Abstract: The invention provides a pick-resistant locking mechanism with wafer tumblers, sidebars and an interchangeable cylinder that allows re-keying of the lock. The sidebars have projections with beveled sides that engage with cavities in the lock shell when rotational torque is applied to the lock in the absence of the correct key. A sidebar of the lock contacts two, nonadjacent wafer tumblers. The wafer tumblers have indentations that engage cavities in the lock shell when rotational torque is applied during picking of the lock. Tolerance between sidebars and the lock shell is less than the tolerance between tumblers and the lock shell. The tumbler springs are not accessible from the keyway of the lock and are more powerful than the sidebar springs.

Abstract: A re-keyable lock and method. The lock has locked and unlocked positions and includes a housing and a cylinder rotatably supported in the housing. The lock includes a plurality of wafer tumblers resiliently supported in corresponding channels formed in the cylinder. Each wafer tumbler includes a rider element selectively engaged with a base element in first and second engagement positions, wherein the first engagement position corresponds to a first key and the second engagement position corresponds to a second key. The lock also includes a re-keying mechanism such as a re-keying tool which is inserted in a re-keying slot when the lock is in the unlocked position to disengage the rider element from the corresponding base element in the first engagement position and to re-engage the rider element to the base element in the second engagement position.

Abstract: A re-keyable lock cylinder includes a plug body and a carrier sub-assembly disposed adjacent the plug body. The plug assembly includes a plurality of planar wafers and the carrier sub assembly includes a plurality of racks for engaging the wafers in a face-to-face teeth arrangement. The racks disengage from the wafers to separate the teeth in response to movement of the carrier such that the lock cylinder is in a re-keyable condition when the racks are disengaged from the wafers.

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: Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a rekeying system comprising: a rekeyable lock cylinder comprising: a cylinder body; a plug assembly disposed in the cylinder body and comprising a plurality of pins and a one-to-one corresponding plurality of racks for relocating the plurality of pins; and a rekeying tool receiving aperture defined by the rekeyable lock cylinder; and a rekeying tool comprising: a base plate; and a plurality of spaced elongated prongs, each prong from the plurality of prongs comprising a first longitudinal end adapted to engage a corresponding one of the plurality of racks, each prong from the plurality of prongs dimensioned lengthwise to relocate to a first predetermined position the corresponding one of the plurality of racks, the first predetermined position common to each of the plurality of racks, each prong from the plurality of prongs comprising a second longitudinal end connected to the base plate.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a lock keying system comprising: a lock cylinder comprising: a cylinder body; a plug assembly disposed in the cylinder body and comprising a plurality of pins and a one-to-one corresponding plurality of racks for relocating the plurality of pins; and a rack alignment tool receiving aperture defined by the lock cylinder; and a rack alignment tool comprising: a base plate; and a plurality of spaced elongated prongs, each prong from the plurality of prongs comprising a first longitudinal end adapted to engage a corresponding one of the plurality of racks, each prong from the plurality of prongs dimensioned lengthwise to relocate to a first predetermined position the corresponding one of the plurality of racks, the first predetermined position common to each of the plurality of racks, each prong from the plurality of prongs comprising a second longitudinal end connected to the base plate, wherein the rack alignment tool is adapted to restrain a carrie

Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder includes a cylinder body with a plug body and carrier sub-assembly disposed therein. The plug body includes a plurality of spring-loaded pins and the carrier assembly includes a plurality of racks for engaging the pins to operate the lock cylinder. The racks and pins move in a transverse direction, in response to insertion of a first valid key into the lock cylinder, to unlock the lock cylinder. The carrier moves in a longitudinal direction, in response to insertion of a tool in a tool-receiving aperture, from an operating position to a rekeying position. In the rekeying position, the racks are disengaged from the pins and a second valid key can replace the first valid key. Rotation of the plug body from the rekeying position with the second valid key in the lock cylinder obsoletes the first valid key.

Abstract: A cylinder lock-key combination including a cylinder housing, a key and a plug which has a circular-cylindrical barrel surface and which is rotatable in an opening in the housing. The barrel surface of the housing includes a key recess whose width exceeds its depth, and a plurality of code pin channels are preferably disposed in several rows. Code pin tumblers present in the code pin channels co-act with one or more blocking elements, such as pins or side bars, disposed in channels intended to this end. The blocking elements block rotation of the plug when one side surface of an inserted key presents wrong code surfaces. There is provided in this way a compact lock construction, which also enables the use of many code pins.

Abstract: A latch device for a wall box includes a stem slidably attached to a housing, a catch secured to the stem for engaging with the housing, and a spring may bias the catch away from the housing. A hand grip is pivotally attached to the stem, a pole is secured to the hand grip and includes a lock groove, a bar is slidably attached to the housing and includes an actuator flange for selectively engaging into the lock groove of the pole, to selectively lock the pole and the hand grip to the housing. A magneto or a lock may be used for disengaging the actuator flange from the lock groove of the pole, to selectively release the hand grip from the housing.

Abstract: A cylinder lock-key combination includes a cylinder housing (10), a key (30) and a plug (20) which has a circular-cylindrical barrel surface and which is rotatable in an opening (12) in the housing. The barrel surface of the housing includes a key recess (21) whose width exceeds its depth, and a plurality of code pint channels (22). These channels are preferably disposed in several rows. Code pin tumblers present in the code pin channels co-act with one or more blocking elements, such as pins or side bars, disposed in channels (32) intended to this end. The blocking elements block rotation of the plug when one side surface of an inserted key presents wrong code surfaces. There is provided in this way a compact lock construction, which also enables the use of many code pins.

Abstract: The invention provides a pick-resistant locking mechanism with wafer tumblers, sidebars and an interchangeable cylinder that allows re-keying of the lock. The sidebars have projections with beveled sides that engage with cavities in the lock shell when rotational torque is applied to the lock in the absence of the correct key. A sidebar of the lock contacts two, nonadjacent wafer tumblers. The wafer tumblers have indentations that engage cavities in the lock shell when rotational torque is applied during picking of the lock. Tolerance between sidebars and the lock shell is less than the tolerance between tumblers and the lock shell.

Abstract: An adaptable lock 10 assembly and a method of using the lock 10 assembly in order to reprogram a lock 10 to accept a key different from the key which originally operated the lock 10. The lock 10 assembly includes a housing 12 with a bore 14 disposed through the housing 12 and a plug 16 rotatably mounted in the bore 14. The plug 16 includes at least one radial slot 18 which is disposed in the plug 16 along the circumference of the plug 16. The plug 16 further includes a longitudinal slot used as a keyway 22 which is adapted to receive a key. The assembly further includes first and second radial tumblers 30, 32 which are disposed in the radial slot 18 and are capable of being in an engaged or disengaged relationship. The distal ends of the first and second radial tumblers 30, 32 extend into the keyway 22 to provide a pattern of ridges along the longitudinal inner walls of the keyway 22. When the first and second radial tumblers 30, 32 are engaged in a first position, a first key 24 fits the lock 10.

Abstract: A device for actuating a lock on a door or hinged lid, particularly for a vehicle, includes a momentary contact switch and a lock cylinder having tumblers which are transferred between a blocked position and an unblocked position by a key. In the locked position, the tumblers interact with a locking edge which is released only in the unblocked position. The travelling motion of the momentary contact switch is transferred to an entry element of the lock only in the unblocked position. The lock cylinder is arranged in a manner that prevents it from twisting, and the blocking edge is configured to move transversely in relation to the tumblers. This transverse motion is caused by the traveling motion of the momentary contact switch. The blocked position of the tumblers prevents the transverse movement of the blocking edge. The traveling motion of the momentary contact switch is then only transferred to the lock when the transverse motion of the blocking edge is possible.

Abstract: In a side bar cylinder lock with a variable key code, plug (6) engages within casing (1) at two opposite portions in preventing plug (6) from rotating in locking state. This improves the lock in resistance to attack. Plug (6) has holes (8) each receiving a tumbler plate (11) and variable tumbler (14) side by side therein. When plug (6) is rotated to have a bulged portion (21) of said bar holder (19) abut against concave portion (2) of casing (1), spring (25) forces end portion (26) of plate (11) to enter receiving hole (9) of plug (6), and forces a bulged portion (21) of holder (19) to engage with concave portion (2) of casing (1), whereby engaging portion (13) of plate (11) is disengaged from an engaged portion (15) of variable tumbler (14). After such disengagement, variable tumbler (14) is rotated through an angle to change the key code to a new one.

Abstract: In a cylinder lock with a variable key, plug (6) engages with casing (1) at two portions in preventing plug (6) from rotating in locking state. This improves the lock in resistance to attack. Plug (6) has holes (8) each receiving a tumbler plate (11) and variable tumbler (14) side by side therein. When plug (6) is rotated to have a bulged portion (21) of side bar holder (19) abut against concave portion (2) of casing (1), spring (25) forces end portion (26) of plate (11) to enter receiving hole (9) of plug (6), and forces a bulged portion (21) of holder (19) to engage with concave portion (2) of casing (1), whereby engaging portion (13) of plate (11) is disengaged from an engaged portion (15) of variable tumbler (14). After such disengagement, variable tumbler (14) is rotated through an angle to change the key code to a new one.

Abstract: A key is provided with an actuator. The key also has operation structure and interaction structure. When the key is inserted into a lock, a force is applied to the operation structure and the position of the interaction structure is altered. The movement of the interaction structure is used in the locking and/or un-locking mechanism of the lock. A key handle and lock are also provided which incorporate such a mechanism.

Abstract: A removable core lock and key device comprises a cylinder housing (10) and a core (20), which is accommodated in the cylinder housing. An adapter (30) is operatively connected to a bolt (32). The core and the adapter are provided with a connection (20d, 30d), such as a bayonet joint, that selectively prevents withdrawal of the core from the housing. Key actuated engagement elements (28, 30c) are arranged to selectively allow mutual rotation of the adapter and the core so as to disengage the connection, thereby allowing withdrawal of the core. A simple yet reliable removable core is thereby provided.

Abstract: In some embodiments, lock assemblies are disclosed which have a housing, a barrel, and at least one tumbler. In some cases, the lock is codeable after the lock assembly has been assembled. Although not required, some embodiments can be re-coded to a new code with and without disassembling the lock assembly. The tumbler(s) can be pivotable, while in other embodiments the tumbler(s) move in a substantially linear fashion. The tumbler(s) can be comprised of two pieces or portions, wherein one piece/portion of the tumbler(s) either directly or indirectly engages the coded surface of a key while the other piece/portion is positionable to prevent rotation of the barrel with respect to the housing. In some embodiments, the tumblers are external to the barrel.

Abstract: The invention is directed at an electronic lock assembly which is operable by a suitably programmed electronic key. The electronic lock assembly includes a cylinder type locking mechanism, where a solenoid and plunger is provided to electronically lock and unlock a key cylinder, thereby selectively allowing rotation of the key cylinder for operation of the locking mechanism. To prevent rotation of the key cylinder and loading of the solenoid plunger prior to the solenoid receiving an authorized signal to retract the plunger, a stop mechanism is provided which only allows rotation of the key cylinder in predetermined coordination with operation of the solenoid.

Abstract: A lock includes a hollow casing, a core rotatably received in the hollow casing, a key detachably inserted into the core and having a pattern on both sides of the key, locking plates movably received in the slits and at least one of the locking plates being extending out of a corresponding slit and into at least one elongated hole to interfere rotation of the core and a positioning plate received in the hollow casing and being movable with respect to the core. Movement of the positioning plate abuts the locking plates to secure movement of the locking plates, such that only the locking plates are retracted into the core by the pattern of the key to avoid interference with the rotation of the core, whereby the core is immovable.

Abstract: An electromechanical locking mechanism provides a plug with a rekeyable primary lock mechanism such as a tumbler stack, an electromechanical operator such as a solenoid or a motor, and an electronic circuit having a memory, or an electronic memory and an electronic logic stage, controlling activitiation and operation of the electromechanical operator, contained entirely within the plug. Insertion of a blade of a key that is properly profiled and bitted to correctly displace the primary lock assembly relative to a cylinder encasing the plug, and application by the key of electrical power, or of electrical power and a correct data signal, to the electronic circuit, will cause activation of the electrical operator and repositioning of a distal member of the operator relative to the cylinder, and thereby enable torque manually applied to the blade of the key to rotate the plug within the cylinder.

Abstract: The invention provides a cylinder lock which allows the unlocking code to set at any desired time after the cylinder lock has been assembled and which, before the setting of the unlocking code, allows the rotor to be rotated for the purpose of improving the efficiency of the automotive assembly work.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at an electronic lock assembly which uses a simplified locking mechanism, which is operable by a suitably programmed electronic key. The invention is directed to a cylinder type locking mechanism wherein a solenoid and plunger is provided to electronically lock and unlock a key cylinder, thereby allowing rotation of the key cylinder for unlocking of a locking mechanism when a suitably programmed electronic key is used in connection with the mechanism. A side bar and retaining spring engage the cylinder plug to prevent rotation thereof in the locked position with the side bar contacted by the plunger of the solenoid to prevent the side bar from moving until an authorized key is used to unlock the mechanism.

