Key Only Controlled Patents (Class 70/369)
  • Patent number: 6968717
    Abstract: A cylinder lock utilizing an unlocking code to set at any desired time after the cylinder lock has been assembled and which, before the setting of the unlocking code, allows the rotor to be rotated for the purpose of inproving the efficiency of the automotive assembly work. The cylinder lock includes a rotor in which tumblers are installed, is rotatably inserted in a cylinder case, the tumblers following a code forming portion of an inserted key plate to form a lock-side unlocking code that matches a key-side unlocking code defined by the code forming portion. The tumblers are put in a state where the lock-side unlocking code is formed, in response to an identification portion formed in the key plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Alpha Corporation
    Inventors: Kohji Suzuki, Yuichi Yoshizawa, Takeshi Fukasawa, Tatsuya Kurosawa
  • Patent number: 6920770
    Abstract: A plunger lock assembly having a removable core is provided. The lock assembly includes a housing defining a first longitudinal bore and a barrel reciprocably mounted within the first longitudinal bore between an advanced position and a retracted position. The barrel defines a second longitudinal bore and is operably associated with a plunger. A core is removable mounted within the second longitudinal bore of the barrel and includes a key slot for receiving an operating key. A drive member is positioned within the second longitudinal bore and is movable from an unlocked position to a locked position by operation of the operating key. A retainer assembly is operably associated with the drive member to axially retain the drive member within the second longitudinal bore such that the core is removable from the second longitudinal bore independently of the drive member. A biasing member is provided for urging the barrel towards the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Inventors: Alan E. Lurie, Joseph Thomas, William H. Bullwinkel
  • Patent number: 6880376
    Abstract: This invention relates to an anti-twist key lock with changeable locking device, the anti-twist key lock having a key lock case, on the circumference of the key lock case having a slit and an opposite inner groove. A locking tumbler set is installed in the key lock case for interlocking the lock bolt and a front plug with receiving groove is inserted into the open end of the key lock case, then using an U-shape locating retainer to insert into the receiving groove of the front plug from the slit on the key lock case to locate the front plug and make it can be rotated freely to prevent the key lock from attacking or twisting to unlock by vandals or thieves, furthermore, the locking tumbler set can be changed by removing the U-shape locating retainer with a special tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventor: Barshi Ko
  • Patent number: 6823703
    Abstract: A removable locking plug that is easily inserted and/or removed from the cylinder portion of the locking mechanism. In the preferred embodiment, the plug is enclosed in a case hardened steel housing and contains a tumbler keyed locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Lock America, Inc.
    Inventors: Ming Liang Shiao, Frank Minnella
  • Patent number: 6794572
    Abstract: A latch device for a wall box includes a stem slidably attached to a housing, a catch secured to the stem for engaging with the housing, and a spring may bias the catch away from the housing. A hand grip is pivotally attached to the stem, a pole is secured to the hand grip and includes a lock groove, a bar is slidably attached to the housing and includes an actuator flange for selectively engaging into the lock groove of the pole, to selectively lock the pole and the hand grip to the housing. A magneto or a lock may be used for disengaging the actuator flange from the lock groove of the pole, to selectively release the hand grip from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: Ching Hua Chiang
  • Patent number: 6748777
    Abstract: The disclosed device is directed towards a key operated lock. The key operated lock comprises a barrel defining an interior, the barrel having an alignment block at the interior. A core is insertable into the interior. The core demountably coupling with the alignment block in both a clockwise and a counterclockwise direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: VSR Lock, Inc.
