Patent ID: 7290418
Filing Date: 2007-11-06
Classification: E05B,E05C,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A programmable lock assembly that can be reconfigured to operate with a different user key selected from a set of keys, without disassembling the lock, comprising: a) the set of keys comprising a plurality of user keys comprising a first user key having a first contour edge and a second user key having a second contour edge, wherein the first contour edge and the second contour edge each have at least a first contour position and a second contour position that are differently configured, and a programming key; b) a housing having a cylindrical bore with an inner surface and a plurality of driver chambers intersecting the inner surface; c) a plurality of drivers, each driver being movable within one of the plurality of driver chambers and being urged toward the inner surface; and d) a plug having a cylindrical periphery and rotatably mounted within the bore so as to form a shear surface at the interface of the inner surface and the plug periphery, the plug being rotatable from a key insertion position in a first direction to an operating position, and in a second direction to a programming position, the plug comprising: e) a plurality of tumblers, each tumbler being movable within a corresponding one of the plurality of tumbler chambers; f) at least one lock configuration change member, the change member being associated with the change pin chamber, and being movable within the lock between a first position within the change pin chamber, and a second position within the at least one retainer cavity; and g) a third means for moving the at least one change member from the second position disposed within the at least one retainer cavity to the first position within the change pin chamber when the lock is in the programming position.