Pin Tumblers Patents (Class 70/493)
  • Publication number: 20080276674
    Abstract: A lock assembly has a housing, a lock cylinder, an adjusting block and multiple rack assemblies. The adjusting block is slidably received in the lock cylinder and has a wedge side facing the lock cylinder and a plurality of first wedge elements formed on the wedge side. The rack assemblies are slidably received respectively in the lock cylinder. Each rack assembly has a rack element, an adjusting base and a resilient member arranged between the rack element and the adjusting base. Each rack element and each adjusting base have a plurality teeth formed thereon and detachably engaged each other respectively. Each rack element has a second wedge element that is selectively engaged or disengaged from one of the first wedge elements on the adjusting block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Chao-Ming Huang, Chi-Ming Chen
  • Publication number: 20080276675
    Abstract: A key-operated cylinder lock for operating a bolt or a latch, that can be programmed for use with one of a plurality of user keys without disassembling the lock or replacing the tumblers, with reduction or elimination of incidental or accidental re-keying of the lock. The lock has a rotating plug having one or more retainer cavities formed into the periphery, and lock configuration change balls, movable within the lock between a first position within a driver chamber and a second position within a corresponding retainer cavity when the plug is in a programming position. The positioning of the change balls within either the pin chambers or the retainer cavities determines the key configuration that can operate the lock. The lock employs a means for isolating selectively the retainer cavities from the corresponding driver chambers when the plug is in the programming position, to prevent incidental or accidental movement of the change members from the driver chamber into the retainer cavities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Rodrick A. HERDMAN
  • Patent number: 7448239
    Abstract: A lock assembly has a housing, a lock cylinder, an adjusting block and multiple rack assemblies. The adjusting block is slidably received in the lock cylinder and has a wedge side facing the lock cylinder and a plurality of first wedge elements formed on the wedge side. The rack assemblies are slidably received respectively in the lock cylinder. Each rack assembly has a rack element, an adjusting base and a resilient member arranged between the rack element and the adjusting base. Each rack element and each adjusting base have a plurality teeth formed thereon and detachably engaged each other respectively. Each rack element has a second wedge element that is selectively engaged or disengaged from one of the first wedge elements on the adjusting block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Taiwan Fu Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao-Ming Huang, Chi-Ming Chen
  • Publication number: 20080271507
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improving bump resistance in pin tumbler locks include, in various embodiments, means provided within a tumbler passage for preventing or inhibiting the formation of a gap between a key pin and a drive pin. In a pin tumbler lock at least one passage contains damped biasing means operable to urge the pin set toward a key opening or keyway. In a pin tumbler lock at least one pin set includes a key pin, a drive pin, and a dummy pin, in which the key pin and the drive pin are dimensioned so that when the lock is at rest the drive pin crosses the shear line. Also, methods for improving attack resistance of pin tumbler locks include replacing a spring in a passage with damped biasing means; or replacing a pin set with a pin set including a key pin, a drive pin, and a dummy pin, in which the key pin and the drive pin are dimensioned so that when the lock is at rest the drive pin crosses the shear line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Jonathon Hocut
  • Patent number: 7434431
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder includes a cylinder body with a longitudinal axis. A locking bar is disposed in the cylinder body for movement transverse to, and rotationally about, the longitudinal axis. A plug assembly is disposed in the cylinder body and is rotateable between a first position and a second position. The plug assembly has a lock face with a tool receiving aperture. A plurality of pins and a corresponding plurality of racks are disposed in the plug assembly. The plurality of racks is selectively engageable with the plurality of pins. A first member coupled to the plurality of racks is moveable in response to application of a force against the first member by a tool received through the tool receiving aperture. The first member is configured to simultaneously disengage all of the plurality of racks from the plurality of pins in response to the movement of the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Newfrey, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong
  • Patent number: 7421870
    Abstract: A lock core assembly has a lock shell, a lock core and a pin segment. The lock shell has a core mount, multiple upper pin chambers and a lid. The lock core is mounted rotatably in the core mount and has a keyhole and multiple lower pin chambers. The lower pin chambers are formed radially through an outer surface of the lock core, communicate with the keyhole, align longitudinally, correspond to and communicate with the upper pin chambers. The pin segment is mounted between the lock shell and the lock core and has multiple pin assemblies and at least one suspended pin assembly. When knocked, a suspended upper pin of the at least one suspended pin assembly oscillates to prevent the pin aligning and the lock core from rotating, the lock core assembly provides a preferred burglarproofing effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventors: Hsiu-Chuan Wu, I-Chien Hsin