    Inventor: Dwain Livingston
  • Patent number: 6725696
    Abstract: A rotatable disc having a tubular lock assembly including a tubular sleeve and a number of disc tumblers located within the sleeve. A side locking bar is operative to prevent rotation of the assembly relative to a body, and that bar is rendered inoperative by insertion of a correct key into the lock keyway. The disc tumblers include a number of standard tumblers and a special tumbler. The locking bar is inoperative when each standard tumbler is at a service position of rotation and the special tumbler is at either a service position or a second function position of rotation. A service key is operable to place all tumblers at the service position, and a special change key is operable to place the special tumbler at the second function position to allow removal of the barrel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Lockwood Australia Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Brian Blight, Hans Juergen Esser
  • Patent number: 6718807
    Abstract: A removable core lock and key device comprises a cylinder housing (3), a cylinder core (10) accommodated in said cylinder housing, and an essentially cylindrical plug (20) rotatably arranged in the core. A blocking pin (28) is provided in the core and is movable between an extended position, wherein it engages a recess in the cylinder housing, and a retracted position. An actuator element (26a, 26c) is controlled by at least one control pin tumbler. With a control key in the lock, the control pin tumbler displaces the actuator element so that it moves the blocking pin with the rotation of said plug. With a user key in said key slot, said pin tumbler is disengaged from the actuator element and the plug is free to rotate. In other positions the control pin tumbler blocks rotation of the plug and actuator element. A simple yet reliable and secure removable core arrangement is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Assa AB
    Inventor: Daniel Andersson
  • Patent number: 6708539
    Abstract: A removable core cylinder having a casing with a cavity, a lock core insertable into the cavity, a cylindrical, rotatable key plug located in a bore in the core, and a retainer member, which is transversely movable in the lock core between a first, locking position and a second, releasing position. The casing has an inwardly protruding locking projection which engages with an axially limited recess in the retainer member when the latter is located in the first, locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Winloc AG
    Inventor: Bo Widen
  • Patent number: 6701761
    Abstract: A lock system is provided for vehicles and the like of the type having at least one closure. A lock housing is mounted adjacent the closure, and includes a lock barrel with an axial tumbler groove, a positioner shoulder adjacent an outer portion of the barrel and a keeper shoulder adjacent an inner portion of the barrel. A lock plug is closely received in the barrel for rotation between locked and unlocked positions, and includes a keyway and outwardly biased, radially shifting tumblers. A control key is inserted into the keyway to retract all of the tumblers except a positioner tumbler that engages the positioner shoulder to locate the lock plug in a first axial position in the barrel. When the control key is removed, an outer keeper tumbler is biased outwardly for abutting contact with the keeper shoulder. A dealer key is inserted into the keyway to retract all of the tumblers except the positioner and outer keeper tumblers to permit rotation of the plug between the locked and unlocked positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Bauer Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger N. H. Chang, Edward J. Cheng
  • Patent number: 6679090
    Abstract: There is disclosed an improved rotatable cylinder lock having a removable lock core. The lock core is removable from the lock housing for locking applications that require the lock to have up to 180° of lock core rotation. The invention is accomplished through the use of a specially designed lock housing, lock core, adapter, and shifter. The lock housing has a cylindrical opening defining a groove and rotational slot. Inserted within the cylindrical opening in the lock housing is an adapter having a stop lug and tumbler block, a shifter having a drive slot, and a lock core having a block restrictor relief. In use, the stop lug on the cylindrical adapter rotatably engages with the rotational slot in the housing while the tumbler block on the adapter rotatably engages with the block restrictor relief on the lock core. The assembly of the present invention thereby permits the lock core to be rotated 180° within the lock housing while also permitting the removal of the lock core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: CompX International, Inc.
