Locks – Operating mechanism – Key
Patent
1996-12-31
1998-10-27
Barrett, Suzanne Dino
Locks
Operating mechanism
Key
70358, 70419, E05B 2700
Patent
active
058264515
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
This invention relates to a key operable tumbler assembly, and to a key operable locking mechanism (hereinafter referred to as a "key mechanism) having the tumbler assembly.
One application for the tumbler assembly is in a mechanical locking/unlocking key mechanism for a lock, such as a cylinder lock. However, in another application, the tumbler assembly may be used in a mechanical/electrical key mechanism operable to monitor and/or enable/disenable and electrically operable system, such as a microprocessor, a security access device or the like in which the assembly is able to connect/disconnect enabling electrical circuitry for the system.
The tumbler assembly of the invention functions relative to a three-axis co-ordinate system. For ease of description, it will be assumed throughout that the assembly is oriented relative to such co-ordinate system in which it is appropriate to designate the axes as being vertical, lateral and longitudinal.
In its broadest form, the invention provides a tumbler assembly for a key operable locking mechanism (hereinafter referred to as a "key mechanism"), including support means and a plurality of tumblers mounted in the support means; wherein, with the assembly suitably orientated relative to a three-axis co-ordinate system for which it is appropriate to designate the axes as being vertical, lateral and horizontal, the tumblers are mounted in the support means in a random or sequential series which extends longitudinally in the support means; wherein the tumblers are mounted such that each tumbler is able to move to and away from a respective active position by substantially linear movement, wherein the support means has first and second laterally opposite sides, each tumbler is accessible at both the first and second of said sides, each of the tumblers is configured at said first side for effecting its movement by engagement with a configured key blade of a suitable key presented longitudinally along said first side; and wherein at least one of said tumblers is reversibly movable in the vertical direction to and away from its active position by at least substantially linear movement upon engagement with said key blade, and is accessible at said second side over or during the course of its movement in the vertical direction over at least a major part of its full extent at said second side.
The support means may form part of a housing which defines a longitudinal keyway which extends along said first side and in which a suitable key is insertable for engaging the first side configuration of at least each vertically movable tumbler. Alternatively, the support means may comprise a sub-housing, frame or cage which is mountable in relation to another component, of a key mechanism in which its assembly is to be used, to define such keyway along said first side.
A key mechanism according to the invention may include a housing in which the support means is received, with the housing or the housing and the support means defining a longitudinal keyway. Alternative, the support means may comprise part of a housing which defines such keyway. In each case, the keyway extends longitudinally across the first lateral side of each tumbler, while the support means may be movable, such as rotatably, or fixed.
All tumblers may be mounted in the support means so as to be capable of vertical movement. However, it is preferred that some tumblers are able to move laterally and/or longitudinally, whether or not they also are movable vertically. Some tumblers, in different stages of their movement, may be able to move vertically then laterally or vice versa, vertically then longitudinally or vice versa, or laterally then longitudinally or vice versa, with overall movement to respective active positions being the reverse of movement from those positions.
In one arrangement, at least one of the tumblers is mounted so as to have freedom of movement in two or three directions. Thus, it may be free to move vertically and laterally, vertically and longitudinally, laterally and longitudinally, or vertica
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Bacoz Developments Pty Ltd.
Barrett Suzanne Dino
LandOfFree
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