CN102733688B

CN102733688B - Lock and key assembly and manufacture method thereof

Info

Publication number: CN102733688B
Application number: CN201210111552.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 克莱蒙斯·范欣贝克
Original assignee: Samsonite IP Holdings SARL
Current assignee: Samsonite IP Holdings SARL
Priority date: 2011-04-14
Filing date: 2012-04-16
Publication date: 2014-10-29
Anticipated expiration: 2032-04-16
Also published as: CN102733688A; EP2511454B1; EP2511454A1

Abstract

A lock may include a main body with a notch configured to receive a first portion of a key. The lock may also include a shackle movably coupled to the main body and configured to engage a second portion of the key. The shackle and notch may further be configured to releasably secure the key to the lock when the first portion of the key is received within the notch and the second portion of the key is engaged with the shackle.

Description

Lock & key assembly and manufacture method thereof

Technical field

The field of the invention relate generally to lock & key assembly.And, the present invention relates to a kind of method of manufacturing lock & key assembly.

background technology

Lock is usually used for preventing for going beyond one's commission of article or region approaching.For example, in travelling, many visitors attempt to pin or otherwise luggage or the laptop bags of protecting them avoids going beyond one's commission approaching.Typically, luggage or other case and bag are by appending to locking mechanism on one or more points of proximity and protect.As another example, lock can be used for protecting trailer or memory cell.As another example, lock can be used for protective door or fence.Every lock can have associated key, and this association key is by owner's keeping of locking, so that lock is opened.

When particular lock is not in use time, it can be stored.For example, luggage not in use in, can be stored in the lock that whilst on tour is used for protecting luggage.If will latch storage, the owner of lock also can store and this phase-locked associated key.In some cases, key can be stored in phase-locked with general areas in, and in other cases, can be by key and lock storage discretely.In some cases, key may comprise key chain, and then this key chain is used for removably key being attached on the snap close of lock.Under this storage situation, it may be inconvenient from snap close, removing key.In other cases, in order to store, key can be placed in the locking mechanism of lock.In this case, key may come off from locking mechanism, and this may cause key loss.

summary of the invention

The present invention limits in independent claims.Preferred or selectional feature is stated in the dependent claims for it.Think that lock forms and invents by its own right, with or without key.

According to a first aspect of the invention, disclose a kind of lock & key assembly, having comprised: key; And lock, described lock comprises: main body, there is notch, and this notch is configured to receive the first of key; Snap close, is connected in main body movingly, and is configured to engage the second portion of key; And snap close and notch are also configured to first when key and are received in notch and when the second portion of key engages with snap close, releasedly key are fixed to and are locked.

According to a second aspect of the invention, disclose a kind of lock & key assembly, having comprised: key; And lock, described lock comprises: main body, has first surface; Notch, on the described first surface of main body; Snap close, extends from the described first surface of main body, and snap close comprises the part of a pair of isolated cardinal principle straight line; Notch is positioned between the cardinal principle straight line portion of the snap close on first surface, and is configured to receive the first of key; And snap close is configured to engage the second portion of key.

According to a third aspect of the invention we, disclose a kind of method of manufacturing lock & key assembly, described method comprises: form key; And forming lock, the action of wherein said formation lock comprises and snap close is connected with main body and in main body, forms notch; Wherein, notch is configured to receive the first of key, snap close is shaped as the second portion that engages key, and snap close and notch are configured to first when key and are received in notch and when the second portion of key engages with snap close, releasedly key are fixed to and are locked.

accompanying drawing explanation

Fig. 1 represents the front perspective view of the embodiment of lock & key, and key is stored between the snap close and main body of lock.

Fig. 2 represents along the forward sight phantom of the line 2-2 lock & key that see, Fig. 1 in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 A to 3F represents along the side view cutaway drawing of the line 3-3 lock & key that see, Fig. 1 in Fig. 2.