Abstract: A cylinder lock includes a shell and a plug inside the shell. A locking pin, a sensor pin and a flexible coupling are mounted within the plug. The sensor pin moves the flexible coupling and the coupling moves the locking pin to an unlocked position when the correct key is inserted into a key slot in the plug. The key includes a locking pin receiving notch, to allow the locking pin to move to the unlocked position. The key also includes a contact surface that moves the sensor pin and thereby moves the locking pin to the unlocked position through the flexible coupling. When an incorrect key, without the locking pin receiving notch, is inserted, the flexibility of the flexible coupling allows the sensor pin to move without moving the locking pin. The cylinder lock may also include conventional pin tumblers.

Abstract: The invention provides a pick-resistant locking mechanism with wafer tumblers, sidebars and an interchangeable cylinder that allows re-keying of the lock. The sidebars have projections with beveled sides that engage with cavities in the lock shell when rotational torque is applied to the lock in the absence of the correct key. A sidebar of the lock contacts two, nonadjacent wafer tumblers. The wafer tumblers have indentations that engage cavities in the lock shell when rotational torque is applied during picking of the lock. Tolerance between sidebars and the lock shell is less than the tolerance between tumblers and the lock shell. The tumbler springs are not accessible from the keyway of the lock and are more powerful than the sidebar springs.

Abstract: A sidebar for use for automotive locks and all sidebar locks includes an interruption in an edge along the surface to interrupt the inclined plane that is formed when the sidebar becomes canted relative to the longitudinal axis of the lock barrel as the result of the insertion of an incorrectly coded key, in particular a cousin key, into the lock barrel. In one embodiment, the interruption is provided by a gap at or near the longitudinal midpoint of the sidebar. The gap is of sufficient size to accommodate the sidebar biasing spring. In another embodiment, the interruption is provided by indenting the sides of the sidebar at the longitudinal midpoint of the sidebar. In a further embodiment, the sidebar groove in the sleeve is widened at a location corresponding to the longitudinal midpoint of the sidebar.

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.

Abstract: A lever lock unit includes a housing, a dogging element adapted to actuate a lock bolt, a plurality of lever tumblers that are actuable via the dogging element and movable relative thereto, and a blocking element for blocking movement of the dogging element in the absence of a key or when the wrong key is inserted in the unit. The unit is characterized by a cradle accommodated in the dogging element and adapted to receive the lever tumblers. The dogging element is rotatable and is adapted so that when rotated, the cradle accommodated in the dogging element, and there with also the lever tumblers accomodated in the cradle, will be caused to move linearly in relation to the dogging element and in relation to a key inserted into the unit, for movement of the lever tumblers to a blocking element release position when the correct key is inserted.

Abstract: A cylinder lock comprises a cylinder (10) having a series of locking tumblers (16) which are rotatably mounted around respective axes. The introduction of the key causes rotation of each locking tumbler (16) to an operative position in which the tumblers enable the disengagement of a locking member (17) carried by the cylinder (10) from a seat formed in the stator (8) of the lock.

Abstract: A side bar type cylinder lock includes a locking segment which is movable relative to the side bar and lock shell only in response to insertion of a key blade having a uniquely configured and located camming projection into the keyway. The locking segment movement is independent of lock tumbler movement and is required to permit side bar disengagement from the lock shell.

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 lock construction that minimizes the friction coefficient between the slide pin and the slide pin hole through the design of an arc-shaped indentation formed on each interior wall of the slide pin holes, which receives the rectangular slide pin. The lock construction includes an outer fixed body and an inner rolling body, a hooking recess formed in an inner peripheral surface portion, a receiving recess formed in an outer peripheral surface portion of the inner rolling body, wherein a slide bar having a linearly formed inner side is elastically provided in the locking construction, wherein about five slide pin holes of rectangular shape are formed perpendicular to the receiving recess, wherein an arc-shaped indentation is formed on each interior wall of the slide pin holes.

