# US 2014/0190223 A1 · Key with movable element disposed within key blade > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2014/0190223 A1 - Document ID: US20140190223A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 14/146,918 - Filed: 2014-01-03 - Published: 2014-07-10 - Earliest claimed: 2013-01-04 - Assignees: Medeco Secuirty Locks, Inc. - Applicants: Medeco Security Locks, Inc. - Inventors: Peter H. FIELD; Clyde T. ROBERSON; Dan BOADWINE - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20140190223A1 ## CPC - E05B 19/0017: {Key profiles} - E05B 35/003: {for keys with movable bits (keys adjustable before use E05B19/18)} - Y10T 70/7605: Pin tumblers - E05B: LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS - Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION ## Abstract A key with one or more movable elements that slide within the blade of a substantially flat key for operating a lock includes a blade configured to be inserted into a keyway of a lock and including contour features formed on an outer surface of the blade that mate with corresponding contour features of the keyway. The key includes at least one movable element disposed within a recess formed in the blade and including a contour surface exposed to the exterior of the key blade. The contour surface may include external contour features that correspond in shape to at least a portion of the contour features of the keyway. The movable element may be movable within the recess, when it engages a blocking member within the keyway, and after such movement, the element will engage a locking element within the lock. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A key for operating a lock and comprising: a blade configured to be inserted into a keyway of a lock and including contour features formed on an outer surface of the blade that mate with corresponding contour features of the keyway; and at least one movable element disposed within an associated recess formed in the blade and including a contour surface exposed to the exterior of the key blade, the contour surface including external contour features that correspond in shape to at least a portion of the contour features of the keyway, wherein each movable element is movable within its associated recess between: (a) a first position in which the external contour features of the contour surface of the movable element cooperate with the contour features of the key blade, such that the contour features of the blade and movable element mate with the corresponding contour features of the keyway and (b) a second position in which the external contour features of the contour surface of the movable element are displaced with respect to the contour features of the key blade, such that the contour features of the movable element do not mate with the corresponding contour features of the keyway. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The key of claim 1, wherein the movable element is configured to contact a blocking member located within a keyway as the key blade is inserted into the keyway, whereby contact with the blocking member causes the movable element to move from the first position toward the second position. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The key of claim 1, wherein the movable element is configured to contact a locking element of the lock when the movable element is in the second position and the blade is further inserted into the keyway, whereby the contact between the movable element and the locking element causes the locking element to move from a locked position to an un-locked position. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) They key of claim 1, wherein the blade comprises: opposed sides extending longitudinally of the blade and defining a height of the blade; and edges extending between the opposed sides and defining a thickness of the blade, wherein the height of the blade is greater than the thickness of the blade, and wherein the movable element and the recess are constructed and arranged such that the movable element is movable between the first position and the second position in a direction that is parallel to the height of the blade. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The key of claim 1, wherein the movable element is movable between the first and second positions in a vertical direction when the blade is inserted into a keyway in a horizontal direction. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The key of claim 1, wherein the movable element has a shape that is rectangular, cubical, cylindrical, or spherical. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The key of claim 1, wherein the movable element comprises a body of revolution that is symmetric about a longitudinal axis thereof and includes regions of varying diameter along the longitudinal axis. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The key of claim 1, wherein the movable element comprises: a sliding body having straight sides, a straight bottom end, and a rounded top end; a projecting face projecting from the sliding body and having straight sides, a flat bottom corresponding to the bottom of the sliding body, and a rounded top; and at least one of a groove and at least one ridge formed in the front surface of the projecting face. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The key of claim 1, wherein the movable element and recess are configured such that the movable element does not extend out of the blade when the movable element moves from the first position to the second position. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The key of claims 1, wherein the movable element and recess are configured such that the movable element does not extend beyond a portion of the blade with the greatest thickness. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The key of claim 1, wherein the movable element is free floating within the recess. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The key of claim 1, wherein the movable element is under spring pressured biasing the movable element into a predetermined position within the recess.