The various stereograms of the lock & key of Fig. 4 A to 4D presentation graphs 1.Fig. 4 A is illustrated in the key of storing between the snap close of lock and main body.Fig. 4 B is indicated as key and the separated power being applied on the key of lock.Fig. 4 C represents the key of removing from lock.Fig. 4 D represents to be positioned to be placed into the key in the locking mechanism of lock.

The front elevation drawing of the lock & key of Fig. 5 A to 5D presentation graphs 1, makes key and latches in various structures.

the specific embodiment

Described herein is a kind of lock that can storing keys.Lock can comprise main body and snap close.Main body can comprise locking mechanism.Locking mechanism, when using when key operated, can optionally engage and releasable catch.Main body also can comprise notch approaching on the main body side of snap close.Snap close can be " U " type shape etc.The cross section of the snap close of seeing along the length of snap close can be generally circle or circular.Snap close, main body and key can be constructed like this, thereby pass through key positioner, between snap close and main body, can optionally key is fixed to and be locked.Snap close, main body and key can also further be configured to, and by enough power is applied on the key, so that it and snap close are thrown off, key are removed from this second place.The foundation of key can be plastics or rubber or any other material at least in part, and this other material provides enough deflections, to allow key when being fixed to while locking and snap close is thrown off.

Fig. 1 is the front perspective view of lock 100, and this lock 100 can storing keys 150.Lock 100 can comprise snap close 105, and this snap close 105 is connected in main body 110 movingly.Snap close 105 can by two footstalks 106,107 or snap close other substantially straight line and spaced apart part and connecting ring 108 limits, two footstalks 106,107 of these connecting ring 108 links.The footstalk 106,107 of snap close 105 can extend from the first surface 111 of main body 110.Snap close 105 can be " U " shape hardening structure, and can be made by metal, plastics or other suitable sturdy material, should " U " shape hardening structure have circular connecting ring 108 (as shown in Figure 1).Metal can be processed or press any otherwise processed by anode, and can be also the metal types that is difficult to cut-out.Selectively, snap close 105 can be general " U " shape structure, should " U " shape structure have flat or straight connecting ring 108 (being not shown in Fig. 1).The cross section of snap close 105 can be columniform, certain other protrude shape or concave shape even, as described in greater detail below.Connecting ring 108 can be configured to engage the foundation 155 of key 150, and the footstalk 106,107 of snap close 105 can be looked and is enough to key 150 to be stored between lock 100 snap close 105 and main body 110.The first footstalk 106 of snap close 105 can be for good and all, telescopically and being connected with the main body 110 of lock 100 rotationally, and the second footstalk 107 of snap close 105 can be fixed in main body 110 releasedly through locking mechanism 170.The second footstalk 107 can have notch 109, and this notch 109 is configured to optionally engage the pin 171 of locking mechanism 170.

Lock 100 main body 110 can comprise notch 112 on identical first surface 111, and footstalk 106,107 extends from this first surface 111, and notch 112 can be configured to receive the bottom part of the blade-section 157 of key 150.Notch 112 can be positioned between the footstalk 106,107 of snap close 105.Notch 112 can be wider than the blade of key 150 157, to allow key 150 to have a small amount of play when it is positioned in notch 112.Selectively, notch 112 can be identical with the width of the blade 157 of key 150.Main body 110 also can comprise locking mechanism 170 (invisible in Fig. 1, but be described below).Locking mechanism 170 can be approached through the second surface 113 of main body 110 by key 150.Main body 110 can be generally any shape, and can be made by metal or any other suitable sturdy material.

