Sliding Tumblers Patents (Class 70/491)
  • Patent number: 7370503
    Abstract: The safety key has a shank which is provided with a plurality of control surfaces for properly positioning tumblers and has a front end and a rear end. At a front end, the rotor of the associated locking cylinder has at least one further control surface, which interacts with a further control surface arranged at the rear end of the shank. The safety key is backward compatible and is relatively difficult to copy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Inventor: Ernest Keller
  • Publication number: 20080105016
    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: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: Locking Systems International Inc.
    Inventor: George Uliano
  • Publication number: 20080078224
    Abstract: A reset cradle with integral reset tool assembly, that automatically positions the lock cylinder, the reset tool assembly, and all associated components, and choreographs the operations that need to be performed in the right sequential order. The reset cradle generally comprises a two-section housing including a base section with centrally-protruding tubular post into which the lock cylinder may be inserted, and a separate hub section rotatably seated on the base. Inside the housing, a cam is engaged against the post and is rotatable thereabout along with relative rotation of the two-section housing. A reset member is also operative inside the housing, and is engaged by rotation of the cam for axial displacement into the lock cylinder. Similarly, a detent pin is slidably seated in the post and is engaged by the cam for axial displacement into the lock cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventors: Graham J. Wheatland, Jeanette V. Bui
  • Patent number: 7331203
    Abstract: A merchandise lock has a shell, an external sleeve, an internal sleeve, at least one stationary locking sheet and a movable locking sheet. The external sleeve is mounted on an end of the shell. The internal sleeve is mounted in the shell and the external sleeve. The stationary locking sheet is mounted in the internal sleeve and has a locking recess and a tongue extending out of the internal sleeve. The movable locking sheet is mounted pivotally in the internal sleeve and has a locking recess and a tongue extending out of the internal sleeve. When the lock cylinder is locked, the locking recesses align with each other and the tongues misalign with each other. When the lock cylinder is unlocked, the locking recesses misalign with each other and the tongues align with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventor: Miko Lee
  • Publication number: 20070283731
    Abstract: A lock assembly has a casing, a securing axle and a wheel. The securing axle is mounted rotatably in the casing and has a threaded end extending out of the casing. The wheel is mounted rotatably in the casing and selectively engages with the securing axle to rotate the securing axle. By rotating the wheel and the securing axle simultaneously, the threaded end of the securing axle can be screwed into an article. When the wheel disengages from the securing axle, the wheel cannot rotate the securing axle to keep the securing axle in the article. Then the article is in a position in cooperation with a cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Tony Miao
  • Patent number: 7260965
    Abstract: A locking device, which mounts a user key (the first key) and a manager key (the second key) separatedly, places a first lock and a second lock unitedly in an outer cylinder. The first lock is opened or rotated by the first key. After the first lock is open, the first key cannot be pulled out of the locking device. If the second lock is open by the second key, the first key can be pulled out together with the second key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Andamiro Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun I. Hung
  • Patent number: 7234330
    Abstract: A lock with an improved configuration comprises a housing and a cylindrical member mounted in the housing. A lock core is mounted in the cylindrical member. The lock is characterized in that the cylindrical member comprises either nine or eleven pin recesses at the front end, a disc and an engaging post having a dodecagonal section are mounted at the front end of the lock core, and the disc comprises nine through passages and three openings of different depths. Based on the configuration of the lock, the key to be inserted into the lock must have a dodecagonal inner passage to match the dodecagonal section of the engaging post of the lock. Because of the three openings of different depths, a thief cannot use specialized tools to explore the lock and unlock the lock. The number of codes of the lock is increased to keep the lock from being easily unlocked. The owner's property and privacy of are thus protected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Camlock Systems, Ltd
    Inventor: Bao Hsin Tseng
  • Patent number: 7174754
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, the present invention includes a key for engaging a locking mechanism for a port cover for use in a system integrated into a structure for injection of a material into one or more cavities in the structure. The locking mechanism is for removably securing a cover of the port cover to a base of the port cover that is coupled to the structure and includes one or more ports for injecting material into the one or more cavities in the structure. The key is adapted to engage with the locking mechanism, and orient the locking mechanism such that the locking mechanism engages with a projection of the base to removably secure one or more tabs of the cover in engagement with one or more corresponding slots of the base to removably secure the cover to the base to prevent unauthorized access to the one or more ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Centex Corporation
