US3380268A - Pin tumbler lock - Google Patents

Pin tumbler lock Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US3380268A
US3380268A US525643A US52564366A US3380268A US 3380268 A US3380268 A US 3380268A US 525643 A US525643 A US 525643A US 52564366 A US52564366 A US 52564366A US 3380268 A US3380268 A US 3380268A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
lock
tumbler
barrel
key
bores
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US525643A
Inventor
Perrill Harlan Knox
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US525643A priority Critical patent/US3380268A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3380268A publication Critical patent/US3380268A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05BLOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B27/00Cylinder locks or other locks with tumbler pins or balls that are set by pushing the key in
    • E05B27/02Cylinder locks or other locks with tumbler pins or balls that are set by pushing the key in operated by the edge of the key
    • E05B27/08Cylinder locks or other locks with tumbler pins or balls that are set by pushing the key in operated by the edge of the key arranged axially
    • E05B27/083Cylinder locks or other locks with tumbler pins or balls that are set by pushing the key in operated by the edge of the key arranged axially of the split-pin tumbler type
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T70/00Locks
    • Y10T70/70Operating mechanism
    • Y10T70/7441Key
    • Y10T70/7486Single key
    • Y10T70/7508Tumbler type
    • Y10T70/7559Cylinder type
    • Y10T70/7588Rotary plug
    • Y10T70/7593Sliding tumblers
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T70/00Locks
    • Y10T70/70Operating mechanism
    • Y10T70/7441Key
    • Y10T70/7486Single key
    • Y10T70/7508Tumbler type
    • Y10T70/7559Cylinder type
    • Y10T70/7667Operating elements, parts and adjuncts
    • Y10T70/7689Tumblers
    • Y10T70/7701Pin
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T70/00Locks
    • Y10T70/70Operating mechanism
    • Y10T70/7441Key
    • Y10T70/778Operating elements
    • Y10T70/7791Keys
    • Y10T70/7842Single shank or stem
    • Y10T70/7847Round rigid
    • Y10T70/7853Tubular
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T70/00Locks
    • Y10T70/70Operating mechanism
    • Y10T70/7441Key
    • Y10T70/778Operating elements
    • Y10T70/7791Keys
    • Y10T70/7904Magnetic features
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T70/00Locks
    • Y10T70/70Operating mechanism
    • Y10T70/7441Key
    • Y10T70/7915Tampering prevention or attack defeating
    • Y10T70/7932Anti-pick
    • Y10T70/7938Guard ward
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T70/00Locks
    • Y10T70/80Parts, attachments, accessories and adjuncts
    • Y10T70/8432For key-operated mechanism
    • Y10T70/8595Key guides, internal