Still with reference to Fig. 1, key 150 can optionally be positioned between notch 112 and snap close 105.Key 150 can comprise first or foundation 155 and second or blade-section 157.Foundation 155 can be arc, this is arc when engaging with locking mechanism 170, can be so that apply moment of torsion with screw key 150, and blade-section 157 can comprise one or more grooves and/or one or more key bit, these key bits can engage with pin in locking mechanism 170, thin slice, rotating cylinder etc.Foundation 155 can or have certain flexible any other material by plastics, rubber and make.Selectively, foundation 155 can have metal core, outside use plastics, rubber etc.-and coating or outer-mold pressing.The upper side of foundation 155 can be configured to engage the connecting ring part 108 of the snap close 105, particularly snap close 105 of locking 100.For example, if the cross section of connecting ring 108 is circular along its length, as shown in Figure 1, the foundation 155 of key 150 can be circular, as shown in Figure 1.Selectively, if the connecting ring part 108 of snap close 105 is flat, the foundation 155 of key 150 can be foursquare, or has another kind of shape, thereby from the blade 157 of key 150 side farthest, be flat, and be configured to engage with flat connecting ring 108 parts of snap close 105.Can limit the hole 159 through the foundation 155 of key 150, as shown in Figure 1, can containing key chain or rope through this hole 159.

Referring now to Fig. 2, the forward sight phantom of the lock 100 of presentation graphs 1, as seen in the line 2-2 along in Fig. 1.In particular, represent that at this part place, the second footstalk 107 of snap close 105 is fixed in main body 110 releasedly through the pin 171 of locking mechanism 170 for the cross section of the part of snap close 105, key 150 and main body 110.The remainder that does not represent main body 110 in cross section.

As described above, the first footstalk 106 of snap close 105 can be for good and all, telescopically and being connected to rotationally in main body 110, and the second footstalk 107 can be fixed in main body 110 releasedly.As shown in Figure 2, the second footstalk 107 can have notch 109, and this notch 109 can be flat in a side, and on opposite side, is crooked.More particularly, flat side can be in the side of the most close main body 110, and the connecting ring 108 that curved side can the most close snap close 105.This can promote by discharging of the pin 171 of locking mechanism 170 fixing, and this pin 171 can have a plane surface and a curved surface similarly.

For example, and as shown in Figure 2, when the second footstalk 107 is fixed on main body 110 when interior, the plane surface of pin 171 can engage with the plane surface of notch in the second footstalk 107.Plane surface can prevent that to plane surface interface the second footstalk 107 from exiting from lock 100 main body 110, unless pin 171 is retracted by locking mechanism 170.On the other hand, when the second footstalk 107 is not fixed on main body 110 when interior by pin 171, curved surface and the notch of pin 171 can promote footstalk 107 to be placed in main body 110, to snap close 105 is fixed in main body 110.In particular, along with footstalk 107 is inserted in main body 110, the lower edge of footstalk 107 can be applied to power on the pin 171 of locking mechanism 170, and this pin 171 is because the lower edge of footstalk 107 power on the curved surface of pin 171 can be retracted temporarily.Yet once the flat edge of pin 171 is crossed at the flat edge of notch, pin 171 just can rebound, and footstalk 107 is locked in main body 110.Pin 171 can be retracted and rebound, because it can be loaded by bias component spring.Selectively, if key 150 is used for locking mechanism 170 to open and locking, sells 171 and just can retract and not retract.And pin 171 and the notch in the second footstalk 107 can be from described above different.Usually, can use any structure, this structure is fixed to the second footstalk 107 of snap close 105 releasedly through locking mechanism 170 in the main body 110 of lock 100.

Fig. 2 also represents the cross section of key 150, and this key 150 can be used with the main body 110 of lock 100 described above together with snap close 105.As shown in Figure 2, the blade 157 of key can be metal or any other suitable rigid material, and metal can extend to the core part of the foundation 155 of key 150.The foundation 155 of key 150 can have plastics or rubber cover 156, forms these plastics or rubber cover 156, to allow the foundation 155 of key 150 to engage the connecting ring part 108 of snap close 105.

