With Pivoted Or Swinging Bit Portion Patents (Class 70/399)
  • Patent number: 11959306
    Abstract: The lock with key having expanding arm elements is a lock. The lock with key having expanding arm elements comprises a body structure and a key structure. The key structure inserts into the body structure. The key structure rotates within the body structure to release the locking elements of the lock with key having expanding arm elements. The key structure comprises a plurality of rotating blade structures. Each of the plurality of rotating blade structures interact with an independent lock mechanism selected from a plurality of lock mechanisms contained in the body structure. The rotation of each rotating blade structure within its associated independent lock mechanism releases the locking elements of the lock with key having expanding arm elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Inventor: Daniel Espinosa-Ulloa
  • Patent number: 11933071
    Abstract: A key device includes a generally elongate shaft portion that has first and second oppositely directed side surfaces, at least one of which is cuttable to form key cuts that define a key combination surface. First and second key combination elements, disposed in the elongate shaft portion, are side-by-side one another at different lateral positions along the width of the elongate shaft portion and located at overlapping longitudinal positions along the length of the elongate shaft portion. The first and second key combination elements are each pivotable about a pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Mul-T-Lock Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Effi Ben-Aharon, Izhak Kaiser, Eyal Morsky
  • Patent number: 11905736
    Abstract: The lock with key having expanding arm elements is an electromechanical lock mechanism. The lock with key having expanding arm elements comprises a key structure, a lock structure, and a lock control circuit. The lock structure is a fastening device. The lock structure secures the position of a first object relative to a second object. The lock structure is a releasable structure such that the position of the first object relative to the second object can be adjusted after the lock structure is released. The lock control circuit is an electric circuit. The lock control circuit forms an electronic locking mechanism that fastens and releases the locking structure. The key structure is a multi-blade structure that controls the operation of the lock control circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Inventor: Daniel Espinosa-Ulloa
  • Patent number: 8950226
    Abstract: A cylinder lock assembly including a plug rotatable in a cylinder lock body and including a plurality of chambers, each of the chambers having a chamber depth axis, and a plurality of plug locking elements received in the chambers, each of the plug locking elements including a key cut interface probe for interfacing with a key cut formed on a key, and wherein each of the plug locking elements is arranged to move along the chamber depth axis and not rotate about the chamber depth axis, and each of the key cut interface probes has a predetermined orientation with respect to the chamber depth axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Inventor: Moshe Dolev
  • Patent number: 8919161
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a key (1) and to a mechanical module for a key (1), comprising a body (2), the body (2) including a first body portion (21) and a second body portion (22), the first and second body portions (21, 22) being mechanically secured to each other via a shape assembly, the first body portion (21) including a base member (21?) and a matching member (23), the matching member (23) achieving the shape assembly with the second portion (22), and the matching member (23) and the base member (21?) being connected by an adhesive or welded connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Didier Pozzi
  • Patent number: 8833122
    Abstract: A transport clip for attachment to a key fob is provided. The transport clip includes a neck at least partially surrounding a key blade, which is selectively rotatable between a stowed position in which the key blade is substantially within a fob body and a deployed position in which the key blade extends away from the fob body. The neck prevents rotation of the transport clip relative to the key blade. The transport clip also includes an ear portion that depresses a latch button to an unlocked position, which allows substantially free rotation of the key blade, relative to the fob body, between the deployed position and the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Konchan, Jorg Gschweng, Grant W. Nelson, Kemal Altin, Frank Biallas, Jens Koenigsfeld
  • Patent number: 8794043
    Abstract: A lock and key combination that uses a key device which includes a shaft portion, and at least one movable key combination element which is retained within the shaft portion and which includes first and second portions adjacent one another, the first portion of the at least one movable key combination element being located along on the shaft portion and the second portion of the at least one movable key combination element being located offset to the first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Mul-T-Lock Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Effi Ben-Aharon, Dani Markbreit
  • Patent number: 8746025