    Inventors: Jeryl E. Gahlhoff, Jr., Robert M. Swartz
  • Patent number: 7171833
    Abstract: The cylinder lock has a housing, a fixed hollow cylinder, a rotatable hollow cylinder and a locking bar. The locking bar has a mounting portion with planes, shoulders and a resilient element mounted around the mounting portion. The rotatable hollow cylinder has a non-circular mounting hole corresponding to and held slidably the mounting portion of the locking bar to enable synchronous rotation and relative sliding movement of the rotatable hollow cylinder and the locking bar to make the cylinder lock active. By the modification of the locking bar and the rotatable hollow cylinder, the structure of the cylinder lock is effectively simplified and the fabrication of the cylinder lock is easy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Kun-Yu Wu
  • Patent number: 7162900
    Abstract: A master key includes a key base having a key handle, a fixing seat and a sleeve, all of which are connected to each other integrally. The fixing seat has a plurality of angularly spaced apart spring holes having respective key springs. A key tube includes a large cross-section tube section inserted into the sleeve, and a small cross-section tube section fixed to the fixing seat. The large tube section includes a plurality of angularly spaced apart long and short grooves. The long grooves are aligned with the respective spring holes to receive slide pieces, and the short grooves have respective shoulder faces. A tubular lock to be used with the master key is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Miz Engineering Ltd.
    Inventor: Francisco Lu
  • Patent number: 7150168
    Abstract: A tubular lock unit has a lock and key. An upper pin seat and a lower pin seat with multiple pins are respectively mounted in the lock. A shaft is inserted into the lower pin seat and connected to the upper pin seat. The upper pin seat has an annular keyway and a slot is defined in a sidewall. The key has a barrel and a protrusion extending out of the barrel. When the key is inserted into the keyway, the protrusion is inserted into the slot and a lower end of the protrusion meets with an upper end of the lower pin seat to rotate the upper pin seat. When an improper key is inserted into the keyway and rotated, at least one of the pins will remain extended into the upper pin seat to prevent rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Inventor: Lambert Kuo
  • Patent number: 7073358
    Abstract: A self-locking cable lock has a main shell, an external sleeve, an internal sleeve, a lock shell, a lock cylinder and a lock actuating assembly. The external sleeve is mounted in the main shell and has a stationary protruding rod extending out of the main shell. The internal sleeve is mounted in the external sleeve, is allowed to move axially relative to the external sleeve and has two movable protruding rods. The movable protruding rods extend out of the external sleeve and have inclined distal ends. The lock cylinder is mounted in the lock shell. The lock actuating assembly is mounted in the lock cylinder. The stationary protruding rod is pushed into a keyhole of a desired appliance and the movable protruding rods can be pressed to move axially. Then the cable lock is able to be self-locking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Grace LIN
    Inventor: Miko Lee
  • Patent number: 7007522
    Abstract: A lock includes a body defining a first bore having a lock core mounted therein, and a second bore having an engaging element inserted thereinto; and a front barrier shield fixedly mounted in the body in front of the lock core. A communicating hole is formed in the body behind the lock core to communicate the two bores. A locking pin is disposed in the communicating hole to move into or out of a locking hole formed on the engaging element under control of the lock core, so as to lock or release the engaging element to or from the body, respectively. The front barrier shield includes a plurality of axially spaced and staggered barrier sheets to define a zigzag keyway, preventing a thief from peeping through the first bore and destructing the lock core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventor: Fu-An Lee
  • Patent number: 6983630
    Abstract: A core having a plurality of cutouts penetrating from the core surface to the keyway, and a plurality of activator inserts and filler inserts, such that the installer can locate one or more activator inserts in any of the cutouts, and one or more filler inserts in any of the remaining cutouts, to thereby define a program or code to be provided in the respective flank or flanks of an authorized key. At least three and preferably at least five slotted cutouts are provided. The inserts are preferably in the form of generally semi-circular plates on at least one side of the core. In various embodiments, the present invention is directed to a programmable cylinder lock system, a programmable core for a cylinder lock, a core kit by which the installer can program the core in the field, and a novel key adapted to be used with the programmable core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Kaba Ilco Corp.
