Key- And Tool-controlled Patents (Class 70/368)
  • Patent number: 10612279
    Abstract: A lock device for holding an openable and closable member in a closed state. The lock device includes a base member, an operation member, a rod, and a cylinder lock. The cylinder lock has a protruding portion biased to protrude radially outwards to be engaged with an engaging portion formed on a rear side of a cylinder accommodating portion. The rod has a distal end portion configured to move out of a through hole formed in the openable and closable member to be engaged with a locking portion on a fixed member over a predetermined length with the openable and closable member left in a locked state, and a pushing portion enables a release of an engagement with the engaging portion when the rod moves in a receding direction to abut with the protruding portion, causing the protruding portion to recede against a biasing force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: PIOLAX, INC.
    Inventor: Hisashi Nakasone
  • Patent number: 10006227
    Abstract: A locking device for adding security to an item locked by a lock having a cable, the locking device having: a housing configured to receive the lock by having a shape similar to the lock, the housing comprising an open top; a floor having mounting holes configured for receiving means for securing the housing to a surface; a first side wall having a first top wall end; and a second side wall; and means for receiving a first cable end and thus receiving the lock into the housing; means for restricting a movement of the first cable end out of the housing when means for unlocking and locking a second cable end into a first locking portion of the lock is in a locked state; and a first circular opening inaccessible from the first top wall end, and aligned with the first locking portion when the housing receives the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Inventor: Larry Lorant Szebeni
  • Patent number: 9920549
    Abstract: Some designs of combination padlock allow users of the padlocks to set the combinations that unlock the padlocks. However, the operations which a user must perform to set the combination of a padlock typically involve manipulating the shank of the padlock by pulling the shank away from the housing of the padlock or pushing part of the shank further into the housing of the padlock, rotating the shank through a certain angle, and holding or fixing the shank in this position while rotating dials of the padlock to change the combination. Such operations are fiddly, and it can be difficult to remember what steps are required to change the combination. Thus there is provided a combination padlock which goes some way towards overcoming or at least ameliorating one or more of the above problems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: DG INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
    Inventors: Simon Little, Karl Lai
  • Patent number: 9803398
    Abstract: A padlock is provided that can be locked and unlocked using a combination mechanism or a key mechanism. A padlock includes clutches that will not be turned during the lock mode or the open mode. A lock body has more than one slot to engage an extended fin of the clutch in the lock mode. An opening slot and faulty notches are located in each of the dials. In the lock mode, the turning of the dials will have no effect on the clutches. Each extended fin of the clutch is engaged in a slot of the lock body in the lock mode. The faulty notches on the dials are clearer and an intruder cannot feel the correct opening slot by turning dials to pick the combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: The Sun Lock Company Ltd.
    Inventor: Karl Lai
  • Patent number: 9435137
    Abstract: Provided is a device for securing an essential component, in particular a lock cylinder, a lock cylinder catch or the like, of a handle of a motor vehicle, the device having a carrier, which can be secured on the inside to a movable part, in particular to a lid, tailgate or door. A blocking unit is arranged on the carrier and comprises movable gear elements, by means of which the blocking unit can be moved between a blocking position and a release position, the component being located in a detached manner in the carrier in the release position and the component being held securely on the carrier in the blocking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Huf Hulsbeck & Furst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Marion Kilian, Sebastian Gebel, Anuj Kaushal
  • Patent number: 9382727
    Abstract: A cylinder core for a cylinder for locks, including a key profile insert inserted in a cylinder core body, the key profile insert having at least one first core pin and the cylinder core body having a first pin channel, a second pin channel, and at least one second core pin, where the first pin channel aligns with the first core pin and the second pin channel guides the second core pin and where the first core pin and the second core pin are movable within the first pin channel and the second pin channel by a key which is insertable into the cylinder core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: DORMA DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventor: Lars Lundberg
  • Patent number: 9085917
    Abstract: An interchangeable cylinder system for furniture locks. The interchangeable cylinder system includes a cylinder housing, a lock cylinder configured to be inserted into and withdrawn from the cylinder housing. The lock cylinder is configured to be twisted about a longitudinal axis of the lock cylinder between an opening position and a closing position. The lock cylinder includes a collar which protrudes radially with respect to the longitudinal axis and beyond a jacket surface of the lock cylinder. The lock cylinder includes an opening into which an unlocking element is configured to be inserted. The jacket surface includes an annular groove into which a locking element engages to secure the lock cylinder in the cylinder housing. An axial stop is integrally attached in an interior of the cylinder housing and through which stop a base region of the locking cylinder extends, which base region is remote from the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: MARTIN LEHMANN GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Horst Kriete, Sonke Schluter
  • Patent number: 8973417
    Abstract: An electronic small format interchangeable core (“SFIC”) lock is configured so that core locking features are electronically controlled, and keys can be electronically programmed to operate either as a normal user key able to open the lock or as a control key able to open the lock and to remove the SFIC cores. The same key will operate as a normal access key or as a control key, depending on how the key is programmed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Medeco Security Locks, Inc.
