Rekeyable lock assembly
US7234331B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 10, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jun 26, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 21, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T70/774
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A rekeyable lock cylinder includes a cylinder body with a plug body and carrier sub-assembly disposed therein. The plug body includes a plurality of spring-loaded pins and the carrier assembly includes a plurality of racks for engaging the pins to operate the lock cylinder. The racks and pins move in a transverse direction, in response to insertion of a first valid key into the lock cylinder, to unlock the lock cylinder. The carrier moves in a longitudinal direction, in response to insertion of a tool in a tool-receiving aperture, from an operating position to a rekeying position. In the rekeying position, the racks are disengaged from the pins and a second valid key can replace the first valid key. Rotation of the plug body from the rekeying position with the second valid key in the lock cylinder obsoletes the first valid key.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.