The present subject matter relates to key operated pin tumbler locks and related methodology. More particularly, in some instances, the present subject matter relates to pin tumbler locks and related methodology involving a removable core assembly that allows changing of an associated operative key without having to remove or uninstall a mounted lock. In other instances, the present subject matter relates to pin tumbler locks and associated methodology involving a core assembly that is fabricated with a variable pin tumbler drilling depth feature. In either instance, pin tumbler locks are provided which have relatively improved security against unauthorized access to operation of associated lock features.
In the field of office maintenance, and in other settings and environments, it is a common practice to replace locks used for drawers and/or doors as a security measure. Such replacements and/or changes may be part of an ongoing, periodic security maintenance plan, and/or the changes may be a result of more ad hoc circumstances, for example, accompanying a change in authorized personnel. Improving the security functionality of the associated locks would be one way to address such security needs. Another way to address such security needs could involve use of so-called removable core locks, for literally changing out the core lock functionality such that an entirely different key becomes operable with the lock. The present subject matter addresses both such approaches to lock security maintenance improvement.
Normally, changing or replacing locks can take extended periods of time unless removable core locks are employed. In general, the basic concept of providing removable core locks has been available for a period of time, and the use of such locks in general may significantly reduce (literally from hours to minutes) the time required to change locks for which re-keying is desired. However, embodiments of previously known removable core locks are often mechanically complex. In general, the more mechanically complex a device, the higher its cost, the larger its size, and the more questionable its reliability may tend to be. In view of such general disadvantages of many previously available removable core locks, it would be an advance in the art to provide a lock and associated methodology which resulted with a reduced part count that also required less precision to align the parts during assembly.
Another potential vulnerability of some key operated pin tumbler lock designs involves an unauthorized practice where there is unintentional activation of the tumbler by a key. For example, in some situations, it may be possible for an unauthorized person to use a modified key partially inserted and then manipulated or “bumped” in a particular manner, as an effort to cause spring-biased tumblers to very temporarily be displaced to an extent that either the lock itself or some removable core portion of a removable core lock may be actuated, thus permitting access by an unauthorized person. It would be an advance in the art to provide a key operated pin tumbler lock and associated methodology which was less potentially susceptible to such unintentional activation of the tumbler by a key by unauthorized persons.
Existing patent literature has previously addressed various pin tumbler lock arrangements and various removable core lock arrangements for pin tumbler locks. Some examples of issued patents include U.S. Pat. No. 6,679,090; U.S. Pat. No. 6,578,396; U.S. Pat. No. 6,526,791; U.S. Pat. No. 6,382,006; U.S. Pat. No. 6,012,311; U.S. Pat. No. 5,979,200; U.S. Pat. No. 5,907,963; U.S. Pat. No. 5,209,087; U.S. Pat. No. 5,176,015; U.S. Pat. No. 5,138,856; U.S. Pat. No. 5,070,715; U.S. Pat. No. 4,972,695; U.S. Pat. No. 4,866,964; U.S. Pat. No. 4,584,855; U.S. Pat. No. 4,444,029; U.S. Pat. No. 4,424,693; U.S. Pat. No. 4,386,510; U.S. Pat. No. 4,328,690; U.S. Pat. No. 4,282,731; U.S. Pat. No. 4,085,601; U.S. Pat. No. 3,603,123; U.S. Pat. No. 3,324,693; U.S. Pat. No. 3,206,958; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,814,941. The disclosures of all the foregoing published patents are for all purposes fully incorporated herein by reference.
While various implementations of key operated pin tumbler locks and related methodology, both involving and not involving removable core locks, have been developed, no design has emerged that generally encompasses all of the desired characteristics as hereafter presented in accordance with the present subject matter.
In view of the recognized features encountered in the prior art and addressed by the present subject matter, it is a general present object to provide an improved apparatus and methodology for key operated pin tumbler type locks. More particularly, it is a present object to provide improved such locks, for improved security functionality in a variety of settings, conditions and uses.
More particularly, it is a present object to provide improved such locks, regardless of whether they are configured as a removable core lock.
Still further, it is a present object to provide improved such locks, configured as a removable core lock, but with relatively reduced mechanical complexity, for corresponding improvement obtained through generally reduced cost, reduced size, and greater reliability.
Yet further, it is a general present object to provide an improved apparatus and methodology for key operated pin tumbler type locks, which resultantly are less susceptible to so-called access or penetration by unauthorized persons, such as by unintentional activation of a tumbler by a key.
In an exemplary configuration associated with removable core assemble embodiments, a control key is provided that allows removal of a core assembly from an outer cylinder of a lock, to facilitate re-keying of the lock.
In one of its simpler forms, a single, predetermined tumbler is configured to allow limited rotation of a locking tab that, when in an unlocked position, permits removal of such core assembly in such exemplary embodiments.
