US2030836A - Lock - Google Patents

Description

Feb. 11, 1936. G. b. FULL ET AL LOCK Filed March l2, 1934 C f90/ye??? ya u fz Q2/Sja# s,

G. D. FULL ET AL LOCK Feb. 11, 1936.

Filed March l2, 1934 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 wiurJ refereed Feb. 11, 1936 PATENT oFFlcF.

LOCK

George D. Full, Winnetka, and Joseph M. Muntner, Chicago, Ill., assignors to Dudley Lock Corporation, Chicago, Ill., a corporation oi' Illinois Application Meren 12, 1934, serial No. '115,102v

24 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in key locks, and more particularly to thatytype known as rotary cylinder locks. One of the objects of this invention is to producean improved lock of this type embodying a novel construction and tumbler arrangement which renders the lock substantially incapable of picking by tools, implements, etc, Y

Another object is to produce an improved lock structure which is of simple construction and compact in arrangement, and which may be made up in a relatively large number of different tumbler combinations.

A further object consists in a plurality of independent sets of tumbler elements operable by a key having corresponding independent cam surfaces, for actuating the respective sets of tumbler elements.

A still further object of the invention resides A in the provision of a novel ward structure which renders it exceedingly difficult to insert implements, objects, etc. into the key slot to engage the tumbler elements in an attempt to pick the ock. Still another object of this invention 'consists in the novel construction and arrangement of the tumbler elements which is such that a portion of one tumbler element acts as 'a guard to prevent eective engagement of the next adjacent tumbler in an attempt to pick the lock.

And still another object is to provide a key for actuating the tumblers lof the lock, which is so constructed as to render duplication an extremely diicult task. The invention consists in certain features and elements of construction, in combination, herein shown and described, and as indicated in the claims.

In the drawings: u

Figure 1 is a longitudinal axial section through the lock embodying the present invention, showing the key in section in position retracting the tumbler elements in unlocking position.

Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure l showing the opposite half of the lock'structure.

Figure 3- is a transverse ,sectional View taken substantially as indicated at line 3-3 on Figure 2, showing the tumblers retracted in unlocking 5() position.v

Figure 4 is a front end view of the lock.

Figure 5 is a rearend view with portions of the casing broken away t'o show details of construction.

'55 Figure 6 is a horizontal longitudinally extendthe provision of trated in the drawings, includes a casing,

(Cl. 'l0-46) ing section through the lock taken as indicated at line. 6-6 on Figure 3.

Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the parts of the lock in disassembled relation.

Figure 8 is'a side view of the novel key con- 5 struction used in connection with this lock.

Figures 9 and 10 are sectional views of a key of modified construction' taken as indicated, at( lines 9-9 and Ill-l0 respectively, on Figure 8.

Figure 11 is a transverse section through a lock 10 of modied construction.

Figure 12 is alongitu nal axial section taken at line l2-I2 on Figure 11.

Figure 13 is a sectional view similar to Figure 11 showing the tumbler elements projected into 15 locking position.

Figure 14 is a longitudinal vertical section at g vthe outer edge of one series of the tumbler elements, taken at line |4--l4 on Figure 13.

Figure 15 is a front end View of the lock embody- 20 ing the-modied construction.

Figure 16 is a transverse sectional view taken at line lli- I6 on Figure 12, with key omitted.

Figure 17 is a perspective view of the cylinder element.

The look embodying this invention,

25 as illus- 10, of annular form, and a rotary cylinder or plug, Il, mounted in said casing for rotation therein under the control of tumbler elements, when actuated vby a key. The rearward portion of the casing is reduced in diameter, and snugly fitted on said portion is a cup-shaped member, I2, enclosing A the rear end of the casing. This cup-(shaped element is preferably of thin metal and is secured to the casing, I0, by having `a plurality of depressions indicated at i2, formedin its side wall, which register with and extend'into an external annular groove, |08, of the casing. The bottom of the cup-shaped element is provided with a substantially semi-circular Yarcuate slot, 12b, through which extends a rearwardly projecting stud, Il, of the cylinder, and secured to said stud, as by riveting, is a circular cam block, i3, adapted to be engaged with suitable cooperating elements which are to be operated incident to rotation of the cylinder. Said slot, I2b, thus permits a limited range of rotary movement of the cylinder in its casing. The cylinder is made up of two longitudinally extending sections indicated as lli and I5, which are approximately semi-circular in cross section, and the outer marginal portions of said sections are spaced apart by longitudinally extending plates, I6, to complete the cylinder.' These plates IBB, in the retaining ring, `manently secure the cylinder sections together;

