US2301755A

US2301755A - Lock

Info

Publication number: US2301755A
Application number: US342003A
Authority: US
Inventors: Otto E Seiffert
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1940-06-24
Filing date: 1940-06-24
Publication date: 1942-11-10
Anticipated expiration: 1959-11-10

Description

Nov. 10, 1942. o. E. sElFFER-r 2,301,755

LOCK

Filed June 24, 1940 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 1 Nov. l0, 1942. o, E, sEn-FER-r `2,301,755l

LOCK

Filed June 24, 1940 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENT OR.

E gifsea Patented Nov. 10, 1942 l UNITED STATES iAlElirl'l FFICE 17 Claims.

stantially pick proof, that is, which is much more diicult to pick than present day cylinder locks.

'I'his invention contemplates characterizing the lock by the fact that it includes a plurality of coaxial disc .shaped tumblers loosely turnably supported and having central apertures with oifset cutouts for a combination key, and also having large peripheral combination cutouts for a master projection of an operator for opening the lock. It is proposed to use a movable operator for opening the lock in conjunction with the said disc shaped tumblers, and it is proposed that the moveable operator have a master projection which normally rests against the edges of the tumblers and in a certain turned neutral position of the tumblers is movable into said pe- Y ripheral combination cutouts, whereby the tumblers may then be turned to move the operator for opening the lock.

An important advantage inherent in the construction recited above resides in the fact that the tumblers, in order to be placed into their neutral positions in which `the lock may be opened must necessarily `be moved in a multitude of different directions in the `planes of the tumblers. tumblers merely by moving them in :a linear direction. It is necessary that they be turned. This motion is a two direction motion.

Moreover, it is proposed that the disc shaped tumblers be loosely turnably supported. also proposed that there be a means which prevents the tumblers from turning unless they are centrally supported. This makes a picking operation quite diliicult since it is necessary that the tumblers be truely 'axially supported, in ad- 40 dition to vbeing tur-ned. If a pick is used which moves any of the tumblers slightly laterally they cannot be turned.

Furthermore, the invention proposes to construct the peripheral -combination cutouts on the 45 disc shaped tumblers of a much larger size than the master projection of the operator. Moreover, it is proposed that blockades be arranged to prevent the operator from moving to open the lock unless it is in a neutral position in proper 50 It is not possible to properly set the It is (Cl. 'iii-355) In addition to the important dominating features already pointed out, the invention contemplates numerous minor features. For example, certain specific blockades of the nature previously mentioned are proposed. Moreover it is proposed to loosely turnably mount the disc shaped tumblers in a certain fashion. A novel construction of the operator is also contemplated.

The invention also proposes a novel construction of key for operating the combination lock. It is proposed to characterize the key by the fact that it is built up from a plurality of discs mounted on a core and that certain of the discs have small peripheral projections which comprises the combination of the key.

It is proposed to so construct the key and the lock that the entire device may be produced from stampings, and possibly, a forging.

The invention also proposes to so arrange the combination lock that it may be applied to a door lock, a safe lock, an automobile lock, 'a padlock, and other types of locks. When applied to a padlock a certain construction of the operator is proposed which is somewhat different from the construction of the operator of a door or rsafe lock. The chief difference is that in the door land safe locks an arrangement is provided whereby the lock may easily be opened from the inside.

The invention also contemplates a novel arrangement for calculating and constructing the various combinations. It is proposed that the code be in letters, and it is proposed that the combinations be built up with uneven numbers and uneven ydivisions land fractions of a degree so as to confound pickers.

For further comprehension, of the invention, and of the objects and advantages thereof, reference will be had to the following description and accompanyingdrawings, and to the appended claims in which the various novel features of the invention are more particularly set forth.

In the accompanying drawings forming a material part of this disclosure:

Fig. l is a side elevational view of a key operated lock constructed in accordance with this invention, illustrated with the front wall plate removed.

Fig. 2 is 'an enlarged vertical sectional view taken on the line 2 2 of Fig. l.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional View taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. l but illustrated with certain parts removed so as to disclose the details of other of the parts.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view drawn on a reduced seele of one of the spacer springs used in the lock.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view drawn on the same scale as Fig. 2 showing one of the disc shaped tumblers of the lock.

Fig. 6 is a side elevational View of the the lock.

Fig. 7 is an end elevational View of looking from the bottom end.

Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram oi one of the disc shaped tumblers of the lock drawn on a reduced scale and showing the code system for the construction of a combination.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary enlarged detailed view of a portion of Fig. 1 to clearly disclose certain details of the lock.

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary view similar to Fig. 9 but showing the parts in a different position.

Fig. 11 is a view similar to Fig. 10 but showing the parts in diierent positions.