    Inventors: James Bench, Lance Schoell, Doug Trent, David Smith
  • Patent number: 8904833
    Abstract: A lock includes a shackle having a short first portion, a long second portion and a curved portion. The second portion has a groove defined in outside thereof. A body has a first hole and a second hole for receiving the first and second portions respectively. A passage is defined in outside of the body and perpendicularly communicates with the second hole. A positioning unit is located in the passage and has a securing member, a pin and a resilient member. The securing member has a path in which a narrowed section of the pin is inserted. The resilient member biases the pin which is engaged with the groove. When the pin is moved to compress the resilient member, the pin is removed from the groove and the narrowed section is located corresponding to the groove so that the second portion can be removed from the second hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Federal Lock Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tien-Kao Liu
  • Patent number: 8794042
    Abstract: A plug assembly for use in a key-operated lock, having a cylindrical key plug that can rotatable between a key insertion position and a control position, the key plug having a keyway and tumbler bores, an axial groove into the periphery displaced tangentially from the tumbler bores, a curved trough extending radially inwardly from the carriage groove, a control tooling slot formed radially inwardly from the curved trough. A carriage is moveable axially within the carriage groove, and has an outer surface proximate with the cylindrical periphery of the key plug. The carriage has radially-formed retainer bores that align tangentially with the tumbler bores when the carriage is in a position to accept lock configuration change balls. A separate change tooling blade can be inserted into the control tooling slot to raise any change balls within the retainer bores out through an outer opening the retainer bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Smartloc Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Rodrick A. Herdman
  • Patent number: 8646299
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a pin tumbler lock system having a housing, a plug, and easy accessible driver pins, key pins and springs. The system is configured so that the lengths of the key pins are adjustable from the outside without taking the lock apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Poul Sloth ApS
    Inventor: Poul Sloth
  • Patent number: 8561444
    Abstract: A programmable cylinder lock includes a stator and a cylindrical rotor, mounted therein for rotation around its own axis and having a keyhole, a number of key followers movable along their own longitudinal and transversal directions, intended to cooperate with a key inserted into the keyhole, a number of locking pins movable along their own longitudinal direction, the key followers and locking pins forming together a number of pairs and having toothings cooperating to define the lock codification, the rotor including a stop bar cooperating with a longitudinal groove of the stator and having projections cooperating with notches of the locking pins to immobilize them when the stop bar engages them, and a change bar slidingly coupled with the key followers to normally keep them engaged with the locking pins and to disengage them therefrom when the change bar provides a lock programming position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Rielda Serrature s.r.l.
