Abstract: A key or key blank includes a key blade having a first edge, a second edge, and first and second opposed sides. The first edge has one or more edge bittings to elevate and/or rotate one or more tumbler pins of a lock with a vertically-oriented keyway, and one of the opposed sides has one or more side bittings to elevate and/or rotate one or more tumbler pins of a lock with a horizontally-oriented keyway. Side warding surfaces on the key blank are shaped and positioned to minimize the interference of peaks between the skewed bitting cuts on the key. A lock has a keyway configured for the key having edge bittings to elevate and/or rotate one or more tumbler pins of a vertical lock and side bittings to elevate and/or rotate one or more tumbler pins of a horizontal lock.

Abstract: A pin setting key for setting rotational orientations of pins of a lock. The key includes a bow portion and a blade portion for inserting into a keyway. The blade portion has a longitudinal axis and a bow end and a tip end, with a plurality of bitting positions located between the bow and tip ends. Each of the bitting positions corresponds to one of the pins of the plug such that insertion of the blade portion into the keyway aligns the bitting position with one of the pins. Each bitting position includes at least one bitting surface configured to rotate a pin when the contact surface of the pin contacts the bitting surface. Each bitting surface is offset from a central location of the respective bitting position. Each bitting surface has an axis extending generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the blade.

Abstract: A locking system is set forth having a key and a lock cylinder. The lock cylinder has a cylinder core journalled in a housing and having a keyway for inserting the key. A plurality of tumblers actuable by the key and an additional blocking element movably arranged in a guide passage of the cylinder core project into the keyway, said additional blocking element being displaceable obliquely or transversely to the direction of insertion of the key. The additional blocking element is made for cooperation with a counter-element arranged at the key blade with a key introduced up to the maximum insertion depth. The counter-element is in this respect arranged in a groove or recess starting from the key tip and extending in the longitudinal direction of the key blade.

Abstract: A cylinder lock and key combination includes a cylinder lock with a housing accommodating a rotatable key plug having a keyway. A row of tumbler pins are arranged in corresponding cylindrical chambers for engagement with coded V-cut bittings of an associated key. A longitudinal side bar with a row of inner projecting lugs each selectively registering with one or more recesses in the tumbler pins is slidingly journalled for transversal movement in the key plug. The coded V-cut bittings are at a respective angle and are located at a respective vertical level. The row of inner projecting lugs of the side bar is located above the top bitting level of the key blade. The tumbler pins are positioned in pin recesses located in a cylindrical outer surface and covered by a cylindrical wall part of an associated one of said cylindrical chambers, without communicating downwardly with the keyway.

Abstract: A locking mechanism is provided for a lock body and a rotatable key plug. The locking mechanism comprises pins having recesses, each of the pins adapted to be disposed in pin bores in the key plug for reciprocal and rotational movement. An elongated spring member simultaneously engages and biases the pins toward a keyway in the key plug. A locking bar moves between a first position and a second position where at least a portion of the locking bar is received in the recesses in the pins. The locking bar is prevented from moving to the second position unless the pins are in a position where the recesses are aligned with the locking bar. Upon insertion of a key in the keyway the pins are moved axially or rotated for aligning the recesses in the pins with the locking bar so the key can rotate the key plug.

Abstract: A lock and key combination wherein at least one locking tumbler includes a key sensing portion, a body portion and a locking portion. A cavity, accommodating an associated locking tumbler, is larger than the contour of the body portion so as to permit a translatory as well as a rotary movement of the locking tumbler in a movement plane within the cavity. A code pattern on the key blade includes at least one wave-like guiding surface. When the key blade is inserted into the key slot, the locking tumbler is controlled by two mutually spaced formations, which engage with the wave-like guiding surface of the key blade, and is guided at opposite side surfaces by two associates walls of the cavity, to be retained precisely in the movement plane. The locking portion of the locking tumbler is movable to enable the locking mechanism to be released.

Abstract: A lock cylinder having: a cylinder core having a key channel for inserting a key which is provided with profiling; at least one feeler element which is disposed in the cylinder core, is acted on by a spring and is held in a blocking position by the spring when the key is not inserted in the key channel; and a blocking element which, when the feeler element is in the blocking position, is held in a blocking position which blocks rotation of the cylinder core. The feeler element can be shifted against the return force of the spring into a release position by the profiling on the matching key inserted into the key channel, in which position the locking element can be deflected into a position releasing the cylinder core.

Abstract: A pin setting key for setting rotational orientations of pins of a lock. The key includes a bow portion and a blade portion for inserting into a keyway. The blade portion has a longitudinal axis and a bow end and a tip end, with a plurality of bitting positions located between the bow and tip ends. Each of the bitting positions corresponds to one of the pins of the plug such that insertion of the blade portion into the keyway aligns the bitting position with one of the pins. Each bitting position includes at least one bitting surface configured to rotate a pin when the contact surface of the pin contacts the bitting surface. Each bitting surface is offset from a central location of the respective bitting position. Each bitting surface has an axis extending generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the blade.

Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder includes a lock cylinder body having an interior void and a plug assembly rotatably disposed in the lock cylinder body. The plug assembly includes a plug body having a keyway. A plurality of racks is movably disposed relative to the plug body. A plurality of key followers is positioned across the keyway and is moveably disposed relative to the plug body. Each key follower is configured to engage a respective rack of the plurality of racks. A key follower rotation member is drivably engaged with each key follower of the plurality of key followers. The key follower rotation member is selectively movable to rotate each key follower of the plurality of key followers to thereby disengage each key follower of the plurality of key followers from the respective rack of the plurality of racks to facilitate a keying of the rekeyable lock cylinder.

Abstract: A substantially burglary-proof lock, comprises a housing formed with a cylindrical bore defining an inner cylindrical surface, and a cylinder within said bore carrying locking elements movable to locking and unlocking positions with respect to said housing, said cylinder having an outer diameter equal to the diameter of said bore so as to be rotatable when the locking elements are in unlocking position with respect to said housing, said cylinder being formed with a keyway for receiving a proper key in order to move said locking elements to their locking and unlocking positions with respect to said housing, characterized in that said cylinder carries at least one insert of a hard material configured, dimensioned and located such as to prevent pull-out of the cylinder from the housing by a pull-out force applied to the cylinder, and/or by drilling through the locking elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lock and key combination including a cylinder lock with a rotatable key plug having a key slot for receiving a flat key blade (100) on a key, and at least two side locking tumblers (201a, 201b; 301, 302; 401, 402) which are guided in associated chambers in the key plug and have transverse fingers (211a, 211b: 311, 312; 411, 412a, 412b) projecting into the key slot. There is a code pattern (110) in a side recess (115, 118) of the key blade comprising at least two separate code surfaces formed on at least one side surface (101) of the key, including a primary code surface (131-135; 141?; 151) located in an external portion of the side recess and adjoining said one side surface (101), and a secondary code surface (141-145; 142?152) being defined in a groove forming a deeper portion of the side recess. The primary and secondary code surfaces engage with first and second fingers (211b, 311, 411 and 211a, 312, 412a) on associated side locking tumblers.

Abstract: A key with a very large number of code combinations. The key includes a longitudinally extending key blade with a wave-like side code pattern forming a wave-like surface including a ramp portion at a free end portion of the key blade with the wave-like guide being formed on the key blade at a side surface. A key contacting portion engages the wave-like side code pattern and is positioned by way of a specific pivotal position of the finger. A specific asymmetric displacement of the key contacting portion is formed in an asymmetric free end of the finger so that the specific pivotal displacement of the key contacting portion is available relative to the specific pivotal displacement relative to the wave-like side code pattern. The number of possible code combinations is consequently further increased.

Abstract: A system for obstructing movement of a pin in a pin tumbler lock is disclosed. The system includes a pin movable in a bore in a plug of a pin tumbler lock, and the pin has a channel formed thereon for receiving a portion of a sidebar of the lock. The system further includes a blocking member mounted on the pin and configured to obstruct movement of the portion of the sidebar along the channel of the pin.

Abstract: A high security lock and key system with an increased number of code combinations wherein the blade of the key has a wave-like guiding surface at the side of the key blade which, upon insertion into an associated lock having a rotatable key plug, engages with one or more side locking tumblers in the lock cooperating with a side locking mechanism for locking the key plug against rotation. In order to provide an even higher number of possible code combinations, while preserving the overall dimensions of the locks and the keys of the system, an extra code level located at a longitudinally extending shelf surface, viz. at the upper boundary of the side material region where the wave-like guiding surface is cut at the side of the key blade. The invention also relates to a key and a key blade and to a lock for use in such a system.

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.

Abstract: A system for obstructing movement of a pin in a pin tumbler lock is disclosed. The system includes a pin movable in a bore in a plug of a pin tumbler lock, and the pin has a channel formed thereon for receiving a portion of a sidebar of the lock. The system further includes a blocking member mounted on the pin and configured to obstruct movement of the portion of the sidebar along the channel of the pin.

Abstract: A lock and key system with a very large number of code combinations. The lock (200) includes side locking tumblers (206) having pivoting fingers (208) with asymmetric key contacting portions (220r), which engage with a wave-like code pattern (105) formed at the side of the key (100).

Abstract: A high security cylinder lock includes a housing comprising a plurality of driver pin bores for disposing spring loaded driver pins; a plug rotatable within the housing comprising a plurality of balancing pin bores for disposing spring loaded balancing pins and a plurality of combination pin bores for disposing combination pins. Each combination pin is sandwiched between a driver pin and a balancing pin. The extension force of the balancing spring at its pre-load length is greater than the extension force of the driver spring at its fully-load length. The compound force causes at least one combination pin partially extended into a corresponding driver pin bore in the housing when the plug is at its first rotational orientation in case of no key engaged. The key profile pushes the balancing pins to move to such position that all mating surfaces of the combination pins and the driver pins to lies onto the shear line of the lock.

Abstract: A lock cylinder that includes a housing defining a cylindrical cavity, and a plug disposed in the cylindrical cavity and rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The plug includes a key slot and an inner pin chamber aligned with an outer pin chamber of the housing when the plug is in the locked position. An inner pin is disposed in the inner pin chamber for movement along an axis, and is engageable with the outer pin when the plug is in the locked position. The inner pin is engageable by a key inserted into the key slot, and includes an outer surface that defines a non-axial groove. An engagement member is supported by the plug and extends into the groove.

Abstract: A high security lock and key system with an increased number of code combinations wherein the blade of the key has a wave-like guiding surface at the side of the key blade which, upon insertion into an associated lock having a rotatable key plug, engages with one or more side locking tumblers in the lock cooperating with a side locking mechanism for locking the key plug against rotation. In order to provide an even higher number of possible code combinations, while preserving the overall dimensions of the locks and the keys of the system, an extra code level located at a longitudinally extending shelf surface, viz. at the upper boundary of the side material region where the wave-like guiding surface is cut at the side of the key blade. The invention also relates to a key and a key blade and to a lock for use in such a system.

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.

Abstract: Tumbler pins 2 are movably housed in a plug 1. A locked/unlocked state is determined by the turning position on the moving direction center axes of the tumbler pins 2. An unlocking key 4 to be inserted into the plug 1 is provided with unlocking code forming recesses 3 for determining the turning positions of the tumbler pins at code decision positions. The tumbler pins 2 are provided at their leading end portions with drive portions 5, which have slope sides of conical faces gradually reduced in diameter toward the leading ends and having rotational centers offset from the moving direction center axes. The side wall faces of the unlocking code forming recesses 3 are formed of conical faces having rotational centers substantially aligned with those of the conical faces forming the slope sides of the drive portions 5.

Abstract: A high security lock and key system with an increased number of code combinations is disclosed. The system is of the kind where the blade of the key has a wave-like guiding surface (104) at the side of the key blade which, upon insertion into an associated lock having a rotatable key plug, engages with one or more side locking tumblers (206) in the lock cooperating with a side locking mechanism for locking the key plug against rotation. In order to provide an even higher number of possible code combinations, while preserving the overall dimensions of the locks and the keys of the system, the present invention provides for an extra code level (121) located at a longitudinally extending shelf surface, viz. at the upper boundary of the side material region where the wave-like guiding surface is cut at the side of the key blade. The invention also relates to a key (100) and a key blade as such, and to a lock (200) as such, for use in such a system.

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.

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.