Fig. l2 is a view similar to Fig. 11 but showing the parts in different positions.

Fig. 13 is a View similar to Fig. 12 but showing the parts in different positions.

Fig. 14 is a vertical sectional view of a padlock constructed according to this invention.

Fig. 15 is a vertical sectional View taken on the line |5--l5 of Fig. 14.

Fig. 16 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line IB-Iii of Fig. 14.

The key operated lock, in accordance with one form of this invention, includes a body 2i! from which a bolt 2l extends. The body 26 may be of any design or construction, but preferably it is formed from stamped sheet metal. It is composed of two parts. There is the main body portion 20a having a plurality of projecting lugs 22, and a iront wall plate section ZQb formed with openings 23 through which the lugs 22 pass. The lugs are bent down to secure the parts of the body together. The body 2i! is provided with anges 24 by which it may be mounted in key of Fig. 6

the edge portion of a door or other place. One end of the body is open. 'Ihrough this open end the bolt 2! projects. The bolt 2| has a projecting bevel edge portion 2|a and a base arm portion 2lb which slidably engages along one side of the body portion 22a.

A plurality of coaxially disc shaped

tumblers

25a, 25D, 25o, 25d and 25e are loosely turnably supported within the body 2G. More specifically, these tumblers are supported within a substantially cylindrical shaped casing 2% which is mounted in the body 2li. formed from a strip of material bent into cylindrical shape. Prongs 21 project from the edge portions of the casing 26 and are adapted to engage through the side walls of the body 2B to xedly mount the casing 26 within the body, and furthermore to comprise additional means for holding the front wall plate 2Gb in position.

A pair of spacer springs 28 is disposed between each adjacent pair of the disc shaped tumblers. These springs 28 are stamped from spring sheet material. Fig. 4 disclosed a detail of one of these springs. Each spring 28 is substantially of triangular shape but having blunt apexes so that they may be stamped out from spring sheet material in close proximity to each other. The springs 28 are of a size so that their blunt apexes substantially engage the inner wall of the'casing 26. Two of the blunt apexes of the springs 28 are formed with small projections 29. These projections engage into small recessed The casing 26 isv portions 26a formed in the side wall of the casing 26. of the casing 26. The arrangement is such that the springs 28 may move axially or the casing 26. However, they are restrained from turning. rihe edge portions 28a of each pair or" springs 2B are bent towards each other so that the central portions belly outwards and force the disc shaped tumblers into substantially equally spaced distances from each other, as clearly shown in Fig. 2.

The springs 23 frictionally engage the disc shaped tumblers to hold them against free turning. However the tumblers may be turned against the frictional restraint of the springs 28. A blockade system is provided for making it diiiicult to turn the tumblers. This blockade system includes a plurality of ratchet notches 30 formed at irregular distances on the peripheries of the disc shaped tumblers and adapted to coact with irregularly spaced ratchet teeth 3l projecting inwards from the wall of the casing 26. The ratchet teeth 3l and ratchet notches 3l) prevent the disc shaped tumblers from being freely turned in one direction, particularly if the disc shaped tumblers are not properly centered in the casing 25. If a proper key or other centering means is provided, the disc shaped tumblers may be freely turned in either direction.

The disc shaped tumblers 25a, 25b, etc., have central apertures 33 with offset cutouts 34 for engagement by a combination key. The offset cutouts 34 have rounded corners 36a, so that a picking tool will readily slip off the offset cutouts if an attempt is made to turn the tumblers. The disc shaped tumblers are also provided with large peripheral combination cutouts 35 for a master projection of an operator for opening the bolt 2| of the lock. These peripheral cutouts 35 are arranged at various angular distances with relation to the oiiset cutouts 351, depending on the combination of the lock. The disc shaped tumblers also are provided with toothed cutouts 35 for a toothed projection from the operator previously mentioned. The disc shaped tumblers are also provided with edge areas il immediately adjacent the peripheral cutouts 35 capable of jamming with a certain cam projection on the operator as hereinbefore more fully described.

An operator is used in conjunction with the tumblers 25a, 2'5b, etc. In the particular form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 1-5, the operator comprises a bar 38 which is slidably mounted on the base arm portion 2lb of the bolt 2l. The operator 38 is urged towards the right by a spring 39 which is mounted in the body 2i). The bolt 2l is urged towards the left by a spring 40 also mounted in the body Z. The spring 39 is very weak so as to be incapable of moving the operator 33 against the frictional resistance of the springs 28 as hereinafter more fully explained. The operator 38 has an end portion 32a engageable against the shoulder 2 lbb of the base arm portion 2lb for moving the bolt 2l. The casing 2S has a laterally projecting portion 2Gb engaging against the top portion of the shoulder Zibb to form a guide for the base arm portion 2| b when the bolt 2l is extended. When the bolt 2| is retracted the edge portions of the head of the bolt are of a sufficiently large area to slidably support the bolt within the body 2i! without lateral shifting. A lug d! is formed on the inner end of the base arm portion 2lb and strikes the lateral projection Elib of the Casing 26 to limit extension of the bolt 2|.

