Sliding Tumblers Patents (Class 70/491)
  • Patent number: 11913250
    Abstract: A tubular lock for push locking has a lock housing, a switching handle mounted in a front end portion of the lock housing, an upper pin seat and a lower pin seat mounted in the lock housing and the switching handle, and multiple pin assemblies and a core shaft mounted in the upper pin seat and the lower pin seat. A key is only needed when unlocking the tubular lock, and then the tubular lock can be locked by pushing the core shaft. The tubular lock can be used to latch a pivotal mechanism. When the tubular lock is in an unlocking state, the user can switch the latch to the locking angular position or an unlocking angular position by turning the switching handle without using the key. Therefore, flexibility and convenience in using the tubular lock can be efficiently improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: ABA Locks International Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Miko Lee
  • Patent number: 11773622
    Abstract: A latch mechanism includes a hook-handle assembly coupled to a first panel and a clevis coupled to a second panel. The hook-handle assembly engages the clevis to secure the first panel relative to the second panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Hartwell Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Helsley, Lane Dennis Dalan
  • Patent number: 11292207
    Abstract: A joined body includes: a first member having a hole; and a second member that is press-fitted to the hole. The second member has a second abutment surface abutting against a first abutment surface which is an inner wall of the first member forming the hole. A groove portion is defined on one of an inner wall of the first member and an outer wall of the second member, and has a groove formed to extend in a press-fitting direction of the second member to the first member. An insertion portion is formed to protrude in a radial direction from the other of the inner wall of the first member and the outer wall of the second member, and is inserted in the groove. The groove portion has an engagement portion that is able to be engaged with an end portion of the insertion portion in the press-fitting direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hidekazu Watanabe, Haruhiko Suzuki, Takehiro Saito
  • Patent number: 9249600
    Abstract: A lock includes a cylinder, fixed to a door or door wing, with which a pivot is associated coaxially and rotatably, a lever for closing the door or door wing to a jamb being keyed to the end of the pivot; a separate body can be keyed detachably to the head of the pivot and is provided with magnetic elements for the temporary locking of the rotation of the body with respect to the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Inventor: Pier Luigi Oliana
  • Patent number: 9218924
    Abstract: An isolator switch assembly, especially an isolator switch and key assembly for a powered apparatus, such as a lawncare product, for example a lawnmower, includes a key, a keyway and an electrical switch positioned adjacent the keyway. The assembly is arranged to provide a first configuration in which the key is insertable into and removable from the keyway and the switch is open and a second configuration in which the key bears against an actuator surface of the switch to close the switch. In one embodiment, the assembly is arranged to provide a third configuration in which the switch is not actuated and the key is not removable from the keyway and is biased into a predetermined rotational position intermediate the first and second configurations. In a further embodiment, the assembly is provided with an over-torque or over-rotation prevention mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Adrian Coussins, Gavin Ben Armstrong, Mathew Price
  • Publication number: 20150047400
    Abstract: A cylinder lock which is used for locking compartments, boxes, storages etc. The cylinder lock comprises a cylinder body, an inner cylinder and a rotating part. The front part of the inner cylinder is provided with a rotary knob. The lock cylinder comprises a spring, which is arranged to push the rotary knob outwards. When the cylinder lock is locked, the rotary knob is in the inner position primarily inside the cylinder lock. When the cylinder lock is unlocked, the rotary knob is in the outer position as pushed by a spring, in which position it can be rotated to close and open a box, storage etc. without a key.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Jari Räty, Marko Kokkonen
  • Patent number: 8943866
    Abstract: A magazine lock for a firearm includes a magazine well and a magazine latch. The lock includes a tube nut positioned within a housing. The tube nut is connected to the magazine latch of the firearm. When tightened down, the tube nut prevents the magazine latch from releasing a magazine from the magazine well. A tool is provided to engage the tube nut and rotate the tube nut within the housing permitting the magazine latch to release the magazine. The housing includes a biased engagement feature that selectively prevents the rotation of the tube nut within the housing. The tool is configured to overcome the biased engagement feature and to engage the tube nut so that rotation of the tool rotates the tube nut. A breech block inserted into the top of a magazine inserted into the firearm may also be used to lock the firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Precision Tactical Inc.