  • Publication number: 20080202180
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pin and tumbler cylinder lock and a retrofitted cylinder lock which minimizes unauthorized openings of the lock by bumping. The cylinder lock utilizes specially designed driver pins which are correlated in size to the largest possible stack height of the tumbler pins with a bump key inserted in the plug portion of the lock and the shear line height of the lock. All the driver pins are about the same height and preferably symmetrical with a lip on each end. The invention also provides a method for retrofitting existing locks by removing at least one of the driver pins and replacing the removed driver pin or pins with the driver pins of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: SARGENT MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventors: Darren C. Eller, Ryan Piantek, Evaldas Malinauskas, James Galarneau, David Steele, Christopher Hill
  • Publication number: 20080202181
    Abstract: A pin tumbler cylinder lock includes a shell, a plug, and at least first and second tumbler pins and first and second driver pins. At least the first driver pin extends into a corresponding plug channel when the plug is in a locked condition, such that rotation of the plug with respect to the shell is blocked. The lock is configured such that at least the first driver pin is separated from the first tumbler pin by a gap when the plug is in the locked condition. When the first and second tumbler pins are raised without the proper key and the gap between the first tumbler pin and the first driver pin is eliminated, the second tumbler pin extends across the shear line and into the corresponding shell channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: MASTER LOCK COMPANY LLP
    Inventors: Gary BURMESCH, Jesse MARCELLE, Glenn MEEKMA
  • Publication number: 20080163657
    Abstract: A lock cylinder that includes a housing and a plug. The housing includes a wall that defines a hollow portion and a pin portion that defines a first pin chamber that is configured to receive a first pin. The plug includes a body rotatably housed within the hollow portion of the housing. A key slot is defined in the body in part by a pin resting surface 90, and a second pin chamber is disposed in communication with the key slot. A second pin is disposed within the second pin chamber and is configured to engage the pin resting surface 90. An engagement member is disposed within the body as a separate piece, and engaged with the second pin to space the second pin a distance from the pin resting surface 90 in the absence of a key in the slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: Schlage Lock Company
    Inventors: William J. Dickhans, Paul O. Gardner, Misty G. Jackson
  • Patent number: 7392676
    Abstract: A key blank for a cylinder lock comprising a bow 308, a blade longitudinally extending from the bow to a tip, and having a longitudinally extending upper edge 306 to be cut with coded bitting for mating with a tumbler stack of a cylinder lock. A projection 148 extends outwardly on the upper edge adjacent the bow, rising from longitudinally extending surfaces 318 at elevation e0 below the elevation e1 of the upper edge, and having a length parallel to the upper edge that is greater than a width transverse to the edge. The projection is interposed between a front edge portion 306 to be cut with the coded bitting and a back edge portion 310 extending to the bow at elevation e4 above elevation e1. The projection has cam surfaces converging longitudinally and transversely toward a nose 180 at elevation e3 above elevation e1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Kaba Ilco Corp.
    Inventor: Charles W. Eden, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20080127694
    Abstract: A pin tumbler lock, operating between a locked position and a released position, comprising a first lock member having at least one first bore with a biasing device and a first pin deposing in the first bore, and a second lock member engaging with the first lock member, forming an interface surface with said first lock member. The second lock member has at least one second bore with a second pin disposed in the second bore, and is aligned with the first bore for receiving the first pin in the locked position. At least one pin is magnetized, and the corresponding second pin is magnetic permeable, such that, when the pins are mobilized by an external force, the magnetized pin remains attracted to the corresponding magnetic permeable pin. No open space between the pins is formed at the interface surface to release the lock members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Cheuk Hang Wong, Tak Shing Lau, Tak Kin Lau
  • Publication number: 20080110220
    Abstract: Security device for lock cylinders, which consist of a rotor (1) which rotates in the cavity of a stator (2), which locks use true keys (4) in which the combination for opening is by means of peaks and valleys of different sizes which operate in conjunction with respective pairs of pins (5-6), which, when accommodated in the key opening position, consist of a rotor pin (5) and a stator pin (6) which is loaded by a spring (7); the rotor (1) incorporates the channel (8) for insertion of the true key (4) in which there is provided a usual virtual line (9) according to which there is longitudinal alignment of the tips of the rotor pins (5), in the state in which the key is not inserted; characterised in that at least one of the rotor pins (5), which shall be known as the security pin (10), has some end means which prevent the remainder from reaching the usual virtual line (9) in the state in which the key is not inserted or the lock is empty, and its advance reaches only a virtual security line (9B) which is shor
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: TALLERES DE ESCORIAZA S.A.