    Inventor: Alberto Loreti
  • Patent number: 8448484
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder comprises a plurality of first rack components, a plurality of second rack components and a guide bar having a first surface engaged with the first rack components. The second rack components are movable via contacting against a first matched key which is inserted in a first direction. The guide bar has a second surface, a first side, a second side, and a tool-receiving portion recessed into the first side. The tool-receiving portion is parallel to the first direction, and the first rack components are actuated by the guide bar via acting force applied by the rekeying tool accommodated in the tool-receiving portion therefore enabling the first rack components to move in a transverse direction relative to the first direction and disengaging the first rack components from the second rack components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Taiwan Fu Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao-Ming Huang, Chi-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 8429940
    Abstract: An armored cable assembly (10) includes a flexible cable (12), a plurality of first armor elements (14), and a plurality of second armor elements (20). The flexible cable (12) is received within a bore (16, 28) in each of the armor elements (14, 20), which are threaded in alternate manner on the flexible cable (12). A ball and socket joint is established between adjacent armor elements (14, 20). Each of the second armor elements (20) includes a cylindrical portion (22) between first and second arcuate or hemispherical ends (24), each end (24) being adapted to provide the ball of the ball and socket joint. A locking assembly (50) is further provided for use with an armored cable assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Tyson Security Pty Limited
    Inventor: David John Evans
  • Patent number: 8291735
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder includes a lock cylinder body having an interior void and a plug assembly rotatably disposed in the lock cylinder body. The plug assembly includes a plug body having a keyway. A plurality of racks is movably disposed relative to the plug body. A plurality of key followers is positioned across the keyway and is moveably disposed relative to the plug body. Each key follower is configured to engage a respective rack of the plurality of racks. A key follower rotation member is drivably engaged with each key follower of the plurality of key followers. The key follower rotation member is selectively movable to rotate each key follower of the plurality of key followers to thereby disengage each key follower of the plurality of key followers from the respective rack of the plurality of racks to facilitate a keying of the rekeyable lock cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Newfrey, LLC
    Inventor: Gerry Damikolas
  • Patent number: 8011212
    Abstract: This invention relates to a lock, which includes a housing and an indicative lock core. The indicative lock core is operable by a key to move to an indicative position and be stuck in the indicative position. The indicative lock core can move back to its original position only through a restore mechanism. When the key-operated lock core is in the indicative position, the key-operated lock core is partly situated outside the housing and is easily noticed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Chun Te Yu
  • Patent number: 7980104
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder comprises a cylinder body, a plug assembly disposed within the cylinder body and at least one adjusting member. The cylinder body has an inside wall, the plug assembly comprises a plug body having a plurality of pin holes and an opening, a plurality of assembled pins disposed within the pin holes of the plug body and a position block disposed in the plug body. Each of the assembled pins comprises a first rack component having an aligning cavity and a second rack component engaged with the first rack component. The position block has a plurality of pin runners served for disposing the first rack components and a tool-receiving hole corresponding to the opening. The adjusting member is movably disposed within one of the pin holes of the plug body and contacts against at least one first rack component and the inside wall of the cylinder body thereby forming a position difference between the tool-receiving hole and the aligning cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Taiwan Fu Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chao-Ming Huang
  • Patent number: 7980106
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder comprises a cylinder body and a plug assembly disposed within the cylinder body. The plug assembly comprises a plug body, a plurality of pin assemblies and a guide bar. The plug body has a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and a tool-receiving hole. Each of the pin assemblies is movably disposed in the plug body and comprises a first rack component and a second rack component selectively engaging with the first rack component. The guide bar is coupled to the plug body and has a plurality of pin runners for engaging with the first rack components and a tool-receiving portion exposed by the tool-receiving hole. The guide bar is capable of moving along transverse axis-direction of the plug body to disengage the first rack components from the second rack components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Taiwan Fu Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao-Ming Huang, Chi-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 7937976
