Abstract: A combination padlock includes a lock housing, a shackle, and a plurality of dials. A blocking member disposed within the lock housing is pivotable about a pivot point on the blocking member between a shackle securing position and a shackle releasing position. Each of the plurality of dials includes an unlocking feature disposed on an outer periphery of the dial. When each of the plurality of dials is rotated to an unlocking orientation, each of the unlocking features aligns with a corresponding dial engaging portion of the blocking member, allowing the blocking member to pivot from the shackle securing position to the shackle releasing position. Engagement of the blocking member with the inner front surface of the lock housing is limited to a location longitudinally aligned with the pivot point to limit lateral movement of the blocking member without limiting pivoting movement of the blocking member.

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.

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: The invention provides a pick-resistant locking mechanism with wafer tumblers, sidebars and an interchangeable cylinder that allows re-keying of the lock. The sidebars have projections with beveled sides that engage with cavities in the lock shell when rotational torque is applied to the lock in the absence of the correct key. A sidebar of the lock contacts two, nonadjacent wafer tumblers. The wafer tumblers have indentations that engage cavities in the lock shell when rotational torque is applied during picking of the lock. Tolerance between sidebars and the lock shell is less than the tolerance between tumblers and the lock shell. The tumbler springs are not accessible from the keyway of the lock and are more powerful than the sidebar springs.