CA2179675A1 - Hierarchical system of locks and keys and key blanks therefor - Google Patents
Hierarchical system of locks and keys and key blanks thereforInfo
- Publication number
- CA2179675A1 CA2179675A1 CA 2179675 CA2179675A CA2179675A1 CA 2179675 A1 CA2179675 A1 CA 2179675A1 CA 2179675 CA2179675 CA 2179675 CA 2179675 A CA2179675 A CA 2179675A CA 2179675 A1 CA2179675 A1 CA 2179675A1
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- key
- lock
- slot
- blank
- key slot
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Abstract
A hierarchical system of locks and keys with at least two distinct key slot configurations and at least two distinct key blanks, each key blank being configured to enter only one of the first or second key slots. The key slots include an upper portion and a lower portion, and the lower portion extends away from the upper portion at a predetermined angle. The angles are different for each key slot and are selected so that the lower portions of the two distinct key slot configurations overlap, i.e., the upper portions thereof may be aligned such that the lower portions, which extend therefrom at different angles, define a common area of overlap. The overlap area defines the configuration of a corresponding third key which will enter each of the other two key slots (and thus be a master key with respect to the first and second key slots). In addition, the overlap area defines a third key slot configuration which may be used in an additional lock and will receive the third key blank but not the first and second key blanks. This feature permits limiting the access of certain keys within one hierarchical system while increasing masterkeying capabilities beyond those of the prior art.
Description
HIERARCHICAL SYSTEM OF LOCKS AND KEYS AND
KEY BLANKS THEREFOR
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to hierarchical systems of locks and keys and, more particularly, to such hierarchical systems wherein the locks have distinct key slots including an upper portion and a lower portion which are disposed at predetermined relative angular orientations.
Description of Backqround Art It is known in the art to use masterkeying techniques to provide a single key slot with means for forming different keyways so as to differentiate between different keys in a hierarchical system and thus increase masterkeying capabilities. For example, the key 310t may include a ward(s) or similar structure designed to prevent passage of some keys which are not intended to operate the lock. Thus, the key slot with a ward is a ur.ique first keyway and the key slot with a the ward shifted is a second unique keyway. By providing the key slot with such structure to form differenr keyways, only the keys intended to operate a particular lock can enter that lock's keyway. In addition, a master key having a blade and a corresponding section cut therein, e.g. a milled se~tion, which passes the ward in both unique keyways permits the master key to enter either of the keyways.
The use of specially-configured key slots with corresponding key profiles to provide restricted key systems is known in the art. U.S. Patent No. 5,176,015 to Sussina discloses a restricted key system comprising a chevron-shaped key slot and corresponding key blank.
The blade of the key blank includ~s an upper planar portion and a lower planar portion joined at an intermediate portion which forms a horizontal ledge.
The lower planar portion extends at a predetermined angle from the intermediate portion with respect to a vertical line extending downward from the upper portion, which angle may be in the range of approximately 5-85.
The key disclosed in the Sussina patent provides a plurality of increased key surfaces (compared to the prior art) which may be utilized in conjunction with various key differing techni~les to form different keys for use in masterkeying systems, which systems are based on the particular common angular orientation of all the key slots in a given family. For example, one or more of the key blade surfaces may be milled so that the key will pass a ward(s) located in different key sections. Such a key may be used as a master key because, in addition to entering the key slots having a ward(s), the key will also enter other key slots from the same family which do not have a ward (because the key slots and the key blade have corresponding angular orientations, e.g., 10). This permits a large number of key differs to be generated for a given family of key slots, i.e., all of the locks having a key slot with a lower planar portion and an upper planar portion disposed at a particular predetermined angular orientation (which corresponds to the angular orientation of the key slot).
The Sussina patent teaches that the angled keys of the restricted key system will enter no other key slot but their own, i.e., the 5 keys fit only the 5 key 2 ~ 79675 slots, the 10 keys the 10 slots, etc. In addition, the patent states that the chevron-shaped, proprietary key slots will block entry of all prior art keys.
Thus, the Sussina patent teaches forming a hierarchical system of locks within a given family cf key slots, i.e., each family of key slots having a given predetermined angular orientation. As discussed above, Sussina teaches masterkeyiny through the use of conventional warding techniques combined with the additional key surfaces provided by the chevron-shaped key blank. The patent does not discuss the use of a key which enters different families of key slots, i.e.
key slots having different angulàr orientations.
As such, the number of differs provided by the wards, etc., and the masterkeying capabilities of the lock are limited. Additional masterkeying is desirable and has continually been sought in the art.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for improved hierarchical systems of locks and keys and key blanks therefore.
SU~IARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a hierarchical system of locks and keys in which at least two distinct key slot configurations (or families) are provided, and wherein key blanks are configured to enter only one of the first and second families of key slots. The key slots include an upper portion and a lower portion, and the lower portion extends away from the upper portion at a predetermined angle which is the same for all the key slots in a given family. The angles are different for each family and are selected so that the lower portions of the two different key slot configurations overlap, i.e., when the upper portions thereof are aligned the lower portions extend therefrom at -different angles but have a common area of overlap.