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder comprises a cylinder body and a plug assembly disposed within the cylinder body. The plug assembly comprises a plug body, a plurality of assembled pins and a position block. The plug body has a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis vertical to the longitudinal axis, a keyhole and a first through hole. Each of the assembled pins is movably disposed in the plug body and comprises a first rack component and a second rack component selectively engaging with the first rack component. The position block disposed at the plug body has a plurality of pin runners used for disposing the first rack components, a second through hole corresponding to the first through hole and a tool-contacting surface located within the second through hole. The position block can move along the transverse axis-direction of the plug body to make each of the first rack components reengage with each of the second rack components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Taiwan Fu Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao-Ming Huang, Chi-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 7685852
    Abstract: A tool for loading pin stack elements into a pin tumbler lock includes a cylindrical shank of diameter similar to the diameter of the lock plug, a loading groove extending along at least a shank portion corresponding to the length of the set of pin chambers and intersecting with the shank axis; a set of parallel loading bores formed in the shank, extending between the loading groove and the outer surface of the shank, each loading bore dimensioned to contain pin stack elements, the loading bores further having a spacing along the shank in a direction parallel to its axis equal to the spacing of the chambers; and a loader element mounted within the loading groove in adjustable positioning with respect to the loading bores, operative for selectable transfer of a pin stack element from each loading bore to a chamber in axial registration therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: Rahamim Komemi
  • Patent number: 7650769
    Abstract: A lock device includes a housing with a center through hole and a core that matches the center through hole. There is a center through hole engagement groove in the wall of the center through hole and there is a core engagement groove opposite this center through hole engagement groove. The lock includes a fitting ring and elastic part. The fitting ring and elastic part are between the center through hole engagement groove and the core engagement groove, within the core engagement groove. The advantages of the aforementioned lock are that assembly is convenient and use is not easily affected by assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Inventor: Tsung-I Lo
  • Publication number: 20100005842
    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
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Rodrick A. HERDMAN
  • Patent number: 7634931
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder includes a plug body and a backing rack that cooperate to define a plurality of pin chambers within the lock cylinder, with each of the pin chambers housing a corresponding pin. Movement of the backing rack changes the configuration of the pin chambers, thereby allowing the corresponding pins to change configuration to match the bitting on a valid key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Donald J. Segien, Richard J. Veltman
  • Patent number: 7628048
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder comprises a cylinder body and a plug assembly disposed within the cylinder body. The plug assembly comprises a plug body, a plurality of assembled pins, a position block and a rotating member. The plug body has a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and a first through hole. Each of the assembled pins is movably disposed in the plug body and comprises a first rack component and a second rack component selectively engaging with the first rack component. The position block is disposed at the plug body and has a plurality of pin runners for disposing the first rack components and a second through hole corresponding to the first through hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Taiwan Fu Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao-Ming Huang, Chi-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 7624606
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder comprises a cylinder body and a plug assembly disposed within the cylinder body. The plug assembly comprises a plug body, a plurality of pin assemblies and a guide bar. The plug body has a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and a tool-receiving hole. Each of the pin assemblies is movably disposed in the plug body and comprises a first rack component and a second rack component selectively engaging with the first rack component. The guide bar is coupled to the plug body and has a plurality of pin runners for engaging with the first rack components and a tool-receiving portion exposed by the tool-receiving hole. The guide bar is capable of moving along transverse axis-direction of the plug body to disengage the first rack components from the second rack components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Taiwan Fu Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao-Ming Huang, Chi-Ming Chen
  • Publication number: 20090277236