Abstract: A lock has a flat key having a flat blade extending along a key axis and having an axially extending edge formed to each side of a central axially extending key plane with a pair of axially extending inner edge surfaces flanking the key plane and each formed with a plurality of bits offset transversely at different spacings from the key axis. The bits on one side of the key plane are offset axially to the bits on the other side of the key plane as described above. A barrel having an inner surface centered on a lock axis holds a plug rotatable about the lock axis in the barrel, bisected by a plug plane including the lock axis, and formed with an axially extending and open key hole adapted to receive the key with the axes coaxial and the planes coplanar. A respective set of axially spaced tumblers is dis-placeable in the plug to each side of the plug plane parallel to the plug plane. The tumblers of one of the sets engage the key in the hole at locations offset axially from the tumblers of the other set.

Abstract: A side bar type cylinder lock includes a locking segment which is movable relative to the side bar and lock shell only in response to insertion of a key blade having a uniquely configured and located camming projection into the keyway. The locking segment movement is independent of lock tumbler movement and is required to permit side bar disengagement from the lock shell.

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: A programmable cylinder lock that is operable with a first key and a first master key having a different shape than the first key, and that is programmable so that the lock is no longer operable with the first key or the first master key. The reprogrammed lock is operable with a second key having a shape different from the first key and with a second master key having a shape different from the first master key.

Abstract: A removable core cylinder assembly which utilizes a plurality of modular parts to create a key-removable interchangeable core which will fit all existing interchangeable core locks of this kind.

Abstract: A lock with a plug (2) removable from a housing (16) is disclosed. The plug (2) includes a restraining member (46) and a protrusion (40) which engages a concentric groove (52) formed onto a plug housing. Intersecting the concentric groove is a longitudinal groove (50). Upon inserting an operation key the restraining member is forced into engagement with the concentric groove thereby preventing plug removal even upon alignment of the protrusion with the longitudinal groove (50). Upon inserting a removal key (42) the restraining member (46) is disengaged from the concentric groove so that the plug may be withdrawn upon rotationally aligning the protrusion (40) with the longitudinal groove (50). In this manner a simple and compact removable plug is provided to aid rapid lock re-keying.

Abstract: The cylinder lock comprises blocking tumblers which are guided parallel to the broad sides of the key channel. On the broad sides (13, 14) of the flat key (2) guide grooves (15, 16) are disposed which cooperate with carriers on the blocking tumblers. The grooves (15, 16) on the key (2) comprise several function regions, wherein a subregion (51) of the groove comprises an expanded groove width. The tumblers whose carriers engage these expanded groove regions (51) are equipped with additional positioning elements. This configuration prevents the unauthorized opening of a lock according to the invention with a key (2) with duplicated guide grooves (15, 16).

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: On a cylinder lock (1) tumblers (10) are disposed which extend parallel to the broad side (8, 9) of the lock channel (6). The ends of these tumblers (10) block between the rotor (3) and the stator (4). On the rear side (17), facing away from the key channel (6), of the tumblers (10) are disposed additional codings. These codings cooperate with additional two-part blocking elements (20). These blocking elements (20) are displaceable at right angles to the lock axis and block in addition in the region of the shear line (32) between rotor (3) and stator (4). Therewith additional blocking combinations are possible and the security of the lock against unauthorized opening is increased.

Abstract: The rotary locking cylinder described has a stationary part (2) and a rotating part (3) plus several tumblers (8) each with a core pin (10) and a housing pin (9). Mounted in the rotating part (3) is at least one locking element (22) which can be displaced approximately at right angles to the core pin (10) of a tumbler (8) and in its position of rest engages in a recess (20) in the stationary part (2). The recess (20) in the stationary part (2) has a control surface (19) designed so that, when the unlocked stationary part (2) is rotated, the locking element (22) is moved towards the core pin (10).

Abstract: A lock cylinder, operable by a key having key contours which include coded key contours. A cylindrical rotor is rotatably mounted within a stator. A keyway extends longitudinally into the rotor. A plurality of primary pinways extend transverse to the keyway, between the keyway and stator bore. The primary pinways meet the stator bore at a stator plane. A primary pin extends in each of the primary pinways, each primary pin having a contact end and a clearing end. Each primary pin has a coded length which corresponds with one of the coded key contours. At least one cam supports each primary pin in an interfering position where it interferes with rotation of the rotor within the stator when the key is not inserted into the keyway. When the key is inserted in the keyway, the primary pin is allowed to fall and follow the key contours.