'the cylinder, Il, for

serve several -independent purposes as will hereinafter appear. Each of the plates is provided with apertures for registering with and mounting on transversely extending studs, I5, of the cylinder section, I5, as seen in Figure 2 of the drawings. The cylinder sections are secured together, with the plates, IB, interposed, by a substantially annular ring member, I1, forcibly fitted on the reduced annular shoulder formed at the front end of the cylinder sections, and the rear ends of the .cylindersections are secured by a retaining ring, I8,` seated on the annular reduced shoulder formed by the lugs, I 4b and I5b, of the cylinder sections. These lugs extend through apertures,

and are upset to per- 'Ihe cylinder is confined in the casing, a cap plate or plug, end of the casing. This cap member is preferably of hardened metal to resist efforts t0 pick the lock, such as by drilling through the cap` plate into the cylinder, for aiiording access to the tumbler elements. This cap member. is of annular form and seats against a cooperatively formed shoulder, lob, of the casing, and is permanently secured in said casing by a substantially annular spring member, 2|, engaging in registered annular grooves, 20a and |0, of the cap and casing respectively. It will be understood that when the cap is being inserted in place, the spring-retaining element is forced into the groove, 20e, of the cap and held therein until the `spring element is registered with'the groove, I0, of the casing, at which time it expands into said groove and locks the two parts together, as seen in the drawings. The cap is formed with an opening, 20h, corresponding to and registered with the key slot, Hb, formed in the rotary cylinder for accommodating a key of suitable shape.

I0, by

'Ihe cap plate is formed with 'a pair of diarnetrically opposite rearwardly extending lugs, 23, engageable in a pair of longitudinally extending grooves llc, formed in the outer wall of locking the cap plate and cylinder together for rotation as a unit.

The cylinder sections are each provided with a series of axially spaced transversely extending slots, idc and I5, and the slots of the respective sections are transversely aligned in pairs. Said slots would normally open into the key slot, IIb, except'for the plates, I6, which serve to complete the individual transversely extending slots.

lSlidably mounted for transverse movement in these slots are tumbler elements, 30, which are dimensioned so that when they are engaged by a key, they are moved to a position of adjustment at which their outer`extremities lie within the circular contour of the cylinder, Il, so as to permit rotation of the said cylinder in the casing, l0. These tumbler elements when free are yieldingly projected into longitudinally extending grooves, llld, formed in the inner wall of the casing, I0, for locking engagement therewith and preventing rotation of the cylinder. Said grooves,

Id, are arranged in two diametrically opposite pairs for the respective series of tumblers, and each pair of grooves is radially spaced apart by a longitudinally extending rib, Ille, which serves as the abutment shoulder against which the tumblers react to prevent rotation of the cylinder. These ribs, Ille, are substantially the same thickness as the spacing plates, I6, and are in alignment therewith when the cylinder is locked in the casing, as seen in Figure 3 of the drawings, so :as

20, snugly fitted in the outer directions, as seen in Figure 3 the plates, I6, in guiding the tumbler elements .as they are moved to and from locking position.

The edgesl of the tumblers opposite the key slot are provided with notches, 36a, forming a tranverse shoulder, 3D", against which react in dividual coil springs, 32, the opposite end of the spring abutting against a transversely extending pin, 33, carried by the cylinder section and extending into the tumblerv notch 38e, as seen in Figure 3 of the drawings. The tumbler elements and the springs, 32, with their stop pins, 33, are arranged for urging adjacent tumblers of each series in opposite directions into locking engagement with the casing, and said springs also act on the respective series of tumblers in opposite relation, that is, thetumbler elements of each pair of the respective series are urged in opposite of the drawings.