The phantom of the lock 100 of Fig. 3 A presentation graphs 1, as seen in the line 3-3 along in Fig. 2.In particular, expression is for the cross section of the slot-open-section 112 of the main body 110 of connecting ring 108, key 150 and the lock 100 of snap close 105.The remainder that does not represent main body 110 in cross section.

As shown in Figure 3A, the length L 2 of key 150 can be greater than the first distance L 1 between the connecting ring 108 of snap close 105 and the first surface 111 of main body 110, and the length L 2 of key 150 can be less than at the connecting ring 108 of snap close 105 and the second distance L3 between the notch in main body 110 112.More particularly, in the specific embodiment representing in Fig. 3 A, the length L 2 of key 150 can be greater than the surperficial foot point of connecting ring 108 of the most close main body 110 and the distance L 1 between the first surface 111 of main body, but the length L 2 of key 150 can be less than second distance L3, between the point that this second distance L 3 engages with snap close 105 at key 150 and the bottom of the notch in main body 110 112.And as shown in Figure 3A, the width W 1 of the blade 157 of key 150 can be less than the width W 2 of notch 112.Selectively, the width W 1 of the blade 157 of key 150 can be identical with the width W 2 of notch 112.

Still with reference to Fig. 3 A, key 150 can be metal, covers the arc or foundation 155 of key with plastics.In particular, comprise that the metal of blade 157 and foundation 155 can not extend the whole length L 2 of key 150, as shown in Figure 3A.Replace, as shown in Figure 3A, plastics 156 can cover a part for the foundation 155 of key 150, and the edge of foundation 155 or edge can be shaped as the connecting ring 108 that engages snap close 105.Although the connecting ring 108 of snap close 105 and be possible for the various shape of the plastics of the foundation 155 of key 150 (or other) overburden, but the embodiment representing in Fig. 3 A represents: connecting ring 108, and at least a portion that makes external surface is generally convex; And the edge of the foundation 155 of key 150 or edge have the general concave outer surface when watching in cross section, the shape of the convex external surface of the general and snap close 105 of this concave outer surface matches.Along the length of connecting ring 108, the cross section of connecting ring 108 can be generally circular or circle, and the perimeter edge of at least a portion of foundation 155 can be generally " U " shape raceway groove or groove etc., and this at least a portion engages snap close 105.In other words, snap close 105 edges engage the lock catch part of key 150, can have concave outer surface, and key 150 is along the part that engages the key 150 of snap closes 105, can have convex external surface, thereby the surface engaging match each other or otherwise correspondence.

As discussed above, key 150 (blade 157 and foundation 155, be included in the perimeter edge of the overburden in foundation 155) whole length L 2 can be greater than the distance L 1 between the first surface 111 of main body 110 and the part of the connecting ring 108 of the most close main body 110, but can be less than distance L 3, between the point that this distance L 3 engages in the bottom of the notch 112 and perimeter edge of the foundation 155 of the key 150 and connecting ring 108 of snap close 105.In the embodiment representing in Fig. 3 A, when the blade of key 150 157 being placed on to notch 112 in main body 110 when interior, the perimeter edge of foundation 155 can extend upward enough far along the circular arc of snap close 105, thereby key 150 can sufficiently engage snap close, to stop the lateral force predetermined threshold be applied on the key following fixing in lock to maintain key, also allow to be applied to simultaneously lateral force on the key more than predetermined threshold so that key is discharged from snap close.

Selectively, connecting ring 108 can be circle with spill, and the plastics foundation 155 of key 150 can be circle with convex.Or connecting ring 108 can be that convex is triangular shaped, and the foundation 155 of key 150 can be circle with spill.Multiple other can select embodiment to exist.Multiple other shape and structure are possible, some of these shapes and structure rather than be all illustrated in Fig. 3 B to 3F.In Fig. 3 B, length along connecting ring 108, the cross section of connecting ring 108 can be partly only circle and (along this part that engages key 150) convex, and the perimeter edge of at least a portion of foundation 155 can be generally " U " shape raceway groove or groove etc., this at least a portion engages snap close 105.In Fig. 3 C, length along connecting ring 108, the cross section of connecting ring 108 can be leg-of-mutton and convex (along this part that engages key 150) at least in part, and the perimeter edge of at least a portion of foundation 155 can be generally " U " shape raceway groove or groove etc., this at least a portion engages snap close 105.

