US3597946A

US3597946A - Burglar foiling lock

Info

Publication number: US3597946A
Application number: US1364A
Authority: US
Inventors: Irene Mikkelson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1970-01-08
Filing date: 1970-01-08
Publication date: 1971-08-10
Anticipated expiration: 1988-08-10

Abstract

Lock improvement means particularly for use in the operating mechanism of a building door lock of the type having an outside doorknob enclosing a cylinder lock assembly and wherein the lock assembly may be removed by removing the doorknob which typically is removed through use of a room key or master key and when the door lock is in an unlocked disposition. The invention provides cylinder keylock means releasably operative in clockwise movement by use of either a room key or master key and also is operative in counterclockwise movement through use of a grand master key; the lock assembly of the invention is operative normally by use of the room key or master key when turned respectively in a clockwise direction, and is counterclockwise turnable only through use of a grand master key for removing the doorknob and keylock cylinder structure.

Description

United States Patent [72} Inventor lrene Mikkelson 16001 N.E. 9th Ave., North Miami Beach, Fla. 33162 [21] Appl. No. 1,364 [22] Filed Jan. 8, 1970 [45] Patented Aug. 10, 1971 [54] BURGLAR FOILING LOCK 6 Claims, 7 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. Cl 70/224, 70/340 [51] 1nt.Cl E051) 35/10 [50] Field of Search 70/216, 224, 340, 367, 368, 369, 370

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,785,634 12/1930 Lawrence 70/340 1,788,834 1/1931 Hurd 70/340 2,012,912 8/1935 l-lurd 70/224 2,194,244 3/1940 Machinist 70/370 Primary Examiner.lames A. Leppink Assistant Examiner- Robert L, Wolfe Attorney-John Cyril Malloy ABSTRACT: Lock improvement means particularly for use in the operating mechanism of a building door lock of the type having an outside doorknob enclosing a cylinder lock assembly and wherein the lock assembly may be removed by removing the doorknob which typically is removed through use of a room key or master key and when the door lock is in an unlocked disposition. The invention provides cylinder keylock means releasably operative in clockwise movement by use of either a room key or master key and also is operative in counterclockwise movement through use of a grand master key; the lock assembly of the invention is operative normally by use of the room key or master key when turned respectively in a clockwise direction, and is counterclockwise turnable only through use of a grand master key for removing the doorknob and keylock cylinder structure.

Patented Aug. 10, 1971 3,59

. 90 INVENTOR. C/90= IRENE 07/K/1EL50N HTTOAIUEy BURGLAR F OILING LOCK BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Fieldof the Invention Relates to lock-operating mechanism generally and particularly to such mechanism having key operative means for preventing tampering or unauthorized disassembly of the lock structure.

2. Description of the Prior Art The typical door lock assembly in the home or in commercial application as in a motel or hotel building is provided with an outside door knob which encloses a key lock cylinder as sembly and an inside door knob which may be provided with a finger-operative or pushbutton-type lock member for arranging the lock assembly in a locked disposition. The typical door lock mechanism includes means for permitting the keylock cylinder assembly to be removed by use of the lock operating key and by turning the lock cylinder and releasing a catch mechanism holding the door knob the door knob to the lock structure. Removal of the door knob permits the keylock assembly to be removed and repaired or replaced with another lock cylinder ofdifferent key pattern configuration.

There is presently a considerable problem in hotel operation in that a burglar will often rent a hotel room for the express purpose of obtaining a master key for use in burglarizing the different rooms in the hotel. A person bent on burglarizing a hotel may rent a room and use the room key for removal of the outside doorknob an lock assembly, and through disassembly of the key lock cylinder structure may discern the master key pattern for operating not only that lock but the other locks ofthe hotel buildingv SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The instant invention provides lock-operating mechanism having cylinder lock structure which may be operated in normal use by a room key or master key and which may be operated by a grand master key when it is desired to disassemble the lock structure and to remove the key lock cylinder for repair or key pattern change. The lock cylinder is adapted to be turned clockwise by use of the room key or master key typically for retracting the door lock bolt and'gaining entry to a room. The grand master key mainly is operative for turning the lock cylinder counterclockwise and for permitting disassembly of the door knob and lock structure. The invention further includes means whereby the doorknob catch, which is typically released by an awl or prick-type tool, may be released only when the grand master key is used in counterclockwise turning the lock cylinder structure of the in Iention. The lock-operating mechanism of the invention subs antially obviates unorthodox disassembly of a lock mechanism: The room key, operating the lock mechanism of the invention, is given to the hotel guest as in typical manner; the master key may be issued to the hotel maid or roomkeeper of the establishment; and, the grand master key may be available to or retained in safekeeping by only a few persons, as for exam ple, by the hotel maintenance employee or manger of the hotel establishment. Such procedure substantially obviates unauthorized unorthodox entry into a hotel room or the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. I is an environmental perspective view of a door lock mechanism incorporating the burglar foiling lock structure of the instant invention;

FIG. 2 is a view of the lock structure of FIG. 1 illustrated in a disassembled disposition;

FIG. 3 is a transverse sectional view of the lock cylinder structure of the instant invention taken as on the line 33 of FIG. 2 and illustrating the lock cylinder absent of a lock key and in a locked disposition;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 and illustrating a first key member (room key or mater key) received in the lock cylinder keyway and permitting the cylinder to be turned clockwise;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 3 and illustrating a second key member (grand master key) received in the lock cylinder keyway and permitting the cylinder to be turned counterclockwise;

FIG. 6 is a transverse sectional view taken as on the line 6-6 of FIG. 2 and illustrating the door knob catch releasing means in an operative configuration for preventing removal of the door knob and lock cylinder structure; and

FIG. 7 is a transverse sectional view, similar to FIG. 6, but illustrating the doorknob catch-releasing means in a disposition for permitting removal of the door knob and key lock cylinder from the lock bolt actuating mechanism.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The burglar foiling lock mechanism of the instant invention is indicated generally by numeral 10 and is shown and described in combination with a conventional key cylinder actuated door lock assembly 12 typically supported in a door panel 14 and having a latch bolt 16 spring-urged outward in typical fashion for latching engagement with a striker plate fixedly secured to the vertical door jamb (not shown). A hollow doorknob I8 telescopically fitted on a latch actuator sleeve 20 typically provides means for retracting the spring-urged bolt 16 in the bolt bearing 22 for opening the door panel 14. The existing lock structure typically includes a lock mechanism housing or case structure including an annular cuff portion 24 concentrically arranged about the latch actuator sleeve 20 and a push plate 25 stationarily supporting the lock housing in the door panel structure 17. The latch bolt 16 typically is retractable by turning the door knob 18 clockwise or counterclockwise and in opening the door panel.

The lock mechanism 10 also typically is provided with pilot lock means or night latch means for locking the doorknob I8 and such structure typically includes a finger-operative night latch or lock button (not shown) arranged on the inside of the door panel and finger-operative for locking the outside doorknob I8 and latch bolt 16. The conventional lock mechanism 10 includes a pilot lock releasing element 26 turnably supported in the interior of the latch actuator sleeve 20; turnably manipulating the keylock cylinder means 28 clockwise or counterclockwise is operative through shaft means 30 for turning element 26 and releasing door knob 18 for opening the door panel. The keylock cylinder actuation also typically provides direct operative means for retracting the door latch bolt 16 and for opening the door panel by finger manipulation of the key in the cylinder lock structure. Existing keylock cylinder means 28 may include a sleevelike cylinder body 32; a cylindrical cylinder proper 34 turnably concentrically supported in body 32; and a plurality of tumbler pin columns 36 including

tumbler pin segments

36a, 36b operatively interconnecting the cylinder and

body structure

34, 32.

The interior and exterior turnably mating surfaces respectively of the keylock body and

cylinder

32, 34 define existing shear line 38 for the tumbler pin column segments 36a, 36bin conventional fashion. The cylinder and

body

34, 32 of the keylock cylinder means is prevented from relative axial displacement by cylinder shoulder structure 40 and a retainer nut 42 arranged respectively on opposite sides of cylinder body 32. The retainer nut 32 also provides retainer means for bolding the lock-releasing shaft 30 in positive drive communication with the lock cylinder 34. The annular retainer nut 42 typically includes an internal flange portion firmly clamping the external flange portion 46 of the shaft 30 and the cylinder 34, the retainer nut 42 and the shaft 30 may be integrally Secured by spring-urged lock pin means 48 in the usual manner.

Door knob catch means typically provides means releasably interengaging the door knob sleeve portion 50 and the bolt actuator sleeve 20 and includes a fiat creseent-shaped catch element 52 operably supported in actuator sleeve 20 and guidingly constrained in radial movement by oppositely projecting

tab portions

54, 54 received in diammetrically spaced

slots

56, 56 in the latch bolt actuator sleeve (see FIGS. 6 and 7). The catch element 52 includes a check portion 58 extending through a transverse slot 60 in the latch actuating sleeve 20 and normally is engaged in a transverse check slot 62 in the door knob sleeve portion 50. A wire spring 64 is fixedly secured in aperture structure 66 in actuator sleeve 20; the distal free end of wire spring 64 extends through an aperture 68 in catch element 52 and urges the catch element radially outwardly of the actuator sleeve (see FIGS. 3, 6 and 7).

The door knob 18 and keylock cylinder structure 28 may be removed from the remaining lock structure in typical fashion by engaging a hand tool of prick-punch or awl configuration with the check portion 58 of the catch element 52 and radially depressing the catch element in the actuator sleeve interior and disengaging the check portion 58 from the check aperture structure 62 of the door knob sleeve 50 (see the arrow indication 70 in FIG. 7). The annular cuff portion 24 of the stationary lock case means concentrically arranged about the actuator sleeve 20 typically extends axially a distance sufficicnt for covering the door knob catch structure and provides guard means covering the check aperture structure 62 of the door knob sleeve 50. The usual cuff portion 52 of the latch structure is provided with a small aperture 72 providing access means for a prickpunch or the like in depressing the catch element 52 and releasing the door knob and keylock cylinder from the lock operating mechanism. A conventional lockreleasing shaft 30 is of flattened rectangular cross section and a door knob and keylock cylinder assembly is typically removed by turning the keylock cylinder 90 degrees and depressing the check element 52 and while maintaining the check element depressed, axially removing the door knob and cylinder assembly from the lock mechanism.

The burglar foiling means of the instant invention provides key-operative means for rendering the door knob catch element 52 movable or immovable and respectively for permitting the removal of the door knob and keylock cylinder means 18, 28 from the lock structure or for maintaining the doorknob and cylinder structure in an assembled disposition. The burglar foiling means 10 includes keylock cylinder means 28' integrally formed with the existing keylock cylinder structure 28 and includes keylock body structure 30, keylock cylinder structure 34', and at least one tumbler pin column 36 including

tumbler pin segments

36a, 36b. The keylock cylinder and cylinder body structure 34, 32' define first and second shear lines 38a, 38b concentrically arranged and adapted respectively for permitting clockwise and counterclockwise movement of the keylock cylinder structure 34' (see respectively FIGS. 4 and 5).

The

tumbler pin segments

36a, 36b are received respectively in bore openings 74, 76' formed respectively in the body and cylinder structure 32', 34. A compression spring 78' is fitted in bore 74' in cylinder body 32' and urges the tumbler pin column 36' radially inwardly of the keylock cylinder structure. The abutting end surfaces of the

tumbler pin segments

36a, 36b define a break line 80' adapted to be arranged in register with respective first and second shear lines 38a, 38b of the keylock cylinder means: A first key member 82 is adapted to be inserted in keyway 84' of cylinder structure 34 for arranging the tumbler pin column break line 80' in register with the first shear line 38a and for turning the cylinder clockwise (see FIG. 4). A second key member 86 is adapted to be inserted in the keyway 84' for arranging the tumbler pin column break line 80 in register with the second shear line 38 for turning the cylinder structure 34' counterclockwise (see FIG. 5). The first key structure 82' is adapted to be incorporated in a room key or master key; the second key structure 86' is incorporated in the grand master key member.