    Inventors: Pedro Recondo Garayalde, Jose Alcelay Bea, Eneko Sasieta Oyarbide
  • Patent number: 7370502
    Abstract: A high security cylinder lock (1) and key (2) combination comprising a cylindrical shell (140), a key plug (130) which is rotatably mounted in the shell (140), a longitudinal key slot (100) in the key plug, and at least one locking tumbler assembly cooperating with a key being inserted into the lock. The locking tumbler assembly comprises a pair of independently movable tumbler segments (113, 114) which are positionable in different elevational positions in a common cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Winloc AG
    Inventor: Bo Widen
  • Patent number: 7370503
    Abstract: The safety key has a shank which is provided with a plurality of control surfaces for properly positioning tumblers and has a front end and a rear end. At a front end, the rotor of the associated locking cylinder has at least one further control surface, which interacts with a further control surface arranged at the rear end of the shank. The safety key is backward compatible and is relatively difficult to copy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Inventor: Ernest Keller
  • Publication number: 20080105017
    Abstract: A cylinder lock (10) includes a lock cylinder (12) having a central bore (14). A series of bores (16) extend orthogonally of the lock cylinder and open into the central bore. A barrel (18) fits into the central bore and has bores (20) therein corresponding to those in the lock cylinder and aligned therewith. A keyway (22) is for insertion of a key (24) into the barrel. A tumbler pin (26) fits into each bore and extends through the bore in the cylinder lock into the corresponding bore in the barrel. Insertion of an appropriate key into the keyway move the tumbler pins out of the bores in the barrel and into the bores in the cylinder lock, so turning of the key rotates the barrel with respect to the lock cylinder and opens the lock. An improvement of the invention includes a blocking pin (30) inserted into each of the bores to relocate the gap (G) created in the bore when a bump key (28) is struck after being inserted into the keyway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventor: Edward F. Owens
  • Publication number: 20080053174
    Abstract: A cylinder lock device including: a body housing having a bore, with a direction of elongation defining an axial direction for the device; a rotatable cylindrical plug in the bore, the plug having an axially extending key slot from at least one end of the plug; a plurality of driver pins configurable substantially perpendicular to the key slot and located within the body housing and substantially outside of the plug; a plurality of tumbler pins corresponding to and positionable substantially collinear with each one of the plurality of driver pins and substantially inside the plug, the tumbler pins displaceable by a key to bias the driver pins to enable rotation of the plug, the driver pins adapted to displace the respective tumbler pins; and a displacement mechanism being deployed within the body housing and adapted to displace the plurality of driver pins thereby selectively enabling rotation of the plug when no key is present in the slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Haim Amir
  • Publication number: 20080053175
    Abstract: A cylinder lock device including: a body housing having a bore having a first end and a second end, with a direction of elongation defining an axial direction for the device; a rotatable cylindrical plug in the bore, the plug having an axially extending key slot from the first end; a plurality of tumbler pins deployed at least partially within the plug and displaceable by a key to enable rotation of the plug; and an opening mechanism comprising a shaft connected to a key emulator and wherein the key emulator is translatable into the key slot from within the body housing, the key emulator shaped to match and engage the plurality of tumbler pins, and adapted to displace the plurality of tumbler pins, thereby selectively enabling rotation of the plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Haim Amir
  • Patent number: 7337639
    Abstract: An exemplary method of making a key is provided. A bitted surface is formed in a key blade of a key blank. A groove is formed in a first side of the key blade. At least one receptacle is formed in the groove. A notch is formed in the groove adjacent to the at least one receptacle for mating with a rib in a lock cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Master Lock Company LLC
    Inventor: Billy B. Edwards, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20080028810
    Abstract: A lock has a shell, an internal sleeve and a locking rod assembly. The shell has multiple protrusions formed inside the shell. The internal sleeve is mounted rotatably in the shell. The locking rod assembly is mounted in the internal sleeve and has multiple locking rods. Each locking rod has a cut selectively aligning with the protrusions in the shell. When the cuts of the locking rods align with the protrusions in the shell, the internal sleeve can be rotated relative to the shell to change the lock or unlock status of the lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventor: Tony Miao
  • Patent number: 7322219