A positive aspect of the removable core pin tumbler lock embodiments constructed in accordance with the present technology is that the lock must first be placed in an unlocked position before the control key can be used to remove the core assembly.
In accordance with aspects of certain embodiments of the present subject matter, a lock structure is provided that can not be unlocked by use of the control key only but first must be unlocked by a pass or master key.
In accordance with certain aspects of other embodiments of the present subject matter, methodologies have been developed to insure that no keys embodied as pass or master keys can be re-cut to allow it to operate as a control key.
In one exemplary present embodiment, a key operated removable core pin tumbler lock is provided, having a core, a first cylinder, and a locking tab. In such exemplary embodiment, the core is preferably configured to receive first and second key types, such core being provided with a first plurality of holes configured to receive pin tumblers. Such exemplary first cylinder is preferably configured to receive such core and provided with a second plurality of holes configured to receive pin tumblers. Such second plurality of holes are preferably equal in number and alignable with the first plurality of holes. Further, such first cylinder preferably comprises a first portion and a second portion, with such second portion configured for limited rotation with respect to the first portion thereof and provided with at least one hole of the second plurality of holes. Such exemplary locking tab preferably extends from a portion of the second portion of the first cylinder. With such exemplary embodiment, advantageously, insertion of the first key type permits unlocking of the lock, while insertion of the second key type permits rotation of the second portion of the first cylinder with respect to the first portion of the first cylinder.
In another present exemplary embodiment, a multiple key type actuated removable core pin tumbler lock assembly is provided, including a configuration of a core, a first cylinder, a locking tab, and a second cylinder. In such exemplary embodiment, such core may be configured to receive first and second key types. Such first cylinder may comprise a first portion and a second portion, with such first and second portions being rotatable relative to each other, and with such core and such first cylinder defining respective pluralities of mutually alignable pin tumbler receiving holes. Such exemplary locking tab preferably extends from a portion of the second portion of the first cylinder. In such exemplary embodiment, the second cylinder may be configured to retainably receive the first cylinder. Advantageously, the second portion of the first cylinder forms at least one pin tumbler receiving hole thereof alignable with at least one pin tumbler receiving hole formed in the core, such that insertion of the first key type into such core permits unlocking of the lock while insertion of the second key type into the core permits rotation of the locking tab.
In yet another present exemplary embodiment, a key operated pin tumbler lock has a pin tumbler variable depth feature, for improved security against unauthorized access to operation thereof. Such present exemplary lock preferably includes a core, a first cylinder, a plurality of sets of paired pin tumblers and driver pin sets, and plurality of biasing springs. Such exemplary core may form a first plurality of holes configured to receive pin tumblers. Such exemplary first cylinder may be configured to receive such core and provided with a second plurality of holes configured to receive respective sets of paired pin tumblers and driver pin sets, with such second plurality of holes being equal in number and alignable with the first plurality of holes. Such plurality of sets of paired pin tumblers and driver pin sets may be respectively received in the second plurality of holes. The plurality of biasing springs are preferably received respectively in the second plurality of holes, and configured for driving the respective sets of paired pin tumblers and driver pin sets into the first plurality of holes when aligned with the second plurality of holes. In such instance, a sheer line is defined by the relative resting position of the meeting point between respective pin tumblers and driver pins of a given pair thereof.
In the foregoing exemplary embodiment, preferably at least one hole of the first plurality of holes is formed to a predetermined depth selected such that the bottom of the corresponding pin tumbler is relatively displaced, so as to avoid contact of such corresponding pin tumbler with a key of a given type inserted into such lock.
It is to be further understood that the present subject matter equally relates to and encompasses corresponding methodologies, one non-limiting example of which relates to a method for providing a removable core lock, including the steps of providing a lock core; providing a first cylinder comprising first and second portions; providing a locking tab on a portion of the second portion; configuring the second portion to be rotatable relative to the first portion; inserting the lock core into the first cylinder; providing a plurality of alignable tumbler receiving holes in the lock core and the first portion of the first cylinder; and providing at least one alignable hole in the lock core and the second portion of the first cylinder.
Additional objects and advantages of the present subject matter are set forth in, or will be apparent to, those of ordinary skill in the art from the detailed description herein. Also, it should be further appreciated that modifications and variations to the specifically illustrated, referenced, and/or discussed features, elements, and/or steps hereof may be practiced in various embodiments and uses of the present subject matter without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter. Exemplary such variations may include, but are not limited to, substitution of equivalent means, features, or steps for those illustrated, referenced, or discussed, and the functional, operational, and/or positional reversal of various parts, features, steps, or the like.
Still further, it is to be understood that different embodiments, as well as different presently preferred embodiments, of the present subject matter may include various combinations or configurations of presently disclosed features, steps, or elements, or their equivalents (including combinations of features, parts, or steps or configurations thereof not expressly shown in the figures or stated in the detailed description of such figures).