Definitions

  • the device of the invent-ion is an improved axial pin tumbler combination lock and key.
  • This type of lock there are circularly arranged pin tumblers in the body and in the rotatable barrel of the lock which are actuatable by a key having extending plungers or pins for actuating the tumblers in the lock for locking and unlocking.
  • the improvements in the lock reside in the provision of a skirt on the key which engages in an annular groove in the barrel of the lock, these parts being configurated so that the key is operative in only one angular position. Further, a double set of bores alternately arranged is provided in the body of the lock with pin tumblers in the bores so related to the bores in the barrel that in both the lock and the unlocked positions of the lock itself, the pins in the barrel are in a position such that the combination of the lock is not exposed and not susceptible to picking.
  • the present invention relates to an improved axial pin tumbler cylindrical combination lock and its related key.
  • the principal object of the invention is to provide a lock capable of being easily set to a greater number of permutations and combinations than any other lock of this type.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide users of the lock with individualized locks and keys distinct from those of other users.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a key which can be either retained in the lock or removed at the users option irrespective of the position of the lock.
  • Another object is to provide a lock of this axial pin tumbler type, which, when in the open lock position with the key removed, has the same degree of protection of pin tumbler combinations when probed, as it has in the locked position.
  • Another object of this invention is to provide a lock which can be locked in either the open or closed position when the key is removed from the lock.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide for quick and easy alignment of the key with the lock.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a lock which can be fitted with a weather cap to provide a weatherproof and dust-proof lock.
  • Another object of this invention is to provide a small and compact lock that is rugged, strong and tamper proof.
  • pin tumbler locks are operated by a key having extending plungers of different lengths which are extended into the pin tumbler bores of the lock to position the pin tumblers therein for unlocking.
  • 'Pin tumbler locks as conventionally constructed, typically embody a cylindrical casing or body having it in a bore and a counterbo-re in which is positioned a rotating barrel having an enlarged end part in the counterbore at the end of the body.
  • this enlarged end part of the barrel is made smaller than the counterbore in the end of the body to leave an annular space.
  • a guide ring In the bottom of the space there is provided a guide ring, the
  • each lock has an individualized key so that each persons key is distinctive and, of course, is adaptable to operate with only its own particular lock.
  • a further object of the invention is to realize this objective using this particular construction.
  • Tumbler locks conventionally have pairs of pin tumblers in the axial bores in the body and in the end of the barrel part, which bores are aligned in the locked position of the locks. In the unlocked position, the bores are, of course, out of alignment; in this position the lock is more susceptible to probing of the bores in this barrel for the purpose of determining the depth or length of the pins therein. In the herein invention, this deficiency is overcome by a particular and unique construction. This aspect of the invention is described in an exemplary embodiment thereof which is a six-pin or six-tumbler lock.
  • an additional pattern of six bores is provided having tumblers in the same sequence of lengths but with the pattern displaced in the unlocking direction of the barrel.
  • the additional bores alternate in position with the first six bores. In a pattern of six bores, they are spaced 90 apart.
  • FIGURE 1 is a central vertical cross-section along the axis of the lock, along the plane 1-1 of "FIGURE 14.
  • FIGURE 2 is a central vertical cross-section along the axis of the key, in the plane 2-2 of FIGURE 7.
  • FIGURES 1 and 2 show the lock and key in the relationship to each other that would exist immediately prior to the insertion of the key into the lock or immediately subsequent to the removal of the key from the lock, the lock being in the closed position.
  • FIGURE 3 is a cross-section of the lock, at right angles to the axis of the lock, in the plane 3-3 of FIGURE 1.
  • FIGURE 4 is a cross-section of the lock, at right angles to the axis of the lock, in the plane 4-4 of FIGURE 1.
  • FIGURE 5 is a cross-section of the lock, at right angles to the axis of the lock, in the plane 5-5 of FIGURE 1.
  • FIGURE 6 is a rear elevation of the lock, at the plane 6-6 of FIGURE 1.
  • FIGURE 7 is a horizontal cross-section along the axis of the key, in the plane 7-7 of FIGURE 2.
  • FIGURE 8 is a cross-section of the key, at right angles to the axis of the key, in the plane 8-8 of FIGURE 2.
  • FIGURE 9 is a cross-section of the key, at right angles to the axis of the key, in the plane 9-9 of FIGURE 2.
  • FIGURE 10 is a front elevation of the lock, at the plane 10-10 of FIGURE 1.
  • FIGURES 1 through 10 and 14 show details of a six pin version of the lock and key.
  • FIGURES 11 and 12 show variations which would occur in an eight pin version of the lock.
  • FIGURE 11 is a front elevation of the eight pin version of the lock, at the plane -10 of FIGURE 1.
  • FIGURE 12 is a cross-section of the eight pin version at right angles to the axis of the lock, in the plane 4-4 of FIGURE 1.
  • FIGURE 13 is a rear elevation of the weather cap, as it would appear from the plane 13-13 of FIGURE 14.
  • FIGURE 14 is a horizontal cross-section along the axis of the lock with the weather cap installed, in the plane 1414 of FIGURE 13 and at right angles to the plane of FIGURE 1.
  • My invention contemplates two basically similar versions, with the majority of parts of each version being identical to those of the other.
  • the six pin version is for uses Where it is desirable or necessary to remove the key from the lock in either the open or closed position of the lock, so that the lock can remain in either condition for extended periods of time.
  • the eight pin version is for uses where the lock normally remains in the closed position, and the key can be retained in the look when it is in the open position.
  • the lock 1 consists essentially of a cylindrical lock body 10 containing a tumbler barrel 11 fitting in a bore and counterbore in body 10. Tumbler pins 12 and 13 parallel to and concentric about the axis of the lock 1, are contained in contiguous parallel bores 46 and 47 in the lock body 10 and the tumbler barrel 11. Pins 12 are coaxial with and outward of pins 13. When the key 2 is not in the lock, the tumbler pins 12 and 13 are forced towards the outer face of the tumbler barrel 11 by the force of the tumbler springs 14. In this forward position, the body tumbler pins 13 lie across the shear plane between the lock body 10 and the tumbler barrel 11, thereby making it impossible to rotate the tumbler barrel 11 in the lock body 10.
  • the lock body 10 is basically a cylindrical solid of revolution.
  • the exposed outer portion of the lock body 10 is a truncated cone.
  • the base of this cone is an annular plane at right angles to the axis of the lock body 11 extending out from the main cylindrical portion of the lock body 11 and providing a seat against the door panel 3 of the device upon which the lock is attached.
  • To the rear of the truncated conical section of the body 10 is a stepped cylinder.
  • the forward portion of the large diameter cylinder has threads 40 to receive a nut 30 which anchors the lock 1 to the door panel 3.
  • One or two body positioning flats 54 are milled on this threaded area, depending upon the shape of the mounting hole in the door panel 3, to prevent rotation of the lock body 10. See FIGURE 4.
  • the rear portion of the cylindrical section of the body 10 is of reduced diameter.
  • Limiting plate positioning flats 52 are milled on the reduced diameter portion and also at the extreme rear end of the large diameter to form a seat for the limiting plate 17 and prevent it from being rotated on the lock body 10. See FIGURE 5.
  • This smaller diameter cylindrical section of the lock body 10 forms the seat for the latch bar 19 and washers 31.
  • this second set of intermediate body tumbler bores 46 is to contain a duplicate set of body tumbler pins 13 and tumbler springs 14, for reasons which will be explained shortly.
  • the tumbler barrel 11 is made from magnetic permeable material. It consists of a large diameter tumbler barrel cylinder 42 at the outer end and an integral smaller diameter tumbler barrel shaft 44 at the rear. There is a threaded section 41 at the rear end of the tumbler barrel shaft 44. Forward of this threaded section is a spring fastener groove 51.
  • the tumbler barrel shaft 44 has two dog positioning flats 53 milled in the threaded area to the rear of the spring fastener groove 51. Concentric with the axis of the tumbler barrel 11 and approximately midway between the tumbler shaft diameter and the outer diameter of the tumbler barrel cylinder 42 are a number of equispaced barrel tumbler bores 47 which normally are aligned with the body tumbler bores 46.
  • the barrel tumbler inner bores 47 are the same diameter as the body tumbler bores 46.
  • the outer end parts of the barrel tumbler bores are smaller in diameter than the barrel tumbler inner bores 47, as indicated at 48, in order to form retaining seats for the barrel tumbler pins 12.
  • Milled in the periphery of the tumbler barrel cylinder 42, diametrically opposite each other and parallel to the axis are two key guide tang slots 49.
  • these slots 49 are on the horizontal axial plane and midway, angularly, between adjacent tumbler pin bores when the tumbler is in the closed lock position.
  • FIG. 10 In the eight pin" version, FIG.
  • these slots 49 are in an axial plane inclined to the horizontal but midway, angularly, between the adjacent tumbler pin bores.
  • the function of the key guide tang slots 49 is to act as receptacles for the key guide tangs 22 of the key 2 and the weather cap tangs 72 of the weather cap. See FIGURES 13 and 14*.
  • a thin barrel closure plate 16 is permanently attached to the fiat radial annular surface of the tumbler barrel cylinder 42, forming an integral part of the tumbler barrel 11. This plate 16 has holes of the same diameter drilled in it and located on the same centers as the barrel tumbler inner bores 47. However, this barrel closure plate 16 does not contain any key guide tang slots.
  • this plate 16 The function of this plate 16 is to seal the inner end of the key guide tang slots 49 to prevent probing of the two body tumbler pins 13 that otherwise would be open to the slots 49 in the six pin version only.
  • the rear annular face of the barrel closure plate 16 and the radial annular surface at the rear of the barrel cylinder bore 43 form the shear plane of the lock.
  • these screw holes in the tumbler barrel 11 are not shown in any of the figures, but are identical to and located in the same axial plane, when the lock 1 and the key 2 are in operating position, as the holes for the guide ring 21 and indexing screws 26 of the key :body 20, shown in FIGURE 8.)
  • these screw holes are in an axial plane midway between the planes of the upper vertically located bore and one of the adjacent barrel tumbler bores 47.
  • these guide ring indexing screw holes are in an axial .plane at right angles to that of the key tang guide slots 49.
  • the various cylindrical body tumbler pins 13 which fit in the body tumbler bores 46 are of different lengths.
  • the cylindrical barrel tumbler pins 12 have the same diameter at their rear sections as do the body tumbler pins 13.
  • the barrel tumbler pins 12 fit in the barrel tumbler bores.
  • the forward end of the barrel tumbler pins 12 are of smaller diameter than that of the rear section and fit into the barrel tumbler outer bores 48.
  • the shoulder between the inner bores 47 and outer bores 48 and that on the barrel tumbler pins 12 retain the tumbler pins in the bores when the lock is asembled.
  • the lengths of the rear sections of the barrel tumbler pins 12 vary inversely as the length of the mating body tumbler pins 13.
  • the length of the reduced diameter section of the barrel tumbler pins 12 is the same for all pins. Consequently, the combined length of each pair of mated barrel tumbler pins 12 and body tumbler pins 13 is the same. This prevents probing of the tumbler from disclosing any information on pin lengths or combinations when the mated pins are aligned.