Abstract: A cylinder lock has a plug deployed within a bore in a cylinder housing. The plug defines a keyway which communicates with a number of pin channels. Disposed within the channels are a number of pins which are displaceable along, and rotatable about, their axis. Each pin has an engagement end, proximal to the keyway, formed with at least two engagement features projecting parallel to, but displaced from, the pin's axis, and separated by at least one depression. Each pin is free to rotate through 360° about it axis. The cylinder lock preferably also includes a key for insertion into the keyway. The key has a seat located to come into alignment with a pin, the seat being formed with at least two depressions separated by an intermediate ridge. The configuration of the seat is such that the pin is rotated by contact with the seat to an angularly aligned position in which its engagement features are aligned with the depressions of the seat.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for picking a lock which utilizes a single blade or pair of elongated thin, rigid, interchangeable blades which are to be inserted within the keyway of the lock. Each of the blades have an upper hiatused surface and can have an off-center sharpened edge so that the sharpened edge will contact the cylindrical lock pins of the lock spaced from the center of each of the lock pins. The off-center sharpened edge could be formed by beveling the side of the blade or by making a cut-out in the blade. The hiatused surface of the blades cause the “V” shaped tips of the cylindrical lock pins of the lock to move lineally with the sharpened edge causing the lock pins to pivot. Instead of a hiatused surface, there could be used one or more deflectable members, tufts of bristles or a brush. The blades are to be driven in a reciprocal manner with one blade moving in and the opposite blade moving out.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for picking a lock which utilizes a single blade or pair of elongated thin, rigid, interchangeable blades which are to be inserted within the keyway of the lock. Each of the blades have an upper hiatused surface and can have an off-center sharpened edge so that the sharpened edge will contact the cylindrical lock pins of the lock spaced from the center of each of the lock pins. The off-center sharpened edge could be formed by beveling the side of the blade or by making a cut-out in the blade. The hiatused surface of the blades cause the lock pins of the lock to move lineally with the sharpened edge causing the lock pins to pivot. Instead of a hiatused surface, there could be used one or more deflectable members, tufts of bristles or a brush. The blades are to be driven in a reciprocal manner with one blade moving in and the opposite blade moving out.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for picking a lock which utilizes a single blade or pair of elongated thin, rigid, interchangeable blades which are to be inserted within the keyway of the lock. Each of the blades have an upper hiatused surface and can have an off-center sharpened edge so that the sharpened edge will contact the cylindrical lock pins of the lock spaced from the center of each of the lock pins. The off-center sharpened edge could be formed by beveling the side of the blade or by making a cutout in the blade. The hiatused surface of the blades cause the lock pins of the lock to move lineally with the sharpened edge causing the lock pins to pivot. Instead of a hiatused surface, there could be used one or more deflectable members, tufts of bristles or a brush. The blades are to be driven in a reciprocal manner with one blade moving in and the opposite blade moving out.

Abstract: A previously used lock assembly constructed for operation using a given key may be operated by a different key after rebroaching. Instead of requiring an expensive, complete replacement of a lock assembly and its operable keys, the present invention allows a lock assembly to be refitted for a different key by a relatively inexpensive replacement of its plug and at least one of the tumbler components, preferably the bottom pin only, of one or more preexisting sets of tumbler components, as needed to modify the lock to receive the different key.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for picking a lock which utilizes a single blade or pair of elongated thin, rigid, interchangeable blades which are to be inserted within the keyway of the lock. Each of the blades have an upper hiatused surface and can have an off-center sharpened edge so that the sharpened edge will contact the cylindrical lock pins of the lock spaced from the center of each of the lock pins. The off-center sharpened edge could be formed by beveling the side of the blade or by making a cut-out in the blade. The hiatused surface of the blades cause the lock pins of the lock to move lineally with the sharpened edge causing the lock pins to pivot. Instead of a hiatused surface, there could be used one or more deflectable members, tufts of bristles or a brush. The blades are to be driven in a reciprocal manner with one blade moving in and the opposite blade moving out.

Abstract: A cylinder lock having a changeable key combination, the cylinder lock including a cylinder housing defining a bore, a plug arranged in the bore and defining a keyway and at least one plug pin disposed in the plug along at least one plug pin axis and communicating with the keyway, the at least one plug pin having a key engagement end face communicating with the keyway, the key engagement end face being configured such that rotation of the plug pin about the plug pin axis effects a change in the key combination of the cylinder lock and wherein the cylindrical housing defines at least one access opening which permits access to the at least one plug pin for selectable rotational positioning thereof for changing the key combination of the cylinder lock by means of rotation of the at least one plug pin about the at least one plug pin axis. Various keys suitable for use with the lock are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A hierarchical lock and key system includes a plurality of locks and keys wherein each key is provided with at least one unique bitting surface that engages a complementarily shaped tumbler pin tip to cause the tumbler pin to rotate and be positioned at a predetermined location. In one system, one key is provided with bittings to rotate the tumbler pins in a lock that is able to determine the rotational position of the tumbler pins. The one key may also operate a lock which does not determine the rotational position of the tumbler pins by positioning a tumbler pin at its proper elevation in the cylinder. Another key which has at least one different bitting from the one key will operate the latter lock (in which the tumblers do not have to be rotated). However, the other key will not operate the former lock because the bitting does not properly rotate the tumbler pin to its unlocking location.

