Locking cartridges

A locking cartridge including a housing, first and second plates rotatably mounted in the housing, a blocking member, and a movable member. The cartridge also includes a cam interface which urges the first plate toward the second plate when the plates are rotated. The blocking member is configured to move among a blocking position and an unblocking position in response to engagement with a first cut on a key. When in the blocking position, the blocking member blocks the first plate from moving toward the second plate. With the second plate blocked from moving toward the first plate, the cam interface prevents rotation of the first plate. The movable member is configured to move among a first position and a second position in response to engagement with a second cut on the key. In certain embodiments, the movable member may be a control pin or a second blocking member.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to modular locking cartridges, and more particularly but not exclusively to lock cylinders including such cartridges.

BACKGROUND

Lock cylinders, particularly those of the interchangeable core variety, have complex part tolerances and pinning to allow the cylinder to function properly. The complexities can also make the pinning process difficult and laborious. If pinning is off, the entire assembly may need to be emptied and reset. Furthermore, many traditional interchangeable core assemblies suffer from a tendency to “explode” when the plug is removed from the shell. That is to say, the springs eject the internal components out of the assembly, thereby losing the pinning placement and running the risk of damaging, destroying, or losing one or more components. Therefore, a need remains for further improvements in lock cylinder assemblies.

SUMMARY

An exemplary locking cartridge includes a housing, first and second plates rotatably mounted in the housing, a blocking member, and a movable member. The cartridge also includes a cam interface which urges the first plate toward the second plate when the plates are rotated. The blocking member is configured to move among a blocking position and an unblocking position in response to engagement with a first cut on a key. When in the blocking position, the blocking member prevents the first plate from moving toward the second plate. When in the unblocking position, the blocking member does not prevent the first plate from moving toward the second plate. With the second plate blocked from moving toward the first plate, the cam interface prevents rotation of the first plate in the first rotational direction. The movable member is configured to move among a first position and a second position in response to engagement with a second cut on the key. In certain embodiments, the movable member may be a control pin or a second blocking member. Further embodiments, forms, features, and aspects of the present application shall become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

As used herein, the terms “longitudinal”, “lateral”, and “transverse” are used to denote motion or spacing along or substantially along three mutually perpendicular axes. In the coordinate plane illustrated inFIG. 1, the X-axis defines the longitudinal directions (including a proximal direction and a distal direction), the Y-axis defines the lateral directions, and the Z-axis defines the transverse directions. These terms are used for ease of convenience and description, and are without regard to the orientation of the system with respect to the environment. For example, descriptions that reference a longitudinal direction may be equally applicable to a vertical direction, a horizontal direction, or an off-axis orientation with respect to the environment. The terms are therefore not to be construed as limiting the scope of the subject matter described herein.

With reference toFIG. 1, an illustrative lock cylinder100includes a shell110and a plug120, and is operable by a key130. As described in further detail below, the plug120includes a plurality of modular cartridges140. One or more of the cartridges140may, for example, be of the type disclosed in commonly-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/296,308 to Clifford et al., the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

The shell110includes a body portion111defining a chamber112in which the plug120is positioned, and may further include a tower114configured to allow the cylinder100to be installed into an existing cylinder housing (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the tower114is configured such that the cylinder100is a key-in-lever type lock cylinder. However, it is also contemplated that the shell110may be configured such that the cylinder100is of another configuration or format, such as, for example, small format interchangeable core, full size, large format, mortise, and/or rim. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the tower114may be omitted.

The plug120is disposed within the chamber112and comprises a plug body122and a plurality of cartridges140. The plug body122comprises a faceplate124including a passage125and a pair of posts126. The posts126extend distally from the faceplate124and through the passages142formed in the cartridges140. The plug120may be formed by stacking the cartridges140on the plug body122such that passages144formed in the cartridges140are aligned with the faceplate passage125, thereby defining a keyway configured to receive the key130. The plug120may further comprise a tailpiece (not illustrated) rotationally coupled to the plug body122so as to transfer rotation of the plug body122to a deadbolt or another form of a locking element. One or more of the cartridges140may be a cartridge200of the type described below, while others may be another type of cartridge200′.

The key130includes a shank131having a tip132, an edge133, and a side surface134. The key130includes a first cut136comprising a plurality of first bitting features137, and may further comprise a second cut138comprising a plurality of second bitting features139. Each of the cuts136,138comprises a key code defined by the size and position of the bitting features137,139. In the illustrated form, the first cut136is formed along the edge133, and the second cut138is formed along the side surface134. The illustrated first cut136is of the type commonly known as an “edge cut”, and the first bitting features137are edge-cut bittings. Additionally, the illustrated second cut138is of the type commonly known as a “side-milling”, and the second bitting features139are side-milled bittings.

While the exemplary key130includes an edge cut136and a side-milling138, it is also contemplated that additional or alternative types of cuts may be utilized. For example, the side surface134may instead include a dimple cut comprising a key code defined by the lateral depth (i.e., along the illustrated Y-axis) of a plurality of dimple bitting features. In other embodiments, the second side surface and/or the second edge of the key130may include a key cut. Additionally, the key130need not necessarily include a cut formed along the edge133or a cut formed along the first side surface134.

With additional reference toFIGS. 2-5, a cartridge200according to one embodiment comprises a housing210, a stop plate220, a sliding blocking member230, and a cam plate240. As described in further detail below, the stop plate220and the cam plate240are rotatably mounted in the housing210, and the housing210is configured to urge the cam plate240toward the stop plate220in response to rotation of the cam plate240. Additionally, the blocking member230has a blocking position which prevents rotation of the plates220,240, and an unblocking position which does not prevent rotation of the plates220,240. The blocking member230may be biased toward the blocking position by a spring202, and is configured to move to the unblocking position when engaged by an appropriate bitting feature of a key.

The illustrative housing210comprises a substantially cylindrical body211and a pair of ridges212which provide the housing210with a non-circular outer perimeter. The shell110includes a pair of correspondingly-shaped channels113(FIG. 1) which provide the chamber112with a geometry corresponding to that of the housing210. When assembled, the ridges212are received in the channels113such that the housing210is rotationally coupled to the shell110. In other embodiments, ridges may instead be formed in the shell110, and correspondingly-shaped grooves may be formed on the housing210.

The stop plate220and the cam plate240are rotatably mounted in the housing210, and a retaining ring204may be included to retain the plates220,240within the housing210. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining ring204is releasably coupled to the housing210by a pair of collars205which engage protrusions215formed on the housing210. It is also contemplated that the retaining ring204may be releasably coupled to the housing210in another manner, and/or that the retaining ring204may be fixedly coupled to the housing210. In certain embodiments, the retaining ring204may be considered to form a portion of the housing210.

While the illustrated housings210are rotationally coupled with the shell110by engagement of the ridges212with the channels113, other forms of rotational coupling are also contemplated. In certain forms, the housing210may be rotationally coupled to the shell110via engagement between the collars205and grooves116formed in the shell110, and the ridges212and channels113may be omitted. Additionally, other non-circular geometries may be utilized to rotationally couple the housing210to the shell110. For example, the housing210may include more or fewer ridges212, and/or the periphery of the housing210may have a polygonal geometry. Furthermore, while the illustrated chamber112has a geometry corresponding to that of the housing210, it is also contemplated that other forms of engagement features may be utilized. For example, both the housing210and the shell110may include a channel, and the housing210may be coupled to the shell110by a spline seated in the channels. Furthermore, the housings210may be rotationally coupled with one another. For example, the housings210may include sets of mating protrusions and recesses which, when the cartridges200are stacked, rotationally couple each housing210to that of an adjacent cartridge200.

The stop plate220is rotatably mounted in the housing210and includes a pair of openings222configured to receive the posts126. Similarly, the cam plate240is rotatably mounted in the housing210and includes a pair of openings242aligned with the openings222, thereby forming the passages142. With the cartridges200stacked on the plug body122, the posts126extend longitudinally through the passages142, thereby rotationally coupling the plates220,240with one another and with the plug body122. The stop plate220and the cam plate240also include slots224,244, each of which is configured to receive the blocking member230.

In the illustrated embodiment, each of the plates220,240includes two openings222,242corresponding to the two posts126of the plug body122. However, it is also contemplated that more or fewer posts126may be utilized, and that the plates220,240may include a corresponding number of openings. It is further contemplated that the plates220,240may be coupled to the plug body122in another manner and/or to one another in another manner. In certain embodiments, the plates220,240of the cartridges need not be rotationally coupled with one another. In such embodiments, the cartridges200may simply be stacked in the chamber112.

The blocking member230is slidingly mounted on the stop plate220and is disposed partially within the slot224. The blocking member230includes a pair of legs232and an engagement surface233. The legs232are laterally offset from one another by a distance corresponding to the width of the key130such that a passage234is formed therebetween. While the illustrated blocking member230includes two legs232, in other forms the blocking member230include only one leg232which may be slidingly coupled to an edge225of the slot224. The cartridge200may also include a spring202urging the blocking member230toward the blocking position. When no key is inserted into the keyway, the legs232may be urged into contact with a surface of the cartridge200opposite the spring202. The passage234is configured to receive the shank131of the key130, and the engagement surface233is configured to travel along the edge cut136as the shank131is inserted. The engagement surface233may be tapered or curved to facilitate such travel. The opposing forces provided by the spring202and the shank131ensure that the position of the blocking member230corresponds to the root depth of the shank131at the point of contact.

In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement surface233is configured to engage the edge-cut bitting features137. In other embodiments, the blocking member230may be configured to engage another type of key cut, such as the side-milling138. For example, one of the legs232may include a lateral protrusion extending into the passage234and configured to travel along the side-milled bitting features139.

With specific reference toFIGS. 4 and 5, the housing210includes a set of first cam surfaces in the form of tapered protrusions213, and the cam plate240includes a set of second cam surfaces in the form of tapered recesses243. The tapered protrusions213and the tapered recesses243are engaged with one another, thereby forming a cam interface203which longitudinally urges the cam plate240toward the stop plate220when the cam plate240is rotated. In other words, rotation of the cam plate240with respect to the housing210causes the cam plate240to cam axially inward toward the stop plate220. The cartridge200may further include a biasing member (not illustrated) urging the cam plate240toward an angular position in which the tapered protrusions213are received within the corresponding tapered recesses243.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cam surfaces on the housing210are tapered protrusions213, and the cam surfaces on the cam plate240are tapered recesses243. However, in other embodiments, the cam plate240may include one or more tapered protrusions, and the housing210may include correspondingly-shaped recesses. Furthermore, while the illustrated cam surfaces are both tapered in a substantially rectilinear manner, it is also contemplated that one or more of the cam surfaces may have a different geometry so long as the interaction of the cam surfaces urges the cam plate240toward the stop plate220when the cam plate240is rotated. By way of non-limiting example, one or more of the cam surfaces may include a curvilinear geometry. It is also contemplated that the cam surfaces may be formed on the retaining ring204in addition to or in lieu of cam surfaces formed on the housing210. In such embodiments, the retaining ring204may be positioned on the same side of the cartridge200as the cam plate240.

While the illustrated cartridge200includes one stop plate220and one cam plate240, it is also contemplated that the cartridge200may include two cam plates240. In such embodiments, both the retaining ring204and the housing210may include cam surfaces such as the tapered protrusions213. The cam surfaces formed by the retaining ring204may interact with the first cam plate, and the cam surfaces formed by the housing210may interact with the second cam plate, whereby the cam plates cam axially inward toward one another when rotated.

With specific reference toFIG. 5, the blocking member230includes an interference protrusion235, and the cam plate240includes a correspondingly-shaped recess245configured to receive the interference protrusion235. The blocking member230is movable among a blocking position in which the interference protrusion235is not aligned with the recess245, and an unblocking position in which the interference protrusion235is aligned with the recess245. The blocking member230is biased toward the blocking position via the spring202, and is configured to move to the unblocking position when engaged with a proper edge-cut bitting feature137. While the illustrated locking member230moves transversely (i.e., in the illustrated Z-direction) among the blocking and unblocking positions, it is also contemplated that a cartridge may include a blocking member which moves among the blocking and unblocking positions in another manner, in other directions, and along other axes of travel. Illustrative examples of such cartridges are described below with reference toFIGS. 6-11.