Abstract: An electromechanical cylinder lock includes an outer lock shell and a rotatable lock barrel located therein which is controlled by dual locking features. A side bar or fence selectively blocks and permits rotation of the barrel with respect to the shell in response to insertion of a key into a keyway in the barrel. The barrel includes a plurality of electromechanical locking members with grooves formed therein, the locking members being movable to a position in which the grooves are aligned to accept the side bar or portions thereof. An electromagnetic core disposed in the barrel is energized in response to a control device which determines whether an attempt to open the lock is authorized, the magnetic core rotating the electromechanical locking members to a desired position relative to the side bar to allow rotation of the barrel. The locking members may be flat disc-shaped elements with a portion cut out to form a groove.

Abstract: A tumbler assembly for a key operable locking mechanism (hereinafter referred to as a "key mechanism"), includes support means (12) and a plurality of tumblers (14) mounted in the support means. The assembly, suitably orientated relative to a three-axis co-ordinate system for which it is appropriate to designate the axes as being vertical, lateral and horizontal, has tumblers (14) mounted in the support means (12) in a random or sequential series which extends longitudinally in the support means. The tumblers (14) are mounted for movement to and away from a respective active position by substantially linear movement. The support means has first (14a) and second (14b) laterally opposite sides, with each tumbler accessible at each of those sides. Each of the tumblers (14) is configured at the first side (14a) for effecting its movement by engagement with a configured key blade of a suitable key presented longitudinally (20) along the first side (14a).

Abstract: A free wheel lock cylinder includes a main rotor having a plurality of slits communicating with a key hole and a recessed portion communicating with both the slits and the key hole. Tumblers, having positioning notched portions formed on upper edge portions thereof, are slidably received in the slits of the main rotor. An engagement bar, having an underside engageable with the positioning notched portions of the tumblers, is received in the recessed portion of the main rotor and is biased toward the tumblers. A rear rotor is engageable with the main rotor through an interlocking device that is movable in response to operation of the engagement bar. When a proper key is inserted in the key hole of the main rotor, the engagement bar engages aligned positioning notched portions of the tumblers. The main rotor engages the rear rotor through the interlocking device moving in response to the operation of the engagement bar so that the rear rotor turns in response to rotation of the main rotor.

Abstract: A universal lock and key assembly in which the lock is re-keyable and the key is also changeable. The key has an elongated left side member, an elongated right side member, and an elongated central member. A plurality of key teeth are captured between the shank portions of the left and right side members. The key teeth are interchangeable so that any desired sequence can be arranged to give a predetermined profile to the key. The universal lock has a combination top pin housing and tubular sleeve assembly having a top pin housing and a tubular sleeve portion. A bottom pin cylinder is removably received in the tubular sleeve portion and its bottom pins can be removed and replaced in an order that mates with the key teeth of the key assembly. The structure of the system allows an individual to change both the configuration of the key and also the mating structure within the lock so that it will be operable.

Abstract: A sidebar ignition lock is provided with improved anti-tampering features. The ignition lock includes a cylinder extending along a longitudinal axis and rotatably supported within a sleeve. The tumblers are maintained entirely within the diameter of the cylinder to prevent possible picking of the lock. A knob is provided to prevent access to the area between the outer surface of the cylinder and the inner surface of the sleeve. When the cylinder is received within the sleeve, the knob is maintained on the cylinder head by a retaining member extending from the sleeve. The sidebar ignition lock further includes a roller ball detent to prevent over rotation of the cylinder with respect to the sleeve.

Abstract: A lock and key combination including a lock cylinder made by connecting a plurality of locking pieces in a stack, each locking piece including a base, which has a top recess at the top side, a front recess, keyway in the middle of the front recess, and a plurality of receiving chambers disposed in the front recess at two opposite sides by the keyway, a plurality of retainer elements mounted in the receiving chambers and forced by a respective spring toward the keyway and having a respective lug at one side, an actuating plate mounted within the front recess of the base, having a projecting locating plate at the top inserted into the top recess of the base and forced upwards by a spring, and a plurality of T-shaped control slots which receive the lugs of the retainer elements, and a cover fastened to the base by hooks and cover over the actuating plate, wherein when the lugs of the retainer elements are moved to the unlocking position by the key, the projecting locating plate is forced into the top recess of t

Abstract: A cylinder lock and an associated key include a rotatable cylinder key plug having a key slot into which the key is insertable. The key has a lower solid base portion with coded side recesses for engagement with side tumblers of the lock. From the solid base portion, a lip projects upwardly at a transversal distance from the rest of the key blade, and the side recesses extend partially through the lip and partially through the solid base portion. The key slot has a corresponding cross-sectional profile with a downwardly projecting tongue.