GB615333A - Improvements relating to combination locks - Google Patents

Abstract

615,333. Stoppers secured by locks. LONG, S. A. Feb. 15, 1946, No. 4834. [Class 125 (iii)] [Also in Group XXV] A permutation lock of the kind having a number of coaxial code tubes or discs whose setting releases the locking member or bolt, comprises separately operable tubes in nested arrangement, a peripheral slot in each of the tubes, and a movable member automatically engageable in the slots on the correct setting of the tubes to connect the tubes for movement as a unit and to operatively connect the tubes with a locking member. Each of the tubes may be a unit bearing fixed indicia, or each may be in two sections, one formed with a slot, with the other bearing indicia, adjustably connected thereto to enable the code to be changed. In the form described, three code discs, 8, 9, 10 Fig. 2, are disposed concentrically about a pin 7 between a domed plate 11, secured to the pin, and a flanged cover 12 fitting over the filler tube 13 of a petrol tank. The code discs have flat parts 14, 15, 16 and conical parts arranged. so that the cap as a whole is of conical form with a rounded top. The flanged cover 12 has a central recess 17, Fig. 4, in which is fitted the outermost of a nest of three tubes 18, 19, 20, secured to the discs 8, 9, 10 respectively by projections 21 engaging in holes in the discs. At the lower end, each tube has a deep slot 26 and a number of smaller slots 27. Under the cover 12 are two dished plates 28, 30, Fig. 2, joined by their flat peripheral portions, the plate 28 having a central aperture 29 which fits over the flange of the recess 17 in the cover 12. The plates are freely rotatable on a sleeve 38 secured to the pin 7 by a nut 36. Mounted on the upper side of the plate 30 and engaged with the sleeve 38 to prevent end movement is a locking bar 39, the outer ends of which extend through slots in the plate 30 and form locking tongues which engage slots in the flange 43 of the tube 13. A locking lever 34, pivoted to a lug 45 on the flange of the recess 17, and offset to clear the sleeve 38, is urged upwardly by a spring 48 located around a stem 46 on the lever, to bear on the lower ends of the tubes 18, 19, 20, a clearance 49 in the recess 17 being provided to allow this. Part of the edge of the central aperture 29 of the plate 28 is downwardly flanged and shaped to form cam ramps 50, Fig. 6, and a cam 51 of greater depth than the ramps. The locking lever 44, Fig. 2, has a blade 53 which is urged by the spring 48 into contact with the lower ends of the tubes 18, 19, 20 to engage in the slots therein. When engaged in slots 27 the blade locks the tubes 18-20, so that code discs and flanged cover 12 rotate together. The lever 44 is carried round when the cover 12 is rotated and can thus be brought into contact with the cam 51 and released from the slots 27 freeing the tubes and discs for separate rotation. Engagement of the blade 53 with the slots 27 holds it clear of the ramps 50, but allows it to engage the cam 51 and so clear the lower ends of the tubes 18-20 as it is rotated. After lever 44 has been located on the cam 51, the discs 8-10 are rotated to bring the selected letters in line with index marks on the cover plate 11 and the flanged cover 12, bringing the slots 26 in the tubes into line.