The overlap portion defines a third unique key slot configuration which may be used in an additional lock, and a third key which corresponds to such configuration will not only enter the third key slot, but will also enter the other two key slot configurations (and thus be a master key with respect to the first and second families of slots). This feature permits limiting the access of certain keys within one hierarchical system while increasing masterkeying capabilities beyond those of the prior art.
The prior art teaches that 4,096,000,000 theoretical key differs can be obtained for 17,408 key blank sections. According to such prior art, a first key slot configuration of the present invention has 4,096,000,000 key differs, and a second key slot configuration also has 4,096,000,000 key differs.
However, the present invention provides the third uni~le key slot configuration defined by the overlap of the first and second key slots, and the third key slot creates a total of 12,288,000,000 key differs within the hierarchical system formed by the three key slots.
In addition to the number of key differs that may be obtained for a given family of key slots as taught in the prior art, the present invention significantly increases masterkeying capabilities by combining at least two separate families of key slots into a hierarchical system based on the creation of a third key slot configuration.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a lock cylinder with multiple key slots depicted according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a hierarchical system of locks according to the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a diagram of an additional hierarchical system according to the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a high security lock cylinder which may be used to carry out the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a key or key blank blade with different cut-out sections indicated in phantom; and FIGS. 6A and 6B are, respectively, perspective views of a removable core cylinder lock and a lock housing which are provided with anti-picking or drilling features.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to FIG. 1, a lock cylinder and key blank according to the present invention are shown schematically in longitudinal section and comprise a lock cylinder 10 which includes a key slot 20 and a plurality of holes 38 for receiving tumbler pins. The lock cylinder 10 is ~ounted in a lock housing (not shown) and may comprise a removable core cylinder lock if desired. The key slot 20 includes an upper portion 22 and a lower portion 24 which is disposed at a predetermined angular orientation with respect to upper portion 22. More particularly, the lower portion 24 of the key slot is angled with respect to a vertical axis A passing through the upper portion 22 of the key slot, such angle being indicated by ~.
FIG. 1 depicts two distinct key slot configurations which may be formed by varying the angle a which the lower portion 24 of the key slots 20 makes with the axis A. That is, a first key slot configuration has a width generally corresponding to reference numeral 28 and includes the hatched portion 34 at the left of FIG. 1 and the cross-hatched area indicated at refèrence numeral 46. The second key slot configuration has a width which generally corresponds to reference numeral 30 and includes the hatched portion 32 at the right of FIG. 1 and the cross-hatched area 46. That is, the two key slot configurations 28, 30 include the central hatched portion 46 along with, respectively, the hatched area 34 and hatched area 32.
lS The two key slots 28, 30 have the lower portions 24 thereof disposed at two different angles relative a vertical axis A passing through the upper portion 24 of each key slot (which upper portions correspond to each other in the embodiment of FIG. 1). Although the lower portion 24 extends away from the upper portion of each key slot by different angles ~1 and ~2~ such angles are selected so that the two key slots 28, 30 partially overlap. As seen in FIG. 1, the "right side" of the key slot 28 overlaps with the "left side" of key slot 30, and the area of overlap corresponds to the cross-hatched area indicated at 46 in FIG. 1. Reference numeral 46 designates the lower portion of key blank 40 which is positioned within key slot 20 and occupies the common area of overlap between the two different key slots. As described below, key blank 40 is a master key blank.
It is apparent from FIG. I that a key blank with a lower portion 46 which has a shape corresponding to that of the lower portion 24 of key slot 28 will not enter the key slot 30, and vice-versa. However, the .. , key blank 40 has a lower portion 46 which will enter the lower portion of ei~her key slot 28 or key slot 30.
Thus, the key blank 40 may serve as a master key blank in that it will enter both key slots 28 and 30. As such, in addition to being able to produce different key sections for a family of locks having key slots of a given angle ~, for example by using ward members, the present invention utilizes at least two different families of key slots to create a hierarchical system in which a master key will enter the key slots of each family (as well as the key slot of a third lock). This limits the access of certain keys within the hierarchical system while increasing masterkeying possibilities compared with prior art systems.
lS In FIG. 1, which shows only a preferred embodiment, the two key slot configurations 28, 30 have a lower portion 24 disposed, respectively, at an angle of 5 and ~2 of 15 relative the axis A. Of course, other angles ~ may be utilized according to the present invention. The key blanks which enter the key slots indicated at 28 and 30 are preferably similar to master key blank 40 and may include an upper portion 42 and lower portion 46 connected by an intermediate portion which comprises a horizontal shelf 43 and a corner portion 45.
FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a hierarchical system of 'ocks which includes a first lock 110 having a key slot 120 with a lower portion disposed at an angle ~l relative upper portion 122, and a second lock 210 having a key slot 220 with a lower portion disposed at an angle ~2 relative upper portion 222. The angles ~1-2 of the key slots 120, 220 are selected so as to define an overlap portion which will permit a master key blanX to enter either key slot 12Q
or 220. The overlap portion not only defines the configuration of the lower portion of a master key blank which will enter either key slot 120 or 220, but also defines an additional key slot configuration 320 which will receive the master key blank -- which key slot 320 is shown located in a third lock 310.
