A device

Abstract

A cylinder lock comprises a body 3 and opposed first and second cylinders 1 which comprise respectively first and second keyholes 22 disposed in opposite ends thereof for receiving a key. The first an

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a cylinder lock, and in particular a cylinder lock for use with a door and, more especially, this invention relates to a device for actuating a cylinder lock, and a system for securing a cylinder lock when a cylinder is forcibly removed. Background

[0002] Cylinder locks are commonly used as a standard locking mechanism for doors, consisting of a pin tumbler lock disposed either side of a rotator, the pin tumbler unlocked via the insertion of a correctly fitting key into the cylinder, allowing the cylinder to rotate and, as such, actuate the rotator. The rotator actuates a cam which in turn actuates a latch of the door.

[0003] One problem faced by prior art cylinder locks is that they are vulnerable to a method of forced entry known as lock snapping. This involves using a tool to apply a strong torque to the cylinder, thereby breaking the mechanism and allowing the cylinder to be removed, providing access to the cam and latch.

[0004] A common method of overcoming this problem is the use of sacrificial sections in the lock mechanism, whereby a structurally weakened part of the lock body will break away when strong torque is applied leaving behind enough of the lock mechanism to prevent access to the latch. However, this may still leave access to the rotator and plunger from the exterior once the sacrificial sections have been removed.

[0005] A method of overcoming this problem is the use of an axially moveable, captured clutch mechanism as shown in GB2491099A where a captured plunger mechanism is removed with a sacrificial section of the outer cylinder. However, as the plunger is removed with the cylinder the cam is left accessible.

[0006] It is an aim of the present invention to overcome these problems and to provide a cylinder lock that cannot be actuated when the cylinders has been removed. Summary of Invention

[0007] In a first non-limiting embodiment of the present invention there is provided a cylinder lock comprising: a body; opposed first and second cylinders comprising respectively first and second keyholes disposed in opposite ends thereof for receiving a key, the first and second cylinders being rotatable relative to the body when actuated by a correctly fitting key inserted into the first or second keyhole; a rotator disposed between the first and second cylinders, the rotator being rotatable relative to the body when actuated by the key inserted into the first or second keyhole, the rotator comprising a clutch wherein the clutch comprises opposed first and second selectively engageable clutch elements, wherein first and second clutch elements engage when the correctly fitting key is inserted into the first or second keyhole, and wherein the first or second cylinders are rotatable only when the first and second clutch elements are engaged.

[0008] The present lock is advantageous in that it prevents access to the cam when a cylinder has been forcibly removed.

[0009] Further, the opposed first and second selectively engageable clutch elements may be selectively engageable via at least one engagement means. Further, the at least one engagement means may be disposed on opposed surfaces of each of the first and second clutch elements. Further, the at least one engagement means may comprise a plurality of interlocking teeth.

[0010] Further, the clutch may be moveable between a first and second position; where the clutch is in the first position when the opposed first and second clutch elements are disengaged. Further, the clutch is in the second position when the opposed first and second clutch elements are pushed together and engaged via the at least one engagement means. The first and second clutch elements may be biased towards the first position.

[0011] Further, the opposed first and second clutch elements may each be actuatable via a first and second input shaft. Further, each of the first and second input shafts may be actuatable by the key inserted into the first or second keyhole respectively. Further, the first and second input shaft may comprise a plunger.

[0012] Further, the opposed first and second clutch elements may comprise an aperture. Further still, the respective first and second input shaft may be disposed through the respective apertures.

[0013] Further, the opposed first and second clutch elements may be moveable via the respective first and second input shafts. Further still, the respective first and second input shafts may engage with the respective first and second clutch elements. Further still, each of the first and second input shafts may engage with the respective first and second clutch elements via at least one input shaft engagement means. The first and second input shafts may move the first and second clutch elements between the first and second positions.

[0014] Further, each of the input shaft engagement means may engage with the respective clutch element via a depression on a distal surface of the respective clutch element, and a corresponding head on a distal end of the respective input shaft. Further still, the depression on the distal surface of the respective clutch elements and the corresponding head on the distal end of the respective input shaft may comprise a polygonal shaped interface. Further still, the polygonal shaped interface may comprise a hexagonal shape.

