U.S. patent number 3,797,291 [Application Number 05/280,658] was granted by the patent office on 1974-03-19 for separable key-head latch and case.
Invention is credited to Parviz Simorghi.
United States Patent |
3,797,291 |
Simorghi |
March 19, 1974 |
SEPARABLE KEY-HEAD LATCH AND CASE
Abstract
A key system especially suited for encasing a multiplicity of
different sized keys with facility, reducing their weight and bulk
and with indicating means assuring the selectivity as circumstances
require; and comprised of separable keys and a common head therefor
with a releasable self-binding latch for manipulation of said keys
respectively; and all of which reduces the keys to their minimum
shank configurations containing the lock combinations and adapted
to be stored in a case associated therewith and having individual
pockets selected according to their relative size.
Inventors: |
Simorghi; Parviz (Los Angeles,
CA) |
Family
ID: |
23074039 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/280,658 |
Filed: |
August 14, 1972 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
70/395; 70/456R;
70/408 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E05B
19/04 (20130101); A45C 11/32 (20130101); Y10T
70/8676 (20150401); Y10T 70/7876 (20150401); Y10T
70/7802 (20150401) |
Current International
Class: |
A45C
11/32 (20060101); A45C 11/00 (20060101); E05B
19/04 (20060101); E05B 19/00 (20060101); E05b
019/04 () |
Field of
Search: |
;70/395,408,456R,393 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Wolfe; Robert L.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Maxwell; William H.
Claims
I claim:
1. A self-binding latch for a separable key shank and head therefor
and comprising axially and slideably disengageable male and female
coupling members, there being a lateral depression in the male
member, there being a lateral guideway in the female member and
disposed acutely divergent with respect to the sliding motion
between said members, there being a laterally retractable sliding
bolt shiftably carried in the guideway and engageable in said
lateral depression and with spring means opposing retraction
thereof, and manually engageable means to retract said bolt.
2. The latch for a separable key shank and head therefor as set
forth in claim 1 wherein the male and female members are elongated
with minimal clearance adapted to slideably fit one into the other,
the male member having a nose complementary to and seatable onto a
bottom in the female member.
3. The latch for separable key shank and head therefor as set forth
in claim 1 wherein the retractable bolt is slideably carried in the
a guideway disposed divergently at an acute angle with respect to
sliding motion of the male member in said female member.
4. The latch for a separable key shank and head therefor as set
forth in claim 1, wherein the lateral depression in the male member
is semi-circular, and wherein the retractable bolt is shiftably
carried by the female member in a line of motion parallel to the
tangency of said semi-circular depression.
5. The latch for a separable key shank and head therefor as set
forth in claim 1, wherein the lateral depression in the male member
is semi-circular and curved to extend longitudinally, and wherein
the retractable bolt has a rounded nose complementary to and
coextensively engageable with said lateral depression and disposed
divergently parallel to the tangency of said semi-circular
depression.
6. The latch for a separable key shank and head therefor as set
forth in claim 1 wherein the male and female coupling members are
of rectangular cross section, the retractable bolt having a flat
wall faced away from the male member and engaged with an opposing
wall of the a guideway carrying said bolt and disposed divergently
at an acute angle with respect to sliding motion of the male member
in said female member.
7. The latch for a separable key shank and head therefor as set
forth in claim 1, wherein the male and female coupling members are
of rectangular cross section, wherein the lateral depression in the
male member is semi-circular, and wherein the retractable bolt has
a flat wall faced away from the male member and engaged with an
opposing wall of the a guideway in the female member shiftably
carrying said bolt in a line of motion parallel to the tangency of
said semi-circular depression and disposed divergently at an acute
angle with respect to sliding motion of the male member in said
female member.
8. The latch for a separable key shank and head therefor as set
forth in claim 1, wherein the male and female coupling members are
of rectangular cross section, wherein the lateral depression in the
male member is semi-circular and curved to extend longitudinally,
and wherein the retractable bolt has a rounded nose complementary
to and coextensively engageable with said lateral depression and
has a flat wall faced away from the male member and engaged with an
opposing wall of the guideway in the female member shiftably
carrying said bolt in a line of motion parallel to the tangency of
said semi-circular depression and disposed divergently at an acute
angle with respect to sliding motion of the male member in said
female member.