  • Identical tumbler springs 14 are used to force the tumbler pins 12 and 13 towards the forward face of the tumbler barrel 11.
  • a duplicate set of body tumbler pins 13 and tumbler springs 14 are installed in alternate body tumbler bores 46 in the same sequence and permutation as are the original set of body tumbler pins 13; however, the pins in the duplicate set are displaced 90 from the original pins in the direction that the tumbler barrel 11 is turned when opening the lock.
  • the barrel in the exemplary embodiment turns through 90 to unlock.
  • the duplicate set of body tumbler pins 13 becomes a mated set with the barrel tumbler pins 12 when the tumbler barrel has been turned to the open lock position. If the key 2 is removed from the lock 1 in this position, the combination of the lock has the same amount of protection when probed, as in the closed" lock position.
  • the maxi mum number of mated pairs of body tumbler pins and barrel tumbler pins 12 are required in the eight pin version of the lock. If the same number of mated tumbler pins are supplied with the six pin version, the number of possible pin permutations is greatly increased.
  • the outside diameter of the tumbler barrel cylinder 42 is smaller than the inside diameter of the barrel cylinder counterbore 43.
  • a barrel guide ring 15 fits over the periphery of the tumbler 11.
  • Two guide ring indexing screws extend into the guide ring indexing screw holes in the guide ring 15 and impart the rotation of the tumbler barrel 11 to the guide ring 15.
  • the relative angular position of the guide ring 15 on the tumbler barrel 11 is determined by the pair of diametrically opposite screw holes of the series of equiangularly spaced guide ring indexing screw holes in the ring 15, lined up with the guide ring indexing screws.
  • the arrangement of screws and screw holes is the same as that shown at 26 and 68 in FIGURE 8 showing the securement of ring 21 in the key 2.
  • the outer or forward edge of the barrel guide ring 15 can be' of any one of an almost infinite number of different configurations or contours and is not restricted to the configuration shown in the drawings.
  • the contour of the forward-edge of the barrel guide ring 15 must be the reverse of that of the key guide ring 21, so that when the two rings are properly lined up angularly, these two guide rings 15 and 21 can intermesh forming a continuous cylinder.
  • the tumbler plungers 23 of the key 2 have entered the barrel tumbler outer bores 46 and pushed in the tumbler pins 12 and 13.
  • the latch bar 19 rotates about the axis of the lock 1 on the rear smaller diameter section of the lock body 10.
  • the design of the latch bar 19 is determined by the latching provisions of the cabinet, etc. upon which the lock is installed. It is rotated by the tumbler barrel 11 through the use of the dog 18.
  • a slot or holes in the latch bar 19 receives the tang of the dog 18, as shown.
  • Washers 31 may be used on one or both sides of the latch bar 19. They act as spacers to locate the longitudinal position of the latch bar 19 and to act as chafing members between the latch bar 19 and the limiting plate 17.
  • the limiting plate 17 fits over the milled section at the rear of the larger cylindrical section of the lock body 10 and seats against the shoulder formed by the forward ends of the milled limiting plate positioning flats 52. See FIGS. 5 and 14.
  • the tang of the dog 18 impinges on the dog stops 69 limiting the rotation of the dog 18 and the latch bar 19.
  • the dog 18 is a piece of metal bent through The horizontal tang is narrower than the vertical arm. The tang fits through the slot or hole in the latch bar 19 and extends beyond the limiting plate 17.
  • the vertical arm has a hole punched through it which fits over the milled end of the tumbler barrel shaft 44.
  • the spring fastener 32 which fits into the spring fastener groove 50 on the lock body 10, holds the latch bar 19, washers 31 and the limiting plate 17 in place.
  • the spring fastener 33 which fits into the spring fastener groove 51 on the rear end of the tumbler shaft 44, holds the tumbler barrel 11 in the lock body 10.
  • the nut 34 which screws on the threads 41 at the end of the tumbler barrel shaft 44, holds the dog 18 on the tumbler barrer shaft 44.
  • the key body 20 contains the same number of plunger bores 60 as there are barrel tumbler outer bores 48 in the tumbler barrel cylinder 42.
  • the centers of the plunger bores 60 are normally aligned with those of the barrel tumbler outer bores 48.
  • a circumferential key body locking ring groove 66 is turned in the periphery of the key body 20 near the outside face of the key body 20. This groove 66 is deeper than the outside walls of the plunger bores 60. There are two radially drilled holes for the guide ring indexing screws 26'located near the rear face of the key body 20. These holes are on the same axial plane as those in the tumbler barrel cylinder 42, when the key body 20 and the tumbler barrel are face to face in the proper alignment. There is a drilled and tapped hole 65 on the axis of the key body 20. The outside diameter of the key body 20 is the same as that of the tumbler barrel cylinder 42.
  • the key guide ring 21 is similar in design to the tumbler barrel guide ring 15, except that the contour of the outer edge of the ring must be the reverse of that of the tumbler barrel guide -ring 15. When these edges are intermeshed, the guide ring indexing screw holes 68 in both rings lie on the same axial planes. The angular position of the key guide ring 21 on the key body is determined by the same means as that of the tumbler barrel guide ring on the tumbler barrel cylinder 42.
  • the tumbler plungers 23 fit into the plunger bores 60 of the key body 20.
  • Each tumbler plunger 23 has a plunger locking ring groove 61 turned in its cylindrical surface. The longitudinal location of this groove 61 and its depth are such that when the tumbler plungers 23 are installed in the plunger bores 60, the plunger locking ring grooves 61 coincide with the key body locking ring groove 66.
  • a smaller diameter portion of the tumbler plungers 23 extends outside the key body 20. These extensions are of the same diameter as the smaller diameter of the barrel tumbler pins 12.
  • Two L-shaped magnetized metal key guide tangs 22 are contained in the key body slots 62.
  • a guide tang locking ring slot 67 is milled in the outer face of the key guide tang 22.
  • This locking ring slot 67 is so located and of such dimensions that it conicides with the key body locking ring groove 66 of the key body 20.
  • the L-shaped rear section of the key guide tang 22 is deeper than the key tang slot 62 in the rear face of the key body 20, therefore, the key guide tangs 22 extend past the inside face of the key body and into the key handle tang slots 63 in the key handle 25.
  • This construction also transmits the turning torque from the key handle 25 to the parts of the key 2 in engagement with the lock 1.
  • the magnetized key guide tangs 22 are attracted to the magnetic permeable material of the tumbler barrel 11 and, therefore, holds the key 2 to the tumbler 11 when the key 2 is inserted in the lock 1. However, this magnetic force does not prevent removal of the key 2 when desired whether the lock is in the open or closed positions.
  • the key guide tangs 22 also act as guides when inserting the key 2 in the lock 1, by entering the key guide tang slots 49 of the barrel tumbler cylinder 42.
  • the key guide tangs 22 also help to transmit the turning torque of the key 2 to the tumbler barrel 11, thereby reducing the loads on the tumbler plungers 23.
  • the plastic key handle 25 is essentially a cylindrical body. It has an internal bore at the hand grip end for installing the screw 35 used to assemble the component parts of the key 2.
  • the key handle 25 has two external wings to assist in gripping and turning the key 2.
  • the other key handle tang slot 63eiS so located in the key handle 25 that it serves the same purpose for an eight pin version key body 20.
  • the plunger locking ring 24 is a piece of non-magnetic spring wire of slightly smaller diameter than the width of the key body locking ring groove 66. It is formed into a circle with a diameter slightly smaller than that of. the inside diameter of the key body locking ring groove 66. It locks the tumbler plungers 23 and the key guide 22 tangs in the key body 20 when it is located in the key body locking ring groove 66.
  • the weather cap 7 is a plastic cover molded to the external exposed contours of the lock 1. It can be attached to the lock 1 by the insertion of the weather cap tangs 72 into the key guide tang slots 49 of the tumbler barrel cylinder 42 and by the insertion of the weather cap ring 71 into the annular space between the forward part of the tumbler barrel cylinder 42 and the lock body 10. It is held in place by the friction between the mating parts of the lock 1 and the weather cap 7. It is designed to prevent the entry of freezing rain, snow and dirt into exposed openings in the lock. See FIGURES 13 and 14.
  • each key is individualized to each individual lock and it can be removed with the lock either in locked or unlocked position.
  • the security offered by the lock that is its lack of susceptibility to probing or picking, is the same in the unlocked position of the lock as it is in the locked position.
  • the lock provides other detailed improved constructions described herein.
  • a pin tumbler lock of the type having a cylindrical body, a coaxial cylindrical barrel having an enlarged end part rotatable within bores in the body, said barrel having a plurality of equally angularly spaced axial bores formed therein communicating with the forward face of the barrel, the said body having a plurality of circularly arranged, angularly spaced axial bores alignable with corresponding bores in the barrel, pairs of pin tumblers in the alignable bores in the body and in the barrel, spring means in each bore of the body urging a pair of tumblers outwardly; the improvements comprising, the said body having a counterbore at the end of larger diameter than the enlarged end part of said barrel leaving an annular space between the inner walls of the counterbore and the outside of said enlarged end part of the barrel, a key for said lock, said key having plungers configurated to engage and depress said pin tumblers and having an extending skirt configurated to fit into the said annular space in the lock, said skirt having an outer edge
  • a pin tumbler lock of the type having a cylindrical body, a coaxial cylindrical barrel having an enlarged end part rotatable within bores in the body, said barrel having a plurality of equally angularly spaced axial bores formed therein communicating with the forward face of the barrel, the said body having a plurality of circularly arranged, angularly spaced axial bores alignable with corresponding bores in the barrel, pairs of pin tumblers in the alignable bores in the body and in the barrel, spring means in each bore of the body urging a pair of tumblers outwardly; the improvements comprising, the said body having a counterbore at the end of large diameter than the enlarged end part of said barrel leaving an annular space between the inner walls of the counterbore and the outside of said enlarged end part of the barrel, a key for said lock, said key having plungers configurated to engage and depress said pin tumblers and having an extending skirt configurated to fit into the said annular space in the lock, a guide ring member fitting
  • a lock structure as in claim 4 wherein said barrel has a pair of axially extending, peripheral slots angularly spaced from each other, said key having a pair of axially extending tangs configurated to fit into said axial slots in said barrel.
  • a tumbler lock of the type having a cylindrical body, a cylindrical barrel having an enlarged forward end of larger diameter, said body having a coaxial bore and counterbore having sizes to rotatably receive therein the said barrel including the enlarged end part thereof, said barrel having circularly arranged angularly spaced axial bores therein communicating with the forward face of the barrel, the said body having a plurality of circularly arranged angularly spaced axial bores therein positioned to be alignable with corresponding bores in the barrel, and there being twice as many bores in the body as in the barrel, a pair of pin tumblers positioned in alternate bores of said body aligned with the said bores in the barrel, the pin tumblers in the body and in the barrel being of varying axial lengths, the remaining bores in the said body having a set of pin tumblers therein corresponding to those in the said alternate bores varying in length in the same sequence, each of said corresponding pin tumblers in the body being angularly spaced from

