US3727440A

US3727440A - Tumbler lock code pin and key coding set and method of coding a lock and complementary key

Info

Publication number: US3727440A
Application number: US00152671A
Authority: US
Inventors: H Greenwald; C Lambiris
Original assignee: Walter Kidde and Co Inc
Current assignee: Kidde Inc
Priority date: 1971-06-14
Filing date: 1971-06-14
Publication date: 1973-04-17
Anticipated expiration: 1990-04-17

Abstract

This disclosure is directed to a method of coding a tumbler lock and key adapted therefor, and to a tumbler lock code pin the key coding set. The coding set comprises a support for holding a tumbler lock to permit ready access to the code pins. Identifying indicia are located on the support to identify the respective positions of each lock code pin. A key adapted to fit the keyway of the lock is formed with a series of complementary flutes, each being adapted to receive a similarly constructed key blade. An identifying member is removably positioned on the key to identify the complementary, corresponding key flutes adapted to receive the respective code pins of the lock. A gage is provided to effect the adjustment of the ''''set-back'''' distance of the respective key blades within their respective key flutes. The gage includes a series of selective gaging edges to effect displacement or adjustment of the respective key blades in the ''''set-back'''' position a distance equal to the displacement of the complementary code pin necessary to effect the operation of the lock. A

Description

United States Patent 91 Greenwald et al. 51 Apr. 17, 1973 TUIWBLER LOCK CODE PIN AND K Primary Examiner-Robert L. Wolfe CODING SET AND METHOD OF AttomeySiedman & Fisher CODING A LOCK AND COMPLEMENTARY KEY ABSTRACT [75] Inventors: Harry Greenwald, Whitestone; This disclosure is directed to a method of coding a Christ Lambi i Br x, b th f tumbler lock and key adapted therefor, and to a tum- N Y, bler lock code pin the key coding set. The coding set comprises a support for holding a tumbler lock to er- [73] Asslgnee: winter Kldde Company mit ready access to the code pins. Identifying ind icia Chfton are located on the support to identify the respective [22] Filed: June 14, 1971 positions of each lock code pin. A key adapted to fit the keyway of the lock is formed with a series of com- [21] Appl 152671 plementary flutes, each being adapted to receive a similarly constructed key blade. An identifying [52] US. Cl ..70/4l1 member is removably positioned on the key to identify [51] Int. Cl. ..E05b 19/18 the complementary, corresponding key flutes adapted [58] Field of Search ..70/4l 1, 363, 394, to receive the respective code pins of the lock. A gage 0/ 33/174 174 174 H is provided to effect the adjustment of the set-back distance of the respective key blades within their Refelfllces Cited respective key flutes. The gage includes a series of selective gaging edges to effect displacement or ad- UNITED STATES PATENTS justment of the respective key blades in the set- 3,572,070 3/1971 Brand ..70/4l1 back" position a distance equal to the displacement of 3,14 ,487 9/196 artin..- ....70/394 the complementary code pin necessary to effect the 3,270,538 9/1966 Kerr operation of the lock. A locking collar located in the 3,330,141 7/1967 Grenwald ..70/4ll key is then tightened'to maintain the key blades in their respective set or coded position 6 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures PATENTED APR 1 71973 3 [27, 440

SHEET 1 BF 2 INVENTORS HARRY GREENWALD CHRISTOS LAMBIRIS AT TOR NE YS PATENTEU m1 1 7 ms SHEET 2 BF 2 INVENTORS HARRY GREENWALD CHRISTOS LAMBIRIS rlIllllAllIl/IIA v I MM M4 73/14 ATTORNEYS.

TUMBLER LOCK CODE PIN AND KEY CODING SET AND METHOD OF CODING A LOCK AND COMPLEMENTARY KEY PROBLEM AND PRIOR ART Whenever the code pin combination of a predetermined rotary type tumbler lock was required to be changed or modified, it was heretofore necessary to call in a lock specialist to change the pin combination m and to construct a new key therefor. For this reason the proprietor or the owner of a piece of equipment on which such tumbler locks were utilized, would normally have to await the arrival of the lock specialist to recode the tumbler lock. Frequently a considerable period of time lapsed before such lock could be recoded. In many instances this would work a considerable hardship and inconvenience on the proprietors of equipment utilizing such tumbler locks, each time the combination of such locks was required to be changed or altered. For these reasons many operators and/or owners of such machines tended to neglect the recoding of the lock, thereby placing the security of such mechanisms in jeopardy as vandals and/or other unauthorized individuals would then be provided with a greater opportunity in familiarizing themselves with a given lock combination and thereby rendering such locks subject to frequent pilfering and/or theft.