    Abstract: A keying system includes a cylinder body. A plug assembly disposed in the cylinder body includes a plug body and a carrier sub-assembly disposed adjacent the plug body. The carrier sub-assembly is moveable parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cylinder body between a first position and a second position. The plug assembly includes a plurality of pins and a plurality of racks for selectively engaging the plurality of pins. Each rack of the plurality of racks has a first locking bar-receiving groove along a neutral axis and at least a second locking bar-receiving groove spaced from the neutral axis, wherein a spacing of the second locking bar-receiving groove from the neutral axis of a first rack of the plurality of racks is different from a spacing of the second locking bar-receiving groove from the neutral axis of at least one other of the plurality of racks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Newfrey, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong
  • Patent number: 7318332
    Abstract: A lock has a shell, an internal sleeve and a locking rod assembly. The shell has multiple protrusions formed inside the shell. The internal sleeve is mounted rotatably in the shell. The locking rod assembly is mounted in the internal sleeve and has multiple locking rods. Each locking rod has a cut selectively aligning with the protrusions in the shell. When the cuts of the locking rods align with the protrusions in the shell, the internal sleeve can be rotated relative to the shell to change the lock or unlock status of the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Jin Tay Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tony Miao
  • Patent number: 7308811
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a lock keying system comprising: a lock cylinder comprising: a cylinder body; a plug assembly disposed in the cylinder body and comprising a plurality of pins and a one-to-one corresponding plurality of racks for relocating the plurality of pins; and a rack alignment tool receiving aperture defined by the lock cylinder; and a rack alignment tool comprising: a base plate; and a plurality of spaced elongated prongs, each prong from the plurality of prongs comprising a first longitudinal end adapted to engage a corresponding one of the plurality of racks, each prong from the plurality of prongs dimensioned lengthwise to relocate to a first predetermined position the corresponding one of the plurality of racks, the first predetermined position common to each of the plurality of racks, each prong from the plurality of prongs comprising a second longitudinal end connected to the base plate, wherein the rack alignment tool is adapted to restrain a carrie
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Steve Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong
  • Publication number: 20070271976
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methodology are provided for key operated pin tumbler locks, some of which may incorporate a removable core pin tumbler lock. A selected tumbler of a type commonly used in pin tumbler locks is configured along with a driver pin to control operation of a retainer that, when rotated by use of a control key inserted in the lock, allows alternate selective removal and replacement of the core assembly in the lock. Also, or separate therefrom, one or more tumbler holes may be formed or drilled in a manner so as to prevent engagement of a tumbler with the bite of a key. Presently disclosed structures and associated methodology help to reduce any susceptibility to unauthorized techniques practiced against the lock, such as unintentional activation of the tumblers by unauthorized persons through use of a key with so-called “bumping” techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Applicant: CompX International Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Dalton, Glyn A. Finch
  • Patent number: 7290418
    Abstract: A key-operated lock that can be programmed for use with one of a plurality of user keys without disassembling the lock or replacing the tumblers. The lock operates with a user key so that the lock plug turns only in one direction to unlatch or unbolt, and can not operate or rotate in the opposite direction. The lock also cannot be programmed or reconfigured with an operable user key. The lock is typically manually latched or bolted into a locked configuration. The lock is configured to permit rotation in the opposite direction only when using a programming key, which can reconfigure or program the lock for use with another user key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: EZ Change Lock Company, LLC
    Inventor: Rodrick A. Herdman
  • Patent number: 7272965
    Abstract: A method and assembly for preventing unauthorized manipulation of common cylinder locks, as executed by use of the principles of the Bumpkey or Blowgun methods. The pin assembly, containing a tumbler pin and a driver pin, is adapted so as to alter linear displacement thereof, by forming a recession in one of the pins contained in the pin assembly, and an engagement element, in the other of the pins, for engaging the recession, such that when an impact-driven blow of a given intensity is applied so as to linearly displace the tumbler and driver pins, the pin engagement element engages the pin recession, strongly binding the tumbler and driver pins together, thereby, blocking the shear line and, consequently, preventing unauthorized manipulation of the common cylinder lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Inventor: Moshe Dolev
  • Patent number: 7240526
