Locking device with passage

#Recent news reports indicate that the plastic barrel of a certain type of pen can be used to open a certain type of tubular lock that is present on bicycle locks. According to the news reports, the plastic barrel can be inserted into the keyway of the tubular lock, and after some effort, the lock can be opened. The insertion of the plastic barrel into the keyway of a tubular lock can mold the plastic barrel to the shape of a key, and the molded barrel could be potentially used to turn the lock.

#Improvements to deter this type of lock picking would be desirable.

#Embodiment of the invention are directed to lock devices, locking apparatuses, locking systems, and methods for using the same.

#FIG. 1 discloses a cross-sectional perspective view of a lock assembly according to an embodiment of the invention.

#FIG. 2 discloses a side view of a key according to an embodiment of the invention.

#FIG. 3 shows a front, cross-sectional view of a lock device along the line 3-3 in FIG. 1.

#One embodiment of the invention is directed to a lock device for use with a key with an extended portion. The lock device may be a cylinder lock. In one embodiment, the lock device comprises a locking spindle including a plurality of locking spindle bores and a passage extending axially along an axial length of the locking spindle, and a driver structure including a plurality of driver structure bores. (As used herein, “along an axial length” includes a passage that extends at least partially along a portion of the locking spindle.) An interface between the driver structure and the locking spindle forms a shear line. The lock device also includes a plurality of combination pins in the plurality of locking spindle bores, and a plurality of driver pins in the driver structure bores in the driver structure, the plurality of driver pins being respectively associated with the plurality of combination pins. The extended portion of the key can extend exactly or approximately to the shear line to provide a temporary solid interface portion for the locking spindle. As a result, the driver pins in the driver structure stay on one side of the shear line when an authorized key is used to lock and/or unlock the lock device.

#The lock devices according to embodiments of the invention can be used to secure or prevent the theft of any suitable types of articles. Such articles include bicycles, furniture, etc. However, the articles that can be secured by the lock devices according to embodiments of the invention are preferably portable electronic devices. Examples of portable electronic devices include portable computers (e.g., laptop computers), wireless phones, portable music players, DVRs (digital video recorders), flat panel displays and television sets, etc.

#FIG. 1 shows a locking apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The locking apparatus 100 includes a key 20 and a lock device 102. These components, alone or in conjunction with other components, can form a locking apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.