Key operable locking mechanism

A tumbler assembly, for a key operable locking mechanism, including a plurality of tumblers and means for supporting the tumblers;

• wherein, with the assembly suitably orientated relative to a three-axis co-ordinate system for which designation of axes as being vertical, lateral and longitudinal is appropriate, the tumblers are mounted in the support means in a series which extends longitudinally in the support means in an arrangement such that each tumbler is able to move to and away from at least one respective active position by substantially linear movement relative to the support means in at least one direction selected from vertical, lateral and longitudinal, subject to there being at least one tumbler able to move vertically;
• wherein the support means has first and second laterally opposite sides and each tumbler is accessible at both the first and second of said sides, at least one tumbler being engageable with a key blade of a suitable key when said blade is present along said first side;
• wherein each of said tumblers is accessible at said second side whereby each tumbler is insertable into and removable from the support means at said second side;
• and wherein said support means comprises at least a part of a cylindrical barrel which is rotatably receivable in a housing so as to be rotatable therein.

A tumbler assembly, for a key operable locking mechanism, including a plurality of tumblers and means for support the tumblers;

• wherein, with the assembly suitably orientated relative to a three-axis co-ordinate system for which designation of axes as being vertical, lateral and longitudinal is appropriate, the tumblers are mounted in the support means in a series which extends longitudinally in the support means in an arrangement such that each tumbler is able to move to and away from at least one respective active position by substantially linear movement relative to the support means in at least one direction selected from vertical, lateral and longitudinal;
• wherein the support means has first and second laterally opposite sides, and each tumbler is accessible at both the first and second of said sides, at least one tumbler being engageable with a key blade of a suitable key when said blade is present along said first side;
• wherein at least one of said tumblers is accessible at said second side whereby each tumbler is insertable into and removable from the support means at said second side;
• and wherein the support means comprises at least part of a non-rotatable body.