US3526111A

US3526111A - Removable lock with improved retainer

Info

Publication number: US3526111A
Application number: US744858A
Authority: US
Inventors: Edward N Jacobi
Original assignee: Briggs and Stratton Corp
Current assignee: Briggs and Stratton Corp
Priority date: 1968-07-15
Filing date: 1968-07-15
Publication date: 1970-09-01
Anticipated expiration: 1987-09-01

Description

Sept. 1, 1970 E. N. JACOB! REMOVABLE LOCK WITH IMPROVED RETAINER 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 15, 1968 Sept. 1, 1970 E. N. JACOBl 3,526,111

REMOVABLE LOCK WITH IMPROVED RETAINER Filed July 15, 1968 I3 Shoots-Sheet :3

Edward 4.720052 Patented Sept. 1, 1970 US. Cl. 70-368 4 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The assembled cylinder and lock case of a key controlled tumbler lock is removably held in position in the structure with which the lock is associated by a crescent shaped retainer pivotally mounted in a transverse slot in the inner end portion of the lock case. In the operative projected position of the retainer a substantial part of its arcuate outer edge portion projects from the side of the lock case to engage a rearwardly facing shoulder on the mounting structure. A finger on the retainer projects into the cylinder-receiving bore of the lock case to be engaged by a rod-like tool inserted into the cylinder from its front end alongside the key so that rotation of the cylinder by its key with the tool in place retracts the retainer to free the lock for removal.

This invention relates to key controlled cylinder locks of the type widely used in automobiles, and has as its purpose to provide improved means for removably securing such locks in their mounting structures.

SUMMARY The invention is concerned with key controlled tumbler locks; and, more specifically, with improved retainer means for removably securing such locks in a mounting member or housing which may be part of the steering column of an automobile, in which case the lock may serve to secure both the steering shaft and the ignition switch against manipulation.

The invention resides in the provision of improved means for removably securing the lock in its mounting member, which comprises a retractable retainer protruding from the side of the lock case to engage a rearwardly facing shoulder on the mounting member, the retainer having a finger projecting into the bore of the lock case, which upon movement in one direction, retracts the retainer, and means by which a motion transmitting connection can be effected between the cylinder and said finger, through which connection rotation of the cylinder in one direction by a proper key and through a predetermined segment of its range of rotation moves the finger in the direction to retract the retainer and free the lock for removal.

The retainer is a fiat crescent-shaped member pivotally mounted in a transverse slot in the rear end portion of the lock case and is yieldingly biased to project a substantial part of its arcuate outer edge portion beyond the side of the lock case.

A particular feature of the invention resides in the fact that the retainer is retracted through the conjoint action of a proper key and a rod-like tool inserted into a longitudinally extending passage in the lock cylinder. When thus inserted, the tool has its inner end portion positioned to collide with one edge of the finger on the retainer, By virtue of the shape of this edge of the finger, the movement of the tool around the axis of the cylinder as the cylinder is turned through a segment of its full range of rotation, cams the finger out of its way and rocks the retainer on its pivot to retract the same below the surface of the lock body.

Another feature of the invention resides in the provision of cooperating abutments on the retainer and the lock cylinder which, by their engagement, prevent movement of the retainer to its retracted position throughout all but that segment of the range of rotation of the cylinder during which rotation of the cylinder with the lock removing tool in place, effects retraction of the retainer.

A significant advantage of the invention resides in the fact that by virtue of the nature and design of the retainer, its location is not limited to one side of the lock. This permits the retainer to be most strategically positioned in the mounting structure from, the standpoint of gaining utmost security against attack by drilling or cutting into the accessible portions of the mounting structure; and since authorized removal of the lock is effected from the front, the increased security is achieved without sacrificing convenience.

In summary, therefore, the purpose and object of this invention is to provide improved means for removably securing a key controlled tumbler lock in position, which combines convenience in effecting legitimate removal of the lock with exceptional security against its unauthorized removal.

With these observations and objects in mind, the manner in which the invention achieves its purpose will be appreciated from the following description and the accompanying drawings. This disclosure is intended merely to exemplify the invention. The invention is not limited to the particular structure disclosed, and changes can be made therein which lie within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the invention.

The drawings illustrate two complete examples of the physical embodiments of the invention constructed according to the best modes so far devised for the practical application of the principles thereof, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a lock embodying this invention, with the lock case and cylinder of the lock shown in phantom, and with the retractable retainer removed from the lock case, said view illustrating the key and lock removing tool in cooperative relation for effecting removal of the lock;

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view through the rear end portion of the lock on the plane of its keyway and with part of its cylinder in elevation and a part thereof in section;

FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 are cross sectional views through FIG. 2 on the plane of the line 33, respectively illustrating the retainer in its projected position, in the act of being retracted, and in its fully retracted position; and

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 3, but illustrating a slightly modified embodiment of the invention.

Referring now particularly to the accompanying drawings, the numeral 5 designates the lock case of a key controlled cylinder lock. As is customary, the lock case is preferably a die casting and has a bore 6 in which the cylinder 7 of the lock is rotatably received. As is also customary, the cylinder and the lock case have cooperating pin tumblers 8 and drivers 9, by which the cylinder is secured against rotation except when the proper key 10 is inserted. The inner or rear end of the lock cylinder protrudes beyond the adjacent end of the lock case and has an eccentrically positioned driver 11 or other means thereon by which rotation of the cylinder actuates the mechanism controlled by the lock. This may be the contactor of an ignition switch, a locking bolt for securing a steering shaft against rotation, or both. However, since the invention is not concerned with the mechanism controlled by the lock, no effort has been made to illustrate the environment of the lock during use thereof except by way of indicating the mounting structure or body member 12 in which the lock is mounted. This mounting structure or member has a cylindrical hole 13 into which the 3 lock case is inserted. Suitable means (not shownbut which may be a flange on the front end portion of the lock case) limits insertion of the lock case into the hole 13.

Outward displacement and hence removal of the lock from the hole 13 in the mounting structure is controllably prevented by a retainer 14 which projects from the cylindrical boundary of the lock case at a selected side thereof, to engage a rearwardly facing shoulder 15 on the mounting structure. Preferably the shoulder 15 is one side of an annular groove formed in the mounting structure and opening to its hole 13.

The retainer or retaining member 14 is a fiat crescentshaped stamping, which is received in a fiat sided slot 16 in the lock case. The slot 16 communicates with the bore 6 in the lock caseand in fact encompasses the same and opens to the cylindrical boundary or side of the lock case through a substantial part of its circumference. The width of the slot 16 is such that its opposite flat sides snugly but slidably receive the flat sided retainer therebetween.

Fulcrum means indicated generally by the numeral 17, pivotally or rockably mounts the retainer in the slot 16. It is to be noted that the location of the fulcrum 17, though medially of the ends of the crescent-shaped retainer is closer to one end thereof than the other. A spring 18 confined between a spring seat 19 on the lock case and a spring seat 20 on the longer end of the crescent shaped retainer yieldingly urges the retainer about its fulcrum 17 to a position shown in FIG. 3 in which a substantial part of its arcuate outer edge portion projects beyond the cylindrical boundary of the lock case and into the groove in the mounting structure which provides the shoulder 15. Hence, in its operative projected position, the crescent-shaped retainer has a considerable area thereof interlocking with the mounting structure to resist outward or forward displacement of the lock.

The spring 18 is conveniently held in place by being received in a socket 23 formed by opposite recesses 24 in the sides of the slot 16.

The outer edge of the retainer is curved on a radius substantially equal to that of the cylindrical boundary of the lock case, and the fulcrum or pivot 17 is so located that when the retainer is in its retracted position shown in FIG. 5, no portion thereof protrudes from the mouth of the slot 16.

Although the fulcrum 17 may be provided by a pin driven into a well in the lock case and passing through a hole in the retainer, it preferably consists of a V-shaped notch 21 in the outer edge of the retainer and a triangular bridge 22 across the slot 16. The bridge 22 is an integral part of the lock case and its outer face forms a continuation of the cylindrical boundary of the lock case. Its sides converge to provide a sharply defined edge which engages the *bottom of the V-shaped notch 21. To accommodate rocking movement of the retainer, the notch 21 is wider than the bridge 22.

The shorter end portion of the crescent-shaped retainer is formed with an inwardly directed finger 25 which pro jects into the bore 6 in the lock case; and to accommodate the finger 25, the adjacent portion of the cylinder has a laterally opening cavity 26. This cavity is of such size and shape that in all positions of rotation of the cylinder throughout its entire range of travel, which in a customary lock is about 100, the finger 25 is accommodated so that its presence in the bore 6' in nowise interferes with rotation of the cylinder in the performance of its normal functions.

However, when it is desired to remove the lock from its mounting structure, the finger 25 becomes part of a novel motion transmitting connection between the cylinder and the retainer through which rotation of the cylinder in one direction and through a predetermined segment of its range of rotation elfects retraction of the retainer. The other part of this motion transmitting connection comprises a rod-like tool 30, which may be s mply a stiff wire, and a longitudinally extending passageway 31 in the lock cylinder, into which the tool is inserted and by which it is held against lateral displacement with respect to the cylinder. The passageway 31 which leads from the front end of the cylinder to the cavity 26, is parallel to but spaced from the axis of the cylinder. Hence, as the cylinder is turned, the inner end portion of the tool which projects into the cavity 26, moves in an arcuate path, which intersects the finger 25. Thus, as the cylinder is turned, the inner end portion of the tool collides with or engages the inner edge 32 of the retainer and thereby provides a motion imparting connection between the cylinder and the retainer. By virtue of this connection, rotation of the cylinder from its locked position shown in FIG. 3 toward the position shown in FIG. 5 (which may be the Accessory On position in the case of an automobile ignition lock) the retainer is cammed or rocked about its fulcrum in the direction to retract the same.

In a sense, therefore, the edge 32 of the retainer and, more specifically, its finger 25, constitutes an inclined cam surface along which the tool rides during the retainer-disabling rotation of the cylinder. To assure maximum mechanical advantage and easily overcome any transient resistance there might be to retraction of the retainer, the portion 32a of this inclined cam, which is initially engaged by the tool, presents a gradual slope, while the portion 3212, which is engaged during the final range of cylinder rotation, is more steeply inclined to achieve the degree of rocking motion needed to retract the retainer.

For ease of production, it is preferable to have the passageway 31 contiguous to the keyway, and simply a lateral enlargement thereof, though it could be spaced therefrom. In any event, however, the location of the passageway with respect to the axis of the cylinder, and the shape of the inner edge 32 of the retainer must be so correlated that with the cylinder in its locked key-inserting and withdrawing position of rotation shown in FIG. 3, the inner end portion of the tool will be contiguous to the bottom of the incline 32a.

As noted hereinbefore, an added feature of the invention resides in the provision of means for preventing movement of the retainer to its retracted position in all positions of rotation of the cylinder except those it occupies during rotation through that segment of its range of rotation in which the retainer can be retracted by means of the tool 30. To achieve this security, the long end of the crescent-shaped retainer has an inwardly directed enlargement or pad 35 so shaped and located as to collide with the adjacent side of the lock cylinder, and more specifically with the outer cylindrical side surface of that part 36 of the cylinders cross section left by the cavity 26. However, as soon as rotation of the cylinder from its locked position and towards it lock removing position is begun, the pad 35 on the retainer moves into the cavity 26 in the cylinder, as indicated in FIGS. 4 and 5.

Though it is preferable to provide the lock with the added security afforded by the means for preventing movement of the retainer to its retracted position except as just described, the major advantages of the invention are attainable with a structure such as that shown in FIG. 6 which does not employ retainer locking means. In all other respects the structure of FIG. 6 is the same as that described.

It is, of course, also to be understood that conventional meansindicated only generally by the numeral 37 is provided to removably retain the cylinder assembled with the lock case.

From the foregoing description taken with the accompanying drawings, it will be apparent to those skilled in this art that this invention provides improved means for removably securing a cylinder lock in position in its mounting structure, which is characterized by exceptional security and ease of removal when authorized removal is to be made.

What is claimed as my invention is:

1. In a key controlled cylinder lock wherein a cylinder is rotatably received in the bore of a lock case to have a range of rotation therein, and key controlled means secures the cylinder against rotation until insertion of a proper key into the keyway of the cylinder,

means for removably securing the lock in a mounting member having a hole in which the lock case is received, said means comprising (A) a retractable retainer member yieldingly projecting from the side of the lock case near the rear end thereof, for engagement with an adjacent rearwardly facing shoulder on the mounting member,

said retainer member having a finger projecting into the bore in the lock case by which the retainer member can be retracted to free the lock for removal, the portion of the cylinder adjacent to the retainer member being reduced in cross section and so shaped as to accommodate said finger throughout the range of rotation of the cylinder; and (B) the cylinder having a longitudinally extending passageway spaced from the axis of rotation of the cylinder and leading from its front end to its portion of reduced cross section into which a tool may be inserted and by which a tool thus inserted is held with a portion thereof in position to collide with a surface on said finger during rotation of the cylinder in one direction by means of a proper key and thereby retract the retainer member and free the lock for removal,

said surface of the finger being shaped to present to the tool as it is carried around the axis of the cylinder during lock removing rotation of the cylinder, an inclined cam of gradual inclination followed by substantially steeper inclination, so that any resistance to initial retracting motion of the retainer member is moreeasily overcome.

2. The lock of claim 1, wherein the lock case has a cylindrical outer boundary,

wherein the retainer member is crescent shaped,

wherein fulcum means connects the crescent shaped, re-

tainer member with the lock case for rocking motion of the retainer member about an axis spaced inwardly of the outer boundary of the lock case and medially of but closer to one of the ends of the crescent shaped retainer member than the other,

wherein spring means reacting between the lock case and the retainer member rocks the latter about its fulcrum in the direction to project the outer edge portion of its longer end beyond the side of the lock case,

wherein the lock case has a flat sided slot in one side thereof communicating with the bore and debouching to its cylindrical boundary, the flat sides of said slot being normal to the axis of the lock,

wherein the crescent shaped retainer member is received in said slot and has fiat opposite faces slidingly engaging the fiat sides of the slot, and

wherein said fulcrum means comprises a V-shaped notch in the outer edge of the crescent shaped retainer member, and a bridge across said slot in the lock case having a sharply defined edge facing the axis of the lock and engaging the bottom of the V- shaped notch in the retainer member.

3. The lock of claim 2, wherein said bridge is an integral part of the lock case and has an outer curved sur-- face that forms a continuation of the cylindrical boundary of the lock case, and convergent sides the junction of which defines said sharply defined edge.

4. The lock of claim 2, wherein the sides of said slot have opposed recesses adjacent to the portion of the slot occupied by the longer end portion of the crescent shaped retainer member, to provide a spring socket, and

wherein said spring means is a coil spring seated in said socket.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,761,092 6/1930 Shinn 368 2,059,696 11/1936 Jacobi 70-368 2,141,748 12/1938 Hansen 7038 2,150,639 3/1939 Simon 70364 3,410,123 11/1968 Jacobi 70-364 3,434,316 3/1969 Neary 70371 RICHARD E. MOORE, Primary Examiner R. L. WOLF, Assistant Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 70371