    Inventors: Rick Fernandez, James Bentley
  • Publication number: 20140250959
    Abstract: A lock includes a lock sleeve, a lock body is disposed in the lock sleeve in a free rotating manner, a lock assembly, an actuating member, and an actuation key. The lock body includes a lock rotor coaxially and rotatably disposed within the lock sleeve, and a lock core coaxially and rotatably disposed within the lock rotor and defined a keyway at the lock core. The lock assembly normally locks the lock core with the lock rotor in such a manner that the lock body is free to rotate within the lock sleeve. The actuation key is slidably inserted into the keyway of the lock core to unlock the key lock unit, wherein when the lock assembly is unlocked by the actuation key, the lock core is rotated within the lock rotor to drive the actuating member to rotate and to longitudinally move for actuating a latch assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: Linclon Tsai, Benn Tsai, Jian Hua Cai, Robert Ponticelli, JR.
  • Patent number: 8763435
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a locking device and to an actuating device for activating said locking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Camlock Systems Limited
    Inventors: Martin McCaffrey, Pao-hsing Tseng
  • Patent number: 8720238
    Abstract: New and improved electronic locks and electronic keys with enhanced anti-tamper capabilities integrated into the electronic locks, additional contact-based communications and recharging capabilities in the electronic keys, and capabilities for an electronic lock to change the authorizations and characteristics of an electronic key by provide an access profile to the electronic key when the key touches the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Videx, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul R. Davis
  • Patent number: 8646298
    Abstract: A key for opening multiple axial pin locks has a base member with an indexing element and a number of lock pins, configured to match the keyways of the locks. The key has a microprocessor with access to information on the pin configuration for each lock to be opened, and the lock pins are selectively positioned along the base member to match the configuration of a key for a particular lock in response to the user entering an identification code for that lock. The lock pins can slidably engage recessed tracks in the base member, which serve to direct the lock pins parallel to an axis of the base member. A pin latching mechanism can be provided to secure the lock pins in the desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventor: Peter J. Lessels
  • Patent number: 8505344
    Abstract: A rotatable lock for a portable electronic device includes a first casing, a second casing, two interlocking members, an I-shaped engaging member, a driving member, an elastic member and a lock core. The lock core is a depressible tubular lock having a limiting slot adjacent to an end and a key hole on another end. The key hole is an axial slot and has a plurality of protrusions and a positioning slot disposed in an inner wall, and a pivoted sliding rod. The key is a hollow column and has a positioning pin and a plurality of grooves. To unlock the lock, a positioning pin of the key needs to be aligned with the positioning slot of the key hole, and then the groove of the key engages with the protrusion of the key hole of the lock core such that the key is able to be rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Ingamar Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jason Su
  • Patent number: 8479545
    Abstract: A key body and an associated lock core are disclosed. The disclosed lock core includes a core body, a core sleeve, a core plug, and a side pin assembly including a side pin, a region pin, and a spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Stanley Security Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Diana Teixeira
  • Patent number: 8393189
    Abstract: A tubular lock has a casing, a key pin seat, a driving pin seat, at least one positioning assembly, a side pin seat, at least one side positioning assembly and a fastening assembly. The positioning assembly is mounted axially in the key pin seat and is mounted through the driving pin seat. The side positioning assembly is mounted transversely through the casing and the side pin seat. With the installation of the side positioning assembly, the tubular lock can increase the permutation combinations of all the positioning assemblies. With the positioning assembly and the side positioning assembly operating in perpendicular directions to each other, the tubular lock can increase the difficulty of unlocking. With the both features, the tubular lock can enhance safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: Sheng-Ting Lin
  • Publication number: 20120240645
    Abstract: A key and a lock cylinder (10) combination including a key and a lock cylinder having a housing and a plug. The key (25) includes a blade that has a first pin groove (210) on a first lateral side defining a first pin surface, and a second pin groove (215) on the first lateral side defining—a second pin surface. The lock cylinder also includes an auxiliary pin (115) with a first projection (135) defining a first engagement surface engageable by the first pin surface when the key is inserted into the key slot to move the auxiliary pin to a withdrawn position to allow rotation of the plug relative to the housing, and a second projection (140) defining a second engagement surface engageable by the second pin surface when the key is removed from the key slot to move the auxiliary pin to a projecting position to prevent rotation of the plug relative to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: SCHLAGE LOCK COMPANY LLC
    Inventor: Sajil J. Mathachan
  • Patent number: 8196919