If the plates220,240are rotated while the blocking member230is in the blocking position, the cam plate240comes into contact with the interference protrusion235, which in turn prevents further longitudinal displacement of the cam plate240. With longitudinal displacement of the cam plate240prevented, interference between the tapered protrusions213and the tapered recesses243prevents further rotation of the cam plate240, thereby defining a blocked state of the cartridge200. If the plates220,240are rotated while the blocking member230is in the unblocking position, the cam plate240is free to move toward the stop plate220as the interference protrusion235enters the recess245. The cam plate240is thus free to continue rotating, thereby defining an unblocked state of the cartridge200.

In the exemplary cartridge200, the cam plate240includes a single recess245, and the cam plate240is rotatable with respect to the housing210at a single position of the blocking member230. However, it is also contemplated that the cam plate240may include two or more of the recesses245. In such cartridges200, the cam plate240is rotatable with respect to the housing210at a number of positions of the blocking member230corresponding to the number of recesses245.

In the illustrated embodiment, the interference protrusion235is formed on the blocking member230, and the recess245is formed on the cam plate240. However, in other embodiments, the cam plate240may include the protrusion, and the blocking member230may include the correspondingly-shaped recess. Furthermore, while the blocking member230is slidingly coupled to the stop plate220, it is also contemplated that the blocking member230may be slidingly coupled to the cam plate240. In such embodiments, the interference protrusion235may be formed on one of the blocking member230and the stop plate220, and the correspondingly-shaped recess245may be formed on the other of the blocking member230and the stop plate220.

As noted above, when the key130is inserted into the cartridge200, the engagement surfaces233travel along the edge cut136. When the shank131is fully inserted, the position of each blocking member230corresponds to the root depth of the bitting feature137with which the blocking member230is engaged. As the key130is rotated, engagement between the cam surfaces213,243urges each cam plate240toward the corresponding stop plate220. If the proper key130has been inserted, each blocking member230is in the unblocked position, and each of the interference protrusions235is aligned with a corresponding recess245. In such a case, each cam plate240is free to move toward the corresponding stop plate220, and further rotation of the key130is not prevented. If one or more of the blocking members230are in the blocked position, the interference protrusion235of that blocking member230prevents further longitudinal movement of the corresponding cam plate240. With the cam plate240blocked from further longitudinal movement, interference between the cam surfaces213,243prevents further rotation of the cam plate240and the key130.

It should be appreciated that various features of the cartridge200may be selected such that the blocking member230moves to the unblocking position when engaged with a predetermined form of bitting feature137. For example, the positions of the interference protrusion235and/or the recess245may be selected to correspond to an edge-cut bitting feature137of a particular root depth. In certain forms, the cartridge200may be labeled with a code corresponding to the root depth (or depths if the cartridge200includes multiple recesses245) of a bitting feature137which will cause the interference protrusion235to align with the recess245. Given the bitting code of a particular key130, a user can easily select and install the cartridges200, which will in turn enable the cylinder100to be operated by the key130.

While the plug120is illustrated with the above-described cartridges200, the cartridges140which form the plug120may take a variety of other forms and configuration, such as those described below. In certain forms, each of the cartridges140may include a first blocking member which engages the edge cut136, and a second blocking member which engages the side milling138. Because the cartridges140are interchangeable and self-contained, they may be used across a variety of cylinder formats by selecting an appropriate configuration of the shell110.

FIGS. 6-11depict cartridges including blocking members according to other embodiments. Each of the cartridges is substantially similar to the cartridge200. Unless indicated otherwise, similar reference characters are used to indicate similar elements and features. In the interest of conciseness, the following descriptions focus primarily on features that are different than those described above with regard to the cartridge200. Additionally, while certain features of the cartridges may be omitted from some of the figures, it is to be appreciated that those features may be present in some or all of the cartridges.

With reference toFIGS. 6-8, a cartridge300according to another embodiment includes a substantially spherical blocking member330seated in a cavity350. As best seen inFIG. 7, the cavity350is formed in the cam plate340, and is defined in part by a seat352, a lip354, and a ramp356which extends from the seat352toward the stop plate320. In other embodiments, the cavity350may be formed in the stop plate320. The cavity350includes an opening358through which a portion of the blocking member330protrudes when in the blocking position.

