Resettable lock with small increments

Abstract

A resettable lock cylinder has a core body and a plug assembly. The lock cylinder includes a key follower and a corresponding rack disposed in the plug assembly. Disengagement of the rack from the key follower allows the lock cylinder to be reset.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application date of July 31, 2019, application number 201980057198.8, and invention name “Resettable lock with small increments”.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application was filed as a PCT international patent application on July 31, 2019, and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 712,369, filed on July 31, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to locks; more particularly, the present disclosure relates to a lock having a resettable lock cylinder. Background Art

[0005] Lock cylinders that can be rekeyed without removing the cylinder plug are known. These types of locks are very beneficial to consumers because they can be easily reset without calling a locksmith. The sizes and tolerances of the mating components within the lock have become smaller to allow for increased variability in key engagement. This also increases stress on small components. Therefore, there is a need for a resettable lock that increases the variability in key engagements recognized by the lock while maximizing the strength of the small components. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a resettable lock cylinder is provided that maximizes the number of engagement positions for unlocking the lock cylinder. By maximizing the number of engagement positions, such as seven or more, the number of engagement combinations for a key used with the lock cylinder is increased. This maximizes the security of the lock cylinder.

[0007] According to one aspect, the present disclosure provides a resettable lock cylinder having a core body and a plug assembly disposed in the lock cylinder body. The core body has a longitudinal axis and is formed to define a recess. The plug assembly is rotatable about the longitudinal axis. A key follower and a corresponding rack are disposed in the plug assembly, wherein the rack is selectively disengaged from the key follower to facilitate resetting between different keys. A locking bar is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the locked position engages with the recess of the core body to prevent the plug assembly from rotating relative to the core body, and the unlocked position is spaced apart from the recess of the core body to allow the plug assembly to rotate relative to the core body. The rack controls movement of the locking bar between the locked and unlocked positions. The key follower is formed to define a rack engagement feature, such as a post, and the rack is formed to include a key follower engagement feature, such as a slot extending at least partially through and defined by the rack. The post is received in the slot such that complementary engagement surfaces of the post and the slot engage with each other to prevent movement of the key follower relative to the rack.

[0008] According to another aspect, the present disclosure provides a resettable lock cylinder having a core body and a plug assembly disposed in the lock cylinder body. The core body has a longitudinal axis and is formed to define a groove. The plug assembly is rotatable about the longitudinal axis. A key follower and a corresponding rack are disposed in the plug assembly. A locking rod is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the locked position engages with the groove of the core body to prevent the plug assembly from rotating relative to the core body, and the unlocked position is spaced apart from the groove of the core body to allow the plug assembly to rotate relative to the core body. The rack controls the movement of the locking rod between the locked position and the unlocked position. The key follower engages with the rack via an engagement feature. The rack can be selectively disengaged from the key follower to facilitate resetting between different keys. The engagement feature allows at least seven different positions of the key follower relative to the rack to allow at least seven different engagement positions in the resettable lock cylinder.

[0009] According to another aspect, the present disclosure provides a resettable lock cylinder. The resettable lock cylinder includes a core body having a longitudinal axis and formed to define a recess. The resettable lock cylinder includes a plug assembly disposed in the core body and rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The resettable lock cylinder includes a locking bar movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. When in the locked position, the locking bar is positioned within the recess of the core body to prevent the plug assembly from rotating relative to the core body. When in the unlocked position, the locking bar is spaced apart from the recess of the core body to allow the plug assembly to rotate relative to the core body. The resettable lock cylinder includes a key follower disposed in the plug assembly, the key follower including a rack engagement feature. The resettable lock cylinder includes a rack disposed in the plug assembly, the rack including a key follower engagement feature. The rack engagement feature of the key follower engages with the key follower engagement feature of the rack to facilitate simultaneous movement of the key follower and the rack. The rack controls movement of the locking bar between the locked position and the unlocked position. At least one of the rack engagement feature of the key follower and the key follower engagement feature of the rack is a protrusion, and at least one of the rack engagement feature of the rack follower and the key follower engagement feature of the rack is a slot. The rack is selectively disengageable from the key follower when moved in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plug assembly.

[0010] Various other aspects will be described in the following description. These aspects may relate to individual features as well as combinations of features. It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and illustrative and do not limit the broad inventive concepts on which the embodiments disclosed herein are based. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The following drawings illustrate specific embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. The drawings are not drawn to scale and are intended to be used in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description. Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements.

[0012] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example lock cylinder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded view of example lock cylinder shown.

[0014] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 The perspective cross-sectional view along line 3-3 shows, among other things, the key follower engaged with the rack.

[0015] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an example of a key follower according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary rack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is Figure 4 An exemplary key follower is shown in association with .

[0017] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Front view of the rack.

[0018] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 Side view of the rack.

[0019] Figure 8-11 yes Figure 4 Key follower and Figure 4 A perspective view of the rack fit.

[0020] Figure 12 is located in Figure 5 Inside the rack Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a portion of a key follower.

[0021] Figure 13 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an example lock cylinder is shown illustrating the locking bar engaged with the rack in a first, unlocked position.

[0022] Figure 14 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an example lock cylinder is shown illustrating the locking bar engaged with the rack in a first locked position.

[0023] Figure 15 is a perspective view of another example of a key follower according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 16 is a perspective view of another example of a rack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is Figure 15 associated with the key follower.

[0025] Figure 17 is a perspective view of another example of a key follower according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 18 is a perspective view of another example of a rack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is Figure 17 associated with the key follower.

[0027] Figure 19 is a perspective view of another example of a key follower according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 20 is a perspective view of another example of a rack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is Figure 19 associated with the key follower.

[0029] Figure 21 is a perspective view of another example of a key follower according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 22 is a perspective view of another example of a rack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is Figure 21 associated with the key follower.

[0031] Figure 23 yes Figure 22 Front view of the rack.

[0032] Figure 24 yes Figure 22 Side view of the rack.

[0033] Figures 25-27 yes Figure 21 Key follower and Figure 22 A perspective view of the rack fit.

[0034] Figure 28 is located in Figure 22 Inside the rack Figure 21 A cross-sectional view of a portion of a key follower. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The accompanying drawings and description provided herein may have been simplified to illustrate and clearly understand the relevant aspects of the device, system and method described herein, while omitting other aspects that can be found in typical devices, systems and methods for clear purposes. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other elements and / or operations may be desirable and / or necessary for realizing the device, system and method described herein. Because such elements and operations are well known in the art, and because they are not convenient for better understanding the disclosure, the discussion of such elements and operations may not be provided here. However, the disclosure is considered to inherently include all such elements known to those of ordinary skill in the art, variations and modifications to the aspects.

[0036] References in the specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "an illustrative embodiment," etc., indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but each embodiment may or may not include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an embodiment, it is considered within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to implement such feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other examples, whether or not explicitly described. In addition, it should be understood that items included in a list in the form of "at least one of A, B, and C" can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (A and C); (B and C), or (A, B, and C). Similarly, items listed in the form of "at least one of A, B, or C" can mean (A), (B), (C), (A and B); (A and C); (B and C); or (A, B, and C).

[0037] In the accompanying drawings, some structural or method features may be shown in a particular arrangement and / or order. However, it should be appreciated that such a particular arrangement and / or order may not be required. Rather, in some examples, such features may be arranged in a manner and / or order different from that shown in the illustrative figures. In addition, the inclusion of a structural or method feature in a particular figure does not imply that such feature is required in all examples, and in some examples, such features may not be included or may be combined with other features.

[0038] The present disclosure relates to a resettable lock cylinder that can be reset without removing the cylinder plug. The operation of resetting the lock cylinder is similar to that of co-pending U.S. Patent Publication No. 2016 / 0369527, which is incorporated herein by reference. While the reset operation operates similarly, the present lock cylinder includes a pin-and-rack engagement feature that maximizes the number of engagement positions in the lock while maintaining strength.

[0039] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2An exemplary lock cylinder 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. The lock cylinder 10 includes a core body 14 and a plug assembly 16. A retainer 18 ( Figure 2 ) Connect the core body 14 and the plug assembly 16 together.

[0040] like Figure 2 As best shown, the core body 14 includes a generally cylindrical body 20 having a front end 22, a rear end 24, and a core wall 26 defining an inner surface 28. The core wall 26 includes an internal locking rod engagement recess 30 (at Figure 3 、 13 14 ). In some examples, the locking bar engagement recess 30 has a generally rectangular cross-section and generally extends longitudinally along a portion of the core body 14 from the front end 22 .

[0041] The plug assembly 16 includes a plug body 32, a bracket subassembly 34, and a plurality of key followers 38 (also known as pins). The plug body 32 illustratively includes a plug face 36, an intermediate portion 40, and a drive portion 42. The plug face 36 defines a keyway opening 44 and a reset tool opening 46. In some examples, the plug face 36 also defines a pair of radially outwardly extending channels for accommodating anti-drill ball bearings. The drive portion 42 is configured to drive a torque blade 51 that can be coupled to a latch assembly (not shown). The drive portion 42 also includes a pair of slots 52 formed around its periphery and a central recess 54 for accommodating a retaining clip 18 to retain the plug body 32 in the core body 14.

[0042] The intermediate portion 40 includes a main body portion 56 formed as a core segment and having a plurality of channels 58 for accommodating the key followers 38. The channels 58 illustratively extend transversely to the longitudinal axis of the plug body 32. A retaining cap 64 is received in the recess 62 to capture the key followers 38 within the plug body 32. The channels 58 extend partially through the plug body 32, and the sidewalls of the channels open to a flat surface 66. The flat surface 66 illustratively includes a plurality of bullet-shaped rack engagement features 68 that prevent resetting of the lock cylinder 10 if the rack 72 is not aligned to unlock the lock cylinder 10 (e.g., if a valid key is not inserted into the lock cylinder 10).

[0043] The bracket subassembly 34 includes a bracket 70, a plurality of racks 72, a spring pin 75, a locking rod 74, a pair of clips 76 for holding a corresponding biasing member 78 against the locking rod 74 to urge the locking rod 74 toward the racks 72, and a return spring 80. The bracket 70 includes a body 82 in the form of a core segment that is complementary to the main portion 56 of the plug body 32, such that the bracket 70 and the body portion 56 combine to form a core that fits within the core body 14. The bracket 70 includes a curved surface 84 and a flat surface 86. The curved surface 84 includes a locking rod slot 88, a spring pin recess 90, and a pair of clip-receiving recesses 100 for receiving the clips 76. The locking rod slot 88 illustratively includes a pair of biasing member-receiving apertures 92 for receiving the biasing member 78. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking rod 74 includes a pair of corresponding recessed areas 96 for receiving the biasing member 78. The planar surface 86 of the bracket 70 includes a plurality of parallel rack-receiving slots 94 extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bracket 70 .

[0044] The spring loaded locking lever 74 is sized and configured to fit within the locking lever slot 88 in the bracket 70. The locking lever 74 illustratively includes a blocking portion 98 that, when in the locked position (e.g., Figure 14 ), the blocking portion 98 is received in the locking lever engagement recess 30 in the core body 14 and when in the unlocked position ( Figure 3 and 13 ), the blocking portion 98 extends out of the locking lever engagement recess 30. Opposite the square edge of the blocking portion 98, the locking lever 74 includes a flange 102 that is configured to engage with a locking lever engagement recess 104 formed in the rack 72 ( Figure 13 ). In the depicted example, the flange 102 is generally triangular in shape and is sized so that when the locking lever 74 is in the unlocked position, the flange 102 is fully positioned within the locking lever engagement recess 104 of the rack 72. Thus, in some examples, the locking lever engagement recess 104 of the rack 72 is larger than the flange 102. The biasing member 78 urges the blocking portion 98 out of the recess 30 in the core body 14 toward the rack 72.

[0045] The pin-rack engagement feature 50 provides a secure engagement between the key follower 38 and the rack 72 while allowing for multiple engagement positions. Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5, an example of a pin-rack engagement feature 50 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. The pin-rack engagement feature 50 includes a rack engagement feature of the key follower 38 that is configured to engage with a key follower engagement feature of the rack 72. In the depicted example, the rack engagement feature is the post 31, and the key follower engagement feature is the slot 71. The complementary engagement surfaces of the post 31 and the slot 71 engage one another to prevent movement of the key follower relative to the rack 72. In some examples, the slot 71 provides engagement support around the post 31, particularly on opposite sides of the post 31.

[0046] Compared to the resettable lock cylinder described in co-pending U.S. Patent Publication No. 2016 / 0369527, the reduced size allows the lock to distinguish between additional engagement positions, increasing the number of possible engagement sequences or patterns on the key used in the lock cylinder 10, which increases security. The term "engagement position" is intended to refer to the depth of the key cut according to the key's engagement sequence. "Engagement position" is typically identified by a number or letter indicating the depth of the key cut. The number of engagement positions that the lock cylinder can recognize (i.e., the depth of the key cut) varies. For example, the lock cylinder described in co-pending U.S. Patent Publication No. 2016 / 0369527 is able to recognize six different engagement positions. This can be seen in the six gear tooth grooves in the rack schematically shown in that application, which accommodate the teeth of the key follower, allowing for six positions of the key follower relative to the rack. The six positions of the rack relative to the key follower correspond to the six engagement positions that can be used in the lock cylinder as exemplarily described in that application. Due to machining tolerances and structural rigidity of the rack, it is not feasible to increase the number of gear teeth in the rack to increase the number of engagement positions recognized by the lock cylinder described in the application.

[0047] The pin-rack engagement feature 50 exemplarily described herein increases the number of engagement positions recognized by the lock cylinder 10. In the example shown, twelve grooves 73 are available in the rack 72 that can engage the post 31 of the key follower 38. Each successive groove 73 is spaced apart from each other by an incremental distance I (e.g., Figure 5 ), the incremental distance I is equal to the incremental distance separating each successive engagement position on the key. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the lock cylinder 10 recognizes twelve engagement positions. Of course, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the lock cylinder 10 is shown for illustrative purposes and could potentially include more or fewer grooves 73 to adjust the number of engagement positions recognized by the lock cylinder 10. By increasing the available possible engagement positions, e.g., to seven or more, this increases the number of possible combinations of engagement sequences for unlocking the lock cylinder 10, thereby increasing security. The pin-to-rack engagement feature 50 is also robust because each tooth becomes thinner and less rigid as it decreases in size.

[0048] In an illustrative embodiment, Figure 4 As shown, the posts 31 include three offset barrels 33 arranged in a triangular pattern. In some examples, each post 31 includes two offset barrels 33 arranged in a linear pattern. In some examples, each post 31 may have barrels 33 arranged in multiple linear patterns. For example, the linear patterns of barrels 33 may be offset from each other by half the key cut increment to increase engagement with the rack 72. Each barrel 33 defines a semi-cylindrical outer surface. In some examples, a cone is disposed at the end of the barrel 33 to guide the insertion of the post 31 into the slot 71.

[0049] like Figure 5-7 As shown, the slot 71 includes a series of semi-cylindrical grooves 73. The series of grooves 73 extend along either side of the slot 71 and are offset from each other to correspond to the pattern of the barrel 33. The grooves 73 of each rack 72 include a first set of grooves 77 located closest to the key follower 38 and a second set of grooves 79 opposite the first set of grooves 77 in the slot 71. In some examples, such as Figure 7 As shown, the length G of the second set of grooves 79 can be greater than the comparable length of the first set of grooves 77. In the illustrated embodiment, the slot 71 extends through the rack 72 and is bounded on all sides by the rack 72, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 In some examples, the slot 71 does not extend entirely through the rack 72 .

[0050] The semi-cylindrical surface of the barrel 33 and the semi-cylindrical groove 73 increase the contact surface area of ​​the pin-rack engagement feature 50. In the depicted example, as Figure 12 As shown, when mated, a single barrel 33 mates with a single groove in the second set of grooves 79. Furthermore, in the example shown, a pair of barrels 33 mate with a pair of grooves in the first set of grooves 77 when mated. Specifically, in the depicted example, the post 31 of each key follower 38 mates with both sets of grooves 77, 79, in each slot 71 of each rack 72 to further strengthen and stabilize the pin-and-rack engagement feature 50. In some examples, depending on the thickness of the rack 72 and the length of the post 31, the post 31 does not extend fully through the slot 71. The post 31 need only mate and interlock with the slot 71 to ensure that the rack 72 and key follower 38 move together. This docking arrangement maintains the strength of the pin-and-rack engagement feature 50 even as the size of the components is reduced. It is contemplated that within the scope of this disclosure, the key follower 38 may have a variety of different numbers of barrels 33 mate with a variety of different numbers of first or second sets of grooves 77, 79.

[0051] In some examples, the barrel 33 and the groove 73 are formed to define complementary non-circular geometric profiles, such as triangular or rectangular. In some examples, the rack 72 can include an anti-stab groove 81 on one side 83 of the rack 72 that defines the locking rod engagement groove 104. Such grooves provide feedback when they are engaged by the locking rod 74, which can mimic the feedback received by the locking rod 74 when positioned within the locking rod engagement groove 104.

[0052] To reset the lock cylinder 10, a valid key 43 is inserted into the keyway opening 44 and rotated. A tool (not shown) is inserted into the tool opening 46 and pushed toward the bracket 70 to move the bracket 70 parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lock cylinder 10 until the spring pin 75 moves into the detent recess of the core body 14. The bracket 70 is moved in a longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lock cylinder 10 to withdraw the post 31 of the key follower 38 from the mating groove 71 of the rack 72. The valid key is then removed and a second key (with a different engagement than the first key) is inserted and rotated to release the spring pin 75. When the spring pin 75 leaves the detent recess of the core body 14, the bracket 70 is biased toward the plug face 36 by the return spring 80, causing the post 31 to be inserted into the slot 71 in a longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lock cylinder 10 and engage therewith. Figure 8-11 71 of the rack 72. In some examples, as described above, the key follower 38 and / or the rack 72 can include features (e.g., a cone, a rounded surface, etc.) that help guide the post 31 into engagement with the slot 71 and corresponding groove 73. At this point, the lock cylinder 10 is set to the second (active) key, and the first key no longer operates the lock cylinder 10. In some examples, each post 31 can include a reinforcing rib, and each slot 71 of the rack 72 can include a corresponding recess to accommodate the reinforcing rib.

[0053] As the number of engagement positions increases, the incremental position between each engagement position decreases or becomes smaller. The accumulation of tolerances from the engagement of multiple components can cause the position of the locking bar engagement recess 104 formed in the rack 72 to vary during operation of the lock cylinder 10. Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the locking lever engagement recess 104 of each rack 72 is wider than the flange 102 of the locking lever 74. Therefore, the locking lever 74 can have multiple positions within the locking lever engagement recess 104 of the rack 72, including at least one effective position in which the locking lever 74 is in the unlocked position.

[0054] Figure 13 An example is shown in which the locking lever 74 is positioned within the locking lever engagement recess 104 of the rack 72 while the blocking portion 98 is removed from the locking lever engagement recess 30 of the core body 14 , thereby positioning the locking lever in the unlocked position. Figure 14An example is shown in which the locking bar 74 can be positioned within the locking bar engagement groove 104 of the rack 72 while the blocking portion 98 of the locking bar 74 remains positioned within the locking bar engagement groove 30 of the core body 14, thereby maintaining the locked locking bar position. When the rack 72 moves with the key follower 38, the locking bar 74 contacts the side 83 of the rack 72 outside the locking bar engagement groove 104 and remains in the locked position. In some examples, when the rack 72 moves, the locking bar 74 travels on the anti-stab groove 81.

[0055] exist Figure 15 and 16 Another example of a pin-rack engagement feature according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. The pin-rack engagement feature includes a post 331 of a spring-loaded pin 338 that engages with a mating slot 371 of a rack 372. The complementary engagement surfaces of the post 331 and the slot 371 engage with each other to prevent movement of the spring-loaded pin 338 relative to the rack 372. Figure 15 As shown, each column 331 includes a barrel 333 and reinforcing ribs 337. The barrel 333 defines a semi-cylindrical outer surface. In some examples, a cone 335 is disposed at the end of the barrel 333 to guide the column 331 into the slot 371. Figure 16 As shown, the mating slot 371 includes a series of semi-cylindrical grooves 373. The series of grooves 373 extend along either side of the mating slot 371. A recess 375 is positioned at one end of the slot 371 to accommodate the reinforcing rib 337. The semi-cylindrical surface of the barrel 333 and the semi-cylindrical grooves 373 maximize the contact surface area of ​​the pin-rack engagement feature. In some examples, the barrel 333 and the grooves 373 are formed to define complementary non-circular geometric profiles, such as a triangle or a rectangle. In the illustrative embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 16 As shown, the slot 371 extends through the rack 372 and is bounded on all sides by the rack 372. In some examples, the slot 371 does not extend through the entire rack 372.

[0056] exist Figure 17 and 18 Another example of a pin-rack engagement feature according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. The pin-rack engagement feature includes a post 431 of a spring-loaded pin 438 that engages with a mating slot 471 of a rack 472. The complementary engagement surfaces of the post 431 and the slot 471 engage with each other to prevent movement of the spring-loaded pin 438 relative to the rack 472. Figure 17 As shown, each column 431 includes a pair of barrels 433. Each barrel 433 defines a semi-cylindrical outer surface. In some examples, a cone 435 is disposed at the end of each barrel 433 to guide the column 431 into the slot 471. Figure 18As shown, the mating slot 471 includes a series of semi-cylindrical grooves 473. The series of grooves 473 extend along either side of the mating slot 471. The semi-cylindrical surface of each barrel 433 and the semi-cylindrical grooves 473 maximize the contact surface area of ​​the pin-rack engagement feature. In some examples, the barrel 433 and the grooves 473 are formed to define complementary non-circular geometric profiles, such as a triangle or a rectangle. In the illustrative embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 18 As shown, the slot 471 extends through the rack 472 and is bounded on all sides by the rack 472. In some examples, the slot 471 does not extend through the entire rack 472.

[0057] exist Figure 19 and 20 Another example of a pin-rack engagement feature according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. The pin-rack engagement feature includes a post 531 of a spring-loaded pin 538 that engages with a mating slot 571 of a rack 572. The complementary engagement surfaces of the post 531 and the slot 571 engage with each other to prevent movement of the spring-loaded pin 538 relative to the rack 572. Figure 19 As shown, each column 531 includes a pair of vertically stacked barrels 533. Each barrel 533 defines a semi-cylindrical outer surface. In some examples, a cone 535 is disposed at the end of each barrel 533 to guide the column 531 into the slot 571. Figure 20 As shown, the mating slot 571 includes a series of semi-cylindrical grooves 573. The series of grooves 573 extend along either side of the mating slot 571. The semi-cylindrical grooves 573 and the semi-cylindrical surface of each barrel 533 maximize the contact surface area of ​​the pin-rack engagement feature. In some examples, the barrel 533 and the grooves 573 are formed to define complementary non-circular geometric profiles, such as a triangle or a rectangle. In the illustrative embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 20 As shown, the slot 571 extends through the rack 572 and is bounded on all sides by the rack 572. In some examples, the slot 571 does not extend through the entire rack 572. The slot 571 is generally located on the side of the rack 572 opposite the corresponding locking rod engagement recess 504 of the rack.

[0058] exist Figure 21 and 22 6. Yet another example of a pin-rack engagement feature according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. The pin-rack engagement feature includes a post 631 of a pin 638 engaged with a mating slot 671 of a rack 672. The complementary engagement surfaces of the post 631 and the slot 671 engage one another to prevent movement of the spring-loaded pin 638 relative to the rack 672.

[0059] like Figure 21As shown, each column 631 includes a set of ridges 633, which are configured to be integral with the slot 671. As described above, the ridges 633 can also be said to be formed by a plurality of cylinders. Figure 22 As shown, the mating slot 671 includes a series of semi-cylindrical grooves 673. The grooves 673 extend along either side of the mating slot 671. The ridges 633 of the post 631 and the semi-cylindrical grooves 673 maximize the contact surface area of ​​the pin-rack engagement feature. In some examples, the post 631 and the grooves 673 are formed to define complementary non-circular geometric profiles, such as a triangle or a rectangle. In the illustrative embodiment, the slot 671 extends through the rack 672 and is bounded on all sides by the rack 672, as shown in FIG. Figure 22 In some examples, the slot 671 does not extend through the entire rack 672 .

[0060] like Figure 22-24 As shown, the slot 671 includes a series of semi-cylindrical grooves 673. The series of grooves 673 extend along either side of the slot 671 and are offset from each other to correspond to the pattern of the ridges 633. The grooves 673 of each rack 672 include a first set of grooves 677 located closest to the key follower (e.g., pin 638) and a second set of grooves 679 opposite the first set of grooves 677 in the slot 671. In some examples, such as Figure 24 As shown, the length G of the second set of grooves 679 can be greater than the comparable length of the first set of grooves 677. In the illustrated embodiment, the slot 671 extends through the rack 672 and is bounded on all sides by the rack 72, as shown in FIG. Figure 22 In some examples, the slot 671 does not extend through the entire rack 672. The slot 671 is generally located on the side of the rack 672 opposite the corresponding locking rod engagement recess 604 of the rack.

[0061] exist Figures 25-27 In the example sequence shown, the engagement between the pin 638 and the rack 672 is shown, the semi-cylindrical surface of the ridge 633 and the semi-cylindrical groove 673 increase the contact surface area of ​​the pin-rack engagement feature. Figure 27 As shown, when mated, a single barrel 33 interfaces with a single groove in the second set of grooves 79. Additionally, in the example shown, ridges 633 interface with a pair of grooves in the first set of grooves 677 and groove 679 when mated.

[0062] Specifically, in the depicted example, the post 631 of each key follower 638 interfaces with two sets of grooves 677, 679 in each slot 671 of each rack 672 to further strengthen and stabilize the pin-rack engagement feature. In some examples, depending on the thickness of the rack 672 and the length of the post 631, the post 631 does not extend completely through the slot 671. The post 631 only needs to interface and interlock with the slot 671 to ensure that the rack 672 and the key follower (e.g., pin 638) move together. This docking arrangement maintains the strength of the pin-rack engagement feature even if the size of the components is reduced. It is considered within the scope of the present disclosure that the key follower 638 may have a variety of different sizes or shapes that interface with various different numbers of the first set of grooves 677 or the second set of grooves 679. In particular, relative to the illustrated embodiment, in order to accommodate a greater number of barrels 633 while maintaining a constant number of possible relative positions between the pin 638 and the rack 672, relative to the embodiment shown in FIG. Figure 19 The number of grooves 573 within slot 571, as seen in FIG, provides a corresponding increase in the number of grooves 673 within slot 671. The increased pin size increases the strength of post 631, particularly in the vertical direction, compared to the previously discussed embodiments. This prevents damage in response to inserting an object into a keyway opening, such as keyway opening 244, thereby increasing the overall strength of the lock cylinder.

[0063] Features of one spring-loaded pin 38, 338, 438, 538 or rack 72, 372, 472, 572 may be used for any other spring-loaded pin 38, 338, 438, 538 or rack 72, 372, 472, 572. The spring-loaded pin 38, 338, 438, 538 may include more or fewer posts 31, 331, 431, 531, and the rack 72, 372, 472, 572 may include more or fewer grooves 73, 373, 473, 573.

[0064] Example

[0065] Illustrative examples of the lock cylinder disclosed herein are provided below. Embodiments of the lock cylinder may include any one or more of the examples described below and any combination thereof.

[0066] Example 1 is a resettable lock cylinder having a core body and a plug assembly disposed in the lock cylinder body. The core body has a longitudinal axis and is formed to define a groove. The plug assembly is rotatable about the longitudinal axis. A key follower and a corresponding rack are disposed in the plug assembly, wherein the rack is selectively disengaged from the key follower to facilitate resetting between different keys. A locking rod is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the locked position engages with the groove of the core body to prevent the plug assembly from rotating relative to the core body, and the unlocked position is spaced apart from the groove of the core body to allow the plug assembly to rotate relative to the core body. The rack controls the movement of the locking rod between the locked position and the unlocked position. The key follower is formed to define a post, and the rack is formed to include a slot extending at least partially through the rack and defined by the rack. The post is received in the slot so that complementary engaging surfaces of the post and the slot engage with each other to prevent movement of the key follower relative to the rack.

[0067] In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 is further configured such that the post is formed to define at least one semi-cylindrical outer surface, and the slot includes a series of semi-cylindrical grooves. When the post is received in the slot, the semi-cylindrical outer surface of the post engages with the at least one semi-cylindrical groove of the slot.

[0068] In Example 3, the subject matter of Example 2 is further configured such that the column includes a barrel defining at least one semi-cylindrical surface.

[0069] In Example 4, the subject matter of Example 3 is further configured such that the slot further includes a recess for accommodating the at least one semi-cylindrical surface.

[0070] In Example 5, the subject matter of Example 2 is further configured such that the column includes two barrels defining at least one semi-cylindrical surface.

[0071] In Example 6, the subject matter of Example 5 is further configured such that the barrels are offset from one another in a linear pattern.

[0072] In Example 7, the subject matter of Example 2 is further configured such that the column includes three barrels defining at least one semi-cylindrical surface.

[0073] In Example 8, the Example 7 subject matter is further configured such that the barrels are offset from one another in a triangular pattern.

[0074] In Example 9, the subject matter of Example 8 is further configured such that a first series of semi-cylindrical grooves are arranged along a first side of the slot and a second series of semi-cylindrical grooves are arranged along a second side of the slot. The first series of semi-cylindrical grooves are offset from the second series of semi-cylindrical grooves.

[0075] Example 10 is a resettable lock cylinder having a core body and a plug assembly disposed in the lock cylinder body. The core body has a longitudinal axis and is formed to define a groove. The plug assembly is rotatable about the longitudinal axis. A key follower and a corresponding rack are disposed in the plug assembly. A locking rod is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the locked position engages with the groove of the core body to prevent the plug assembly from rotating relative to the core body, and the unlocked position is spaced apart from the groove of the core body to allow the plug assembly to rotate relative to the core body. The rack controls the movement of the locking rod between the locked position and the unlocked position. The key follower engages with the rack via an engagement feature. The rack can be selectively disengaged from the key follower to facilitate resetting between different keys. The engagement feature allows at least seven different positions of the key follower relative to the rack to allow at least seven different engagement positions in the resettable lock cylinder.

[0076] In Example 11, the subject matter of Example 10 is further configured such that the engagement feature includes a post and a slot, the post being formed to define at least a semi-cylindrical outer surface, the slot including a series of semi-cylindrical grooves, and when the post is received in the slot, the semi-cylindrical outer surface of the post engages with at least one semi-cylindrical groove of the slot.

[0077] In Example 12, the subject matter of Example 10 is further configured such that the column includes two barrels defining at least a semi-cylindrical surface.

[0078] In Example 13, the subject matter of Example 12 is further configured such that the barrels are offset from one another in a linear pattern.

[0079] In Example 14, the subject matter of Example 11 is further configured such that a first series of semi-cylindrical grooves are arranged along a first side of the slot and a second series of semi-cylindrical grooves are arranged along a second side of the slot, and wherein the first series of semi-cylindrical grooves are offset from the second series of semi-cylindrical grooves.

[0080] Example 15 is a resettable lock cylinder. The resettable lock cylinder includes a core body having a longitudinal axis and formed to define a recess. The resettable lock cylinder includes a plug assembly disposed in the core body and rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The resettable lock cylinder includes a locking bar movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. When in the locked position, the locking bar is positioned within the recess of the core body to prevent the plug assembly from rotating relative to the core body. When in the unlocked position, the locking bar is spaced apart from the recess of the core body to allow the plug assembly to rotate relative to the core body. The resettable lock cylinder includes a key follower disposed in the plug assembly, the key follower including a rack engagement feature. The resettable lock cylinder includes a rack disposed in the plug assembly, the rack including a key follower engagement feature. The rack engagement feature of the key follower and the key follower engagement feature of the rack engage to facilitate simultaneous movement of the key follower and the rack. The rack controls movement of the locking bar between the locked position and the unlocked position. At least one of the rack engagement feature of the key follower and the key follower engagement feature of the rack is a protrusion, and at least one of the rack engagement feature of the rack follower and the key follower engagement feature of the rack is a slot. The rack is selectively disengageable from the key follower when moved in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plug assembly.

[0081] In Example 16, the subject matter of Example 15 is further configured such that the rack engagement feature of the key follower and the key follower engagement feature of the rack allow for at least seven different positions of the key follower relative to the rack.

[0082] In Example 17, the subject matter of Example 15 is further configured such that the protrusion is formed to define at least a semi-cylindrical outer surface. The slot includes a series of semi-cylindrical grooves, and when the post is received in the slot, the semi-cylindrical outer surface of the post engages at least one semi-cylindrical groove of the slot.

[0083] In Example 18, the subject matter of Example 17 is further configured such that the protrusion includes two barrels defining at least a semi-cylindrical surface.

[0084] In Example 19, the subject matter of Example 18 is further configured such that the barrels are offset from one another in a linear pattern.

[0085] In Example 20, the subject matter of Example 15 is further configured such that a first series of semi-cylindrical grooves is arranged along a first side of a slot of at least one rack engagement feature of the key follower, and a second series of semi-cylindrical grooves is arranged along a second side of the slot. The first series of semi-cylindrical grooves are offset from the second series of semi-cylindrical grooves.

[0086] The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and changes may be made without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A resettable lock cylinder comprising: a core body having a longitudinal axis and formed to define a groove; a plug assembly disposed in the core body and rotatable about the longitudinal axis; a key follower and corresponding rack disposed in the plug assembly, wherein the rack is selectively disengageable from the key follower to facilitate resetting between different keys; and a locking lever movable between a locked position in which the locking lever engages the recess of the core body to prevent the plug assembly from rotating relative to the core body and an unlocked position in which the locking lever is spaced apart from the recess of the core body to allow the plug assembly to rotate relative to the core body, wherein the rack controls movement of the locking bar between a locked position and an unlocked position, the key follower is formed to define a post, the rack is formed to include a slot extending at least partially through and bounded by the rack, and the post is received in the slot such that complementary engagement surfaces of the post and the slot engage one another to prevent movement of the key follower relative to the rack, wherein the slot includes a series of grooves, and wherein a first series of grooves is arranged along a first side of the slot and a second series of grooves is arranged along a second side of the slot, and wherein the first series of grooves is offset from the second series of grooves.

2. The resettable lock cylinder according to claim 1, wherein: The post is formed to define at least one semi-cylindrical outer surface, and the series of grooves is a series of semi-cylindrical grooves, wherein when the post is received in the narrow slot, the at least one semi-cylindrical outer surface of the post engages with at least one of the series of semi-cylindrical grooves of the narrow slot.

3. The resettable lock cylinder according to claim 2, wherein: The column includes a plurality of barrels defining the at least one semi-cylindrical surface.

4. The resettable lock cylinder according to claim 3, wherein: The plurality of tubes form a set of ridges.

5. The resettable lock cylinder according to claim 3, wherein: The plurality of cartridges are offset from one another.

6. The resettable lock cylinder according to claim 3, wherein: The plurality of barrels include cones disposed at ends of the plurality of barrels.

7. The resettable lock cylinder according to claim 2, wherein: The post includes a set of ridges.

8. The resettable lock cylinder according to claim 1, wherein: The first series of grooves is a first series of semi-cylindrical grooves and the second series of grooves is a second series of semi-cylindrical grooves.

9. The resettable lock cylinder according to claim 8, wherein: The length of the second series of semi-cylindrical grooves is greater than the comparable length of the first series of semi-cylindrical grooves.

10. A resettable lock cylinder comprising: a core body having a longitudinal axis and formed to define a groove; a plug assembly disposed in the core body and rotatable about the longitudinal axis; a key follower and corresponding rack disposed in the plug assembly; and a locking lever movable between a locked position in which the locking lever engages the recess of the core body to prevent the plug assembly from rotating relative to the core body, and an unlocked position in which the locking lever is spaced apart from the recess of the core body to allow the plug assembly to rotate relative to the core body, wherein the rack controls movement of the locking lever between the locked and unlocked positions, wherein the key follower engages the rack via an engagement feature, the engagement feature comprising a post and a slot, the slot comprising a series of grooves, and wherein the rack is selectively disengageable from the key follower to facilitate resetting between different keys, the engagement feature allowing at least seven different positions of the key follower relative to the rack to allow at least seven different engaged positions in the resettable lock cylinder, and wherein a first series of grooves is arranged along a first side of the slot, a second series of grooves is arranged along a second side of the slot, and wherein the first series of grooves is offset from the second series of grooves.

11. The resettable lock cylinder according to claim 10, wherein: The post is formed to define at least one semi-cylindrical outer surface, and the series of grooves is a series of semi-cylindrical grooves, wherein when the post is received in the narrow slot, the at least one semi-cylindrical outer surface of the post engages with at least one of the series of semi-cylindrical grooves of the narrow slot.

12. The resettable lock cylinder according to claim 11, wherein: The post includes a series of ridges.

13. The resettable lock cylinder according to claim 10, wherein: The first series of grooves is a first series of semi-cylindrical grooves and the second series of grooves is a second series of semi-cylindrical grooves.

14. The resettable lock cylinder according to claim 13, wherein: The length of the second series of semi-cylindrical grooves is greater than the comparable length of the first series of semi-cylindrical grooves.

15. A resettable lock cylinder comprising: a core body having a longitudinal axis and formed to define a groove; a plug assembly disposed in the core body and rotatable about the longitudinal axis; a locking lever movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein, when in the locked position, the locking lever is positioned within the recess of the core body to prevent the plug assembly from rotating relative to the core body, and, when in the unlocked position, the locking lever is spaced apart from the recess of the core body to allow the plug assembly to rotate relative to the core body; a key follower disposed in the plug assembly, the key follower including a rack engagement feature; and a rack disposed in the plug assembly, the rack including a key follower engagement feature, wherein the rack engagement feature of the key follower and the key follower engagement feature of the rack engage to facilitate simultaneous movement of the key follower and the rack, and wherein the rack controls movement of the locking bar between the locked position and the unlocked position; wherein at least one of the rack engagement feature of the key follower and the key follower engagement feature of the rack is a protrusion, and at least one of the rack engagement feature of the key follower and the key follower engagement feature of the rack is a slot, the slot comprising a series of grooves, and wherein the rack is selectively disengageable from the key follower when moved in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plug assembly, and wherein a first series of grooves is arranged along a first side of the slot and a second series of grooves is arranged along a second side of the slot, and wherein the first series of grooves is offset from the second series of grooves.

16. The resettable lock cylinder according to claim 15, wherein: The protrusion is formed to define at least one semi-cylindrical outer surface, the series of grooves is a series of semi-cylindrical grooves, and wherein, when the post is received in the slot, the at least one semi-cylindrical outer surface of the post engages at least one of the series of semi-circular grooves of the slot.

17. The resettable lock cylinder according to claim 16, wherein: The protrusion includes a plurality of barrels defining the at least one semi-cylindrical surface.

18. The resettable lock cylinder according to claim 17, wherein: The plurality of tubes form a set of ridges.

19. The resettable lock cylinder according to claim 15, wherein: The first series of grooves is a first series of semi-cylindrical grooves and the second series of grooves is a second series of semi-cylindrical grooves.

20. The resettable lock cylinder according to claim 19, wherein: The length of the second series of semi-cylindrical grooves is greater than the comparable length of the first series of semi-cylindrical grooves.

Images