However, the key slot 320 will not receive the key blanks which correspond to the key slots 120, 220 of locks 110, 2;0. Accordingly, the system depicted in FIG. 2 could be used with locks 110 and 210 placed on individual doors with the tenants receiving a key blank which may be used only with locks in a particular family of key slots that have the same key slot confi~lration, for example, the ~key blanks 120 have a 5 angle and enter only the key slots with a 5 angle, the key blanks 220 have a 15 angie and enter only the key slots with a 15 angle, etc. However, the master key could be used to enter all of the locks because its key blade will enter each family of key slots.
As seen in FIG. 2, the lower portion 324 of key slot 320 is disposed at an angle ~3 relative the upper portion 322 of the key slot, which angle ~3 (when measured from the upper portion 322 to the central axis of lower portion 324) is between the angles ~1 and ~2 .
However, the lower portion 324 of the key slot 320 preferably has the same shape as the lower portion 46 OL key blank 40 shown in FIG . 1, i.e., a trapezoidal shape with tapered side walls. Preferably, with reference to FIG. 1, one of the tapered side walls (the right wall) of the lower portion 46 of the master key blank 40 is parallel to the opposite sides forming the lower portion of key slot 28, whiie the other side wall (the left wall) of the key blank 40 is parallel to the opposite sides forming the lower portion of key slot 30. This structure is the preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention but, of course, persons 2~ 79675 skilled in the art will appreciate that other structural variations are possible which provide a common area to form a third uni~ue key slot/blade.
FIG. 3 is a diagram of a hierarchical system of locks according to the present invention which includes a common lock 210' (which may be a relatively low security level lock) having a key slot 220' configured to receive a correspondingly configured key 240'. The key slot 220' has a predetermined angle ~ and may correspond hierarchically to loc~s 110, 210 shown in FIG. 2. The system of FIG. 3 includes a high security lock 310' having a key slot 320' which is configured to receive a key 340', which key 340' is configured to also enter the key slot 220' of lock 210'. This can be achieved, as explained above, by forming the key slot 320' (and master key blade) to correspond to the overlap portion of two key slot configurations having different angles ~ (one of which is shown in FIG. 3).
Alternatively, only one family o. locks 210' (i .e., all the locks having a key slot conf guration with a given angle ~) may be used, and in this case, a master key may be formed so as to enter the single key slot configuration. In either case, -he key 240' does not enter the key slot 320' of the high security lock 310'.
FIG. 4 depicts a Medeco~ type high security locking cylinder 400 which incluaes a plug 410 having a key slot 420, a lock shell 430, a plurality of tumbler pins 432 whic~ are received in the lock shell in a known manner, and a fence or side bar 434 which provides the lock with a double locking feature as is known in the art. The key slot 420 includes an upper portion and a lower portion which is angled away from the upper portion as discussed aDove in connection with the previous drawing Figures. A key 440 includes a key blade with an upper portion 442 and a lower portion 444, the lower portion extending away at an angle so as to generally correspond to the shape of the key slot 440. FIG. 4 depicts aaditional means for providing some of the locks in a given system with increased security as it may be desirable to combine the restricted key entry provided by the present invention with conventional high security lock features.
FIG. 5 depicts a prior art key 60 with a longitudinally-grooved blade portion 62 corresponding to a particular key slot configuration. The blade 62 may have a portion milled or otherwise removed to as to pass a ward member positioned in a key slot to prevent entry of certain keys. One possible milled section is indicated at reference numeral 64 and another at reference numeral 66. The portion of the key blade which is removed depends on the warding present in the locks of the system; shifting the location of the wards in the key slot creates new key sections. Typically, a master key will have section(s) thereof milled out to permit the key to enter various key slots despite the presence of ward(s) or other blocking members which restrict other keys from entering said slots. This technology may be used in conjunction with the present invention to further restrict key use within a given hierarchical system.
FIGS. 6A and 6B depict additional embodiments of the present invention relating to providing a lock with further security against tampering or forced entry.
For example, the lock having the third key slot which is formed by the overlap of the first and second key slots, as described above, preferably is used in a high (or higher) security lock because the key blanks which enter the first two key slots will not enter the third key slot. The features shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B may thus be used in such a high security lock to provide increased security. Specifically, the removable core cylinder 500 includes a cylinder face plate 510 and a key slot 520 with an upper portion 522 and an angled lower portion 524, which face plate 510 may be formed -5 of hardened steel to prevent drilling of the lock. The core may also contain spool or mushroom shaped drivers 512 in openings 514 which provide the lock with improved pick resistance. Also, the cylinder may include steel pins 516 in openings 518 which further ~o assist in preventing the lock from being drilled open.