    Abstract: A lock mechanism is disclosed for a sheet store adapted for the dispensing or accepting of sheets. The sheet store comprises a container having a lid operable for access to the interior of the container and a shutter operable for the passage of sheets therethrough. The lock mechanism comprises: a locking plate movable relative to the container, the locking plate being operable to control a lid lock element and a shutter lock element; and an actuator arranged to control movement of the locking plate. The locking plate is movable between three positions, including: a closed position, in which the shutter lock element prevents opening of the shutter; a primed position, in which the shutter can be opened; and an open position which controls the lid lock element to permit opening of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Talaris Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Steven Copestake, Steven Michael Hosking, Fiona Joan Mancini
  • Patent number: 8186194
    Abstract: A tumbler pin lock includes an auxiliary locking mechanism including an auxiliary locking pin to provide enhance locking in addition to the locking provided by the tumbler pins so that the lock remains locked even if the tumblers are picked or bumped into their unlocked positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Medeco Security Locks, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter H. Field, David P. Sutherland, Glenn Hartman, Mark Benzie, Walt Dannhardt, Kevin Galliher, Dan Boadwine, Clyde T. Roberson
  • Publication number: 20110302972
    Abstract: A key includes a body that is plate-shaped to be inserted into a locking device, and a groove that is formed in the body and engages with a plurality of tumblers of the locking device to allow locking and unlocking operations. The groove includes, at a location corresponding to one tumbler of the locking device, a non-engagement part that does not engage with the one tumbler. The groove may include an inside groove, and the non-engagement part may include a notch portion that the inside groove is cut to reach an edge portion of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO
    Inventor: Reiji HIGUCHI
  • Patent number: 8065897
    Abstract: A lock core and key blank are disclosed. The disclosed lock core includes a core body, a core sleeve, a core plug, and a side pin assembly including a side pin, a region pin, and a spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Stanley Security Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Diana Teixeira
  • Publication number: 20110259065
    Abstract: A programmable lock cylinder assembly including a lock housing and a cylinder plug including a keyway extending therein. At least one locking member is moveable in the cylinder plug between a locked position wherein the cylinder plug is rotationally locked relative to the housing and an unlocked position wherein the cylinder plug is rotational relative to the housing. A plurality of pin sets are positioned in the cylinder plug. Each pin set includes a keyway pin component and a locking pin component and is positioned such that a portion of each keyway pin component extends across the keyway. The pin components are selectively engagable. A re-combinating member is engaged with one of the components of each pin set and is moveable between a first position wherein the keyway pin components are engaged with the locking pin components and a second position wherein the keyway pin components are disengaged from the locking pin components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: Schlage Lock Company
    Inventors: AJEYA S. RAO, Mahesh Vithalrao Grampurohit
  • Publication number: 20110219833
    Abstract: A lock and key combination is disclosed, offering a large number of codes. The combination includes a lock (200) of the kind comprising a housing having a cylindrical bore, a cylindrical key plug (202) and a number of locking pins (205a-205g) in a row along a key plug axis for locking the key plug against rotation in the cylindrical bore, and a key (100) of the kind comprising a longitudinally extending, substantially flat key blade (102), with at least two longitudinally extending formations. The key blade comprises an upper edge portion having a first code pattern (103) and a lower, massive portion having a second code pattern (104).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: WINLOC AG
    Inventor: Bo Widén
  • Patent number: 7963132
    Abstract: A lock device for use with a key is disclosed. The lock device includes a locking spindle including a plurality of locking spindle bores and a passage extending axially along an axial length of the locking spindle, and a driver structure including a plurality of driver structure bores. An interface between the driver structure and the locking spindle forms a shear line. The lock device also includes a plurality of combination pins in the plurality of locking spindle bores, and a plurality of driver pins in the driver structure bores in the driver structure, the plurality of driver pins being respectively associated with the plurality of combination pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: ACCO Brands USA LLC
    Inventors: Guillermo Andres, Lambert Kuo
  • Patent number: 7958757
    Abstract: The main objective of the present invention is to provide a cam lock that allows the user to find the correct code when forgetting. The cam lock has an inner shell, an outer shell, a main core assembly, a secondary core assembly, a tongue and an identification assembly. A cover of the outer shell and the inner shell are secured to each other and are mounted rotatably with the rear casing of the outer shell. The main and secondary core assemblies are mounted in the inner shell. Either the main and secondary core assemblies is unlocked, the tongue is rotatable. The identification assembly cooperates with the secondary core assembly to find the code via unlocking the secondary core assembly. Therefore, the cam lock is convenient for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: ABA UFO International Corp.
