the rotatable reciprocation of a side lock bar, the improvement comprising: a slide supported by said cylinder; a spring for biasing the slider towards the entrance of the keyhole; The slider has lock tongues distributed at intervals; The side lock bar has projections distributed at intervals; The deadbolt on the slide and the protrusion on the side lock bar interfere with each other to prevent operation of the side lock bar unless the slide is moved against the biasing action of the spring until the slide's deadbolt is in the space between the side lock bar projections, and The slider has a projection with a contact surface extending into the keyway for engagement and actuation by a suitable key insertable into the keyway. 18. The cylinder lock of claim 13 wherein the contact surface on the slider projection is shaped to cooperate with a differently shaped contact surface on a key for the lock to provide master lock operation. 19. A key blank for a cylinder lock of the type claimed in claim 1, when the key blank is inserted into the cylinder, the key blank, the ribs on the key blank, the A portion of the rib is positioned to contact and is configured to control locking movement of the slider.

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