Description

April 30., 1968 H. K. PERRILL PIN TUMBLER LOCK 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb.
INVENTOR. M A M April 1968 H. K. PERRILL 3,380,268
PIN TUMBLER LOCK Filed Feb. 7, 1966 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.
United States Patent 3,380,268 PIN TUMBLER LOCK Harlan Knox Pen-ill, 359 S. Westgate Ave., Los Angeles, Calif. 90049 Filed Feb. 7, 1966, Ser. No. 525,643 Claims. (Cl. 70-363) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The device of the invent-ion is an improved axial pin tumbler combination lock and key. In this type of lock there are circularly arranged pin tumblers in the body and in the rotatable barrel of the lock which are actuatable by a key having extending plungers or pins for actuating the tumblers in the lock for locking and unlocking. The improvements in the lock reside in the provision of a skirt on the key which engages in an annular groove in the barrel of the lock, these parts being configurated so that the key is operative in only one angular position. Further, a double set of bores alternately arranged is provided in the body of the lock with pin tumblers in the bores so related to the bores in the barrel that in both the lock and the unlocked positions of the lock itself, the pins in the barrel are in a position such that the combination of the lock is not exposed and not susceptible to picking.
The present invention relates to an improved axial pin tumbler cylindrical combination lock and its related key. The principal object of the invention is to provide a lock capable of being easily set to a greater number of permutations and combinations than any other lock of this type.
Another object of the invention is to provide users of the lock with individualized locks and keys distinct from those of other users.
Another object of the invention is to provide a key which can be either retained in the lock or removed at the users option irrespective of the position of the lock.
Another object is to provide a lock of this axial pin tumbler type, which, when in the open lock position with the key removed, has the same degree of protection of pin tumbler combinations when probed, as it has in the locked position.
Another object of this invention is to provide a lock which can be locked in either the open or closed position when the key is removed from the lock.
Another object of the invention is to provide for quick and easy alignment of the key with the lock.
Another object of the invention is to provide a lock which can be fitted with a weather cap to provide a weatherproof and dust-proof lock.
Another object of this invention is to provide a small and compact lock that is rugged, strong and tamper proof.
In a preferred form of the invention as described herein, the foregoing objects are realized in particular ways, utilizing novel and unique constructions. As known in the art, pin tumbler locks are operated by a key having extending plungers of different lengths which are extended into the pin tumbler bores of the lock to position the pin tumblers therein for unlocking. 'Pin tumbler locks, as conventionally constructed, typically embody a cylindrical casing or body having it in a bore and a counterbo-re in which is positioned a rotating barrel having an enlarged end part in the counterbore at the end of the body. In the construction of the invention herein, this enlarged end part of the barrel is made smaller than the counterbore in the end of the body to leave an annular space. In the bottom of the space there is provided a guide ring, the
3,380,268 Patented Apr. 30, 1968 "ice edge of which has an irregular contour. The key is provided with an extending skirt around the tumbler plungers. The skirt fits into the annular space in the lock. The end or edge part of the skirt has a reverse matching contour to mate with the cont-our of the guide ring. In this manner each lock has an individualized key so that each persons key is distinctive and, of course, is adaptable to operate with only its own particular lock. A further object of the invention is to realize this objective using this particular construction.
Tumbler locks conventionally have pairs of pin tumblers in the axial bores in the body and in the end of the barrel part, which bores are aligned in the locked position of the locks. In the unlocked position, the bores are, of course, out of alignment; in this position the lock is more susceptible to probing of the bores in this barrel for the purpose of determining the depth or length of the pins therein. In the herein invention, this deficiency is overcome by a particular and unique construction. This aspect of the invention is described in an exemplary embodiment thereof which is a six-pin or six-tumbler lock. However, instead of having six axial bores in the body of the lock, an additional pattern of six bores is provided having tumblers in the same sequence of lengths but with the pattern displaced in the unlocking direction of the barrel. The additional bores alternate in position with the first six bores. In a pattern of six bores, they are spaced 90 apart. By means of this construction, when the lock is in unlocked positionthe additional pattern of pin tumblers in the body becomes aligned with the bores in the barrel so that in the unlocked position exactly the same configuration and position of plungers is presented as when the lock is in the locked position. Thus, the lock offers the same degree of protection against probing in the unlocked as in the locked position. The realization of this objective in this particular manner is another object of the invention.
It will be observed from the foregoing description that the construction is such that the use of the key is required to cause the lock to lock as well as to cause it to unlock, and the realization of this purpose in this particular way is one of the objects of the invention.
Referring to the accompanying drawings in which my invention is illustrated:
FIGURE 1 is a central vertical cross-section along the axis of the lock, along the plane 1-1 of "FIGURE 14.
FIGURE 2 is a central vertical cross-section along the axis of the key, in the plane 2-2 of FIGURE 7.
FIGURES 1 and 2 show the lock and key in the relationship to each other that would exist immediately prior to the insertion of the key into the lock or immediately subsequent to the removal of the key from the lock, the lock being in the closed position.
FIGURE 3 is a cross-section of the lock, at right angles to the axis of the lock, in the plane 3-3 of FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 4 is a cross-section of the lock, at right angles to the axis of the lock, in the plane 4-4 of FIGURE 1.
:FIGURE 5 is a cross-section of the lock, at right angles to the axis of the lock, in the plane 5-5 of FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 6 is a rear elevation of the lock, at the plane 6-6 of FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 7 is a horizontal cross-section along the axis of the key, in the plane 7-7 of FIGURE 2.
FIGURE 8 is a cross-section of the key, at right angles to the axis of the key, in the plane 8-8 of FIGURE 2.
FIGURE 9 is a cross-section of the key, at right angles to the axis of the key, in the plane 9-9 of FIGURE 2.
FIGURE 10 is a front elevation of the lock, at the plane 10-10 of FIGURE 1.
FIGURES 1 through 10 and 14 show details of a six pin version of the lock and key. FIGURES 11 and 12 show variations which would occur in an eight pin version of the lock.
FIGURE 11 is a front elevation of the eight pin version of the lock, at the plane -10 of FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 12 is a cross-section of the eight pin version at right angles to the axis of the lock, in the plane 4-4 of FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 13 is a rear elevation of the weather cap, as it would appear from the plane 13-13 of FIGURE 14.
FIGURE 14 is a horizontal cross-section along the axis of the lock with the weather cap installed, in the plane 1414 of FIGURE 13 and at right angles to the plane of FIGURE 1.
My invention contemplates two basically similar versions, with the majority of parts of each version being identical to those of the other. The six pin version is for uses Where it is desirable or necessary to remove the key from the lock in either the open or closed position of the lock, so that the lock can remain in either condition for extended periods of time. The eight pin version is for uses where the lock normally remains in the closed position, and the key can be retained in the look when it is in the open position. The differences in the two versions and their effect on the operation of the lock will be specifically brought out in the following description. Where the design and function of parts are identical, no version will be specified.
In the description of operation and in the drawings, the same parts are given the same numbers, whether for the six pin version or the eight pin version. The terms six pin version and eight pin version are used to designate variations in the features of the locks rather than to be restrictive as to the number of pins used.
The lock 1 consists essentially of a cylindrical lock body 10 containing a tumbler barrel 11 fitting in a bore and counterbore in body 10. Tumbler pins 12 and 13 parallel to and concentric about the axis of the lock 1, are contained in contiguous parallel bores 46 and 47 in the lock body 10 and the tumbler barrel 11. Pins 12 are coaxial with and outward of pins 13. When the key 2 is not in the lock, the tumbler pins 12 and 13 are forced towards the outer face of the tumbler barrel 11 by the force of the tumbler springs 14. In this forward position, the body tumbler pins 13 lie across the shear plane between the lock body 10 and the tumbler barrel 11, thereby making it impossible to rotate the tumbler barrel 11 in the lock body 10. When the key 2 is inserted in the exposed end of the lock, the tumbler plunges 23 impinge on the out-faces of the barrel tumbler pins 12 and the tumbler pins 12 and 13 are forced into their respective bores. When the tum bler plungers 23 are correctly mated with the tumbler pins 12 and 13, the contacting surfaces of the contiguous tumbler pins 12 and 13 lie on the shear plane of the tumbler barrel 11 and the lock body 10, thereby making it possible to rotate the tumbler barrel 11 in the lock body 10. The above brief description of the operation of the lock 1 and key 2 applies to all locks and keys of this basic type. The improvements covered by this invention, enhancing the utility and operation of this type of lock over the basic lock and existing locks, as well as features of construction of the component parts, are covered in the following paragraphs.
The lock body 10 is basically a cylindrical solid of revolution. The exposed outer portion of the lock body 10 is a truncated cone. The base of this cone is an annular plane at right angles to the axis of the lock body 11 extending out from the main cylindrical portion of the lock body 11 and providing a seat against the door panel 3 of the device upon which the lock is attached. To the rear of the truncated conical section of the body 10 is a stepped cylinder. The forward portion of the large diameter cylinder has threads 40 to receive a nut 30 which anchors the lock 1 to the door panel 3. One or two body positioning flats 54 are milled on this threaded area, depending upon the shape of the mounting hole in the door panel 3, to prevent rotation of the lock body 10. See FIGURE 4. The rear portion of the cylindrical section of the body 10 is of reduced diameter. Limiting plate positioning flats 52 are milled on the reduced diameter portion and also at the extreme rear end of the large diameter to form a seat for the limiting plate 17 and prevent it from being rotated on the lock body 10. See FIGURE 5. This smaller diameter cylindrical section of the lock body 10 forms the seat for the latch bar 19 and washers 31. There is a spring fastener groove 50 turned in the lock body 10 immediately behind the latch bar seat area.
There are two bores drilled along the axis of the lock body 10, a large diameter barrel cylinder counterbore 43 at the outer end of the lock body 10 and a smaller diameter barrel shaft bore 45 in the rear or inner end of the lock body 10. The shear plane of the lock body 10 is formed by the inner radial annular face of the barrel cylinder bore 43. Concentric with the forward portion of the barrel shaft bore 45 and located approximately midway between the barrel shaft diameter and barrel cylinder diameter are a number of equispaced body tumbler bores 46. In the eight pin version of the lock (FIGURES 11-12) the number of these body tumbler bores 46 equals the number of barrel tumbler bores 47 in the tumbler barrel 11. In the six pin version, FIGS. 3, 4 and 10, there are twice as many body tumbler bores 46, one-half the angular distance apart, as there are barrel tumbler bores 47 in the tumbler barrel 11. The function of this second set of intermediate body tumbler bores 46 is to contain a duplicate set of body tumbler pins 13 and tumbler springs 14, for reasons which will be explained shortly.
The tumbler barrel 11 is made from magnetic permeable material. It consists of a large diameter tumbler barrel cylinder 42 at the outer end and an integral smaller diameter tumbler barrel shaft 44 at the rear. There is a threaded section 41 at the rear end of the tumbler barrel shaft 44. Forward of this threaded section is a spring fastener groove 51. The tumbler barrel shaft 44 has two dog positioning flats 53 milled in the threaded area to the rear of the spring fastener groove 51. Concentric with the axis of the tumbler barrel 11 and approximately midway between the tumbler shaft diameter and the outer diameter of the tumbler barrel cylinder 42 are a number of equispaced barrel tumbler bores 47 which normally are aligned with the body tumbler bores 46. The barrel tumbler inner bores 47 are the same diameter as the body tumbler bores 46. The outer end parts of the barrel tumbler bores are smaller in diameter than the barrel tumbler inner bores 47, as indicated at 48, in order to form retaining seats for the barrel tumbler pins 12. Milled in the periphery of the tumbler barrel cylinder 42, diametrically opposite each other and parallel to the axis are two key guide tang slots 49. In the six pin version, FIG. 10, these slots 49 are on the horizontal axial plane and midway, angularly, between adjacent tumbler pin bores when the tumbler is in the closed lock position. In the eight pin" version, FIG. 11, these slots 49 are in an axial plane inclined to the horizontal but midway, angularly, between the adjacent tumbler pin bores. The function of the key guide tang slots 49 is to act as receptacles for the key guide tangs 22 of the key 2 and the weather cap tangs 72 of the weather cap. See FIGURES 13 and 14*. A thin barrel closure plate 16 is permanently attached to the fiat radial annular surface of the tumbler barrel cylinder 42, forming an integral part of the tumbler barrel 11. This plate 16 has holes of the same diameter drilled in it and located on the same centers as the barrel tumbler inner bores 47. However, this barrel closure plate 16 does not contain any key guide tang slots. The function of this plate 16 is to seal the inner end of the key guide tang slots 49 to prevent probing of the two body tumbler pins 13 that otherwise would be open to the slots 49 in the six pin version only. The rear annular face of the barrel closure plate 16 and the radial annular surface at the rear of the barrel cylinder bore 43 form the shear plane of the lock. There are two diametrically opposite radially drilled and tapped holes near the rear or inner end of the tumbler cylinder 42. These holes are to receive the guide ring indexing screws. (These holes in the tumbler barrel 11 are not shown in any of the figures, but are identical to and located in the same axial plane, when the lock 1 and the key 2 are in operating position, as the holes for the guide ring 21 and indexing screws 26 of the key :body 20, shown in FIGURE 8.) In the six pin version, these screw holes are in an axial plane midway between the planes of the upper vertically located bore and one of the adjacent barrel tumbler bores 47. In the eight pin version, these guide ring indexing screw holes are in an axial .plane at right angles to that of the key tang guide slots 49.
The various cylindrical body tumbler pins 13 which fit in the body tumbler bores 46 are of different lengths. The cylindrical barrel tumbler pins 12 have the same diameter at their rear sections as do the body tumbler pins 13. The barrel tumbler pins 12 fit in the barrel tumbler bores. The forward end of the barrel tumbler pins 12 are of smaller diameter than that of the rear section and fit into the barrel tumbler outer bores 48. The shoulder between the inner bores 47 and outer bores 48 and that on the barrel tumbler pins 12 retain the tumbler pins in the bores when the lock is asembled. The lengths of the rear sections of the barrel tumbler pins 12 vary inversely as the length of the mating body tumbler pins 13. The length of the reduced diameter section of the barrel tumbler pins 12 is the same for all pins. Consequently, the combined length of each pair of mated barrel tumbler pins 12 and body tumbler pins 13 is the same. This prevents probing of the tumbler from disclosing any information on pin lengths or combinations when the mated pins are aligned. Identical tumbler springs 14 are used to force the tumbler pins 12 and 13 towards the forward face of the tumbler barrel 11. In the six pin version, a duplicate set of body tumbler pins 13 and tumbler springs 14 are installed in alternate body tumbler bores 46 in the same sequence and permutation as are the original set of body tumbler pins 13; however, the pins in the duplicate set are displaced 90 from the original pins in the direction that the tumbler barrel 11 is turned when opening the lock. The barrel in the exemplary embodiment turns through 90 to unlock. The duplicate set of body tumbler pins 13 becomes a mated set with the barrel tumbler pins 12 when the tumbler barrel has been turned to the open lock position. If the key 2 is removed from the lock 1 in this position, the combination of the lock has the same amount of protection when probed, as in the closed" lock position. This is true because in this open lock position, the tumbler barrel 11 is anchored to the lock body by the duplicate set of body tumbler pins 13 when the key 2 is removed from the lock 1. The duplicate bores and pins in the body are aligned with the bores and pins in the barrel, so the geometrical pattern is the same as in the locked position of the lock. In the eight pin version, having an even (4 or 8) number of pairs of tumbler pins 12 and 13, it is also possible to lock the tumbler barrel 11 in the lock body 10 when the key 2 is removed from the lock 1 in the open lock position. However, this will result in unmatched pairs of tumbler pins 12 and 13 in the bores and probing of the tumbler pins will reveal differences in the lengths of the various pin pairs. The maxi mum number of mated pairs of body tumbler pins and barrel tumbler pins 12 are required in the eight pin version of the lock. If the same number of mated tumbler pins are supplied with the six pin version, the number of possible pin permutations is greatly increased.
The outside diameter of the tumbler barrel cylinder 42 is smaller than the inside diameter of the barrel cylinder counterbore 43. A barrel guide ring 15 fits over the periphery of the tumbler 11. Two guide ring indexing screws extend into the guide ring indexing screw holes in the guide ring 15 and impart the rotation of the tumbler barrel 11 to the guide ring 15. The relative angular position of the guide ring 15 on the tumbler barrel 11 is determined by the pair of diametrically opposite screw holes of the series of equiangularly spaced guide ring indexing screw holes in the ring 15, lined up with the guide ring indexing screws. The arrangement of screws and screw holes is the same as that shown at 26 and 68 in FIGURE 8 showing the securement of ring 21 in the key 2. The outer or forward edge of the barrel guide ring 15 can be' of any one of an almost infinite number of different configurations or contours and is not restricted to the configuration shown in the drawings. The contour of the forward-edge of the barrel guide ring 15 must be the reverse of that of the key guide ring 21, so that when the two rings are properly lined up angularly, these two guide rings 15 and 21 can intermesh forming a continuous cylinder. When in this intermeshed position the tumbler plungers 23 of the key 2 have entered the barrel tumbler outer bores 46 and pushed in the tumbler pins 12 and 13. If a key guide ring 21 of different edge contour is used or if the angular positions of the two guide rings are not aligned, the key cannot seat in the lock, and it will be impossible to open the lock. By varying the contours and dimensions of the mating edges of the guide rings and the relative angular locations of the guide ring indexing screw holes 68, it is possible to provide a myriad number of individualized locks and keys.
The latch bar 19 rotates about the axis of the lock 1 on the rear smaller diameter section of the lock body 10. The design of the latch bar 19 is determined by the latching provisions of the cabinet, etc. upon which the lock is installed. It is rotated by the tumbler barrel 11 through the use of the dog 18. A slot or holes in the latch bar 19 receives the tang of the dog 18, as shown. Washers 31 may be used on one or both sides of the latch bar 19. They act as spacers to locate the longitudinal position of the latch bar 19 and to act as chafing members between the latch bar 19 and the limiting plate 17.
The limiting plate 17 fits over the milled section at the rear of the larger cylindrical section of the lock body 10 and seats against the shoulder formed by the forward ends of the milled limiting plate positioning flats 52. See FIGS. 5 and 14. The tang of the dog 18 impinges on the dog stops 69 limiting the rotation of the dog 18 and the latch bar 19.
The dog 18 is a piece of metal bent through The horizontal tang is narrower than the vertical arm. The tang fits through the slot or hole in the latch bar 19 and extends beyond the limiting plate 17. The vertical arm has a hole punched through it which fits over the milled end of the tumbler barrel shaft 44.
The spring fastener 32 which fits into the spring fastener groove 50 on the lock body 10, holds the latch bar 19, washers 31 and the limiting plate 17 in place.
The spring fastener 33 which fits into the spring fastener groove 51 on the rear end of the tumbler shaft 44, holds the tumbler barrel 11 in the lock body 10.
The nut 34 which screws on the threads 41 at the end of the tumbler barrel shaft 44, holds the dog 18 on the tumbler barrer shaft 44.
The key body 20 contains the same number of plunger bores 60 as there are barrel tumbler outer bores 48 in the tumbler barrel cylinder 42. The centers of the plunger bores 60 are normally aligned with those of the barrel tumbler outer bores 48. There are two diametrically opposite key guide tang slots 62 milled in the periphery of the key body 20. These slots 62 are angular located so that they are aligned with those in the tumbler barrel cylinder 42 when the key body 20 is face to face with the tumbler barrel cylinder 42. There is a third key guide tang slot 62 milled across the rear face of the key body 20 and interconnecting the side key guide tang slots 62. A circumferential key body locking ring groove 66 is turned in the periphery of the key body 20 near the outside face of the key body 20. This groove 66 is deeper than the outside walls of the plunger bores 60. There are two radially drilled holes for the guide ring indexing screws 26'located near the rear face of the key body 20. These holes are on the same axial plane as those in the tumbler barrel cylinder 42, when the key body 20 and the tumbler barrel are face to face in the proper alignment. There is a drilled and tapped hole 65 on the axis of the key body 20. The outside diameter of the key body 20 is the same as that of the tumbler barrel cylinder 42.
The key guide ring 21 is similar in design to the tumbler barrel guide ring 15, except that the contour of the outer edge of the ring must be the reverse of that of the tumbler barrel guide -ring 15. When these edges are intermeshed, the guide ring indexing screw holes 68 in both rings lie on the same axial planes. The angular position of the key guide ring 21 on the key body is determined by the same means as that of the tumbler barrel guide ring on the tumbler barrel cylinder 42.