'I'he edge of each tumbler element adjacent the key slot, Hb, is provided with an abutment surface, 30, adapted to be engaged by a cooperatlvely formed cam surface of a key, 35. In the construction shown in the drawings, the key abutment surface of the'tumbler is in the na- -ture of a transverse shoulder which forms one of the edges ,defining an elongated notch, 30d, formed in the inner edge of each tumbler element. These abutment surfaces are disposed within the key slot for engagement by a key, which moves the tumblers in a direction against the reaction of their compression springs, 32, and when these tumbler elements are freed from engagement with the key, the springs, 32, normally urge them in outward direction into locking engagement with the casing, to prevent rotation of the cylinder therein. It is to be understood that these tumbler elements are preferably diii'erent from each other, and are formed with their key-oper- 'ated abutment shoulders, 3c, located at one of a plurality of possible predetermined positions from the end of the eiective locking shoulder of the tumbler element, which engages the rib, l0, of the casing, and it will also be understood that the key for engaging these surfaces of the tumbler elements will have their contours shaped accordingly. It will be apparent that the compact arrangement of the tumblers in the lock permits making locks of a relatively great number of different tumbler combinations, without impairing the safety of the locks.

One of the important features of this inven tion which renders the lock extremely effective,

consists in constructing and disposing the tumblers in a'manner Lso that theabutment surfaces, 30c, of adjacent tumblerelements of a series are acted upon by a key in opposite relation, and so that the abutment surfaces of the tumbler elements of-each pair of tumbler elements of the respective series, as seen in Figure 3 of the drawings, are likewise acted upon in opposite relation, thus in eiect, lproviding four independent sets of tumbler elements. To accommodate this construction the key, 35, is provided with four inde# pendent cam-operating surfaces, 35B, 35h, 35c and 35d, for actuating the independent sets of tumbler elements of the respective series.` Eachv of the cam surfaces of the key is of a sinuous contour, and as may be seen in the drawings, these surfaces are arranged in pairs at opposite edges of the key; and the aligned cam surfaces, 35, 35, and ,35", 35d, of the respective pairs have the high points of each surface in alignment with the low points of the opposite cam surface ofthe key. As may be seen in the drawings the operating portion of the key is of relatively flat stock, and for convenience the narrow top and bottom surfaces of the operating portion of the key are referred to as edges. Although the disclosure represents a preferred form of key, it is evident that the relative proportions of these narrow surfaces to the side surfaces of the` key may vary Widely.

The notches, 30d, of each of the tumbler 4elements are dimensioned so that the shoulder, 30, opposite the key-actuated abutment shoulder, 30, is disposed in close proximity to the cam-operating edge of the key, opposite the cam-operating edge of said key which actuates said-tumb1er, as seen in Figures 1 and2 of the drawings. In other words, by virtue of this construction when a tumbler has been moved to withdrawn position, the shoulder, 30, opposite the effective keyoperated abutment shoulder, 30, is moved toward the center of 'the key slot to such a position as to effectively guard the keyoperatedA abutment shoulder, 30, of the next adjacent tumbler of the series; such a guard shoulder, 30, in all instances (when the tumbler has beenl moved to releasing position) will be disposed inwardly aA distance beyond the position assumed by the abutment shoulder, 30, of the next adjacent tumbler of the series, when it has beenmoved to releasing position. Manifestly it will be extremely diilicult to pic a lock so constructed, by reason of the fact that the next adjacent tumbler of the series has to be moved in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the first tumbler, and its abutment surface, 30, which is the only surface convenient to be engaged by an implement or tool in picking the lock, will have to be moved outwardly a distance beyond the guard shoulder, 30, of the first tumbler, land an attempt to so move the second tumbler after the first tumbler of the series has been so adjusted, will practically always result in moving the first tumbler out of releasing position, into locking engagement with the cylinder. The separating plates, IG, in addition to providing guidance for the tumbler elements, 30, in their transverse sliding movement in the cylinder, I I, are so dimensioned that their inner marginal edges project into the key slot, .I Ib, of the cylinder a distance normally inwardly beyond the position of the key-operated abutment shoulders,-

30, of the respective tumbler elements when they have been moved to unlocking position, as may be seen in Figure 3. Such an arrangement hampers and renders it an exceedingly diflicult task to pick the lock, because of the curtailment of the space immediately adjacent the keyoperated abutment shoulders of the tumblers.

