US3167944A - Tumbler lock - Google Patents

Description

Feb. 2, 1965 L. K. PICKERING 3,167,944

TUMBLER LOCK Filed Feb. 14. 1962 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR LEA/0X K. P/c/rEM/VG Feb. 2, 1965 L. K. PICKERING 3,

TUMBLER LOCK Filed Feb. 14, 1962 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 7 FIG. 4

INVENTOR.

AZ, MM Mm ATTORNEYS Feb. 2, 1965 L... K. PICKERING 3,167,944

TUMBLER LOCK Filed Feb. 14, 1962 s Sheets-Sheet s INVENTOR. LEA/0X If. P/Clffi'R/NG United States Pate 3,167,944 TUMELER LUCK Lenox K. Pickering, Little Neck, N.Y., assignor to John F. Wellelrens, Staten Island, N.Y. Filed Feb. 14, 1962, ar. No. 173,186 8 Claims. (iCl. 70-482) This invention relates to a structurally and functionally improved lock.

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved assembly to be operated by one of a number of different keys of predetermined type; the parts of the assembly being capable of ready adjustment or shifting by an unskilled operator so that a ceitain key of the series heretofore employed to operate the lock will no longer be capable of accomplishing this, While a selected different key of the series will perform this function.

Another object is that of designing lock elements capable of ready assembly to furnish a complete structure and which elements may be advantageously employed in lock structures of diverse character.

Still another object is that of designing a lock which will include relatively few parts capable of manufacture by quantity production methods and which parts may be economically assembled to provide a simple mechanism operating over long periods of time with freedom from all difficulties.

With these and other objects in mind reference is bad to the attached sheets of drawings illustrating a practical embodiment of the invention and in which:

FIG. 1 is a sectional side view of a closure with a lock of the present design;

FIG. 2 is a rear elevation of the lock;

FIG.3 is a sectional side view in enlarged scale taken along the line 33 in the direction of the arrows as shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the assembly as shown in FIG. 3, but with the assembly rotated ninety degrees.

FIG. 5 is a traverse sectional view taken along the line 55 in the direction of the arrows as illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5, but showing the parts shifted to a different position; and

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the several components of the assembly.

Referring primarily to FIG. 7, a lock cylinder includes a rear body portion conveniently provided with one or more flattened side faces, 11. The forward end of this cylinder or body 10 is defined by a bezel 12, larger in diameter than the remainder of the body it Adjacent the forward edge of the bezel or ring the bore of the body 10 is increased in diameter as shown in FIG. 4; a shoulder 13 furnishing a bearing portion at this point. The bore surface of the cylinder is provided with one or more supporting portions by forming in that bore surface a suitable number of longitudinal grooves 14. The latter are preferably undercut so that each of them may retain a part as hereafter described.

Located within the bore of cylinder 10 is a tubular plug embracing a body 15 providing at its forward end an annular flange 17. Covering the forward end of the plug is a plate portion 16 which is formed with a key slot 18. Transverse slits 19 are provided at opposed points in body 15. The rear or inner end of the plug terminates in a reduced mounting portion 20. The diameter of flange 17 should be such that with the plug inserted in the bore of the cylinder the rear face of this flange will bear against the surface of shoulder 13 and be encircled by the bezel or ring 12.

The mounting portion 20, may have attached to it by screw threads 21, a cap-shaped member 22, the outer edge of which defines stop portions in the form of shoulders 23. This cap or else a separate member may have extending from it, a tailpiece or latch element 24. The head of the cap 22 is formed with an aperture through which the stem 25 of a screw extends and is threadably engaged. A suitable lock washer 26 may encircle the stem of screw 25 and serve to retain the tail piece 24 against rotation or other movements with respect to the cap 22. The stop shoulder or shoulders 23 are cooperable with any fixed part which will limit rotation of the plug if this is desired.

Disposed one within each of the slots 19, and of a length greater than the diameter of plug body 13, are slides. As shown these preferably include end portions 27 of a width equal to the slots 19, and are provided with notches 28 in their outer edges. The bodies of the slides include spaced parallel bars 29, defining at the end portions undercut notches 30. These serve to accommodate hereinafter described, the upper and lower courses 31 and 32 of a spring, the central connecting portion 33: of which extends laterally of these courses for a pur pose hereinafter brought out. Preferably the length of these springs should be just slightly less than the length of the bore defined by plug 15. The free ends of spring courses 31 and 32 conveniently terminate in laterally projecting portions 34.

One or more permutation strips are furnished. These conveniently include body portions 35 from the inner faces of which fins 36 extend. Those fins are formed to provide portions projecting to various heights so as to form steps, embracing desired permutations. The outer ends of the strips terminate in manipulating head portions 37. The width of the latter is such that they are accommodated within notches 38 (FIG. 7) formed in the rear edge of cylinder 10; body 35 being disposable within the undercut portion of a groove 14 and fin 36 and its steps extending through the slot and into the cylinder bore.