In Fig. 3 D, along the length of connecting ring 108, the cross section of connecting ring 108 can be partly circle with spill, form " U " shape, and the perimeter edge of at least a portion of foundation 155 can be generally circle with convex, this at least a portion engages snap close 105.In Fig. 3 E, the cross section of connecting ring 108 has two circular sides: the circular side of convex, in the part of foundation 155 that does not engage key 150; With the circular side of spill, in the part of foundation 155 that really engages key 150.The perimeter edge of at least a portion of foundation 155 can be generally that convex is triangular shaped, and this at least a portion engages snap close 105.In Fig. 3 F, the cross section of connecting ring 108 in the part of foundation 155 that does not engage key 150, can be convex with circle, and can be that spill is triangular shaped in the part of foundation 155 that really engages key 150, and the perimeter edge of at least a portion of foundation 155 can be generally that convex is triangular shaped, this at least a portion engages snap close 105.

Multiple other structure is possible.No matter use which kind of structure, the connecting ring 108 being only engaged with each other and the part of key 150 need to be shaped by ad hoc fashion.Thereby according to the structure of the foundation 155 of connecting ring 108 and key 150, distance L 1 discussed above, L2 and L3 can be slightly different.

Fig. 4 A to 4D represents the key 150 in each position with respect to lock 100.In particular, Fig. 4 A is illustrated in the key 150 of storage between the notch 112 in snap close 105 and lock 100 main body 110.When key 150 is placed between snap close 105 and notch 112, the length of the key 150 relevant with lock other element of 100, with at snap close 105, can prevent that with together with frictional force between key 150 key 150 from dropping out, and storing keys 150 effectively.Yet, can overcome friction, as shown in Figure 4 B, Fig. 4 B shows to be applied to the power F (being indicated by arrow) on key 150.Fig. 4 C represents the key 150 separated with lock 100.The structure of the foundation 155 of connecting ring 108 and key 150 can promote to remove key 150 from locking 100.For example, in certain embodiments and as described above, when the blade of key 150 157 being placed on to notch 112 in main body 110 when interior, the perimeter edge of the foundation 155 of key 150 can extend upward enough far along the circular arc of the connecting ring 108 of snap close 105, thereby key 150 is fixed on lock 100 releasedly by the frictional force between key 150 and snap close 105.Yet edge can upwards not extend so far along the circular arc of the connecting ring 108 of snap close 105, thus can not overcome friction at given or more than predetermined threshold power F, so that key 150 is removed from its storage construct.

Fig. 4 D represents to be positioned to be placed into the key 150 in the locking mechanism 170 of locking 100.Locking mechanism 170 can comprise several parts.As described above, locking mechanism 170 can comprise pin 171, and this pin 171 optionally engages the second footstalk 107 of snap close 105.Use key 150 can make pin 171 retract and not retract.Locking mechanism 170 can also comprise pin, thin slice, rotating cylinder, thereby and can be arranged in cylindrical chamber 172, key 150 can be placed in this cylindrical chamber 172, and each groove of the blade of key and key bit can with pin, thin slice, rotating cylinder, etc. engage, to allow selling 171, optionally throw off with snap close 105.Usually, can use the locking mechanism 170 of any type, as integral body or modular locking mechanism 170.And locking mechanism 170 may be able to be used master key 150 to open.For example, in luggage lock embodiment, locking mechanism 170 can be opened by government's key 150, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) key of the Ru U.S. or any other area, country or global safety mechanism.In certain embodiments, locking mechanism 170 can be configured to be opened by two or more devices.For example, locking mechanism 170 can be configured to use key 150 to open, and is configured to combination lock (not shown).

