MXPA06011279A - Re-keyable lock cylinder - Google Patents

Abstract

A re-keyable lockset that employs pairs of first and second pins. Coupling of the first and second pins to one another defines a key profile for a mating key. A second key with a different key profile may be installed to the lockset when the first and second pins are uncoupled from one another. Thereafter, the first and second pins may be re-coupled to one another to define the key profile of a new mating key. A method for re-keying a lockset is also provided.

Description

LOCK CYLINDER READAPTABLE TO A NEW KEY FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to lock cylinders and more particularly to lock cylinders that can be retrofitted to a new key without the use of a master key.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION When re-adapting a cylinder to a new key using a traditional cylinder design, the user has to remove the internal cylinder from the cylinder box and replace the corresponding bolts so that a new key can be used to operate the system of lock. This usually requires the user to remove the cylinder mechanism from the lock and then disassemble the cylinder to some degree in order to remove the insert cylinder and replace the bolts as necessary. This requires a practical knowledge of the lock system and the cylinder mechanism and in general is a task performed by locksmiths or professional technicians properly trained. Also, the process usually employs special tools and requires the user to have access to fastening equipment to exchange bolts and replace components that could be lost or damaged in the retrofitting process to a new key. Finally, professional technicians using the right tools can easily open traditional cylinders.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In one form, the teachings of the present invention provide a lock with a lock cylinder case and a cylinder assembly. The lock cylinder case has a wall member defining an interior cavity and a first groove that is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the interior cavity. The insertable cylinder assembly fits at least partially in the lock cylinder case and includes an insert cylinder, a lock bar, a guide bar, a plurality of first bolt members and a plurality of second bolt members. The insertable cylinder has a central cavity, an eye that is generally aligned with a longitudinal axis of the central cavity, a slot for the lock bar that intersects the central cavity, and a groove for a guide bar that intersects the central cavity and that is located in opposition to the lock bar slot. The lock bar is movable along a first axis between a first position and a second position. At least a portion of the lock bar extends outwardly from the insertable cylinder in the first groove when the lock bar is in the first position. The lock bar includes at least one lock element that moves from the lock bar slot towards the central cavity when the lock bar moves from the first position to the second position. The guide bar is housed in the guide bar groove and is movable in relation to the unsectable cylinder between a radially inward and a radially outward position. The first bolt members are disposed in the central cavity and delimit an upper side of the eye. The first bolt members are individually movable in a first direction that is generally transverse to the first axis. The first bolt members [are] also coupled to the guide bar so as to be collectively movable with the guide bar when the guide bar moves in the radially outward position. Each of the second bolt members is housed in the central cavity, includes a matched lock element and is coupled to a respective one of the first bolt members when the guide bar is in the radially inward position. Each of the second bolt members is decoupled from each of the second bolt members when the guide bar is in the radially outward position. The insert of a key paired to the eye causes the first and second bolt members to move in a direction that is generally transverse to the first axis so that the matched lock elements are aligned with at least one lock element on the lock bar of the lock. so that the lock bar can be moved to the second position to allow the insertable cylinder assembly to rotate relative to the lock cylinder box. The matching key can be removed from the cylinder assembly when the guide bar is positioned in the radially outward position. In another form, the teachings of the present invention provide a method for retrofitting a lock system to a new key including: providing a lock system having a lock cylinder case and insertable cylinder, the insert cylinder including a plurality of first bolt members and a plurality of second bolt members, each of the first bolt members being coupled with an associated of the second bolt members in order to inhibit relative movement therebetween along a first axis; positioning the second bolt members in a predetermined orientation; uncoupling the first bolt members of the second bolt members to allow relative movement therebetween along the first axis; inserting a key with a preferred eye profile into the insertable cylinder assembly, the preferred key profile being operable to reposition at least one of the first bolt members relative to a respective one of the second bolt members along the first axis; and re-coupling each of the first bolt members in relation to a respective one of the second bolt members in order to inhibit the relative movement between them along the first axis. Other areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description presented below. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are for informational purposes only and do not limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the corresponding drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective exploded view of a lock cylinder constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the lock cylinder of Figure 1 illustrating in more detail the lock cylinder case; Figure 3 is another perspective view of the lock cylinder case; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the lock cylinder of Figure 1 illustrating in more detail the insertable cylinder; Figure 5 is another perspective view of the disposable cylinder; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the lock cylinder of Figure 1 illustrating in more detail the lower bolt; Figure 7 is a sectional view taken through the lock cylinder of Figure 1; Figure 8 is a perspective view of a portion of the lock cylinder of Figure 1 illustrating in more detail the guide bar; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a portion of the lock cylinder of Figure 1 illustrating the cover in greater detail; Figure 10 is another perspective view of the cover; Figure 11 is a perspective view of a portion of the lock cylinder of Figure 1 illustrating the zipper in greater detail; Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a portion of the lock cylinder of Fig. 1 illustrating in greater detail the lock bar; Figure 13 is a sectional view similar to that of Figure 7, but illustrating a paired key inserted into the eye; Figure 14 is a longitudinal sectional view of the lock cylinder of Figure 1 illustrating the paired key inserted in the eye; Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a portion of the lock cylinder of Fig. 1 illustrating in greater detail the matching key inserted in the cylinder; Fig. 16 is a perspective view illustrating the lock cylinder of Fig. 1 in association with a retrofit tool to a new key; Figure 17 is a longitudinal sectional view of the lock cylinder of Figure 1 illustrating the guide bar in relation to the lock cylinder case; Figure 18 is a sectional view similar to Figure 13, but illustrating the deflected guide bar in relation to the lock cylinder case; Figure 19 is a sectional view similar to Figure 18, but illustrating the lock cylinder without the original paired key; Figure 20 is a sectional view similar to that of Figure 19, but illustrating a "new" key installed in the eye; Figure 21 is a longitudinal sectional view similar to Figure 17, but illustrating the guide bar in a position returned in relation to the lock cylinder case; Fig. 22 is a sectional view similar to Fig. 20, but illustrating the insertable cylinder assembly in a readapted state to a new key; and Figure 23 is a schematic illustration in flow chart form of a methodology performed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS MODALITIES With reference to Figure 1 of the drawings, a lock cylinder constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is generally indicated by the reference number 10. The lock cylinder 10 is arranged approximately along a longitudinal axis 12 and may include a lock cylinder case 14, an insertable cylinder assembly 16 and a "matched" key 18. With further reference to Figures 2 and 3, the lock cylinder case 14 may include a generally cylindrical case portion. 30 with a wall member 32 defining an interior cavity 34. The first and second grooves 36 and 38, respectively, are formed on the inner surface 40 of the wall member 32. Arcuate cam surfaces 44 may be formed on one or both opposite sides of the first and / or second grooves 36, 38. The portion of the cylindrical case 30 may include a bridge member 48 that can intersect the second groove 38. In the particular example provided, the bridge member 48 has a radially inward surface that extends more into the inner cavity 34 than the deepest part of the second groove 38. Returning to Fig. 1, the insertable cylinder assembly 16 can include an insert cylinder 50, a plurality of lower bolts 52, a guide bar 54, a first guide bar spring 56, a second guide bar spring 58, a cover 60, a plurality of racks 62, a plurality of bolt springs 64, a spring cap 68, a lock bar 70, a lock bar spring 72, one or more recessed elements. perforation systems, such as ball bearings 74, and a retainer 76. With further reference to FIGS. 4, 5 and 7, the insert cylinder 50 may include a insertable cylinder case 90 and an insertable cylinder face 92. The The insertable cylinder case 90 can be dimensioned so that it can fit into the interior cavity 34 of the lock cylinder case 14 and can include a central cavity 94 that can include one or more first zipper slots 96 to receive a portion of the zippers 62. The grooves of first zippers 96 may extend generally transversely to a longitudinal axis 98 of the piston cylinder 90. A slot for lock bar 100 may extend longitudinally along the insertable cylinder 90 and may intersect the grooves of first zippers. 