Upon properly assembling the several parts as aforedescribed, a lock is provided as generally shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In those views, the numeral 39 indicates a closure member such as a door panel, provided with an opening the edges of which serve as a mounting for the body or cylinder 10. It is apparent that while the latter may be cylindrical and provided with one or more flattened faces 11, as previously described, it need not necessarily be round. In such event the opening formed in closure 39 will have a corresponding outline. If cylindrical, the exterior face of body 10 may be formed with threads which mount thereon a clamping nut 40 serving to retain it against movement with respect to the closure or panel 39. The operated member, in the form of a latch extension 24, a tailpiece or otherwise, will lie adjacent the rear face of the closure panel. Alternatively, the lock may be mounted by a fixed part of a casing or enclosure and have its operated member 24 cooperable with an adjacent moveable door or panel. In either event, with the latter open, the rear portions of the assembly are accessible and and appear as shown in FIG. 2. Accordingly, access may be had to the permutation strips so that by gripping their head portions they may be withdrawn when occasion demands this.

Considering the interior of the lock, attention is in- Vite-d to FIG. 3 in which there has also been shown a key including a head 41, and a shank defined by an axially extending rib 42, from which laterally extending fins 43, project to define steps or notches 44. Obviously if only a single permutation strip is employed, then a fin portion 43 will only extend to one side of rib 42. According to the present invention it is preferred to provide, as shown, a pair of permutation stri s in opposed relationship. The plug 15 is maintianed against axial shifting by cap 22 be- Patented Feb. 2, 1965 ing secured against detachment from its end and bearing with its rim against the adjacent end of cylinder 10.

The slides will normally be maintained in an intermediate position with reference to the plug by means of the springs in that the upper and lower courses 31 and 32 of the latter will bear within the recesses or undercut portions 30 of the slides. The laterally extending portion 33, of each spring, will bear against the bore face of the plug as in FIG. 4 and end portion 34 will conveniently bear against the faces of adjacent slides to prevent longitudinal shifting of the springs. Under these circumstances, the central apertures of the slides will initially be in substantial alignment. With the insertion of a key into slot 18, this alignment will be disturbed. The Width of the key at any transverse Zone will be equal to the distance between the base portion of notches 45 opposed to notches 28 in the end portions of the slide. The width of these notches will be such that the fins of the key may be slidably accommodated therein. The steps or notches of the key will correspond to the steps outline of the permutation strips as clearly shown in FIG. 3.

Accordingly, upon the key being completely inserted, the slides will be transversely shifted with respect to the plug'body 15. Thus with a continued insertion of the key into the lock, the edges of the fin defining the key steps or notches will lie in contact with the end edges of the notches 45 to thus prevent any lateral shifting of the slides with respect to the key. With a proper permutation embodied in the key and corresponding to the permutation present in fins 36, the ends of the several slides will all occupy positions as which they clear the stepped edges of the key. This condition is illustrated iri FIGS. 3 and 5 and 6. Accordingly, the plug may now be turned by exerting rotational force on the key head 41. In such turning the plug will be supported by rotatably engaging the surfaces of the cylinder conveniently provided at end portions of the latter. The springs will rotate with the plug and urge the slides towards positions which they assume with no key present. Under certain conditions these springs might be dispensed with in that with the insertion of the key and the latter bearing against the inner edges of end portions 27, undesired shifting of the slides will be prevented. However, the key will cam against the slides to cause them to assume proper positions. Despite this, it is ordinarily preferred to employ the springs as shown. With the return of the plug from the position shown in FIG. 6 to that illustrated in FIG. 5, a withdrawal of the key will in all events result in the slides occupying positions such that a rotation of the plug will not be possible.

'Now assuming that it is desired to resort to a key change, all that will be necessary will be for the user to employ. a heretofore used key to render. the rear of the lock (FIG. 2) accessible. Thereupon the key employed for this purpose is withdrawn. Likewise the permutation strips are withdrawn conveniently by gripping the head portions 37 thereof and sliding them clear of the cylinder. Now different strips involving new permutations will be inserted to occupy positions as in FIG. 3. Thereupon, a key having steps or notches corresponding to the permu tation defined in the new strips will be employed. It is obvious under these circumstances that the initially used key will no longer open the lock.

In all instances it Will be understood that the slides supported by the plug prevent rotation of the latter. They will normally present a substantially straight profile. Against this there is arcuately opposed the permutation members or member which presents an irregular profile. A proper key inserted in the plug shifts the slides to dispose their profile to one matching the arcuately oppose pr'emutation strip or strips. Accordingly, obstruction to rotation of the plug is nullified and the latter may by means of the key be turned to operate the mechanism with which it connects.

Aswill be understood, it is preferred to employ at least two permutation members or strips in that a single strip might result in an assembly which would lack strength and be more readily opened by a person not having the proper key.

Thus, among others, the several objects of the invention as specifically aforenoted are achieved. Obviously, numerous changes in construction and rearrangements of the parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined by the claims.

