Key-mode Apparatus And System

Abstract

Apparatus and system is provided for enabling forming of lock keys on key duplicating machines. The apparatus includes a key-mode apparatus that has a structural frame and a number of bits from which are selected those that form the specific key desired to be formed. The selected bits are mounted on the frame in a particular relationship to a reference point with the apparatus then positionable in a key duplicating or cutting machine where a key blank may be cut in direct correspondence. Selection of the bits is based on a system of code identification that is related to the bit configuration.

Parent Case Text

This application is a continuation-in-part of copending U.S. application Ser. No. 126,177, filed Mar. 19, 1971, now abandoned.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Producing of lock keys, such as the flat or paracentric type which may either be wafer or corrugated, heretofore has utilized either a duplicating machine or a code machine, other than those few keys that are laboriously formed by hand filing, to form the required cuts in a key blank. A duplicating machine has been limited to only forming keys when a proper key is available to directly copy of duplicate the cuts in a similar key blank. A code machine is not subject to this limitation of requiring the actual key to be duplicated and produces keys in accordance with a coded identification system that is essentially based on spacing and depth of cuts and the relative arrangement of these cuts along the key blade. While the code machines are capable of producing keys merely on the basis of the identification code, these machines are very complex, incorporating variable adjustment mechanisms of intricate and unique configurations, and inherently results in an extremely expensive machine. Such machines also are inherently limited in capability as a consequence of practical limitations in variables and adjustments that may be accommodated by the mechanisms.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The key-mode apparatus and system of this invention provides for forming or duplicating of keys utilizing the duplicating technique, but is not limited by the requirement of having the actual key that it is desired to duplicate. Furthermore, this key-mode apparatus and system utilizes a code system to provide the capability of a code machine to produce keys in accordance with a code identification system but which is not limited by the complexity of the mechanical structures required by the code machines that are currently available.

In accordance with this invention, the key-mode apparatus enables an operator to simulate the key desired to be duplicated and it is the key-mode apparatus that is inserted in a duplicating machine in an operation providing a key of the desired configuration. The key-mode apparatus basically comprises a base frame and a plurality of selected bits that are fixedly positioned on the base frame in a predetermined relative arrangement. Each of the bits is formed with a surface that is configured to define a particular portion of a specific key or keys and it is this portion of the bit surface that is effective in actuating the duplicating machine to reproduce that portion of the desired key. The number of bits utilized in combination on the base frame to simulate a key is determined in accordance with this key-mode system, as are the specific bits that are selected. This key-mode apparatus and system thus enables an operator to produce a selected key from an extremely large array of diverse key configurations in accordance with a code identification with the system essentially unlimited in capability.

These and other objects and advantages of this key-mode apparatus and system will be readily apparent from the following detailed description of an embodiment thereof and the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a key-mode apparatus of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of two bits, on an enlarged scale, positioned in cooperative relationship as in the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic illustration of utilization of the key-mode apparatus of this invention in a key duplicating machine.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings specifically, a key-mode apparatus 10 is shown in assembled relationship as may be utilized in a key duplicating machine of well known construction and not shown in detail. Basic components of the apparatus include a base frame 11 and a plurality of bits 12 that are secured on the frame in a selected arrangement. When thus assembled with the base frame, the several bits form a composite surface 13 extending longitudinally of the frame and simulates the configuration of a specific key which it is desired to cut in an appropriately selected key blank.

The base frame 11 comprises a head 14 and an elongated base bar 15 that are formed as a rigid unitary structure. The head 14, which is of a general rectangular configuration, has an end surface 16 from which the base bar axially extends and these two elements may either be integrally formed or separately formed and mechanically secured together. Formed with the head 14 is a finger 17 which also axially projects from the end surface 16 but in spaced relationship to the base bar 15. This finger terminates in a surface 18 forming a reference index at a distance from the end surface 16.

Mounted on the head 14 is a base index stop 20 which is relatively movable axially of the base bar 15. The index stop 20 is of block-form having an aperture formed therein through which the base bar projects with the stop being movable axially on the bar. Formed with the stop 20 at the front surface is a guide bar 21 that extends axially parallel to the base bar, but interfits in an elongated recess 22 formed in the head 14. An elongated slot 23 formed in and extending axially of the guide bar 21 received a clamping screw 24 threaded into the head 14. This slot arrangement permits longitudinal adjustment of the index stop 20 relative to the base bar 15 in accordance with the code identification of this key-mode system. For purposes of adjustment, a series of reference marks 25 are inscribed on the front surface of the stop 20 with the appropriate mark aligned with the reference index 18 as required by the code identification for a particular key and thus positions the end stop surface 26 at a desired point relative to the reference index 18.

All of the bits 12 are positioned on the base bar 15 and are held in fixed relationship on the bar by a clamp fastener 27. The clamp fastener 27 comprises a rectangular block having an aperture formed therein through which the base bar 15 may project and is axially movable relative thereto. Positioning of the fastener 27 on the bar to hold all of the bits in contacting engagement with each other with the one endmost bit held against the stop 20 and the other against the clamp fastener maintains the bits in the desired relative arrangement. When in this position, a clamping screw 28 threaded into the fastener 27 is turned inwardly to bear against the base bar thereby securing the bits in the desired relationship.

The bits 12, as can be best seen in FIG. 2, are of block-form having a base surface 30 and a contour surface 31 which are at opposite sides of the base bar. Parallel end surfaces 32 that contactingly engage the end surface of an adjacent bit or either the stop 20 or clamp fastener 27, extend transversely to the base bar and an aperture 33 extends through the bit opening at each of the end surfaces 32. The aperture 33 is of the same cross-sectional configuration as the base bar and is formed in each of the bits at the same position relative to the base surface 30.

