Hierarchical lock system, a key and a cylinder lock system and a set of keys for opening one or more locks

HIERARCHICAL CYLINDER LOCK SYSTEM

CROSS REFERENCE OF RELATED APPLICATION

[00001 ] This,application claims priority from United Slates Provisional Application No.

60/894,792 filed March 14,2007, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[00002] This invention relates to cylinder locks having tumbler pins which, when operated with the proper keys, are positioned to permit operation of the lock, and particularly to security locks arranged in systems where different cylinders offer varying degrees of physical security, and can be operated by keys in a hierarchical arrangement.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[00003] Customers of security lock systems have recognized the importance of having hi gh security mechanisms on vulnerable doors. The protection offered by these cylinders more than justifies iheir cost. However the expense to equip all the doors in a facility with modem high security cylindets often offsets the potential benefit of haying high security cylinders on nonessential doors. Many customers choose to install and maintain two different master key systems, one for the high security doors and one for the common, less critical doors, thus haying more keys to manage and cany for access.

[00004] This has lead to the development of so-called hierarchical lock systems. A hierarchical lock system includes one or more high security cylinders, typically installed on critical, high-risk doors, and associated lower security cylinders installed on less critical doors. The lower security cylinders are “associated” with the high security cylinders in the sense that a high-security master key, capable of operating the high security cylinder, is also capable of operating each of the associated lower security cylinders. Lower security keys for operating the associated lower security cylinders are not, however, capable of operating the high security cylinders with which the cylinders are associated. Each lower security cylinder may also have one or more associated cylinders of still lower security. And any key capable of operating cylinders at onb security level is also capable of operating associated cylinders.at lower levels, but the keys constructed to operate only lower security cylinders cannot operate higher security cylinders with which the lower security cylinders are associated.

[00005] In the context of this description, a standard security cylinder is a cylinder having fewer security features than a high security cylinder. The standard security cylinder is not necessarily the cylinder with the fewest security features within any particular hierarchical scheme.

[00006] Several lock manufacturers currently make cylinders that can be arranged into systems with different levels of physical security. As the industry produces new and higher security products it is necessary to develop standard security lock cylinders (i.e., non-high security cylinders) that will interface into systems with the newer high security cylinders and be operated by the high security keys. Notwithstanding improvements in the well worked lock art, there remains a need for lock cylinders which offer different levels of protection against criminal attack or other unauthorized entry and which can be arranged into one hierarchical keying schedule. Such lock mechanisms should also resist contemporary lock picking techniques, and it is desirable that the dimensions of the lock not exceed conventional cylinder size. It is equally important that the components and 1he lock assembly can be economically mass produced.

PRIOR ART

[00007] In U.S. Patent No. 4,103,526, Serko, Jr teaches a cylinder that has interconnected rotating pins. Insertion of a proper angularly bitted key into the key plug causes the tumbler assemblies to elevate and rotate to predetermined releasing positions wherein a split line of each tumbler assembly is aligned with a shear line between the plug and the shell and each pin tumbler is free to separate from its associated driver to permit rotation of the key plug to ah unlocked position. Emhart Industries, Inc. (Berlin, CT) introduced this cylinder into the lock market as the high security cylinder in a two-leVel hierarchical keying system. The corresponding standard security cylinder is a common pin cylinder with conically-shaped pin tips and keys having conventional, straight hittings. The standard security keys will not operate the high security cylinder which requires that the pin tumblers be elevated and rotated, but, the high security key will position the common pins in the standard security cylinder. There are no additional security enhancements in the standard security cylinder.

[O0008] In German patent DE 2828343, Perkut shows a pin tumbler cylinder with two axial sliding pins located beside the key way. The pins are positioned by ribs extending from the side of the key. This cylinder has been manufactured by Gebr. Grundmann Gesellschaft m.b.H., (Herzogengcrg, Austria) and sold as the high security cylinder in a hierarchical keying system. The standard security cylinder is manufactured without the axially sliding pins, and the standard security key for the standard security cylinder does not have the side ribs to position the sliding pins in the high security cylinder. The high security key will operate both the high security cylinder and the standard security cylinder, because the standard security cylinder has a key way that is designed to accept the wider key of the high security design.

[00009] In U.S. Patent Nos. 4,356,713,4,393,673 and others, Widen introduced a high security sidebar locking cylinder that could be used in a hierarchical keying system־ In one product, the standard security cylinder uses only common pin tumblers, and does not utilize the side pins that are in the high Security cylinder. The standard security key will only operate in the standard security cylinder. The high security key will operate both levels of cylinders.

[00010] In U.S. Patent No. 5,419,168, the disclosure Of which is incorporated herein by reference, Field discloses a hierarchical system of locks wherein each key is provided with at least one unique bitting surface that engages a complementarity .shaped tumbler pin tip to cause the tumbler pin to rotate and be positioned at a predetermined location. In one system, one high security key is provided with bittings to rotate the tumbler pins in a lock that is able to determine the rotational position of the tumbler pins. The high security key may also operate a standard security cylinder - which does not determine the. rotational position of the tumbler pins - by positioning a tumbler pin at its proper elevation in the cylinder. The standard security key, which has at least one different bitting from the high security key, will operate the standard security cylinder (in which the tumblers do not have to be rotated). The standard security key will not, however, operate the high security cylinder, because the bitting does not property rotate the tumbler pins to their unlocking locations.

[0001Γ] Cylinders which read the rotational positioning of the tumbler pins require that the tumbler pins be individually rotated to a predetermined position to permit rotation of the plug or barrel. Such cylinders can be operated only by a key which is bitted so as to rotate the tumbler to the predetermined position. On the other hand, lock cylinders which do not have a mechanism ־which reads or differentiates between rotational positions Of the pi ns can be operated by any key which is bitted so as to position the pins at their proper elevation and permit rotation of the plug or barrel, regardless of the rotational position to which the key moves the piris.

[00012] In U.S. Patent Nos. 6,477,875 arid 6,945,082, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference, Field et al, teach lock cylinders that require the precise elevational and rotational positioning of rotating pins and the proper axial positioning of a reciprocating, sliding sidebar blocking mechani sm (referred to aS a slider) before their plugs will tum. The unique key that operates the cylinder has a portion of a rib configured to cooperate with the slider in the cylinder. The slider provides hierarchical key system differentiation by allowing master keying possibilities on the slider contact areas. It provides an additional bitting member and enhanced security against picking arid rnanipulation. Some examples of slider contact surfaces on the slider are illustrated in U.S. Patent No, 6,945,082, Figure 8 at reference numbers 721,713. Also, some examples of slider engaging projections on keys are illustrated in U.S. Patent No. 6,945,082, Figure 14a at reference numbers 4007,4008.

[00013] The slider* and side key bitting also reduces the need for manufacturing as many cylinders of differing key ways to produce a large master keyed system, as the slider mechanism expands the master keying capability of the cylinders without relying on different key sections to reject improperly configured keys.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[00014] Against this background, the primary object of this i nventi On is to provide an improved locking cylinder of the general kind indicated in the opening paragraph, that will fit into a hierarchical arrangement of cylinders providing a cost effective solution to supplement high security cylinders and keys of the kinds described in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,477,875 and 6,945,082.

[00015] Aspects of the invention are embodied in a lock which comprises a cylindrical plug having an axis arid, an axially-extending keyway adapted to receive a conforming key. The lock also includes tumbler pin assemblies disposed within tumbler pin holes that are formed in the cylindrical plug and which are adapted to control rotation of the cylindrical plug with respect to a shell. Each tumbler pin assembly is reciprocally moveable within an associated tumbler pin hole, and engagement of the tumbler pin assemblies by the biting of a properly configured key inserted into the keyway will position the tumbler pin assemblies within their associated tumbler, pin holes so as to permit the cylindrical plug to rotate with respect to the shell. A sidebar is coupled with the cylindrical plug and has an outer end that is engageable with a sidebar groove formed in the wall of a bore formed in the shell. When engaged with the sidebar groove^ the sidebar blocks rotation of the cylindrical plug with respect to the shell. A slider is disposed with respect to the cylindrical plug and is adapted to move axially relative to the cylindrical plug, when engaged by a properly configured key inserted into the keyway, from a first position in which the slider interferes with the sidebar to block the sidebar from moving radially inwardly toward the axis of the cylindrical plug to a second position in which the slider does not interfere with the sidebar. With the slider moved to the second position, the sidebar is permitted to move radially toward the axis of the cylindrical plug so that the sidebar disengages from the sidebar groove and permits the cylindrical plug to rotate within the bore formed in the shell. The lock is unlocked when the tumblerpin assemblies are positioned So as to permit the cylinder plug to rotate and the slider is moved to its second position so as to permit the sidebar to move radially inwardly and disengage from the sidebar groove.

[00016] Other aspects of the invention are embodied in a hierarchical lock system which includes a first cylinder lock having a rotatable cylinder with an axis and a keyway, a movable sidebar for controlling rotation of the cylinder, rotatable reciprocating tumblers for controlling rotation of the cylinder and movement of the sidebar, and a slider adapted to be engaged by a key inserted into the keyway for controlling movement of the sidebar; The system further includes a second cylinder lock having a rotatable cylinder with an axis and a keyway, a movable sidebar for controlling rotation of the cylinder, reciprocating tumblers for controlling rotation of the cylinder, and a slider adapted to be engaged by a key inserted into the keyway,for controlling movement of the sidebar. The system also includes a dual level key adapted to open both the first and second cylinder locks and a single level key adapted to open the second cylinder lock but not the first cylinder lock.

[00017] Other aspects of the invention are embodied in a set of keys which includes a first key comprising a key blade adapted to fit into the keyways of the first and second cylinder locks described above and constructed and arranged to (I) elevate the tumblers of the first cylinder lock to positions which allow the cylinder of the first cylinder lock to rotate, (2) rotate the tumblers of the first cylinder lock to orientations which unblock the sidebar of the first cylinder lock, and (3) elevate the tumblers of the second cylinder .jock to positions which allow the cylinder of the second cylinder lock to rotate. The blade of the first key is further constructed and arranged to engage the sliders of the first and second cylinder locks and move each slider parallel to the axis of the cylinder to unblock the sidebar of the first and second cylinder locks. The set of keys also includes a second key which comprises a key blade adapted to fit into the keyways of the first and second cylinder locks and constructed and arranged to elevate the tumblers of the second cylinder lock to positions which allow the cylinder of the second cylinder lock to rotate. The blade is further constructed and arranged to engage the slider of the second cylinder lock and move the slider parallel to the axis of the cylinder to unblock the sidebar Of the second cylinder lock. The second key is nbt adapted to rotate the tumblers of the first cylinder lock and is therefore unable to open the first cylinder lock.

[00018] Other objects, features, and characteristics of the present invention, including the methods of operation and the function and interrelation of the elements of structure, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims, with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this disclosure, wherein like reference numerals designate.corresponding parts in the various figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00019] Figure 1 is a left-hand exploded perspective view of a standard security cylinder of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a right-hand exploded perspective view of the cylinder shown in Figure 1;

[00020]

[00021]

[00022] cylinder, and

[00023]

Figure 3 is a front view of the cylinder shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a right-hand exploded perspective view of a prior art high security

Figure 5 is a front view of the cylinder shown in Figure 4.

Figure 6A is a perspective view of a key adapted to elevate tumbler pins and to

[00024] engage and move a slider.

PCTA7S2008/003228

[00025] Figure 6B is a perspective view of a key adapted to elevate and rotate tumbler pins and to engage and move a slider.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[00026] Figures 1,2 and 3 show the new and novel cylinder of this invention. This new cylinder can be used as a standard security cylinder arid can be operated by keys of the type disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,945,082. As described in more detail below, the cylinder of Figures 1-3 can be operated without rotating the pin tumblers into proper positions, but includes a sidebar and blocking slider arrangement which controls operation of the cylinder. Without the mechanism to read precisely rotated pins of the prior art, the cylinder of the present invention has a reduced cost to manufacture, while the si debar/slider mechanism offers additional security over prior art standard security cylinder designs.

[00027] Figures 4 and 5 are prior art high security cylinders of lhe type manufactured by Medeco Security Locks, Inc. of Salem, VA and which are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,477,875. As with the cylinder shown in Figures 1,2, and 3, the cylinder of Figures 4 and 5 can also be operated by keys of the kinds disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,945,082. This allows for two types of cylinders, one with standard security and One with high security to be arranged in a hierarchical system with keys that operate both levels.

[00028] Figure 1 is an exploded, perspective view of the standard security cylinder of the present invention showing the left hand side of the components. Figure! shows the same components from the right hand side. They illustrate one configuration of a cylinder body br shell 10. The shell 10 has an axial bore 11 in which a cylindrical plug 20 fits and can rotate. The plug 20 is beld in place by a retainer 60. In the plug 20 and the shell 10 are tumbler pin holes 23 and 13, respectively, in which pin sets, or tumbler pin assemblies, of various bottom pins 50, top pins 58, and springs 56 are positioned. Arrangements of spring loaded pins provide master keying capability and are well known in the lock art. The pins 50 have conical tips 52, and can be properly positioned to permit rotation bf the plug 20 within the shell 10 merely by being elevated to the correct position by a key having the proper bitting pattern. Rotation of the pins 50 is not necessary, and the biting of the key need not be angularly chiseled or skewed.

[00029] A sidebar 30 is positioned in a cavity 21 fanned in the side of the plug 20. The sidebar 30 has a beveled projection 31 that extends into an axial sidebar groove 12 formed in the sidewall of the axial bore 11 in the shell 10. The sidebar 30 is urged radially outwardly from the rotational axis of the plug ,20, for example, by springs 38, so that the beveled projection 31 is urged into engagement with the sidebar groove 12. The plug 20 Cannot be rotated to unlock the lock until the sidebar 30 is moved radially toward the rotational axis of the plug 20, and the beveled projection 31 is disengaged from the sidebar groove 12.

[00030] A slider 40 is positioned adjacent the sidebar 30 and has at least one tab 41 that is engaged by a side 34 of the sidebar 30 to prevent the sidebar 30 from movingradially out of engagement from the sidebar groove 12. The slider 40 is biased axially, for example, by a spring 48, toward the front end of the plug 20. A proper key (described below) inserted into a keyway 36 has a projection that engages a contact surface 42 on the slider 40 to move the slider 4Q axially So as to align slider openingfs) 32 formed in the side 34 of the sidebar with the tab(s) 41 of the slider 40.

[00031 ] As the plug 20 is turned under control of the key, the beveled projection 31 moves in the sidebar groove 12, and this action forces the sidebar 30 to move radially into the plug 20. The radial movement of the sidebar 30 with respect to the slider 40 aid the plug 20 is enabled by the alignment of the slider opening(s) 32 with the tab(s) 41.

[00032] As explained in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,477,875 and 6,945,082, the slider contact areas on the key engage the contact surface 42 on the slider 40 and position the slider to an exact axial location. When the slider 40 is in this operating position, the slider tab 41 is aligned with the slider opening 32, and the sidebar 30 can move far enough to allow rotation of the plug 20. Thus, the slider 40 controls the release of the sidebar 30.

[00033] Figure 3 is a front view of the standard security cylinder, illustrating the plug 20 disposed within the shell 10 and the conical lip 52 of a bottom pin 50 and the contact surface 42 of the slider 40 extending into the keyway 36.

[00034] Figure 4 is an exploded view of a prior art high security cylinder which may be used in a hierarchical lock system in conjunction with the standard security cylinder of Figures 1-3. Rotating or twisting tumbler locks with side bar control Of the tumblers and keys for Operating such

PCT/US2008/OQ3228 locks are well known in the prior art and have been manufactured and sold by Medeco Security Locks, Inc. of Salem, VA forever twenty years. Examples of such cylinders can be found in the following patents assigned to Medeco Security Locks, Inc.: U.S. Pat. No. 3,499,302 Spain et al (1970) U.S. Pat. No. 3,722,240 Spain et al (1973), U.S. Pat No. 4,635,455 Oliver (1987), U.S. Pat. No. 5,289,709 Field (1994), U.S. Pat. No. 5,419,168 Field (1995), U.S. Pat, No, 5,570,601 Field (1996), U.S. Pat. No. 5,615,565 Field (1997), and U.S. Pat No. 6,023,954 Field (2000). With the addition of a slider, controlling the sidebar as shown in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,477,875 and 6,945,082, the security of these cylinders is further enhanced.

[00035] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate one configuration of a cylinder body or shell 110. The shell has an axial bore 111 in which the plug 120 fils and can rotate. The plug 120 is held in place by a retainer 160. A ridebar 130 is positioned in a cavity 121 in the ride of the plug 120. The sidebar has a beveled projection 131 that extends into a sidebar groove (not shown) formed in the side wall of the axial bore 111 in the shell 110. Sidebar legs 133 project radially inwardly from the sidebar 130. A slider 140 is positioned adjacent the sidebar 130. Additionally the high security level cylinder has drill resistant inserts 170 in the cylinder to provide attack protection.

[00036] Iii the plug 120 and the shell 110 are tumbler pin boles 123 and 113, respectively, in which tumbler pin assemblies □f various chisel pointed bottom pins 150, top pins 158, and springs 156 are positioned. Arrangements of spring loaded pins are well known in the lock arts, and they can provide master keying capability. The tips 152 of the rotating pins 150 are chisel pointed, and When a cotrtctly bitted key is inserted into the plug, the springs push the pins into the angled cuts on the keys, as explained in the Medeco patents listed above, This action causes the pins to elevate and rotate to an exact location. In the side of the pins is at least one sidebar leg slot 153 designed to accept a leg 133 of a ridebar 130

[00037] As a plug is turned under control of a key (riot shown), the beveled projection 131 moves in the sidebar slot, and this action forces the sidebar 130 into the plug 120 against a biasing force, such as springs 138. Proper rotation of the pins 150 aligns the sidebar leg slot 153 on each pin 150 with one of the Sidebar legs 133 and allows the sidebar leg 133 to fit into the pin. In one side of the sidebar there is at least one slider opening 132, and on the slider 140 there is at least one slider tab 141 that extends Upwards behind the sidebar 130. The slider is spring loaded and is positioned axially in the ping by the key as it is inserted into the cylinder. As explained in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,477,875 and 6,945,082, the slider contact areas on the key engage the contact surface 142 on the slider 140 and position the slider 140 to an exact axial location with respect to the Sidebar 130. When the slider is in this operating position, the slider tab ,141 is aligned with the slider opening 132, and the sidebar 130 can move far enough to allow rotation of the plug )20; Both the alignment of the pins and the slider control the release of the sidebar so as to permit rotation of the plug 120.

[00038] Figure 5 is a front view of the prior art high security level cylinder, illustrating the plug 120 disposed within the shell 110 and the chiseled tip 152 of a bottom pin 150 and the contact surface 142 of the slider 40 extending into the keyway 136.

[00039] Keys for use in the ,hierarchical Jock system of the present invention are shown in Figures 6A and 6B. Figures 6A shows a key 200 with a bow 202 and a key stop 204 with a blade 206 extending from the key stop 204. Blade 206 includes bitting 210 and a profile, for example, defined by a longitudinal rib 208, which conforms to the keyway of a lock. Key 200 includes standard straight bitting 210, which will elevate the tumblers but will not rotate the tumblers. Key 200 further includes a longitudinally extending cutout 212 having a contact surface 214 defined at an aid thereof. The key 200 shown in Figure 6A will operate the locks of the type shown in the Figures 1,2, and 3. That is, the bitting.210 will elevate the tumbler assemblies, and the contact surface 214 will contact the projection 42 of thd slider 40 and move the slider to a non-interfering position with respect to the sidebar 30. Key 200 will not operate the locks shown in Figures 4 and 5, as those locks require that the tumbler pins be elevated and rotated, which key 200 is incapable of doing.

[00040] Key 220 shown in Figure 6B also includes a bow 222 and a key stop 224 from which the key blade 226 extends. The key blade includes a profile, for example, defined by longitudinal rib 228, and biting 230. A longitudinal cutout 232 extends along a portion of the blade 226 and ends in a contact surface 234. The bitting 230 of the blade 220 is chiseled, so that, when the biting engages a complemeritarily chiseled tumbler pin, the biting will elevate and rotate the pin. Accordingly, the key 220 shown in Figure 6B will operate the locks shown in Figures 4 and 5. In addition, key 220 will also operate the locks showii in Figures 1,2, and 3. Thus, iti a hierarchical lock system, key 220 is a master key, while the key 200 is a subordinate key.

[00041] Thus, the standard security cylinder shown in Figures 1,2, and 3 can be operated by a key having the correct bitting to properly elevate the pin tumblers 50 and the correct sliderengaging rib to axially position the slider 40 with the slider tab(s) 41 aligned with the slider opening(s) 32 formed on the sidebar 30. Both high security keys, having chiseled, angular or skewed hittings, and standard security keys, having non-angled bittings, can operate the standard security cylinder. On the other hand, the high security cylinder shown in Figures 4 and 5 can only be operated by a key having the correct bitting to property elevate and rotate the pin tumblers 150 and the correct slider-engaging rib to axially position the slider 140 with the slider tab(s) 141 aligned with the slider opcning(s) 132. Thus, only the high security key, with chiseled, angular bitting, will operate the high security lock of Figures 4 and 5.

[00042] Thus, the standard security cylinder of the present invention provides a security enhancement over prior art standard Security cylinders which require only the proper elevational positioning of the pin tuiriblera to permit operation of the cylinder. The standard security cylinder of the present invention also requires the proper positioning of the slider with respect to the sidebar. This security enhancement of the standard security cylinder of the present invention is accotnpl !shed without the expense and complexity of prior art high security cylinders which require elevational positioning and rotation of the pin tumblers in addition to the proper positioning of the slider.

[00043] Accordingly, the standard security cylinder of Figures 1-3 and the high security cylinder Of figures 4 and 5 could form lower and upper levels, respectively, of a two-level hierarchical lock system. Alternatively, the standard security cylinder of Figures 1-3 and the high security cylinder of Figures 4 and 5 could form mid and upper levels, respectively, of a three-level hierarchical lock system, with a prior art standard security cylinder operable upon the proper elevation of the pin tumblers forming the lower level of the system,

[00044] While the present invention has been described and shown in considerable detail with disclosure to certain preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate other embodiments of the present invention. Accordingly, the present‘ invention is deemed to include all .

modifications and variations encompassed within the spirit and scope of the followi ng appended claims.