Cylinder type lock arrangement
US5931035A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 14, 1996 |
| Grant date | Aug 3, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 14, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T70/7706
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
To prevent a key cylinder from being punched out of an automotive door or the like and to simplify assembly, a stepped key cylinder retention cavity structure that is rigid with an outer panel of the door, is arranged to extend into the interior of the door. A key cylinder is disposed in the cavity from outside of the door so that a shaft that rotates synchronously with a rotor of the key cylinder, extends through an opening formed in an inboard end of the cavity and is connected to a key lever through a lost motion connection that allows for key backlash. The key lever is connected to the cavity structure by resilient barbed members that can be pressed in through the opening from the interior of the door. The barbed members snap into a locking position in suitable recesses formed in the structure. Rotation-limiting projections that are rigid with the structure are provided to limit the amount of rotation of the key lever. Vehicle assembly can be facilitated by connecting the key lever to the cavity structure and inserting the key cylinders into position at a later time such as upon delivery to a dealer. A dummy key can be temporarily inserted and used to lock and unlock the door a…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.