96. A guide bar groove 102 may extend longitudinally along the insertable cylinder 90 and may intersect the central cavity 9. 4. The lock bar groove 100 and the guide bar groove 102 may be diametrically opposite each other in general. Seal grooves 106 may be formed in the disposable cylinder housing 90 to receive the retainer 76. In the particular example given, the retainer 76 is a conventional C-shaped retainer clip which is received in the detent grooves 106 and which fixes the portion of the insertable cylinder case 90 which extends through the lock cylinder case 14 to thereby inhibit the removal of the insertable cylinder case 90 from the lock cylinder case 14. Those skilled in the art will appreciate from this information that the insert cylinder 50 and the lock cylinder case 14 can be rotatably coupled together in any convenient manner. A keyhole 110 extends through the indexable cylinder face 92 and into the central recess 94. The insertable cylinder face 92 can include a re-tooling tool opening to a new key 112, which can be slightly offset from of the guide bar groove 102. Cavities 114 can be formed in the insertable cylinder face 92 and / or in the insertable cylinder housing 90 to receive puncture-resistant elements. In the particular example provided, cavities 114 are formed in both the insertable cylinder face 92 and the insertable cylinder housing 90 and are located such that the puncture resistant ball bearings 74 are located axially in line with the groove. for lock bar 100 and guide bar groove 102. With reference to Figures 1, 6 and 7, each lower bolt 52 may include a key receiving portion 120, a first attachment portion 122 and a coupling portion 124. The key receiving portion 120 may include an upper surface 130 and a contact member 132. The contact member 132 provides the lock system 10 with better wear resistance which is normally encountered as a result of insertion and removal of the key. in the eye 110. The contact member 132 may be unitarily formed with the remainder of the lower pin 52, or may comprise one or more discrete elements that are associated with the rest of the lower bolt 52. In the particular example provided, the contact member 132 is a conventional hardened ball bearing and is disposed in a slotted opening 134 that is formed in the rest of the lower bolt 52. The first fixing portion 122 is configured so as to slide against an associated one of the racks 62 and fix it. In the particular example provided, we employ one or more teeth 140 which are coupled to the key receiving portion 120 and extend therefrom. The teeth 140 are illustrated as being generally V-shaped and aligned along an axis that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lower pin 52, but those skilled in the art will appreciate from this information that the tooth or the teeth 140 can be formed and / or oriented differently from the one illustrated and described herein. The engaging portion 124 may be coupled to the key receiving portion 120 on a side opposite the first fixing portion 122 and is configured to engage the lower pin 52 to the guide bar 54. In the particular example provided, the portion of coupling 124 is generally L-shaped, with an arm 146 that can be generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lower bolt 52, and a leg 148 that can be generally perpendicular to the arm 146. The leg 148 is spaced from the key receiving portion 120 so as to form a guide receiving aperture 150. With reference to Figures 1, 7 and 8, the guide bar 54 may be a longitudinally extending member that may be disposed between the cover 60 and the insertable cylinder case 90 and it can be slidable in relation to the insertable cylinder case 90 in a first direction, which is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the insertable cylinder case 90, and a s a second direction that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the insertable cylinder case 90. The guide rod 54 may include one or more coupling openings 160, a locking cam 162, and a locking tab 164. Each coupling aperture 160 it can be formed through the guide bar 54 so as to form a wall member 168 which is dimensioned to fix the coupling portion 124 of one or more associated lower bolts 52. In the particular example given, the bar guide 54 includes five coupling openings 160, one for each of the lower bolts 52. More specifically, in the particular example given, the guide bar 54 is received in the guide receiving opening 150 in the engaging portion 124 of each lower bolt 52 so that the leg 148 is disposed in an associated one of the coupling openings 160 so as to "lock" the guide bar 54 in the lower bolts 52 in one direction lateral The coupling openings 160 can be dimensioned relatively wider than the lower bolts 52 so as to allow translation of the guide bar 54 relative to the lower bolts 52 in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 98 of the cylinder case. 90. Those skilled in the art will appreciate from this information, however, that one or more of the coupling apertures 160 may be alternately sized to receive a plurality of the lower bolts 52.

The locking cam 162 can extend from a side side of the guide bar 54 opposite the coupling openings 160 and can be configured to cooperate with one or more other elements, such as the lock cylinder box 14, to allow the clamping cam 162 to say and / or release the lower bolts 52 in the racks 62. In the given example, the alignment of the clamping cam 162 to the surface disposed radially inwardly of the bridge member 48 ( Figure 3) maintains the engagement between the lower bolts 52 and the racks 62, while the alignment of the locking cam 162 with the second groove 38 (Figure 3) allows the guide bar 54 to be deflected radially outwards so that the lower pins 52 are released from the racks 62. The locking tab 164 provides a location on the guide bar 54 where a user can apply a force to deflect the guide bar 54 into relationship with the lock cylinder housing 14. The locking tab 164 can be slightly moved away from the locking cam 162 so that the locking cam 162 can be positioned behind a puncture resistant ball bearing 74. In the example In particular, the locking tab 164 is generally L-shaped and extends above the fixing cam 162 so as to be aligned with the opening for the retrofit tool to a new key 112. With reference to FIGS. , 5, 7 and 17, the spring 56 of the first guide bar orientates the guide bar 54 towards the face 92 of the insertion cylinder in the first direction (i.e. in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 98 of the case 90). of the insertable cylinder), while the spring 58 of the second guide bar deflects the guide bar 54 in the second direction (i.e., in an outward direction of the case 90 of the remote insert cylinder). a of zippers 62). In the example given, the spring 56 of the first guide bar is a compression spring which is disposed in a spring opening 190 which is formed in the case 90 of the insertable cylinder, while the spring 58 of the second guide bar it includes a pair of leaf springs 58a, each of which is disposed in a spring groove 194 which is formed in the case 90 of the insertable cylinder and which intersects the groove 102 of the guide bar. With reference to Figures 1, 7, 9 and 10, the cover 60 may include a plurality of bolt slots 200, a plurality of slots 202 for second rack, and a plurality of guide tabs 204. The cover 60 may also include a longitudinally extending aperture 206 which can form a portion of keyhole 110. Bolt slots 200 may have a first portion 210, which may be generally transverse to the longitudinal axis and vertically in line with the eye 110, and a second portion. portion 212. In the particular example given, the second portion 212 of each bolt slot 200 is generally normal with respect to a first associated portion 210 of the bolt groove 200 and extends sufficiently through the cover 60 in order to intersect a associated with the slots 202 of the second rack. The first portion 210 of each bolt slot 200 is dimensioned to receive an associated of the bolt springs 64, while the second portion 212 is sized to receive an associated of the lower bolts 52. The bolt springs 64 are configured to receive an associated lower bolt 52. The bolt springs 64 are configured to orient the lower springs 52 downwardly in the bolt grooves 200. In the particular example given, each bolt spring 64 is a compression spring that is disposed between the cap 68 of the spring and the upper surface 130 of the key recess portion 120 of the pin lower 52. Each of the slots 202 of the second rack can be generally parallel to the first portion 210 of one associated with the bolt slots 200. The slots 96 and 202 for the first and second rack co-operate to define a cavity in which one of the racks 62 can be housed. The guide tabs 204 can extend from the opposite ends of the cover 60 and can be used to secure the cover 60 to the box 90 of the insertable cylinder. In the particular example given, each guide tab 204 includes a tongue member 220 that can be housed in a cavity 222 for associated tongue member (Figure 5) in the case 90 of the insertable cylinder. An opening can be formed through each tab member 226 to receive a rivet, bolt or threaded fastener for securing the tab member 220 to the box 90 of the insertable cylinder. In the particular embodiment illustrated, the rear guide tab 204 also includes a cross tab 228, which can be arranged generally perpendicular to the tab member 220 and which can be sized to interact with an associated cross-tab recess 230 (FIG. 5) formed in the box 90 of the insertable cylinder. With reference to Figures 1, 7 and 11, each rack 62 can be an elongated member that is slidably disposed in an associated pair of slots 96 and 202 of the first and second rack (Figure 9). Each rack may have a second attachment portion 240 and a matched lock member 242. The second attachment portion 240 is configured to cooperate with the first attachment portion 122 of an associated lower link bolt 52 so that when the portions 122 and 240 of the first and second fastener engage with each other, the key receiving portion 120 of the lower bolt 52 can be maintained in a desired position relative to the rack 62. In the particular example given, the rack 62 includes a plurality of teeth rack 248 which are spaced apart along a portion of the length of the rack 62 and which have a tooth geometry compatible with the geometry of the teeth 140 of the first fixing portion 122 in the lower pins 52. The upper end 250 The zipper 62 can be contoured so that it does not come into contact with the interior surface 40 of the case 14 of the lock cylinder. The operation of the lock cylinder 10 is matched. The matched lock element 242 is formed on a surface 254 of the rack 62 which connects to the lock bar 70. In the particular example given, the lock element 242 is an opening in the lock. the splicing surface 254 having the shape of a cylindrical segment passing through the rack 62 in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rack 62. The spring cap 68, which is optional, provides a strong barrier to wear between the bolt springs 64 and the wall member 32 of the lock cylinder case 14. Therefore, the spring cap 68 may comprise one or more elements that are interposed between the bolt springs 64 and the member. of wall 32 and retain the bolt springs 64 within the first portion 210 of the bolt slots 200 that are formed in the cover 60. The spring cap 68 may be coupled to the cover 60 by means of fasteners, such as rivets or threaded fasteners, or using a geometric shape (such as a pair of longitudinally extending grooves and serving to receive the opposite lateral edges of the spring cap 68) allowing to receive the spring cap 68 and fix it to the cover 60. In the particular example given, the spring cap 68 is unitarily formed and sized to cover the first portion 210 of each spring groove 200 in the cover 60. In addition rivets, fasteners may be employed. of bolts and / or threads (not shown) for coupling the opposite ends of the spring cap 68 to the cover 60 and to the insertable cylinder case 90 (ie, the rivets, bolt and / or thread fasteners can be used to fix both the spring cap 68 as the cover 60 to the insertable cylinder case 90). With reference to Figures 1, 7 and 12, the lock bar 70 is an elongated member that is sized to fit at least partially in the lock bar slot 100. The lock bar 70 may include a cam follower 300 and one or more lock elements 302. In the particular example given, the cam follower 300 extends the entire length of the lock bar 70 and has an arched shape. Furthermore, in the particular example given, the lock element 302 is sized to slidably fit in the corresponding lock elements 242 that are formed in the zippers 62 and can be somewhat shorter than the lock bar 70 so that the cam follower 300 forms a pair of lugs 306, where each lug 306 is located adjacent an opposite end of lock member 302. Spring lock bar 72 may be disposed between lock bar 70 and cylinder case 90 insertable to guide the lock bar 70 out of the racks 62 towards the interior surface 40 of the wall member 32 of the lock cylinder case 14. In the example given, the lock bar spring 72 comprises a pair of compression springs, each of which is disposed in a depression 310 that is formed in an inner surface 312 of an associated one of the lugs 306. With reference to figures 1 and 7, the bolt springs 64 guide the lower springs 52 downwardly in the keyhole 110, while the spring of the lock bar 72 orientates the lock bar 70 radially outwardly of the insertable cylinder case 90 in the first groove 36 of the wall member 32 of the lock cylinder box 14.

