US2662390A

US2662390A - Key slot plug

Info

Publication number: US2662390A
Application number: US89432A
Authority: US
Inventors: David N Michnoff; Charles M Palmer
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1949-04-25
Filing date: 1949-04-25
Publication date: 1953-12-15
Anticipated expiration: 1970-12-15

Description

DCC- 15, 1953 D. N. MICHNOFF ET AL 2,662,390

' KEY SLOT PLUG Filed April 25, 1949 2 Sheets-Sheet l 5 ff Ulf/ 014. A.

magg 21,"22 Y 20 F28 24' 5f /PC /f l JI v @ud l/ "mh 3f 50 l 77 C 2j E4 INVENTORS Dec. 15, 1953 D. N. MlcHNoFF Erm. 2,662,390

KEY SLOT PLUG Filed April 25. 1949 2 Sheets-$heet 2 "Ava" atented Dec. 15, 1953 UNITED E T F F l C I.

KEY SLOT PLUG David N. lifiichnofi, Brooklyn, N. Y., and Charles lvl. Falmer, Washington, D. C.

The subject matter of this invention is a serviceable and composite split key having vas one object to utilize one component thereof as a per sonal key plug for a key slot of a conventional cylinder lock although in its broadest application the invention is not limited in this respect. An other object resides in the provision of a novel key blank havinQV separable upper and lower cornu plementary components defining split shank means adapted to be held together by connector or keeper means unlocked from the upper `component in the fully closed position of an appropriate retaining clasp which houses the split shank in its assembled relation. Another object is realized in actuating the keeper by the retaining clasp on the opening throw of the latter for locking the upper and lower components or complements in their assembled relation. Another object resides in the provision of means for quicl ly permitting the lower complement to be removed irom the upper complement and keeper upon partial opening of the retaining clasp. Other important objects are specifically concerned with a U shaped retaining clasp for housing and straddling the split shank and having suitable locking means to preclude the assembled shank from accidental falling out of the clasp; the provision oi cam shaped means on the clasp for actuatingr the keeper or connector means on the closing stroke oi the clasp and the provision oi finger means for operating the keeper means to its locking relation on the opening stroke oi the clasp. Gther objects, advantages, and functional and structural features of the invention will appear from the following detailed specification taken with the accompanying drawings wherein:

Fig. 1 is a iront elevational view of the device according to our invention illustrating the keeper unlocked from the lower and separable complement of the composite key blank and retaining clasp closely straddling and covering the composite blank but maintaining the swingable keeper released.

Fig. 2 is a rear view of Fig. l.

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 1 however showing in full lines the clasp or casing partly raised to permit convenient removal of the lower cornplement of the composite blank from the keeper as illustrated by dash lines.

Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional view of a conventional cylinder lock with the lower complement of the composite key blank locked against withdrawal in the key receiving slot thereof.

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 3 however depicting the upper complement of the key blank in place over the lower complement and the retaining clasp or handle rotating in a clockwise direction to ultimately actuate the U shaped keeper now unlocked from the lower complement.

Fig. 6 is a View similar to Fig. 5 but with the retaining clasp now abutting the keeper to aotu `ate and throw the latter to removably interlock with the upper complement of the split and comn posits key blank.

Fig. 7 illustrates the retaining clasp in its fully opened position after having thrown the keeper to lock the upper and lower complements of the key blank.

Fig. 8 illustrates the composite key blank in a locked relation and inserted into the key receiving slot oi the cylinder lock.

Fig. 9 is a plan view of Fig. il.

Fig. 1G is an enlarged transverse sectional viev.7 on the line lillll of Fig. 1.

Fig. l1 is a perspective view of the swingable retaining clasp.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the hinged keeper.

Fig. 13 is a front elevational view of a conventional cylinder lock.

Fig. 14 is a side elevational View according to another embodiment of the invention illustrating the complements of the split shank held together by a slidable keeper.

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of Fig. 14 however with the lower complement detached.

Fig. 16 is a sectional View on the line Iii-I@ oi. Fig. 14.

Iig. 17 is a view on the line lll-ll of Fig. 14 an Fig. 18 is a transverse sectional view on the line it--IS of Fig. 14.

Illustrative of the embodiments disclosed the composite and split key blank broadly denoted l. has its shank S appropriately split by the longitudinal rectilinear cut l il, the meeting biased but straight kerf H and the vertical out i2 to denne two separable parts or components, namely, a lower complement LC and an upper complement UC. As is well understood shank S is provided with a conventional rib it and slots i5 and le? (Figs. 8 and l0) for convenient reception in the mating keyway or slot il of the cylinder plug ill (Fig. 13) oi' the cylinder lock CL, however it should be observed that cut l@ in part divides rib l l longitudinally thereof.