The inwardly projecting edges of these plates serve as wards and provide guidance for the key, 35, as it is inserted into the lock, and -the key is provided with longitudinally extending' ward grooves', 351, at opposite edges of the key separating the pairs of cam surfaces, 35, 35", and 35, 35d. The side walls of the key slot, IIb, formed in the cylinder is provided with two additional wards, consisting of embossments, Il'l and I5d, which are intersected by the'tumbler slots, I4 and I5. These wards are in the form of interrupted ribs which are engageable in cooperating longitudinallyextending ward grooves, 35tz and 35h, formed in the opposite side wallsof the key.

Deslrably the embossments on the cylinder sections are of different size or shape, and as may be seen in the drawings, the embossments, I5d, are slightly wider than the embossments, I4, and

\ the grooves in the key are correspondingly formed so that the key may be inserted into the lock in only one position. For conveniencelin starting the key into the lock cylinder in the correct position, the cap, 20, has its key slot correspondingly formed with inwardly protruding embossment-s or lugs, 20 and 20f, in alignment with -the embossments formed in the inner walls of the cylinder sections, and said cap and cylinder sections are maintained in fixed relation with their key slots in registration by the lugs, 20, engaged in the grooves, II, of the cylinder.

The key may be made from a solid piece of.

metal, as seen in Figures 3 and 8, or it may be made up of a plurality of laminations of metal, as shown in section in Figures 9 and 10. By virtue of the lock construction above described it will be manifest that it will be extremely diiiicult to pick the lock by the use of any type of implement, and it will also be manifest that because of the various novel constructional features of the lock, it will be a dimcult task to duplicate keys.

Since the various sections of the lock illustrated in the drawings are several times actual size, it was necessary to deviate slightly with respect to certain dimensions of the various features of the lock to more'clearly illustrate and emphasize these features. In this connection it may be mentioned that the guard shoulder, 30, of the .respective tumbler elements is shown in certain instances a distance away from the adjacent aligned cam surface of the key something more or less than the actual dimensions which have been found practical for such a construction; and it will be understood that in the commercial form ofthe lock, the guard shoulder, 30, will be brought as close as possible to the adjacent aligned cam surface of the key (opposite the cam surface engaging the abutment shoulder of the corresponding tumbler element) and the distance will be more or less determined by the conformation ofthe cam surfaces of the key so as to facilitate insertion and withdrawal of the key from engagement withthe tumblers of the lock. It will also be understood that the depth of the ribs, I0, are of the same thickness as the housing proper, .and the inner surface of these ribs is substantially in contact with the surface of the rotary cylinder indicated generally at I I,

' as may be seen in Figure 1 of the drawings.

Figures. 12 to 17 inclusive disclose a modified form of lock structure. In this construction the cylinder, 5I, which is also rotatably mounted in the casing, 50, is composed of two longitudinally extending sections which abut each other at the rear end. Said abutting portionsof the sections are formed with an elongated slot, 5I, .which registers with the key slot formed by the tumbler elements themselves. These cylinder sections are provided with a pair of registered transversely extendingslots, SIb, of substantial length for accommodating two series of axially spaced tumbler elements, 53, arranged side-by-side with adjacent tumblers of each series in sliding contact with each other, and with opposite tumbler elements of each series constituting a pair of tumbler elements, slidably engaged one by the other. The tumbler elements of each pair have their abutting surfaces notched to form a key s lot in registration with the slot, 5I, formed in the rearward portion of the cylinder sections, as well as the key slot, 52, in the cap, 52, and each notch includes a ltransversely extending key-actuated abutment shoulder, 53. The tumbler elements of each series are so arranged that the abutment shoulders of the adjacent tumblers are disposed in opposite relation, and the abutment shoulders of the tumbler elements of the respective pairs are also disposed in opposite relation. Such an arrangement in effect provides four independent sets of tumbler elements, and the tumbler elements of each pair, by virtue of their contact, provide guidance for eachother as they move to and from operative position.

