Pin for pin tumbler lock

Abstract

A reversible pin for a pin tumbler lock. The pin comprises a first portion 102a and a second portion 102b at different positions along the length of the pin. The first portion has a first anti-pick ge

Description

PIN FOR PIN TUMBLER LOCK The present invention relates to a pin for a pin tumbler lock, and in particular but not exclusively to a reversible pin for a pin tumbler lock having a plurality of anti-pick geometries. BACKGROUND ‘The basic structure of a pin tumbler lock typically includes the following: 1) a core — formed by a cylinder having a longitudinal slot for accepting a key, and having at least one radial pin opening through the outer circumference of the cylinder; 2) ahousing - formed by a body in which the core is located, having corresponding radial pin openings aligned with the pin openings of the core to allow movement of pins between the core and the housing; 3) at least one key pin — formed by a first pin located within a radial pin opening of the core; 4) at least one driver pin — formed by a second pin located at least partially within a corresponding radial pin opening of the housing, which may be biased (for example, with a spring) to rest against the first pin; and 5) a key — formed by a profiled bar having a profile allowing the bar to enter the longitudinal slot of the core, and having at least one coded cut such that the coded cut will press against a first end of a corresponding key pin causing an opposite second end of the key pin to be substantially flush with the outer circumference of the core. At rest, the key pin and corresponding driver pin are positioned such that the key pin is entirely retained within the core and the driver pin is partially retained within the core and also extends beyond the outer circumference of the core. The driver pin therefore obstructs rotation of the core within the housing, preventing opening of the lock. In the tentative method of manipulating pin tumbler locks, a tuning force is applied to the core while a pick tool is used to manipulate the pins within the lock to position the key pins within the core and the driver pins outside of the core (mimicking the action of the correct key), such that neither the key pins nor the driver pins obstruct rotation of the core within the housing and the lock can be opened. Various pin geometries, profiles or structures (known as anti-pick geometries) have been employed to change the behaviour of the pins during an attempt to open a pin tumbler lock using the tentative method. An anti-pick geometry is provided by one or more structural features of a pin that provide an overall characteristic response or behaviour by that anti-pick geometry to an attack using the tentative method. Although the altered pin behaviour hampers attempts to open the lock, if an attacker is able to practice against the pin geometries in question then those pin geometries can be overcome. ‘The present invention has been devised with the foregoing in mind. SUMMARY OF INVENTION According to a first aspect, there is provided a reversible pin for a pin tumbler lock. The pin may comprise a first portion and a second portion at different locations along a length of the pin. The first portion may comprise a first anti-pick geometry. The second portion may comprise a second anti-pick geometry different from the first anti-pick geometry. Although various conventional anti-pick pin geometries hamper the tentative method, if an attacker is able to practice against the pin geometries in question those pin geometries can be overcome. Locks comprising different anti-pick pin geometries on separate pins offer a higher level of resistance than those employing only a single pin geometry (due to the increased amount of time and effort required to learn how to overcome them). However, the use of different anti- pick geometries on different pins also increases the complexity and cost of production of pin tumbler locks. A reversible pin may be incorporated into a pin tumbler lock in either longitudinal orientation (e.g., oriented either ‘up’ or ‘down’). A reversible pin comprising multiple anti-pick geometries, structures or profiles according to the present invention may therefore allow the same overall pin structure to provide enhanced anti-pick properties (when incorporated into a lock) by preventing an attacker from knowing how a lock is pinned prior to attacking the lock, with respect to which anti-pick structure or behaviour of the pin will need to be overcome. An attacker’s ability to practice against the specific pin arrangement or anti-pick behaviour of a lock incorporating such a pin may therefore be significantly inhibited. That may increase difficulty of picking the lock and improve security, without substantially increasing the complexity or cost of manufacturing the lock. ‘The first and second anti-pick geometries may be configured to provide the pin with different anti-pick behaviour depending on a longitudinal orientation of the pin when incorporated in a lock. The pin may not be symmetric along its length. The first and second anti-pick geometries may be spatially separated from one another along the length of the pin, for example by a portion of the pin that does not comprise an anti-pick geometry. The first and second anti-pick geometries may alternatively be separated from one another by a discontinuity in a profile of the pin. The first portion may