Key-way cover

Abstract

A cover for the keyway of a lock comprising a multilayered disk-like lid adapted to allow penetration by a key therethrough, yet being resistant to ingress of environmental contaminants when the key is withdrawn, the lid being rotatably mounted to housing for the lock so as to rotate with a key that has been inserted therethrough for engagement within the keyslot of the lock, the lid having an upper and an intermediate layer of elastomer material, and a bottom support layer of material appreciably less resilient than the upper and intermediate layers. There is a first water impervious slit extending through the upper layer, and a second slit in the intermediate layer that lies in a vertical plan parallel to the first slit and laterally spaced therefrom. A slot in the bottom layer lies below the first and second slits. The first slit is adapted to be deformably opened by the downward passage of a key therethrough. The intermediate layer in turn is adapted to be engaged by the key so that a portion of that layer is deformed and pivotally urged downwardly into the slot of the bottom layer, opening the second slit and allowing the key to pass downwardly through the slot. Retraction of the key allows the protective slits to be resiliently reformed.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.