The 'side of the tumblers of each series opposite the key slot notch, is notched at 53, to form spring abutment shoulders, 53h, and these notches, 53, are arranged so that their eiiective shoulders are disposed in opposed relation to the key-operated abutment shoulders, 53a, of the respective tumblers; and the shoulders opposite the abutment shoulders, 53h, of said notches, 53, are spaced suiiiciently away from the spring abut ment shoulders to accommodate a spring member, 55, of Z-formation in said notches with the legr portions of said springs engaging the spring abutment shoulders, 53h, of the adjacent tumblers for urging them in opposite directions toI each other, into the longitudinal grooves, 50, of the casing, 50, for locking the cylinder, 5|, against rotation.

The key, 54, is of the same general character as the key, 35, above described, in that it is provided with four independent cam surfaces,-- twoat each edge-for engaging the two sets of tumbler elements of each series of tumblers. It will -be apparent that the spring members, 55, normally maintain the tumblers, 53, in locking position, and engagement of the abutment shoulders, 53a, of the tumblers by the cooperating surface of the key, 54,

springs.

For convenience in inserting the key into the lock so that it will be permitted entry therein in only one position, the cap, 52, has its key slot, 52a, formed with a pair of oppositely disposed inwardly projecting wards or embossments, 52", which are adapted to be registered with and engaged by correspondingly formed ward grooves, 54, formed in the side walls of the key, 54, and as may be seen in Figure of the drawings, one of these embossments is of different dimensions than the other. The cap is also provided with a pair of rearwardly extending lugs, 52'=, forI engaging in longitudinally extending grooves, 5I,

formed in the outer surface of the cylinder, so

that said cap and cylinder may be rotated as a unit.

Although we have shown and described certain preferred embodiments of our invention, it will be understood lthat the construction and arrangement ofparts may be modified and be varied Withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of our invention. We do not therefore wish to be understood as limiting ourselves to the specific constructions herein shown and described 4except as indicated in the appended claims.

We claim:

1. In a lock, the combination of a casing, a cylinder rotatable in the casing and provided with a longitudinally extending key slot, two sets of independent tumbler elements slidablyv mounted in said cylinder for normally locking it against rotation in the casing, the tumbler elements of the respective sets being arranged in pairs in the same transaxial planes at opposite sides of' the key slot, and the alternate tumbler elements of the respective sets being providedwith abutment moves said tumblers to un-` locking position against the reaction of `the` of each of the respective directions, into locking `inder and arranged on opposite sides surfaces facing in the same direction, the abutment surfaces of said alternate tumblers of each of the respective sets being engageable by independent cam surfaces formed on the same surface of the key, when it is inserted in the slot, for positively withdrawing said alternate tumblers from locking engagement with the casing.

2. In a lock, the combination of a casing, a cylinder rotatable in the casing and provided with a longitudinally extending key slot, three sets of independent tumbler elements slidably mounted in said cylinder for normally locking it against rotation in the casing, said sets of tumbler elements being disposed on opposite sides of the key slot and each tumbler being provided with an abutment surface, the abutment surfaces of the tumbler elements of each of the three respective sets being. engageable by independent cam surfaces formed on the key, when it isinserted in said slot, for positively withdrawing said tumbler elements from llocking engagement with the casing.

3. In a lock, the combination of a casing, a

cylinder rotatable in the casing and provided with a longitudinally extending key slot, four independent sets of tumbler elements slidably mounted in said cylinder for normally locking it against rotation in said casing, said sets of tumbler elements being arranged two on each side of the key slot, and each of said tumbler elements being 4provided with an abutment surface, the abutment surfaces of the tumbler elements of each of the four respective sets being engageable by independent cam surfaces formed on the key, when it is inserted in said slot, for positively withdrawing said tumbler elements from locking engagement with the casing.