According to the invention, the lower cornplement LC is interrupted by the reentrant slot 2t for reception and interlocking with web il bridg ing sides 22 of the U shaped keeper 23 swingably or hingedly mounted on fulcrum pin 24 fastened to the bow B of the key blank K. If the keeper be unlocked or released from the upper complement UP of course sides 22 pivotally straddle bow B and lugs or lips 32 thereof although new free of the upper complement now removably and closely straddle the sides of the lower complement LC but if the keeper be locked to the lower complement these lips or shoulders 32 closely straddle the sides of the upper complement UC and thus interlock with the latter. This locking action is accomplished when the finger or cam F of the swingable U shaped retaining clasp has shifted from its unlocking position shown in Figs. 1 and 3 to the locking position shown in Fig. 8.

The keeper operating finger F (Fig. 11) constitutes an extension of one of the spaced arms 24' of spaced sides 25 of the hollow retaining clasp or cover RC which embodies brace 2G merged with sides 25 and one of the latter is provided with an inwardly turned flange 2 serving to properly maintain and space sides 25 apart.

As shown, arms 24 are provided with the spaced areas 28 closely straddling bow B. These ears are rotatably retained on the fulcrum pin 29 which is xed to the bow B of the key blank. Thus the clasp or hollow casing RC may be swung or pivoted relative to the bow B.

With the spit key blank K assembled as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, sides 25 of the clasp or casing RC slightly frictionally straddle and embrace the sides of the superimposed complements or components LC and UC to prevent the blank from accidentally pivoting out of the clasp. To supplement such action one of the sides 25 includes the struck in dimple or dentent 30 to permit shank S to snap by detent 30 to disengageably lock the lower complement within the clasp RC which in its fully closed relation (Figs. 1 and 2.) houses the upper and lower complements of the shank at which time as heretofore alluded to the pivoted keeper 23 is free and clear of the sides of the upper complement UC, that is, unlocked therefrom. This unlocking action or release of the keeper was caused by the spaced cam shaped faces 3I of the spaced arms 24 of the clasp abutting the spaced lips as shoulders 32 when the U shaped clasp RC was rotated to its full closed position (Figs. 1 and 2). It follows that although shank S is now prevented from accidentally shifting from the clasp, the keeper is biased but unlocked from the upper separable complement UC, however at such time bridge or web 2I of the U shaped keeper or hasp 23 just clears, that is, out of the relief slot of the lower complement LC but the tooth I3 of the latter is still within the keeper and behind web 2l.

If the clasp RC be now opened to be free of the split shank S (Fig. 3) the lower complement LC may be quickly separated from the upper cornplement and also easily detached from the keeper 23. For example, as shown in full lines in Fig. 3, the split shank is unlocked from the-clasp RC and the lower complement may be removed free of the keeper and even from the upper complement and consequently tooth I3 of the lower complement may be quickly removed from behind web 2I of the keeper 23, hence completely detaching the lower complement from its upper companion complement UC. It follows that the lower complement may now be conveniently inserted in the keyway I1 of the cylinder lock CL (Fig. 4) wherein several of the. spring controlledl tumblers as T are in advanceof lip or extension 34 of the lower complement to preclude withdrawal of the latter from the cylinder lock. Consequently the lower complement LC is now held locked in key slot I'I, acting as a plug therefor to resist unauthorized tampering with several of the tumblers, thus serving as a measure of safety. Of course lip 34 is adapted to actuate the several tumblers in the key slot or keyway Il' upon insertion of the lower complement therein and in its fully inserted position tooth I3 may project slightly beyond the front face of the cylinder lock.

To remove the locked plug or lower complement LC from the key slot or keyway Il, the upper complement UC is inserted in the keyway above the lower complement. Before such action the keeper 23 is manually tilted fully downwardly for example, to the position shown in Figs. 2 and 3 to permit at the completion of insertion of the upper complement, and reception of tooth I3 in clearing gap 34 (Fig. 12) defined by spaced shoulders 32 of the swingable keeper 23. Thereafter, handle or clasp RC is rotated in a clockwise direction permitting finger F to throw and actuate the tilted keeper or connector 23 upwardly, causing web 2I of the latter to be positioned in relief slot 28 and shoulders 32 to straddle and interlock with the sides of the upper complement (Fig. 8) and at this time web 2l acts as a seat holding the lower complement LC to the upper complement UC. It follows therefore that the upper and lower complements are now adequately connected by 1Lhe keeper to permit their removal in unison out of the keyslot Il. This is accomplished by merely applying an outward thrust cn the clasp RC which in this case serves as a handle.

