Burglar proof lock, especially lock for cars

A burglar proof lock for an element comprising:

• a lock cylinder having a longitudinal axis;
• a plurality of latch plates mounted in said lock cylinder for radial movement relative to said longitudinal axis between a withdrawn position in which said latch plates are withdrawn radially into said lock cylinder when a matching key is introduced into said lock cylinder and an expelled position in which said latch plates are partly expelled from said lock cylinder when the key is withdrawn from said lock cylinder;
• a latch sleeve in which said lock cylinder is located for free rotation about the longitudinal axis thereof and for longitudinal movement only when the key is received therein, said latch sleeve including a plurality of inner circumferential grooves defined by radially extending opposed circumferential walls (a) in which respective ones of said latch plates are received when said latch plates are in the expelled positions whereby said circumferential walls engage respective said latch plates in the expelled position and thus prevent said lock cylinder from moving longitudinally relative to said latch sleeve while allowing free rotation of said lock cylinder and (b) from which said latch plates are withdrawn when said latch plates are in the withdrawn position whereby said lock cylinder is movable longitudinally relative to said latch sleeve;
• a lock housing which is stationary relative to the element and in which said latch sleeve is located for free rotation about the longitudinal axis of said lock cylinder so that said lock cylinder is also freely rotatable relative to both said latch sleeve and said lock housing;
• a coupling member attached to said lock cylinder which is axially displaceable therewith;
• and
• a receiver member attached to said lock housing which cooperates with said coupling member after an axial displacement of said lock cylinder to unlock the element.