[0015] Further, the head on a distal end of the respective first or second input shaft may engage with the depression on the distal surface of the respective first or second clutch element when the key is inserted into the respective keyhole. Further, only one of the at least one input shaft engagement means may be engageable at one time.

[0016] Further, at least a portion of the at least one input shaft engagement means may be at least partially disposed in a depression on a distal surface of the corresponding cylinder lock.

[0017] Further, the length of each of the input shafts may be such that when one of the input shafts is moved by the key inserted into the respective keyhole, and the respective at least one input shaft engagement means is thus engaged, the input shaft opposite may be pushed into the respective depression on the distal surface of the corresponding cylinder lock so that the respective at least one input shaft engagement means of the opposed input shaft may be disengaged.

[0018] Further, the clutch may be rotated via the inserted key turning the lock cylinder, which may rotate the input shaft, which may rotate the respective opposed first and second selectively engageable clutch element, which may rotate the clutch. Rotation of the clutch may then actuate the cam.

[0019] Further, the opposed first and second clutch elements may be moveable to a third position when either of the opposed first and second cylinders are removed. When in the third position the clutch element adjacent the removed cylinder is biased out further towards a distal end of the cylinder lock; wherein the cylinder lock may further comprise at least one securing means which may be disposed in the body, the at least one securing means which may engage with at least one securing means interface on the respective clutch element when the clutch is in the third position, preventing further rotation.

[0020] This is advantageous in that it prevents access to the rotator and cam when either the opposed first or second cylinder has been removed, by pulling the respective clutch element distally outwards to a position where it will be secured with the securing means. When in this position it can no longer be moved inwards to engage with the opposed clutch element, and as such cannot connect to the clutch element to turn the rotator. This means that the lock cannot be opened if the opposed first or second cylinder has been removed.

[0021] Further, the at least one securing means may comprise a pin and a biasing means. Further, the at least one securing means interface may comprise a channel in the respective selectively engageable clutch element. The pin may be disposed in the body of the cylinder lock, disposed perpendicularly to an axis defined by the cylinders and input shafts.

[0022] Further, each of the at least one input shafts may comprise a retention means on a proximal end thereof.

[0023] Further, the rotator may engage with a cam of a lock into which the cylinder lock is placed. Further still, the engagement of the cam may result in the opening or closing of a lock. Further still, the cylinder lock may be placeable into a euro cylinder profile lock. Further still, the cylinder lock may be placed in a lock in a door. Further, at least one of the opposed first and second cylinders may be replaceable with a thumb turn.

[0024] In a further non-limiting embodiment of the present invention there is provided a cylinder lock comprising: a body; opposed first and second cylinders comprising respectively first and second keyholes disposed in opposite ends thereof for receiving a key, the first and second cylinders being rotatable relative to the body when actuated by a correctly fitting key inserted into the first or second keyhole; a rotator disposed between the first and second cylinders, the rotator being rotatable relative to the body when actuated by the key inserted into the first or second keyhole, the rotator comprising: opposed first and second clutch element comprising a biasing means disposed between them, and a securing means engagement means; the clutch being moveable between a first and second position; the clutch being in the first position when the opposed first and second clutch elements are biased against a proximal face of the respective first or second cylinder; the clutch being in the second position when either the opposed first and second cylinder is removed, the biasing means biasing the respective first and second clutch element out further towards a distal end of the cylinder lock; wherein the cylinder lock further comprises at least one securing means disposed in the body, the securing means on the respective selectively engageable clutch element engaging with at least one securing means interface when the clutch is in the second position, preventing further rotation.

[0025] This is advantageous in that it prevents access to the rotator and cam when either the opposed first or second cylinder has been removed, by pulling the respective clutch element distally outwards to a position where it will be secured with the securing means. When in this position it can no longer be moved inwards to engage with the opposed clutch element, and as such cannot connect to the clutch element to turn the rotator. This means that the lock cannot be opened if the opposed first or second cylinder is removed.

[0026] Further, the at least one securing means may comprise a pin and a biasing means. Further, the at least one securing means interface may comprise a channel in the respective selectively engageable clutch element.