During bodily withdrawal of the connected upper and lower complements, web 2l constitutes driving means against tooth I3 to shift the latter outwardly and of course on the insertion of the upper complement in the key slot Il while the lower complement is locked therein, the upper complement releases or lifts the tumblers T resting on the lower complement so that in the assembled relation of both of these complements all of the tumblers of the cylinder lock are at the same elevation to allow for withdrawal of the split shank S from the cylinder lock and following withdrawal, handle or clasp RC is swungI ccunterclockwise relative to the keyblank K, causing sides 2E to receive and straddle this, blank after which cams SI act on shoulders 32 to tilt the keeper or connector downwardly to unlock the upper complement and for clearing of the lower complement and thereafter the detent 30 snaps by the lower complement to lock the shank from tilting out of the clasp or casing RC.

In the form according to Figs. 14 to 17, the locking keeper K is slidably guided on the keyblank B and is provided with forwardly extending wings or lugs 4I) normally straddling the upper and lower components UC and LC in the assembled relation of the keyblank B (Fig. 14) at which time web 2 I holds the lower component against the upper component. In such relation, the key blank may be considered as interlocked with the keeper K which is normally held raised by the action of the normally expandible spring SP conned within the cylindrical housing H from which spaced wings 40 integrally depend. These wings may be considered a part of the spaced sides 22' of the keeper K. Spring SP encircles a projection P (Fig. 18) extending from' thel upper complement` UC andabuts the lower end of the housing H and its fixed cap 4|. Housing I-I is interrupted by the relief gap 42 having walls straddling the upper and lower complements or components to permit adequate linear displacement of the housing when depressed to shift wings it downwardly to be free of the upper complement at which time web 2l' also clears 'the lower complement, thereby unlocking the latter for detachment from the upper complement. To assemble the key blank, lug i3' is hooked over web 2l and positioned within the keeper K when the housing is depressed after which finger pressure on the housing is removed, and the latter is automatically raised due to the action of the spring. In other aspects, the embodiment according to Figs. 14 to 17 is along the lines of the form illustrated in Figs. 1-12 although in Figs. lli-17 corresponding parts have been primed.

Various changes may be made in details or" construction and arrangement of parts without departing from the spirit of the invention or sacrificing any of the advantages thereof inherent therein.

We claim:

1. In a device for insertion in a key slot in which tumbler means are movably arranged; a key blank having a split shank adapted to actuate said tumbler' means and comprising comple mentary upper and lower separable components, hollow keeper means for straddling said shank for detachably holding said lower component against said upper component, and actuating means movably mounted on said key blank for displacing said keeper means relative to said shank.

2. In a device for insertion in a key slot in which tumbler means are movably arranged; a key blank having a split shank adapted to actuate said tumbler means and comprising complementary upper and lower separable components, said lower component having at its rear end a slot and a lug, and a keeper having sides for straddling said components and including a web receivable in said slot and an opening for receiving said lug.

3. In a device for insertion in a key slot in which tumbler means are movably arranged; a key blank having a split shank adapted to actuate said tumbler means and comprising complementary upper and lower separable components, said lower component having at its rear end a slot and a lug, a keeper mounted on said key blank and having sides straddling said lower component and including a web removably receivable in said slot for holding said lower component against said upper component and including an opening between said sides for removably receiving said lug, and means for displacing said keeper for shifting said sides to removably straddle said upper component.

4. In a device for insertion in a key slot in which tumbler' means are movably arranged; a key blank having a split shank adapted to actu ate said tumbler means and comprising comple mentary upper and lower separable components, said lower component having at its rear end a slot and a lug, a keeper having sides straddling said lower component and including a web removably receivable in said slot for holding said lower component against said upper component and including an opening between said sides for removably receiving said lug, means pivotally holding said keeper on said blank, and means d for displacing said keeper for removably shifting said sides to straddle said upper component.

5. In a device for insertion in a key slot in which tumbler means are movably arranged; a key blank having a split shank adapted to actuate said tumbler means and comprising complementary upper and lower separable components, Said lower component having at its rear end a slot and a lug, a keeper movably mounted on said key blank and having sides straddling said lower component and including a web receivable in said slot for holding said lower component against said upper component and including an opening between said sides for receiving said lug, and means movably mounted on said key blank for displacing said keeper for shifting said side to straddle said upper component. v

6. In a device for insertion in a key slot i which tumbler means are movably arranged; a key blank having a split shank adapted to actuate said tumbler means and comprising complementary upper and lower separable components, said lower component having at its rear end a slot and a lug. a keeper movably mounted on said key blank and having sides pivotally straddling said lower component an-d including a web removably receivable in said slot for holding said lower component against said upper component and including an opening between said sides for receiving said lug, and means pivoted to said key blank for displacing said keeper for shifting said sides to straddle said upper component.

