Abstract: A removable lock core for use with a lock device having a locked state and an unlocked state is disclosed. The removeable lock core may include a cam member tailpiece which is moveable between a first position relative to a lock core body which corresponds to the lock device being in the locked state and a second position relative to a lock core body which permits removal of the removeable lock core from the lock device which corresponds to the lock device being in the unlocked state. The removeable lock core may include an electro-mechanical drive assembly which in a disengaged state is decoupled from the cam member tailpiece and in an engaged state is coupled to the cam member tailpiece. A cam lock having a locked state and an unlocked state for use with a catch is disclosed.

Abstract: A security apparatus for securing a portable electronic device to an immovable object includes a locking head having a base and a compressible element supported by the base. The locking head is adjustable between an unlocked configuration, in which the compressible element is uncompressed and insertable into and removable from an opening of the portable electronic device, and a locked configuration, in which the compressible element is compressed and secured within the opening of the portable electronic device.

Abstract: An actuator, a remote triggering apparatus, a governor, and an elevator. The actuator includes: a mandrel, the mandrel having a proximal end and a distal end, and the mandrel being driven to move from a contraction position toward an actuation position; a mandrel sleeve; and a shell, the shell defining a channel, wherein the actuator further includes at least one sliding member, and when the mandrel moves from the contraction position toward the actuation position, the at least one sliding member is located at a first radial position where the mandrel is joined to the mandrel sleeve, such that the mandrel sleeve can move along the channel together with the mandrel; and wherein at the actuation position, the at least one sliding member moves outward radially to a second radial position where the mandrel sleeve is joined to the shell, thus locking the mandrel sleeve.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to a method, system and device for connecting conduit to an enclosure. The method, system and device comprise a conduit adapter having a two-piece housing and an insert plate. The insert plate is interchangeable with other insert plates having various sized through holes. A conduit is attached to an insert plate via a suitable connector. The insert plate is selected to have an appropriately sized through hole for the conduit being attached. The selected insert plate having the conduit attached then is enclosed between the two halves of the housing of the conduit adapter. The conduit adapter is then secured in the entry port of the enclosure.

Abstract: A security apparatus for a ratchet type gunlock that has a ratchet for locking the gunlock. The security apparatus prevents the gunlock from being shimmed using shimming techniques well known in the art. A star-shaped cogwheel having asymmetrical teeth prevents the shim from reaching the locked ratchet. The security apparatus also provides an extended ratchet latching assembly that features a pivot and a unique shoe-shaped latch that attaches to a plunger via a ball head such that the connections provided between the three elements of the latching assembly enable the latching assembly to remain locked despite severe impact, wrenching or shaking, yet can be easily opened even once the forces being applied to the gunlock ceases even when the deformation to the gunlock is irreversible.

Abstract: A reset fixture for a rekeyable lock cylinder includes a housing with a central recess for receiving a cylinder body. A first opening communicating with the central recess is defined in the housing for receiving a reset tool. A second opening communicating with the central recess is defined in the housing for receiving a bracing bar.

Abstract: The invention provides a padlock assembly (10) which can be convertible between a “snap lock” configuration and a configuration where a key is required to lock the padlock. Padlock assembly (10) includes a cam (62) with asymmetrical driver engaging means (64). Cam (62) can be inserted in the padlock assembly (10) in either of two positions to provide dual functionality. The invention also provides the cam (62), a driver (50) and a shackle (36) for a padlock assembly.

Abstract: An improved cable lock device incorporating a lock housing incorporating both a cylindrical combination lock and axial friction fingers and associated with a flexible shackle that stores entirely inside handlebars of vehicles that utilize handlebars. The shackle is secured at one end to the lock housing and the other end to a toothed key to be inserted into the anterior end of the combination lock to form a locked loop for securing the vehicle. In the stored configuration of the device in the handlebar the toothed key is retained at the posterior of the lock housing. At its midpoint the shackle is bent substantially 180 degrees and attached to a small ball that will fit inside the handlebars. Resilient rings of fingers are attached on the axis of the lock housing. Upon lock insertion the resilient fingers deform to interior bore of the handlebar for friction locking.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cable lock, which consists of a lock body combined with a traversing part, wherein a slider and a holder are set inside the lock body, at least an upper bead hole is set on the slider, the at least an upper bead hole is set corresponding to at least a lower bead hole set on the holder, the upper bead hole and the lower bead hole may be glided and corresponding to each other by shifting the slider, to control at least a lock ball gliding in and out, hereby perform unlocking and locking spacing on an inserting slice set on one end of the traversing part, to thereby achieve the burglarproof and prized-proof effect.

