Dual key locks with multi-function tumblers
OwnerJames M. Milesinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention provides an improved lock configuration by which a dual key lock can operate efficiently and conveniently with a single stack of tumblers. That configuration permits more accurate positioning of the tumblers upon key operation, whereby a larger number of key combinations can generally be accommodated. Also, the individual tumblers of the invention are typically receivable in the lock in a plurality of alternative orientations in which their gates assume different functions. That difference of function may constitute a change of effective gate position with respect to the same key, or may shift cooperation with the two keys from one pair of gates to another. That aspect of the invention is useful in facilitating key changes, especially in locks designed for safe deposit and similar service.
Claims16
A lock which includes bolt means movable along a bolt axis between a locking position and a releasing position and including fence means, at least one set of flat tumblers, means for mounting the tumblers for independent movement transversely of the bolt axis, a gated blocking edge on each tumbler for cooperation with the fence means to normally block bolt movement toward releasing position, and key receiving means for controlling said tumbler movement to align the gates and unblock the bolt movement;
- said lock being further characterized in that
- at least a plurality of said tumblers include a second gated blocking edge facing oppositely to the first said edge,
- and said plurality of tumblers have such form that they are receivable by said mounting means in two alternative orientations with a different one of the blocking edges in position in each of the orientations to cooperate with the fence means under key control.
A dual-key lock comprising
- bolt means movable along a bolt axis between a locking position and a releasing position and including first and second fence means mutually spaced longitudinally of the bolt axis and coupled to the bolt,
- first and second key noses laterally offset from the bolt axis and spaced longitudinally thereof,
- a plurality of flat elongated tumblers,
- means mounting the tumblers generally parallel to the bolt axis for lateral sliding movement in respective mutually parallel planes, said mounting means including means for longitudinally positioning the tumblers,
- each tumbler having such symmetry with respect to a transverse axis and with respect to a longitudinal axis that it is receivable by the mounting means in any one of four alternative orientations,
- each tumbler including, in each said orientation, two transverse gated blocking edges in position to cooperate with the respective fence means to normally block the bolt means from said releasing position, and two laterally facing drive edges operatively engageable by corresponding keys in the respective key noses to laterally position the tumblers to unblock the bolt means.
A lock which includes bolt means movable along a bolt axis between a locking position and a releasing position, a stack of elongated tumblers generally parallel to the bolt axis, and first and second key noses mounted on respective key axes laterally adjacent the tumblers and mutually spaced longitudinally thereof;
- further characterized in that
- each tumbler includes first and second transverse gated blocking edges which are offset from the respective first and second key axes in directions substantially perpendicular to the bolt axis,
- the bolt means includes first and second fence means for cooperating with the set of first blocking edges and the set of second blocking edges, respectively, to normally block the bolt from said releasing position,
- the gates of each edge set being alignable to unblock the associated fence means by operation of a corresponding key in the associated key nose independently of a key in the other key nose.
A set of flat, elongated tumblers adapted to be mounted in a lock, each tumbler having a longitudinal axis and including
- a guide slot perpendicular to the axis for slidingly receiving a fixed guide member,
- two transverse control slots for spacedly receiving respective fence means coupled to a lock bolt, said control slots being equally spaced on opposite sides of the guide slot and having gate recesses in both side edges in selected positions for cooperating with the respective fence means.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.