FIG. 6B shows the outer lock housing 600 which receives a removable core cylinder (such as that shown in FIG. 6A) in a figure eight-shaped opening 610. A
plurality of security pins 614 are disposed in openings 612 of housing 600 to prevent removal of the core from the housing, e.g., by drilling the housing to access the retaining member which secures the removable core within the housing. Of course, the security features shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B are but exemplary of various manners in which the locks according to the present invention may be further strengthened against tampering and/or unauthorized attempts to operate the locks.
It is apparent that the present invention provides increased masterkeying capabilities which have application in many different environments. For example, the inventive keys and key slots described above could be used in any type of lock or locking cylinder. One benefit of the invention is the expar.dability it offers with respect to masterkeying options, plus the ability to restrict entry of particular keys to a limited number of key slots within a system. A manufacturer can offer an institution the long-term benefits of such expandability as the institution works to retrofit the existing cylinders of the institution in logical increments. Of course, due 2~ 79675 . ~
to monetary, time or other constraints, an institution may not immediately implement a complete hierarchy.
However, the present invention permits the institution to expand in increments by adding key slots according to the present invention in order to achieve the desired hierarchical system.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art, as will many modifications and alteraticns in the preferred embodiments of the invention described herein, all of which may be achieved without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
KEY BLANKS THEREFOR
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to hierarchical systems of locks and keys and, more particularly, to such hierarchical systems wherein the locks have distinct key slots including an upper portion and a lower portion which are disposed at predetermined relative angular orientations.
Description of Backqround Art It is known in the art to use masterkeying techniques to provide a single key slot with means for forming different keyways so as to differentiate between different keys in a hierarchical system and thus increase masterkeying capabilities. For example, the key 310t may include a ward(s) or similar structure designed to prevent passage of some keys which are not intended to operate the lock. Thus, the key slot with a ward is a ur.ique first keyway and the key slot with a the ward shifted is a second unique keyway. By providing the key slot with such structure to form differenr keyways, only the keys intended to operate a particular lock can enter that lock's keyway. In addition, a master key having a blade and a corresponding section cut therein, e.g. a milled se~tion, which passes the ward in both unique keyways permits the master key to enter either of the keyways.
The use of specially-configured key slots with corresponding key profiles to provide restricted key systems is known in the art. U.S. Patent No. 5,176,015 to Sussina discloses a restricted key system comprising a chevron-shaped key slot and corresponding key blank.
The blade of the key blank includ~s an upper planar portion and a lower planar portion joined at an intermediate portion which forms a horizontal ledge.
The lower planar portion extends at a predetermined angle from the intermediate portion with respect to a vertical line extending downward from the upper portion, which angle may be in the range of approximately 5-85.
The key disclosed in the Sussina patent provides a plurality of increased key surfaces (compared to the prior art) which may be utilized in conjunction with various key differing techni~les to form different keys for use in masterkeying systems, which systems are based on the particular common angular orientation of all the key slots in a given family. For example, one or more of the key blade surfaces may be milled so that the key will pass a ward(s) located in different key sections. Such a key may be used as a master key because, in addition to entering the key slots having a ward(s), the key will also enter other key slots from the same family which do not have a ward (because the key slots and the key blade have corresponding angular orientations, e.g., 10). This permits a large number of key differs to be generated for a given family of key slots, i.e., all of the locks having a key slot with a lower planar portion and an upper planar portion disposed at a particular predetermined angular orientation (which corresponds to the angular orientation of the key slot).
The Sussina patent teaches that the angled keys of the restricted key system will enter no other key slot but their own, i.e., the 5 keys fit only the 5 key 2 ~ 79675 slots, the 10 keys the 10 slots, etc. In addition, the patent states that the chevron-shaped, proprietary key slots will block entry of all prior art keys.
Thus, the Sussina patent teaches forming a hierarchical system of locks within a given family cf key slots, i.e., each family of key slots having a given predetermined angular orientation. As discussed above, Sussina teaches masterkeyiny through the use of conventional warding techniques combined with the additional key surfaces provided by the chevron-shaped key blank. The patent does not discuss the use of a key which enters different families of key slots, i.e.
key slots having different angulàr orientations.
As such, the number of differs provided by the wards, etc., and the masterkeying capabilities of the lock are limited. Additional masterkeying is desirable and has continually been sought in the art.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for improved hierarchical systems of locks and keys and key blanks therefore.
SU~IARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a hierarchical system of locks and keys in which at least two distinct key slot configurations (or families) are provided, and wherein key blanks are configured to enter only one of the first and second families of key slots. The key slots include an upper portion and a lower portion, and the lower portion extends away from the upper portion at a predetermined angle which is the same for all the key slots in a given family. The angles are different for each family and are selected so that the lower portions of the two different key slot configurations overlap, i.e., when the upper portions thereof are aligned the lower portions extend therefrom at -different angles but have a common area of overlap.
The overlap portion defines a third unique key slot configuration which may be used in an additional lock, and a third key which corresponds to such configuration will not only enter the third key slot, but will also enter the other two key slot configurations (and thus be a master key with respect to the first and second families of slots). This feature permits limiting the access of certain keys within one hierarchical system while increasing masterkeying capabilities beyond those of the prior art.