[0027] Further, the rotator may engage with a cam of a lock into which the cylinder lock is placed. Further still, the engagement of the cam may result in the opening or closing of a lock. Further still, the cylinder lock may be placeable into a euro cylinder profile lock. Further still, the cylinder lock may be placed in a lock in a door. Further, at least one of the opposed first and second cylinders may be replaceable with a thumb turn.

[0028] The device may comprise any combination of the embodiments in a single cylinder lock, door locking system, or door. It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above have been given by way of example only and that modifications or combinations of features of the device in its various embodiments may be affected. The invention also extends to the individual components mentioned above, taken singly or in any combination. Description of the Drawings

[0029] Embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0030] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a system according to the present invention; and

[0031] Figure 2 shows a truncated top view of a cylinder lock with a single cylinder; and

[0032] Figure 3 shows a schematic view of the cylinder lock; and

[0033] Figure 4 shows a top view of a cylinder lock; and

[0034] Figure 5 shows a front view of a cylinder lock; and

[0035] Figure 6 shows a schematic view of a clutch comprising opposed first and second selectively engageable clutch elements; and

[0036] Figure 7 shows a side view of the clutch comprising the opposed first and second selectively engageable clutch elements; and

[0037] Figure 8 shows a view of the distal face of the opposed first and second selectively engageable clutch elements; and

[0038] Figure 9 shows an isometric view of a selectively engageable clutch element; and

[0039] Figure 10 shows a view of the proximal face of the opposed first and second selectively engageable clutch elements; and

[0040] Figure 11 shows a side view of the opposed first and second selectively engageable clutch elements; and

[0041] Figure 12 shows a schematic view of the cylinder lock with the securing means engaged; and

[0042] Figure 13 shows a schematic view of the cylinder lock with the securing means engaged and the respective cylinder removed; and

[0043] Figure 14 shows an exploded view of non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; and

[0044] Figure 15 shows a schematic, unexploded view of the embodiment of Figure 14; and

[0045] Figure 16 shows of a rotator of the embodiment of Figure 14; and

[0046] Figure 17 shows of the rotator of the embodiment of Figure 14; and

[0047] Figure 18 shows of a clutch element of the embodiment of Figure 14; and

[0048] Figure 19 shows of the clutch element of the embodiment of Figure 14;

[0049] Figure 20 shows of an at least one blocking means of the embodiment of Figure 14;

[0050] Figure 21 shows an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of cylinder lock comprises a thumb turn;

[0051] Figure 22 shows a side view of the thumb turn element of the embodiment of Figure 21; and

[0052] Figure 23 shows the thumb turn element of the embodiment of Figure 23 is an alternative position Detailed Description

[0053] Referring to Figures 1 to 4 there is shown a cylinder lock generally indicated 1 comprising a body 2, the body 2 containing opposed first and second cylinders 21 comprising respectively first and second keyholes 22 disposed in opposite ends thereof for receiving a key (not shown). The cylinders 21 further comprise a series of tumblers 24 and pins 25 at different positions throughout the keyhole 22, at least partially disposed in tumbler receiving channels 26 in a tumbler body 2. Such tumblers 24 and pins 25 are in accordance with the state of the art to lock the cylinders 21 to the body 2 and are releasable by insertion of a correctly fitting key 23 into the keyhole 22. The cylinders 21 are disposed either side of a rotation body 3.

[0054] The rotation body 3 comprises a cam 31 operable to connect with a lock mechanism in a door (not shown), a rotator 32 connected to the cam 31, the rotator comprising a clutch generally indicated 33 wherein the clutch generally indicated 33 comprises opposed first and second selectively engageable clutch elements 34. The clutch elements 34 are slidably disposed coaxially with the cylinders 21. As best shown in Figures 8 to 10, the clutch elements 34 each comprise a hexagonal depression 341 on a distal face 342 thereof, and a circular depression 343 on a proximal face 344 thereof. The selectively engageable clutch elements 34 comprise a series of interlocking teeth 345 on the proximal surface 344, and the interlocking teeth 345 are provided so that the opposed clutch elements 34 can engage with each other. The clutch elements 34 further comprise an aperture 346 extending from the hexagonal depression 341 on the distal face to the circular depression 343 on the proximal face 344. The clutch elements 34 further comprise a channel 347 extending around on an outer face 348 towards a distal region generally indicated 349 thereof.

[0055] Disposed at least partially along the aperture of each clutch element 34 are opposed, coaxial first and second input shafts comprising a plunger 4. A distal section of each plunger 4 comprises a hexagonal shaped head 41, corresponding to and engageable with the hexagonal depression 341 of each clutch element 34. A proximal section of the plunger 4 comprises a detention protrusion such as a circlip 42, with a diameter larger than that of the aperture of the clutch elements 34 to prevent removal of the plunger 4 from the aperture 346. The distal face 43 of the distal section of the plunger 4 is biased towards the cylinder 21 via a spring 5. The input shaft 4 is attached to the cylinder 21 via a retaining pin (not shown), disposed through a plurality of retaining apertures (not shown) in the cylinder body 2.

[0056] When in a first position, the opposed first and second plungers 4 are biased towards the respective cylinders 21, and the clutch elements 34 are disengaged from one another. In such a first position, the first and second cylinders 21 are prevented from rotation relative to the body 2 by the pins 25 and tumblers 24 and by the clutch elements 34.

[0057] Referring to Figure 13 there is shown the cylinder lock generally indicated 1 with a securing means 6. The cylinder lock generally indicated 1 comprising the body 2, the body 2 containing the opposed first and second cylinders 21. The cylinders 21 are disposed either side of the rotation body 2. The cylinders 21 comprise a frangible section 211, designed to break away if force or torque above a threshold value is exerted thereupon.

[0058] Referring to Figures 5 to 10, when a correctly fitting key is inserted into the keyhole of one of the cylinders 21 (as shown in Figure 5) the end of the key abuts the distal face of the distal portion of the plunger, moving the plunger 4 along the aperture 346 in the clutch element 34, the hexagonal shaped head 41 of the input shaft 4 interfacing with and being at least partially contained by the hexagonal depression 341 of the respective clutch element 34. When the key 23 is fully inserted, the plunger 4 is moved to its maximum depth within the clutch element 34, causing the plunger 4 to push the opposed plunger 4 so that the hexagonal shaped head 41 of the opposed plunger 4 is disengaged from the opposed clutch element 34. The first clutch element 34 is then moved from the first position to a second position, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, and the respective interlocking teeth 345 of the selectively engageable clutch elements 34 are thus engaged.

[0059] Referring to Figures 11 and 12 there is shown the input shaft 4, comprising a lower portion with a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the aperture of the selectively engageable clutch elements 34, and an upper portion comprising a hexagonal shaped head 41, corresponding to the hexagonal depression 341 of the selectively engageable clutch elements 34. The input shaft 4 comprises a circumferential channel 45 in the distal face of the hexagonal shaped head 41, for containing the biasing means comprising a spring 5 via which the input shaft 4 is biased towards the respective cylinder 21 and attached thereto.

[0060] The rotation body 2 comprising the cam 31 operably connects with a lock mechanism in a door, the rotator 3 connected to the cam 31, the rotator comprising the clutch generally indicated 33 wherein the clutch generally indicated 33 comprises opposed first and second selectively engageable clutch elements 34. The selectively engageable clutch elements 34 comprise the hexagonal depression 341 on the distal face 342 thereof, and the circular depression 343 on the proximal face 344 thereof. The selectively engageable clutch elements 34 comprise the series of interlocking teeth 345 on the proximal surface 344 thereof. The selectively engageable clutch elements 34 comprise the aperture 346 therethrough from the hexagonal depression 341 on the distal face 342 to the circular depression 343 on the proximal face 344. The selectively engageable clutch elements 34 comprise a channel 347 on the outer face towards the distal region 349 thereof.

[0061] Disposed at least partially through the aperture 346 of the selectively engageable clutch elements 34 is the input shaft comprising the plunger 4. The distal section of the plunger 4 comprises the hexagonal shaped head 41, corresponding to the hexagonal depression 341 of the selectively engageable clutch elements 34. The proximal section of the plunger 4 comprises the detention protrusion 42, with a diameter larger than that of the aperture of the selectively engageable clutch elements 34. The distal face 43 of the distal section of the plunger 4 is biased towards the cylinder 21 via the biasing means 5. The input shaft 4 is attached to the cylinder 21 via the retaining pin 44, disposed through the plurality of retaining apertures 27 in the cylinder body 2.

[0062]

[0063] As such, when the correctly fitted key 23 is inserted, the first set of tumblers 24 are aligned with the first cylinder 21, and the first plunger 4 is engaged so as to eject the opposed second plunger 4 from the second clutch element 34. The hexagonal shaped head 41 of the first plunger 4 is engaged with the hexagonal depression 341 of the first clutch element 34. Rotation of the key 23 rotates the first cylinder 21, the first plunger 4, and the first and second clutch elements 34 and thus rotate the cam 31 via the rotator 3 and actuates a door locking mechanism (not shown).

[0064] There is further provided a securing means 6 which comprises a plurality of security pins 61 disposed in apertures 28 in the body 2 of the cylinder lock 21, disposed beneath an outer region of the selectively engageable clutch elements 34. The securing means 6 comprise a biasing means 62 disposed at the base of the aperture 28, biasing the securing means 6 towards the centre of the lock generally indicated 1. The apertures 28 are disposed so as to be partially covered by the frangible portions 211 of the cylinder 21 and partially covered by the respective selectively engageable clutch element 34.

[0065] The selectively engageable clutch elements 34 are moveable from the first position to a third position as shown in Figures 13 and 14, in which the securing pin 6 is biased upwards into the channel 347 of the respective selectively engageable clutch element 34.

[0066] When the cylinder is tampered with externally, and a user attempts to break in by removing the cylinder 21 of the cylinder lock generally indicated 1, the frangible portion 311 of the cylinder lock generally indicated 1 will snap off and come away. As the cylinder 1 is attached to and biased towards the input means 4 via the biasing means 62, the input means 4 will travel distally along with the cylinder 21. As the detention means 42 abuts the inner face 342 of the respective clutch element 34, it will move the respective clutch element 34 distally along with the cylinder 21, the respective clutch element 34 no longer being abutted by the cylinder 21 which has been removed. As the respective clutch element 34 travels distally along with the cylinder 21 and input shaft 4 and is moved into the third position, the channel 347 thereupon will wholly cover the aperture 28 in which the security pin 6 is contained, the security pin 6 no longer partially abutted by the respective clutch element 34, is biased towards the centre of the lock via the biasing means 62, into the channel 347. The biasing means 62 attaching the cylinder 21 to the input shaft 4 will then break as the cylinder 21 is continually removed, but the respective clutch element 34 prevented from further movement, and as such, the input shaft 4 prevented from further movement.

[0067] An alternative embodiment of the cylinder lock is shown in Figures 14 to 20, and like figure numbers are used for like parts. A rotator 3 is disposed between first and second cylinders 21 for rotating a cam 31. At least one blocking means 7 is disposed through apertures 212 on the body 2 and apertures 301 on the cam 31. The opposed clutch elements 34 comprise at least one blocking means interface 71 into which the at least one blocking means 7 is insertable.

[0068] The clutch generally indicated 33 is moveable between a first and second position as previously described. The clutch generally indicated 33 is movable to a third position when either of the opposed first and second cylinder 21 has been removed, the biasing means (not shown) biasing the respective first and second clutch element 34 out further towards a distal end of the cylinder lock generally indicated 1.

[0069] When in the third position, the at least one blocking means 7 engages with at least one blocking means interface 71, preventing further rotation and locking the body 2, cam 31, and the respective clutch element 34 together. This prevents the exposed head of the input shaft 4 from being rotated when the cylinder 21 is forcibly removed.

[0070] As shown in Figures 21 to 23 there is shown an alternative embodiment of lock, generally indicated 400, wherein one side of the lock is a thumb-turn operated lock generally indicated 410, and the other side of the lock mechanism 400 is a key-operated cylinder lock, generally indicated 420, as previously described. In general use lock 400 will be arranged so that the thumb-turn operated side 410 is positioned on the interior of a door for easy access, whereas the cylinder lock 420 will be positioned on the outside of a door for secured access. The cylinder lock 420 side of lock 400 comprises a break point 430, so if someone attempts to gain access to a building by attacking cylinder lock 420, it will break at breaking point 430 and the cylinder lock mechanism 420 will be removed, as previously described,

[0071] Thumb turn operated lock 410 is disposed within a channel 440 in the body of the lock 400, and is coaxial with the cylinder lock 420 on the opposite side thereof. The thumb-turn lock comprises a spigot 450, comprising a screw hole 460, to which a thumb-turn knob (not shown) is attached for actuation by a user. Spigot 450 comprises spaced apart flanges 470,480. A sprung retaining member 490 in the body of the lock 400 retains the spigot 450 in the channel 440.

[0072] The thumb-turn operated lock 410 further comprises a locking element generally indicated 500 which sits within the channel 440 and which engages with the rotator 510 of the lock 400. Locking element 500 comprises a clutch element (not shown) as previously described which interacts with the clutch element of the cylinder lock 420 as previously described.

[0073] Disposed between the spigot 450 and the locking element 500 is a midsection, generally indicated 520. Midsection 520 is slidably and rotatably mounted to the spigot 450 via a spring 560. Midsection 520 comprises a collar section 570, which comprises a W-shaped aperture 530, and which locates about spigot 450, and which allows for smooth engagement of the locking mechanism. A pin 540 extends from the side wall of the spigot 450 and through the W-shaped aperture. As shown in Figure 22, at rest the pin 540 sits within the central spoke of the W-shaped aperture 530.

[0074] Midsection 520 further comprises a body section 580 adjacent the collar section 570 which comprises a spaced apart series of notches 590.

[0075] A further sprung retaining member 550 is disposed in the body of the lock 400 and which rests against a side wall of the locking element 500. In Figure 23 the locking element 500 and the midsection 520 has been drawn away from the spigot 450, which has caused the further sprung retaining member 550 to extend into one of the notches 590 of the midsection 520. When the locking mechanim has been snapped off at break point 430, the collar 570 allows for reengagement of the thumb turn lock mechanism 410, so that the lock 400 can be operated.

[0076] It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings have been given by way of example only and that modifications may be affected. Other constructions for the selectively engageable clutch elements 34, input shafts, biasing means, security pins, cylinders, keys, and various attachment means may be employed. Individual components shown in the drawings are not limited to use in their drawings and they may be used in other drawings and in all aspects of the invention. The invention also extends to the individual components mentioned 5 and / or shown above, taken singly or in any combination.

Claims

1. A cylinder lock comprising:a body;opposed first and second cylinders comprising respectively first and second keyholes disposed in opposite ends thereof for receiving a key, the first and second cylinders being rotatable relative to the body when actuated by a correctly fitting key inserted into the first or second keyhole;a rotator disposed between the first and second cylinders, the rotator being rotatable relative to the body when actuated by the key inserted into the first or second keyhole, the rotator comprising:a clutch wherein the clutch comprises opposed first and second selectively engageable clutch elements, wherein first and second clutch elements engage when the correctly fitting key is inserted into the first or second keyhole, and wherein the first or second cylinders are rotatable only when the first and second clutch elements are engaged.

2. A cylinder lock according to claim 1 wherein the opposed first and second selectively engageable elements are selectively engageable via at least one engagement means.

3. A cylinder lock according to claim 2 wherein the at least one engagement means is disposed on opposed surfaces of each of the first and second elements.

4. A cylinder lock according to claims 2 or 3 wherein the at least one engagement means comprises a plurality of interlocking teeth.

5. A cylinder lock according to claims 1 to 4 wherein the clutch is moveable between a first and second position;the clutch being in the first position when the opposed first and second selectively engageable clutch elements are biased against a proximal face of the respective first or second cylinder, the opposed first and second crowns being disengaged;the clutch being in the second position when the opposed first and second selectively engageable clutch elements are pushed together, engaging eachother in a selectively engageable position via the at least one engagement means.

6. A cylinder lock according to claims 1 to 5 wherein the opposed first and second selectively engageable clutch elements are actuatable via at least one input shaft.

7. A cylinder lock according to claim 6 wherein each of the at least one input shafts is actuatable by the key inserted into the first or second keyhole.

8. A cylinder lock according to claim 7 wherein the input shaft comprises a plunger.

9. A cylinder lock according to claims 7 or 8 wherein the opposed first and second selectively engageable clutch elements comprise an aperture, the at least one input shaft being disposed therethrough.

10. A cylinder lock according to claims 8 or 9 wherein the opposed first and second selectively engageable clutch elements are moveable via at least two input shafts.

11. A cylinder lock according to claim 10 wherein the at least two input shafts engage with the opposed first and second selectively engageable clutch elements, each via at least one input shaft engagement means.

12. A cylinder lock according to claim 11 wherein each of the at least one input shaft engagement means engages with the respective selectively engageable clutch element via a depression on a distal surface of the respective selectively engageable clutch element, and a corresponding head on a distal end of the respective input shaft.

13. A cylinder lock according to claim 12 wherein the depression on the distal surface of the respective selectively engageable clutch elements and the corresponding head on the distal end of the respective input shaft comprise a polygonal shaped interface.

14. A cylinder lock according to claims 12 or 13 wherein the head on a distal end of the respective input shaft engages with the depression on the distal surface of the respective selectively engageable clutch element when the key is inserted into the respective keyhole.

15. A cylinder lock according to claims 12 to 14 wherein only one of the at least one input shaft engagement means is engageable at one time.

16. A cylinder lock according to claim 15 wherein at least a portion of the at least one input shaft engagement means is at least partially disposed in a depression on a distal surface of the corresponding cylinder lock17. A cylinder lock according to claims 15 or 16 wherein the length of each of the input shafts is such that when one of the of the input shafts is moved via by the key inserted into the respective keyhole, and the respective at least one input shaft engagement means is thus engaged, the input shaft opposite is pushed into the respective depression on the distal surface of the corresponding cylinder lock so that the respective at least one input shaft engagement means is disengaged.

18. A cylinder lock according to claim claims 6 to 17 wherein the clutch is rotated via the inserted key turning the lock cylinder, which rotates the input shaft, which rotates the respective opposed first and second selectively engageable clutch element, which rotates the clutch.

19. A cylinder lock according to claims 1 to 18 wherein opposed first and second clutch elements are moveable to a third position;the clutch being in the third position when either the opposed first and second cylinder is removed, the biasing means biasing the respective selectively engageable clutch element out further towards a distal end of the cylinder lock; wherein the cylinder lock further comprises at least one securing means disposed in the body, the at least one securing means engaging with at least one securing means interface on the respective selectively engageable clutch element when the clutch is in the second position, preventing further rotation.

20. A cylinder lock according to claim 19 wherein the at least one securing means comprises a pin and a biasing means.

21. A cylinder lock according to claims 19 or 20 wherein the at least one securing means interface comprises a channel in the respective selectively engageable clutch element.

22. A cylinder lock according to claims 10 to 21 when dependant on any of claims 9 to 18 wherein each of the at least one input shafts comprises a retention means on a proximal end thereof.

23. A cylinder lock comprising:a body;opposed first and second cylinders comprising respectively first and second keyholes disposed in opposite ends thereof for receiving a key, the first and second cylinders being rotatable relative to the body when actuated by a correctly fitting key inserted into the first or second keyhole;a rotator disposed between the first and second cylinders, the rotator being rotatable relative to the body when actuated by the key inserted into the first or second keyhole, the rotator comprising:opposed first and second clutch element comprising a biasing means disposed between them, and a securing means engagement means;the clutch being moveable between a first and second position;the clutch being in the first position when the opposed first and second clutch elements are biased against a proximal face of the respective first or second cylinder;the clutch being in the second position when either the opposed first and second cylinder is removed, the biasing means biasing the respective first and second clutch element out further towards a distal end of the cylinder lock; whereinthe cylinder lock further comprises at least one securing means disposed in the body, the securing means on the respective selectively engageable clutch element engaging with at least one securing means interface when the clutch is in the second position, preventing further rotation.

24. A cylinder lock according to claim 23 wherein the at least one securing means comprises a pin and a biasing means.

25. A cylinder lock according to claims 23 or 24 wherein the at least one securing means interface comprises a channel in the respective selectively engageable clutch element.

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