OBJECTS It is an object of this invention to provide a lock code pin and key coding set useful in effecting the recoding of rotary type tumbler locks by the owner or proprietor of such mechanisms, at regular predetermined intervals to prohibit and/or deter pilfering and/or theft.

Another object of this invention is to provide a method for coding or recoding a tumbler lock, and a lock and key coding set wherein a proprietor may readily effect the recoding of a tumbler lock without resorting to the skills of a skilled lock technician.

Another object of this invention is to provide a lock coding method, and coding pin set which greatly facilitates the manner of coding a tumbler lock in an effective and positive manner.

Another object is to provide an improved resettable key construction which can be readily recoded to complement the recoding of a particular tumbler lock.

Another object is to provide a lock code pin and key coding set having complementary identifying indicia for establishing corresponding code pins and c'omple mentary key flutes to facilitate the recoding of a given resettable key to a given coded tumbler lock.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The foregoing objects and other features and advantages of this invention are attained by the utilization of a resettable key which can be readily recoded to complement the recoding of a tumbler type lock. This is made possible by a lock and key coding set comprising essentially of a support or jig for'supporting the lock in a position permitting ready access to the code pins. Indicia means are located on the jig or support for identifying the specific code pin positions. Accordingly, an operator can effectively recode the lock simply by interchanging the relative positions of the respective code pins and recording new position of the pins. A key blade is disposed in each of the flutes, and

the set-back position of the respective key blade, in ac cordance to the coding of the respective code pins, determined by a gage which is included in the set.

The gage means comprises a plate member having a series of edges, each edge being provided with a shoulder to define a predetermined set-back distance for the key blade. With the key blades disposed in the respective flutes of the key and with the positions of the respective code pins of the lock ascertained, the individual key blades are individually set back to their adjusted position byutilization of the proper gage shoulder to define in the end portion of the key, a seat or notch adapted for accommodating the appropriate code pin. Upon the setting of each of the respective key blades in their recoded set-back position, the respective key blades are secured in position by a lock collar circumscribing the barrel portion of the key.

FEATURES A feature of this invention resides in the provision of a method and arrangement which includes a jig or supported bar supporting a lock to facilitate recoding of the pins and a resettable key having adjustable key blades which can be readily reset to complement the recoded pins of the tumbler lock.

Another feature of this invention-resides in the provision of a coding set for both the lock and the key to facilitate the complementary recoding thereof.

Another feature of this invention resides in the provision of a gage means for effecting the set-back position of the respective key blades so as to complement the recoded series of tumbler code pins when the key is inserted into the lock.

Another feature of this invention resides in the provision of a tumbler lock and key coding set which is relatively simple in construction, easy to use, and positive in operation.

Other features and advantages will become more readily apparent when considered in view of the drawings and specification in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a resettable key embodying the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view illustrating the tumbler lock supported in operative position on a support means embodying the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the lock support means of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a removable indicia means adapted to be located on the barrel portion of a resettable key.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a gage means embodying the FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8-8 on FIG. 7.

DETAILED SPECIFICATION Referring to the drawings, there is shown therein a tumbler lock code pin and key coding set comprising a resettable key construction 10, a gage means 11 utilized in effecting the set-back position of a plurality of key blades 12 for defining a code pin seat 13 formed on the end of the barrel portion 14 of the key 10, and a jig or support 40 for tumbler lock 16.