The prior art teaches that 4,096,000,000 theoretical key differs can be obtained for 17,408 key blank sections. According to such prior art, a first key slot configuration of the present invention has 4,096,000,000 key differs, and a second key slot configuration also has 4,096,000,000 key differs.
However, the present invention provides the third uni~le key slot configuration defined by the overlap of the first and second key slots, and the third key slot creates a total of 12,288,000,000 key differs within the hierarchical system formed by the three key slots.
In addition to the number of key differs that may be obtained for a given family of key slots as taught in the prior art, the present invention significantly increases masterkeying capabilities by combining at least two separate families of key slots into a hierarchical system based on the creation of a third key slot configuration.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a lock cylinder with multiple key slots depicted according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a hierarchical system of locks according to the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a diagram of an additional hierarchical system according to the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a high security lock cylinder which may be used to carry out the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a key or key blank blade with different cut-out sections indicated in phantom; and FIGS. 6A and 6B are, respectively, perspective views of a removable core cylinder lock and a lock housing which are provided with anti-picking or drilling features.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to FIG. 1, a lock cylinder and key blank according to the present invention are shown schematically in longitudinal section and comprise a lock cylinder 10 which includes a key slot 20 and a plurality of holes 38 for receiving tumbler pins. The lock cylinder 10 is ~ounted in a lock housing (not shown) and may comprise a removable core cylinder lock if desired. The key slot 20 includes an upper portion 22 and a lower portion 24 which is disposed at a predetermined angular orientation with respect to upper portion 22. More particularly, the lower portion 24 of the key slot is angled with respect to a vertical axis A passing through the upper portion 22 of the key slot, such angle being indicated by ~.
FIG. 1 depicts two distinct key slot configurations which may be formed by varying the angle a which the lower portion 24 of the key slots 20 makes with the axis A. That is, a first key slot configuration has a width generally corresponding to reference numeral 28 and includes the hatched portion 34 at the left of FIG. 1 and the cross-hatched area indicated at refèrence numeral 46. The second key slot configuration has a width which generally corresponds to reference numeral 30 and includes the hatched portion 32 at the right of FIG. 1 and the cross-hatched area 46. That is, the two key slot configurations 28, 30 include the central hatched portion 46 along with, respectively, the hatched area 34 and hatched area 32.
lS The two key slots 28, 30 have the lower portions 24 thereof disposed at two different angles relative a vertical axis A passing through the upper portion 24 of each key slot (which upper portions correspond to each other in the embodiment of FIG. 1). Although the lower portion 24 extends away from the upper portion of each key slot by different angles ~1 and ~2~ such angles are selected so that the two key slots 28, 30 partially overlap. As seen in FIG. 1, the "right side" of the key slot 28 overlaps with the "left side" of key slot 30, and the area of overlap corresponds to the cross-hatched area indicated at 46 in FIG. 1. Reference numeral 46 designates the lower portion of key blank 40 which is positioned within key slot 20 and occupies the common area of overlap between the two different key slots. As described below, key blank 40 is a master key blank.
It is apparent from FIG. I that a key blank with a lower portion 46 which has a shape corresponding to that of the lower portion 24 of key slot 28 will not enter the key slot 30, and vice-versa. However, the .. , key blank 40 has a lower portion 46 which will enter the lower portion of ei~her key slot 28 or key slot 30.
Thus, the key blank 40 may serve as a master key blank in that it will enter both key slots 28 and 30. As such, in addition to being able to produce different key sections for a family of locks having key slots of a given angle ~, for example by using ward members, the present invention utilizes at least two different families of key slots to create a hierarchical system in which a master key will enter the key slots of each family (as well as the key slot of a third lock). This limits the access of certain keys within the hierarchical system while increasing masterkeying possibilities compared with prior art systems.
lS In FIG. 1, which shows only a preferred embodiment, the two key slot configurations 28, 30 have a lower portion 24 disposed, respectively, at an angle of 5 and ~2 of 15 relative the axis A. Of course, other angles ~ may be utilized according to the present invention. The key blanks which enter the key slots indicated at 28 and 30 are preferably similar to master key blank 40 and may include an upper portion 42 and lower portion 46 connected by an intermediate portion which comprises a horizontal shelf 43 and a corner portion 45.
FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a hierarchical system of 'ocks which includes a first lock 110 having a key slot 120 with a lower portion disposed at an angle ~l relative upper portion 122, and a second lock 210 having a key slot 220 with a lower portion disposed at an angle ~2 relative upper portion 222. The angles ~1-2 of the key slots 120, 220 are selected so as to define an overlap portion which will permit a master key blanX to enter either key slot 12Q
or 220. The overlap portion not only defines the configuration of the lower portion of a master key blank which will enter either key slot 120 or 220, but also defines an additional key slot configuration 320 which will receive the master key blank -- which key slot 320 is shown located in a third lock 310.