9. The latch for a separable key shank and head therefor as set
forth in claim 1, wherein the male and female members are elongated
to slideably interengage in stopped relation with spaced opposed
faces, and wherein a snubber collar of depressibly resilient
material is carried by one of said members and disposed
compressibly between said spaced opposed faces.
Description
This application is co-pending with my application for Letters
Patent entitled Separable Key-Head and Filing System, Ser. No.
226,496, filed Feb. 15, 1972.
BACKGROUND
The usual key for the lock is an elongated metal article comprised
of a shank and a head. The shank and head are joined by a neck
which may or may not be narrowed, and all of which are integrally
formed of a substance metal such as brass and in some instances
steel or other metals. For example, keys tend to be heavy in which
case light weight metal such as aluminum is used in their
formation. Thus, such keys which vary in size also vary in the
configuration of both the shanks and heads, but in any case become
cumbersome and difficult to handle and to identify when accumulated
together in multiplicity. For instance, a key ring with a
substantial number of keys thereon is space consuming, rather
heavy, and detrimental to furnishings into which it necessarily
comes into contact. That is, approximately half the bulk and weight
of a usual key is the head, and the hard nature of the heavy metals
used is damaging to the fabrics of clothing and as well to the
decorative surfaces which are invariably contacted. Furthermore,
key identification out of an aggregation of keys can be difficult,
since keys often have an undefinable similarity in appearance.
Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide for
separability of the basic key element from the head element thereof
so as to effect a commensurate reduction in bulk and weight while
increasing utility with a correlated case which advantageously
employs a head which is universally applicable to all of the key
shanks prepared therefor.
FIELD OF INVENTION
There is a variety of key designs and configurations and the art is
well developed in its supply of various key blanks which fit into
the tumblers of locks so as to activate them into and out of
opening positions. Not only does the size vary widely but also the
cross sectional configuration of the shanks. It is an object
therefore to provide for key head separability which is universally
applicable to most all keys. With the present invention, any key
shank or blank of more than a predetermined minimum thickness can
be processed to have the necessary coupling configuration required,
and/or specially prepared key blanks having said thickness and
coupling configurations can be provided.
An object of the present invention is to provide a universally
applicable latch for joining key shanks to a head adapted to be
manipulated in the usual manner. With the present invention,
freedom and separability of the key-head combination is
accomplished with the shifting of a latch button, while the drive
capability of the latching is positive. That is, high torque can be
applied positively through the head latched to the key shank, the
releasability remaining subject to the determinable operation of
the said latch.
Another object of this invention is to provide a self-binding latch
of the character thus far referred to which snuggly couples the
key-head combination and which assuredly anchors the key-head
combination together during extraction of the shank from the lock
tumblers. With the present invention there is no danger of
accidental separation during key extraction.
It is still another object of this invention to provide a key-head
and case combination which involves these three cooperative
elements, there being a multiplicity of the first mentioned key
elements which vary in size and which are removably insertable in
identified pockets of graduated size adapted to be associated with
the key sizes respectively. With the present invention the keys per
se are pocketed so as to lie flat and thereby occupy a minimum of
space in this respect.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to keys for locks and facilitates the
handling and/or carrying of a multiplicity of keys in an ordinary
manner and within a confined space. The size and shape of keys vary
greatly, and it is the head portion of the key which aggrevates
bulk and weight. Consequently, the aggregation of a number of keys
usually results in a cumbersome arrangement, as and when they are
arranged upon chains, rings or within holders and cases; and it is
these characteristics which are objected to and which are obviated
to by the present invention that involves the separation of the key
shank S from the key head H and that advantageously utilizes a
latch means L that relatively couples male and female members for
the transmission of rotative torque. Practicality resides in the
separable key, as it is disclosed herein, due to the reduction in
size and weight and all of which makes feasible the cooperative
case C combined therewith and having pockets accommodating the
individually identified key shanks S. As is shown, there is one
head H adapted to receive any one of said key shanks S for its
subsequent manipulation in a lock (not shown).
