Vehicular lock apparatus and method

US7047778B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION · US

Inventors

• Steven J. Dimig · Plymouth, US
• Keith D. Zirtzlaff · Port Washington, US
• Alan J. Ritz · Brookfield, US
• Thomas J. Green · San Leandro, US
• Scott Micoley · Cedarburg, US
• Scott G. Klos · Grafton, US
• Brian Munzel · Port Washington, US
• Alexandre Reikher · Shorewood, US
• Lucas Boesel · Muskego, US
• Larry R. Grimmer · Sussex, US
• Russell J. Winberg · Wauwatosa, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 3, 2003
• Grant date: May 23, 2006
• Expiry date: Jan 7, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T70/774
• WIPO field: Civil engineering
• WIPO sector: Other fields

Abstract

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.