GB2322403A

GB2322403A - Drill resistant lock and key combination

Info

Publication number: GB2322403A
Application number: GB9703501A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Martin Mccaffrey
Original assignee: Camlock Systems Ltd
Current assignee: Camlock Systems Ltd
Priority date: 1997-02-20
Filing date: 1997-02-20
Publication date: 1998-08-26
Also published as: GB9703501D0; EP0860566B1; DE69803104T2; EP0860566A1; DE69803104D1

Abstract

A pin lock 5 with axially extending, radially distributed pins (not shown) has a surface 6 with holes to receive mating actuating pins of a key 1, the surface 6 having a central, conical configuration to inhibit purchase of a drill on the surface 6. The key 1 has a pin holder 4 with an end surface which is of corresponding recessed conical configuration 8 to mate with the protruding conical configuration 7 of the lock.

Description

1 LOCK AM F= COMBINATION 2322403 This invention relates to a lock and key

combination and more particularly to the type of lock known as a radial pin tumbler lock or sometimes known as an axial tumbler pin lock.

is With some known types of such locks, the radial pin lock itself has axially- extending holes arranged around a circle to receive mating actuating pins of a key. Such a surface of the lock is generally planar, which permits the possible abuse of the lock by drilling the tumbler out.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a radial pin tumbler lock having a surface with holes to receive mating actuating pins of a key, said surface having a central, non-planar configuration.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lock and key combination, wherein the lock and key have actuating pins which mate with corresponding holes, the holes being in one surface and the pins extending from another surface which mates with said one surface, the two surfaces being on the lock and key, respectively, and the two surfaces having respective central, non-planar mating configurations.

With the pins extending from the key, and the holes being in the lock, the lock can be given a non-planar protruding formation, with the key having a corresponding recessed formation.

The non-planar configurations may each be conical.

For a better understanding of the present invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a key for a radial pin tumbler lock, Figure 2 is a plan view of the key shown in Figure 1, Figure 3 is a diagrammatic sectional view of the key, with its pin holder and a radial pin tumbler lock for the key, the parts being shown separated, and Figure 4 is a view of the components shown in Figure 3 with the key inserted in the lock core.

Referring to the drawings, a key 1 includes a key grip 2 and a circular key pin insert or pin holder 4. The pin holder 4 holds, in use, a plurality of protruding pins (not shown) arranged in a circle around the end surface of the pin holder, the pins being of different lengths and spacings to provide some four and a half million different key combinations with the lock.

The key 1 is designed to be inserted into a plurality of holes (not shown) in a radial pin lock core 5, the holes being arranged in a corresponding circle on an end surface 6 of the tumbler 5.

In order to prevent misuse of an inappropriate key and to inhibit the user of a drill from getting a purchase on the surface 6, the surface 6 is given a central, non-planar configuration. This configuration, as indicated, is ideally a protruding conical configuration 7.

The end surface of the pin holder 4 of the key 1 in given a similar central, non-planar configuration which in this case is of hollow conical form as indicated by the numeral 8. Thus, the key 1 can mate precisely with the lock 5.

CIAIKS:

1. A radial pin tumbler lock having a surface with holes to receive mating actuating pins of a key, said surf ace having a central, non- planar configuration.

2. A lock and key combination wherein the lock and key have actuating pins which mate with corresponding holes, the holes being in one surface and the pins extending from another surface which mates with said one surface, the two surfaces being on the lock and key, respectively, and the two surfaces having respective central, non-planar mating configurations.

3. A lock according to claim 1 or combination according to claim 2, wherein said holes are in said one surface of said lock and said lock has a non-planar protruding formation.

4. A combination according to claim 3, wherein said key has a non-planar recessed formation corresponding to the protruding formation of the lock.

5. A lock according to claim 1 or combination according to claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein the or each configuration is conical.

6. A radial pin lock, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

7. A lock and key combination, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.