    Abstract: A key blank comprises a shaft and a head connected to the shaft, the shaft including first and second surface that are oppositely facing, wherein the surfaces are configured to include combination elements to operate a lock and a pair of coaxial operating elements, wherein one element of the pair is operative from the first surface of the shaft and the other element of the pair is operative from the second surface of the shaft, and wherein at least one of the operative elements is a resilient element mounted inside a bore provided in the shaft, wherein the resilient element is operative to exert a compressive force on a pin mechanism of the lock in response to the operative engagement and thereby release the pin mechanism from a lock position, without requiring any pressure on the coaxial element on the other side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignees: Smarter Place Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Asher Haviv, Eric Torgeman
  • Patent number: 8695389
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a key and to a mechanical module for a key having a key body and a key bit fitted to this key body such that it can pivot about a rotation axis between a use position and a stowed away position, the mechanical module being of the type comprising a pivoting support, holding the key bit and engaging with a control button, the control button having a first mechanical means for preventing rotation which is able to engage with a second mechanical means for preventing rotation of a casing element of the key body, it being possible for the control button to be positioned in a normal position and in a position in which it is depressed parallel to the rotation axis, the first mechanical means engaging with the second mechanical means at least at four points around the rotation axis when the control button is in its normal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Christophe Gueble
  • Patent number: 8671725
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to key assemblies and their mating locks, and more particularly, to keys with mutually compressible, actuating elements capable of being continuously positioned axially within apertures in a key blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Rav Bariach (08) Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Petrisor Nicoara
  • Publication number: 20130298622
    Abstract: The invention relates to a retractable key comprising an upper half-shell (3) and a lower half-shell which are assembled together so as to form a housing, and an insert-extending module configured so as to be mounted in said housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: VALEO SECURITE HABITACLE
    Inventor: Benoit Delande
  • Patent number: 8387425
    Abstract: A key device for use with more than one lock, the key device including a shaft portion, and at least one movable key combination element retained within the shaft portion and including first and second portions adjacent one another, the first portion of the at least one movable key combination element being located along on the shaft portion and the second portion of the at least one movable key combination element being located offset to the first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Mul-T-Lock Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Effi Ben-Aharon, Dani Markbreit
  • Patent number: 8365559
    Abstract: A key mechanism that includes a key having a shank portion and a grip portion secured to the shank portion. The mechanism further includes a frame with the key being rotatably secured within the frame such that the shank portion protrudes from a first end of the frame. The grip portion of the key may be accessed and rotated to rotate the shank portion while the key is in the frame allowing one-handed operation of the key mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Inner-Tite Corp.
    Inventor: Anthony John Agbay
  • Patent number: 8336350
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to key assemblies and their mating locks, and more particularly, to keys with mutually compressible, actuating elements capable of being continuously positioned axially within apertures in a key blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Rav Bariach (08) Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Petrisor Nicoara
  • Publication number: 20120285208
    Abstract: The invention relates to a module for extending a retractable insert of a key, in particular for a motor vehicle, which is intended to be mounted in a casing for said key and which comprises an insert (5, 7), intended to be pivotably mounted relative to said casing (3) between an inoperative and an operative position, and comprising a bit (7) and a bit holder (5), which is pivotably mounted relative to said casing (3), and a mechanism for extending the insert (5, 7), which includes a push-button (19), and an elastic return element (23) for the insert (5, 7) consisting of a helical torsion spring, one end (23a) of which is connected to the insert (5, 7), in order to urge the insert (5, 7) by pivoting towards said operative position, when the push-button (19) is actuated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: VALEO SECURITE HABITACLE
    Inventors: Benoit Delande, Jean-Patrick Favier
  • Publication number: 20120140391
    Abstract: A key, primarily a remote control key for automobiles, with a housing that has an upper shell and a lower shell and a key held between the upper shell and the lower shell. To make the key housing more esthetically pleasing and easier to manufacture, the lower shell consists of a transparent plastic joined by laser welding to a colored core of the upper shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: WITTE Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas NICKEL, Richard-Roman JARNICKI
  • Patent number: 8009410