The recessed portions 25a extend axially The operator 38 has a master projection 42 which normally rests against the edges of all of the disc shaped tumblers 25a, 25h, etc., as illustrated in Fig. 9. The base arm portion 2lb and the operator 38 are as wide as the interior of the body 28. The master` projection 42 also extends completely across the interior. width of the body 28. In certain turned positions of the disc shaped tumblers 25a, 25h, etc., the master projection 42 is capable of entering the peripheral combination cutouts 35 as will be hereinafter more fully explained. Then the operator 38 is capable of assuming a certain neutral position. When it reaches this position it is possible to turn the disc shaped tumblers 25a, 25h, etc., to open the lock. However, even though the master projection 42 enters all of the peripheral combination cutouts 35 it necessarily does not assume its neutral position. The cutouts 35 are much larger than the size of the master projection 42. For this reason the master projection 42 may be slightly to one side, or slightly to the other side of its true neutral position. When in this position the lock cannot be opened as will be apparent as this specification proceeds.

The master projection 42 is formed with a plurality of catch notches 44 which will be in the path of the edge portions of the peripheral combination cutouts 35 and jam therewith when the

tumblers

25a, 25e, etc., are in certain positions slightly off their true neutral positions. One of these off positions is illustrated in Fig. 1o. The operator sa has a @am projection 45 extending its full width except for a cutout 45a at one area through which one of the disc shaped tumblers may engage. This cam projection 45 will be in the path of the edge portions 31 of the tumblers 25a, 25h, etc., and jam therewith when the tumblers are in other positions slightly oil' of their true neutral positions, and hence the operator 38 will be slightly off of its true neutral position.

The operator 38 is also provided with a. toothed projection 41 which extends the entire width of the operator. The toothed projection 41 is to one side of the master projection 42. 'I'he cam projection 45 is to the other side of the master projection 42. The toothed projection 41 is adapted to engage into toothed cutouts 38 formed on the peripheries of the tumblers 25a, 25b, etc., when the lock is in its open position. The tooth 41 and toothed cutouts 38 are for the purpose of assisting in moving the operator 38 to its closed position to relock the lock, as will hereinafter be more fully explained.

The lock may be opened from the inside. For this purpose there is a handle 58 which has a stem 5| extending through a slot 52 formed in one wall of the body 28. This stem 52 engages into the base arm portion 2lb. The handle I58 may be gripped and pulled towards the right (with specific relation to Fig. 1). This retracts the bolt 2| irrespective of the position of the operator 38.

A certain type of key is necessary to open this key operated lock. The key is illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7. It comprises a handle 54 from which a non-circular core 55 projects. A plurality of discs 56a, 56h, 56c, 56d, etc., are formed with central openings so that the discs xedly engage on the non-circular core 55, that is, nonrotative. Certain of the discs have radial projections 51 forming the combination of the key. The outer end 55a of the core is riveted to xedly hold the discs in position. The projections 57 lock.

appear only on each second disc. The alternate discs are blanks. The projections 51 preferably are arranged at progressive angular distances from each other, producing a right hand spiral.

The projections 51 are adapted to extend into the offset cutouts 34 of the disc shaped tumblers. However, it should be noted that the cutouts 34 are much wider than the widths of the projections 51. The purpose of this is to reduce resistance to the insertion of the key into the Moreover, the larger the offset cutouts 34 are, the more diflicult it will be to pick the lock, with picking tools. The key is capable of rotatively supporting the tumblers 25a, 25h, etc., so that the ratchet teeth 3| do not engage with the ratchet notches 38.

Fig. 8 schematically illustrates a system for coding locks in accordance with this invention. One of the disc shaped tumblers is illustrated, speciiically, the tumbler 25a. It is proposed that a layout be produced having a plurality of radial linesv indicated by the letters a, b, d, etc., as illustrated in Fig. 8. These radial lines are at various irregular angular distances from each other. For example, the angle between the radial lines u and h may be 35MB. A code of letters for a particular combination may be worked out. It is intended that the code be used to locate the oilset cutouts 34 in'relation to the large peripheral cutouts 35. In this way tumblers of a particular combination may be produced and a key to fit the particular lock. The dot and dash lines 54 in Fig. 8 schematically indicate the handle of the key which must be located in a predetermined direction. For example, in the vertical, extending upwards.