Additional embodiments of the present subject matter, not necessarily expressed in the summarized section, may include and incorporate various combinations of aspects of features, components, or steps referenced in the summarized objects above, and/or other features, components, or steps as otherwise discussed in this application. Those of ordinary skill in the art will better appreciate the features and aspects of such embodiments, and others, upon review of the remainder of the specification.
A full and enabling disclosure of the present subject matter, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:
Repeat use of reference characters throughout the present specification and appended drawings is intended to represent same or analogous features, elements, or steps of the present subject matter.
As discussed in the Summary of the Invention section, the present subject matter is particularly concerned with pin tumbler locks which are key operated, and which in some present embodiments are configured for having a removable core assembly that allows changing of an associated key without having to remove or uninstall a mounted lock.
Selected combinations of aspects of the disclosed technology correspond to a plurality of different embodiments of the present subject matter. It should be noted that each of the exemplary embodiments presented and discussed herein should not insinuate limitations of the present subject matter. Features or steps illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used in combination with aspects of another embodiment to yield yet further embodiments. Additionally, certain features may be interchanged with similar devices or features not expressly mentioned but which perform the same or similar function.
Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the subject key operated pin tumbler lock and associated methodology.
With reference to the drawings,
With further reference to
In accordance with one aspect of the current technology, tumbler 4 is normally held in a position determined by the depth of a hole 44 drilled in core or plug 2 and is forced down into such hole 44 by spring 66 positioned above driver pin 5. The force provided by spring 66 on driver pin 5 correspondingly forces tumbler 4 down against the bottom of the hole 44. The pass key 8, by way of its being bitted 6 so as not to touch tumbler 4, cannot accidentally dislodge tumbler 4 and driver pin 5, thereby inadvertently permitting the core assembly to be removed.
In accordance with the present technology, the designated top of tumbler 4 is held at shear line 55 by the depth of hole 44, thus allowing the core 2 to be rotated when a proper pass or access key 8 is inserted. As will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, insertion of a pass or access key would align to the shear line 55 all of the tumblers in the lock (none of which other than tumble 4 are presently illustrated) so that the lock may be opened. One aspect of the present subject matter can be seen in the fact that tumbler 4, in this exemplary embodiment controlling movement of tab 3, is normally held at shear line 55 due to the depth of hole 44 and downward pressure of spring 66 on driver pin 5, even if no key is inserted into the lock.
Tumbler 4 and driver pin 5 are standard components that have been used in lock making for years. The present technology allows the use of such readily available components in a way that has not been previously employed to thereby avoid the use of special components, such as so-called master wafers and/or other mechanically contrived mechanisms previously employed that, due to their complex nature, might fail. The present technology, therefore, is able to provide a simple, cost effective and reliable removable core pin tumbler lock not previously available.
With reference now to
Other embodiments of the present subject matter may be practiced. For example, the subject matter of present
Stated another way, the present subject matter includes and encompasses the methodology (and corresponding resulting structure) or selecting one or more tumbler positions for forming/drilling a tumbler hole associated respectively therewith, so as to situated in a relatively shallow position within core or plug 2. Such configurations correspondingly place the involved tumbler or tumblers in relatively elevated positions in relation to a particular key, which particular key or keys can not even touch the associated tumbler. However, in accordance with present subject matter, a properly bitted key (i.e., one with an adequately shallow bite), could touch the tumbler or tumblers, and therefore actuate the associated lock or otherwise cause it to function. As noted above, such arrangements can provide advantages regardless of whether used in a key operated pin tumbler embodiment with a removable core or not. Stated yet another way, the concept disclosed herein could also be used in any tumbler position to thwart the use of picking tools by varying the resting position of tumblers.
As further illustrated by
In accordance with the present technology, retainer 33 with its extension locking tab 3 may be secured to the rear portion of inner cylinder 1 and, at the same time, core 2 may be held in place within inner cylinder 1 by placement of snap ring 9 into groove 19 provided on the rear portion of core 2.
It should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that these assemblies can easily be bitted in many different codes and, likewise, can be easily re-keyed due to the provision of the above described features. It should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the presently described technology that various additional configurations of the removable core pin tumbler lock, and of non-removable present embodiments, may be constructed in accordance with the present technology. For example, a more secure core removal aspect (in the instance of a removable core arrangement) may include the use of two tumblers to lock the locking tab 3 in place as opposed to the single tumbler configuration herein illustrated.
With reference now to
As further represented by present
While the present subject matter has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing, may readily produce and/or practice alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is by way of example rather than by way of limitation, and the subject disclosure does not preclude inclusion of such modifications, variations and/or additions to the present subject matter as would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.
This application claims the benefit of previously filed U.S. Provisional Patent Application entitled “KEY OPERATED PIN TUMBLER LOCKS AND METHODOLOGIES,” assigned U.S. Ser. No. 60/808,742, filed May 26, 2006, and which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20070271976 A1 | Nov 2007 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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60808742 | May 2006 | US |