    Inventors: Charles W. Eden, Jr., Edward F. Humphrey, Thomas J. Divito
  • Patent number: 6973814
    Abstract: The safety key has a shank (6) which is provided with a plurality of control surfaces (7) for properly positioning tumblers and has a front end and a rear end (6a, 6b). At a front end (4a), the rotor (4) of the associated locking cylinder (2) has at least one further control surface (8), which interacts with a further control surface (9) arranged at the rear end (6b) of the shank (5). The safety key is backward compatible and is relatively difficult to copy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Inventor: Ernst Keller
  • Patent number: 6957556
    Abstract: An improved disk-tumbler lock and key for use with a gun-lock device includes a key specifically adapted to be ring-mounted so that it may be worn by and is thus available for the user at all times. The particular shape of the key includes those characteristics which would be desirable for such a key which will function as a ring for the most part, including a sufficient strength to endure physical abuse resulting from common use as a ring, attractive appearance so that the user would be willing to wear it for extended periods, and an inconspicuous jewelry-like appearance to avoid unwarranted attention. In addition, the particular shape of the key and the mating keyway in the lock assembly are aimed at further improving the speed and reliability at which the key may be inserted into the lock assembly aided only by the user's tactile senses. The physical shape also lends itself to be easily and inexpensively manufactured using various fabrication processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Inventor: Don Dongcho Ha
  • Patent number: 6945082
    Abstract: A key blank, key and master keying system for a twisting tumbler sidebar lock of the type where the sidebar is blocked or unblocked by a selectively positioned longitudinally extending slider, has a key blank with a slider contacting surface on a rib on the blank below the bitting area at one of a plurality of selected predetermined locations. A key with skew cut bittings can be cut on the blank and the blank can be configured with the slider contacting surface at different predetermined locations. The slider contact area on the rib of the key blank can be divided into two horizontal portions at different predetermined locations and the slider itself can have contact surfaces also positioned at different predetermined locations so that a number of different master keying variations are possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Medeco Security Locks, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter H. Field, Andy E. Perkins, Anthony Hicks, Mark Benzie, Glenn Hartman, Clyde Roberson, Thomas Duckwall, Kevin Lee, W. Daniel Boadwine
  • Patent number: 6904775
    Abstract: The invention provides a pair of cuff locks joined by a universal joint and linkage system which provides for 360 relative rotation between the cuffs as well as allow the cuffs to be folded together into a compact position. The invention further provides for a push button cylinder lock which includes a rotatable plug and a fixed plug each having a plurality of aligned bores for receiving one or more tumbler pins. The push button cylinder lock further includes a non-rotatable push button shaft which is sildably mounted within the housing. One or more retaining pins engage locking indents of the push button shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Master Lock Company
    Inventors: Timothy Makos, Joseph Elliott, Kenneth N. Grandy, Sr., Victor Yip
  • Publication number: 20040231379
    Abstract: A shaft-type locking cylinder and dedicated key comprises a locking cylinder base, a main mount, a key, a plurality of tumbler pins, a plurality of springs, and a plurality of steel balls. The plurality of tumbler pins, springs and steel balls situated in the locking cylinder base are placed into a bore in the main mount, thereby enabling the fitting of an annular shoulder at the front end of the locking cylinder base into a first stepped rim in the main mount, the seating of a retaining ring in a second stepped rim to secure the locking cylinder base in the main mount and, furthermore, the concealment of the tumbler pins installed within the locking cylinder base. The said key further comprises a toggling barrel member having a plurality of differing-depth arcuate notches, a vertical slot in the toggling barrel member and a horizontal slot formed at one side of the vertical slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: Chin-Shen Yu