The operation of the lock and its structural details may be better understood from the following description. Assume the lock to be closed, that is, in the position illustrated in Figs. 1 and 9. In this position the operator 38 is to the left of the tumblers 25a, 25h, etc. The weak spring 39 is pushing the operator 38 towards the right engaging the master projection 42 against the edges of the tumblers 25a, 2517, etc.

The lock may be opened by inserting the key into it. The key is gripped by the handle 54 and the outer extremity of the key is engaged through the outer wall of the body 28. The body 28 has an opening 28e into which the tip of the key may engage. The key is moved inwards un til the projection 51 from the outermost disc of the key strikes the outer face of the first tumbler 25a. The key is then turned until the projection 51 reaches the oilset cutout 34 of the first tumbler 25a. The projection 51 now passes through the cutout 34. The key may be inserted a small distance further until the outermost projection 51 and the next t0 the outermost projection 51 of the key engage the outer faces of the first and second tumblers 25a. and 25h. The key is now pressed slightly inwards so as to slightly ex the spacer springs 28, and the key is now turned until the two projections 51 pick up the two cutouts 34 of the two tumblers 25a and 25h. Then the key may be inserted still further into the lock. In this Way the key is worked into the lock until it is fully in position.

It will be readily understood that if the projections 51 are arranged in a right hand spiral the key may easily be properly positioned into the lock by turning it continuously clockwise as it is being fed into the lock. When the key is completely engaged into the lock, all of the tumblers, 25a, 25o, etc., will be axially supported and hence the ratchet teeth 3| cannot engage any of the ratchet notches 30. The key may now be turned so that the projections '5l of the key simultaneously engage the leading edges of the oiset cutouts 34 and simultaneously turn the f tumblers 25a, 25h, etc., to a position in which the handle 54 of the key is directed upwards vertically. In this position of the key and tumblers, the spring 39 is free to move the operator 38 to its neutral position. The spring 39 will now move the operator 38 into this position. The parts are now in the position illustrated in Fig. 12. The key may now be turned for rotating all of the tumblers simultaneously and the tumblers in turn will engage the left side of central projection 42 of the operator 38 which is then moved and indirectly moves the bolt 2 I The projection 42 now moves across the tumblers 25a, 2519, etc., t0 the right hand sides of the tumblers. The lock may be held in its open position by now disturbing the combination merely by turning the key and tumblers and withdrawing the key. To lock the lock it is necessary that the key be re-engaged into the lock as previously described, and that the tumblers be properly aligned by properly positioning the key, and then the key may be again turned for turning the tumblers and locking the lock.

The pick proof nature of the lock may best be understood by considering the operation of one attempting to pick the lock. The rst problem of the picker is to turn the tumblers against the blockades of the ratchet teeth 3| and the ratchet notches 3i). To do this each tumbler must be supported by at least two points on diametrically opposite sides of its central opening 33. It must be supported centrally to make turning possible. If the picker is successful in doing this he may turn the tumblers. Assume that the tumblers are turned from the position shown in Fig. 9 to the position shown in Fig. 10. The picker has now succeeded in turning the tumblers 25a, 25h, etc., to positions in which the central projection 42 has entered the peripheral cutouts 35 of the tnmblers. However, his troubles are not over yet because it is now necessary that the tumblers be properly positioned to permit the operator 38 to assumeits truely neutral position.

In Fig. l0, the operator 38 has notas yet assumed its truely neutral position, because one or more of the tumblers are still holding it oi. The spring 39 is so weak that it cannot push the operator 33 against the holding action of the tumblers. Instead, the frictional resistance of the springs 23 hold the tumblers xedly, and it is necessary for the tumblers to be turned before the operator 3B may move. In Fig. l0 the operator 38 happens to be in position slightly to the left of its true neutral position. If any attempt is now made to turn the tumblers it will be found that one of the edges of the cutouts 35 of the turnblers will engage the catch notches 44 of the central projection 42 and the operator 33 becomes jammed.

Fig. l1 shows another position of the tumblers in which the operator 3B is too far to the right of its true neutral position. In this position the cam projection 55 is engaging one or more of the edge areas 3l of the tumblers and an attempt to turn the tumbiers to open the lock will cause the cam projection 45 to become wedged in between the operator 3S and the tumblers, foiling the picker.

Fig. 12 shows the correct neutral position for Vall of the tumblers and for the operator 33. In

Adirectly over the cutout 45a (see Fig. 3) of the cam projection 45. The main portions of the cam projection 5 is to the left of the edge portions 31, in Fig. l2 so that the cam projection '35 will not function to jamV the operator 33 when an attempt is made to turn the'tumblers to open the lock. Moreover, the edges 35h of the peripheral cutouts 35i are in a position to miss the catch notches 44. The edges 35h will strike the left hand side of the master projection 42. Now the tumblers may beturned and the operator 33 will be moved to open the lock.