With further reference to Figures 13 and 14, the key 18 which is associated with the lock cylinder 10 has a lateral cross-sectional shape corresponding to or compatible with that of the eye 110 and a key profile 18a. The insertion of the key 18 into the eye 110 places the key profile 18a in contact with the contact member 132 of each lower bolt 52, which causes the lower bolts 52 and the racks 62 (since each of the bolts lower 52 is engaged with an associated one of the racks 62) to move "upwards" in the given example. If the key 18 is "matched" to the current key configuration of the lock cylinder 10, each of the racks 62 will move relative to the insertable cylinder case 90 so that the corresponding lock elements 242 are aligned with the lock elements 302 on the lock bar 70. The rotation of the key 18, which produces the rotation of the insert cylinder 16 in relation to the lock cylinder box 14, causes the cam follower 300 of the lock bar 70 it is displaced against the cam surface 44 in the first groove 36 so that the lock bar 70 is pushed radially inward towards the insertable cylinder case 90. As the key 18 is matched to the lock cylinder 10, the lock element 302 will engage at least partially with the matched lock member 242 so that the cam follower 300 can move inwardly a sufficient amount of space to allow r that the insertable cylinder case 90 rotates unhindered within the inner cavity 34 of the lock cylinder case 14. If the key 18 were not mated to the lock cylinder 10, the lock member 302 would move inward in response to the rotation of the insertable cylinder assembly 16 in relation to the lock cylinder case 14 and would come into contact with the splicing surface 254 of at least one of the racks 62. Such contact would effectively inhibit the inward movement of the cam follower 300 so that the lock bar 70 would remain in the first groove 36 and thereby inhibit further rotation of the insertable cylinder assembly 16 relative to the lock cylinder case 14. In conjunction with FIGS. 15 to 18 will describe a method for readapting the lock cylinder 10 to a new key. To retrofit the lock cylinder 10 to a new key, a key 18 that is coupled to lock cylinder 10 in eye 110 and rotate the insert cylinder assembly 16 relative to the lock cylinder case 14 at a predetermined angle, such as 45 °, to align the guide bar 54 to the second groove 38 in the lock cylinder case 14. The contact between the fixing cam 162 and the radially inward surface of the bridge member 48 keeps the guide rod 54 in a position in which the lower pins 52 are engaged in their respective racks 62. A retrofit tool is inserted into a new key 400 in the opening 112 for retrofit tool to a new key and used to exert force on the locking tab 164 (figure 8) that pushes the bar guide 54 in the guide bar groove 102 (FIG. 5) remote from the opening 112 for the retrofit tool to a new key, so that the locking cam 162 is on the upper part of the guide. Bridge member 48. When the bridge member 48 is aligned with the second groove 38 (ie, it has passed over the bridge member 48 as shown in Figure 17), the spring 58 of the second guide bar orients the guide bar 54 in one direction out. As the lower pins 52 are coupled to the guide bar 54 to move in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 12 of the lock cylinder 10, the movement of the guide bar 54 in the outward direction causes the first fixing portion 122 of the lower bolts 52 is released from the second fixing portion 240 of the racks 62. At this height, the key 18 can be removed as illustrated in the figure 19 and another key 18 ', with a different configuration, can be inserted in the eye 110, as illustrated in Figure 20, which causes the lower pins 52 to move "up" in the eye 110 by the amount of space that corresponds to the configuration of the key 18 '. The force exerted on the retrofit tool to a new key 400 (figure 16) can be reduced or eliminated to allow the spring of the first guide bar 56 (figure 17) to push the guide bar 54 into the guide bar groove 102 (figure 21) towards the opening 112 for the retrofit tool for a new key (figure 16). When the guide bar 54 moves towards the opening 112 for the retrofit tool to a new key (Figure 16), the clamping cam 162 travels over the bridge member 48, which forces the guide bar 54 inwardly. As the lower pins 52 are coupled to the guide bar 54 for movements in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 12 of the lock cylinder 10, the movement of the guide bar 54 in an inward direction causes the first attachment portion 122 of the lower pins 52 engage the second fixing portion 240 of the racks 62 as illustrated in Figure 22. The engagement of the lower pins 52 with the racks 62 when the lock bar 70 is engaged with the racks 62"equals "the one new key 18 'to the lock cylinder 10. With reference to Figure 23, a method for retrofitting a key lock nine in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is illustrated schematically in the form of a flow diagram. The methodology includes the steps of: inserting an "equalized" key 18 into the insert cylinder assembly 16; rotating the insertable cylinder assembly 16 in relation to the lock cylinder case 14 at a predetermined angle of rotation; disconnect the lower bolts 52 of the racks 62; removing the eye 18 from the insertable cylinder assembly 16; Inserting a new eye 18 'into the insert cylinder assembly 16; re-couple the lower bolts 52 to the racks 62; and remove the new 18 'key. While the invention has been described in the specification and is illustrated in the drawings with reference to various embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that several changes may be made and that the elements thereof may be replaced by other equivalents without departing from the scope. of the invention as defined in the claims. Likewise, the combination and matching of the characteristics, elements and / or functions between various modalities is expressly contemplated herein, of all that any expert in the art can appreciate from this information or that the characteristics, elements and / or functions of one modality may be incorporated in another modality as appropriate, unless otherwise indicated in the foregoing. On the other hand, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, the invention is intended not to be limited to the particular embodiment illustrated by the drawings and described in the specification as the best modality currently contemplated for carrying out this invention, but the invention will include all modalities falling within the preceding description and in the appended claims.