    Abstract: A quickly rekeyable lock cylinder comprises a cylinder body and a plug assembly disposed within the cylinder body. The plug assembly comprises a plug body, a position block disposed at the plug body, a first rack group and a second rack group. The plug body has a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis vertical to the longitudinal axis and a rekeying tool opening. The first rack group has a plurality of first rack components. The second rack group may push the position block to move and has a plurality of second rack components in engagement with the first rack components and at least one tool-receiving portion pushed by the rekeying tool. The second rack components can move along transverse axis of the plug body to release engagement with the first rack components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: TAIWAN FU HSING INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chao-Ming Huang, Chi-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 7104098
    Abstract: A lock assembly for a keyed knob includes an insert, a cylinder assembly and a retainer. The insert is inserted into the knob after the retainer is attached thereto. The insert is inserted from the rear of the knob and attached thereto. The cylinder assembly is then inserted into the front of the insert until the retainer engages the cylinder assembly to secure the cylinder assembly into the insert. The cylinder assembly is readily removed by pressing on a step portion of the retainer with a tool inserted through the rear of the knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Oscar Romero, Steve Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong
  • Patent number: 7051562
    Abstract: A retainer clip is used for retaining a lock plug within a bore of a lock housing. The retainer clip includes a generally arcuate body disposeable about the plug outer surface and having a radial retention surface positionable generally against a housing end surface so as to prevent axial displacement of the plug along the bore. Two projections are each disposed proximal to a separate end of the body, each projection being disposeable within a separate plug opening when the body is disposed on the plug to retain the clip engaged therewith. The clip body has a hinge, a first arm portion extending between the hinge and one free end and a second arm portion extending between the hinge and the other end. The hinge is configured so that the two arm portions are deflectable generally about the hinge to move with respect to each other during installation and removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company
    Inventors: Evan Earl Evans, James Douglas Ohl
  • 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: 6874340
    Abstract: A parking meter has a vault housing and a vault door removably covering a main opening and having a back facing an interior of the housing. A lock assembly includes a lock cylinder disposed on the door and that has a body and a usually movable portion. A bolting mechanism operatively connects to the movable portion of the lock cylinder for selectively providing a locked position. A support structure is disposed on the interior side of the door and holds the bolting mechanism. A removable retainer engages the body of the lock cylinder, which is usually stationary. This results in the retainer preventing motion of the body sufficient to operate the bolting mechanism. The support structure is configured for releasably maintaining the retainer on the lock cylinder body. The vault housing defines a tool hole providing access to the interior of the housing for insertion of a disengagement tool through the tool hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Duncan Industries
    Inventor: Lawrence Berman
  • Patent number: 6615627
    Abstract: A lock for a door has a casing, a bolt, a pivoted operating handle operable to retract the bolt, and lock structure comprising a lock cylinder. The lock cylinder is secured to the housing by a screw covered by a rose around the part of the housing, the rose being secured in place by fixing screws which can only be accessed upon removal of the casing assembly from the door and with the bolt in a retracted position. In this state, the shank of the screwdriver to undo each fixing screw can easily be passed through respective aligned openings in a cover plate of the housing assembly, the bolt, and the housing, thereby allowing removal of the rose and subsequent replacement of the cylinder without the need to remove components of the door lock itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Banham Patent Locks Limited
    Inventor: Brian Edward Cowper
  • Patent number: 6453706
    Abstract: A padlock includes a lock casing having a core receiving space, a latch recess communicated with the core receiving space, a first shackle insert hole, a second shackle insert hole aligned with the first shackle insert hole, and a slide channel communicating the second shackle insert hole with the latch recess. A lock core unit includes a latch member extending into the latch recess and rotatable inside the latch recess between locking and unlocking positions. A shackle bar extends into the first and second shackle insert holes. A catch member is disposed slidably in the latch recess, and has a first abutment wall formed with a shackle engaging projection that extends into the slide channel, a second abutment wall spaced apart from the first abutment wall, and a latch cavity defined between the first and second abutment walls for extension of the latch member thereinto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventor: Waterson Chen
  • 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: 6418766
    Abstract: A key container has a body with a chamber, an access opening that communicates with the chamber and a cover that can be locked in place over the opening. A key-operated locking assembly is attached to the cover and engagable with the body to lock the cover in place. The cover can be engaged with the body and locked in place without operating the key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Interlogix, Inc.
    Inventor: Jon Marc Luebeck
  • Patent number: 6349579
    Abstract: The disclosure concerns a vehicle steering column anti-theft device of the type including a casing in which a rotationally mounted lock rotor drives rotationally a rotary projecting part forming a cam that can cooperate with a bolt to control the movements of this bolt, said rotor being of the type in which its cylindrical front end section is engaged in a rear bore of said projecting part and in which said rotor and said projecting part are immobilized rotationally and axially relative to each other, wherein the means of axial immobilization of said projecting part relative to said rotor include a restraining part in the form of a spring clip carried by said projecting part including an elastically deformable section of which one active end projects radially inwards into said rear bore to engage a notch in the peripheral surface of said front end section of said rotor, and wherein, to enable automatic assembly of these parts, the rotor includes means for automatic engagement of said active end of said restra
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Valeo Securite Habitacle
    Inventor: Louis Canard
  • Publication number: 20010017049
    Abstract: A lock has a tumbler with a camming surface, the tumbler being urged outwardly when the key is inserted. As the lock barrel moves inwards, the tumbler rotates about an axis against a spring force to pass a formation on the lock housing and, once past the formation, latches behind the formation to prevent the barrel from moving back outwards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Publication date: August 30, 2001
    Inventor: Colin Rutherford
  • 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: 6112565
    Abstract: Combination cylinder that can be extracted from the outside for a latch, characterized in that support (4) of cylinder (3) has a radial catch piece (6) that can be retracted relative to a radial slot (7) of the internal wall of the static body (5) attached to the door, and there is a transverse lift-bar (8), a counter-spring push-button (9) and one each first (10) and second (11) openings attached in permanent axial alignment with said push-button (9); said lift-bar (8) has a first arm (8a) joined in an articulating manner with said retractable catch piece (6), a second arm (8b) with one end that can interfere with the rotary path of radial projection (13) present in cylinder (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Talleres de Escoriaza S.A.
    Inventor: Luis Angel Ruano Aramburu
  • Patent number: 5979200
    Abstract: A removable core, axial pin tumbler lock includes an inner cylinder assembly which is retained within a housing for the lock by means of a spring biased disc which may be decoupled from the housing by means of insertion of a pick through a passageway defined in the inner cylinder assembly when the components parts of the assembly are appropriately aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Compx International, Inc.
    Inventor: William H. Cliff
  • Patent number: 5921122
    Abstract: A lock assembly includes a main body having a compartment defined in a lower part thereof for removably receiving a lock core therein. The main body further includes a number of upper chambers defined in an upper part thereof, each upper chamber including an upper pin tumbler received therein. The lock core includes a number of lower chambers defined therein, each lower chamber including a lower pin tumbler received therein. The main body further includes a number of longitudinally spaced holes defined in a periphery thereof each hole being communicated with a lower end of an associated upper chamber. A member has a number of branches, wherein each branch is removably inserted into an associated hole to support the associated upper pin tumbler during removal of the lock core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Taiwan Fu Hsing Industry Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Jesse Lin
  • Patent number: 5873272
    Abstract: A lock for use in a display case with sliding doors can be assembled by inserting a lock core and securing it into a lock cylinder from the front of the display case. The lock cylinder has a front, a rear end, a central opening extending from the front to the rear. It is adapted to receive the lock core from the front and has a threaded hole near the front and transverse and open to the central opening. A screw is threaded into the threaded hole such that a portion of the screw extends into the central opening blocking removal of the core from the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Thompson Lock & Supply Corporation
    Inventor: Robert L. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5782119
    Abstract: A spring-biased detent to provide selective securement of a door knob assembly to a spindle of a lock mechanism. The detent is inserted transversely in the spindle and biased by a spring clip. The detent may be depressed within the spindle allowing the door knob assembly to slide onto the spindle and subsequently is biased into an aperture of the knob to lockingly attach the knob assembly to the spindle. The detent includes a central aperture for receiving a tailpiece of the lock mechanism. The aperture is configured to allow depression of the detent only when the tailpiece is oriented in an unlocked position preventing removal of the door knob assembly when the latch is locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Baldwin Hardware Corporation
