Key with compound actuator ramps in recessed longitudinal channel

Abstract

A key blank and key for mating with a core having a plurality of cutouts penetrating from the core surface to the keyway, and a plurality of activator inserts and filler inserts, such that the installer can locate one or more activator inserts in any of the cutouts, and one or more filler inserts in any of the remaining cutouts, to thereby match the code to be provided in the respective flank or flanks of an authorized key. At least three and preferably at least five slotted cutouts are provided. The inserts are preferably in the form of generally semi-circular plates on at least one side of the core. The inventive key for insertion into a cylinder lock keyway has a blade with top and bottom edges spaced apart along a blade height direction and left and right flanks spaced apart along a blade width direction. A longitudinal channel is formed in at least one flank, having a width extending in the blade height direction and a depth extending in the blade width direction. At least one raised node is situated in the channel, each node having a front ramp facing the tip of the blade, a back ramp facing the bonnet, a side face between the front and back ramps defining a substantially flat side surface substantially parallel to the blade height direction, and an actuator surface contiguous with the front ramp, back ramp, and side surface.