However, the key slot 320 will not receive the key blanks which correspond to the key slots 120, 220 of locks 110, 2;0. Accordingly, the system depicted in FIG. 2 could be used with locks 110 and 210 placed on individual doors with the tenants receiving a key blank which may be used only with locks in a particular family of key slots that have the same key slot confi~lration, for example, the ~key blanks 120 have a 5 angle and enter only the key slots with a 5 angle, the key blanks 220 have a 15 angie and enter only the key slots with a 15 angle, etc. However, the master key could be used to enter all of the locks because its key blade will enter each family of key slots.
As seen in FIG. 2, the lower portion 324 of key slot 320 is disposed at an angle ~3 relative the upper portion 322 of the key slot, which angle ~3 (when measured from the upper portion 322 to the central axis of lower portion 324) is between the angles ~1 and ~2 .
However, the lower portion 324 of the key slot 320 preferably has the same shape as the lower portion 46 OL key blank 40 shown in FIG . 1, i.e., a trapezoidal shape with tapered side walls. Preferably, with reference to FIG. 1, one of the tapered side walls (the right wall) of the lower portion 46 of the master key blank 40 is parallel to the opposite sides forming the lower portion of key slot 28, whiie the other side wall (the left wall) of the key blank 40 is parallel to the opposite sides forming the lower portion of key slot 30. This structure is the preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention but, of course, persons 2~ 79675 skilled in the art will appreciate that other structural variations are possible which provide a common area to form a third uni~ue key slot/blade.
FIG. 3 is a diagram of a hierarchical system of locks according to the present invention which includes a common lock 210' (which may be a relatively low security level lock) having a key slot 220' configured to receive a correspondingly configured key 240'. The key slot 220' has a predetermined angle ~ and may correspond hierarchically to loc~s 110, 210 shown in FIG. 2. The system of FIG. 3 includes a high security lock 310' having a key slot 320' which is configured to receive a key 340', which key 340' is configured to also enter the key slot 220' of lock 210'. This can be achieved, as explained above, by forming the key slot 320' (and master key blade) to correspond to the overlap portion of two key slot configurations having different angles ~ (one of which is shown in FIG. 3).
Alternatively, only one family o. locks 210' (i .e., all the locks having a key slot conf guration with a given angle ~) may be used, and in this case, a master key may be formed so as to enter the single key slot configuration. In either case, -he key 240' does not enter the key slot 320' of the high security lock 310'.
FIG. 4 depicts a Medeco~ type high security locking cylinder 400 which incluaes a plug 410 having a key slot 420, a lock shell 430, a plurality of tumbler pins 432 whic~ are received in the lock shell in a known manner, and a fence or side bar 434 which provides the lock with a double locking feature as is known in the art. The key slot 420 includes an upper portion and a lower portion which is angled away from the upper portion as discussed aDove in connection with the previous drawing Figures. A key 440 includes a key blade with an upper portion 442 and a lower portion 444, the lower portion extending away at an angle so as to generally correspond to the shape of the key slot 440. FIG. 4 depicts aaditional means for providing some of the locks in a given system with increased security as it may be desirable to combine the restricted key entry provided by the present invention with conventional high security lock features.
FIG. 5 depicts a prior art key 60 with a longitudinally-grooved blade portion 62 corresponding to a particular key slot configuration. The blade 62 may have a portion milled or otherwise removed to as to pass a ward member positioned in a key slot to prevent entry of certain keys. One possible milled section is indicated at reference numeral 64 and another at reference numeral 66. The portion of the key blade which is removed depends on the warding present in the locks of the system; shifting the location of the wards in the key slot creates new key sections. Typically, a master key will have section(s) thereof milled out to permit the key to enter various key slots despite the presence of ward(s) or other blocking members which restrict other keys from entering said slots. This technology may be used in conjunction with the present invention to further restrict key use within a given hierarchical system.
FIGS. 6A and 6B depict additional embodiments of the present invention relating to providing a lock with further security against tampering or forced entry.
For example, the lock having the third key slot which is formed by the overlap of the first and second key slots, as described above, preferably is used in a high (or higher) security lock because the key blanks which enter the first two key slots will not enter the third key slot. The features shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B may thus be used in such a high security lock to provide increased security. Specifically, the removable core cylinder 500 includes a cylinder face plate 510 and a key slot 520 with an upper portion 522 and an angled lower portion 524, which face plate 510 may be formed -5 of hardened steel to prevent drilling of the lock. The core may also contain spool or mushroom shaped drivers 512 in openings 514 which provide the lock with improved pick resistance. Also, the cylinder may include steel pins 516 in openings 518 which further ~o assist in preventing the lock from being drilled open.
FIG. 6B shows the outer lock housing 600 which receives a removable core cylinder (such as that shown in FIG. 6A) in a figure eight-shaped opening 610. A
plurality of security pins 614 are disposed in openings 612 of housing 600 to prevent removal of the core from the housing, e.g., by drilling the housing to access the retaining member which secures the removable core within the housing. Of course, the security features shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B are but exemplary of various manners in which the locks according to the present invention may be further strengthened against tampering and/or unauthorized attempts to operate the locks.
It is apparent that the present invention provides increased masterkeying capabilities which have application in many different environments. For example, the inventive keys and key slots described above could be used in any type of lock or locking cylinder. One benefit of the invention is the expar.dability it offers with respect to masterkeying options, plus the ability to restrict entry of particular keys to a limited number of key slots within a system. A manufacturer can offer an institution the long-term benefits of such expandability as the institution works to retrofit the existing cylinders of the institution in logical increments. Of course, due 2~ 79675 . ~
to monetary, time or other constraints, an institution may not immediately implement a complete hierarchy.
However, the present invention permits the institution to expand in increments by adding key slots according to the present invention in order to achieve the desired hierarchical system.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art, as will many modifications and alteraticns in the preferred embodiments of the invention described herein, all of which may be achieved without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Claims (19)
1. A hierarchical system of locks comprising at least two locks having different key slots and at least two key blanks for forming keys for operating the locks, wherein each key slot includes an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion of each key slot defining a vertically extending axis and the lower portion of each key slot being oriented relative to said axis at a predetermined angle, said system further comprising;
a first lock in which the lower portion of the key slot forms a first angle with the vertically extending axis of the upper portion of the key slot, and wherein the first angle is in the range of from about 5° to about 85°;
a first key blank having an upper blade portion and a lower blade portion angularly oriented relative to each other to permit the first key blank to enter the key slot of the first lock;
a second lock in which the lower portion of the key slot forms a second angle with the vertically extending axis of the upper portion of the key slot, and wherein the second angle is in the range of from about 5° to 85° and is different than said first angle whereby the first key blank does not enter the key slot of the second lock;
a second key blank having an upper blade portion and a lower blade portion angularly oriented relative each other to permit the second key blank to enter the key slot of the second lock but not the key slot of the first lock; and wherein the lower portions of said key slots of the first and second locks are angled so as to partially overlap at a common area which permits a third key blank having a configuration corresponding to said common area to enter the key slots of either the first or second lock.
a first lock in which the lower portion of the key slot forms a first angle with the vertically extending axis of the upper portion of the key slot, and wherein the first angle is in the range of from about 5° to about 85°;
a first key blank having an upper blade portion and a lower blade portion angularly oriented relative to each other to permit the first key blank to enter the key slot of the first lock;
a second lock in which the lower portion of the key slot forms a second angle with the vertically extending axis of the upper portion of the key slot, and wherein the second angle is in the range of from about 5° to 85° and is different than said first angle whereby the first key blank does not enter the key slot of the second lock;
a second key blank having an upper blade portion and a lower blade portion angularly oriented relative each other to permit the second key blank to enter the key slot of the second lock but not the key slot of the first lock; and wherein the lower portions of said key slots of the first and second locks are angled so as to partially overlap at a common area which permits a third key blank having a configuration corresponding to said common area to enter the key slots of either the first or second lock.
2. A hierarchical system according to claim 1, wherein a third key blank is provided, and the third key blank has a lower blade portion which is narrower than the lower blade portions of the first and second key blanks, and the third key blank will enter the lower portion of either the first or second key slots.
3. A hierarchical system according to claim 1, wherein a third key blank is provided and is configured to enter the key slot of a third lock as well as the key slots of the first and second locks, and the first and second key blanks cannot enter the key slot of the third lock.
4. A hierarchical system according to claim 1, wherein the upper portion and lower portion of the key slot of the first lock form an angle of about 5°, and the upper portion and lower portion of the key slot of the second lock form an angle of about 15°.
5. A hierarchical system according to claim 4, wherein said common area of the lower portions of the first and second key slots corresponds to the lower blade portion of the third key blank.
6. A hierarchical system according to claim 1, wherein the upper portion and lower portion of the keyway of the first lock may be aligned with the upper portion and lower portion of the second lock and the respective lower portions are angled away and partially overlap, the overlap defining a configuration for a third key slot which corresponds to a third key blank that enters the keyway of the first and second locks.
7. A hierarchical system according to claim 1, wherein the upper portion of the key slot in at least one of said locks is planar.
8. Apparatus for use in a hierarchical lock system comprising:
a first key blank having an upper blade portion and a lower blade portion angularly oriented relative to each other to form a first angle which is in the range of from about 5° to about 85°;
a second key blank having an upper blade portion and a lower blade portion angularly oriented relative to each other to form a second angle which is in the range of from about 5° to 85° and is greater than said first angle; and wherein the upper portions of said first and second key blanks have a generally corresponding configuration, and the lower portions of said first and second key blanks are angled away from the upper portion and partially overlap each other at a common area, and the common area defines a configuration for a key blank which will enter a key slot of a lock which the first or second key blanks will enter.
a first key blank having an upper blade portion and a lower blade portion angularly oriented relative to each other to form a first angle which is in the range of from about 5° to about 85°;
a second key blank having an upper blade portion and a lower blade portion angularly oriented relative to each other to form a second angle which is in the range of from about 5° to 85° and is greater than said first angle; and wherein the upper portions of said first and second key blanks have a generally corresponding configuration, and the lower portions of said first and second key blanks are angled away from the upper portion and partially overlap each other at a common area, and the common area defines a configuration for a key blank which will enter a key slot of a lock which the first or second key blanks will enter.