The present invention is particularly applicable for effecting the recoding of a rotary type tumbler lock 16, of the type disclosed in U. S. Pat. No. 3,330,141 and in patent application, Ser. No. 469,601 filed July 6, 1965 and now US. Pat. No. 3,339,384. As best seen in FIG. 2 such a tumbler lock 16 comprises essentially of a tubular housing 17 having a front faced portion 18 which terminates in an intumed flange to define a'front opening 19. Between the opposed ends of the housing 17 is a bore 20 for containing the component parts 21, 22 of the lock. Component part 21 comprises a plug member having an extended connected stem portion 21A generally provided with opposed flattened surfaces to which a latching or locking means not shown is connected. The plug 21 has a head end portion 23 provided with an outer periphery which is sized to be received within the bore 20 of the housing with the front face 23A of the head end portion 23 disposed in abutting relationship to an internal shoulder 24 formed in the housing 17. The arrangement is such that the plug member 21 is rendered free to rotate within the bore 20 of the housing as the appropriate key is turned. Connected to the head end portion 23 of the plug 21 is a key guide 25. As shown, the enlarged end portion of the key guide 25 is provided with a circumference which is spaced from the circumference defined by the opening 19 of the housing. The annular space 26 thus defined between the exterior circumference of the key guide 25 and the inner circumference of the intumed flange or opening 19 defines a circular keyway for plug member 21. The extended end portion of the stem may be threaded for receiving a suitable lock washer or lock nut, not shown, by which the lock is secured in position to a wall portion of a coin box or the like, in a vending machine.

The head end portion 23 of the plug member 21 is also provided with a plurality of bores 35 circumferentially spaced therearound for receiving the end of a locking pin 36 disposed in each of bores 32 in the pipe member 22. The plug bores 35 are normally disposed in axial alignment with the bores 32 of the annular pipe member in the locked position.

Disposed within each of the aligned plug bores 35 in the head end portion 23 is a code pin 37. It is understood that the code pins 37 are of different lengths, a portion of which extends beyond the front face of the plug 21. In operation the code pins are required to be axially displaced a predetermined amount by the insertion of a key 10 to effect corresponding displacement of the lock pins 36. When properly displaced to permit opening of the lock, the adjacent abutting end portion of the respective cooperating lock pins and code pins are disposed in alignment with the respective contiguous face portions of the head end portion of the plug member and annular pipe member. With the code and lock pins displaced, and accordingly, by effecting receiving a cylindrical or barrel portion 14 of a key.

The key guide 26 is retained to the plug 21 by force fitting the guide 25 into a bore 27 formed in the end of the plug member 21. The inturned flange defining the front opening 19 of the housing may be'further provided with a notched portion 28 to provide a means for aligning the key in the keyway 26. As will be described, the guide 28 provides the means by which the key 10 is orientated with respect to the lock.

Component member 22 comprises annular member is mounted on the stem portion of the plug 21 within the bore 20 of tubular housing 17. The arrangement is such that the front facing 22A of the annular pipe member 22 is disposed contiguous to the bottom face of head end portion 23 of the plug 21. The annular pipe member 22 inturn is fixed against relative rotation with respect to the housing 17 by means of a set screw 29 which is threaded through a tapped opening 30 of the housing.

A washer 31 is positioned on the stern 21A of the a plug member 21 contiguous to the rear facing of the pipe member 22 to form a base or bottom for a series of bores 32 extending through the pipe member 22. A retainer ring 33 secures the annular pipe 22 and associated washer 31 in position on the stem 21A of the rotation of the plug member 21 relative to the pipe member 22 upon the turning of the key as will be hereinafter described, the lock can be readily opened. Thus the coding of the lock is determined by the length of the code pins 37. A particular lock can thus be recoded simply by interchanging the relative positions of the code pins and/or by substituting other code pins having greater or lesser lengths and adjusting the key blades 12 accordingly.

In accordancewith this invention a coding set is provided whereby an operator can readily recode at regularintervals a given tumbler lock 16 to thereby deter would-be vandals and other unauthorized persons for acquiringfamiliarity with a particular coded lock. This is attained by providing a lock holding fixture 40 in the form of a base member having a top wall 42 having connected thereto a 'circumscribing depending wall portion 43 for spacing the top wall 42 from a suitable supporting surface. The top wall 42 is formed with an opening 44 therein for accommodating the stem portion 21A of the lock 16. Whenever it is decided to effect a recoding of the lock, the lock 16 is removed from the equipment secured thereby and is supported in an upright position on the fixture 40 by extending the stem portion 21A through the opening 44 formed in the lock holding fixture 40. In this position the lock housing 17 is removed by looseningthe set screw 29. With the housing 17 thus removed, the operator is provided with G. It will be understood that the respective code pins 37 are also identified by appropriate identification according to length, e.g. l to 4. To effect a recoding of the lock 16, the operator simply randomly positions In view of the foregoing description it will be understood that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