When in the unblocking position (FIG. 7), the blocking member330is positioned in the seat352, and the lip354prevents the blocking member330from falling out of the cavity350and into the passage342. The blocking member330may be biased toward the unblocking position such as, for example, by a biasing member (not illustrated) or by gravity and the geometry of the cavity350.FIG. 7also depicts a key150which has a cut158formed in the side surface154. The cut158includes a plurality of bitting features in the form of dimples159(one illustrated) which are dispersed along the side surface154. When the key150is inserted, the blocking member330becomes seated in the dimple159and does not significantly protrude through the opening358. As such, the cam plate340is free to move toward the stop plate320as the plates320,340are rotated, thereby defining an unblocked state of the cartridge.

With specific reference toFIG. 8, if the dimple159is not aligned with the blocking member330(or if the key150does not include an appropriate cut158), the side surface154urges the blocking member330laterally away from the key150and into engagement with the ramp356. As the key150moves the blocking member330laterally, the ramp356urges the blocking member330longitudinally toward the stop plate320and into the blocking position. If the key150is then rotated, the blocking member330becomes trapped between the key150, the stop plate320, and the ramp356, thereby preventing further longitudinal movement of the cam plate340. With the cam plate340blocked from further longitudinal movement, the plates320,340are unable to rotate, thereby defining a blocked state of the cartridge300.

Various features of the cartridge300may be selected such that the blocking member330moves to the unblocking position when engaged with a predetermined form of the dimple159. For example, the diameter of the blocking member330may be selected to conform to dimples159of a predetermined depth. Additionally or in the alternative, the transverse position of the cavity350may be may be selected such that the blocking member330engages only dimples159formed at a corresponding location on the key150.

While the illustrated blocking member330is configured as a ball or sphere, it is also contemplated that a laterally-movable blocking member may have a non-spherical shape or configuration. For example, a blocking member may be configured as a pin that is laterally slidable along a channel formed in one of the plates320,340, and the other of the plates320,340may include an interference protrusion aligned with the channel. In such embodiments, the pin may be aligned with the interference protrusion when in a blocking position, thereby preventing the protrusion from entering the channel and blocking longitudinal movement of the cam plate340. When engaged with an appropriate bitting feature, the pin may move out of alignment with the interference protrusion wherein the cam plate340is free to move toward the stop plate320.

With reference toFIGS. 9-11, a cartridge400according to another embodiment includes an oblong blocking member430seated in a cavity450. The blocking member430comprises a body portion431including a wide end432, a narrow end434, and a peg436formed at the wide end432. The peg436extends laterally into the passage442and is configured to engage the side-milling138formed on the side surface134of the key130. The peg436may also provide a warding feature by preventing insertion of a key which does not include a side-milling138or a channel formed in the side surface134.

As best seen inFIG. 10, the cavity450is formed in the cam plate440, and is defined in part by a base452and a ceiling456which extend from a wall454toward the stop plate420. The cavity450may be further defined by a lip (not illustrated) which prevents the blocking member430from falling out of the cavity450and into the passage442. The cavity450includes an opening458through which a portion of the blocking member430protrudes when in the blocking position.

In the illustrated form, the bitting feature139which corresponds to the cartridge400has such a root depth that it does not engage the peg436. As such, when the key130is inserted, the wide end432may rest on the base452. In other forms, the bitting feature139may be configured to engage the peg436, in which case the blocking member430need not be in contact with the base452. When the proper key130is inserted, the blocking member430is in an unblocking position (FIG. 10). In the illustrated unblocking position, the narrow end434does not significantly protrude through the opening458. As such, the cam plate440is free to move toward the stop plate420as the plates420,440are rotated, thereby defining an unblocked state of the cartridge400. In some circumstances, the narrow end434may protrude through the opening458. In such a case, the blocking member430may remain free to pivot, and the stop plate420may urge the narrow end434into the cavity450as the cam plate440approaches the stop plate420.

With specific reference toFIG. 11, if the bitting feature139does not have the appropriate root depth, the bitting feature139engages the peg436. As a result, the blocking member430pivots to a blocking position in which the narrow end434protrudes through the opening458toward the stop plate420. If the key130is then rotated, the cam plate440moves toward the stop plate420and the blocking member430becomes trapped between the key130, the stop plate420, and the wall454. In this blocking position, the blocking member430prevents further longitudinal movement of the cam plate440. With the cam plate440blocked from further longitudinal movement, interference between the cam surfaces prevents the plates420,440from rotating, thereby defining a blocked state of the cartridge400.

Various features of the cartridge400may be selected such that the blocking member430moves to the unblocking position when engaged with a predetermined form of the bitting feature139. For example, the position of the peg436on the body431and the transverse position of the cavity450may be selected to correspond to a side-milled bitting feature139of a particular root depth. In other embodiments, the peg436may instead be configured to engage the edge cut136.

FIGS. 12-14depict a lock cylinder500and a cartridge600according to another embodiment. The lock cylinder500and the cartridge600are substantially similar to the lock cylinder100and the cartridge200, respectively. Unless indicated otherwise, similar reference characters are used to indicate similar elements and features. In the interest of conciseness, the following descriptions focus primarily on features that are different than those described above with regard to the lock cylinder100and the cartridge200.

With reference toFIGS. 12-14, the lock cylinder500generally includes a shell510and a plug520, and the lock cylinder500is operable by a key530. The plug520comprises a plurality of cartridges540stacked on a plug body522. Each of the cartridges540is a multi-function cartridge configured to engage two or more cuts on the key530. The cartridges540may, for example, be configured in a similar manner as the cartridges200,300,400described in detail above. One or more of the cartridges540may include a plurality of blocking members. The cylinder500further comprises a control ring550rotatably mounted on the shell510. Additionally, one of the cartridges540is a control cartridge600that is aligned with the control ring550when the plug520is seated in the chamber512.

The control ring550generally includes an annular portion552and a control lug554which extends radially outward from the annular portion552. The annular portion552may include a pair of channels553which receive the ridges612. Each of the channels553extends about a portion of the inner circumference of the annular portion552such that the control ring550can be rotated about the control cartridge600. The longitudinal width (in the illustrated X-direction) of the annular portion552may be less than that of the housing610such that the proximal and distal ends of the ridges612remain engaged with the groove513. In certain embodiments, the annular portion552need not define a complete circle, and may be configured to only partially surround the control cartridge600.

While other forms are contemplated, the illustrated lock cylinder500is a small format interchangeable core (SFIC) cylinder including an SFIC tower514. The tower514includes a slot515sized and configured to receive the control lug554. As shown inFIGS. 13 and 14, the cylinder500is configured for mounting in an SFIC housing590which includes a chamber592configured to receive the shell510, and a slot594aligned with the tower slot515. While only a portion of the SFIC housing590is illustrated, it should be appreciated that the chamber592circumferentially surrounds the shell510and has a geometry corresponding to that of the shell510.

When the cylinder500is installed in the housing590, the control ring550is operable to selectively retain the cylinder500in the housing590. As described in further detail below, the control ring550is rotatable among a holding position and a releasing position, and the control cartridge600is operable to rotate the control ring550upon insertion of a proper key530. In the holding position (FIG. 13), the control lug554is positioned at least partially in the housing slot594, thereby preventing longitudinal movement of the cylinder500within the housing590. In the releasing position (FIG. 14), the control lug554is positioned in the tower slot515and does not prevent longitudinal movement of the cylinder500.

While the illustrated tower514includes a slot515which receives the control lug554when the control ring550is in the releasing position, other forms are also contemplated. For example, the tower514may be longitudinally shortened, as depicted by the phantom tower514′. In either case, a portion of the control lug554is not aligned with the tower514in the holding position such that the control lug554is positioned at least partially in the housing slot594. In the releasing position, the portion is aligned with the tower514, and is not positioned in the housing slot594.

