Lock anti-pick device

Claim 2

An anti-pick device for a lock having a key slot, comprising, a housing adapted for mounting surrounding the key slot entrance, said housing having an opening therein aligned with the key slot, a key holder mounted slidably in relation to said housing for movement along a path aligned with the key slot, said key holder generally filling said opening in said housing, and said means for preventing withdrawal of said key holder from said housing, said key holder having a recess therein for receiving a key and supporting same in alignment with the key slot, said recess extending transversely of the path of movement of said key holder and extending axially to open in alignment with the key slot only within said housing.

Claim 3

A device according to claim 1 wherein said key holder is also mounted for rotation in relation to said housing for movement about an axis aLigned with the key slot.

Claim 4

A device according to claim 1 wherein said housing is generally of cylindrical interior cross section, wherein said key holder has a generally cylindrical surface mating with the interior of said housing, and wherein said recess comprises a slot extending along the axis of said key holder and opening out of an end thereof within said housing.

Claim 5

A device according to claim 1 including mounting means for mounting said housing to a panel in which the lock is supported.

Claim 6

A device according to claim 4 wherein said mounting means comprises at least one annular retaining ring secured to said housing interiorly thereof.

Claim 7

In combination with a lock having a key slot for mounting in fixed relation to a panel, an anti-pick device comprising, a housing mounted to the panel surrounding the entrance to said key slot, said housing having an opening therein aligned with the key slot, a key holder mounted slidably in relation to said housing for movement along a path aligned with said key slot, said key holder generally filling said opening in said housing, and means for preventing withdrawal of said key holder from said housing, said key holder having a recess therein for receiving a key and supporting same in alignment with said key slot, said recess extending transversely of the path of movement of said key holder and extending axially to open in alignment with the key slot only within said housing.

Claim 8

In combination with a lock having a key slot for mounting in fixed relation to a panel, an anti-pick device comprising, a housing mounted to the panel surrounding the entrance to said key slot, said housing having an opening therein aligned with the key slot, a key holder mounted slidably in relation to said housing for movement along a path aligned with said key slot, said key holder generally filling said opening in said housing, and means for preventing withdrawal of said key holder from said housing, said key holder having a recess therein for receiving a key and supporting same in alignment with said key slot, said recess extending transversely of the path of movement of said key holder and extending axially to open in alignment with the key slot only within said housing.

Claim 9

A combination according to claim 6 including means for mounting said housing to said panel, said mounting means comprising an outer retainer ring secured to said housing, an inner retainer ring secured to said lock and said panel, said inner retainer ring and said outer retainer ring having inter-engaging surfaces thereon permitting rotary movement of said retainer rings with respect to each other.

Claim 10

The combination as defined in claim 6 wherein said housing is secured to the panel independently of said lock.

Claim 11

The combination as defined in claim 6 wherein said lock is mounted in said housing with the key slot in communication with the interior thereof, and the housing is mounted to the panel, said panel having an opening therein for accommodating said key holder.

Claim 12

The combination as defined in claim 6 wherein said device comprises means for normally covering the key slot, but being movable relative thereto to permit access to the key slot for insertion of a key.

Claim 13

The combination as defined in claim 10 wherein said means is movable to its access position through contact with the inner end of the key as the key is being axially moved toward the key slot.

Claim 14

The combination as defined in claim 10 wherein said means is movable to its access position in response to the movement of said key holder relative to the key slot.

Claim 15

The combination as defined in claim 6 wherein the recess of said key holder has a key supporting wall forming a generally curved surface extending from an external point furthest from said key slot to an external point on the face of the key holder closest to said key slot and said curved surface mates with a complementary surface on the key to achieve said alignment.