The key will place the parts in the position shown in Fig. l2 very easily for opening lock. It is merely necessary to insert the key and properly position the key. However, a picker attempting to open the lock will have a tremendous job getting the parts into the position shown in Fig. l2.

In Figs. lli-'i6 inclusive the combination lock, in accordance with this invention, has been applied to a padlock. The padlock includes a body te from which a bolt Si extends. This bolt has an inner operator end portion t2. A plurality of coaxial disc shaped

tumblers

25a, 25D, 25C, 25d and 25e are loosely turnably supported within the body E3. These tumblers have central apertures 33 with oiset cutouts 34 for a combination key. These tumblers are also provided with large peripheral combination cutouts 35 for a master projection l2 of the operator 62. The disc shaped turnblersV are also provided with toothed cutouts Ll'for a tooth projection 41 on the operator 52. The operator 62 is also provided with a cam projection 45 adapted to jam in conjunction with certain edge portions of the disc shaped tumblers,

The movable operator 32 comprises merely the inner end portion of the bolt iii. This inner end portion is forged so as to have a pair of passages S4 in which expansion springs 39 are housed. These expansion springs urge the operator 62 towards its neutral position.

The disc shaped' tumblers are separated by pairs of spacer springs 28. The disc shaped tum'blei's are loosely turnably supported within the body E by the side wall portions of the body and by transverse rods 35 riveted through the front and back walls of the body. These rods 65 also serve to support the spacer springs 23. The spacer springs 28 are substantially of triangular form and at certain of their apeXes are formed with cutouts 33 through which the rods 65 pass. The rods are of ratchet tooth construction to coact with ratchet notches 3B formed on the peripheries of the disc shaped tumblers. The body 6U is also provided with certain ratchet tooth projections 3l which also coact with the ratchet notches 36 to limit turning of the disc shaped tumblers in one direction except when they are axially aligned.

In other respects this form of the invention is similar to the previous form and like parts are identied by like reference numerals. It is believed that the operation is substantially identical to theprior form. The only essential difference resides in the fact that, in Figs. 14-16, the operator t2 is integral with the bolt 6 I, while in the prior form the operator comprises a part separate of the bolt. For this reason in the prior form of theinvention the bolt may be opened from the inside of the door without disturbing the operator. With the padlock construction this is not possible,

While I have illustrated and described the preferred embodiments of my invention, it is to be understood that I do not limit myself to the precise constructions herein disclosed and the right is reserved to all changes and modifications coming within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by United States Letters Patent is:

1. In a lock, a plurality of coaxial disc shaped tumblers loosely turnably supported and having central apertures with oiset large cutouts for a combination key having small projections to engage the ends of said Gif-set cutouts and also having large peripheral combination cutouts for a master projection of an operator for opening said lock, and a movable operator for opening said lock and having a master projection normally resting against the edges of said tumblers and in certain turned neutral positions of said tumblers being movable into said peripheral combination cutouts, whereby the tumblers may then be turned to move said operator for opening said lock.

2. In a lock, a plurality or" coaxial disc shaped tumblers loosely turnably supported and having central apertures with offset large cutouts for a combination key having small projections to engage the ends oi said offset cutouts and also having large peripheral combination cutouts for a master projection of an operator for opening said lock, a movable operator for opening said lock and having a master projection normally resting against the edges of said tumblers and in certain turned neutral positions of said tumblers being movable into said peripheral combination cutouts, whereby the tumblers may then be turned to move said operator for opening said lock, and means for preventing turning of said disc shaped tumblers in one direction when the tumblers are laterally displaced.

3. In a lock, a plurality of coaxial disc shaped tumblers loosely turnably supported and having central apertures with offset large cutouts for a combination key havingy small projections to engage the ends of said offset cutouts and also having large peripheral combination cutouts for a master projection of an operator for opening said lock, a movable operator for opening said lock and having a master projection normally resting against the edges of said tumblers and in certain turned neutral positions of said tumblers being movable into said peripheral combination cutouts, whereby the tumblers may then be turned to move said operator for opening said lock, and means for preventing turning of said disc shaped tumblers in one direction when the tumblers are laterally displaced, comprising stationary ratchet teeth engageable with ratchet notches formed in the peripheries of the tumblers.

