Strattec Security Corporation

Briggs & Stratton, LLC

Brady Worldwide Corp.

Master Lock Company LLC

Larry R Grimmer

Steven J Dimig

Russell J Winberg

Jack Christopher Melkovitz

Lucas J Boesel

David C Janssen

Alan Ritz

Michael Malich

Michael P Baker

Cynthia M Brey

Brian M Keller

Scott H Micoley

Thomas J Green

James M Gruden

Keith D Zirtzlaff

Scott G Klos

Brian J Munzel

Alexandre Y Reikher

Kevin G Clabots

William D Boppre

Jack C Melkovitz

A padlock with an associated locking mechanism is configured for use in a lock configured to be locked and unlocked by a key. The locking mechanism includes a lock cylinder with a key-receiving end configured to interface with the key and further includes a cam positioned at an axial end of the lock cylinder opposite the key-receiving end thereof. The cam is integrally connected thereto thereby restricting axial and rotational motion of the cam with respect to the lock cylinder and can be used to retain components of the locking mechanism (such as tumblers and springs) in the lock cylinder.

Lock with integrated cam

A padlock is configured to be locked and unlocked by a key and includes a lock body having an internal cavity with a locking mechanism and a keyway extending through the lock body into the internal cavity to provide access to the locking mechanism by the key. The locking mechanism is configured to be selectively moved over a range of positions when the key is received therein to lock and unlock the padlock. The keyway has an eccentric profile that permits the key to be removed from the locking mechanism in only a single position of the range of positions.

Padlock with integrated keyway

A linearly-actuated lock including a housing, a lock case received within the housing along an axis, and a lock barrel rotatable relative to the lock case between a locked state and an unlocked state. The lock barrel includes tumblers and tumbler springs. The lock further includes a key insertable into the lock barrel to displace the tumblers relative to the lock barrel in a direction parallel to the axis and a sidebar extending through apertures of the lock barrel. The sidebar is engageable with a notch of the tumblers when the sidebar moves radially inward relative to the axis. The sidebar includes a cam surface slidable against at least one of the housing and the lock case when the lock barrel rotates. The sidebar also includes a projection having a single-ramped surface received within the notch of each tumbler when the lock barrel is in the unlocked state.

Linear lock

Lock assembly and method of coding and recoding locks. Some embodiments of a lock include a housing, a lock cylinder, a plurality of tumblers, a plurality of codebars, and a sidebar. Some embodiments of a lock include a housing, a lock cylinder, a plurality of tumblers, a plurality of code blocks, a sidebar, and a codebar.

Lock apparatus and method

Highly preferred embodiments of the present invention have a lock bolt extendible and retractable by movement of a power transmission assembly driven by an actuator and having a cam thereon which cams against the lock bolt to retract the lock bolt and unlock the steering column. In some preferred embodiments, the cam has a curved surface with varying distance from the axis of rotation of the cam or pivot to produce smooth and controlled lock bolt camming action with little to no jarring motion. In order to significantly reduce manufacturing and assembly time and cost, some or all of the power transmission assembly can be assembled prior to installation in the lock assembly frame. More preferably, some or all of the power transmission assembly is integrally formed. Preferably, part or all of the lock assembly can be assembled without turning, flipping, or otherwise re-orienting the lock assembly during assembly.

Steering column lock apparatus and method

In some embodiments, lock assemblies are disclosed which have a housing, a barrel, and at least one tumbler. In some cases, the lock is codeable after the lock assembly has been assembled. Although not required, some embodiments can be re-coded to a new code with and without disassembling the lock assembly. The tumbler(s) can be pivotable, while in other embodiments the tumbler(s) move in a substantially linear fashion. The tumbler(s) can be comprised of two pieces or portions, wherein one piece/portion of the tumbler(s) either directly or indirectly engages the coded surface of a key while the other piece/portion is positionable to prevent rotation of the barrel with respect to the housing. In some embodiments, the tumblers are external to the barrel.

Vehicular lock apparatus and method

A latch assembly having at least one control element having one path of motion in which a ratchet is moved to an unlatched position and another path of motion in which the ratchet is not so moved, the path of motion taken by the control element dependent upon whether an engagement element is engaged with the control element or disengaged therefrom. Preferably, the control element moves the ratchet by contact with a pawl which itself can be engaged with the ratchet. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, two or more unlatching inputs are capable of unlatching the latch assembly. However, two or more of these inputs are in series rather than in parallel so that the number of paths ending at the element or device holding the latch in its latched state is preferably fewer than the number of unlatching inputs to the latch assembly. A preferred embodiment of the present invention also employs a mechanical actuation assembly that can transmit actuation force from a control element to an engagement element in order to change the engaged state of the engagement element (and thereby to place the control element or another control element in a locked or unlocked state). The present invention also provides a fast-acting two stage actuator employing magnetic force to quickly and directly or indirectly hold an element to be controlled until an armature of the actuator can be engaged therewith.

Latch apparatus and method

An electronic interlock system for a tumblerless lock which utilizes radio frequency identification to enable system operation. The interlock system includes a reader which powers an antenna to generate an electromagnetic field which in turn energizes a small transponder mounted in the key. The transponder transmits a unique identification code back to the reader via the antenna where it is decoded, and if valid enables system operation, but if invalid prevents operation. The antenna is mounted at the forward end of the lock assembly. A unique key retention system and cylinder anti-rotation lock system is also disclosed.

Tumberless automobile ignition lock

A lock and key actuator for actuating a desired controlled component upon insertion of a key into the lock. The actuator includes either a sliding or pivoting member movable between non-actuated and actuated positions. The actuator may include a slidable plunger between the lock and controlled component. The system may be employed as a buzzer actuator on a vehicle ignition lock for signalling that a key is in the lock under certain conditions.

Axially activated system for a key lock

A device for preventing the undesired rotation of a key and cylinder within a sleeve of an automobile steering column ignition assembly. The device prevents rotation of a key from an off position to a lock position, and the consequent locking of the steering wheel, unless an adjacent button is depressed. Rotation is prevented by interference of the button itself with an abutment formed in a flange projecting from a cap covering the outer end of the cylinder. The flange also retains the button in the assembly.

Cap retained push button assembly

A reversible double-bitted key is reconfigured to permit a cylinder lock and key set to fit in the standard architecture of certain American automobiles. Preferably, the maximum required diameter of the cylinder is maintained under 13 millimeters, permitting the cylinder to be placed in standard instrument panel architecture for many American made vehicles. The minimum width of the key is maintained at approximately 4 millimeters, assuring that the key can withstand the torque requirements of the lock systems. This permits a single key to be used in both the primary and secondary locks. The tumbler is configured such that the minimum distance between the outer edge of the key window in the tumbler and the outer perimeter of the tumbler is greater than the thickness of the tumbler, further assuring that the lock can withstand repeated use without fatigue failure.

Cylinder lock and key set with reversible key

A cylindrical lock and key set with an electronic interlock circuit includes a self-destruct circuit portion which is intercepted, engaged and destructed by an intercept member when the cylinder is forcibly, axially removed from the lock sleeve. A second intercept member may engage the circuit and destruct it when the cylinder is forcibly rotated. Either or both of the intercept members may be located on the cylinder.

Growing community of inventors

Sussex, WI, United States of America

Larry R Grimmer