Alignment of the several bits transversely of the base bar 15 is thus facilitated by positioning an alignment bar 34 (see FIG. 1) against the base surfaces 30 thus eliminating any need for holding a close tolerance in forming the apertures as it is the spacing between the base surface 30 and contour surface 31 that is critical for accuracy, a dimension that is much easier to control from a machining standpoint. The alignment bar 34 has a flat reference surface 35 which engages the base surfaces 30 and provides the necessary alignment of the bits relative to each other transversely to the longitudinal axis of the base bar. Making the bar 34 the same thickness as the front to back dimension of the bits 12 permits the bar to be concurrently clamped with the bits during utilization thereof as will be explained subsequently.

The bits 12 are each formed with a contour surface 31 that is unique to that specific bit in the code identification system. This contour surface 31 generally defines a V-shaped notch that is to be reproduced at a particular point on a key blank. In accordance with the key-mode system of this invention, the various dimensions of each surface element of the contour surface is controlled in predetermined dimensional increments so that a set of bits may be fabricated which includes all of the dimensional variants that may be encountered in the identification system. These dimensional variations occur in the heighth of the bit as between the base surface 30 and the crest flats 36, spacing of crest edge 37 relative to the end surfaces, depth and width of the notch root 38 and inclination of the notch side 39, and the width of each bit as determined by the end surfaces 32. These dimensional variants being made in accordance with a code identification system enables the operator to select those bits by consultation of the code tables in reference to a specific lock code identification and to assemble the bits the selected to form a composite surface 13 that simulates the desired key configuration. It will be noted that the corners are rounded at 40 at the juncture of the end surfaces 32 and the crest flats 36 which facilitates movement of a contour following tool but do not affect the key thus produced since this portion of the crest is not critical to lock operation. Also, as may be determined by the code identification system, one or more of the bits 12 in any selected composite arrangement may have a flat contour surface, such as bit 12a in FIG. 1, as thus essentially form spacers with the surface at the desired height.

Utilization of the key-mode apparatus 10 of this invention is diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 3. The key-mode apparatus 10 is first assembled as previously described by selecting the bits 12 and relatively arranging the bits on the base bar 15 by reference to the code identification system. The base index stop 20 is also set with respect to the reference index 18 in accordance with the code identification system and, with all bits aligned by means of the alignment bar, the clamp fastener 27 is secured to the bar 15 to clamp the bits in fixed relationship.

When thus assembled, the key-mode apparatus 10 is secured at the master location in a key duplicating machine 45 by means of a clamp 46 which grips all of the bits. A key blank 47 is also selected by reference to the code identification system. Mechanically interconnected in relatively fixed relationship but relatively movable transversely to the key-mode apparatus 10 and key blank 47 are a contour following tool 49 and a cutting wheel 50. The cutting wheel 50 may be driven by an electric motor 51 through a gear box 52. In initially clamping the key-mode apparatus 10 and key blank 47 in the duplicating machine, relative positioning may be accomplished by setting the contour following tool 49 against the reference index 18 of the key-mode apparatus with the cutting wheel 50 also positioned against a respective reference surface 47a of the key blank 47 and aligning the highest projection of the contour surface with the edge of the uncut blank 47. With the electric motor 51 energized and rotating the cutting wheel 50, it is then merely necessary to cause the contour following tool 49 to traverse the composite surface 13 formed by the bits 12 in conformity with the contour to cause this surface to be duplicated in the key blank 47.

It will be readily apparent that a novel key-mode apparatus is provided which enables an operator to readily produce lock keys by reference to a code identification system. The key-mode apparatus comprise a base frame and a plurality of bits selected by reference to the code identification system which together form a composite surface defining the desired key configuration thus enabling the operator to produce a key by means of a relatively inexpensive duplicating machine. The key-mode apparatus provides greater versatility than that which can be obtained by the complex and expensive code machines.

Claims

Having thus described this invention, what is claimed is:

1. Key-mode apparatus comprising a base frame provided with a reference index and including

an elongated base bar,

a base index stop adjustably positionable longitudinally of said base bar in predetermined relationship to said reference index, and

clamp means fixedly positionable on said base bar in relatively spaced relationship to said index stop, and

a plurality of bits positionable in predetermined linear arrangement on said base bar in clamped relationship between said base index stop and said clamp means, each of said bits having a contoured surface of predetermined configuration formed therein at a side extending axially relative to said base bar, the contoured surfaces of said bits thus assembled combining to define a lock key configuration.

2. Key-mode apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said reference index is a surface disposed transversely to the longitudinal axis of said base bar and is mounted in fixed relationship thereto.

3. Key-mode apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said base index stop includes a stop surface extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of said base bar and engageable with one of said bits, reference indicia cooperatively related to said reference index to locate the stop surface at selected predetermined position relative to said reference index, and adjustment means for securing said index stop in a selected position.

4. Key-mode apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said base frame includes a head portion and said adjustment means of said index stop includes an elongated bar mechanically connected with the head portion.

5. Key-mode apparatus according to claim 1 wherein each of said bits is formed with an aperture for cooperatively receiving said base bar and has end surfaces at which said aperture opens that extend transversely of the longitudinal axis of said base bar and are contactingly engageable with said base index stop and said clamp means.

6. Key-mode apparatus according to claim 5 wherein each of said bits is formed with rounded corners at the juncture of the contoured surface and respective end surfaces to facilitate traversal of a contour following tool.

7. Key-mode apparatus according to claim 1 having a plurality of said bits with a predetermined number of said bits selected for positioning on said base bar in accordance with a code identification system, each of said bits having a contoured surface unique to a single specific element of said code identification system.