    Abstract: A lock includes a cylinder, a cylinder plug and a locking pin assembly. The cylinder plug is rotatably mounted in the cylinder and has a dummy keyhole and a cylinder plug keyhole defined completely through the cylinder plug. The locking pin assembly has multiple locking pins that are slidably partially held in the cylinder plug keyhole. A two step method to open the lock with a key with serrations initially inserts the key serrations into and presses the key serrations completely through the dummy keyhole. Then the serrations are rotated, aligned with and pulled back into the cylinder plug keyhole. Conventional displacement of the locking pins allows the cylinder plug to be rotated, which opens the lock. Pressing the key completely through the lock removes any foreign objects such as toothpicks, chewing gun or pieces of paper and allows the lock to be opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: Miko Lee
  • Patent number: 7234331
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder includes a cylinder body with a plug body and carrier sub-assembly disposed therein. The plug body includes a plurality of spring-loaded pins and the carrier assembly includes a plurality of racks for engaging the pins to operate the lock cylinder. The racks and pins move in a transverse direction, in response to insertion of a first valid key into the lock cylinder, to unlock the lock cylinder. The carrier moves in a longitudinal direction, in response to insertion of a tool in a tool-receiving aperture, from an operating position to a rekeying position. In the rekeying position, the racks are disengaged from the pins and a second valid key can replace the first valid key. Rotation of the plug body from the rekeying position with the second valid key in the lock cylinder obsoletes the first valid key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Steven Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong, Richard J. Veltman
  • Patent number: 7213429
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder includes a cylinder body with a plug body and carrier sub-assembly disposed therein. The plug body includes a plurality of spring-loaded pins and the carrier assembly includes a plurality of racks for engaging the pins to operate the lock cylinder. The racks and pins move in a transverse direction, in response to insertion of a first valid key into the lock cylinder, to unlock the lock cylinder. The carrier moves in a longitudinal direction, in response to insertion of a tool in a tool-receiving aperture, from an operating position to a rekeying position. In the rekeying position, the racks are disengaged from the pins and a second valid key can replace the first valid key. Rotation of the plug body from the rekeying position with the second valid key in the lock cylinder obsoletes the first valid key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Steven Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong
  • Patent number: 7207200
    Abstract: A key blank and key for mating with a core having a plurality of cutouts penetrating from the core surface to the keyway, and a plurality of activator inserts and filler inserts, such that the installer can locate one or more activator inserts in any of the cutouts, and one or more filler inserts in any of the remaining cutouts, to thereby match the code to be provided in the respective flank or flanks of an authorized key. At least three and preferably at least five slotted cutouts are provided. The inserts are preferably in the form of generally semi-circular plates on at least one side of the core. The inventive key for insertion into a cylinder lock keyway has a blade with top and bottom edges spaced apart along a blade height direction and left and right flanks spaced apart along a blade width direction. A longitudinal channel is formed in at least one flank, having a width extending in the blade height direction and a depth extending in the blade width direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Kaba Ilco Corp.
    Inventors: Charles W. Eden, Jr., Edward F. Humphrey
  • Patent number: 7181937
    Abstract: The locking cylinder has a basic code which can be changed using at least one change key (17, 17?). A rotor (3) is mounted in a cylinder housing (2a, 2b) and has a keyway (4) into which a shank of a standard key which is provided with control surfaces 18 can be pushed in order to position the tumblers which are arranged in three first rows (A, B, C). Further tumblers have coding elements (13) which are arranged in further bores in the cylinder housing (2a, 2b) in a programming position of the rotor (3). The change key (17, 17?) interacts with three further rows (D, E, F) of tumblers in the programming position, these tumblers being arranged in slides. These further rows (D, E, F) each contain tumblers having coding elements (C). The locking cylinder can be produced with a smaller outside diameter and be installed in a particularly cost-effective manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Keso AG
    Inventor: Ernst Keller
  • Patent number: 7181941
    Abstract: In a pin tumbler-type cylinder lock having an auxiliary tumbler stack, the bottom pin of the auxiliary tumbler stack has a recessed underside for receiving a projection on the key to form a detent. The invention provides an additional functionality that has not previously been associated with the auxiliary tumbler stack. When the projection on the key as seated, it prevents the key from being withdrawn from the keyway while the plug is in any rotational position in which the drive and bottom pins are not substantially aligned. Thus, the key is retained whenever the plug has been rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Kaba Ilco Corp.
