GB281399A - An improved lock and indicator for holding and locating keys, tools and other portable articles - Google Patents

Abstract

281,399. Falconer, E. A. Sept. 3, 1926. Key holders for holding keys, tools, or other articles and allowing their release to a borrower on insertion of a key or token left in the device to identify the borrower, as in Specifications 11233/15 and 235,309 have a channelsection guideway e into opposite ends of which the member d hold the key &c. (not shown) and the releasing key or token c are inserted. A pivoted catch f of E-shape has its central limb f<1> projecting across the channel so that the catch can be rocked by endlong movement of the inserted member d or key c, and forked to engage the upper end of a rocking catch member k. Member d has two notches respectively engaged by the lower ends of the catches f, k as shown. When the key c is inserted, the catches are rocked to release the member d, the upper end of the catch f at the same time engaging a single notch in key c which is thereby retained in the device. To prevent accidental &c. movement of the catches, cam plates g are provided normally held in the guideway e by a spring not shown, so that a flange on the cam obstructs the path of the end of catch f, The flange is shaped so that insertion of the key raises plate g out of the channel e and clear of the end of catch f, which is thus free to be rocked by further endlong movement of the key. In a modification, member k is omitted, and member d has only one notch, member d and key c being thus interchangeable. Two or more catches f of different lengths may be provided in each device, requiring correspondingly spaced notches in the key &c.