GB2362185A

GB2362185A - Pick for axial pin tumbler lock

Info

Publication number: GB2362185A
Application number: GB0011280A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Martin Shaun Mccaffrey
Original assignee: Camlock Systems Ltd
Current assignee: Camlock Systems Ltd
Priority date: 2000-05-11
Filing date: 2000-05-11
Publication date: 2001-11-14
Also published as: GB0011280D0

Abstract

A pick, for an axial pin tumbler lock having a polygonal cross-section post within a central aperture, has a tube 1 dimensioned to fit into the lock aperture to surround the post. The tube has an inner polygonal configuration, e.g. octagonal, to match the lock post and a plurality of axially extending grooves 2 in the outer tube surface. The grooves are aligned with respective pins inside the lock to be picked and each groove slidably receives a pick finger 3 for locating with the pins to open the lock. Tightening keys 5 can be provided to hold the fingers axially in place and the pick can be provided with a knob or handle 4 to turn the lock once it has been picked. Previously known picks with hollow cylindrical tubes are prevented from entering locks with a polygonal core posts.

Description

PICK FOR A RADIAL PIN TUMBLER LOCK This invention relates to a pick for a

radial pin tumbler lock (sometimes known as an axial pintumbler lock).

In particular, the lock pick is intended for use with a radial pin tumbler lock such as that described in EP-A-0 936 330. In such a -lock, a number of axially spring-loaded solid cylindrical pins of differing lengths are radially positioned around a central solid cylindrical core or post inside the lock. In order for the lock to operate, every pin must be axially displaced by a distance related to its length. In normal operation, this would be accomplished by use of a key constructed for specific use in that lock. The lock described in EP-A-0 936 330 uses a substantially axially irregularly shaped or polygonal or multi-faceted central core post which is, for example, in the form of an octagon. The primary reason for such a lock is to prevent the unauthorised duplication of keys. In addition, previously known lock picks cannot be used in such locks.

According to the present invention, there is provided a pick for a radial pin tumbler lock of the type having an upstanding post with a polygonal transverse cross-section located within a central aperture of the lock, the pick including a tube dimensioned to fit in said aperture so as to surround said post, the tube having an inner configuration of polygonal form to match that of said post and at least one axially extending groove in the outer surface of the tube, the or each said groove being radially spaced to align with a respective pin inside the lock to be picked and the or each groove slidably receiving a pick finger for locating with said pin to open the lock.

The inner configuration of the tube may be that of an octagon.

There may be, for example, seven, eight, ten or twelve pick fingers provided in a corresponding number of grooves in the tube.

The or each groove may be of channel cross-section.

The or each finger may have a flat surface facing away from the tube for engaging a respective pin inside the lock.

The or each f inger may be bent at one end so as to facilitate grasping of the finger.

Means may be provided for holding the or each finger in place around the tube to restrict the axial movement of the finger.

The pick may be provided with a knob or handle to turn the lock once it has been picked.

For a better understanding of the 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:- Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a pick for a radial pin tumbler lock, Fig. 2 is a side view of the lock pick shown in Fig. 1, and Fig. 3 is an end view of the pick.

Referring to the drawings, the pick includes a tube 1 having a basic cylindrical outer surface provided with a set of radially-spaced, axially-extending grooves 2 of channel-section.

The tube I has an inner configuration 1A of irregularly shaped or polygonal form to match that of a correspondingly irregularly shaped or polygonal post of a lock to be picked and, in the form illustrated, the configuration is substantially octagonal. There are seven grooves 2, respectively located in seven out of the eight faces of the configuration 1A. Each groove 2 extends the whole length of the tube 1.

Each groove 2 cut into the tube 1 is radially spaced to align with the pins inside the lock to be picked.

Positioned in each groove is a thin section finger 3 which can slide in its groove in an axial direction. The fingers 3 are shaped or bent at their non-contact ends 3A to allow the user to grasp them for ease of use.

In the form illustrated, the fingers 3 are held in place around the tube 1 by means to ensure that only axial movement of the fingers is possible. This can be in the form of a handle or knob 4 that surrounds the tube 1 and has a smooth inner cylindrical surface that captures the fingers 3 within their respective grooves 2.

In order to impart friction between the fingers3 and the tube 1, means such as one or more tightening keys can be provided in order collectively or individually to assist in maintaining the desired axial position of each finger at will. The knob 4 is preferably used to house the tightening keys 5. The knob also assists in handling of the lock pick and in turning the lock once it has been picked.

By inserting the pick into the lock and sliding the fingers 3 axially in and out whilst applying a gentle torque to the knob 4, the correct axial position of the locking pins in the lock may be established and the lock then opened.

With the present form of pick, with the inner configuration of the tube 1 being of polygonal form to match that of the central post in the central aperture of the lock, previously known picks provided with hollow cylindrical tubes are prevented from entering the lock by the polygonal core post of the lock.

Claims

1 a pick for a radial pin tumbler lock of the type having an upstanding post with a polygonal transverse cross-section located within a central aperture of the lock, the pick including a tube dimensioned to fit in said aperture so as to surround said post, the tube having an inner configuration of polygonal form to match that of said post and at least one axially extending groove in the outer surface of the tube, the or each said groove being radially spaced to align with a respective pin inside the lock to be picked and the or each groove slidably receiving a pick finger for locating with said pin to open the lock.

2. A pick according to claim 1, wherein the inner configuration of the tube is that of an octagon.

3. A pick according to claim 1 or 2, wherein there are as many pick fingers provided as there are grooves in the tube.

4. A pick according to claim 1, 2, or 3 wherein the or each groove is of channel-cross section.

5. A pick according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each finger has a flat surface facing away from the tube for engaging a respective pin inside the lock.

6. A pick according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each finger is bent at one end so as to facilitate grasping of the finger.

7. A pick according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein means is provided for holding the or each finger in place around the tube to restrict the axial movement of the finger.

8. A pick according to any one of the preceding claims and being provided with a knob or handle to turn the lock once it has been picked.

9. A pick for a radial pin tumbler lock substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.