    Inventor: Charles W. Eden, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7181938
    Abstract: The lock cylinder assembly of the present invention incorporates a number of features designed to defeat attempts to pick or destroy the lock. The lock cylinder assembly employs multiple arrays of pass key pins, making picking of the lock much more difficult. Second, the arrangement of the pass key pins in separate arrays requires that multiple cuts would have to be made into the lock housing mogul or cylinder blank in order to defeat the lock cylinder assembly. Third, the lock cylinder assembly of the present invention may incorporate multiple sets of hardened dowel pins to prevent drilling through the lock housing mogul in the area of the driver pins. Fourth, the lock cylinder assembly of the present invention may incorporate a hardened cylinder shield behind the front face of the cylinder blank to prevent drilling through the cylinder blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: New Security Lock Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Dennis C. Price
  • Patent number: 7174757
    Abstract: Disclosed is a lock cylinder and key set, which includes a lock cylinder, which has a keyway with two keyholes separated by a partition, and a key, which has two blades insertable into the two keyholes of the keyway for acting against respective pins in the lock cylinder to unlock the lock cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Yuan-Cheng Tseng
  • Patent number: 7162901
    Abstract: A lock cylinder is provided and includes an outer cylinder having a bore, an inner cylinder rotatably disposed within the bore, and a pin assembly disposed within the inner and outer cylinders. The pin assembly is operable to selectively lock the inner cylinder relative to the outer cylinder. The pin assembly includes an upper shear cylinder positionable relative to the outer cylinder and a lower shear cylinder positionable relative to the inner cylinder. The upper and lower shear cylinders are movable to define a first shear line therebetween. In addition, the pin assembly includes an upper pin slidable within the upper shear cylinder and a lower pin slidable within the lower shear cylinder, whereby the upper and lower pins define a second shear line therebetween. The lock cylinder is positionable from a locked position to an unlocked position when the first shear line is aligned with the second shear line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventor: Alston E. Williams
  • Patent number: 7121127
    Abstract: A lock set with a quick changeability has a plug, a cylinder, a seat, a ring and a sliding cover. The plug is mounted in the cylinder and has multiple first holes in rows wherein multiple lower pins are inserted. The cylinder has a chamber radially defined therein wherein the plug is inserted, and a lug formed in a top end thereof. Multiple second holes in rows are respectively defined in the lug and multiple upper pins and springs are inserted into the second holes. Multiple openings in rows are respectively defined in a lower inner wall of the cylinder wherein upper pins and springs are inserted into the second holes. The sliding cover abuts the lower inner wall of the chamber and has multiple orifices in rows defined therein. Hence, it is easy for a user to change a corresponding key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Eversafety Precision Industry (Tianjin) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fang-Chang Fan
  • Patent number: 7117701
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a lock keying system comprising: a lock cylinder comprising: a cylinder body; a plug assembly disposed in the cylinder body and comprising a plurality of pins and a one-to-one corresponding plurality of racks for relocating the plurality of pins; and a rack alignment tool receiving aperture defined by the lock cylinder; and a rack alignment tool comprising: a base plate; and a plurality of spaced elongated prongs, each prong from the plurality of prongs comprising a first longitudinal end adapted to engage a corresponding one of the plurality of racks, each prong from the plurality of prongs dimensioned lengthwise to relocate to a first predetermined position the corresponding one of the plurality of racks, the first predetermined position common to each of the plurality of racks, each prong from the plurality of prongs comprising a second longitudinal end connected to the base plate, wherein the rack alignment tool is adapted to restrain a carrie
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Steve Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong
  • Patent number: 7114357