I claim:

1. A lock including in combination a cylinder, a plug rotatably supported in the bore of said cylinder, a slide supported by said plug to shift transversely thereof, said cylinder being formed with a support, a strip removably mounted by said support, said strip having a fin extending into the cylinder bore in line with said slide and directly' engaging the latter to prevent a rotation of said plug and:

said slide and plug being formed with openings to receive a key engageable with an edge of said slide to shift the" latter to a position clear of said fin, the strip being pro vided with a head at its rear end with at least a part thereof extending beyond the cylinder and engageable to en-'" able the strip to be withdrawn from the cylinder.

, 2. In a lock as defined in claim 1, the bore of said cylinder being relatively large in comparison with the diameter of said plug whereby throughout a major portion in the length of the latter, it clears the cylinder bore surface, such surface being formed with a longitudinally extending groove and said strip being supported within said groove, the cylinder being notched at its rear end and the head in the strip engaging in said notch.

'3. In a lock as defined in claim 2, the base of said groove being substantially T-shaped and the strip being T-shaped and entering the groove to be retained against movement therein.

4. In a lock as defined in claim 1, said slide being formed with a central-key-receiving opening and the end of said slide being formed with a notch for the accommodation of a part of said fin.

5. For use in association with the rotatable plug of a lock, a slide comprising a body formed with a key-1e ceiving opening, end portions for said slide and said end portions having its outer edge formed with a slot, and a slidable stepped strip received in each of said slots.

6. A lock including in combination a cylinder, a tubular plug rotatably supported within the bore of said cylinder, said plug being formed with a plurality of transverse slits and having a portion of its periphery intermediate its ends spaced from the bore surface of said cylinder, a series of shiftable slides disposed one within each of said slits and of a length greater than the diameter of said plug, a stepped-edge permutation strip mounted to extend inwardly from the bore surface of said cylinder to directly engage end zones of certain of said slides and prevent rotation of said plug, and said slides being formed with openings, the edges of which are engageable with steps or notches of a key extending axially of and within said plug to shift said slides to positions at which their end zones are clear of said strip, the strip having a rear part extending beyond the rear end of the cylinder and exposed to be thereby engageable to enable the strip to be withdrawn out of the cylinder.

7. In alock as defined in claim 6, a spring extending axially through the plug and having a course engageable: with the tubular face of said plug and another course engaging with said slides to urge them to assume predeterminedpositions relative to said plugs, the slides having. notches in their side edges to receive the latter course: of the springs.

8. A lock including in combination a cylinder, a tubular plug rotatably supported within the bore of the cylinder, said plug being formed with a plurality of transverse slits and having a portion of its periphery intermediate its ends spaced from the bore surface of the cylinder, a series of shiftable slides arranged with one of each within each of the slits, said slides being each of a length greater than the diameter of the plug, the bore of the cylinder being provided with diametrically-opposite longitudinal grooves, a stepped-edge permutation strip mounted in each of the grooves and withdrawable out of the same from the rear end of the cylinder, the edges of the strips extending inwardly from the bore of the cylinder to directly engage end zones of certain of the slides and prevent rotation of the plug, the slides each having a central opening, the edges of which are engageable with edge steps or notches of a key extending axially of and Within the plug to shift said slide to positions at which their end zones are clear of the strips, springs disposed axially of the bore of the plug, each spring having one arm engaged with the surface of the bore and another arm engaging the slides, the slides being notched in their side edges with the springs engaging said notched edges, and each of the strips having a head at its rear end, a portion of said head being exposed beyond the cylinder and engageable to enable the strips to be withdrawn from the grooves in which they are disposed.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 327,715 10/85 Paull et al 70364 1,352,239 9/20 Baird 70-364 1,960,263 5/34 Fitz Gerald 70364 2,030,836 2/36 Full et al 70358 2,970,466 2/61 Wellekens 70339 FOREIGN PATENTS 25,800 3/53 Finland. 692,736 6/53 Great Britain.

ALBERT H. KAMPE, Primary Examiner.

Claims (1)

1. A LOCK INCLUDING IN COMBINATION A CYLINDER, A PLUG ROTATABLY SUPPORTED IN THE BORE OF SAID CYLINDER, A SLIDE SUPPORTED BY SAID PLUG TO SHIFT TRANSVERSELY THEREOF, SAID CYLINDER BEING FORMED WITH A SUPPORT, A STRIP REMOVABLY MOUNTED BY SAID SUPPORT, SAID STRIP HAVING A FIN EXTENDING INTO THE CYLINDER BORE IN LINE WITH SAID SLIDE AND DIRECTLY ENGAGING THE LATTER TO PREVENT A ROTATION OF SAID PLUG AND SAID SLIDE AND PLUG BEING FORMED WITH OPENINGS TO RECEIVE THE KEY ENGAGEABLE WITH AN EDGE OF SAID SLIDE TO SHIFT THE LATTER TO A POSITION CLEAR OF SAID FIN, THE STRIP BEING PROVIDED WITH A HEAD AT ITS REAR END WITH AT LEAST A PART THEREOF EXTENDING BEYOND THE CYLINDER AND ENGAGEABLE TO ENABLE THE STRIP TO BE WITHDRAWN FROM THE CYLINDER.

Images