l. A rotary tumbler lock code pin and key coding set comprising:

a means adapted for supporting a rotary tumbler lock to permit access to the lock code pins,

indicia means on said support means for identifying the relative positions of the respective code pins,

a key means having a barrel portion adapted to be received in the keyway of the lock,

said barrel portion having a plurality of circumferentially disposed longitudinally extending key flutes formed in the surface thereof,

a plurality of similarly constructed resettable key blades adapted to be adjustably disposed in each of said key flutes,

readily removable identifying means adapted to be disposed about said barrel portion and having indicia means formed thereon to identify the respective key flute and associated rcsettable key blade complementing the respective code pins,

the indicia means of said identifying means complementing the indicia means on said support means,

gage means adapted for setting the set back position of the respective key blades within their respective key flutes to complement the coding of the respective code pins,

and means on said key means for locking said key blades in their respective set back position.

2. A rotary tumbler lock code pin and key coding set comprising:

a means adapted for supporting a rotary tumbler lock to permitaccess to the lock code pins,

indicia means adapted to be disposed about said barrel portion to identify the respective key flute and associated rcsettable key blade complementing the respective code pins,

and means on said key means for locking said key blades in their respective setback position,

and said gage means comprising:

a plate member having a plurality of edge portions,

each of said edge portions having a lateral offset shoulder defining a predetermined gage distance by which said key blade can be set back within its key flute.

3. The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein said offset shoulders are proported to equal the distance a predetermined code pin is required to be displaced to permit operation of said lock.

4. The invention as defined in claim 3 wherein said gage plate member has a central cut-out portion to define a wrench opening adapted to complement the locking means of said key to facilitate the tightening and loosening of said blade locking means.

5. A rotary tumbler lock code pin and key coding set comprising a lock holding fixture,

said lock holding fixture having a base member have a top wall with circumscribing depending wall portions for spacing said top wall from a supporting surface,

said top wall having an opening therein for accommodating the plug end of a rotary lock,

identifying means located on said top wall,

said identifying means having indicia circumferentially spaced about said opening for identifying the code pins ofa lock,

said barrel portion having a series of longitudinally extending flutes circumferentially spaced about said barrel portion,

a plurality of similarly constructed rcsettable key blades, said key blades being disposed in said flutes,

said flutes being longer than said key blades,

removably disposed indicia means adapted to be disposed about said barrel portion for identifying each flute corresponding to the identified code pins of said lock,

a gage means adapted to adjust the set back of each of said key blades within their respective flutes to define code pin receiving notch on said barrel,

said gage means including a plate member having a plurality of edge portions,

a laterally extending shoulder formed on each edge portion, each shoulder being equal to the distance a predetermined code pin is required to be displaced to permit operation of said lock,

and said key having a locking collar thereon for locking said key blades in the adjustedset back position,

and said gage plate member having a cut-out portion to define a wrench opening to complement said locking collar to facilitate tightening and loosening of said collar about said key blades.

6. An improved resettable key comprising:

a barrel portion adapted to be received in the keyway of a rotary tumbler lock,

said barrel portion having a plurality of longitudinally extending flutes circumferentially spaced about said barrel portion,

a lock body adapted to receive said barrel portion,

said lock body having a bore which is circumferentially spaced about said barrel portion; and an externally threaded portion,

a key blade adjustably positioned in each of said flutes,

a securing means for securing said key blade in the adjusted position within said flute,

said securing means including a resilient member circumscribing said key blades in said flute,

and a locking collar having a threaded portion adapted to mate with the threaded portion of said key body,

new code pins and/or rearranges the code pins 37 at each of the respective stations A-G and records the code pin length at each of the respective code pin positions. For example, as noted in FIG. 3, code pin position A, for purposes of description, may contain a code pin having a length identification of 1. At position B there may be a code pin of a different length identified as 2. Position C may have a code pin of l, or a length equal to code pin at A. D may be provided with a code pin identification of 4, etc.