Fig. 5 A to 5D represents how can to operate an embodiment of lock 100 described above and key 150.In Fig. 5 A, key 150 is placed in locking mechanism 170 and is rotated, so that the pin 171 of locking mechanism 170 retracts, and the second footstalk 107 of releasable catch 105 from lock 100 main body 110 thus.As described above, the first footstalk 106 can be for good and all, rotationally and telescopically be connected in main body 110.Like this, when the second footstalk 107 discharges from lock 100 main body 110, snap close 105 can be around the first footstalk 106, flexible with respect to main body 110.In Fig. 5 B, represent the second footstalk 107 discharging from main body 110.Then key 150 can take out from locking mechanism 170.Fig. 5 C is illustrated in the key 150 of location in the notch 112 on the first surface 111 of main body 110 and is applied to the power F (being indicated by arrow) on snap close 105.If when the power F of applying reenters the second footstalk 107 of snap close 105 to engage in main body 110 and with the pin 171 of locking mechanism 170, key 150 is suitably aligned in notch 112 and snap close 105, snap close 105 can engage the foundation 155 of key 150, and due to frictional force, key 150 can be stored between the notch 112 in snap close 105 and main body 110.Fig. 5 D is illustrated in the key 150 in the memory location between snap close 105 and the notch in main body 110 112.Selectively, even be fixed on main body 110 when interior when the second footstalk 107 of snap close 105, key 150 also can be positioned in the notch 112 of snap close 105 and main body 110.The blade-section 157 of key 150 can be placed in the notch 112 in main body 110, and can apply power F, to overcome in the foundation 155 of key 150 and the friction between snap close 105, thereby the foundation 155 of key 150 engages with the connecting ring 108 of snap close 105.

Various embodiment and the distortion of structure and method have been discussed here.In suitable occasion, for universal architecture and method characteristic, use general Reference numeral and words.Yet, in order to describe object, for similar or identical structure or method element, sometimes use unique Reference numeral and words.Like this, for similar or identical structure or method element, use general or different Reference numerals or words, do not intend to mean to surmount similitude described herein or difference.

Provide as an example the reference for " front portion ", " middle part ", " rear portion ", " behind ", " top ", " bottom ", " top ", " bottom ", " sidepiece " and any other relative position or direction descriptor, to help reader for the understanding of the specific embodiment of describing.They should not read into is particularly about requirement or the restriction of position of the present invention, orientation or use, unless statement clearly in claims.For example connect, with reference to (, additional, connection, connection, link etc.) and will broadly explain, and can be included in intermediate member between the connection of element and the relative motion between element.Like this, connect with reference to referring to that two elements directly connect and in being fixed to one another relation, unless statement clearly in claims.In some instances, with reference to " end " that there is particular characteristics or be connected with another part, element is described.Person of skill in the art will appreciate that, disclosed embodiment is not limited to such element, and the tie point that these elements surmount they and other part stops immediately.

With reference to specific embodiments of the invention, described according to equipment of the present invention and associated method.Therefore, more than describe as explanation, rather than as restriction.Correspondingly, all such change, variation and the modification of embodiment are intended in the scope of the present invention in being limited by appended claims book.In the method for here directly or indirectly stating, by a kind of possible operation, each step and operation are sequentially described, but person of skill in the art will appreciate that, can rearrange, replace or eliminate these steps and operation, and needn't depart from the scope of disclosed embodiment.

Claims

1. a lock & key assembly, comprising:

Key; With

Lock, described lock comprises:

Main body, has notch, and this notch is configured to receive the first of key;

Snap close, is connected in main body movingly, and is configured to engage the second portion of key; And

Snap close and notch are also configured to first when key and are received in notch and when the second portion of key engages with snap close, releasedly key are fixed to and are locked.