    Inventor: Miko Lee
  • Publication number: 20110048084
    Abstract: A lock and key mechanism reduces exposure to lock picking by including an extension into a key slot to receive and conceal tapered end portions of key pins. The only portions of key pins exposed in a key slot are cylindrical portions that are difficult to move from a resting position. A key includes a beveled leading edge and a spring-loaded pin activation element at the leading edge of the key. As the key is inserted into the key slot, the spring-loaded pin activation element is compressed to permit entry into the key slot. As the pin activation element reaches a pin, an aperture in the extension allows the spring-loaded pin activation element to move toward the key pin and move the key pin from its resting position. In this activated position, the tapered end portion of the key pin is exposed for further activation by the beveled leading edge of the key. The process is repeated until the pin activation element engages and activates each successive key pin and allows full insertion of the key.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: GMS Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Mike Yueh-Ming Tong
  • Publication number: 20100326150
    Abstract: A cylinder lock includes a cylinder lock casing comprising an axial cavity, two opposite lengthwise grooves on the cavity, and an upper riser including aligned upper holes being in communication with the cavity; a cylinder lock core releasably fastened in the cylinder lock casing and comprising a key hole, top lower holes, and a side slot being in communication with the key hole, a locking tumbler comprising cylindrical lower tumbler elements slidably disposed in the lower holes, each lower tumbler element partially extended into the key hole and including an outer longitudinal trough, and spring depressible upper tumbler elements in the upper holes and partially disposed in the lower holes to contact with the lower tumbler element; and a spring depressible side bar in the slot and comprising inner ribs and a longitudinal outer protrusion in one groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Shu-Ling CHUNG
  • Patent number: 7797973
    Abstract: A hierarchical lock system includes a first cylinder lock having a cylindrical plug, rotatable, reciprocating tumbler pins, a slider disposed within the plug and a side bar that cooperates with the cylinder plug, the slider, and the tumbler pins to control rotation of the lock. A second cylindrical lock includes a cylindrical plug, reciprocating tumbler pins, a slider, and a side bar that cooperates with the cylindrical plug and the slider. A first key is configured to open both the first and second locks by elevating and rotating the tumbler pins, and moving the slider to an unlocked position with respect to the side bar. A second key is able to open only the second cylindrical locks by elevating but not rotating the tumbler pins and by moving the slider to an unlocked position with respect to the side bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Medeco Security Locks, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter H. Field, David P. Sutherland, Clyde T. Roberson
  • Patent number: 7730751
    Abstract: A lock device for use with a key is disclosed. The lock device includes a locking spindle including a plurality of locking spindle bores and a passage extending axially along an axial length of the locking spindle, and a driver structure including a plurality of driver structure bores. An interface between the driver structure and the locking spindle forms a shear line. The lock device also includes a plurality of combination pins in the plurality of locking spindle bores, and a plurality of driver pins in the driver structure bores in the driver structure, the plurality of driver pins being respectively associated with the plurality of combination pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: ACCO Brands USA LLC
    Inventors: Guillermo Andres, Lambert Kuo
  • Patent number: 7685854
    Abstract: An axial spring balancing pin tumbler lock includes a cylindrical shell, a plug rotationally disposed within the shell and rotatable by a tubular key. The shell contains a plurality of first pin bores annularly and evenly defined to the axis of the shell for receiving first pins and first springs. The plug has a through aperture for engaging with a elongated spindle, a key bore coaxially defined on front end for receiving the tubular key, a plurality of third pin bores annularly and evenly defined on front end with same depth of the key bore for receiving third pins, and a plurality of second pin bores defined on rear end of the plug for receiving second pins and second springs. Each second pin may contacts the tubular key and one of third pins simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventors: Forrest Xu, Daniel Xu
  • Patent number: 7681425
    Abstract: A lock core and key blank are disclosed. The disclosed lock core includes a core body, a core sleeve, a core plug, and a side pin assembly including a side pin, a region pin, and a spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Stanley Security Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Diana Teixeira
  • Patent number: 7614268
    Abstract: A cylinder lock is provided. The lock includes a rotor assembly (17) having a combination post (12) as a core. The combination post (12) has combination holes arranged thereon which define the combination of the lock. The rotor assembly (17) includes locking bars having pins (15) directed radially towards the combination post (12). The locking bars are displaceable in an axial position by an appropriately coded key until each pin (15) is directed towards a respective combination hole. Turning the key causes the rotor assembly (17) to rotate. At various rotational positions, the locking bars are displaced radially causing the pins (15) to engage their respective combination holes. The combination post (12) can be provided with parallel combination holes. Furthermore, the combination post (12) can be removable in order to replace the combination post (12) with another post having different combination values, thereby changing the combination of the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Camware Holdings Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Brian Preddey
  • Publication number: 20090272161
    Abstract: A cylinder with associated key, comprising a stator provided with a longitudinal cavity for accommodating a rotor with a longitudinal recess for the insertion of a coded key. The rotor and the stator comprise channels for accommodating respective pins, complementary pins and any elastic elements. The rotor comprises at least one second passage, the passage and the cavity accommodating at least one respective movable peg, whose head rests against the blade edge of the key when the key is inserted in the recess. The key is provided with suitable contoured regions on its blade edge at the surfaces that face said pegs when inserted in the recess. Each peg has its base inside the respective cavity so as to block the rotation of the rotor with respect to the stator when a key lacking the corresponding contoured regions is inserted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Applicant: CISA S.P.A.