4. In a lock, a plurality of coaxial disc shaped tumblers lloosely turnably supported and having central apertures with oiset large cutouts for a combination key having small projections to engage the ends of said offset cutouts and also having large peripheral combination cutouts for a master projection of an operator for opening said lock, and a movable operator for opening said lock and having a master projection normally resting againstI the edges of said tumblers and in certain turnedneutral positions of said tumblers being movable into said peripheral combination cutouts, whereby the tumblers may then be turned to move said operator for opening said lock, said tumblers being coaxially stacked in a substantially cylindrical casing, and ratchet teeth projecting from said casing and en'- gageable with ratchet notches formed inthe peripheries of said tumblers when the tumblers are out of center in the casing,

5. In av lock, a plurality of coaxial disc shaped tumblers loosely turnably supported andl having central apertures with offset largev cutouts for a combination key having small projectionslv to engage the ends of said offset cutouts andi also having large peripheral combination cutouts for' a master projection of an operator for opening said lock, and a movable operator for opening said lock and having a master projection normally resting -against the edges of said tumblers and in certain turned neutral positionsv of said tumblers being movable into said peripheral combination cutouts, whereby the tumblers may then be turned to move said operator for opening said lock, said tumblers being coaxially stacked in a; substantially cylindrical casing, and ratchet teeth projecting from said casing and engageable with ratchet notches formed in the peripheries oi said tumblers when the tumblers are out of center in the casing, and resilient means interposed between adjacent faces of said tumblers to resiliently hold the tumblers in spaced positions.

6. In a lock, a plurality of coaxial disc shaped tumblers loosely turnably supported and having central apertures with offset large cutouts for a combination key having small projections to engage the ends of said offset cutouts and also having largey peripheral combination cutouts for a master projection of an operator for opening said lock, and a movable operator for opening said lock and having a master projection normally resting against the edges of said tumblers and in certain turned neutral positions of said tumblers being movable into said peripheral combination cutouts, whereby the tumblers may then be turned to move said operator for opening said lock, said tumblers being coaXially stacked in a substantially cylindrical casing, and ratchet teeth projecting from said casing and engageable with ratchet notches formed in the peripheries of said tumblers when the tumblers' are out of center in the casing, and resilient means interposed between adjacent faces of said tumblers to resiliently hold the tumblers in spaced positions, said resilient means comprising pairs of spacer springs.

7. In a lock, a plurality of coaxial disc shaped tumblersv loosely turnably supported and having central apertures with oiset large cutouts for a combination key having small projections to engage the ends of said oiiset cutouts and also having large peripheral combination cutouts for a master projection of an operator for opening said lock, and a movable operator for opening said lock and having a master projection normally resting against the edges of said` tumblers and in certain turned neutral positions of said tumblers being movable into said peripheral combination cutouts, whereby the tumblers may then be turned to move'said operator for opening said lock, said tumblers being coaxially stacked in a substantially cylindrical casing, and ratchet teeth projecting from said casing and engageable with ratchet notches formed in the peripheries of said tumblers when the tumblers are out of center in the casing, and resilient meansA interposed between adjacent faces of said tumblers to resiliently hold the tumblers in spaced positions, said resilient means comprising pairs of spacer springs, and means acting between said springs and casing for holding the springs against turning.

8. In a lock, a plurality of coaxial disc shaped tumblers loosely turnably supported and having central apertures with offset large cutouts for a combination key having small projections to engage the ends of said oiset cutouts and also having large peripheral combination cutouts for a master projection of an operator for opening said lock, and a movable operator for opening said lock and having a master projection normally resting against the edges of said tumblers and in certain turned neutral positions of said tumblers being movable into said peripheral combination cutouts, whereby the tumblers may then be turned to move said operator for opening said lock, and blockade means associated with said operator and tumblers for preventing turning of the tumblers if the tumblers and operator are slightly out of their true neutral positions.

9. In a lock, a plurality of coaxial disc shaped tumblers loosely turnably supported and having central apertures with offset large cutouts for a combination key having small projections to engage the ends of said oiiset cutouts and also having large peripheral combination cutouts for a master projection of an operator for opening said lock, and a movable operator for opening said lock and having a master projection normally resting against the edges of said tumblers and in certain turned neutral positions of said tumblers being movable into said peripheral combination cutouts, whereby the tumblers may then be'turned to move said operator for opening said lock, and blockade means associated with said central apertures with offset large cutouts for a combination key having small projections to engage the ends of said offset ctuouts and also having large peripheral combination cutouts for a master projection of an operator for opening said lock, and a movable operator for opening said lock and having a master projection normally resting against the edges of said tumblers and in certain turned neutral positions of said tumblers being movable into said peripheral combination cutouts, whereby the tumblers may then be turned to move said operator for opening said lock, and blockade means associated With said operator and tumblers for preventing turning of the tumblers if the tumblers and operator are slightly out of their true neutral positions, said blockade means including a cam projection adapted to Wedge together the operator and the tumbler discs against motion in the event that relative movement of these parts starts when these parts are out of their true neutral positions.