Abstract: A system for securing an item to an anchor is disclosed. The system may include a first extension extending from an item, an interface mechanism connected to the first extension, and a lock. The interface mechanism may include a cylindrical base, a sleeve, and a second extension. The cylindrical base may comprise an extension aperture receiving the first extension therewithin. The slide may surround at least a portion of the cylindrical base and occupy a blocking position locking the first extension within the extension aperture. The second extension may extend from the slide and comprise a traveler occupying a locking position locking the slide in the blocking position. The lock may engage the second extension and lock the traveler in the locking position.

Abstract: A system for securing an item to an anchor is disclosed. The system may include a first extension extending from an item, an interface mechanism connected to the first extension, and a lock. The interface mechanism may include a cylindrical base, a sleeve, and a second extension. The cylindrical base may comprise an extension aperture receiving the first extension therewithin. The slide may surround at least a portion of the cylindrical base and occupy a blocking position locking the first extension within the extension aperture. The second extension may extend from the slide and comprise a traveler occupying a locking position locking the slide in the blocking position. The lock may engage the second extension and lock the traveler in the locking position.

Abstract: A security tag assembly structured to restrict unauthorized removal of merchandise from a designated area is presented. The security tag assembly comprises a base and a tag member removably connected to the merchandise being protected or monitored. A locking assembly is disposed within the base and is structured to be biased into a locking orientation relative to a connector pin of the tag member. A release assembly, also disposed within the base, is structured to facilitate the authorized release of the locking assembly upon application of an externally applied detachment assembly. In particular the release assembly comprises a displacement structure including coaxially disposed first and second members connected via an at least partially flexible biasing connector comprising an arcuate or “U” shaped configuration. The second collar is structured for disposition into a displacing engagement with the locking assembly upon the forced movement of the first collar.

Abstract: A security tag assembly structured to restrict unauthorized removal of merchandise from a designated area is presented. The security tag assembly comprises a base and a tag member removably connected to the merchandise being protected or monitored. A locking assembly is disposed within the base and is structured to be biased into a locking orientation relative to a connector pin of the tag member. A release assembly, also disposed within the base, is structured to facilitate the authorized release of the locking assembly upon contact with an externally applied detachment assembly. In particular the release assembly comprises first and second members disposed in a movable interlocked relation with one another, wherein the first member is structured to be rotationally disposed upon contact with the detachment assembly. The second member is structured for disposition into a displacing engagement with the locking assembly upon the rotational movement of the first member.

Abstract: A device and a method are provided for transmitting a movement as well as corresponding forces or moments and in particular a rotational movement, wherein the transmission only takes place in a coupled state but not in a decoupled state. Devices and methods of this kind are in particular used in the field of lock devices, such as door or safe locks and the like. The device, in particular for a movement as well as corresponding forces and/or moments comprises a drive and a take-off, wherein the drive and take-off are coupled via a coupling element in such a manner that in the decoupled state a movement of the drive causes a movement of the coupling element which is not suitable for transmitting a movement of the drive to the take-off.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bicycle lock structure with dual latch, which includes a latch seat and a lock body, wherein two parallel latches are set on one side of the latch seat, two inserting holes are set on one side of the lock body for inserting the latches, and at least a bead is drove to wedge into a wedged hole of the latch by a slider inside the lock body to form wedged locking, the lock picking difficulty is increased by such structure, to thereby improve the anti-theft effect.

Abstract: A combination includes a disc tumbler cylinder lock and key. The disc tumbler cylinder lock of the combination comprises a rotation limiter of the key, and the key comprises guidance surfaces for the rotation limiter. The rotation limiter comprises a frame, which comprises a key profile opening, and a casing, which at least partially surrounds the frame. The frame comprises a limiting mechanism and a locking mechanism, which are disposed in a line such that the limiting mechanism is on the other side of the key profile opening and the locking mechanism is on the opposite side of the key profile opening.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of locking systems that include a barrel lock. The barrel lock is configured to damage, deface, and/or capture a key that is inserted into the barrel lock. Additionally, some embodiments include a locking mechanism adapter that can allow the locking mechanism to be operated by a key if the user has knowledge about the properties of the barrel lock.