comprise substantially a first half of the length of the pin. The second portion may comprise substantially a second half of the length of the pin. The first anti-pick geometry may not extend beyond the first half of the length of the pin. The second anti-pick geometry may not extend beyond the second half of the length of the pin. At least one of the first anti-pick geometry and the second anti-pick geometry may comprise one or more grooves. The one or more grooves may be or extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the pin. The one or more grooves may extend fully around an outer surface or cross-section of the pin. One or more of the grooves may comprise an annular groove. Grooves, and in particular annular grooves, may be simple and cost-effective to manufacture, enabling multiple different anti-pick geometries each having different anti-pick behaviour to be implemented on the same pin without significantly increasing complexity and cost of producing the pin. Annular grooves may also increase simplicity of implementing a reversible pin, because the anti-pick behaviour of an annular groove is not dependent on direction compared to other anti- pick geometries (for example, a frustoconical or “mushroom” anti-pick geometry). The non- directional behaviour of annular grooves may also aid in increasing difficulty for an attacker to determine an orientation of the pin even after starting to attack the lock. Each of the first anti-pick geometry and the second anti-pick geometry may comprise one or more grooves. At least one of a length (e.g., in a longitudinal direction of the pin), a depth (e.g., in a radial direction of the pin), a number, a spacing and a structure or profile of the groove(s) of the first anti-pick geometry may be different from those of the groove(s) of the second anti-pick geometry. ‘That may enable the first anti-pick geometry and the second anti-pick geometry to provide significantly different anti-pick behaviour, further enhancing anti-pick properties of the pin. The first anti-pick geometry may comprise one groove, for example one annular groove. The first anti-pick geometry may comprise a spool geometry. The second anti-pick geometry may comprise a plurality of grooves, for example a plurality of annular grooves. The second anti-pick geometry may comprise a serrated geometry. A spacing between at least two adjacent grooves of the serrated geometry may be substantially equal to a height difference between adjacent or consecutive cut heights on a corresponding coded key. If the pin is used as a driver pin, a number of serrations that come into effect may therefore alter depending on a length of a corresponding key pin. That may improve security by preventing an attacker from expecting a consistent number of “clicks” before the pins are set correctly. According to a second aspect, there is provided a pin tumbler lock. The pin tumbler lock may comprise at least one reversible pin in accordance with the first aspect. ‘The pin tumbler lock may comprise a plurality of pins in accordance with the first aspect. Reversibility of the pins may enable multiple pins to be incorporated in the same lock in the same or different longitudinal orientations. That may reduce a structural complexity of the lock and increase ease of manufacturing and / or assembly (e.g., by using a plurality of pins having the same overall structure, which can be incorporated into the lock substantially randomly with respect to longitudinal orientation), whilst simultaneously increasing anti-pick properties of the lock (e.g., the more reversible pins having multiple anti-pick geometries are used the greater the number of possible pinning combinations, decreasing predictability and preventing an attacker from knowing how a lock is pinned prior to attacking the lock). At least one of the pins may be or comprise a driver pin. Each of the pins may be or comprise a driver pin. At least one of the driver pins may be arranged or configured within the lock such that only one of the first portion and the second portion may extend into a core of the pin tumbler lock at rest, in full or in part. Optionally, at least one of the driver pins may be arranged or configured within the lock such that no more than half of the length of the driver pin may extend into a core of the pin tumbler lock at rest. That may improve anti-pick performance of the lock, because whilst an attacker may know the overall structure of the reversible pins, the anti-pick geometry or profile that actually comes into effect cannot be determined until attempting to pick the lock. That may significantly inhibit or hinder an attacker’s ability to practice against the specific pin arrangement or anti-pick behaviour of the lock, increasing security. According to a third aspect, there is provided a method of manufacturing a pin tumbler lock. The method may comprise randomly orienting one or more reversible pins of the first aspect, with respect to a longitudinal direction of the pins. The method may also comprise inserting the randomly oriented pins into pin openings of a pin tumbler lock. Random orientation of the one or more pins at the assembly stage means there may be no consistent, predictable pinning of otherwise identical locks. That may also increase ease of manufacturing or assembly of the lock, because a fixed or consistent pin arrangement need not be followed. In turn, the lock may provide enhanced anti-pick properties by preventing an attacker from knowing how the lock is pinned prior to attacking the lock. According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a pin tumbler lock. The pin tumbler lock may comprise at least one reversible driver pin. The at least one driver pin may be arranged or configured such that no more than half of a length of the driver pin extends into a core of the lock at rest. The at least one driver pin may comprise a first anti-pick geometry disposed or located on a first half of the length of the driver pin and may comprise a second, different anti-pick geometry, different from the first anti-pick geometry, disposed or located on a second half of the length of the driver pin. The first and second anti-pick geometries may be configured to provide the at least one driver pin with different anti-pick behaviour depending on a longitudinal orientation of the driver pin in the lock. The pin may not be symmetric along its length (e.g., along a longitudinal axis of the pin). At least one of the first anti-pick geometry and the second anti-pick geometry may comprise one or more grooves. The one or more grooves may be or extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the pin. The one or more grooves may extend fully around an outer surface or cross-section of the pin. One or more of the grooves may comprise an annular groove. Each of the first anti-pick geometry and the second anti-pick geometry may comprise one or more grooves. At least one of a length (e.g., in a longitudinal direction of the at least one driver pin), a depth (e.g., in a radial direction of the at least one driver pin), a number, a spacing and a structure or profile of the groove(s) of the first anti-pick geometry may be different from those of the groove(s) of the second anti-pick geometry. ‘The first anti-pick geometry may comprise one groove, for example one annular groove. The first anti-pick geometry may comprise a spool geometry. The second anti-pick geometry may comprise a plurality of grooves, for example a plurality of annular grooves. The second anti-pick geometry may comprise a serrated geometry. A spacing between at least two adjacent grooves of the serrated geometry may be substantially equal to a height difference between adjacent or consecutive cut heights on a corresponding coded key. ‘The pin tumbler lock may comprise a plurality of such reversible driver pins. According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a pin tumbler lock. The pin tumbler lock may comprise at least one reversible driver pin. The reversible driver pin may comprise a first portion and a second portion at different locations along a length of the driver pin. The first portion may comprise a first anti-pick geometry. The second portion may comprise a second anti-pick geometry different from the first anti-pick geometry. The driver pin may be arranged or configured such that only one of the first portion and the second portion extends into the core of the lock at rest. The first portion may comprise substantially a first half of the length of the pin. The second portion may comprise substantially a second half of the length of the pin. The first anti-pick geometry may not extend beyond the first half of the length of the pin. The second anti-pick geometry may not extend beyond the second half of the length of the pin. The at least one driver pin may be arranged or configured such that no more than half of a length of the driver pin extends into a core of the lock at rest. Features which are described in the context of separate aspects and embodiments of the invention may be used together and / or be interchangeable wherever possible. Similarly, where features are described in the context of a single embodiment for brevity, those features may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Features described in connection with the pin of the first aspect and / or the pin tumbler lock of the second aspect may have corresponding features definable with respect to the method of the third aspect, the pin tumbler lock of the fourth aspect and the pin tumbler lock of the fifth aspect, and vice versa, and these embodiments are specifically envisaged. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a reversible pin for a pin tumbler lock comprising first and second different anti-pick geometries, in accordance with the invention; FIG. 2 shows a conventional pin tumbler lock; FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a pin tumbler lock comprising a plurality of pins as shown in FIG. 1; FIGs. 4 and 5 show alternative arrangements of the plurality of pins within the pin tumbler lock shown in FIG. 3; FIG. 6 shows the anti-pick behaviour of the first anti-pick geometry of the pin shown in FIG. 1 within the pin tumbler lock shown in FIG. 3; FIG. 7 shows the anti-pick behaviour of the second anti-pick geometry of the pin shown in FIG. 1 within the pin tumbler lock shown in FIG. 3; and FIG. 8 shows a method of manufacturing a pin tumbler lock comprising at least one reversible pin comprising first and second different anti-pick geometries, in accordance with the invention. Like reference numerals in different Figures may represent like elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a reversible security pin 100 for a pin tumbler lock, in accordance with the present invention. The reversible pin 100 comprises a first anti-pick geometry 105a and a second anti-pick geometry 105b. The first anti-pick geometry 105a is located or disposed on a first portion 102a along the length of the pin 100, and the second anti-pick geometry 105b is located or disposed on a second portion 102b along the length of the pin 100 different from the first portion. A reversible pin may be incorporated into a pin tumbler lock in either longitudinal orientation (e.g., oriented either ‘up’ or ‘down’). By providing multiple different anti-pick geometries 105a, 105b at different portions 102a, 102b along the length of the reversible pin 100, the same overall pin structure may provide different anti-pick behaviour depending on which longitudinal orientation the pin 100 has when incorporated into a lock. An attacker may not be able to tell which orientation the pin 100 has before attacking the lock, and therefore may not be able to tell which anti-pick geometry 105a, 105b of the pin 100 will need to be overcome, or in which order the multiple anti-pick geometries 105a, 105b will need to be overcome (for example, if both anti- pick geometries 105a, 105b come into effect when the pin 100 is incorporated into a lock) in order to pick the lock. An attacker’s ability to practice against the specific pin arrangement or anti-pick behaviour of a lock incorporating the pin 100 may therefore be significantly inhibited. That may substantially improve security of a lock comprising the pin 100, whilst minimizing cost and complexity by using a pin 100 having the same overall structure. In the embodiment shown, the first portion of the pin 100 comprises substantially a first half of the length of the pin 100 and the second portion of the pin 100 comprises substantially a second half of the length of the pin 100. The first anti-pick geometry 105a and the second anti-pick geometry 105b extend substantially along a full length of the first portion 102a and the second portion 102b respectively, with neither the first anti-pick geometry 105a nor the second anti-pick geometry 105b extending into the opposing half of the pin 100. However, it will be appreciated that is not essential. For example, the first portion 102a may be greater than a half of the length of the pin 100 and the second portion 102b correspondingly smaller (and vice versa), or the first portion 102a and the second portion 102b may both be smaller than a half of the length of the pin 100 and / or each located or disposed (at least partially) on the same half of the pin 100. The first anti-pick geometry 105a and the second anti-pick geometry 105b may not extend along a full length of the respective first portion 102a or second portion 102b. In the embodiment shown, the pin 100 comprises a substantially cylindrical shape, and each of the first anti-pick geometry 105a and the second anti-pick geometry 105b comprise at least one annular groove. The first anti-pick geometry 105a comprises a single relatively wider annular groove 107a configured to provide a spool anti-pick geometry. The second anti-pick geometry 105b comprises a plurality of relatively narrower annular grooves 107b configured to provide a serrated anti-pick geometry. In the embodiment shown, the second anti-pick geometry 105b comprises two annular grooves 107b, although any suitable number of annular grooves 107b may be used. However, it will be appreciated that is not essential. The annular groove(s) of the first anti-pick geometry 105a and the second anti-pick geometry 105b may differ with respect to one or more of a length (e.g., in a longitudinal direction of the pin 100), a depth (e.g., in a radial direction of the pin 100), a number and a spacing of the annular groove(s). For example, the first anti-pick geometry 105a and the second anti-pick geometry 105b could each comprise the same number of annular grooves (e.g., one, two, three, or more etc.), but the annular grooves of the first anti-pick geometry 105a and the second anti-pick geometry 105b may have a different length, depth and / or spacing such that the first anti-pick geometry 105a and the second anti-pick geometry 105b provide different anti-pick behaviour. In the embodiment shown, the first anti- pick geometry 105a and the second anti-pick geometry 105b are spatially separated from one another along a length of the pin 100 by a part of the pin 100 which does not comprise any anti- pick geometries or profiles. Alternatively, the first anti-pick geometry 105a and the second anti- pick geometry 105b may be separated from one another by a discontinuity in a profile of the pin 100. The first anti-pick geometry 105a and the second anti-pick geometry 105b may alternatively or additionally be distinguished by the different, substantially independent anti-pick behaviours provided by the respective profiles or geometries. Alternatively, the grooves of the first anti-pick geometry 105a and / or the second anti-pick geometry may not be annular grooves and may instead have a different cross-sectional shape (for example, one or more of the grooves may have a substantially polygonal external perimeter) and / or longitudinal profile (for example, one or more of the grooves may have a varying depth in a longitudinal direction of the pin 100 such as a substantially frustoconical groove). The pin 100 may also not comprise a substantially cylindrical shape. For example, the pin 100, or one of both of the first portion 102a and the second portion 102b, may comprise a substantially prismatic shape (for example, a triangular prism, cuboid etc.), with the first anti-pick geometry 105a and the second anti-pick geometry 105b comprising at least one groove in the outer surface of the pin 100. The grooves of the first anti-pick geometry 105a and the second anti-pick geometry 105b in such prismatic shapes may be annular grooves or may be grooves having a substantially similar cross-sectional shape to a cross-sectional shape of the pin 100, first portion 102a or second portion 102b. However, any suitable anti-pick geometry could be used for each of the first anti-pick geometry 105a and the second anti-pick geometry 105b (for example, a frustoconical or “mushroom” anti-pick geometry, a “trampoline” anti-pick geometry comprising two frustoconical portions arranged end-to-end and having opposing longitudinal orientations, etc.), provided the first anti-pick geometry 105a is different from the second anti-pick geometry 105b such that the respective geometries or profiles provide different anti-pick behaviours. Although the pin 100 in the embodiment shown is a single unitary or monolithic component, it will be appreciated first and second portions 102a, 102b respectively comprising first and second anti-pick geometries 105a, 105b as described above may equally be incorporated in or provided on pins formed from or comprising a plurality of separate components (for example, pins formed from a main body comprising a shaft on which one or more other components such as rings or sleeves are mounted). In the serrated anti-pick geometry of the second anti-pick geometry 105b shown in Figure 1, the spacing between adjacent grooves 107b is substantially equal to a height difference between adjacent or consecutive cut heights on a corresponding coded key configured to operate a lock in which the pin 100 is to be incorporated. That may further increase difficulty for an attacker because the attacker may not as easily be able to deduce the pin 100 is not set correctly (i.e., in the correct position for the core of the lock to turn). With the spacing of the grooves 107b of the second anti-pick geometry 105b substantially equal to adjacent cut heights on the key, the pin 100 may catch each time it is moved to a different possible pin position by virtue of the different grooves 107b engaging. By varying the number of grooves 107b that come into effect when the pin 100 is in situ within a lock, an attacker may not be able to consistently expect the same number of “clicks” before the pin 100 is correctly set. However, it will be appreciated that is not essential, and any suitable spacing of adjacent grooves 107b of the second anti-pick geometry 105b may be used. In the embodiment shown, each of the first end 110a and the second end 110b of the pin 100 comprises a bevelled shape. However, that is not essential, and any suitable shape may alternatively be used, for example a domed shape. That may enable smooth rotation of the core during use. Alternatively, one or both ends 110a, 110b may be substantially flat. Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a conventional pin tumbler lock 200 comprising a core 215, a housing 217, a plurality of key pins 220, a plurality of driver pins 222 and a driver pin spring 225 for each driver pin 222. The driver pins 222 are conventional driver pins, each of which is symmetric along its length and has either no anti-pick geometry or comprises only a single anti- pick geometry. Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a pin tumbler lock 300, substantially similar in structure to the conventional pin tumbler lock 200 described above (with like reference numerals indicating like elements) but comprising a plurality of reversible pins 100 of the present invention. The pins 100 are employed as driver pins within the lock 300. The lock 300 comprises four pins 100, although any number of pins 100 may alternatively be used (for example, one, two, three etc. up to a total possible number of driver pins of the pin tumbler lock 300). Two of the pins 100 are oriented longitudinally such that the first portion 102a comprising the first anti-pick geometry 105a (a spool anti-pick geometry in the embodiment shown) is adjacent the corresponding key pin 320 of the lock 300. The other two pins 100 are oriented longitudinally such that the second portion 102b comprising the second anti-pick geometry 105b (a serrated anti-pick geometry in the embodiment shown) is adjacent the corresponding key pin 320 of the lock 300. In the embodiment shown, no more than a half of the length of each of the pins 100 extends into the core 315 of the lock 300 at rest. As such, only the respective one of the first portion 102a and the second portion 102b of each pin 100 adjacent to the corresponding key pin 220 may extend into the core 315 of the lock 300 at rest, either in full or in part. In turn, only the respective one of the first anti-pick geometry 105a and the second anti-pick geometry 105b may come into effect during an attempt to pick the lock 300. However, an attacker cannot determine which of the first anti-pick geometry 105a and the second anti-pick geometry 105b of each pin 100 will come into effect until attempting to pick the lock 300. ‘The same pin tumbler lock 300 comprising the same number of identical pins 100 can therefore have a number of different pinning combinations. Figures 4 and 5 show alternative pin arrangements of the same lock 300 comprising the same four pins 100 employed as driver pins. However, the arrangement of Figure 4 has all four pins 100 oriented longitudinally such that only the first portion 102a comprising the first anti-pick geometry 105a (a spool anti-pick geometry) of each pin 100 comes into effect, whilst the arrangement of Figure 5 has all four pins 100 oriented longitudinally such that only the second portion 102b comprising the second anti-pick geometry 105b (a serrated anti-pick geometry) of each pin 100 comes into effect. By decreasing predictability using the reversible pins 100 and preventing an attacker from knowing how a particular lock 300 is pinned prior to attack, the attacker’s ability to practice against the specific pin arrangement of the lock 300 is significantly reduced. That may increase security whilst using substantially identical hardware (in particular the same pins 100) for each lock, minimizing cost and complexity. It will be appreciated the same or similar advantages may be achieved even if the pin tumbler lock 300 were to comprise a different number of pins 100 than are shown, for example only one pin 100. In Figure 5, it can be seen the pins 100 extend into the core 315 of the pin tumbler lock 300 by varying amounts such that the number of serrations of the second anti-pick geometry 105b on the second portion 102b varies between the pins 100. That may improve security as described above with respect to Figure 1. However, it will be appreciated that is not essential. Figure 6 shows the effect or behaviour of the first anti-pick geometry 105a during an attempt to pick the lock 300 using the tentative method, whilst Figure 7 shows the effect or behaviour of the second anti-pick geometry 105b during an attempt to pick the lock 300 using the tentative method. The characteristic anti-pick behaviour of each of the first anti-pick geometry 105a and the second anti-pick geometry 105b is well understood by a person skilled in the art. In both cases, it can be seen the respective anti-pick geometry 105a, 105b hinders correct setting of the pin 100 to enable the core 315 to rotate within the housing 317, without which the lock 300 cannot be opened. Alternatively, one or more of the driver pins 100 may be arranged or configured within the pin tumbler lock 300 such that both the first portion 102a and the second portion 102b extend into the core 315 of the lock 300 at rest (at least in part). That may still provide increased security because an attacker may still not be able to tell in which order the first anti-pick geometry 105a and the second anti-pick geometry 105b will need to be overcome in order to pick the lock 300. Figure 8 shows a method 400 for manufacturing or assembling a pin tumbler lock, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The method 400 is described, by way of example only, with respect to the pin tumbler lock 300 described with respect to Figures 3 to 7 above. At step 402, the method 400 comprises randomly orienting at least one pin 100. Randomly orienting the at least one pin 100 may comprise use of an active randomization process in which a longitudinal orientation of each pin 100 is randomly determined, for example by a processor or controller carrying out the active randomization process. The pin 100 may then be selected for assembly and oriented in accordance with the randomly determined orientation for that pin (for example by an automated machine, a human-operated machine or by a human operator directly). Alternatively, randomly orienting the at least one pin 100 may comprise or be the result of uncontrolled orientation of the at least one pin 100 during selection for assembly. At step 404, the method 400 comprises inserting each randomly oriented pin 100 into a pin opening of the pin tumbler lock 300, to assemble the lock 300. Optionally, step 404 may comprise inserting the pin 100 together with a corresponding key pin 320 and / or a driver pin spring 325 of a suitable length such that only the first portion 102a or the second portion 102b (depending on the longitudinal orientation of the pin 100) extends into the core 315 of the lock 300 at rest. However, it will be appreciated that is not essential. From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to the skilled person. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art of locks, in particular pin tumbler locks and pins, and which may be used instead of, or in addition to, features already described herein. Although the appended claims are directed to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalisation thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention. Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. The applicant hereby gives notice that new claims may be formulated to such features and / or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present application or of any further application derived therefrom. For the sake of completeness, it is also stated that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, the term "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality, and any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A reversible pin for a pin tumbler lock, the pin comprising: a first portion and a second portion at different locations along a length of the pin; wherein the first portion comprises a first anti-pick geometry; and the second portion comprises a second anti-pick geometry different from the first anti-pick geometry.

2. The pin of claim I, wherein the first anti-pick geometry and the second anti-pick geometry are configured to provide the pin with different anti-pick behaviour depending on a longitudinal orientation of the pin when incorporated in a lock. 3 ‘The pin of claim 1 or of claim 2, wherein the first portion comprises a first half of the length of the pin, and the second portion comprises a second half of the length of the pin.

4. The pin of claim 3, wherein the first anti-pick geometry does not extend beyond the first half of the length of the pin, and wherein the second anti-pick geometry does not extend beyond the second half of the length of the pin.

5. The pin of any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the first anti-pick geometry and the second anti-pick geometry comprises one or more grooves.

6. The pin of claim 5, wherein each of the first anti-pick geometry and the second anti-pick geometry comprise one or more grooves, and wherein at least one of a length, a depth, a number, a spacing and a profile or structure of the one or more grooves of the first anti-pick geometry is different from those of the one or more grooves of the second anti-pick geometry.

7. The pin of claim 5 or of claim 6, wherein: the first anti-pick geometry comprises one groove; and the second anti-pick geometry comprises a plurality of grooves.

8. The pin of any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the first anti-pick geometry comprises a spool geometry.

9. The pin of any of claims 5 to 8, wherein the second anti-pick geometry comprises a serrated geometry.

10. The pin of claim 9, wherein a spacing between at least two adjacent grooves of the serrated geometry is substantially equal to a height difference between adjacent cut heights on a corresponding coded key.

11. A pin tumbler lock comprising at least one pin according to any of claims 1 to 10.

12. The pin tumbler lock of claim 11, where at least one of the pins is a driver pin, and optionally wherein each of the pins is a driver pin.

13. ‘The pin tumbler lock of claim 12, wherein at least one of the driver pins is arranged or configured within the lock such that only one of the first portion and the second portion extends into a core of the pin tumbler lock at rest.

14. A method of manufacturing the pin tumbler lock of any of claims 11 to 13, comprising: randomly orienting at least one pin according to any of claims 1 to 10; and inserting the randomly oriented pins into pin openings of a pin tumbler lock.

15. A pin tumbler lock comprising: at least one reversible driver pin arranged or configured such that no more than half of a length of the driver pin extends into a core of the lock at rest, the at least one reversible driver pin comprising; a first anti-pick geometry disposed or located on a first half of the length of the driver pin; and a second anti-pick geometry, different from the first anti-pick geometry, disposed or located on a second half of the length of the driver pin. CLAIMS 1. A pin tumbler lock comprising: a plurality of reversible driver pins configured to be incorporated into the lock in one of a first longitudinal orientation or a second longitudinal orientation opposite to the first longitudinal orientation; wherein each driver pin comprises a first portion and a second portion at different locations along a length of the pin, wherein the first portion comprises a spool anti-pick geometry and the second portion comprises a serrated anti-pick geometry; and wherein at least one of the driver pins 1s arranged in the lock in the first longitudinal orientation and at least one of the driver pins is arranged in the lock in the second longitudinal orientation. 2 The pin tumbler lock of claim 1, wherein the spool anti-pick geometry and the serrated anti-pick geometry are configured to provide the pin with different anti-pick behaviour depending on a longitudinal orientation of the pin when incorporated in a lock.

3. The pin tumbler lock of claim 1 or of claim 2, wherein the first portion comprises a first half of the length of the pin, and the second portion comprises a second half of the length of the pin.

4. The pin tumbler lock of claim 3, wherein the spool anti-pick geometry does not extend beyond the first half of the length of the pin, and wherein the serrated anti-pick geometry does not extend beyond the second half of the length of the pin. 3 The pin tumbler lock of any preceding claim, wherein a spacing between at least two adjacent grooves of the serrated geometry is substantially equal to a height difference between adjacent cut heights on a corresponding coded key.

6. The pin tumbler lock of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one of the driver pins is arranged or configured within the lock such that only one of the first portion and the second portion extends into a core of the pin tumbler lock at rest.

7. The pin tumbler lock of claim 4 or any claim dependent directly or indirectly from claim 4, wherein at least one of the driver pins is arranged or configured such that no more than half of a length of the driver pin extends into a core of the lock at rest.

8. The pin tumbler lock of any preceding claim, wherein the spool anti-pick geometry and the serrated anti-pick geometry are spatially separated from one another along a length of the pin by a part of the pin which does not comprise any anti-pick geometries or profiles.

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