    Inventors: Philip C. Ellis, Leslie A. Meck
  • 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: 5701773
    Abstract: Apparatus for opening, or removing without damage, automotive side-bar type ignition locks, comprises a combination tool with a plurality of projections extending horizontally and forwardly from the combination tool to engage the lock's keyway, at least one balanced pair of recesses in the lock's face, or, optionally, when the tool is used as a lock-remover, the inner walls of the lock's hollow wing-nut cylinder cap. When used as a lock-forcing opener, the combination tool is placed in position on the lock cylinder's face and a conventional wrench gripping the tool's hexagonally-shaped portion is turned to create torque applied by the tool's projections against the walls of the lock's recesses, forcing the lock cylinder to turn to its ON position and start the vehicle's engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Inventor: Frank Markisello
  • Patent number: 5609052
    Abstract: A loader 30 and method of loading lock pins 104 and 112 into the plug portion 100 of a cylindrical lock. The loader 30 includes a body 32 and cover 34. The body 32 has a plurality of pin dispensing barrels 36 which are loaded with a preestablished plurality of lock pins 104 and 112. The body 32 fits under the plug portion 100 so that the pin dispensing barrels 36 abut and coaxially align with a corresponding plurality of pin cavities 102 in the plug portion 100, The combined body 32 and plug portion 100 are then turned upside down (rotated approximately 180') and gravity causes the lock pins 104 and 112 to vacate the pin dispensing barrels 36 and enter the pin cavities 102 in the plug portion 100.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Inventor: Joel M. Denning
  • Patent number: 5600979
    Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft system is provided comprising a mechanical security device mounted in a vehicle to limit rotation of the vehicle steering wheel and an electrically operable security device having armed and disarmed modes in which the starting motor circuit for the vehicle is respectively opened and closed independent of the vehicle ignition switch. The mechanical device includes a key operated locking mechanism for mounting and dismounting the device, the electrically operable device includes a key operated switch mechanism for arming and disarming the device, and the key operated locking mechanism and key operated switch mechanism are operable by the same common key. The electrically operable security device includes circuitry for maintaining the starting motor circuit of the vehicle open in response to an effort to bypass the key operated switch mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Winner International Royalty Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Winner, John Rutkowski
  • Patent number: 5454245
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for removing side-bar automotive ignition locks without damage, a tool kit being provided containing a drill guide block, an adjustably molted drill bit, a side-bar pressure tool for insertion into the access opening created by the drill bit, and a wafer pressure tool for insertion into the keyway of the ignition lock to urge the lock wafer elements into alignment at the same time the side-bar pressure is being applied, causing retraction of the side-bar and consequent opening of the lock to permit its removal. Plugs are provided to reseal the drilled access opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Inventor: Frank Markisello
  • Patent number: 5402661
    Abstract: A tool to start ignition side bar type lock cylinders in all Ford vehicles is provided and consists of using a tool which has a guide key to hold the tool in place, two tabs to cut into the face of the cylinder, a hexagonal shape at rear of tool to accept a wrench for turning the cylinder to the ON position and thus start the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Inventor: Frank Markisello
  • Patent number: 5394711
    Abstract: A padlock includes a lock body (1) and a substantially U-shaped shackle (2), a lock mechanism (4) fitted into a cavity (3) in the lock body and to which at least one lock bolt (5) is functionally connected for locking the shackle to the lock body (1), a cover element (6), which is turnably connected to the lock body (1), preferably by means of threads, and which is located in the insertion direction of the key in front of the lock mechanism (4), and a stop member (7), arranged in the lock body transversally with regard to the cover element (6), removable in the open position of the shackle (2) and preventing, in its blocking position, turning of the cover element (6) with regard to the lock body (1), and a locking ring (10) placed in a groove (9) in the lock body (1) surrounding the cover element and arranged to be installed in its position in case the cover element (6) is to be locked permanently to the lock body (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: Abloy Security Ltd Oy
    Inventor: Jukka Pitkanen