2. lock & key assembly according to claim 1, wherein, the length of key is greater than the first distance between snap close and main body when snap close is positioned in locked configuration, and the length of key is less than the second distance between snap close and notch when snap close is positioned in locked configuration.

3. lock & key assembly according to claim 1, wherein, key, when using snap close and notch to be fixed to lock, is positioned between notch and snap close.

4. lock & key assembly according to claim 1, wherein, the second portion of key comprises foundation.

5. lock & key assembly according to claim 4, wherein, the foundation of key is columniform.

6. lock & key assembly according to claim 4, wherein, at least a portion of the perimeter edge of the foundation of key is convex, and at least a portion of the external surface of snap close is spill.

7. lock & key assembly according to claim 4, wherein, at least a portion of the perimeter edge of the foundation of key is spill, and at least a portion of the external surface of snap close is convex.

8. lock & key assembly according to claim 7, wherein, at least a portion of the perimeter edge of the foundation of key is " U " shape, thereby restriction raceway groove, and the cross section of snap close is round along snap close length at least in part, thereby be configured to engage " U " shape perimeter edge of the foundation of key.

9. according to the lock & key assembly described in any one in claim 4 to 8, wherein, described foundation is plastics at least in part.

10. lock & key assembly according to claim 9, wherein, the foundation of described at least part of plastics is molded on metal outward.

11. lock & key assemblies according to claim 1, wherein, described main body also comprises locking mechanism, this locking mechanism is configured to receive the first of key, and optionally at least a portion of snap close is joined in main body.

12. according to the lock & key assembly described in any one in claim 1-8 and 11, and wherein, the second portion of key is on the distally of the first of key.

13. 1 kinds of methods of manufacturing lock & key assembly, described method comprises:

Form key; And

Form lock, the action of wherein said formation lock comprises and snap close is connected with main body and in main body, forms notch; Wherein, notch is configured to receive the first of key, snap close is shaped as the second portion that engages key, and snap close and notch are configured to first when key and are received in notch and when the second portion of key engages with snap close, releasedly key are fixed to and are locked.

14. methods according to claim 13, wherein, the length of key is greater than the first distance between snap close and main body when snap close is positioned in locked configuration, and the length of key is less than the second distance between snap close and notch when snap close is positioned in locked configuration.

15. methods according to claim 14, wherein, key, when using snap close and notch to be fixed to lock, is positioned between notch and snap close.

16. methods according to claim 14, wherein, the second portion of key comprises foundation.

17. methods according to claim 16, wherein, the foundation of key is columniform.

18. methods according to claim 16, wherein, at least a portion of the perimeter edge of the foundation of key is convex, and at least a portion of the external surface of snap close is spill.

19. methods according to claim 16, wherein, at least a portion of the perimeter edge of the foundation of key is spill, and at least a portion of the external surface of snap close is convex.

20. methods according to claim 19, wherein, at least a portion of the perimeter edge of the foundation of key is " U " shape, thereby restriction raceway groove, and the cross section of snap close is round along snap close length at least in part, thereby be configured to engage " U " shape perimeter edge of the foundation of key.

21. according to claim 16 to the method described in any one in 20, and wherein, described foundation is plastics at least in part.

22. methods according to claim 21, wherein, the foundation of described at least part of plastics is molded on metal outward.

23. according to the method described in any one in claim 13-20, and wherein, main body also comprises locking mechanism, and this locking mechanism is configured to receive the first of key, and optionally at least a portion of snap close is joined in main body.

24. 1 kinds of lock & key assemblies, comprising:

Key; And

Lock, described lock comprises:

Main body, has first surface;

Notch, on the described first surface of main body;

Snap close, extends from the described first surface of main body, and snap close comprises the part of a pair of isolated cardinal principle straight line;

Notch is positioned between the cardinal principle straight line portion of the snap close on first surface, and is configured to receive the first of key; And

Snap close is configured to engage the second portion of key.