Patent ID: 7210319
Filing Date: 2007-05-01
Classification: B60R,E05B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for locking a vehicle accessory, comprising: providing a cylinder lock comprising a tumbler rotatable about a rotational axis, a coupling member rotationally linked to said tumbler, wherein rotation of said tumbler rotates said coupling member, a first vehicle locking element connected to said coupling member, and a second vehicle locking element connected to said coupling member, wherein rotation of said coupling member moves said first vehicle locking element in a translatory movement along a first axis and simultaneously moves said second vehicle locking element in a translatory movement along a second axis angled at a non-zero angle with respect to said first axis, and wherein at least one of said first and second vehicle locking elements comprises a locking attachment for locking a vehicle accessory; and rotating said tumbler about said rotational axis to rotate said coupling member and to move said first and second vehicle locking elements, thereby causing said locking attachment to lock said vehicle accessory, wherein said coupling member comprises a worm drive connected to said first vehicle locking element, and wherein said first vehicle locking element is connected to said coupling member by a pin that fits in a helical groove formed in said worm drive, and further comprising rotating said coupling member, wherein as said coupling member rotates, said pin translates along said first axis guided by said helical groove.