Although the existing keylock cylinder structure 28 is shown as being operative only with a single key, such as a room key, the typical lock cylinder structure will be master keyed and the tumbler pin columns 36 may each be in three segments rather than the two segments shown. Such lock structure as this is well known and is not considered within the contribution of this invention. It will of course be appreciated that should the keylock cylinder structure 28 not be configured for master key operation (as illustrated in FIG. 2) then the combined

keylock cylinder structure

28 and 28 would be operative by only two keys as for example, a room key 82' and a grand master key 86' (see respective FIGS. 4 and 5). It will further be understood that the first and second key members 82', 86' each is provided with a tumbler pin actuating pattern for arranging the tumbler pin columns 36 in a lock-releasing disposition. For example, the first key member 82 is patterned for arranging the break lines of the tumbler pin columns 36 and 36' simultaneously in register respectively with the shear lines 38, 38 a for permitting the cylinder to be turned clockwise. In like manner, the second key member 86' is patterned for simultaneously arranging the break lines of tumbler pin columns 36, 36' in register respectively with the shear lines 38, 38b for permitting counterclockwise movement ofthe cylinder.

The first shear line 38a preferably is arranged radially inwardly of the second shear line 38b and is defined by the bottom surface of a shallow groove 88 formed in a transverse circumferential portion of the cylinder 34' and intersecting the tumbler column bore opening 76 of the keylock cylinder structure. The second shear line 38b preferably corresponds in radial dimension with the radial dimensions of the shear line 38 of the existing cylinder structure and is defined by the cylindrical outer surface of the keylock cylinder means. In certain embodiments of the invention (not shown) the cylinder body may be of step configuration or the first and second shear lines (3811', 3811') may be in reverse configuration from that shown and the tumbler pin groove 88 may be formed in the cylindrical interior of the keylock body structure 32. Such modification is believed to be well within the purview ofa worker skilled in the locksmith art.

The above-described structure and function of the keylock cylinder means 28 is correspondingly operative with a semicircular buffer cam 90 preferably integrally formed on the proximal portion of the pilot lock-releasing shaft 30 (see FIGS. 2, 6 and 7). The buffer cam 90 is eccentrically supported on the shaft 30 and functions for preventing the axial separation of the doorknob 18 from the latch actuator sleeve 20 by releasing the catch element 52, except when the grand master key 86' is operative in the keylock cylinder structure. The buffer cam 90 substantially is arrangeable in three positions: A first position when the keylock cylinder structure is in a locked disposition and when a corner edge portion 90a of the cam is blocking inward radial movement of the catch element 52 (see FIGS. 3 and 6); a second position when the keylock cylinder is turned clockwise by means of the first key member 82"and the curved face surface 90b ofthe buffer cam 90 is contiguous to the catch element 52 (see FIG. 4 a: d the broken line showing of cam 90 in FIG. 6); a third position whereat the cylinder structure is turned counterclockwise through use of the grand master key 86' and the flat face surface 90c of the cam 90 is turned toward the catch element and permits the catch element to be depressed and the door knob and lock cylinder structure may be removed or replaced on the latch actuator sleeve 20 by radially depressing the catch element 52 as indicated by arrow 70 and respectively by disengaging and engaging the check portion 58 of the catch element 52 with the check aperture 62 formed in sleeve portion 50 of the doorknob.

A further desirable feature of the instant invention is that feature permitting the separation of the keylock cylinder and body structure only through use of the grand master key 86' and even through the keylock cylinder structure 28, 28' is removed from the door lock assembly; the cylinder and cylinder body may not be separated without the use of a key corresponding with the grand master key. Such structure and function further safeguards against unorthodox disassembly of a door lock structure andprovides additional deterrentmeans for preventing a master key from being made from a removed keylock cylinder assembly. I 7

While the instant invention has been shown and described herein in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention.

lclaim:

l. Burglar foiling meansin a door lock or the like having a lock bolt actuator sleeve bidirectionally turnable for retracting the lock bolt or the like and including pilot lock means for locking the actuator sleeve against rotative movement and including a pilot lock releasing element turnably supported in the interior of said lock actuator sleeve and adapted to be turnably moved for releasing said pilot lock means and thereby permitting turning movement of the actuator sleeve and adapted to be turnably moved for releasing said pilot lock means and thereby permitting turning movement of the actuator sleeve, and including existing cylinder key lock structure including a cylinder body, a keyway lock cylinder turnably supported in said body with the mating surfaces thereof defining an imaginary shear line and including existing tumbler pin column means including at least one tumbler pin column in cluding pin segments defining a column break line, existing lock key means insertable in said cylinder keyway and patterned for arranging said tumbler pin column break line in register with said shear line for turning said cylinder means, including shaft means interengaging said lock cylinder and pilot lock releasing element substantially in positive movement communication, including a hollow door knob unit having a sleeve portion configured for snug telescopic fit on said actuator sleeve and including structure defining an abutment adapted to engage said lock cylinder structure for restraining said cylinder structure against axial separation for said actua tor sleeve, and including doorknob catch means releasably interengaging said knob sleeve and latch actuator sleeve for securing said door knob and actuator sleeve in assembled relation and including a catch release element substantially arranged within the interior of said actuator sleeve adapted to be manually displaced for releasing said catch means to an inactive disposition and permitting removal of said door knob and cylinder key lock means; key operative burglar foil means for rendering said doorknob catch means movable or immovable respectively for maintaining said door knob unit assembled or for permitting disassembly of said doorknob unit from said lock actuator sleeve comprising: additional coacting relatively movable lock cylinder and body means defining first and second shear lines radially spaced apart, additional tumbler pin column means defining a column break line, a first key member adapted for insertion in said cylinder keyway and having a tumbler actuating pattern adapted'to simultaneously arrange said existing tumbler column pin means in a released disposition and arranging said additional tumbler pin means with said break line in register with said first shear line for permitting clockwise movement of said cylinder means relative to said cylinder body, means for stopping counterclockwise movement of said cylinder at a disposition whereat said tumbler column is in solid configuration and when said first key member is in the cylinder keyway, a second key member having a tumbler actuating pattern adapted for simultaneously arranging said existing tumbler column means in a released disposition and arranging. said additional tumbler column means with the break line thereof in register with said second shear line for counterclockwise movement of said cylinder relative to said cylinder body, and buffer cam means arranged in positive movement connection with said lock cylinder for blocking releasing movement of said doorknob catch element when said lock cylinder is in a locked disposition and also when said lock cylinder is unlocked and turned clockwise by manipulation of said first key member, but permitting releasing movement of said door knob catch element when the unlocked cylinder in turned counterclockwise through manipulation of said second key member.

2. A combination as set forth in claim 1 wherein said door knob catch release element includes a radially outwardly projecting check portion operatively extending' through check aperture structure of the doorknob sleeve, wherein said door lock includes a lock housing annular cuff portion loosely fitted around said actuator sleeve and having structure defining a small prick tool aperture in the cuff wall at an axial location therealong corresponding to the axial location of the check aperture structure of the doorknob sleeve.

3. A combination as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first shear line is arranged radially inward of said second shear line and is defined substantially by the bottom surface of a shallow groove formed in a transverse circumferential portion of the cylinder means.

4. A combination as set forth in claim 3 wherein said second shear line corresponds in radial dimension with the radial dimension of the existing shear line of the existing key lock cylinder and body means.

5. A combination as set forth in claim 1 wherein said buffer cam means is formed on said shaft means interengaging the lock cylinder means and the pilot lock releasing element.

6. A combination as set forth in claim 5 wherein said buffer cam means includes a cam element generally of semicircular profile and is eccentrically fixedly supported on said shaft means, wherein the buffer cam element presents a corner edge portion of the cam face in contiguous arrangement with the catch release element when said cylinder p-ieans is in a locked disposition thereby preventing release of said door knob catch means, and presents the curved face of said buffer cam element contiguous the catch element when said lock cylinder means is turned clockwise through use of said first key member and thereby preventing release of said doorknob catch means, and presents the flat face of said semicircular buffer cam element toward said catch element when said lock cylinder is turned counterclockwise through use of said second key member and thereby permitting release of said door knob catch means and removal of said knob and lock cylinder means from the door lock structure.