    Abstract: A keying system, method and kit, wherein a plurality of replacement master racks are installed in a movable carrier assembly of a cylinder lock with the aid of a rack removal key and a rack removal tool configured for insertion into a keyway. The rack removal key has a first cut defining a first lift amount, and the rack removal tool has a second cut defining a second lift amount, the second lift amount being greater than the first lift amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Newfrey, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong
  • Patent number: 7100409
    Abstract: The present invention provides a burglarproof lock core structure which forms a curved passage between a key slot of a plug and a lower pin chamber, such that at least a bending concave surface offsetting the center of the key slot is formed at one side, and cone apexes of a plurality of lower pins are extended out of the lower pin chamber and aligned in the wall edge of the key slot. Moreover, a control valve with a cone apex is located at the other end corresponding to the bending surface inside the key slot, such that a key with curvature corresponding to the passage and notches corresponding to the cone apexes is required to open the lock, thereby having the effect of high security of burglarproof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: Tsao-Chia Chang
  • Patent number: 7086259
    Abstract: An anti-picking cylinder lock including a lock body, a plug defining a keyway, a plurality of telescopic body pin assemblies, each of the telescopic body pin assemblies including an outer body pin and an inner body pin and a plurality of telescopic plug pin assemblies, each of the telescopic plug pin assemblies including an outer plug pin and an inner plug pin, wherein at least one of the outer plug pins and the outer body pins is formed with at least one inner facing recess configured and arranged such that, upon an attempted picking of the lock, a portion of at least one of the inner plug pins and the inner body pins tends to engage the at least one recess, thus causing at least one of the inner plug pins and the inner body pins to move together in at least one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Mul-T-Lock Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventor: Rami Almoznino
  • Patent number: 7028517
    Abstract: A core having a plurality of pin bores penetrating from the core surface to the keyway, and a plurality of activator pins and filler pins, such that the installer can locate one or more activator pins in any of the pin bores, and one or more filler pins in any of the remaining bores, to thereby define a code to be provided in the respective flank or flanks of an authorized key. Preferably at least three bores are provided on at least one side of the core; especially preferred are five pin bores on either side of the core fitted with a pattern of activator pins and filler pins, whereas a sixth pin bore on each side, closest to the back end of the core, is fitted with a blocking pin. In various embodiments, the present invention is directed to a programmable cylinder lock system, a programmable core for a cylinder lock, a core kit by which the installer can program the core in the field, and a novel key adapted to be used with the programmable core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Kaba High Security Locks Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas J. Divito
  • Patent number: 7007528
    Abstract: A re-keyable lockset that employs pairs of first and second pins. Coupling of the first and second pins to one another defines a key profile for a mating key. A second key with a different key profile may be installed to the lockset when the first and second pins are uncoupled from one another. Thereafter, the first and second pins may be re-coupled to one another to define the key profile of a new mating key. A method for re-keying a lockset is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Gerald Chong, Steven Armstrong
  • Patent number: 6983630
    Abstract: A core having a plurality of cutouts penetrating from the core surface to the keyway, and a plurality of activator inserts and filler inserts, such that the installer can locate one or more activator inserts in any of the cutouts, and one or more filler inserts in any of the remaining cutouts, to thereby define a program or code to be provided in the respective flank or flanks of an authorized key. At least three and preferably at least five slotted cutouts are provided. The inserts are preferably in the form of generally semi-circular plates on at least one side of the core. In various embodiments, the present invention is directed to a programmable cylinder lock system, a programmable core for a cylinder lock, a core kit by which the installer can program the core in the field, and a novel key adapted to be used with the programmable core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Kaba Ilco Corp.
