Abstract: In some embodiments, lock assemblies are disclosed which have a housing, a barrel, and at least one tumbler. In some cases, the lock is codeable after the lock assembly has been assembled. Although not required, some embodiments can be re-coded to a new code with and without disassembling the lock assembly. The tumbler(s) can be pivotable, while in other embodiments the tumbler(s) move in a substantially linear fashion. The tumbler(s) can be comprised of two pieces or portions, wherein one piece/portion of the tumbler(s) either directly or indirectly engages the coded surface of a key while the other piece/portion is positionable to prevent rotation of the barrel with respect to the housing. In some embodiments, the tumblers are external to the barrel.

Abstract: In some embodiments, lock assemblies are disclosed which have a housing, a barrel, and at least one tumbler. In some cases, the lock is codeable after the lock assembly has been assembled. Although not required, some embodiments can be re-coded to a new code with and without disassembling the lock assembly. The tumbler(s) can be pivotable, while in other embodiments the tumbler(s) move in a substantially linear fashion. The tumbler(s) can be comprised of two pieces or portions, wherein one piece/portion of the tumbler(s) either directly or indirectly engages the coded surface of a key while the other piece/portion is positionable to prevent rotation of the barrel with respect to the housing. In some embodiments, the tumblers are external to the barrel.

Abstract: A free-wheeling lock assembly includes a case and a drive mechanism which is adapted for coupling to a latching mechanism. The drive mechanism includes a lock barrel supported within the case for rotational and axial movement relative to the case and a driver releasably coupled to the lock barrel but fixed against axial movement. The drive mechanism further includes first and second slidebars supported within the case for axial movement relative to the case. The slidebars are coupled to the lock barrel by tumblers of the lock assembly, and translate the lock barrel axially with respect to the driver, decoupling the driver from the lock barrel in response to rotation of the lock barrel when the tumblers are in a locking position. However, the tumblers permit relative axial movement between the first and second slidebars and the lock barrel when the tumblers are in a releasing position, permitting the lock barrel to rotate the driver for operating the latching mechanism.

Abstract: A dual cam, reversible key includes first and second patterns of notches in first and second edges of the shank of the key on a common side of the key shank of the key, providing a dual cam key. The patterns of notches are formed to have complementary symmetry and to make the width of the shank constant along at least the portion of the shank that includes the notches. The first pattern of notches is identical with the second pattern of notches insomuch as they are "parallels" to each other. The key operates tumblers each of which has an opening defining a pair of staggered generally rectangular windows, each of the windows defining cam surfaces for accommodating the dual cam, reversible key. Also disclosed is a method for making the dual cam, reversible key.

Abstract: A dual cam, reversible key includes first and second patterns of notches in first and second edges of the shank of the key on a common side of the key shank of the key, providing a dual cam key. The patterns of notches are formed to have complementary symmetry and to make the width of the shank constant along at least the portion of the shank that includes the notches. The first pattern of notches is identical with the second pattern of notches insomuch as they are "parallel" to each other. The key operates tumblers each of which has an opening defining a pair of staggered generally rectangular windows, each of the windows defining cam surfaces for accommodating the dual cam, reversible key. Also disclosed is a method for making the dual cam, reversible key.

Abstract: A free-wheeling lock assembly includes a free-wheeling lock mechanism which prevents damaging forces from being applied to the components of the lock assembly if the lock cylinder is forcibly rotated by a key other than the proper key or by some other instrument. A detent mechanism, which functions independent of spring bias, couples the sleeve to the case in the presence of the proper key in the keyway. A clutch mechanism couples the cylinder to the driver, but decouples the driver from the cylinder for an over-torque condition. The cylinder lock assembly further includes a locking mechanism which prevents operation of the latching mechanism of the lock assembly if the cylinder is slam-pulled from the case. The tumblers are isolated from rotary motion of the tumbler ward.