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a keyfob assembly comprising a housing and a battery chamber is provided. The housing includes a plurality of electrical components positioned therein for transmitting radio frequency (RF) signals to a vehicle. The battery chamber is positioned within the housing and includes at least one removable battery operably coupled to the electrical components for powering the electrical components. The battery chamber is capable of being slideably removed from the housing to facilitate battery exchange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Lear Corporation GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Goemmel, John Burca
  • Patent number: 7726161
    Abstract: A key including a retractable shaft mounted pivotably with respect to a case forming an operating head of the key, between a retracted position in which the shaft extends in a substantially longitudinal direction inside a housing of the case, and a deployed position in which the shaft extends outside the case. The shaft has a first end forming a heel by which the shaft is pivoted about a vertical pivot axis orthogonal to the axis of the shaft. The key includes a drive mechanism for driving the shaft toward one of the retracted position or the deployed operating position. The drive mechanism includes a resiliently deformable element, which exerts a resilient force to return the shaft toward the retracted or deployed position, according to the angular position of the shaft with respect to an intermediate position of the shaft between the deployed position and the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Valeo Securite Habitacle
    Inventors: Louis Canard, Hervé Calor
  • Patent number: 7647799
    Abstract: A key blank including a generally elongate shaft portion defining first and second generally flat oppositely directed side surfaces, joined by edge surfaces, at least one of the first and second side surfaces cuttable to form key cuts that define a key combination surface, and at least one key combination element movably disposed in the elongate shaft portion and adapted for touching a lock combination element disposed in a cylinder lock plug, wherein the at least one key combination element has inherent energy for applying an urging force against the lock combination element. A key formed from the key blank and lock therefore are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Mul-T-Lock Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Dani Markbreit, Effi Ben-Aharon
  • Patent number: 7596977
    Abstract: The invention relates to a key housing with an emergency key, having a key head forming a grip part joined to an insert for insertion in an emergency lock in a vehicle when applied and an insert housing with a longitudinal form, for housing the insert when the emergency key is not in use. The emergency key can be separated from the housing if the emergency key is to be used. The key head is fixed to the insert by of a joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Valeo Securite Habitacle
    Inventors: Michel Eychenne, Louis Canard
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20040060332
    Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides a key that poses tremendous difficulty for a lock breaker by not allowing the lock breaker to see all of the pin tumblers in the keyway. The keyway according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a curvature such that one cannot see the end of the keyway. The present invention further comprises a key having flexibility for fitting into the keyway having a curvature to turn the plug and open the lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: GoldContinent Inventech International Corp.
    Inventor: Chien-Kuo Liu
  • Patent number: 6681609
    Abstract: A key is provided with an actuator. The key also has operation structure and interaction structure. When the key is inserted into a lock, a force is applied to the operation structure and the position of the interaction structure is altered. The movement of the interaction structure is used in the locking and/or un-locking mechanism of the lock. A key handle and lock are also provided which incorporate such a mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Australian Lock Company Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Brian Francis Preddey
  • Patent number: 6666057
    Abstract: A lock with a fixable key includes a shell, an upper half core, a lower half core, an elastic member and a fixable key. The upper and the lower half core contained in the shell respectively have a lengthwise passageway for a flexible moving member of the key to extend in to unlock the lock. The lower half core has a key hole in a rear end, and a groove for containing the elastic member having an upper end to fit in a notch formed in the groove. The key has the moving member, a push block and a housing having a position recess to engage the upper end of the elastic member so as to position the key in unlocking and make the moving member smoothly slide in the passageway of the lock to prevent the key from deadlocked or breaking in handling in unlocking or locking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: Chiu-Mei Huang
  • Publication number: 20030000267
    Abstract: In a combined mechanical and electronic key, electronic components and mechanical flat keys (30) are normally housed in a common key holder (10). In order to place the flat key (30) between a lowered rest position in a holder (10) and a projecting in-use position, the flat key (30) is movably located in a container (10) and secured in at least one of said positions by a push button (40). The key contain is assembled from an upper and a lower shell. In order to avoid sealing problems between both shells, according to the invention, the upper shell (11) is provided with an outbreak in a region pertaining thereto which lies outwith the push button. The outbreak creates a void chamber which can be accessed from the outside and is located on the inside of the shell interior. Said electronic components are enclosed by a housing-like capsule and form therewith a prefabricated electrocapsule (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Dirk Jacob, Ulrich Muller