    Inventor: Enzo Talamonti
  • Patent number: 7574882
    Abstract: A tubular radial pin tumbler lock is described. The radial pin tumbler lock has an outer shell, an inner shell housed in the outer shell, and a spindle housed in the inner shell. The spindle has a spindle head with an uneven number of irregular sides. A plurality of radial locking pins are arranged radially from the spindle. A crown on the spindle encases the locking pins. An anti-drill feature is included on the spindle head. An annular space between the inner shell and the spindle head allows access to the radial locking pins for operating the radial pin tumbler lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Inventor: George Uliano
  • Publication number: 20090199607
    Abstract: A lock includes a shell, an annular holding member, and a bead holder; the shell has three gaps around its lock hole; the annular member is held in the shell, and has a central shaft, three gaps, and several holes each holding a pine therein; the bead holder is positioned around one end of the shaft in the shell, and has cavities around its middle hole; long beads are held in the cavities respectively, and biased towards the holes of the annular holding member with springs to engage the annular member; a key is used with the lock, which key has three outer bar portions; when the key is inserted in the lock hole, and pressed inwards, it will force the pins to push the beads, and its bar portions will be received in the gaps of the annular member; thus, the annular member can be turned with the key.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventor: Tzong-Chyuan Huang
  • Patent number: 7555925
    Abstract: A padlock has a shell, a lock cylinder, a shackle and a resilient element. The lock cylinder is mounted in the shell and has a lock rod. The shackle is mounted slidably through a front opening of the shell and has a distal end, a proximal end and a protruding segment. The distal end is selectively received in a mounting slot of the shell. The protruding segment selectively abuts the lock rod to keep the shackle from sliding. The resilient element is mounted in the shell and presses against the proximal end of the shackle. With the resilient element, the distal end of the shackle is maintained in the mounting slot without any external force. Therefore, the padlock may still hold an object in position without locking and then the user may take the object easily without using a key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Inventor: Kun Yu Wu
  • Publication number: 20090139280
    Abstract: A lock device for use with a key is disclosed. The lock device includes a locking spindle including a plurality of locking spindle bores and a passage extending axially along an axial length of the locking spindle, and a driver structure including a plurality of driver structure bores. An interface between the driver structure and the locking spindle forms a shear line. The lock device also includes a plurality of combination pins in the plurality of locking spindle bores, and a plurality of driver pins in the driver structure bores in the driver structure, the plurality of driver pins being respectively associated with the plurality of combination pins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: ACCO BRANDS USA LLC
    Inventors: Guillermo Andres, Lambert Kuo
  • Publication number: 20090078012
    Abstract: This invention is to provide a method for rekeying a rekeyable lock cylinder. The first step of entire rekeying process is to insert a first user key into a keyhole of a sliding block of a plug assembly and turn the first user key to rotate the plug assembly, then a thrust is added to the first user key to move the sliding block of the plug assembly, thereby disengaging a plurality of upper locking pieces and a plurality of lower locking pieces within a plurality of lower pin sets. Next, after pulling out the first user key from the keyhole, a second user key is inserted into the keyhole of the sliding block and turned to restore the sliding block as to reengage the upper locking pieces and the lower locking pieces. Finally, the second user key is pulled out to complete the entire rekeying process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Lien-Hsi Huang, Ping-Hung Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7500371
    Abstract: A lock device for use with a key is disclosed. The lock device includes a locking spindle including a plurality of locking spindle bores and a passage extending axially along an axial length of the locking spindle, and a driver structure including a plurality of driver structure bores. An interface between the driver structure and the locking spindle forms a shear line. The lock device also includes a plurality of combination pins in the plurality of locking spindle bores, and a plurality of driver pins in the driver structure bores in the driver structure, the plurality of driver pins being respectively associated with the plurality of combination pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Acco Brands USA LLC
    Inventors: Guillermo Andres, Lambert Kuo
  • Publication number: 20090031774
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder includes a cylinder body with a 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 having a lock face with a tool receiving aperture. A plurality of key followers and a corresponding plurality of racks are disposed in the plug assembly. The plurality of racks is selectively engageable with the plurality of key followers. A first member is coupled to the plurality of racks. The first member 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 key followers in response to the movement of the first member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Steven Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong
  • Patent number: 7481087
    Abstract: The present invention provides a safety interlock system for mechanically securing an industrial process or appliance, including a lock which can be unlocked with a key, wherein the key comprises one or more key code elements which can be positioned in different positions and the selected position of the key code elements corresponds with a specific key code, and wherein the lock comprises one or more lock code elements which can be positioned in different positions and the selected position corresponds with a specific lock code, wherein the lock is locked except when the key code is identical to the lock code when the key is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Alcumbrella Holding B.V.
    Inventor: Jurrien Henri Pierre De Vries
  • Publication number: 20090007615
    Abstract: A re-keyable cylinder lock includes a plug inserted into a lock housing and having a plurality of radial holes connected to a key hole. The lock housing has a first engaging element provided in an inner surface thereof. A limit unit has a second engaging element and is inserted into one of the radial holes located at a predetermined depth of the key hole. The first engaging element engages the second engaging element to limit the plug from rotating when a replacement key which is inserted into the key hole for re-keying does not reach a predetermined depth of the key hole. Incomplete re-keying can therefore be prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Wei-Liang CHIANG, Ju-Lin YANG, Rong-Faa WU, Ching-Chuan KUO
  • Publication number: 20080307841
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder structure comprises a shell, a plug assembly and a plurality of pin groups. The shell has a hollow cylindrical portion and defines a central axis. The plug assembly is disposed within the hollow cylindrical portion of the shell and comprises a plug body and a sliding block. The plug body has a front section, a driving portion, a middle section connecting the front section and the driving portion, a coupling cavity recessed from the front section and the middle section and a plurality of lower pin holes formed in the middle section and communicating with the coupling cavity. The sliding block, which is disposed at the coupling cavity of the plug body and able to move parallel to the central axis of the shell, has a plurality of pin-sliding grooves and a keyhole communicating with the pin-sliding grooves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventors: Lien-Hsi Huang, Ping-Hung Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7454934
    Abstract: A resettable tumbler lock includes: a lock housing; a sleeve mounted rotatably in the lock housing and formed with a plurality of tumbler bores; a cylindrical latch-connecting part mounted rotatably in the lock housing and formed with a plurality of tumbler holes and a plurality of blind holes; and a plurality of spring-biased tumbler units. The sleeve is rotatable relative to the latch-connecting part between first and second angular positions. At least one of the tumbler bores in the sleeve has an axial projection that does not coincide with that of an aligned one of the tumbler holes in the latch-connecting part when the sleeve is disposed at a predetermined position between the first and second angular positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventor: Sheng-Ting Lin
  • Patent number: 7444846
    Abstract: A drill resistant lock cylinder is useful for resisting attempts to defeat the cylinder using locks or picks. The cylinder includes a cylinder housing (105) having a central axis. Two pinion cylinders (115, 125) are positioned inside the cylinder housing (105) along the central axis. A combination pin cylinder (120) is positioned along the central axis between the two pinion cylinders (115, 125), and the combination pin cylinder (120) and each pinion cylinder (115, 125) includes axial pinholes (220) there through. Pins (130) located inside the axial pinholes (220) in the combination pin cylinder (120) and the pinion cylinders (115, 125) establish two shear lines along axial ends of the pinion cylinders (115, 125).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Inventor: James Stewart
  • Patent number: 7444844
    Abstract: A dual-mode lock for a locker has a base, a knob, a key lock assembly, a housing and a combination lock assembly. The base is mounted through the locker. The knob is attached to the base. The key lock assembly is mounted in the knob, and has a lock core mounted rotatably through the base and having a latch for locking the locker. The housing is attached to the base and has a combination mount. The combination lock assembly is mounted in the combination mount to selectively lock or allow the lock core to rotate. Therefore, if a combination is forgotten or lost, the dual-mode lock may be opened quickly with a corresponding key and the combination reset reducing building management stress and preventing replacement costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: ABA UFO International Corp.
    Inventor: Miko Lee
  • Patent number: 7441431
    Abstract: A pin tumbler lock of a first embodiment includes a shell containing top pins; and a plug, rotatable within the shell, containing standard bottom pins, and a shorter bottom pin, set back from the face of the plug. A tubular key has bitings corresponding to the standard bottom pins, and a projection corresponding to the short bottom pin. When the key is inserted, the bitings and the projection press all the bottom pins to the shear line. In a second embodiment, a lock includes a shell containing top pins and a depression; and a plug, rotatable within the shell, containing bottom pins. The depression is configured and dimensioned to receive one of the bottom pins. The depression may be opposite one of the bottom pins, and there may be one more bottom pin than top pins. When the key is inserted, the bottom pins are moved to the shear line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Micro Security Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Weber, Marc W. Tobias, George Yu
  • Patent number: 7441427
    Abstract: A latch has a bushing which has at least one bushing projection or means for preventing insertion of an unauthorized tool to rotate a latch actuator of the latch. Only a key having an outer key recess which can mate with bushing projection on the bushing permits insertion of the key. The cap subassembly of the latch is provided with projections which are of a size and so positioned as to correspond with the internal recesses of the key so as to allow the cap subassembly to enter into the bore of the key and permit a mating engagement of internal recesses on the key and projections on the cap subassembly. Because cap portion rotates freely on top of the cap subassembly which is the part of the cap driven by the key, the arrangement makes it impossible, or at least very difficult, to rotate the shaft and in turn the pawl by means of a tool which rotates the cap portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventor: James H. Vickers
  • Publication number: 20080236226
    Abstract: A cylinder tumbler lock mechanism comprises a plug having a row of slots formed therein, each slot containing a tumbler. The tumbler includes a formation for engagement with a side of a key. The tumbler is slidably mounted in the slot and movable in a first direction from: (i) a locking position in which one end of the tumbler projects out of an open end of the slot, into (ii) a decoding position in which further movement of the tumbler in the first direction is blocked. For at least two tumblers that differ from one another, the height of the formation, when in the decoding position, is substantially identical. Thus, the lock is made considerably more difficult to decode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Barrie Samuel Harper
  • Publication number: 20080236225
    Abstract: A lock device includes: a case member that is attached to a lock target; a sleeve member that is housed inside the case member such that the sleeve member is movable along an axial direction; a plunger member that is housed inside the sleeve member such that the plunger member is movable along the axial direction; a coupling structure in which a key insertion hole that allows insertion of a key is formed, the coupling structure being placed inside the plunger member and coupling together the sleeve member and the plunger member; and a manipulable member that is rotatably coupled to the sleeve member and the plunger member, rotates when just the plunger member moves, and releases the locked state of the lock target. The coupling structure is configured to release the coupling just when a regular key is inserted into the key insertion hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Toshiharu KATAGIRI, Takumi TAMEZANE
  • Patent number: 7428834
    Abstract: A lock for universal serial bus (USB) ports has a shell, a tongue, a slide and a lock cylinder. The shell has a front end opening. The tongue is mounted securely in and protrudes out from the front end opening. The slide is mounted movably in the shell. The lock cylinder is mounted movably in the shell and selectively pushes the slide out of the front opening of the shell. The tongue is inserted in and engages the USB port. The lock cylinder pushes and secures the slide in the USB port under the tongue to lock the tongue in the USB port. Therefore, the USB port is locked and may not be used without permission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: ABA UFO International Corp.
    Inventor: Miko Lee
  • Patent number: 7415852
    Abstract: A tubular lock is disclosed. The tubular lock includes an outer portion, and an inner portion. A plurality of movable driver pins is disposed between the outer portion and the inner portion. The pins are accessible through a space formed by the outer portion and the inner portion. At least one fixed structure prevents an unauthorized tubular lock picking structure from entering the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: ACCO Brands USA LLC
    Inventor: Ralph Merrem