DRAWINGS
The various objects and features of this invention will be fully
understood from the following detailed description of the typical
preferred forms and applications thereof, throughout which
description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in
which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the separable key-head and
cooperative case of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged exploded view illustrating the separation of
the key and head.
FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing the cooperative assembly
of one of the keys and the head that is common thereto.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken as indicated by line 4--4 on FIG.
3, and
FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view taken as indicated by lines
5--5 on FIG. 3.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
There is a wide variety of key shapes, each characterized by a
shank S and a head joined by a neck N. The shank is an elongated
member of predetermined cross sectional configuration adapted to be
inserted into a complementary lock opening, there being a stop
shoulder 10 at the base end of the shank where it adjoins the neck.
One or more margins 11 of the key shank are profiled to have the
proper tumbler positioning combination for the lock mechanism which
it actuates to open, and the nose 12 is tapered to facilitate entry
into the lock. As shown, the flutes that are formed into the shank
to establish its cross sectional configuration extend into the
base, beyond the normal plane of stop shoulder 10, and typically
enter into the neck N as shown. The head (not shown) of the
ordinary or original key is an enlarged flat sided member adapted
to prehensile manipulation between the thumb and finger of a
person's hand, and it is this head which is eliminated and/or
modified so as to establish the cooperative features of the anchor
A later described. Dependent upon design, the shank S and anchor A
of the key are joined by the neck N which may or may not be reduced
or indented; but in any case the anchor A continues from the neck
and is of reduced size as shown. Thus, the key of the present
invention is characteristically a flat article with the extended
anchor of reduced cross section and all of which is disposed in a
common flat plane. In accordance with the invention, latch means L
is provided to releasably retain the anchor A within the confines
of a socket 30 formed in a head H that is common to all keys
involved therewith.
In accordance with this invention, the key member per se is
established in the formation of the shank S, a modified key or a
specially made key. That is, this invention lends itself to
versatility in the use of old as well as new keys, and either of
which are adapted to be used with a common key head H. Disregarding
the flat-pattern shape of an ordinary key, the anchor A is
substantially reduced in cross section compared with the cross
section of the neck N so as to present a stop shoulder 21. A
profile cutter of the type commonly employed to cut key
combinations to shape can be employed to shape the two half
breadths of the anchor A as shown, the profiling operation being
repeated along opposite sides so as to shape the opposite half
breadths along a central axis a.
The thickness of usual keys varies nominally from 0.060 to 0.125 of
an inch, and consequently a uniform thickness for the coupling
member of shank S is limited to the minimum thickness of 0.060 and
to this end a straddle cutter (not shown) is operated there-over so
as to reduce the thickness of heavy keys to a uniform size adapted
to cooperate with a socket in the head H as latter described.
Referring now to the latch means L, a releasable snap-together
connection is to be desired, and to this end a male and female
joinder of anchor A to head H is established by means of a sliding
bolt 40 carried by th head and which forcibly engages the anchor A.
The anchor A is comprised of a male member 20 projecting from the
base and/or neck N of shank S accommodated in a complementary
female socket 30 recessed in the head H. These two complementary
features 20 and 30 are slideably fitted one into the other for
releasable engagement. The male coupling member 20 is essentially a
driven member that projects from shoulder 21 of the neck N.
Shoulder 21 is in a transverse plan normal to the sides and axis a
of the shank S and from which the member 20 projects
rearwardly.
The member 20 is a longitudinally extended bar-shaped member with
spaced opposite and parallel edges 22 and is characterized by flat
and opposite parallel sides 23. The terminal end 24 is preferably
of rounded semi-circular configuration and in accordance with the
invention the opposite edges 22 are provided with aligned
indentations 25 adapted to engageably receive the sliding bolt 40.
In practice, the indentations 25 are concaved semi-circular
depressions having a radial depth substantially less than the
radius forming the circular arc thereof. As is clearly shown, the
edges 22 of anchor A slideably engage with top and bottom walls 31
and 32 of socket 30, and the sides 23 thereof slideably engage with
side walls 33 formed in the head H and by its cover 50. The bottom
of socket 30 is closed by a convexly rounded semi-circular
configuration or seat 34, and all to the end that the male key
member firmly seats in the female socket. The bar-shaped member 20
can be reduced in thickness if so required between sides 23 thereof
when the shank S is heavier than the nominal dimension required for
fitting into the complementary female coupling socket 30.
The female socket 30 is essentially a driving socket that extends
into the front face 35 of the head H. In carrying out this
invention, the head H and the cover 50 are bodies of structurally
rigid material which embrace the said member 20 when in coupling
engagement therewith. As shown, the front face 35 is flat and the
female socket enters therein with a seat 34 to have firm seated
engagement with the end 24 of the male member.
In accordance with the invention the latch means L comprises the
bolt 40 and spring means 45 that yieldingly urges the bolt into
pressured engagement with the male member 20 of the key shank S.
The bolt 40 is slideably carried in a guideway 55 that diverges
from axis a and extends tangentially away from the above described
indentations 25 (when in latched position) and rearwardly from said
front face 35 of the head. It is preferred that the bolt and
guideway be rectangular in cross sectional configuration, and the
arcuate extent of the indentation 25 and/or tangency angle of bolt
40 and guideway 55 can be 30.degree., as shown. The forward end or
nose 41 of the bolt 40 is rounded on a radius complementary to the
aforementioned radius of indentation 25 and thereby presents a
convexed semi-circular nose 41 that enters the guideway 55 and
having a radial depth equal to that of said indentation and with an
arcuate circular face coextensively engageable with the concaved
surface of said indention. In practice, the dual or opposite
indentions in the key shank renders the key reversible in the
socket 30.
The bolt 40 is reciprocably movable in the guideway 55, the top
wall 56 of the guideway presenting an inclined bearing face for the
bolt. The wall 56 extends laterally and rearwardly from the opening
thereof into the socket 30, and to the end that the convex nose 41
projects so as to intercept the indention 25 of the key shank. The
rear end of bolt 40 is pressed forwardly by a compression spring
means 45, preferably a U-shaped spring captured in a lateral recess
46 at the rear end of guideway 55. The forward and rearward
movement of bolt 40 is limited by a button 42 at the exterior of
head H and that is carried on a stem 43 projecting from the bolt
and through a slot 44 in the side of the head. Thus, entry of the
male member 20 into the female socket 30 retracts the bolt 40 until
the nose 41 thereof returns forwardly and enters into engagement
with indention 25, whereupon the nose 41 is in locked position to
fully occupy said indention. Extraction force applied to the key
shank then causes the bolt 40 to bear upon the guideway wall 56 and
which inherently wedges the bolt tightly between the head and
shank. Thus, it is a self-binding action which, with the spring
pressure, assures a tight fitting assembly.
In carrying out this invention, an identifying snubber 100 is
provided and is carried on the shank S so as to facilitate
selection of the desired key and so as to assure tightness of the
lock means L. As shown, the identifying snubber 100 is a
surrounding collar that is frictionally held onto the shank S
against the shoulder 21. The collar is made of rubber or plastic
material which has memory and is adapted to be depressed or
deformed to a substantial degree when forced against the front face
35 of the head H. Although not shown, the various collars are
molded in distinguishable colors which afford a means of
identification when applied to individual keys. When the coupled
engagement is established as shown in FIG. 3, the shank S is held
tensioned against the latch means L.
In accordance with the invention, the case C is a folder of pliant
supple material such as leather of the like, with one or more
tapered multi-pocket members 60 with dividers 61 that establish
individual key pockets of varied length. A strap 62 extends
transversely of the folder at the hinge line, there being two
complementary halves that fold flatly together, or open as a book
as shown. The common head H for the multiplicity of varied keys is
coupled to the case by a chain 64 or the like that passes through
the strap 62 and through an eye in the head.
From the foregoing it will be seen that I have provided a coupling
means that is universally applicable to substantially all keys
whether made especially for this purpose or modified to be so used.
It is a simple matter to extract an identifiable key shank S, to
forcibly insert the same into the head H, and to subsequently
manipulate the same in a lock, all as circumstances require.
Having described only a typical preferred form and application of
my invention, I do not wish to be limited or restricted to the
specific details herein set forth, but wish to reserve to myself
any modifications or variations that may appear to those skilled in
the art.
* * * * *