Abstract: There is provided a locking system having a lock bar and a lock cylinder, where the lock cylinder comprises an outer tube, an inner tube and securing means. The inner tube is placed inside the outer tube and has an opening for receiving a part of the lock bar, and the inner tube can rotate between a first and a second position relative to the outer tube corresponding to open and locked position of the locking system.

Abstract: A cylinder lock includes elongated elliptical-shaped accommodation holes for accommodating auxiliary tumblers formed on an inner cylinder, and a set/reset member which is capable of freely sliding in the inner cylinder and which is pushed by two control members each having a respective stroke length, so that the auxiliary tumblers are interposed between upper tumblers and lower tumbler and moved aside from between the upper and lower tumblers, thereby enabling changing of keys for locking and unlocking the cylinder lock. Minutely, for the setting operation, the set/reset member is pushed into by a short stroke to cause the auxiliary tumblers to be accommodated into the accommodation holes and moved along the accommodation holes and held there. For the reset operation, the set/reset member is pushed into by along stroke to move the auxiliary tumblers to the side of the upper tumbler bores of the outer cylinder.

Abstract: A key mechanism that includes a key having a shank portion and a grip portion secured to the shank portion. The mechanism further includes a frame with the key being rotatably secured within the frame such that the shank portion protrudes from a first end of the frame. The grip portion of the key may be accessed and rotated to rotate the shank portion while the key is in the frame allowing one-handed operation of the key mechanism.

Abstract: A padlock for adjusting to a length of a lock cylinder includes a padlock housing and a shackle having an unlocked position and a locked position within the padlock housing. A central bore is disposed in a bottom of the padlock housing having a depth longer than the length of the lock cylinder for accepting the lock cylinder within the padlock housing. An adaptable cam is adjustably joinable to a distal end of the lock cylinder for adjusting for a difference between the depth and the length, and for rotatable engagement of the shackle to enable the shackle to move between the locked position and the unlocked position. A lock cap is joinable to an open end of the central bore for retaining the adaptable cam and the lock cylinder within the central bore.

Abstract: A key-removable lock core that is retained in a core receptacle by a retaining lug, and which can operated by an operating key to align the pins of the pin chambers for shear at the operating shear line, and to allow the key plug to be rotated, and which employs a control tool with the operating key for manipulating the pins into alignment for shear at the control shear line, to allow the sleeve and the key plug together to be rotated, to move the retaining lug on the sleeve between a projected position in which the lug is engaged behind a rearward-facing shoulder in the core receptacle to retain the core in the receptacle, and a retracted position within the profile of the core.

Abstract: The invention relates to a loop lock, in particular to a chain lock or to a wire cable lock, having a lock body which has a longitudinal axis and which surrounds a cylinder housing of a lock cylinder and having a loop, wherein the first end of the loop is permanently fastened to a fastening point of the cylinder housing and is aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the lock body, wherein a second end of the loop can be releasably fastened to a longitudinal end of the lock body and is aligned coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the lock body; and wherein a cylinder core of the lock cylinder is rotatably journalled about an axis of rotation in the cylinder housing and is characterized in that the axis of rotation of the cylinder core is offset in parallel with respect to the longitudinal axis of the lock body, namely away from the fastening point for the first end of the loop.

Abstract: A lock includes a housing, a cover, a lock cylinder holder, a lock cylinder, a cam, a resisting shaft, at least one latching block, and at least one first elastic member. The cover is secured to one end of the housing. A gap is formed between the cover and the housing. The lock cylinder holder is secured to the housing. The lock cylinder is rotatably mounted in the lock cylinder holder. The cam is received in the housing and secured to the lock cylinder. The resisting shaft is rotatably mounted in the housing and includes a frustum shaped end. The latching block is received in the gap. The latching block includes an inclined surface corresponding to the frustum shaped end. The first elastic member is configured to connect the latching block to the cover or the housing. An electronic device using the lock is also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a padlock assembly (10) which can be convertible between a “snap lock” configuration and a configuration where a key is required to lock the padlock. Padlock assembly (10) includes a cam (62) with asymmetrical driver engaging means (64). Cam (62) can be inserted in the padlock assembly (10) in either of two positions to provide dual functionality. The invention also provides the cam (62), a driver (50) and a shackle (36) for a padlock assembly.

Abstract: A horizontal locking case lock includes a coupler fastened to a case and a lock with a housing surface latchable horizontally by the coupler for locking. The coupler includes at least a first wedge portion and at least one latch trough. The lock contains a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism drives and controls movement of a first retainer to further drive a second retainer to force a steel ball into or out of the latch trough, thereby control locking or unlocking of the coupler and the lock. Such a structure can safely lock the case at a public location to avert hitting and pilferage.

Abstract: A key-removable lock core that is retained in a core receptacle by a retaining lug, and which can operated by an operating key to align the pins of the pin chambers for shear at the operating shear line, and to allow the key plug to be rotated, and which employs a control tool with the operating key for manipulating the pins into alignment for shear at the control shear line, to allow the sleeve and the key plug together to be rotated, to move the retaining lug on the sleeve between a projected position in which the lug is engaged behind a rearward-facing shoulder in the core receptacle to retain the core in the receptacle, and a retracted position within the profile of the core.

Abstract: A combination lock includes a lock body, a shackle axially moveable between a retracted position and an extended position, a locking mechanism, and a dial secured to the front side of the lock body. The locking mechanism is movable from a locked condition to an unlocked condition to permit movement of the shackle from the retracted position to the extended position. The dial includes an outer ring portion surrounding a stationary lock body face and rotatable with respect to the face, and a locking mechanism engaging portion disposed between the lock body face and the rear side of the lock body, wherein successive rotation of the dial to a series of one or more predetermined rotational positions causes the locking mechanism to move from the locked condition to the unlocked condition.

Abstract: A lock and key mechanism reduces exposure to lock picking by including an extension into a key slot to receive and conceal tapered end portions of key pins. The only portions of key pins exposed in a key slot are cylindrical portions that are difficult to move from a resting position. A key includes a beveled leading edge and a spring-loaded pin activation element at the leading edge of the key. As the key is inserted into the key slot, the spring-loaded pin activation element is compressed to permit entry into the key slot. As the pin activation element reaches a pin, an aperture in the extension allows the spring-loaded pin activation element to move toward the key pin and move the key pin from its resting position. In this activated position, the tapered end portion of the key pin is exposed for further activation by the beveled leading edge of the key. The process is repeated until the pin activation element engages and activates each successive key pin and allows full insertion of the key.

Abstract: A lock body includes a lock mechanism adapted to fix and maintain an inserted securement member, such as a cable or shackle, in position within the lock body. The lock mechanism may be coupled to a combination lock adapted to release the securement member upon entry of a proper combination.

Abstract: A lock assembly including a first lock portion having an open end which receives a key. The assembly further includes a second lock portion operatively connected to the first lock portion and a spring operatively attached to the first and second lock portions. Wherein one of the first and second lock portions is capable of biased rotational movement independent of the other of the first and second lock portions.

Abstract: A lock with a core rotatable in an intermediate shell that is rotatable in an outer shell of the lock's body resists attack by the application of excessive torque to the keyway or drilling into the core.

Abstract: A lock ring for use in mounting a watthour meter, meter socket enclosure cover or a watthour meter socket adapter to each other. The lock ring includes a ring member and a housing carried on the first and second ends of the ring member. The housing may be separate housings carried on the first and second ends of the ring member. A lock is insertable into mated first and second housing members in one of a plurality of variably selectable positions that vary the circumference of the ring member to accommodate varied circumferences of watthour meters, meter socket adapters and meter socket enclosure cover mounting rings. Finger grips are formed on the housing members to facilitate closure of the housing. A plurality of axially spaced grooves are formed in one of the members for receiving lock members carried by the lock.

Abstract: The keyless engine starting system includes a turning shaft 93 connected to a handle lock for locking and unlocking. The keyless engine starting system also includes a knob 92 having a cylindrical support portion which is turnably fitted along an outer periphery of the shaft 93. The shaft 93 is in engagement with a pawl 33 when the knob 92 is in a predetermined lock position to limit the turning motion of the shaft 93. The engagement of pawl 33 with respect to the shaft 93 is released in response to a releasing signal from outside. The keyless engine starting system also includes a click ball 95, a spring 94 and a recess 922 which form a torque limiter mechanism for connecting the knob 92 with the shaft 93. If the shaft 93 is forcibly turned, the knob 92 turns free without engaging the shaft 93.

Abstract: A changeable lock assembly suitable for re-keying a lock without disassembly of the lock. The assembly includes a housing having a bore therein, and a plug rotatably mounted in the bore. The plug includes a longitudinal axis and a keyway. The keyway is adapted to receive at least a first user key and a second user key. The lock further includes a change member movable within the lock between a first position to a second position. The change member can move solely in response to operation of the second key. Thus, when the change member is in the first position, the first key operates the lock, and when the change member is in the second position, the first key does not operate the lock. The lock assembly can also employ a change tool that, when inserted into a change slot, can move a change ball from the second position back to the first position.

Abstract: A bolt assembly includes a head having a lock connected thereto which includes an eccentric rod with a curved outer periphery and a flat surface. A bead is retractably connected to an outer periphery of the curved outer periphery. A shank has teeth in an outer periphery thereof and has an end plate which has recesses such that the curved outer periphery of the eccentric rod can be selectively and removably engaged with one of the recesses by using a key to operate the lock. A cover is connected to an underside of the head. The shank is co-rotated with the head when the curved outer periphery of the eccentric rod is engaged with one of the recesses. When the curved outer periphery of the eccentric rod is removed from the recesses, the head is independently rotated relative to the shank so that the bolt assembly cannot be unscrewed.

Abstract: There are provided a cam plate (5) that rotates in an unlocking direction and a locking direction, and a locking shaft (8) that moves between a locking position where rotation of a steering shaft is prevented and an unlocking position where the rotation of the steering shaft is permitted by rotation of the cam plate (5). The cam plate (5) is provided with a steering lock preventing unit (20) through a spring (22). The steering lock preventing unit (20) holds the locking shaft (8) in the unlocking position. A ball (23) moves on a moving surface (24) of a motor unit (4) opposed to the cam plate (5) by rotation of the cam plate (5). A projecting wall (25) is provided on the moving surface (24) at a position before the unlocking position in a range where the ball (23) moves from the locking position to the unlocking position.

Abstract: A barrel lock for locking various utilities devices such as valves, meters, or enclosures associated with the control or distribution of gas, water or electricity includes a shank with a single driven ball that can be forced radially outward from the shank to lock onto a cap-like retainer such that the utilities device is restrained between the retainer and an enlarged head of the shank. Preferably, only a single driven ball is used to concentrate the clamping force at a single point, thereby creating an exceptionally high clamping pressure. For even greater clamping force, an accurately and strategically positioned end stop allows a drive ball to push against the driven ball at an extremely shallow angle of attack while preventing the two balls from accidentally toggling over center and irreversibly locking up. The barrel lock has infinite variable adjustment in an axial direction to fit a wide variety of devices.

Abstract: A lock, such as a mortise lock, for a door. The lock comprises a locking cylinder that can be inserted into a door leaf and a shaft having two sections, each section of the shaft having a handle at the end, preferably a rotary knob or a standard door handle and being actively interconnected by a coupling after recognition of an authorisation code. The lock can be used for various applications as a result of its construction design, with a standard locking cylinder in various doors and that it allows, a simple, reliable, low-energy actuation of the locking mechanism. To achieve this, the coupling (11) comprises at least two, preferably four or more rolling members (17) that are guided in recesses (18) of a second part (10) of a first section (5) of the shaft (3).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to preventing rotation of a barrel lock when opened by a key. At least one example embodiment includes a rotationally actuated barrel lock for securing electric meter boxes and the like, and a spring loaded clip for mounting inside the meter box. Lock actuation is characterized by rotation of a key relative to the lock. The barrel lock includes a head portion, and a smaller diameter shank portion with flatted areas thereon. The clip includes, in at least one example, a lock receiving opening with internal protrusions which engage the flatted areas on the lock shank, thereby preventing rotation of the lock when it is engaged by the key.

Abstract: A pin tumbler lock is provided with one or more additional chambers for housing a secondary locking member for engagement with a portion of a key. The invention also provides a lock system comprising a plurality of locks, each lock including two chambers. The lock system has a potential of N chamber positions to provide a substantial increase in the number of effective unique pin tumbler combinations that can be produced on the same key section or profile by allowing the same pin tumbler combination to be repeated with different locations of these additional chambers.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for controlling keys or other objects is provided. The key can only be removed when an access control key identifying the individual who is removing the key is inserted. The access control key cannot be removed until the key is returned.

Abstract: The invention provides a pair of cuff locks joined by a universal joint and linkage system which provides for 360 relative rotation between the cuffs as well as allow the cuffs to be folded together into a compact position. The invention further provides for a push button cylinder lock which includes a rotatable plug and a fixed plug each having a plurality of aligned bores for receiving one or more tumbler pins. The push button cylinder lock further includes a non-rotatable push button shaft which is sildably mounted within the housing. One or more retaining pins engage locking indents of the push button shaft.

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).

Abstract: A tool lock, especially useful in preventing theft or unauthorized use of a tool. The tool lock has a housing in which a lock cylinder assembly and locking balls are disposed. The tool lock housing has an opening at one end in which a portion of a tool, such as a pneumatic fitting on a pneumatic tool, may be inserted and secured by the engagement of the locking balls. The tool lock housing may further include a shackle portion which can be used in conjunction with a cable, either integral or separate, padlock, or chain to secure the tool lock to another object.

Abstract: A shaft-type locking cylinder and dedicated key comprises a locking cylinder base, a main mount, a key, a plurality of tumbler pins, a plurality of springs, and a plurality of steel balls. The plurality of tumbler pins, springs and steel balls situated in the locking cylinder base are placed into a bore in the main mount, thereby enabling the fitting of an annular shoulder at the front end of the locking cylinder base into a first stepped rim in the main mount, the seating of a retaining ring in a second stepped rim to secure the locking cylinder base in the main mount and, furthermore, the concealment of the tumbler pins installed within the locking cylinder base. The said key further comprises a toggling barrel member having a plurality of differing-depth arcuate notches, a vertical slot in the toggling barrel member and a horizontal slot formed at one side of the vertical slot.

Abstract: A lock assembly having a first body portion configured to lock with a second body portion. The first body portion includes a first end having a first aperture and a second aperture aligned in perpendicularly intersection with the first aperture. The second aperture retains a pair of locking balls. The second body portion includes an aperture configured to receive the first end of the first body portion. The aperture of the second body portion also includes a circumferential groove configured to receive a portion of the pair of locking balls in a locked position of the first body portion with the second body portion. A keyway locking cylinder is configured to axially drive a beveled point of an extension into the first aperture of the first body portion and force the pair of locking balls in a radially outward direction into the locked position with the circumferential groove.

Abstract: A push button lock. The push button lock has a main housing with an aperture formed therethrough, a plunger which is axially moveable in the aperture of the main housing, and a ball retainer positioned in the aperture of the main housing. The ball retainer has a central aperture formed therein through which the plunger extends and a protrusion. Balls are placed on the ball retainer. An actuator is located in the main housing aperture above the ball retainer and is rotatable to an open position, wherein the actuator is in position to be pushed down to prevent the balls from moving away from the plunger shaft and thereby prevent the plunger shaft from moving relative to the ball retainer, and a locked position, wherein the balls are not retained against the plunger shaft and the plunger shaft can move relative to the balls retainer. A lock button having a lock housing and a lock cylinder is provided, with the lock cylinder being adapted to turn the actuator from the opened position to the locked position.

Abstract: A bottle security device includes an inner member, an outer member and a cap member that cooperate to lock the bottle security device on the neck of a bottle. The inner member includes a plurality of fingers that are adapted to fit under the bead on a bottle neck. The cap member and the outer member are connected to form an enclosure therebetween which houses a locking mechanism. The outer sleeve member of the device slides over the inner member and forces the fingers against the bottle neck. Pins are connected to the inner member and extend into the locking mechanism to lock the inner and outer members together when the inner member is inserted in the outer member. A magnetic key is used to separate the two pieces and release the security device from the bottle. The key attracts a portion of the locking mechanism to disengage the mechanism from the pin.

Abstract: An adaptable lock 10 assembly and a method of using the lock 10 assembly in order to reprogram a lock 10 to accept a key different from the key which originally operated the lock 10. The lock 10 assembly includes a housing 12 with a bore 14 disposed through the housing 12 and a plug 16 rotatably mounted in the bore 14. The plug 16 includes at least one radial slot 18 which is disposed in the plug 16 along the circumference of the plug 16. The plug 16 further includes a longitudinal slot used as a keyway 22 which is adapted to receive a key. The assembly further includes first and second radial tumblers 30, 32 which are disposed in the radial slot 18 and are capable of being in an engaged or disengaged relationship. The distal ends of the first and second radial tumblers 30, 32 extend into the keyway 22 to provide a pattern of ridges along the longitudinal inner walls of the keyway 22. When the first and second radial tumblers 30, 32 are engaged in a first position, a first key 24 fits the lock 10.