1l. In a lock, a plurality of coaxial disc shaped tumblers loosely turnably supported and having central apertures with offset large cutouts for a combination key having small projections to engage the ends of said oset cutouts and also,

Cil

having large peripheral combination cutouts for a master projection of an operator for opening said lock, and a movable operator for opening said lock and having a master projection normally resting against the edges of said tumblers and in certain turned neutral positions of said tumblers being movable into said peripheral combination cutouts, whereby the tumblers may then be turned to move said operator for opening said lock, said combination cutouts being worked out from a letter code system in which uneven numbers and divisions in fractions of degrees are used to confuse pickers.

12. In a lock having a body and having a bolt extended from said body, a plurality of coaxial disc shaped tumblers loosely turnably supported within said body and having central apertures with oliset cutouts for a combination key and also having large peripheral combination cutouts for a master projection of an operator for opening said bolt and also having tooth cutouts for a tooth projection from said operator and also having edge areas capable of jamming with a cam projection of said operator, a movable operator for opening said bolt and having a master projection normally resting against the edges of said tumblers and in certain turned positions of said tumblers approximating neutral positions of the tumblers being movable into said peripheral combination cutouts to a neutral position, said master projection having catch notches which will be in the path of the edge portions of said peripheral combination cutouts and jam therewith when the tumblers are in certain positions slightly oii of their true neutral positions, said operator having a cam projection which will be in the path of said edge areas of the tumblers and jam therewith when the tumblers are in other positions slightly ofi of their true neutral positions, said operator having a tooth projection engaging in the tooth cutouts of said tumblers in the opened position of said bolt to assist in moving the operator to its closed position to relock the bolt, means for resiliently holding said tumblers in sep-arated positions and also frictionally non-rotative, and Weak resilient means for urging said operator to its neutral position and being incapable of moving sai-cl tumblers against said i'rictional holding means.

13. In a lock having a body and having a bolt extended from said body, a plurality of coaxial disc shaped tumblers loosely turnably supported within said body and having central apertures with offset cutouts for a combination key and f also having large peripheral combination cutouts for a master projection of an operator for opening said bolt and also having tooth cutouts for a tooth projection from said operator and also having edge areas capable of jamming with a cam projection of said operator, a movable operator for opening said bolt and having a master projection normally resting against the edges of said tumblers and in certain turned positions of said tumblers approximating neutral positions of the tumblers being movable into said peripheral combination cutouts to a neutral position, said master projection have catch notches which will be in the path of the edge portions of said peripheral combination cutouts and jam therewith when the tumblers are in certain positions slightly off of their true neutral positions, said operator having a cam projection which Will be in the path of said edge areas of the tumblers and jam therewith when the tumblers are in other positions slightly off of their true neutral.

positions, said operator having a tooth projection engaging in the tooth cutouts of said tumblers in the opened `position of said bolt to assist in moving the operator to its closed positionto lrelockA the bolt, means for resiliently holding said tumblers in separated positions and also frictionally non-rotative, and weak resilient means for urging said operator to its neutralposition and being incapable of moving said tumblers against said frictional holding means, said operator and bolt being integral.

14. In a lock having a body and having a bolt extended from said body, a plurality of coaxial disc shaped tumblers loosely turnably supported within said body and having central apertures with oiset cutouts for a combination key and also having large peripheral combination cutouts-for a master projection of an operator for opening said bolt and also having tooth cutouts for a tooth projection from said operator and also having edge areas capable of jamming with a cam projection of said operator, a movable operator for opening said bolt and having a master projection normally resting against the edges of said tumblers and in certain turned positions of said tumblers approximating neutral positions of the tumblers being movable into said peripheral combination cutouts to a neutral position, said master projection have catch notches which will be in the path of the edge portions of said peripheral combination cutouts and jam therewith when the tumblers are in certain positions slightly oi of their true neutral positions, said operator having a cam projection which will be in the path of said edge areas of the tumblers and jam therewith when the tumblers are in other positions slightly off of their true neutral positions, said operator having a tooth projection engaging in the tooth cutouts of said tumblers in the opened position of said bolt to assist in moving the operator to its closed position to relock the bolt, means for resiliently holding said tumblers in separated positions and also frictionally non-rotative, and weak resilient means for urging said operator to its neutral position and being incapable of moving said tumblers against said frictional holding means, said operator being slidably mounted on an inner arm portion of said bolt and cooperative with a shoulder on said arm for moving the bolt to open the lock.