The control cartridge600includes a control pin660and may also include a blocking member630. While the illustrated blocking member630is configured substantially similar to the above-described blocking member230, it is also contemplated that the blocking member630may be of another form such as, for example, those described above with reference toFIGS. 6-11. The illustrated control pin660is seated in a cavity650formed in the stop plate620. The control pin660includes an arm662extending into the passage624, and a tip664extending toward a slot619formed in the cartridge housing610. The control ring550includes an opening556aligned with and configured to receive the tip664.

When a proper key530is inserted, each of the cartridges540transitions from the blocked state to the unblocked state, thereby enabling rotation of the key530. In the illustrated form, the key530is a control key, and one of the side-milled bitting features539is a control bitting539′. When the key530is inserted, the control bitting539′ engages the arm662, thereby urging the tip664into the opening556. Additionally, one of the edge-cut bittings537engages the blocking member630, thereby moving the interference protrusion635into alignment with a recess625formed in the stop plate620. If the key530is subsequently rotated, the control pin660causes the control ring550to rotate from the holding position (FIG. 13) to the releasing position (FIG. 14). During rotation of the key530, the control ring channels533travel along the ridges612, and the control pin660travels along the housing channel519.

It is to be appreciated that if the key530does not include a control bitting539′ of the appropriate configuration, the key530may still operate the lock cylinder500in a normal fashion. In other words, if a key includes the appropriate cuts536,538, but the bitting feature539corresponding to the control cartridge600is not capable of moving the tip664into the opening556, such a key may still be capable of transitioning the cylinder500between its locked and unlocked states.

In the illustrated control cartridge600, the blocking member630is configured to engage the edge cut536, and the control pin660configured to engage a side-milling538. It is also contemplated that the control pin660may instead be configured to engage another form of cut, such as the edge cut536. In such forms, the blocking member630may be configured to engage the side-milling538or a dimple cut. In certain embodiments, the control cartridge600need not include a blocking member.

With reference toFIG. 15, a lock cylinder700according to another embodiment generally comprises a shell710, a plug720, and a control ring750, and the lock cylinder700is operable by a key730. The cylinder700also includes a tumbler set770which generally comprises a plurality of driving pins771, a plurality of driven pins772, and may further comprise one or more master pins773. While the illustrated tumbler set770is illustrated and described as a pin tumbler set, it is also contemplated that other forms of tumblers, such as disc tumblers and wafer tumblers, may be utilized.

The shell710includes a tower714which defines a slot715configured to receive the control lug754of the control ring750, and a plurality of shell tumbler shafts717configured to receive the driving pins771. The cylinder700also includes a plurality of springs774which are seated in the shell tumbler shafts717and bias the driving pins771toward the plug720.

The illustrated plug720includes a body722having a pair of posts726which extend from the distal end of the body722and engage a tailpiece729. The plug body722defines a plurality of plug tumbler shafts727configured to receive the driven pins772. When the proper key730is inserted, the driving pins771are positioned in the shell tumbler shafts717, and the driven pins772are positioned in the plug tumbler shafts727. In this state, interfaces between the pins are aligned with a shear line776defined between the plug body722and the shell710, and the tumbler set770does not prevent rotation of the plug720with respect to the shell710.

The plug720also includes the above-described control cartridge600mounted on the posts726such that the plates620,640are rotationally coupled to the plug body722. Thus, when the control cartridge600is in the blocked state, rotation of the key730is prevented. Additionally, when the key730includes an appropriate bitting feature739, the control pin660(not visible) engages the control ring750, enabling rotation of the control lug754in the manner described above.

With reference toFIG. 16, a cartridge800according to another embodiment includes the transversely sliding blocking member230, the laterally movable blocking member330, and the pivoting blocking member430. The cartridge800may further comprise bitting indicia870which relate to the blocking members230,330,430. For example, a first indicium872may relate to the root depth of an edge-cut bitting feature which will move the transversely sliding blocking member230to its unblocking position. A second indicium873may relate to the lateral depth of a dimple bitting feature which will move the laterally movable blocking member330to its unblocking position. A third indicium874may relate to the root depth of a side-milled bitting feature which will move the pivoting blocking member430to its unblocking position. In other embodiments, the cartridge800may include a control pin in place of one of the blocking members230,330,430, and the indicia870may include an indicium relating to a bitting feature which will cause the control pin to engage a control ring.