The tumbler plungers 23 fit into the plunger bores 60 of the key body 20. Each tumbler plunger 23 has a plunger locking ring groove 61 turned in its cylindrical surface. The longitudinal location of this groove 61 and its depth are such that when the tumbler plungers 23 are installed in the plunger bores 60, the plunger locking ring grooves 61 coincide with the key body locking ring groove 66. A smaller diameter portion of the tumbler plungers 23 extends outside the key body 20. These extensions are of the same diameter as the smaller diameter of the barrel tumbler pins 12. The length of these extensions are different for each pair of mated tumbled plungers 23 and barrel tumbler pins 12, however, the combined lengths of the exposed part of the tubular pin 23 plus the overall length of the barrel tumbler pin 12 of each such mated pairs are identical and equal to the length between the face of the tumbler barrel cylinder 42 and its shear plane. The same number of different tumbler plungers are provided with each key as the number of dilTerent barrel tumbler pins 12 furnished with the lock 1.
Two L-shaped magnetized metal key guide tangs 22 are contained in the key body slots 62. A guide tang locking ring slot 67 is milled in the outer face of the key guide tang 22. This locking ring slot 67 is so located and of such dimensions that it conicides with the key body locking ring groove 66 of the key body 20. The plunger locking ring 24, therefore, also locks the key guide tangs 22 into the key body 20. The L-shaped rear section of the key guide tang 22 is deeper than the key tang slot 62 in the rear face of the key body 20, therefore, the key guide tangs 22 extend past the inside face of the key body and into the key handle tang slots 63 in the key handle 25. This aligns the key body 20, the key guide ring 21, the key guide tangs 22 and the tumbler plungers 23 in the key handle 25. This construction also transmits the turning torque from the key handle 25 to the parts of the key 2 in engagement with the lock 1. The magnetized key guide tangs 22 are attracted to the magnetic permeable material of the tumbler barrel 11 and, therefore, holds the key 2 to the tumbler 11 when the key 2 is inserted in the lock 1. However, this magnetic force does not prevent removal of the key 2 when desired whether the lock is in the open or closed positions. The key guide tangs 22 also act as guides when inserting the key 2 in the lock 1, by entering the key guide tang slots 49 of the barrel tumbler cylinder 42. The key guide tangs 22 also help to transmit the turning torque of the key 2 to the tumbler barrel 11, thereby reducing the loads on the tumbler plungers 23.
The plastic key handle 25 is essentially a cylindrical body. It has an internal bore at the hand grip end for installing the screw 35 used to assemble the component parts of the key 2. The key handle 25 has two external wings to assist in gripping and turning the key 2. There is a large diameter cylindrical cavity at the key body end of the key handle 25. This cavity houses the key body 20 and its associated parts when the key is assembled. There are diametral key handle tang slots 63 molded into the inner face of the key body cavity. One of these slots 63 is so located that when used with the six pin version key body 20, the wings of the key handle 25 will be vertical when the key guide tangs 22 are inserted in the key guide tang slots 49 of the tumbler barrel 11 in the closed lock position. The other key handle tang slot 63eiS so located in the key handle 25 that it serves the same purpose for an eight pin version key body 20. There is a short screw bore 64 connecting the handle bore and the key body cavity of the key handle 25.
The plunger locking ring 24 is a piece of non-magnetic spring wire of slightly smaller diameter than the width of the key body locking ring groove 66. It is formed into a circle with a diameter slightly smaller than that of. the inside diameter of the key body locking ring groove 66. It locks the tumbler plungers 23 and the key guide 22 tangs in the key body 20 when it is located in the key body locking ring groove 66.
There are two guide ring indexing screws 26 to locate the angular position of the key guide ring 21 on the key body 20. The design and function of these guide ring locking screws 26 which are identical with those used with the tumbler barrel cylinder 42 and the barrel guide ring 15, have been described in preceding paragraphs.
The weather cap 7 is a plastic cover molded to the external exposed contours of the lock 1. It can be attached to the lock 1 by the insertion of the weather cap tangs 72 into the key guide tang slots 49 of the tumbler barrel cylinder 42 and by the insertion of the weather cap ring 71 into the annular space between the forward part of the tumbler barrel cylinder 42 and the lock body 10. It is held in place by the friction between the mating parts of the lock 1 and the weather cap 7. It is designed to prevent the entry of freezing rain, snow and dirt into exposed openings in the lock. See FIGURES 13 and 14.
From the foregoing those skilled in the art will observe that the invention achieves all of the objects and advantages as set forth in the foregoing, as well as having many additional advantages that are apparent from-the detailed description. Each key is individualized to each individual lock and it can be removed with the lock either in locked or unlocked position. The security offered by the lock, that is its lack of susceptibility to probing or picking, is the same in the unlocked position of the lock as it is in the locked position. The lock provides other detailed improved constructions described herein.
The foregoing is believed to clearly describe the invention, its operation and advantages. While I have shown a particular construction for the lock and key, I do not wish to be limited to the specific designs shown, it being understood that details and shapes may be altered and changed within the scope of the appended claims.
What is claimed is:
1. In a pin tumbler lock of the type having a cylindrical body, a coaxial cylindrical barrel having an enlarged end part rotatable within bores in the body, said barrel having a plurality of equally angularly spaced axial bores formed therein comunicating with the forward face of the barrel, the said body having a plurality of circularly arranged, angularly spaced axial bores alignable with corresponding bores in the barrel, pairs of pin tumblers in the alignable bores in the body and in the barrel, spring means in each bore of the body urging a pair of tumblers outwardly; the improvements comprising, the said body having a counterbore at the end of larger diameter than the enlarged end part of said barrel leaving an annular space between the inner walls of the counterbore and the outside of said enlarged end part of the barrel, a key for said lock, said key having plungers configurated to engage and depress said pin tumblers and having an extending skirt configurated to fit into the said annular space in the lock, said skirt having an outer edge portion extending longitudinally further than another outer edge portion, the interior of the annular space being configurated to match said outer edge portions of said skirt so that the key can be operably inserted in only one position.
2. A lock structure as in claim 1 wherein said barrel has a pair of axially extending, peripheral slots angularly spaced from each other, said key having a pair of axially extending tangs configurated to fit into said axial slots in said barrel.
3. A lock structure as in claim 2 wherein said barrel is made of magnetically permeable material and said tangs are magnetized.
4. In a pin tumbler lock of the type having a cylindrical body, a coaxial cylindrical barrel having an enlarged end part rotatable within bores in the body, said barrel having a plurality of equally angularly spaced axial bores formed therein communicating with the forward face of the barrel, the said body having a plurality of circularly arranged, angularly spaced axial bores alignable with corresponding bores in the barrel, pairs of pin tumblers in the alignable bores in the body and in the barrel, spring means in each bore of the body urging a pair of tumblers outwardly; the improvements comprising, the said body having a counterbore at the end of large diameter than the enlarged end part of said barrel leaving an annular space between the inner walls of the counterbore and the outside of said enlarged end part of the barrel, a key for said lock, said key having plungers configurated to engage and depress said pin tumblers and having an extending skirt configurated to fit into the said annular space in the lock, a guide ring member fitting inthe bottom of said annular space in the lock, the outer edge of said guide ring having an irregular contour, the outer edge of said extending skirt on the key having a reverse matching contour adapted to mate with the contoured edge of the guide ring, whereby the key can operate only in a single position.
5. A lock structure as in claim 4 wherein said barrel has a pair of axially extending, peripheral slots angularly spaced from each other, said key having a pair of axially extending tangs configurated to fit into said axial slots in said barrel.
6. A structure as in claim 5 wherein said extending tangs comprise fiat members lying in radial planes on the inside of said extending skirt member.
7. In a tumbler lock of the type having a cylindrical body, a cylindrical barrel having an enlarged forward end of larger diameter, said body having a coaxial bore and counterbore having sizes to rotatably receive therein the said barrel including the enlarged end part thereof, said barrel having circularly arranged angularly spaced axial bores therein communicating with the forward face of the barrel, the said body having a plurality of circularly arranged angularly spaced axial bores therein positioned to be alignable with corresponding bores in the barrel, and there being twice as many bores in the body as in the barrel, a pair of pin tumblers positioned in alternate bores of said body aligned with the said bores in the barrel, the pin tumblers in the body and in the barrel being of varying axial lengths, the remaining bores in the said body having a set of pin tumblers therein corresponding to those in the said alternate bores varying in length in the same sequence, each of said corresponding pin tumblers in the body being angularly spaced from its duplicate pin tumbler in the body in the direction that the barrel is turned for opening the lock by an angular amount equal to the unlocking and locking movement of the barrel, spring means in each bore of the body urging the pin tumblers in the body outwardly, whereby when the lock is in unlocked position and the key is removed, the tumblers in the remaining bores of the body match up with the tumblers in the barrel so that the configuration of tumblers as between the body and the barrel is the same as when the lock is in locked position and the protection against picking isthe same.
8. A construction as in claim 7 wherein the body has six alternate bores and six bores uniformly spaced between the alternate bores.
9. The structure as in claim 8 including a locking member movable by the barrel for locking through an angle of 90", being equal to the spacing between duplicate pin tumblers in the body.
.10. A construction as in claim 7 wherein said barrel has a pair of diametrically opposed slots and the said key has a pair of diametrically opposed tangs configurated to fit into the slots in the barrel.
References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,387,442 8/1921 Lee 363 1,445,589 2/1923 Horiguchi 70-413 X 1,619,252 1/1927 George 70363 2,993,361 7/1961 Van Lahr 70363 3,006,178 10/1961 Rifkin 70-413 X 3,204,437 9/1965 Dreyfus 70363 X 3,237,436 l/1966 Williams 70-363 MARVIN A. CHAMPION, Primary Examiner. PERRY TEITELBAUM, Assistant Examiner.
US525643A 1966-02-07 1966-02-07 Pin tumbler lock Expired - Lifetime US3380268A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US525643A US3380268A (en) 1966-02-07 1966-02-07 Pin tumbler lock