With the code pins 37 reset, as herein described, the operator must now provide a key to complement the new code pin setting of the lock. This is attained by utilizing an improved resettable type key of the type disclosed in U.S. Letters Pat. No. 3,330,141. As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 7 the resettable key comprises a tubular barrel 14 which is suitably fitted to a key body 46. As shown, the key body 46 is provided with a series of externally formed threads 46A thereon. The barrel portion 14 of the key is provided with a series of longitudinally extending flutes 47 circumferentially spaced thereon. As best seen in FIG. 7, the key body is counterbored at 48 to spatially circumscribe the flutes 47 defined on the key barrel 14.

A key blade 12 is disposed in each of the flutes 47. It will be understood that each key blade 12 is shaped to complement the flute 47. Also the length of the respective key blades is uniform and made shorter than the length of the flutes. Accordingly the key blades 12 may be adjustably positioned within the flutes 47 as may be required.

A resilient O-ring 49 is disposed about the barrel portion 14 of the key and the key blades 12 disposed in the flutes. As seen in FIG. 7 the O-ring 49 is disposed between the end of the key body 46 and a washer 50; and a locking collar 51 is threadedly engaged with the threads 46A of the key body 46. The locking collar 51 is provided with an inturned circumscribing flange 51A to press against the washer to compress the O-ring 49 when the collar 51 is tightened to secure the position of the key blades within their respective flutes in the adjusted position.

It will be understood that the distance between the end of the key blade 12 and the end of the tubular barrel 14 defines a seat 13 for accommodating the projecting portion of the code pins extending beyond the face of the plug member 21; as best seen in FIG. 2. As each code pin is of a different length, it will be understood that the code pin seat 13 formed'about the barrel of the -key must be adjusted to complement the respective code pins 37 in the recoded position.

To attain complementary coding of the key seats 13 to the recoded pins 37 of the lock, an identifying means in the form of a ring 52 is removably disposed about the key barrel, and oriented thereon so that the position of the respective seats 13 is oriented to the position of the respective code pins adapted to be received therein when the key 10 is inserted into the keyway 26 of the lock 10. This is attained by providing the ring 52 with indicia to identify the respective seat positions, e.g. by letters A to G. Thus seat position A will complement code pin at position A on the fixture or support 40. Position B on ring 52 complements code pin B in lock support on fixture 40, etc. A guide lug 53 serves to orientate the key barrel to the lock.

In order to effect the set-back position of the respective key blades 12 to accommodate the coded pins 37, the coding set includes a gage means 54. As seen in FIGS. 5 and 7 the gage means comprises a plate having a plurality of edges 54A, B,C and D. Each edge is provided with a

gage shoulder

55A, 55B, 55C, 55D respectively. It will be understood that each gage shoulder SSA-55D is of a different length to define the respective set-back distance to accommodate the respective code pin lengths hereinbefore identified as 1 to 4. Thus to determine the set-back distance of the respective key blades, the gage plate 54 is held against the edge of the tubular barrel, as seen in FIG. 7, so that the gage shoulder extends into one of the flutes; it being understood that the gage shoulder of given identification, e.g., 1 be used to set back the key blade in the flute adapted to receive the code pin designated 1 4 wrench opening 56 adapted to complement the hexagonal collar 51.

With the key thus recoded and the key blades 12 locked in place in the flute 47, the identifying ring 52 is removed from the key 10, and the lock can then be reassembled into the machine secured thereby.

Thus in operation to recode the lock 16 at any time, the operator simply places the lock 16 on the fixture and exposes the code pins 37 by removal of the lock housing 17. The pins 37 are repositioned, and their new positions noted.