4. In a lock, the combination of a. casing, a cylinder rotatable in the casing and provided with a longitudinally extending key slot, two sets of independent tumbler elements slidably mounted in the cylinder on opposite sides) of the key slot,

and having oppositeiy facing abutment surfaces, spring means urging said tumbler elements in opposite directions into locking engagement with the casing to prevent rotation of thecylinder, the abutment surfaces of the tumbler elements sets being engageable by independent cam surfaces formed on opposite edges of the key, when it is inserted in said slot, for-withdrawing said tumbler elements from locking engagement with the casing.

5. In a lock, the combination of a casing, a cylinder rotatable in the casing and provided with a longitudinally extending key slot, two series of tumbler elements slidably mounted in the cylinder and arranged in pairs on opposite sides 0f the key slot, and spring means urging the tumblers of each pair in opposite directions, and the adjacent tumblers in each series in opposite engagement with the casing for preventing rotation of the cylinder, each of said tumbler elements being formed with an,

abutment-surface, adapted to be engaged by a key for moving the tumbler in a direction against the reaction of said spring means, the abutment surfaces of each pair of tumbler elements being arranged in opposite relation, and the abutment surfaces of adjacent tumbler elements of each series being arranged in opposite relation.

l6. In a lock, the combination of a casing, a cylinder rotatable in the casing and provided with a longitudinally extending key slot, two series of tumbler elements slidably mounted in the cylof the key slot, and spring means for urging the adjacent tumblers in each series in opposite directions into locking engagement with the casing for preventing rotation of the cylinder, each of said tumbler elements being formed with an abutment surface adapted to be engaged by a key for moving the tumbler in a direction against the reaction-of said spring means, the abutment surfaces of adjacent tumbler elements of each series being arranged in opposite relation. l

7. In a lock, the combination lof. a casing, a cylinder rotatable in the casing and provided with a longitudinally extending key slot, a series of tumbler elements slidably mounted in said cylinder for normally locking it against rotation in the casing, said tumbler elements each being provided with an abutment surface disposed adjacent one side of the key slot, the abutment surface of alternate tumbler elements of said series being arranged in opposite relation to the other tumbler elements, and spring means for yieldingly urging adjacent tumbler elements of said series in opposite directions, the abutment surfaces of each set of opposite tumbler elements being engageable by independentcam surfaces formed on opposite surfaces of the key, when it is inserted in said slot, for positively withdrawing said tumbler elements from locking engagement with the casing.

8. In a lock, the combination of a casing, a. cyl- -inder rotatable in the casing and provided with a longitudinally extending key slot, said cylinder being formed of two longitudinally extending sections, and each section being provided with a plurality of axially spaced transverse slots opening into'the key slot, independent series of tumbler elements slidably mounted in said'slots of the respective sections, for normally locking the cylinder against rotation in the casing, said tumbler elements each being formed with an abutment surface adapted to be engaged by a key for withdrawing sad tumbler from locking engagement with the casing, and separate means interposed between the outer marginal portions of said sections of the cylinder for completing the guide for the tumblers and for separating the tumblers of the respective series.

9. In a lock, the combination of a casing, a cylinder rotatable in the casing and provided with a longitudinally extending key slot, said cylinder being formed of two longitudinally extending sections, and each section being provided with a plurality of axially spaced transverse slots, opening into the key slot, the-slots of the respective sections being registered in pairs, independent series of tumbler elements slidably mounted in said slots of said sections for normally locking the cylinder against rotation in the casing, said tumbler elements each being formed with an abutment surface adapted to be en gaged by a key for withdrawing sad tumbler from locking engagement with the casing, and separate means interposed between the outer marginal portions of said cylinder sections for separating the tumblers of the respective pairs of said series, said separating means serving to complete the guide slot for each tumbler element.

10. In a lock, the combination of a casing, a cylinder rotatable in the casing and provided with a longitudinally extending'key slot, said cylinder being formed of two longitudinally extending sections, and each section being provided with a plurality ofaxially spaced transverse slots, opening into the key slot,.independent series of tumbler elements slidably mounted in said slots of the respective sections for normally locking the cylinder against rotation in the casing, said tumbler elements each being formed with an abutment surface adapted to be engaged by a key for withdrawing said tumbler-from locking engagement with the casing, and separate means interposedbetween the outer marginal portions of said cylinder sections to separate the tumbler elements of the respective series, said casing being provided with a pair of internal longitudinally extending grooves into which said tumbler elements are projected to prevent rotation of the cylinder, said grooves being radially spaced apart a distance to form a rib approximately the same thickness of and in radial alignment with said tumbler separating means.

1l. In a lock, including a casing, a cylinder roi-tatable therein and having a longitudinally extending key slot of rectangular cross section, said cylinder including wards projecting into the key slot at each of the four sides of said slot.

12. In a lock, the combination `of a casing, a cylinder rotatable in the casing and provided with a longitudinally lextending key slot, a plurality of tumbler 'elements slidably mounted in the cylinder at one side of said slot, and normally engaginder therein, said tumblers each having an abutment surface adaptedto be engaged by a coop'- ing the casing for preventing rotation of the cylerating cam surface of akey, and means including a longitudinally extending rib projecting into the key slot in close proximity to the abutment surfaces of the tumblerelements and serving as a ward for engagement in a groove in the key formed in the same edge of said key as said cam surface.

cylinder rotatable inthe casing and provided with a longitudinally extending key slot, said cylinder being formed of two longitudinally extending sections, and eachsection being provided with a plurality of axially spaced transverse slots opening into the key slot, independent series of tumbler elements slidably mounted in said slots of the respective sections, for normally locking the cylinder against rotation in 'the casing, said tumbler elements each being formed with an abutment surface adapted to be engaged by a key for withdrawing said tumblers from locking engagement with the casing, and separate means interposed between' the outer marginal portions of said'sections of the cylinder for completing the guide for the tumblers and for separating the tumblers of the respective series, said means including a 1ongitudinally extending rib projecting intoA the key slot and serving as a ward for engaging a cooperatively formed groove Iin the key.

14. In a lock, the combination of a casing, a cylinder rotatable in the casing and provided with a longitudinally extending key slot, said -cylinders being formed of two longitudinally extending sections and each section being providedwith a plurality of axially spaced transverse slots opening into the key slot, independent series of tumbler elements slidably mounted in said slots for the respective sections for normally locking the cylinder against rotation in the casing, said tumbler elements each being formed with van abutment surface adapted to be engaged by a key for withdrawing said tumblers from locking position, and separate means interposed between the outer marginal portions of said sections of the cylinder for completing the guide for the tumblers and for i separating said tumblers of theerespective series, said means including a longitudinally extending rib projecting into the key slot and serving as a 35 13. In a lock, the combination of a casing, a

tions, and each section ward for engaging a cooperatively formed groove in the edge of the key, one of said cylinder sections also being formed with a longitudinally extending ward surface projecting into the key slot and adapted for engaging in a cooperatively formed groove in the side surface of the key.

-15. In a lock, the combination of a casing, a cylinder rotatable in the casing and provided with a longitudinally extending key slot, said cylinder being formed of two longitudinally extending secbeing provided with a plurality of axially spaced transverse slots opening into the key slot, independent s'eries of tumbler elements slidably mounted in said slots of the respective sections, for normally locking the cylinder against rotation in the casing, said tumbler elements each being formed with an abut# ment surface adapted to be engaged by a key for withdrawing said tumbler from locking engagement with the casing, and separate means interposed between the outer marginal portions of said sections of the cylinder for completing the guide for the tumblers and for separating the A tumblers of the respective series, said means includng two transversely spaced longitudinally extending ribs projecting. into the key slot at opposite sides, and serving as wards for engaging in cooperatively formed grooves in opposite edges of the key.

16. In the construction defined in claim 15, one of said cylinder sections also being formed with a longitudinally extending ward surface projecting into the key slot for engaging in a co'- operatively formed groove in the side surface of the key.

17. In a lock, the combination of cylinder rotatable in the casing and provided 'h a longitudinally extending key slot, two series of tumbler elements slidably mounted in the cylinder and arranged in pairs on opposite sides ofthe key slot, and, spring means urging the tumblers of each pair in opposite directions and the adjacent tumblers of each series in opposite directions into locking engagement with the casing for preventing rotation ofthe cylinder, each of said tumbler elements being formed with an abutment surface engageable by a key for movement in a direction against the reaction of said spring means, the abutment surfaces of each pair of tumbler elements being arranged .in

a casing, a

arranged in opposite relation,v

jacent tumbler elements of each series being arranged in opposite relation, said cylinder includextending interrupted rib cylinder-releasing position by engagement of their abutment features with independent cam surfaces disposed at opposite edges of a key, the guard means of each of said tumblers being disposed in relatively close proximity to the cam surface ofthe key opposite to thecam surface operatively engaging the abutment feature of said tumbler element, said guard means on the tumbler elements being dimensioned and arranged so that when a tumbler has been moved to releasing position its guard means is disposed in substantially over-lapping transaxial relation to the abutment feature of the next adjacent tumbler of the series.

20. In a lock, the cylinder rotatable in the 'casing and provided with a longitudinally extending key slot, a series of tumbler elements slidably mounted in the cylinder and arranged at one side of the key slot, spring notch adjacent the key slot and extending in the direction of the length of the tumbler, said notch defining an abutment shoulder and an oppositelv disposed guard shoulder, the abutment shoulders of adjacent tumblers being disposed in opposite relation, the alternate sets of tumbler elements being movable to cylinder-releasing position by engagement with independent cam surfaces disposed at opposite edges of a key, the length of said notch in each tumbler element being such as to dispose the guard shoulder of said,tumbler in relatively close proximity to the cam surface of the key opposite to the cam surface operatively engaging the abutment shoulder of said tumbler element, and said tumbler element when moved to releasing position having its guard shoulder disposedat a distance closer to the axis of said cylinder than the abutment shoulder of the next adjacent tumbler element when it has been moved to releasing position.

combination of a casing, a'

21. In a lock, the combination of a casing, a

in relatively close proximity tothe cam surface of the key opposite to the cam surface operatively engaging the abutment shoulder of said tumbler" element, and said tumbler element when moved to releasing position having its'guard shoulder disposed at a distance closer to the axis of said cylinder than the abutment shoulder of the next adjacent tumbler elementk of said series.

22. In a lock, the combination of a casing, a cylinder rotatable in the casing and provided with a longitudinally extending key slot, a. series of tumbler elements slidably mounted in the cylinder and arranged at one side of the key slot, spring means for urging adjacent tumbler ele-- ments of the series in opposite directions, each of said tumbler elements being formed with an abutment shoulder, the abutment shoulders of adjacent tumblers being disposed in opposite reu lation, the alternate sets of tumblerelements being movable to cylinder-releasing position by engagement with independent cam surfaces 'disposed at opposite edges of a key, said cylinder including a pair of oppositely facing wards partially defining the key slot, and extending in the general direction of movement of the respective sets of tumbler elements, said wards having transversely facing key-engaging surfaces disposed closer to the axis of the cylinder than the abutment surfaces of said sets of tumbler elements when disposed at either of their normal positions of adjustment.

23. In a lock, .the combination of a casing, a cylinder rotatable in the casing and provided with a longitudinally extending key slot, two series of tumbler elements slidably mounted in the cylinder and arranged side by side in pairs on opposite sides of the key slot, said tumbler elements of each pair having oppositely disposed abutment surfaces engageable by a key having independent cam surfaces for tumbler elements of the respective series, the adjacent surfaces of each pair of tumbler, elements abutting each other to assist in guiding said tumblers throughout their normal vrange of transverse movement.

24. In a lock, the combination of -a casing, a cylinder rotatable in the casing and provided with a longitudinally extending key slot, said cylinder also being transversely slotted; a plurality of axially spaced tumblers disposed in said transverse slot of the cylinder adjacent the key slolI and normally extending into locking engagement with the casing to prevent rotation of the cylinder, the edges of the tumblers opposite the key slot being recessed to form spring abutment shoulders, and said abutment shoulders of adjacent tumblers bien'g arranged in opposite relation, and a spring wire of Z formation having its opposite leg portions engaging the abutment shoulders for urging adjacent tumblers in opposite directions into locking position.

GEORGE D. FULL. JOSEPH M, MUNTNER.

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