7. In a device for insertion in a key slot in which tumbler means are movably arranged; a key blank having a split shank adapted to actuate said tumbler means and comprising complementary upper and lower separable components, said lower component having at its rear end a slot and a lug, a keeper having sides straddling said lower component and including a web removably receivable in said slot for holding said lower component against said upper components and including an opening between said sides for removably receiving said lug, means pivotally sustaining said sides to said key blank, a casing having means for displacing said keeper for shifting said sides to straddle said upper component, and means pivotally holding said casing to said key blank.

8. In a device for insertion in a key slot in which tumbler means are movably arranged; a key blank having a split shank adapted to actuate said tumbler means and comprising complementary upper and lower separable components, said lower component having at its rear end a slot and a lug, a keeper having sides straddling said lower component and including a web removably receivable in said slot for holding said lower component against said upper components and including an opening between said sides for removably receiving said lug, means pivotally sustaining said sides to said key blank, a displaceable casing for removably housing said com ponents and having an extension for displacing said keeper on movement of said casing away from said upper component for shifting said sides to removably straddle and interlock with said upper component, and means pivotally holding said casing to said key blank.

9. In a device for insertion in a key slot in which tumbler means are movably arranged; a key blank having a split shank adapted to actuate said tumbler means and comprising complementary upper and lower separable components, said lower component having at its rear end a slot and a lug, a keeper having sides straddling said lower component and including a web removably receivable in said slot for holding said. lower component against said upper components and including an opening between said sides for removably receiving said lug, means pivotally sustaining said sides to said key blank, a casing for housing said components, means pivotally holding said casing to sai-d key blank, means on shifting of said casing away from said components for actuating said keeper to interlock with said components, and means on said casing on shifting of the latter to close said casing and for unlocking said keeper from said components.

10. In a device for insertion in a key slot in which tumbler means are movably arranged; a key blank having a split shank adapted to actuate said tumbler means and comprising complementary upper and lower separable components,- said lower component having at its rear end a slot and a lug, a keeper having sides straddling said lower component and including a web removably receivable in said slot for holding said lower component against said upper components and including an opening between said sides for removably receiving said lug, means pivotally sustaining said sides to said key blank, a casing for removably housing said components, means' pivotally holding said casing to said key blank, a

nger exten-ding from said casing for actuating said keeper on shifting of said casing away from said components to interlock `with said components, and cam means on shifting of said casing towards said components and towards the completion of covering of the latter by said casing for shifting said keeper to unlock! from said components.

1l. In a device for insertion in a key slot in which tumbler means are movably arranged; a key blank having a split shank adapted to actuate said tumbler means and comprising complementary upper and lower separable components, said lower component having at its end a slot and a lug, a keeper having sides including spaced shoulders straddling said lower component and including' a web removably receivable in said slot for holding said lower component againstv said upper component and including an opening b'etween said sides for removably receiving said lug, means pivotally sustaining said sides to said keyblank, a casing for removably housing said components, means pivotally holding said casing to said keyblank, and an extension onsaid casing for shifting of said keeper means to actua'te said keeper means for detachably holding said lower component to said upper component, and means mounted on said keyblank for removably covering said shank and for actuating said keeper means.

13. In a device for insertion of a keyslot in which tumbler means are movably arranged; a keyblank having a split shank adapted to actuate said tumbler means and comprising complementary upper and lower separable components, keeper means for detachably holding said lower component to said upper component, and means slidably guiding said keeper means relative to said key blank.

14. In a device for insertion of a keyslot in which tumbler means are movably arranged; a keyblank having a split shank adapted to actuato said tumbler means and comprising compleinentary upper and lower separable components, keeper means for detachably holding said lower component to said upper component and having means for interlocking with said components, a housing secured to said keeper and linearly shifta-ble to move said keeper away from and clear of said upper component, and spring mea-ns normally hol-:ling said housing elevated.

l5. In a device for insertion in a key slot in which tumbler means are movably arranged; a key blank having a split shank adapted to actuatc said tumbler means and comprising complerr `ntary lower separable components, lower component having at its rear end a slot and a lug, keeper having sides straddling said lower component and including a web receivable in said slot for holding said lower component against said upper components and including opening between said sides for receiving said lug, a housing rnovably straddling said components and secured to said sides, and spring means within said housing for normally holding the latter elevated.

16. As a new article of manufacture, a key comprising upper and lower complements constitilting a shank split in part longitudinally and widthwise to define complementary and separable upper and lower shank components each including a projection', the projections of said shank components being in alignment and disposed laterally and at the rear ends of said components, and said lower projection having a reentrant recess.

DAVID N. MICHNOFF. CHARLES M. PALMER.

References Cited in the le 0f this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,696,326 Roethlisberger 1 Dec. 25, 1928 1,807,540 Makranczy May 26, 1931