Claims

1. Burglar foiling means in a door lock or the like having a lock bolt actuator sleeve bidirectionally turnable for retracting the lock bolt or the like and including pilot lock means for locking the actuator sleeve against rotative movement and including a pilot lock releasing element turnably supported in the interior of said lock actuator sleeve and adapted to be turnably moved for releasing said pilot lock means and thereby permitting turning movement of the actuator sleeve, and including existing cylinder key lock structure including a cylinder body, a keyway lock cylinder turnably supported in said body with the mating surfaces thereof defining an imaginary shear line and including existing tumbler pin column means including at least one tumbler pin column including pin segments defining a column break line, existing lock key means insertable in said cylinder keyway and patterned for arranging said tumbler pin column break line in register with said shear line for turning said cylinder means, including shaft means interengaging said lock cylinder and pilot lock releasing element substantially in positive movement communication, including a hollow door knob unit having a sleeve portion configured for snug telescopic fit on said actuator sleeve and including structure defining an abutment adapted to engage said lock cylinder structure for restraining said cylinder structure against axial separation for said actuator sleeve, and including doorknob catch means releasably interengaging said knob sleeve and latch actuator sleeve for securing said door knob and actuator sleeve in assembled relation and including a catch release element substantially arranged within the interior of said actuator sleeve adapted to be manually displaced for releasing said catch means to an inactive disposition and permitting removal of said door knob and cylinder key lock means; key operative burglar foil means for rendering said doorknob catch means movable or immovable respectively for maintaining said door knob unit assembled or for permitting disassembly of said doorknob unit from said lock actuator sleeve comprising: additional coacting relatively movable lock cylinder and body means defining first and second shear lines radially spaced apart, additional tumbler pin column means defining a column break line, a first key member adapted for insertion in said cylinder keyway and having a tumbler actuating pattern adapted to simultaneously arrange said existing tumbler column pin means in a released disposition and arranging said additional tumbler pin means with said break line in register with said first shear line for permitting clockwise movement of said cylinder means relative to said cylinder body, means for stopping counterclockwise movement of said cylinder at a disposition whereat said tumbler column is in solid configuration and when said first key member is in the cylinder keyway, a second key member having a tumbler actuating pattern adapted for simultaneously arranging said existing tumbler column means in a released disposition and arranging said additional tumbler column means with the break line thereof in register with said second shear line for counterclockwise movement of said cylinder relative to said cylinder body, and buffer cam means arranged in positive movement connection with said lock cylinder for blocking releasing movement of said doorknob catch element when said lock cylinder is in a locked disposition and also when said lock cylinder is unlocked and turned clockwise by manipulation of said first key member, but permitting releasing movement of said door knob catch element when the unlocked cylinder in turned counterclockwise through manipulation of said second key member.

2. A combination as set forth in claim 1 wherein said door knob catch release element includes a radially outwardly projecting check portion operatively extending through check aperture structure of the doorknob sleeve, wherein said door lock includes a lock housing annular cuff portion loosely fitted around said actuator sleeve and having structure defining a small prick tool aperture in the cuff wall at an axial location therealong corresponding to the axial location of the check aperture structure of the doorknob sleeve.

6. A combination as set forth in claim 5 wherein said buffer cam means includes a cam element generally of semicircular profile and is eccentrically fixedly supported on said shaft means, wherein the buffer cam element presents a corner edge portion of the cam face in contiguous arrangement with the catch release element when said cylinder means is in a locked disposition thereby preventing release of said door knob catch means, and presents the curved face of said buffer cam element conTiguous the catch element when said lock cylinder means is turned clockwise through use of said first key member and thereby preventing release of said doorknob catch means, and presents the flat face of said semicircular buffer cam element toward said catch element when said lock cylinder is turned counterclockwise through use of said second key member and thereby permitting release of said door knob catch means and removal of said knob and lock cylinder means from the door lock structure.