Claims (20)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - A lock characterized in that it comprises: a lock cylinder box having a wall member defining an interior cavity and a first [slot] that is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the interior cavity; and an insertable cylinder assembly housed at least partially in the lock cylinder case, the insertable cylinder including: a cylinder with a central cavity, an eye that is generally aligned with a longitudinal axis of the central cavity, a slot for lock bar that intersects the central cavity, and a guide bar groove that intersects the central cavity and which is located opposite the lock bar slot; a lock bar that is movable along a first axis between a first position and a second position, at least a portion of the lock bar extending outwardly from the insertable cylinder within the first groove when the lock bar is in the first position, the lock bar including at least one lock element that moves from the lock bar slot towards the central cavity when the lock bar moves from the first position to the second position; a guide bar housed in the guide bar groove and is movable relative to the insert cylinder between a radially inward and a radially outward position; a plurality of first bolt members disposed in the central cavity and delimiting an upper side of the eye, the first bolt members being individually movable in a first direction that is generally transverse to the first axis, the first bolt members being also coupled to the guide bar so as to be collectively movable with the guide bar when the guide bar moves in the radially outward position; and a plurality of second bolt members housed in the central cavity, each of the second bolt members including a matched lock element and being coupled to a respective one of the first bolt members when the guide bar is in the radially position inwardly, each of the second bolt members being decoupled from the respective second bolt member when the guide bar is in the radically outward position; where the insertion of a key paired in the eye causes the first and second bolt members to move in a direction that is generally transverse to the first axis so that the matched lock elements are aligned with at least one lock element in the closing bar so that the lock bar can be moved to the second position to allow the insertable cylinder assembly to rotate relative to the lock cylinder box; and where the paired key can be removed from the insertable cylinder assembly when the guide bar is positioned in the radially outward position.

