US3670538A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Controllable key lock
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1970-11-12
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Granted: 1972-06-20
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Expires: 1990-11-12
Abstract
Abstract A lock consisting of a key plug having a keyway therein, a line of conventional tumblers for locking the key plug against release movement and an auxiliary tumbler assembly located at the inner end of the line of tumblers and projecting into the keyway. A timer operated solenoid is associated with the auxiliary tumbler assembly for rendering the auxiliary tumbler assembly inoperative during selected time periods. As a result, a first key having a land engageable with the auxiliary tumbler assembly is operable to move all of the tumblers to plug release positions at all times and a second key lacking a land engageable with the auxiliary tumbler assembly is incapable of actuating the auxiliary tumbler assembly so that the second key is useful only during the selected time periods.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert E Curry
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 19:38
CPC Classifications
E; E05; E05B; E05B47/00; E05B47/06; E05B47/0611; E05B47/0619; E05B47/0626; E05B47/063; E05B43/00; E05B43/005; E05B47/0001; E05B47/0002; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T70/00; Y10T70/70; Y10T70/7006; Y10T70/7028; Y10T70/7051; Y10T70/7062; Y10T70/7441; Y10T70/7446
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
108 words
In a lock, a key plug having a keyway therein, a series of tumblers for locking said key plug against release movement, said tumblers being adapted for positioning by a key entering said keyway to releasE said plug for release movement, an auxiliary tumbler assembly projecting into said keyway, and means operatively associated with said auxiliary tumbler assembly for rendering said auxiliary tumbler assembly inoperative to affect release movement of said key plug at some times and operative to affect release movement of said key plug at other times, said means comprising electrically operable means capable of applying a force to said auxiliary tumbler assembly at preselected times.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
108 words
In a lock, a key plug having a keyway therein, a series of tumblers for locking said key plug against release movement, said tumblers being adapted for positioning by a key entering said keyway to releasE said plug for release movement, an auxiliary tumbler assembly projecting into said keyway, and means operatively associated with said auxiliary tumbler assembly for rendering said auxiliary tumbler assembly inoperative to affect release movement of said key plug at some times and operative to affect release movement of said key plug at other times, said means comprising electrically operable means capable of applying a force to said auxiliary tumbler assembly at preselected times.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
A lock according to claim 1 wherein said last mentioned means includes a pre-settable timer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
A lock according to claim 1 wherein said series of tumblers is arranged in a line extending longitudinally of said keyway, said auxiliary tumbler assembly being located at one end of said line.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
A lock according to claim 1 wherein said last mentioned means includes solenoid means operable when energized to render said auxiliary tumbler assembly inoperative.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
70 words
A lock according to claim 1 wherein said auxiliary tumbler assembly comprises a pin tumbler slidably mounted in said plug and a spring pressed driver tumbler engaged with said pin tumbler and operable to urge said pin tumbler in a direction inwardly of said keyway and solenoid means connected to said driver tumbler and operable when energized to move said driver tumbler in a direction away from said pin tumbler.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
80 words
A lock according to claim 5 further including first key means having a first land engageable with said pin tumbler on insertion of said key into said keyway and additional lands engageable with said series of tumblers on insertion of said key into said keyway, said first key land being operable to move said pin tumbler and said driver tumbler to plug release positions and said additional lands being operable to move said series of tumblers to plug release positions.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
A lock according to claim 6 further including second key means having lands thereon corresponding only to said additional lands.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
A lock according to claim 7 further including timer means in circuit with said solenoid means and operable to provide for energizing of said solenoid means at preselected time periods.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3099151A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-06-20 | 1975-12-20 | 1976-06-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-06-20 | 1979-12-20 | 1980-06-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-06-20 | 1983-12-20 | 1984-06-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |