GB1500003A - Key retaining assemblies - Google Patents

Abstract

1500003 Key-retaining assembly NEWMAN - TONKS Ltd 3 April 1975 [9 April 1974] 15635/74 Heading E2A A key-retaining assembly comprises rods 24, 25, Fig. 4, rotatably mounted in respective sleeves 10, 11, Fig. 1, the latter being mounted on a board 21. Members 29, 30 are mounted on the rods 24, 25 respectively. The rods are rotatable by a respective key and are provided with grooves, such as 28, Fig. 3. Circular face plates 15, 16, Fig. 1 are provided and are slotted at 19, 20 Fig. 3 respectively. A key can only be inserted when the slot 20, for example, is in alignment with the groove 28, for example, and the key can then be rotated. The rods are rotatable in one direction only the maximum amount being a right angle. Each rod requires a respective key. In use a key 36, Fig. 2, is attached to a service key 35 and persons authorised to use the key 36 are supplied with an authorising key which fits the sleeve 11 but not the sleeve 10 and which bears the identity of the holder. To obtain the key 36, the authorising key is inserted into the sleeve 11 and rotated. The member 29 is released. The key 35 is now rotated and is released from the sleeve 10. The key 36 can now be used but the authorising key is retained in the sleeve 11 and cannot be removed until the key 35 is replaced in the sleeve 10 and the procedure reversed. In modifications members 39, 40, Fig. 8, having crescent-shaped cut-outs 41, 42 replace the members 29, 30, Fig. 4 and members 46, 47, Fig. 9 are operable by respective authorising keys (not shown) and a member 45 is operable by a service key (not shown). A warning signal may operate when service keys have been removed from the board.