l5. In a lock having a body and having a bolt extended from said body, a plurality of coaxial disc shaped tumblers loosely turnably supported within said body and having central apertures with offset cutouts for a combination key and also having large peripheral combination cutouts for a master projection of an operator for opening said bolt and also having tooth cutouts for a tooth projection from said operator and also having edge areas capable of jamming with a cam projection of said operator, a movable operator for opening said bolt and having a master projection normally resting against the edges of said tumblers and in certain turned positions of said tumblers approximating neutral positions of the tumblers being movable into said peripheral combination cutouts to a neutral position, said master projection have catch notches which will be in the path of the edge portions of said peripheral combination cutouts and jam therewith when the tumblers are in certain positions slightly off of their true neutral positions, said operator having a cam projection which will be in the path of said edge areas of the tumblers and jam therewith when the tumblers are in other positions slightly off of their true neutral positions, said operator having a toothprojection engaging in the tooth cutouts of said tumblers in the opened position of said bolt to assist in moving the operator to its closed position to relock the bolt, Ameans for resiliently holding said tumblers in separated positions and also frictionally nonrotative, and weak resilient means for urging said operator to its neutral position and being incapable of moving said tumblers against said frictional holding means, said tumblers being loosely turnably supported within said body by being disposed within a substantially cylindrical casing, and said means for resiliently holding the tumblers comprising spacer springs Within said casing and disposed between adjacent faces of the tumblers.

16. In a lock hav'mg a body and having a bolt extended from said body, a rplurality of coaxial disc shaped tumblers loosely turnably supported Within said body and having central apertures with offset cutouts for a combination key and also having large peripheral combination cutouts for a master projection of an operator for opening said bolt and also having tooth cutouts for a tooth projection from said operator and also having edge areas capable of jamming with a cam projection of said operator, a movable operator for opening said bolt and having a master projection normally resting against the edges of said tumblers and in certain turned positions of said tumblers approximating neutral positions of the tumblers being movable into said peripheral combination cutouts to a neutral position, said master projection have catch notches which Will be in the path of the edge portions of said peripheral combination cutouts and jam therewith when the tumblers are in certain positions slightly off of their true neutral positions, said operator having a cam projection which will be in the path of said edge areas of the tumblers and jam therewith When the tumblers are in other positions slightly off of their true neutral positions, said operator having a tooth projection engaging in the tooth cutouts of said tumblers in the opened position of said bolt to assist in moving the operator to its closed position to relock the bolt, means for resiliently holding said tumblers in separated positions and also fricvtionally non-rotative, and weak resilient means for urging said operator to its neutral position and being incapable of moving said tumblers against said frictional holding means, said tumblers being loosely turnably supported within said body by being disposed Within a substantially cylindrical casing, and said means for resiliently holding the tumblers comprising spacer springs within said casing and disposed between adjacent faces of the tumblers, and ratchet teeth projecting from said casing and engageable with ratchet notches formed in the peripheries of said tumblers when said tumblers are slightly off from true axial positions within said casing.

17. In a lock having a body and having a bolt extended from said body, a plurality of coaxial disc shaped tumblers loosely turnably supported Within said body and having central apertures with offset cutouts for a combination key and also having large peripheral combination cutouts for a master projection of an operator for opening said bolt and also having tooth cutouts for a tooth projection from said operator and also having edge areas capable of jamming with a cam projection of said operator, a movable operator for opening said bolt and having a master projection normally resting against the edges of said tumblers and in certain turned positions of said tumblers approximating neutral positions of the tumblers being movable into said peripheral corribination cutouts to a neutral position, said master projection have catch notches which will be in the path of the edge portions of said peripheral combination cutouts and jam therewith when the tumblers are in certain positions slightly ofi of their true neutral positions, said operator having a cam projection which will be in the path of said edge areas of the tumblers and jam therewith When the tumblers are in other positions slightly off of their true neutral positions, said operator having a tooth projection engaging in the tooth cutouts of said tumblers in the opened position of said bolt to assist in moving the operator to its closed position to relock the bolt, means for resiliently holding said tumblers in separated positions and also frctionally non-rotative, and weak resilient means for urging said operator to its neutral position and being incapable of moving said tumblers against said frictional hold-` ing means, said tumblers being loosely turnably supported Within said body by being disposed Within a substantially cylindrical casing, and said means for resiliently holding the tumblers comprising spacer springs within said casing and disposed between adjacent faces of the tumblers, and ratchet teeth projecting from said casing and engageable with ratchet notches formed in the peripheries of said tumblers when said tumblers are slightly oi from true axial positions Within said casing, said casing having a laterally projecting portion, and said bolt having a base arm portion slidably engaging said laterally projecting portion for assisting in steadying the bolt.

OTI'O E. SEIFFERT.