2. The lock according to claim 1, further characterized in that a second groove is formed in the wall of the lock cylinder box, the second groove being generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the interior cavity, where the rotation of the assembly of insertable cylinder through a predetermined angle aligns the guide bar to the second groove.

3. The lock according to claim 2, further characterized in that a bridge intersects the second groove and the guide bar includes a clamping cam that comes into contact with the bridge when the insertable cylinder assembly is initially rotated at the angle predetermined and where the contact between the fixing cam and the bridge keeps the guide bar in the radially inward position when the guide bar is radially aligned with the second groove.

4. The lock according to claim 3, further characterized in that the translation of the guide bar, in such a way that the fixing cam is released from the bridge and disposed in the second groove, allows the guide bar to be moved to the radially outward position.

5. The lock according to claim 1, further characterized in that each of the second bolt members includes a plurality of teeth that are engaged by the respective first bolt members when the guide bar is located in the radially toward position. inside.

6. The lock according to claim 5, further characterized in that the lock bar keeps the second bolt members in a stationary condition when the first bolt members are collectively released from the second bolt members by positioning the bar guide in the radially out position.

7. The lock according to claim 1, further characterized in that each of the first bolt members includes a contact member for engaging a key profile of the matched key.

8. The lock according to claim 1, further characterized in that the contact member is a ball.

9. The lock according to claim 1, further characterized in that each of the first bolt members includes a leg that is housed in an associated opening formed in the guide bar.

10. A method for retrofitting a lock system to a new key, characterized in that it comprises: providing a lock system having a lock cylinder case and a cylinder assembly, the cylinder assembly comprising a plurality of first bolt members and a plurality of second bolt members, each of the first bolt members being coupled with an associated of the second bolt members in order to inhibit relative movement therebetween along a first axis; inserting a first key with a first key profile into the insertable cylinder assembly to align the second bolt members in a predetermined orientation; rotating a plug-in cylinder assembly relative to the lock cylinder case to maintain the second bolt members in the predetermined orientation; uncoupling the first bolt members of the second bolt members to allow relative translation therebetween along the first axis; removing the first key from the insertable cylinder assembly; inserting a second key with a second key profile into the cylinder assembly so as to reposition at least one of the first bolt members relative to a respective second bolt member along the first axis, the second key profile being different from the first key profile; re-coupling each of the first bolt members to the associated of the second bolt members to thereby inhibit the relative movement between them along the first axis.

11. The method according to claim 10, further characterized in that the insertable cylinder assembly is rotated at a predetermined angle relative to the lock cylinder case before uncoupling the first bolt members of the second bolt members. .

12. The compliance method with claim 11, further characterized in that the rotation of the cylinder assembly at a predetermined angle radially locates a guide bar in a groove that is formed in the lock cylinder case where the decoupling of the cylinder the first bolt members of the second bolt members are effected by moving the guide bar to the groove.

13. - The method according to claim 12, further characterized in that the cylinder set includes a cylinder insertable and where the guide bar moves to the groove when a tool is used that is inserted through a face of insertable cylinder for pushing the guide bar in a direction that is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the insertable cylinder assembly.

14. The method according to claim 12, further characterized in that the maintenance of the second bolt members in the determined orientation is effected by the engagement of a lock bar to the second bolt members.

15. A method for retrofitting a lock system to a new key, characterized in that it comprises: providing a lock system having a lock cylinder box and an insertable cylinder assembly, the insertable cylinder assembly including a plurality of first pemo members and a plurality of second bolt members, each of the first bolt members being coupled with an associated of the second bolt members in order to inhibit relative movement therebetween along a first axis; positioning the second bolt members in a predetermined orientation; uncoupling the first bolt members of the second bolt members to allow relative translation therebetween along the first axis; inserting a key with a preferred key profile into the insertable cylinder assembly, the preferred key profile being operable to reposition at least one of the first bolt members relative to an associated of the second bolt members along the first axis; and re-coupling each of the first bolt members to the partner of the second bolt members to thereby inhibit the relative movement between them along the first axis.

16. The method according to claim 15, further characterized in that initially a key with a matched key profile is used to position the second bolt members in the predetermined orientation.

17. The method according to claim 16, further characterized in that the maintenance of the second bolt members in the determined orientation is effected by engaging a lock bar in the second bolt members.

18. The method according to claim 15, further characterized in that the insertable cylinder assembly is rotated at a predetermined angle in relation to the lock cylinder case before uncoupling the first bolt members of the second bolt members. .

19. The method according to claim 18, further characterized in that the positioning of the insertion cylinder assembly at a predetermined angle radially locates a guide bar in a groove that is formed in the lock cylinder case where the decoupling of the The first bolt members of the second pemo members are made by moving the guide bar in the groove.

20. The method according to claim 19, further characterized in that the insertable cylinder assembly includes a plug-in cylinder and where the guide bar moves to the groove when a tool that is inserted through a plug-in cylinder face is used to pushing the guide bar in a direction that is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the insertable cylinder assembly.