    Inventors: Charles W. Eden, Jr., Edward F. Humphrey, Thomas J. Divito
  • Patent number: 6973814
    Abstract: The safety key has a shank (6) which is provided with a plurality of control surfaces (7) for properly positioning tumblers and has a front end and a rear end (6a, 6b). At a front end (4a), the rotor (4) of the associated locking cylinder (2) has at least one further control surface (8), which interacts with a further control surface (9) arranged at the rear end (6b) of the shank (5). The safety key is backward compatible and is relatively difficult to copy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Inventor: Ernst Keller
  • Patent number: 6959569
    Abstract: A re-keyable lock cylinder includes a plug body and a carrier sub-assembly disposed adjacent the plug body. The plug assembly includes a plurality of planar wafers and the carrier sub assembly includes a plurality of racks for engaging the wafers in a face-to-face teeth arrangement. The racks disengage from the wafers to separate the teeth in response to movement of the carrier such that the lock cylinder is in a re-keyable condition when the racks are disengaged from the wafers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Walter Strader, Steven Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong
  • Patent number: 6959570
    Abstract: A lock assembly incorporating a number of features designed to defeat attempts to pick or destroy the lock. The lock cylinder assembly employs multiple arrays of pass key pins, making picking of the lock much more difficult. Second, the arrangement of the pass key pins in separate arrays requires that multiple cuts would have to be made into the lock housing mogul or cylinder blank in order to defeat the lock cylinder assembly. Third, the lock cylinder assembly of the present invention may incorporate multiple sets of hardened dowel pins to prevent drilling through the lock housing mogul in the area of the driver pins. Fourth, the lock cylinder assembly of the present invention may incorporate a hardened cylinder shield behind the front face of the cylinder blank to prevent drilling through the cylinder blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: New Security Lock Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Dennis C. Price
  • Patent number: 6951123
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder comprising: a cylinder body having a longitudinal axis and defining a longitudinally spaced, radially-aligned first plurality of pin chambers, each of said first plurality of pin chambers adapted to house a corresponding first pin, said cylinder body further defining a longitudinally extending slot therethrough; and a plug assembly disposed in said cylinder body, said plug assembly comprising a plug body defining a second plurality of pin chambers, each of said second plurality of pin chambers adapted to house a corresponding second pin, said plug body rotatable within said cylinder body between a first position and a second position, said first position aligning said second plurality of pin chambers with said first plurality of pin chambers, said second plurality of pins removable from said second plurality of pin chambers when said plug body is in said second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventor: Gerald B. Chong
  • Patent number: 6935146
    Abstract: A lock assembly has a housing, a cylinder, a main adjusting pin assembly, a sub-adjusting pin assembly and multiple locking pin assemblies. The housing has multiple sets of pin holes, two main adjusting holes and two sub-adjusting holes. The three holes of the sets of pin holes are respectively referred to as a changing position, an open position and a lock position of the lock assembly. The cylinder is rotatably received in housing and has a main adjusting hole, a main adjusting cavity, a sub-adjusting hole, a sub-adjusting cavity and multiple pin holes. The adjusting pin assemblies are mounted respectively in the main adjusting holes and the sub-adjusting holes in the housing and the cylinder to selectively block the rotation interface of the lock assembly. The locking pin assemblies are mounted respectively in the pin holes. Accordingly, the lock assembly is changeable to fit with different keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Vance Lock Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Vance Lin
  • Patent number: 6912881
    Abstract: The security reversible key with an assigned cylinder (Z) has a blocking groove (BN) with a coded blocking depth (B1, B2, B3), which runs parallel to the axis of the key (x) from the tip of the key to at least the first position (P1) of a row of tumbler pins (A2) on the key. In the assigned cylinder, at least at the rearmost coding position (P1), a pair of tumbler pins corresponding to the blocking groove (BN) with a blocking tumbler pin (BZ) and an extended blocking counter pin (BG) are foreseen, whereby the blocking counter pin (BG) impinges on the cylinder housing (10), if the blocking groove is insufficiently deep and, with this, the complete insertion of a key with an insufficiently deep blocking groove is blocked by the pair of blocking tumbler pins. Simultaneously, the blocking tumbler pin (BZ) with the counter pin (BG) at the position (P1) also serves as coding tumbler pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Kaba Schliesssysteme AG
    Inventor: Arno Kleinhaeni
  • Patent number: 6910356
    Abstract: The lock cylinder assembly of the present invention incorporates a number of features designed to defeat attempts to pick or destroy the lock. The lock cylinder assembly employs multiple arrays of pass key pins, making picking of the lock much more difficult. Second, the arrangement of the pass key pins in separate arrays requires that multiple cuts would have to be made into the lock housing mogul or cylinder blank in order to defeat the lock cylinder assembly. Third, the lock cylinder assembly of the present invention may incorporate multiple sets of hardened dowel pins to prevent drilling through the lock housing mogul in the area of the driver pins. Fourth, the lock cylinder assembly of the present invention may incorporate a hardened cylinder shield behind the front face of the cylinder blank to prevent drilling through the cylinder blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: New Security Lock Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Dennis C. Price
  • Patent number: RE39364
    Abstract: An improved security cylinder lock and key for operating the cylinder lock are disclosed. The cylinder lock has conventional tumbler locking structure and a secondary locking bar that operates independently of the tumblers. The secondary locking bar prevents operation of the cylinder lock until a properly configured key is placed in the keyway of the cylinder lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Stanley Security Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Greg N. Brandt