  • Patent number: 6499326
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic flat key having a grip element (2) and a key bit (3), the grip element (2) including a casing (4) in which are arranged an electronic switching device (12) for remote operation of a lock or locking system and a holder (16) for at least one battery (17) for supplying power to the switching device, the grip element casing (4) including two side elements (5, 6) constructed in the form of shells, and the key bit (3) being arranged on the grip element casing (4) in a manner enabling it to be swiveled from a retracted position, in which it is situated in a lateral well (10) in the grip element casing (4), into an extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Valeo GmbH & Co. Schliesssysteme KG
    Inventor: Uwe Heussner
  • Patent number: 5775144
    Abstract: A system of non-reproducible locking key and cylinder for said key, which being a flat-blade type key (1) has installed a lengthwise swinging member (6) with the capacity of realizing two combined rotary movements of limited width, which are: a first perpendicular transverse movement at the bottom of said flat blade (1), a second angular sweep rotary movement which takes place in the direction of the width of said blade, movements which are produced respectively with relation to a first (7a, 7b) and second (8) axes. The swinging member (6) being located in a sectorial window (9) which runs through the thickness of the key, forming radial lateral sidewalls (9c) which extend divergently between a relatively narrower front wall (9b) located adjacent the entering end of key (1), and a relatively wider arched rear wall (9c) in opposition thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventor: Jose Ignacio Pagalday
  • Patent number: 5724841
    Abstract: A key and cylinder lock unit, in which a key contains a shank provided with a pattern and with at least one movable member positioned at the front end thereof, the lock having a plug housed within a cylinder and provided with a plurality of substantially radial pins formed in two parts movable along corresponding radial channels provided partly in the plug and partly in the cylinder and, by way of springs, maintained with one end in the longitudinal seat provided in the plug for the insertion of the shank of the key. The plug contains along the seat a longitudinal groove closed at the key introduction end and housing the tapered end of all the pins, which completely traverse said seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Silca, S.p.A.
    Inventor: Renato Botteon
  • Patent number: 5671623
    Abstract: A lock assembly includes a lock and a flexible key. The lock includes a lock and an elongated plug unit having a longitudinal curved keyway that is accessible by the key. The keyway has several turns and several branch slots, each of which extends from one of the turns of the curved keyway in a direction different from that of a portion of the curved keyway succeeding the turn so as to mislead an undesirable flexible stick into the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Inventor: Yun-Tung Hsu
  • Patent number: 5170651
    Abstract: The cylinder lock and key comprises at least two auxiliary pins which are arranged on opposite sides with respect to the key slot and have an end which protrudes into the slot. The opposite ends of the two auxiliary pins cooperate with respective auxiliary tumbler pins which are actuated by springs and are suitable for being actuated in the position for rotation of the plug by a lever articulated in an opening of the shank of the key when the key is fully inserted in the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: Costruzioni Italiane Serrature Affini C.I.S.A. S.p.A.
    Inventor: Deo Errani
  • Patent number: 5131247
    Abstract: A lock assembly has a lock body and a flexible key. The lock body includes at least two plug pieces having confronting faces with longitudinal curved grooves. The plug pieces cooperatively form a cylindrical plug. The curved grooves are complementary so as to form a longitudinal curved keyway with a cross-section that is shaped to have an upright first portion and a cross-wise second portion. A first set of tumbler members is provided on the cylindrical plug and extends in the direction of the upright first portion. A second set of tumbler members is provided on the cylindrical plug and extends in the direction of the cross-wise second portion. The flexible key is adapted to be received in the curved keyway and is useful for actuating the tumbler members. The flexible key includes a chain of successively hinged knuckles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Inventor: Yun-Tung Hsu
  • Patent number: 5086632
    Abstract: A lock assembly includes a lock body having tumbler members and a curved keyway, and a flexible key to be received in the curved keyway and having key bit projections for actuating the tumbler members. The flexible key has a degree of stiffness sufficient enough to allow said key to be inserted into said curved keyway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Inventor: Yun-Tung Hsu
  • Patent number: 4747282
    Abstract: The keyway of an automobile ignition lock can be protected by a key-shaped element which is secured by a combination lock to substantially preclude tampering with the automobile ignition lock. The guard device can be removed from the ignition lock keyway upon setting of the combination lock dials to the release position, and the regular ignition key can then be used with the ignition lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1988
