Lock, key blank, and key of a hierarchical lock system
US7552608B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 18, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jun 30, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 18, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T70/8595
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A lock system includes keys, key blanks, keyways, and lock cylinders, and the keys or key blanks have opposite sides formed with grooves for cooperating with a conforming keyway. More particularly, the sides of the key or key blank have a portion grooved for registration, another portion grooved for top-level hierarchical master keying, and two other portions, one on each side of the blade, for further master key variations and different combinations. One of the two further sections being curvilinear and the other rectangular or angular cuts. The conforming keyway of the lock includes ridges and grooves corresponding to the grooves and ridges, respectively, of the key or key blank. Instruments other than keys or key blanks may be used to enter the grooves and ridges of the keyway to operate the lock without the use of a precisely configured key.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.