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US525643A US3380268A (en) 1966-02-07 1966-02-07 Pin tumbler lock

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3380268A true US3380268A (en) 1968-04-30

Family

ID=24094062

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US525643A Expired - Lifetime US3380268A (en) 1966-02-07 1966-02-07 Pin tumbler lock

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) US3380268A (en)

Cited By (22)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3648492A (en) * 1969-03-27 1972-03-14 Keystone Consolidated Ind Inc Pin tumbler lock and key structure
US3681955A (en) * 1967-12-07 1972-08-08 Ronald F Sturgeon Multiple-axial-pin tumbler lock
US3813906A (en) * 1973-04-25 1974-06-04 Chicago Lock Co Axial split-pin tumbler-type lock
DE2631674A1 (en) * 1975-07-18 1977-01-20 Fredon Pierre A G LOCK AND KEY
US4006615A (en) * 1975-08-07 1977-02-08 Janos Szova Axial tumbler lock
US4653297A (en) * 1982-10-01 1987-03-31 Moorhouse John H Interior barrier lock structure
US6499660B1 (en) 2002-01-24 2002-12-31 John H. Moorhouse Optical security system
US20040256461A1 (en) * 2002-01-24 2004-12-23 Moorhouse John H. Optical security system
US20050205657A1 (en) * 2002-01-24 2005-09-22 Moorhouse John H Optical security system
US7007522B1 (en) * 2005-05-26 2006-03-07 Fu-An Lee Lock
FR2877974A1 (en) * 2004-11-18 2006-05-19 Securite Machimes Systemes Sms Locking device for e.g. dangerous machine, has key and cylinder coding units respectively comprising coding units supported by key base and rotor, where key and rotor coder inserts are respectively connected on base and rotor
US7150168B1 (en) * 2005-10-17 2006-12-19 Lambert Kuo Tubular pin tumbler lock unit
US7162900B1 (en) * 2005-08-31 2007-01-16 Miz Engineering Ltd. Tubular lock and master key
US20070033975A1 (en) * 2003-02-21 2007-02-15 Shun-Ming Liu Dual power protective device for power supply
US20080078221A1 (en) * 2004-09-06 2008-04-03 James Stewart Drill Resistant Lock Cylinder
US20080190152A1 (en) * 2005-03-24 2008-08-14 Fabio Fontana Magnetic System for the Unlocking of Padlocks and Locks
US20100083718A1 (en) * 2007-04-26 2010-04-08 Mitsunori Miyake Cylinder lock and key system using the cylinder lock
US7730751B2 (en) 2005-11-18 2010-06-08 Acco Brands Usa Llc Locking device with passage
US20100139337A1 (en) * 2007-05-25 2010-06-10 Acco Brands Usa Llc Security system with lock interface member with multiple apertures
US20110179834A1 (en) * 2010-01-25 2011-07-28 ACCO Brands Corporation Security apparatus including breakaway key
US7997106B2 (en) 2009-05-29 2011-08-16 Acco Brands Usa Llc Security apparatus including locking head and attachment device
USD651889S1 (en) 2011-04-19 2012-01-10 Acco Brands Usa Llc Security apparatus

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1387442A (en) * 1920-06-09 1921-08-09 Lee Henry James Locking device
US1445589A (en) * 1921-07-09 1923-02-13 Horiguchi Kintaro Lock
US1619252A (en) * 1921-12-12 1927-03-01 Harry F George Tumbler lock
US2993361A (en) * 1959-08-10 1961-07-25 Leo E Van Lahr Pin tumbler lock
US3006178A (en) * 1957-12-03 1961-10-31 Rifkin Michael Window latching device
US3204437A (en) * 1960-12-08 1965-09-07 Dreyfus Jean Albert Lock
US3237436A (en) * 1964-01-06 1966-03-01 Delbert A Williams Tumbler lock structure

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1387442A (en) * 1920-06-09 1921-08-09 Lee Henry James Locking device
US1445589A (en) * 1921-07-09 1923-02-13 Horiguchi Kintaro Lock
US1619252A (en) * 1921-12-12 1927-03-01 Harry F George Tumbler lock
US3006178A (en) * 1957-12-03 1961-10-31 Rifkin Michael Window latching device
US2993361A (en) * 1959-08-10 1961-07-25 Leo E Van Lahr Pin tumbler lock
US3204437A (en) * 1960-12-08 1965-09-07 Dreyfus Jean Albert Lock
US3237436A (en) * 1964-01-06 1966-03-01 Delbert A Williams Tumbler lock structure

Cited By (37)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3681955A (en) * 1967-12-07 1972-08-08 Ronald F Sturgeon Multiple-axial-pin tumbler lock
US3648492A (en) * 1969-03-27 1972-03-14 Keystone Consolidated Ind Inc Pin tumbler lock and key structure
US3813906A (en) * 1973-04-25 1974-06-04 Chicago Lock Co Axial split-pin tumbler-type lock
DE2631674A1 (en) * 1975-07-18 1977-01-20 Fredon Pierre A G LOCK AND KEY
US4006615A (en) * 1975-08-07 1977-02-08 Janos Szova Axial tumbler lock
US4653297A (en) * 1982-10-01 1987-03-31 Moorhouse John H Interior barrier lock structure
US6499660B1 (en) 2002-01-24 2002-12-31 John H. Moorhouse Optical security system
US20030136838A1 (en) * 2002-01-24 2003-07-24 John H. Moorhouse Optical security system
US6764007B2 (en) 2002-01-24 2004-07-20 John H. Moorhouse Optical security system
US20040256461A1 (en) * 2002-01-24 2004-12-23 Moorhouse John H. Optical security system
US20050205657A1 (en) * 2002-01-24 2005-09-22 Moorhouse John H Optical security system
US7108182B2 (en) 2002-01-24 2006-09-19 John H. Moorhouse Optical security system
US20060237522A1 (en) * 2002-01-24 2006-10-26 John Moorhouse Optical security system
US7073708B2 (en) 2002-01-24 2006-07-11 John H. Moorhouse Optical security system
US20070033975A1 (en) * 2003-02-21 2007-02-15 Shun-Ming Liu Dual power protective device for power supply
US20080078221A1 (en) * 2004-09-06 2008-04-03 James Stewart Drill Resistant Lock Cylinder
US7444846B2 (en) * 2004-09-06 2008-11-04 Donald Charles Stewart Drill resistant lock cylinder
FR2877974A1 (en) * 2004-11-18 2006-05-19 Securite Machimes Systemes Sms Locking device for e.g. dangerous machine, has key and cylinder coding units respectively comprising coding units supported by key base and rotor, where key and rotor coder inserts are respectively connected on base and rotor
US20080190152A1 (en) * 2005-03-24 2008-08-14 Fabio Fontana Magnetic System for the Unlocking of Padlocks and Locks
US7621161B2 (en) * 2005-03-24 2009-11-24 Fabio Fontana Magnetic system for the unlocking of padlocks and locks
US7007522B1 (en) * 2005-05-26 2006-03-07 Fu-An Lee Lock
US7162900B1 (en) * 2005-08-31 2007-01-16 Miz Engineering Ltd. Tubular lock and master key
US7150168B1 (en) * 2005-10-17 2006-12-19 Lambert Kuo Tubular pin tumbler lock unit
US7730751B2 (en) 2005-11-18 2010-06-08 Acco Brands Usa Llc Locking device with passage
US7963132B2 (en) 2005-11-18 2011-06-21 Acco Brands Usa Llc Locking device with passage
US8438890B2 (en) * 2007-04-26 2013-05-14 Goal Co., Ltd. Cylinder lock
US20100083718A1 (en) * 2007-04-26 2010-04-08 Mitsunori Miyake Cylinder lock and key system using the cylinder lock
US20100139337A1 (en) * 2007-05-25 2010-06-10 Acco Brands Usa Llc Security system with lock interface member with multiple apertures
US8230707B2 (en) 2007-05-25 2012-07-31 ACCO Brands Corporation Security system with lock interface member with multiple apertures
US7997106B2 (en) 2009-05-29 2011-08-16 Acco Brands Usa Llc Security apparatus including locking head and attachment device
US8001812B2 (en) 2009-05-29 2011-08-23 Acco Brands Usa Llc Security apparatus including locking head
US8042366B2 (en) 2009-05-29 2011-10-25 Acco Brands Usa Llc Security apparatus including attachment device
US20110179834A1 (en) * 2010-01-25 2011-07-28 ACCO Brands Corporation Security apparatus including breakaway key
USD651889S1 (en) 2011-04-19 2012-01-10 Acco Brands Usa Llc Security apparatus
USD660682S1 (en) 2011-04-19 2012-05-29 Acco Brands Usa Llc Security apparatus
USD661975S1 (en) 2011-04-19 2012-06-19 ACCO Brands Corporation Attachment device for security apparatus
USD670553S1 (en) 2011-04-19 2012-11-13 ACCO Brands Corporation Attachment device for security apparatus

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US3380268A (en) Pin tumbler lock
US3789638A (en) Rotary disc tumbler lock construction
US3509748A (en) Axial pin tumbler lock
US4941336A (en) Lock mechanism
US4404824A (en) Side-bar lock
US6718806B2 (en) Electronic locking system with emergency exit feature
US3418833A (en) Tamperproof cylinder lock
US6758073B2 (en) Lock assembly
US3702549A (en) High security door lock
US4069696A (en) Axial split-pin tumbler-type lock and key therefor
US3813906A (en) Axial split-pin tumbler-type lock
US4030321A (en) Padlock with protected slide bolt and locking means
US3821886A (en) Pick-proof locks
US3777520A (en) Lock assembly of the rotary cylinder type
US4006615A (en) Axial tumbler lock
US4084416A (en) Magnetic-type lock
US4959978A (en) Programmable pushbutton combination lock
US3395558A (en) Key-actuated mechanism with emergency key
US3339384A (en) Tumbler lock
US5433495A (en) Two-way door latch
US3078705A (en) Locks
US4858456A (en) Resettable axial tumbler lock
JPH045114B2 (en)
US4651546A (en) High security rotary disc, pin tumbler type cylinder lock
US2525344A (en) Ball tumbler type cylinder lock