    Inventor: Glyn A. Finch, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6634197
    Abstract: A removable core lock and key device comprises a cylinder housing (10) and a core (20), which is accommodated in the cylinder housing. An adapter (30) is operatively connected to a bolt (32). The core and the adapter are provided with a connection (20d, 30d), such as a bayonet joint, that selectively prevents withdrawal of the core from the housing. Key actuated engagement elements (28, 30c) are arranged to selectively allow mutual rotation of the adapter and the core so as to disengage the connection, thereby allowing withdrawal of the core. A simple yet reliable removable core is thereby provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Assa AB
    Inventors: Johan Widen, Mikael Nylander
  • Publication number: 20030188558
    Abstract: A removable locking plug that is easily inserted and/or removed from the cylinder portion of the locking mechanism. In the preferred embodiment, the plug is enclosed in a case hardened steel housing and contains a tumbler keyed locking mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Ming Liang Shiao, Frank Minnella
  • Patent number: 6606890
    Abstract: A removable core cylinder lock, comprising a casing, a lock core with a rotatable key plug in a cylindrical bore and a retainer adapted to releasably retain the lock core in an inserted position in the casing. The casing has two lugs extending radially inwards and being separated transversely from each other, whereas the lock core has two corresponding recesses on both sides of a central, rear portion, whereby the lock core can be fully inserted into the casing. The two lugs are provided with holes accommodating fasteners for fastening the casing to an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Winloc AG
    Inventor: Bo Widen
  • Patent number: 6604394
    Abstract: In a first aspect, an electronic lock (12) suitable for replacing interchangeable core locks has a solenoid assembly comprising a solenoid coil (280) and a plunger (290) longitudinally aligned parallel to the rotational axis (A) of the cylinder (214) of the lock (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Videx, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul R. Davis
  • Publication number: 20030136164
    Abstract: A removable core lock and key device comprises a cylinder housing (10) and a core (20), which is accommodated in the cylinder housing. An adapter (30) is operatively connected to a bolt (32). The core and the adapter are provided with means of connection (20d, 30d), such as a bayonet joint, so as to selectively prevent withdrawal of the core from the housing. Key actuated engagement elements (28, 30c) are arranged to selectively allow mutual rotation of the adapter and the core so as to disengage the means of connection, thereby allowing withdrawal of the core. A simple yet reliable removable core is thereby provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Applicant: ASSA AB
    Inventors: Johan Widen, Mikael Nylander
  • Patent number: 6578396
    Abstract: A shell and core interchangeable lock assembly for use in a shell housing. The core includes a rotatable pin plug and the shell includes a substantially cylindrical body with a pin chest therein. A mechanism which captures the shell and core within the shell housing includes an integral retainer ring and lug which is attached to the core. The mechanism allows rapid insertion and removal of the shell and core by the use of a correctly bitted control key. The mechanism additionally has a sub-mechanism for preventing its operation by accident or by tampering without the appropriate control key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Medeco Security Locks, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter H. Field, W. Daniel Boadwine
  • Patent number: 6564601
    Abstract: An electromechanical locking mechanism provides a plug with a rekeyable primary lock mechanism such as a tumbler stack, an electromechanical operator such as a solenoid or a motor, and an electronic circuit having a memory, or an electronic memory and an electronic logic stage, controlling activitiation and operation of the electromechanical operator, contained entirely within the plug. Insertion of a blade of a key that is properly profiled and bitted to correctly displace the primary lock assembly relative to a cylinder encasing the plug, and application by the key of electrical power, or of electrical power and a correct data signal, to the electronic circuit, will cause activation of the electrical operator and repositioning of a distal member of the operator relative to the cylinder, and thereby enable torque manually applied to the blade of the key to rotate the plug within the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventor: Richard G. Hyatt Jr.
  • Patent number: 6532782
    Abstract: A detachable lock core has a housing. The housing has an opening, a ridge longitudinally formed thereon a plurality of first apertures defined through the ridge, a plurality of upper pins and resilient members respectively received in the first apertures, and at least one channel longitudinal defined in an inner wall thereof. The body is received in the housing. When a correct key is inserted in the key hole in the body to turn the body, the protrusion is received in the channel to enable the body to be detached from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: Ming-Hsiang Chiu
  • Publication number: 20020170326
    Abstract: A shell and core interchangeable lock assembly for use in a shell housing. The core includes a rotatable pin plug and the shell includes a substantially cylindrical body with a pin chest therein. A mechanism which captures the shell and core within the shell housing includes an integral retainer ring and lug which is attached to the core. The mechanism allows rapid insertion and removal of the shell and core by the use of a correctly bitted control key. The mechanism additionally has a sub-mechanism for preventing its operation by accident or by tampering without the appropriate control key.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: Peter H. Field, W. Daniel Boadwine
  • Patent number: 6474122
    Abstract: In a first aspect, an electronic lock suitable for replacing interchangeable core locks has a solenoid assembly longitudinally aligned parallel to the rotational axis of the cylinder of the lock. In a second aspect an electronic lock has a ferromagnetic enclosure that surrounds at least a portion of a solenoid assembly when the cylinder of the lock is free to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Videx, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul R. Davis
  • Publication number: 20020148263
    Abstract: A detachable lock core has a housing. The housing has an opening, a ridge longitudinally formed thereon, a plurality of first apertures defined through the ridge, a plurality of upper pins and resilient members respectively received in the first apertures, and at least one channel longitudinal defined in an inner wall thereof. The body is received in the housing. When a correct key is inserted in the key hole in the body to turn the body, the protrusion is received in the channel to enable the body to be detached from the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventor: Ming-Hsiang Chiu
  • Patent number: 6439015
    Abstract: A casement closure device for a door is provided, and includes a housing adapted to be fixed to a door leaf or cabinet body. A key-operated lock cylinder is removably disposed in a channel of the housing. A locking tongue is held against the housing and is rotatable between an unlocking and a locking position. The lock cylinder is uncoupled from the locking tongue and is locked in the housing when a key is withdrawn from the lock cylinder. When a key is inserted and moved to the unlocking position, the lock cylinder is removable. The locking tongue is provided with an actuation opening adapted to positively engage an actuating unit insertable in the housing channel when the lock cylinder is removed from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: EMKA Beschlagteile GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Manfred Sauerland, Rainer Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 6412319
    Abstract: A keyed knob assembly (10) having a knob portion (12), a knob insert (14) partially received within a bore (18) formed in the knob portion (12) and a shank portion (16) partially covering the knob insert (14) is disclosed. A throughbore (48) formed in the knob insert (14) is provided which operably supports a locking cylinder assembly (42). An axial channel (50) formed in the shank portion (16) terminates at a radial slot (52) to provide a means for releasably coupling the knob,assembly (10) of the present invention to a catch (54) of a lever catch subassembly associate with the chassis of the lockset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Emhart LLC
    Inventors: Gerard G. Adelmeyer, Gerald B. Chong
  • Patent number: 6408662
    Abstract: A locking device with a key-operated lock is disclosed which includes a cylindrical member having a front open end and a rear end, locking means rotatably supported on the rear end of the cylindrical member, the locking means having a locking bar and an engagement member connected with respect to the locking bar, the engagement member being rotatable to turn the locking bar into locking or unlocking position, a key-operated disk tumbler lock, and a cap cylinder casing the disk tumbler lock therein, the cap cylinder with the disk tumbler lock being detachably accommodated in the cylindrical member through the front open end, wherein the cylindrical member has an engagement recess on its inner surface, the cap cylinder has a peripheral surface, and the disk tumbler lock has a lock pin capable of protruding through the peripheral surface and fitting in the engagement recess when the disk tumbler lock is set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Takigen MFG. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Naoyuki Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 6382006
    Abstract: A shell and core interchangeable lock assembly for use in a shell housing. The core includes a rotatable pin plug and the shell includes a substantially cylindrical body with a pin chest therein. A mechanism which captures the shell and core within the shell housing includes an integral retainer ring and lug which is attached to the core. The mechanism allows rapid insertion and removal of the shell and core by the use of a correctly bitted control key. The mechanism additionally has a sub-mechanism for preventing its operation by accident or by tampering without the appropriate control key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Medeco Security Lock, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter H. Field, W. Daniel Boadwine
  • Patent number: 6360570
    Abstract: A lockset knob assembly comprises an outer knob housing, an inner knob housing, a spindle, and a sleeve. The outer knob housing includes a first end with a first opening and a second end with a first 8-shape hole. A periphery defining the first 8-shape hole includes a retaining flange projecting inward toward the first end of the outer knob housing. The inner knob housing includes a first end with a second opening and a second end with a second 8-shape hole in an end face of the second end. The second 8-shape hole is larger than the first 8-shape hole. The inner knob housing is mounted in the outer knob housing with the retaining flange of the outer knob housing engaged in the second 8-shape hole to thereby preventing relative movement between the inner knob housing and the outer knob housing. The inner knob housing further including a number of slots and a number of radially extending grooves, each groove being adjacent to and communicated with an associated slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Inventor: Mu-Lin Shen
  • Patent number: 6295850
    Abstract: By operationally mounting a plurality of wafers or plates forming tumblers in an independent, separate, substantially closed container, and cooperatively mounting the plate tumbler container with a cylinder forming member, a unique cylinder lock system is attained which is easily and inexpensively manufactured, as well as quickly and easily re-keyed whenever desired. In the preferred embodiment, all of the plate tumblers which are desired for the particular lock construction are mounted in the substantially closed container, with each plate tumbler having the requisite spring means associated therewith. In addition, the plate tumbler holding container incorporates one aperture for each plate tumbler which allows the slot engaging fin of each tumbler to extend outwardly from the container for locking and unlocking association with the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Loctec Corporation
    Inventor: Victor R. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6257154
    Abstract: A cabinet includes a top panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, a rear panel, an interior base panel and a door which together define an interior cavity. The cabinet also includes a hinge assembly for hingedly connecting the door to the first side panel so as to enable the door to pivot between a closed position and an open position. The hinge assembly includes a bracket coupled to the interior surface of the first side panel and a butt hinge coupled to the bracket and to the interior surface of the door. The butt hinge includes a first leaf which is fixedly secured onto the bracket and a second leaf which is fixedly secured onto the interior surface of the door, the first and second leaves being capable of independent rotation about a pivot bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Algonquin Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazmier J. Kasper
  • Patent number: 6076386
    Abstract: A lock with a plug (2) removable from a housing (16) is disclosed. The plug (2) includes a restraining member (46) and a protrusion (40) which engages a concentric groove (52) formed onto a plug housing. Intersecting the concentric groove is a longitudinal groove (50). Upon inserting an operation key the restraining member is forced into engagement with the concentric groove thereby preventing plug removal even upon alignment of the protrusion with the longitudinal groove (50). Upon inserting a removal key (42) the restraining member (46) is disengaged from the concentric groove so that the plug may be withdrawn upon rotationally aligning the protrusion (40) with the longitudinal groove (50). In this manner a simple and compact removable plug is provided to aid rapid lock re-keying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Australian Lock Company Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Garry Michael Etchells, Brian Francis Preddey
  • Patent number: 6035673
    Abstract: A sliding door lock assembly having a lock housing and a removable core is disclosed. The removable core includes a key slot configured to receive an operating key and a control key. The control key is positionable within the key slot and actuable to facilitate removal of the removable core from the lock housing. The operating key positionable within the key slot and actuable to retain the removable core at a position fully inserted within the lock housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Kenstan Lock Company
    Inventor: Robert B. Harrison
  • Patent number: 6014877
    Abstract: An outside handle assembly includes comprises a spindle, a knob connected to the spindle to rotate therewith, and a core retainer. The spindle includes an upper slot and a lower slot, thereby defining two lateral walls. Each lateral wall includes an upper cut defined in an upper side thereof and a lower cut defined in an underside thereof. The knob includes an end wall having an opening defined therein and a projection formed in a periphery that defines the opening. The core retainer is mounted in the spindle and includes a cylindrical main body including a first end with a flange formed on an outer periphery thereof and a second end. The flange includes an outer end face that bears against the end wall of the knob. Two retainer lips are formed on the outer end face of the flange and include a cut therebetween for fittingly receiving the projection of the knob to thereby prevent rotational movement of the knob relative to the core retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Inventor: Mu-Lin Shen
  • Patent number: 6012311
    Abstract: A cylindrical "shell and plug" assembly has the plug rotatably received within the shell. The plug has a central rear shaft and an engagement portion thereon. The engagement portion has a pie-shaped stop member and a pie-shaped engagement member. A connecting member rotatably held within the shell has an inner engagement that can engage the pie-shaped engagement member and an operation key slot capable of receiving an end of an operation key. The plug can be rotated until the engagement member is positioned behind the flange to retain the plug with the connecting member, and the plus can be rotated so that the engagement member can be positioned away from the flange, thereby permitting the plug to become disengaged from the connecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Medeco Security Locks, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Edwin Duckwall
  • Patent number: 5970762
    Abstract: A reciprocating combinating tumbler for a lock plug assembly which includes a flat body portion and a bent-over (or enlarged) end portion is provided for use with a lock plug barrel having a generally cylindrical outer periphery, a longitudinal axis, a keyway slot formed substantially along the longitudinal axis, and a plurality of spaced-apart cavities formed substantially perpendicular to the keyway slot. In use, the tumbler reciprocates between an extended position wherein the bent-over end portion is spaced radially outwardly of the outer periphery of the lock plug barrel and protrudes into a longitudinal spline formed in the aperture of a housing, and a retracted position wherein the bent-over end portion is spaced radially inwardly of the outer periphery of the barrel and does not protrudes into the longitudinal spline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Fort Lock Corporation
    Inventors: Gary L. Myers, Stanislav Jezek
  • Patent number: 5970760
    Abstract: An auxiliary lock includes a housing, a positioning seat securely mounted in the housing, a lock core housing securely mounted in the positioning seat and including a compartment, and a lock core removably mounted in the compartment of the lock core housing. The lock core includes two lateral sides each having a recessed section. A core lug is received in one of the recessed sections. The core lug is movable by rotation of a key for changing lock cores. The lock core housing further includes two cutout sections respectively defined in two lateral sides thereof. One of the cutout sections includes a slot communicated with the compartment of the lock core housing. A lateral inner wall that defines a portion of the compartment of the lock core housing includes a protruded edge. A lug retainer is mounted in the cutout section having the slot. The lug retainer includes a first end retained in the cutout section having the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Mu-Lin Shen
  • Patent number: 5964110
    Abstract: A lock with a keyed removable plug having a substantially cylindrical body, and a plurality of tumblers disposed within the body and movable between a first position retracted within the cylindrical body of the plug and a second position with one end extending from the body. A retaining tab extends radially from the plug body at an angle from the radial orientation of the tumblers. A shell has a substantially cylindrical opening therein for removably receiving the plug in a first shell end. The shell further includes an annular shoulder spaced from the first shell end and engageable by the plug retaining tab and a retaining one of the tumblers when in its second position. Tumbler grooves extend axially along the sides of the shell opening from the first shell end to a groove end short of the shoulder, and a release groove extends axially along the shell opening from the first shell end to the shoulder to define an opening in the shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventors: John J. Crocco, John J. Velinski
  • Patent number: 5943890
    Abstract: A lock mechanism has at least one tumbler pin having one or more slots in the tip surface of the pin and a key blade which is formed with a projection extending from the surface of the bitting area. The tumbler pin can be rotatable in such a manner that it will seek to accommodate the projection on the surface of the key and to match the surfaces of the key and tumbler pin tip, thus aligning the tumbler pin at a position predetermined by the key bitting. In this regard, the tumbler pin tip is preferably tapered and adapted to engage with a key having a complementarily shaped bitting surface, i.e., complementary to the tapered surface of the tumbler pin tip, such that the tumbler pin will seek to accommodate the tapered surface of the key bitting to align the tumbler pin at a proper position. Alternatively, the tumbler pin can include a projection or the like to inhibit rotation of the tumbler pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Medeco Security Locks, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter W Field, Stan J. Sussina
  • Patent number: 5813260
    Abstract: A removable core cylinder lock includes a cylinder lock casing and a removable cylinder lock core inserted into the casing. The lock core has an upper massive part with a row of holes for accommodating locking tumblers, and a lower part defining a cylindrical bore in which a cylindrical, rotatable key plug is located. The lower part defining the cylinder bore of the cylinder lock core is partially cut away so as to form an axially elongated chamber accommodating a transversely movable retainer member and leaving a continuous lower wall portion. The retainer member has an axial length, which corresponds to at least half of the axial length of the row of holes in the upper massive part, and a limited circumferential extension, which is substantially supplementary to the continuous lower wall portion so as to define the cylindrical bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Winloc AG
    Inventor: Bo Widen
  • Patent number: 5775146
    Abstract: A key lock tumbler cylinder is selectively removed with an extraction key that is longer than a normal operating key. The last tumbler plate in a tabular cylinder series along the cylinder key slot projects into an arcuate channel in the cylinder cavity wall of the lock body. This arcuate channel does not junction with the lock tumbler plate channel but does intersect with a second channel in the cavity wall that is angularly displaced about the cylinder axis from the tumbler plate channel. However, the second channel is more shallow than the arcuate channel to confine the tumbler cylinder within the body cavity when rotated by the operating key which does not engage the last tumbler plate key aperture. A second, tumbler cylinder extraction key that is longer than the operating key includes an edge bit at the end of the key for cooperating with the last tumbler plate key aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Hurd Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Christopher Edwards, Grady A. Kelton
  • Patent number: 5775145
    Abstract: A lock assembly is provided which includes a shell having a front end, a rear end, and a central bore extending from the front end to the rear end. The lock assembly also includes a key operated plug axially aligned and rotatably and removably disposed within the central bore of the shell. The lock assembly further includes a cam module rotatably mounted on the rear end of the shell. A key is provided which is insertable into the plug and allows for the removal of the plug from the shell. When the key operated plug is removed from the shell, a tool can be inserted through the central bore in the shell and into the cam module for rotationally moving the cam module relative to the shell, thereby unlocking the lock assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Algonquin Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazmier J. Kasper
  • Patent number: 5752400
    Abstract: A universal lock and key assembly in which the lock is re-keyable and the key is also changeable. The key has an elongated left side member, an elongated right side member, and an elongated central member. A plurality of key teeth are captured between the shank portions of the left and right side members. The key teeth are interchangeable so that any desired sequence can be arranged to give a predetermined profile to the key. The universal lock has a combination top pin housing and tubular sleeve assembly having a top pin housing and a tubular sleeve portion. A bottom pin cylinder is removably received in the tubular sleeve portion and its bottom pins can be removed and replaced in an order that mates with the key teeth of the key assembly. The structure of the system allows an individual to change both the configuration of the key and also the mating structure within the lock so that it will be operable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Inventor: Kwon W Kim
  • Patent number: 5752399
    Abstract: A door-handle assembly comprising a rotatable spindle, a core retainer, a knob and an interchangeable lock core. The spindle and the retainer are so designed that the retainer is selectably oriented either upwardly or downwardly with respect to the spindle. The knob and therefore the lock core are then inverted in view of the invertable retainer so that a key for manipulating the lock core is used with its key cuts similarly either upwardly or downwardly oriented during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Inventor: Mu-Lin Shen
  • Patent number: 5709367
    Abstract: An equipment security mount for protecting computers or other equipment from unauthorized removal includes a base or pad adapted to be fixed to a mounting surface such as a desk top and a cover having a flange depending from a floor on which the equipment is mounted from below The cover is thereafter locked over the base to prevent removal of the equipment from the base and the base from the mounting surface. The base and cover are secured by lock pins engaging aligned lugs or straps in the base and cover and retained by locks fixed in lock openings in lock housings of the cover through which the lock pins are installed or removed. Preferably the improved cover is made from high strength resilient plastic with brass inserts in the housings which secure the locks and capture adjacent ends of the lock pins to deter removal by bending of the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: ON-X International, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kevin J. Heintz, Peter T. Kennedy, Michael C. Kennedy, Robert T. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 5634359
    Abstract: A lock mechanism has a cylindrical housing with an axial bore therethrough, and a key-controlled core rotatable within the bore between locked and unlocked conditions and removable from and installable in the bore in the unlocked condition. The core has a plug at its rear end which is mateably engageable in a socket on the front face of a shifter, for rotating the shifter within the bore in response to rotation of the core, and thereby operating a latch member coupled to the shifter. A radial tab on the housing is receivable in an arcuate groove formed in the outer surface of the shifter for limiting rotation of the shifter to facilitate retention of the shifter in the single rotational orientation upon removal of the core from the housing. An O-ring on the shifter frictionally inhibits rotation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Snap-on Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Huebschen
  • Patent number: 5619874
    Abstract: A handle lock for use on safe doors and the like is provided including a lock shell, a lock plug, a shaft and a handle. The lock shell is formed with a smooth cylindrical outer surface and a central throughbore adopted to receive the lock plug. To provide for selective rotation of the lock plug within the lock shell, the lock plug includes tumbler means which engage with longitudinal lock grooves formed in the lock shell. A shaft connects the lock plug to a crank which translates the rotary motion of the lock plug into the operation of the door latches. The handle is provided with a mounting throughbore formed with an internal annular ledge. The annular ledge has multiple connecting splines which interlock with complemental connecting splines on an annular flange on the lock plug when the lock plug is inserted into the mounting throughbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Fort Lock Corporation
    Inventor: Gary L. Myers
  • Patent number: 5606882
    Abstract: A lock assembly having a key plug with an axis, a first housing defining a receptacle for the key plug and guiding movement of the key plug in the receptacle around the key plug axis, a latch assembly including a first movable latch element, structure cooperating between the first housing and the latch assembly for supporting the latch assembly in an operative position on the first housing wherein the first latch element is movable between first and second positions relative to the first housing, a retaining element, structure for mounting the retaining element to the key plug for movement relative to the key plug between first and second positions, with the key plug being movable into the key plug receptacle to an operative position and removable from the key plug receptacle with the retaining element in its first position, and structure cooperating between the retaining element and latch assembly for preventing withdrawal of the key plug from the first housing receptacle with the key plug in its operative p
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: Tri/Mark Corporation
    Inventors: Marvin L. Larsen, Kenneth L. McConnell
  • Patent number: 5507163
    Abstract: An interchangeable lock core includes a main body, an operative ring, and a core body. The main body includes upper and lower sections, the upper section having two sides and a plurality of first holes each for receiving a driver and a spring therein, and the lower section having a first bore extending in a longitudinal axis thereof and a transverse reception hole in a mediate section thereof. The reception hole extends upwardly into the upper section and defines first and second operative edges respectively at two sides of the upper section. A blind hole is defined in the upper section and communicates with the reception hole for receiving a second spring and a ball therein. The operative ring is received in the reception hole of the lower section of the main body and includes a second bore in alignment with the first bore and an extension which projects outwardly from an outer periphery thereof and extends along an arc thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Inventor: Wen-Jang Juang
  • Patent number: 5491993
    Abstract: A lock having a housing and flange, a lock cylinder, a cam lever, and a lock nut. The housing has a length which is slightly less than the thickness of the panel into which it is to be inserted. Its exterior surface has axial ridges which engage with the inner surface of the panel hole in which the housing is inserted. The ridges preferably extend only a short distance from the flange. These ridges hold the housing in place and prevent it from turning in the panel hole. The lock cylinder, which fits within the housing, has a threaded portion extending outwardly to receive the cam lever and the lock nut. Tightening up on the lock nut serves to draw the housing fully into the hole and to clamp the housing in place. The lock cylinder is keyed to the inner surface of the housing; and the cam lever is keyed to the threaded portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Loctec Corporation
    Inventor: Victor R. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5477711
    Abstract: A key operated lock assembly for blocking access to an opening in a static wall structure. The lock assembly is formed by a lock sleeve adapted for positioning behind the opening adjacent the rear wall of the static wall structure, wherein the lock sleeve has a tubular sleeve member extending rearwardly therefrom. The forward end of the lock sleeve is provided with a dome-shaped head portion which is formed integrally with the sleeve. A lock plug is provided having a front end and a rear end and sized for insertion through the opening in the static wall structure and into the sleeve member of the lock sleeve positioned adjacent the rear wall of the structure. The lock plug is also provided with lock pin elements which cooperate with pin detents formed at the back end of the lock sleeve which cooperate to lockingly engage the lock plug to the lock sleeve with the static wall structure interposed therebetween in order to block access through the opening in the static wall structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Inventor: George Oliveri
  • Patent number: RE35518
    Abstract: A restricted key system providing keys/key slots with an angled or chevron shaped cross sectional profile. Each key blade of the restricted key system includes an upper planar portion which is bitted or cut to position the standard pin tumblers, an intermediate portion which forms a horizontal ledge, and a lower planar portion which extends from the intermediate portion at an angle in the range of 5.degree.-85.degree. relative to the upper planar portion. The horizontal ledge of the key blade may be provided with at least two additional bitting surfaces for wards, tumblers and/or other key differing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Medeco Security Locks, Inc.
    Inventor: Stan J. Sussina