The key blades 12 of the key are then reset accordingly. This is attained by positioning the identifying ring means 52 about the key to facilitate the orientation of the key blades to their respective code pin positions. The lock collar 51 is then loosened to permit readjustment of the set-back" position of the respective key blades, in accordance to the new code pin positions of the lock. The readjustment of the set-back portion is attained by the gage means 54 which is formed with a series of gage shoulders SSA-D to correspond to the various length code pins identified as 1 to 4. Actually the gage shoulders SSA-55D correspond to the distance each code pin 1-4 is required to be displaced by the key to position the break point, i.e., the inner end of the code pins in the plane defined by the contiguous faces of the complementary plug and pipe members 21, 22 which will permit relative rotation said locking collar having an inturned flange for effecting compression of said resilient member as said collar is tightened onto said body.

Claims

1. A rotary tumbler lock code pin and key coding set comprising: a means adapted for supporting a rotary tumbler lock to permit access to the lock code pins, indicia means on said support means for identifying the relative positions of the respective code pins, a key means having a barrel portion adapted to be received in the keyway of the lock, said barrel portion having a plurality of circumferentially disposed longitudinally extending key flutes formed in the surface thereof, a plurality of similarly constructed resettable key blades adapted to be adjustably disposed in each of said key flutes, readily removable identifying means adapted to be disposed about said barrel portion and having indicia means formed thereon to identify the respective key flute and associated resettable key blade complementing the respective code pins, the indicia means of said identifying means complementing the indicia means on said support means, gage means adapted for setting the set back position of the respective key blades within their respective key flutes to complement the coding of the respective code pins, and means on said key means for locking said key blades in their respective set back position.

2. A rotary tumbler lock code pin and key coding set comprising: a means adapted for supporting a rotary tumbler lock to permitaccess to the lock code pins, indicia means on said support means for identifying the relative positions of the respective code pins, a key means having a barrel portion adapted to be received in the keyway of the lock, said barrel portion having a plurality of circumferentially disposed longitudinally extending key flutes formed in the surface thereof, a plurality of similarly constructed resettable key blades adapted to be adjustably disposed in each of said key flutes, indicia means adapted to be disposed about said barrel portion to identify the respective key flute and associated resettable key blade complementing the respective code pins, gage means adapted for setting the set back position of the respective key blades within their respective key flutes to comPlement the coding of the respective code pins, and means on said key means for locking said key blades in their respective set back position, and said gage means comprising: a plate member having a plurality of edge portions, each of said edge portions having a lateral offset shoulder defining a predetermined gage distance by which said key blade can be set back within its key flute.

5. A rotary tumbler lock code pin and key coding set comprising a lock holding fixture, said lock holding fixture having a base member have a top wall with circumscribing depending wall portions for spacing said top wall from a supporting surface, said top wall having an opening therein for accommodating the plug end of a rotary lock, identifying means located on said top wall, said identifying means having indicia circumferentially spaced about said opening for identifying the code pins of a lock, a key means having a barrel portion adapted to be received in the keyway of the lock, said barrel portion having a series of longitudinally extending flutes circumferentially spaced about said barrel portion, a plurality of similarly constructed resettable key blades, said key blades being disposed in said flutes, said flutes being longer than said key blades, removably disposed indicia means adapted to be disposed about said barrel portion for identifying each flute corresponding to the identified code pins of said lock, a gage means adapted to adjust the set back of each of said key blades within their respective flutes to define code pin receiving notch on said barrel, said gage means including a plate member having a plurality of edge portions, a laterally extending shoulder formed on each edge portion, each shoulder being equal to the distance a predetermined code pin is required to be displaced to permit operation of said lock, and said key having a locking collar thereon for locking said key blades in the adjusted set back position, and said gage plate member having a cut-out portion to define a wrench opening to complement said locking collar to facilitate tightening and loosening of said collar about said key blades.

6. An improved resettable key comprising: a barrel portion adapted to be received in the keyway of a rotary tumbler lock, said barrel portion having a plurality of longitudinally extending flutes circumferentially spaced about said barrel portion, a lock body adapted to receive said barrel portion, said lock body having a bore which is circumferentially spaced about said barrel portion, and an externally threaded portion, a key blade adjustably positioned in each of said flutes, a securing means for securing said key blade in the adjusted position within said flute, said securing means including a resilient member circumscribing said key blades in said flute, and a locking collar having a threaded portion adapted to mate with the threaded portion of said key body, said locking collar having an inturned flange for effecting compression of said resilient member as said collar is tightened onto said body.