  • Patent number: 6718808
    Abstract: An improved tubular-type locking cylinder and dedicated key that provides for both theft- and trip-resistant tumbler pin assemblies, wherein the locking cylinder is comprised of an outer housing, a main base, a locking cylinder shaft, and a plurality of tumbler pin assemblies. The improved features are that a detent slot is formed in the interior wall along the locking cylinder shaft recess through the center of the main base body. The locking cylinder shaft consists of a bore through the center of the shaft member up to its top extremity, a movably disposed catch bolt and spring, and a plug obstructing the opening of the bore. A horizontal passage for seating a steel ball is formed in the shaft member at the lower side of a tumbler pin disc. A locating pin is horizontally situated near the upper extremity at one side of the catch bolt. A keyway slot is formed in the shaft member that is contiguous to the upper end of the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Chin-Shen Yu
  • Patent number: 6694788
    Abstract: A lock core with a related key includes a core body and a housing and a related key. The related key is inserted in a keyhole of the core body and pushed inward to push a stop plate inward in the keyhole at the same time, with projecting ridges of the key moving inward together with engage shafts until projecting members align with an annular groove of the housing. Then the core body can be rotated to be unlocked. When the key is pulled out of the core body, the engage shafts and the stop plate return to their original positions by the springs to lock the core body. Thus the stop plate normally closes up the keyhole, preventing dirt and miscellaneous matters from entering the keyhole. Any matters or even broken key parts may be sprung out of the keyhole by the stop plate, with the keyhole never clogged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Hui-Hua Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20030226385
    Abstract: An improved tubular-type locking cylinder and dedicated key that provides for both theft- and trip-resistant tumbler pin assemblies, wherein the locking cylinder is comprised of an outer housing, a main base, a locking cylinder shaft, and a plurality of tumbler pin assemblies. The improved features are that a detent slot is formed in the interior wall along the locking cylinder shaft recess through the center of the main base body. The locking cylinder shaft consists of a bore through the center of the shaft member up to its top extremity, a movably disposed catch bolt and spring, and a plug obstructing the opening of the bore. A horizontal passage for seating a steel ball is formed in the shaft member at the lower side of a tumbler pin disc. A locating pin is horizontally situated near the upper extremity at one side of the catch bolt. A keyway slot is formed in the shaft member that is contiguous to the upper end of the bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Inventor: Yu Chin-Shen
  • Patent number: 6644078
    Abstract: A lock furnished with a replaceable lock core, in which the inner lock assembly includes a lock core, a sleeve, and a control ring; the inner lock assembly is mounted in a fixed lock casing; the inner lock assembly and the lock casing are assembled together by means of a catch pin; the key normally used for unlocking the lock can only be turned clockwise without hindering the catching function between he inner lock assembly and the lock casing; when an inner lock assembly is replaced, the key should be inserted for unlocking, and then turned counter-clockwise so as to release the catching function between the lock casing and the inner lock assembly; then, pull the key outwards so as to pull out the inner lock assembly simultaneously, and the replacement of a new lock core for the lock casing is done simply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Inventor: Chung-I Hung
  • Publication number: 20030159482
    Abstract: A variable tubular lock comprising a lock body and a key is disclosed. The lock body comprises a casing, a lower pin seat inserted in the casing, a spindle provided with an upper pin seat, a plurality of springs and plural sets of cylindrical upper pins and cylindrical lower pins. This variable tubular lock is characterized in that the inner edge of a keyhole in the casing is provided with one or more protruding blocks, axial grooves for the protruding block passing through and an annular groove for receiving the protruding block and spinning the key. With this structure, the tubular lock can be prevented itself from being unlocked by a common unlocking device. Further, with the number and the position arrangement of the protruding blocks and the axial grooves, the variation of the lock codes can be substantially increased and thus the security of the tubular lock is significantly improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2003
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventor: Wu-Chang Liao
  • Patent number: 6584819
    Abstract: A lock with two layers of lock mechanism, which comprises a body casing, an upper lock body, a lower lock body, a connection plate and a key; the chamber of the body casing is used for mounting the two lock bodies; the two lock bodies are connected together with the connection plate; the center of the upper lock body has a key hole for receiving a flat key to plug into a key hole of the lower lock body; the other end of the key has a cylindrical key, which is to be plugged into a ring-shaped key groove; when the key is pushed and turned, both the upper and lower lock bodies will be unlock simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: Chung-I Hung
  • Patent number: 6550299
    Abstract: A cylinder lock has a first tumbler, a second tumbler and a third tumbler all received in a hollow cylindrical housing. The first tumbler is selectively rotatable relative to the second tumbler and the second tumbler together with the first tumbler is selectively rotatable to the third tumbler. By pressing downward the actuating pin, a rearrangement between first tumbler pins and second tumbler pins by relative rotation of the first tumbler to the second tumbler adapts to a different key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Sheng-Ting Lin
  • Patent number: 6523382
    Abstract: A free-wheeling lock assembly includes a case and a drive mechanism which is adapted for coupling to a latching mechanism. The drive mechanism includes a lock barrel supported within the case for rotational and axial movement relative to the case and a driver releasably coupled to the lock barrel but fixed against axial movement. The drive mechanism further includes first and second slidebars supported within the case for axial movement relative to the case. The slidebars are coupled to the lock barrel by tumblers of the lock assembly, and translate the lock barrel axially with respect to the driver, decoupling the driver from the lock barrel in response to rotation of the lock barrel when the tumblers are in a locking position. However, the tumblers permit relative axial movement between the first and second slidebars and the lock barrel when the tumblers are in a releasing position, permitting the lock barrel to rotate the driver for operating the latching mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Strattec Security Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Dimig, Keith D. Zirtzlaff, Alan J. Ritz
  • Patent number: 6494068
    Abstract: A lock core assembly. The assembly includes an external cylinder, an inner cylinder rotatably fitted in the external cylinder, alignment elements provided in the inner cylinder, at least a limiting element provided in the external cylinder able to engage with the alignment elements, and a key to be inserted into the inner cylinder to move the alignment elements to an unlocking state with the limiting element. When the engaging member is detached, the limiting element is separated from the external cylinder, and then the original coupling of the key and the limiting element are substituted by another coupling of a key and a limiting element, such that, when a user loses his key, he can have the lock core assembly repaired without changing the entire lock set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Tung Chu International Inc.
    Inventor: Chun-Chang Lee
  • Publication number: 20020166355
    Abstract: A lock device for bicycle, which comprises an outer cylinder of a frame, an inner cylinder of front fork, and a transmission assembly mounted between the aforesaid parts; the transmission assembly includes a fixed member, which has a transverse cylindrical hole for receiving a lock device; the outer surface of the lock cylinder of the lock device is furnished with a gear portion; a key is plugged into the keyhole of the lock device to push a plurality of tumbler disks to move; the engage surface of the key can drive the outer casing to turn, and then the gear portion of the outer casing will actuate the transmission assembly to move so as to have the frame and the front fork locked up at an angle of 45 degrees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: Chi-Yuan Li
  • Patent number: 6477875
    Abstract: A twisting tumbler lock with a side bar is provided with additional levels of security by a axially reciprocable slider which is normally positioned to block operation of the side bar but is moved by a specially configured key to free operation of the side bar. This provides a third level of locking security, it also allows master keying. The unique key has a portion of a rib formed to cooperate with the slider to further allow key control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Medeco Security Locks, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter H. Field, Andy E. Perkins
  • Patent number: 6463770
    Abstract: A lock for a computer has a housing, a core pivotally mounted to the housing, a latch formed on and extending out of the core, a rod coupled to the core. The rod has a flange end and a pair of pins extending from the flange end. A spring is disposed around the rod to provide a resilience to the pins, and a cable is pivotally connected to the housing. A case of the computer has a latch chamber and an entrance communicates with the latch chamber to allow the latch and the pin to enter the latch chamber through the entrance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Inventor: Miko Lee
  • Publication number: 20020134122
    Abstract: A cylinder-pushing type of lock device, which mainly comprises a core cylinder mounted in a center casing hole of a lock casing; the core cylinder has a cylindrical hole for receiving a plurality of tumbler disks, which are pushed in place with a main spring underneath; one side of the lock casing has a latch bar groove; the core cylinder is furnished with an elongate slot for receiving a latch bar, which has a plurality of round cuts; the space between two round cuts is varied with the variation of moving distance of the tumbler disk so as to facilitate encoding variation; the key has a plurality of ring-shaped push surface so as to push the tumbler disks to a position opposite to the round cuts of the latch bar; in that case, the key can be turned to have the core cylinder moved to unlocked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventor: Chi-Yuan Li
  • Publication number: 20020116967
    Abstract: A lock core assembly comprising: an external cylinder, an inner cylinder rotatably fitted in the external cylinder, a plurality of alignment elements provided in the inner cylinder, at least a limiting element provided in the external cylinder able to engage with the alignment elements, and a key to be inserted into the inner cylinder to move the alignment elements to positions making an unlocking state with the limiting element; the assembly is characterized by: the limiting element is assembled by means of an engaging member on the external cylinder meeting the specification of the key; when the engaging member is detached, the limiting element is separated from the external cylinder, then the original couple of the key and the limiting element are substituted by another couple of a key and a limiting element. Thereby, when a user loses his key, he can have the lock core assembly repaired without changing the entire lock set; this can reduce expenditure and avoid waste of resources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventor: Chun-Chang Lee
  • Publication number: 20020108406
    Abstract: The invention provides a pair of cuff locks joined by a universal joint and linkage system which provides for 360 relative rotation between the cuffs as well as allow the cuffs to be folded together into a compact position. The invention further provides for a push button cylinder lock which includes a rotatable plug and a fixed plug each having a plurality of aligned bores for receiving one or more tumbler pins. The push button cylinder lock further includes a non-rotatable push button shaft which is sildably mounted within the housing. One or more retaining pins engage locking indents of the push button shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Timothy Makos, Joseph Elliott, Kenneth N. Grandy, Victor Yip
  • Patent number: 6393883
    Abstract: The present invention provides a tubular keyed cam lock with increased resistance to tampering. The cam lock has a rear screw which attaches the cam to the rotatable cam of the lock, thereby increasing the strength of the lock by preventing the lock from being pried off. The lock includes a plug body with a key entering end and a cam actuating end, a plurality of spring biased pin tumblers engaging the key when the key is inserted into the plug body and a lock housing within which the plug body is rotatably positioned. The lock housing has at least one limit stop disposed thereon. As discussed above, the cam-actuating end of the plug body is connected with a screw to a metal stop plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Royal Lock Corp.
    Inventor: Lawrence L. Freck
  • Patent number: 6357271
    Abstract: A multi-layer type lock core structure of a cylindrical lock, having multi-layer and multi-pin design which provides numerous possibility of change and enhances the safety of the lock. There are twelve sets of upper pins and ten sets of lower pins. The upper pins and the lower pins are designed with different levels, wherein the upper pins are designed with different lengths and pushed by the springs and the lower pins so that the upper pins always protrude beyond the surface of the pin ring. Multiple layers of upper pins and pin rings can be disposed, whereby when changing the number of the cylindrical lock, there are over twelve sets of possibility of change so that in case the key misses or is duplicated, the safety of the lock can be still ensured. Therefore, the lock can be more widely applied to various fields. In addition, the fixing spile of the lock is free from any locating hole so that an alien tool has no force application point to pry and damage the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Inventor: Fong-Shiang Hsu
  • Patent number: 6237378
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an anti-theft device notably for a motor vehicle. The anti-theft device includes an electrical switch for the detection of key insertion into the anti-theft device. A pusher also included in the anti-theft device slides in both the proximal and distal directions parallel to a key insertion axis. The pusher activates the switch by using an elastic force that tends to move the pusher back against a stop, which holds the pusher in a retracted rest position when the key is withdrawn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Valeo Securite Habitacle
    Inventor: Louis Canard
  • Patent number: 6085560
    Abstract: A pin tumbler mechanical lock includes an electronic component incorporated in the key which connects to an axial lead aligned to mechanically engage the spring biased contact of the key whereby in order to operate the lock both the mechanical pin tumblers and the electronic signal provided by the key are necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Compx International, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Dalton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6058750
    Abstract: An improved lock structure, and especially a lock structure in which a stepped shaped wall of the key hole in the lock core can be cooperated with a key to allow the key to be drawn out regardless of its angular position. The lock core can also be rotated from an unlocking position to a locking position without the key; convenience thus is increased. Besides, a plurality of pusher pins are allocated in multiple directions to increase the difficulty of unlocking by a thief, this can thereby increase theft-proof effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Tung Chu International Inc.
    Inventor: Chi-yuan Li
  • Patent number: 6038898
    Abstract: An axial pin tumbler lock and key assembly comprise a housing with an axial pin tumbler barrel fixed within the housing and including passages for storage of key change tumblers. A rotatable forward barrel and spindle include axial pin tumblers movable in response to the insertion of an appropriate key of the type having a hollow cylindrical barrel for engagement with the tumblers. The key includes detents on the inside surface of the cylindrical barrel and radial ribs on the outside surface thereof for actuation of the front barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Compx International, Inc.
    Inventor: William H. Cliff
  • 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: 5921118
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved shift lever lock structure of a car, wherein, a lock core and an upper and a lower bead seat are placed in from the front end of the housing of the lever lock, the lock core is extended through a through hole on the wall of the housing, then a C shaped ring and a moving sheet set for the lock are mounted on and secured, a movable side pin is transversely provided on the upper bead seat, it can be pushed to open the lock when a key is inserted, the lock core is very difficult to be destroyed from the front end thereof, thus an additional safety is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: Li Chi Yuan
  • Patent number: 5913907
    Abstract: A lock including a latch bolt securely extending out therefrom and having a pair of geometrically opposed channels defined therein and a wall formed near a distal end thereof, a pair of locking pins slidably received within respective channels of the latch bolt and a pad attached to an outer periphery of a stator of the lock enables a user to laterally insert the lock into a predetermined hole defined in a cover of a portable computer or the like to secure the portable computer. Furthermore, due to the provision of a wire and a loop at a distal end of the wire which is securely attached to the periphery of the stator, the portable computer or the like is able to be securely attached to an object suitable for the wire to be attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Inventor: Miko Lee
  • Patent number: 5791181
    Abstract: A novel locking system of the type which has very useful properties and at the same time can be produced cost-effectively, and is therefore suitable to be a mass-produced product, particularly for use in motor vehicles and building fixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Valeo GmbH & Co. Schliessysteme KG
    Inventors: Alfred Sperber, Bernd Sperber
  • Patent number: 5720191
    Abstract: A padlock includes a lock unit housed in one end of a tubular housing, and a shackle provided with a notch in one or both feet for the lock unit to fit and keep immovable the shackle feet in the housing in locking. In addition, locking dimensions of the lock unit with the shackle is made substantially larger than conventional ones to prevent the padlock from being illegally broken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Inventors: Huang Tsung-Chuan, Huang Tang-Cheng
  • Patent number: 5544512
    Abstract: An axial pin tumbler lock comprises a housing, an outer tumbler pin seat, a plurality of outer tumbler pins, an inner tumbler pin seat, and a plurality of inner tumbler pins. The smallest distance between the center of the outer tumbler pin seat and the outer edge of at least one of the outer tumbler pins is greater than the radius of the first axial hole of the housing, so as to enable the outer tumbler pin in question to be concealed by a shoulder located between the first axial hole and the second axial hole of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Inventor: Jin-Ren Shieh
  • Patent number: 5447049
    Abstract: An improved push-button locking device has an outer sleeve in which an inner sleeve is received. The inner sleeve is used to receive therein a locking rod, a front ring seat, a rear ring seat, and a plurality of front and rear retaining tenons and urging springs. The outer sleeve is provided in the wall thereof with a bar hole. A locating pin is fastened to the wall of the inner sleeve such that the locating pin extends into the bar hole for enabling the inner sleeve to move axially within the bar hole. A retrieving spring is located between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve for enabling the inner sleeve to remain outwards in the absence of an external force. The locking rod is provided with an extra portion capable of extending outwards through the axial hole of the outer sleeve. The axial hole is provided in the wall thereof with a recess in which a compression spring and an urging pin are disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Inventor: Jin-Ren Shieh
  • Patent number: 5402660
    Abstract: A cylinder lock having a key insertion hole or clearance formed between a casing and a key guide member. A key for the cylinder lock is provided with a thin cylindrical member which is to be inserted into the annular key insertion hole when the key is inserted into the cylinder lock. The cylindrical member is filled at its first end section with a part of a key shank. A slider is slidably disposed inside the cylindrical member and normally located inside the second end section of the cylindrical member. The slider is formed at its tip end with a fitting projection which is to be fitted in a guiding depression formed at the tip end face of the key guide member. The key insertion hole is formed narrow or thin, corresponding to the thin cylindrical member of the key, thereby preventing a picking tool from being inserted through the narrow key insertion hole into the cylinder lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Alpha Corporation
    Inventor: Shunichi Osada
  • Patent number: 5402662
    Abstract: A cylindrical lock includes a casing having an annular front face with an inner circumferential portion surrounding a key insert member received by a key. A keyhole is defined between the inner circumferential portion and the key insert member, a lower portion of the key insert member is displaced from an axial center of a lock cylinder by a predetermined distance. The key includes a cylindrical end received by the key hole. A thickness of an upper side of the cylindrical end is different from a thickness of the lower end such that, when the key is rotated, the displaced lower side of the key insert member causes a width of portions of the keyhole to be varied. Thus picking of the cylindrical lock with a picking tool or the like is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Alpha Corporation
    Inventor: Shunichi Osada
  • Patent number: 5400629
    Abstract: An axial pin tumbler lock for housing in an outer shell. The lock includes a shell and a rotatable driver sleeve telescoped into the shell. The driver sleeve has a bird-cage design including a front large inner diameter portion and a rear small-diameter inner portion and circumferentially arranged throughbores in communication with the inner diameters. A stationary tumbler sleeve is also telescoped in the shell, and in a facing relationship with the driver sleeve. The tumbler sleeve slot includes throughbores in communication with an inner diameter. A spindle extends through the sleeves and is rotatably mounted in the driver sleeve. The spindle includes a body portion and a neck portion with a curved transition zone between the two. Driver and tumbler pins mounted in the throughbores normally prevent rotation of the spindle and driver sleeve with respect to the tumbler sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Fort Lock Corporation
    Inventor: Gary L. Myers