Abstract: The lock cylinder comprises a cylinder body wherein a cylinder plug (1) comprising a slot (2) for the key (18) of the lock is rotatable arranged. The profile of the key slot and therefore also of the key is determined by profile forming elements in the form of rotation bodies (6,7) which are inserted in bores (4,5) extending through the cylinder plug (1) parallel to and adjacent to the middle plane (10) of the key slot (2). The profile elements (6,7) may be made of hardenable steel, for instance by turning, and may comprise a number of portions of different diameters so that the total number of key profiles obtainable becomes high while permitting the key profile to be made very thin and correspondingly difficult to copy.

Abstract: A previously used lock assembly constructed for operation using a given key may be operated by a different key after rebroaching. Instead of requiring an expensive, complete replacement of a lock assembly and its operable keys, the present invention allows a lock assembly to be refitted for a different key by a relatively inexpensive replacement of its plug and at least one of the tumbler components, preferably the bottom pin only, of one or more preexisting sets of tumbler components, as needed to modify the lock to receive the different key.

Abstract: A hierarchical lock and key system includes a plurality of locks and keys wherein each key is provided with at least one unique bitting surface that engages a complementarily shaped tumbler pin tip to cause the tumbler pin to rotate and be positioned at a predetermined location. In one system, one key is provided with bittings to rotate the tumbler pins in a lock that is able to determine the rotational position of the tumbler pins. The one key may also operate a lock which does not determine the rotational position of the tumbler pins by positioning a tumbler pin at its proper elevation in the cylinder. Another key which has at least one different bitting from the one key will operate the latter lock (in which the tumblers do not have to be rotated). However, the other key will not operate the former lock because the bitting does not, properly rotate the tumbler pin to its unlocking location.

Abstract: A tumbler pin tip and key surface are configured so that when engaged, the tumbler pin tip fully and precisely seats in the key bitting, and thus is rotationally positioned at a predetermined location. The contacting surfaces are generally sloped from one edge of the tumbler (and key surface) to the other in tapered form and the sloping surface may be flat, concave, convex or a combination as disclosed.

Abstract: A pin tumbler locking mechanism comprises an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder which the inner cylinder fits and rotates in. The inner cylinder has a plurality of pin holes for pins to fit and move therein. Each of the pins have a male threaded portion to screw with a female threaded portion and passing through a central nonround hole in a gear to rotate together with the gear by a rack provided on a key. The key is adapted to rotate the gears and the pins together when the key is inserted in or pulled out of a key hole in the inner cylinder so that the pins are raised up or lowered down in the pin holes to have one of their ends protrude in pin holes in the outer cylinder or to hide within the pin holes in the inner cylinder to lock or unlock the mechanism.

Abstract: An improved cylinder lock in which at least one tumber assembly includes a pin tumbler supported for rotational movement about its axis within a tumblerway, a driver, and a coupling mechanism releaseably coupling the driver to the pin tumbler for rotational movement of the driver about its axis in response to said rotational movement of the pin tumbler. The coupling mechanism at least partially defines a split line along which the pin tumbler and the driver may separate when the one tumbler assembly is axially and rotationally positioned relative to a plug and a shell in a predetermined releasing position wherein the split line is aligned with a shear line between the plug and the cylinder, and the pin tumbler has means for positioning the one pin tumbler assembly in the releasing position in response to engagement with a proper key in a keyway through the plug.

Abstract: A cylinder lock in which at least one tumbler assembly includes a pin tumbler supported for rotational movement about its axis within a tumblerway, a driver, and a coupling mechanism releaseably coupling the driver to the pin tumbler for rotational movement of the driver about its axis in response to said rotational movement of the pin tumbler. The coupling mechanism at least partially defines a split line along which the pin tumbler and the driver may separate when the one tumbler assembly is axially and rotationally positioned relative to a plug and a shell in a predetermined releasing position wherein the split line is aligned with a shear line between the plug and the cylinder, and the pin tumbler has means for positioning the one pin tumbler assembly in the releasing position in response to engagement with a proper key in a keyway through the plug.