    Inventor: Albert S. Nyun
  • Patent number: 4742703
    Abstract: The key comprises a shank and a plurality of bits which are mounted on said shank for limited rotation relative thereto. Each bit has outwardly extending projections for engagement with the tumblers of a lock. The lock comprises a case provided with an axially extending groove. A rotor is rotatably mounted in the case and is provided with a slot. A plurality of tumblers are mounted in the rotor and each is provided with a notch. A fence member is provided which, when the notches on the tumblers are aligned with the slot, is accommodated within the notches and the rotor, and permits the rotor to be rotated relative to the case. When the notches on the tumblers are not aligned with the slot, the fence member is confined within the groove in the case and the slot, thereby preventing rotation of the rotor relative to the case. Each tumbler is provided with a central aperture to accommodate the shank of the key and is further provided with a notch to accommodate an outwardly extending projection on the key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1988
    Inventors: Norman B. DeWalch, Donald P. DeWalch
  • Patent number: 4599876
    Abstract: A control mechanism suitable for actuating a power operated lock. The control mechanism includes key-engageable surfaces which are shielded from direct access by way of a key-receiving tunnel. The control mechanism is operable by means of a key having a slotted end portion pivotally attached to a shank portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1986
    Assignee: Dover Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 4561271
    Abstract: A tool for operating the bolt mechanism of a cylinder lock without the use of a key. The tool comprises a slender steel rod provided on its end with at least one hingedly pivotable knuckle member or portion constantly urged by spring bias means to a pivoted position at a right angle to the axis of the shank. The tool is inserted through the plug key slot until the jointed knuckle member or portion projects beyond the end of the key slot and is automatically extended to a 90.degree.-angle such as to operate the bolt mechanism in the same manner as the conventional lock cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1985
    Assignee: Jack Van Wallaghen
    Inventor: Gerald L. Scharboneau
  • Patent number: 4483164
    Abstract: A high security lock and a high security key for locking and unlocking said lock. The lock has a resilient O-ring seated in the bore of a hollow plunger and a retainer sleeve fixed in the bore of the hollow plunger and bearing against the rear surface of the O-ring. A center pin with an enlarged forward head extends rearwardly through the bore of the plunger, the O-ring gripping the periphery of the center pin and yieldably resisting center pin reciprocal movement within the plunger bore. The key has elongated outer expanding fingers and an inner coaxially arranged center pin. When the key is fully inserted into the lock and the key handle is operated, the expanding fingers are initially radially expanded to grip the inner surface of the lock plunger bore, and are then longitudinally retracted to draw the plunger rearwardly. Simultaneously, the key center pin is prevented from retracting and holds the lock center pin stationary permitting the lock to unlock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1984
    Assignee: Omco Inc.
    Inventors: Anker J. Nielsen, Jr., Richard E. Hoyt
  • Patent number: 4453387
    Abstract: A trunk lock including a latching plate for attachment to the upper section of a trunk, a hasp member hinged to an attachment plate to be affixed to the lower trunk section having a free end portion to overlie a keeper opening in the latching plate, a hollow cylindrical bolt housing projecting rearwardly of the hasp to nest in the keeper opening and having a pair of spring biased latching bolts to interlock behind the bounding edge of the keeper opening, a bolt actuator disk and key barrel member in the housing, and a throw away key captured in assembled relation with the bolt housing having a blade including a major leg extending substantially along the center axis of said key barrel and having a bendable end tab protruding rearwardly of the housing and bent behind the rear of the housing to retain the key therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1984
    Assignee: Long Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Wallace E. Atkinson
  • Patent number: 4061004
    Abstract: A pick-proof lock cylinder and key therefor are described. The lock cylinder has a keyhole which opens to provide access to the cylinder, and two cam surfaces are provided at the remote end of the keyhole configurated to deflect a pair of coded, pivotally mounted fingers on a jointed key which is receivable within the keyhole. The revolving cylinder or tumbler includes a plurality of enabling pins or plungers which are generally spaced from each other along a direction substantially normal to the length direction of the keyhole. The fingers of the key may be mechanically or magnetically coded to cause the enabling pins or plungers to be actuated when the key is fully inserted into the keyhole and the coded fingers are deflected to their operative positions by the cam surfaces. Additionally, sensing or monitoring pins enable the proper actuation of the enabling pins or plungers only upon detection of a suitably coded key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1976
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1977
    Inventor: George Pappanikolaou