9. An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a third key blank is provided, and the third key blank has a lower blade portion which is narrower than the lower blade portions of the first and second key blanks.
10. An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a third key blank is provided and is configured to enter the key slot of a lock which the first and second key blanks cannot enter.
11. An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the upper portion and lower portion of the first key blank form an angle of about 5°, and the upper portion and lower portion of the second key blank form an angle of about 15°.
12. A method of forming a system of locks and keys into a hierarchical system, the system of locks and keys including at least a first lock with a key slot having a lower portion and an upper portion, wherein the lower portion of the key slot forms a first angle with the upper portion of the key slot, and wherein the first angle is in the range of from about 5° to about 85°, and a first key blank having an upper blade portion and a lower blade portion angularly oriented relative each other to substantially correspond to the key slot of the first lock so as to permit the first key blank to enter the key slot of the first lock; said method comprising steps of:
providing at least a second lock with a key slot having an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the lower portion of the key slot forms a second angle with the upper portion of the key slot, and wherein the second angle is in the range of from about 5° to 85°
and is different than said first angle; and providing a second key blank having an upper blade portion and a lower blade portion angularly oriented relative each other to permit the second key blank to enter the key slot of the second lock but not the key slot of the first lock;
wherein the lower portions of said key slots of the first and second locks partially overlap at a common area which defines the configuration of a master key which will enter key slots of either the first or second lock.
providing at least a second lock with a key slot having an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the lower portion of the key slot forms a second angle with the upper portion of the key slot, and wherein the second angle is in the range of from about 5° to 85°
and is different than said first angle; and providing a second key blank having an upper blade portion and a lower blade portion angularly oriented relative each other to permit the second key blank to enter the key slot of the second lock but not the key slot of the first lock;
wherein the lower portions of said key slots of the first and second locks partially overlap at a common area which defines the configuration of a master key which will enter key slots of either the first or second lock.
13. A method according to claim 12, further comprising the step of providing a third key blank having a configuration corresponding to said common area and which enters the key slots of either the first or second lock.
14. A method according to claim 12, wherein a third key blank is provided, and the third key blank has a lower blade portion which is narrower than the lower blade portions of the first and second key blanks and the third key blank will enter the lower portion of either the first or second key slots.
15. A method according to claim 12, wherein a third key blank is provided and is configured to enter the key slot of a third lock as well as the key slots of the first and second locks, and the first and second key blanks cannot enter the key slot of the third lock.
16. A method according to claim 12, wherein the upper portion and lower portion of the key slot of the first lock form an angle of about 5°, and the upper portion and lower portion of the key slot of the second lock form an angle of about 15°.
17. A method according to claim 12, wherein said common area of the lower portions of the first and second key slots is tapered along its length.
18. A method according to claim 12, wherein the upper and lower portions of the key slot of the first lock may be aligned with the upper and lower portions of the keyway of the second lock and the respective lower portions will partially overlap, the overlap defining a configuration for a third key slot which corresponds to a third key blank that enters the keyway of the first and second locks.
19. A method according to claim 12, wherein said system of locks and keys is a pre-existing system which is upgraded to a hierarchical system.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US49523695A | 1995-06-27 | 1995-06-27 | |
| US08/495,236 | 1995-06-27 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2179675A1 true CA2179675A1 (en) | 1996-12-28 |
Family
ID=23967831
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2179675 Abandoned CA2179675A1 (en) | 1995-06-27 | 1996-06-21 | Hierarchical system of locks and keys and key blanks therefor |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2179675A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US11536047B1 (en) | 2022-08-22 | 2022-12-27 | Winloc Ag | Key plug, a cylinder lock, a cylinder lock and key combination and a method to manufacture a key plug |
| US11542724B1 (en) | 2022-08-22 | 2023-01-03 | Winloc Ag | Key blank, a key, and a cylinder lock and key combination |
| US11613909B1 (en) | 2022-08-22 | 2023-03-28 | Winloc Ag | Key blank, a coded key and a cylinder lock and key system with improved stop arrangement |
-
1996
- 1996-06-21 CA CA 2179675 patent/CA2179675A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US11536047B1 (en) | 2022-08-22 | 2022-12-27 | Winloc Ag | Key plug, a cylinder lock, a cylinder lock and key combination and a method to manufacture a key plug |
| US11542724B1 (en) | 2022-08-22 | 2023-01-03 | Winloc Ag | Key blank, a key, and a cylinder lock and key combination |
| US11613909B1 (en) | 2022-08-22 | 2023-03-28 | Winloc Ag | Key blank, a coded key and a cylinder lock and key system with improved stop arrangement |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |