Settable key and setting mechanism for tubular lock

Claim 2

A key-setting mechanism for setting to code-determined position each of a plurality tumbler engaging members of a key for a tubular lock, each tumbler-engaging member being constructed and arranged for adjustment axially of the key, said setting mechanism comprising; a support with an opening therein for receiving the end of the key having a plurality of axially movable tumbler engaging members; a plurality of abutments of varying, code-determined, incremental heights positioned on a surface below said opening; means for positioning each of said abutments in alignment with each of the tumbler-engaging members with the end of the key being movable through said opening into engagement with said surface; said opening having sufficient diameter for rotating the end of the key therein; said surface comprising a block mounted for movement in guided relation to the support and transversely beneath the keyreceiving opening in position to have arresting, abutting relation with the end of the key inserted through said opening.

Claim 3

A settable key for a tubular lock of the type having a plurality of axially spring biased tumblers arranged in axially parallel relation about a central axis to define a cylinder, and having a circular keyhole centered on the axis and having an indexing element therein, said key comprising; a body having a tubular end portion for insertion in indexed position through the keyhole into the lock; a plurality of endwise adjustable tumbler-engaging members mounted at circumferentially spaced intervals about the key body for axial alignment of one tumbler-engaging member with each lock tumbler when the body end position is inserted in indexed position in the keyhole; means resiliently pressing on each tumbler-engaging member for retaining said tumbler-engaging members in endwise adjusted position on the body end portion during adjustment of the tumbler-engaging members, means for increasing the pressure of the means pressing on each tumbler-engaging member for anchoring the tumbler-engaging member in adjuSted position on the body end portion for actuating, against their spring bias, the tumblers of a lock for which the key is intended, the resilient means for lightly retaining the tumbler-engaging members in adjusted position comprises a short tubular portion of rubber like material; and the means for increasing the pressure on the tumbler-engaging members comprises a band of relatively nonstretchable material surrounding the tubular portion and having means for tautening the band; the relatively nonstretchable band and its tautening means is a conventional hose clamp; a block mounted for guided movement on the support beneath the key receiving opening, and positioned to engage and arrest a key body end portion inserted in such key-receiving opening; a plurality of abutments of incremental, code-determined heights on the block and positioned for guided movement along a path located to position in sequence selected ones of the abutments beneath selected tumbler-engaging members of a key body end portion inserted in the key-receiving opening and turned to position such tumbler-engaging members in selected sequence on a diametrical plane of the key-receiving opening disposed transversely across the path of movement of the abutments past said plane; a means for securely anchoring the tumbler-engaging members in code-determined position for tumbler actuation.

Claim 4

A settable key for a tubular lock of the type having a plurality of axially spring biased tumblers arranged in axially parallel relation about a central axis to define a cylinder, and having a circular keyhole centered on the axis and having an indexing element therein, said key comprising; a body having a tubular end portion for insertion in indexed position through the keyhole into the lock; a plurality of endwise adjustable tumbler-engaging members mounted at circumferentially spaced intervals about the key body for axial alignment of one tumbler-engaging member with each lock tumbler when the body end position is inserted in indexed position in the keyhole; means resiliently pressing on each tumbler-engaging member for retaining said tumbler-engaging members in endwise adjusted position on the body end portion during adjustment of the tumbler-engaging members, means for increasing the pressure of the means pressing on each tumbler-engaging member for anchoring the tumbler-engaging member in adjuSted position on the body end portion for actuating, against their spring bias, the tumblers of a lock for which the key is intended, the resilient means for lightly retaining the tumbler-engaging members in adjusted position comprises a short tubular portion of rubber like material; and the means for increasing the pressure on the tumbler-engaging members comprises a band of relatively nonstretchable material surrounding the tubular portion and having means for tautening the band; the relatively nonstretchable band and its tautening means is a conventional hose clamp; a block mounted for guided movement on the support beneath the key receiving opening, and positioned to engage and arrest a key body end portion inserted in such key-receiving opening; a plurality of abutments of incremental, code-determined heights on the block and positioned for guided movement along a path located to position in sequence selected ones of the abutments beneath selected tumbler-engaging members of a key body end portion inserted in the key-receiving opening and turned to position such tumbler-engaging members in selected sequence on a diametrical plane of the key-receiving opening disposed transversely across the path of movement of the abutments past said plane; a means for securely anchoring the tumbler-engaging members in code-determined position for tumbler actuation.

Claim 5

A key-setting mechanism for setting to code-determined position, each of a plurality of tumbler-engaging members of a key for a tubular lock, each tumbler-engaging member being constructed and arranged for adjustment axially of the key, said setting mechanism comprising; a support with an opening therein for receiving the end of a key, which key has a plurality of axially movable tumbler-engaging members; said support has a surface below said opening with a series of abutments of progressive, code-determined, incremental heights rigidly secured on said surface below said opening and in a position to be contacted by said tumbler-engaging members and being incompressible and immovable relative to said surface; means for selectively positioning each of said abutments individually in alignment with each of said tumbler-engaging members individually, and said alignment being selectively changeable; and the end of the key is movable through said opening into engagement with said surface with one of said tumbler members engaging one of said abutments whereby the axial positioning of said tumbler member is said equal to the height of said abutment on said surface.

Claim 6

A key-setting mechanism for setting to code-determined position, each of a plurality of tumbler-engaging members of a key for a tubular lock, each tumbler-engaging member being constructed and arranged for adjustment axially of the key, said setting mechanism comprising; a support with an opening therein for receiving the end of a key, which key has a plurality of axially movable tumbler-engaging members; said support has a surface below said opening with a series of abutments of progressive, code-determined, incremental heights rigidly secured on said surface below said opening and in a position to be contacted by said tumbler-engaging members and being incompressible and immovable relative to said surface; means for selectively positioning each of said abutments individually in alignment with each of said tumbler-engaging members individually, and said alignment being selectively changeable; and the end of the key is movable through said opening into engagement with said surface with one of said tumbler members engaging one of said abutments whereby the axial positioning of said tumbler member is said equal to the height of said abutment on said surface.

Claim 7

A key-setting mechanism as defined in claim 3 wherein; said positioning means includes means for moving said abutments in sequence individually beneath each one of the movable tumbler-engaging members.

Claim 8

A key-setting mechanism as defined in claim 4 including; means for releasable holding said abutments in given positions, in which positions each abutment is located in alignment with the height of a given one of the tumbler engagement members relative to said surface.

Claim 9

A key-setting mechanism as defined in claim 3 including; indicia means for indicating the position of each abutment relative to each of the tumbler-engaging members.

Claim 10

A key-setting mechanism as defined in claim 1 which; said support is an elongated housing having an elongated opening therein; and said block is mounted for longitudinal, slidable movement in said elongated opening.

Claim 11

A key-setting mechanism as defined in claim 7 including; a block positioning member that projects through a slot in said housing is connected to the block for movement therewith; and indexing indicia is marked on said housing adjacent each position of said block positioning member in which the abutment is aligned with one of the movable tumbler-engaging members.