Abstract:
The present invention is directed to key assemblies and their mating locks, and more particularly, to keys with mutually compressible, actuating elements capable of being continuously positioned axially within apertures in a key blade.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/329,121, filed on Apr. 29, 2010 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of keys, and more particularly, to keys with mutually compressible actuating elements. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to entry security, and particularly to key assemblies and lock assemblies having elements capable of biasing locking pins and mechanical and design characteristics that substantially increase the number of key/lock combinations, thereby inhibiting the unauthorized replication of the key assembly. 
     Locks are often intended to provide the security of permitting only authorized ingress and/or egress for a given entry. The existence of a locked entry and/or the inability to unlock a locked entry may indicate that unauthorized passage through the entry is prohibited and/or to deter such unauthorized passage. Locking such entries may therefore control when, who, and/or what passes through the entry. 
     Various attempts may be made to gain unauthorized passage through a locked entry. For example, an individual lacking authorization may attempt to gain entry by breaking the door and/or breaking the lock. However, these actions suffer from many drawbacks, including, for example, the noise associated with breaking the door and/or lock, the resulting visual or audible indication that unauthorized ingress/egress may being occurring or has occurred, the potential need for tools to carry out the act of breaking the door and/or lock, and the time and energy associated with such a break. 
     Another option for unauthorized entry that may not involve some of the challenges associated with physically breaking the lock or door is duplicating the key that unlocks the lock, or use other devices in an attempt to manipulate, or pick, the lock so as to unlock the lock. Duplicating keys for many types of locks merely requires duplicating the general physical shape of the blade of the key, recreating the profile of key bits and the shape and depth of holes or cavities in the key. Such unauthorized duplication may be achieved by filing, cutting, and/or machining a blank of material, such as a key blank or other blank that is or can be machined or manipulated to suitably match the shape and configuration of the key. 
     Locks to an entry must, in addition to allowing authorized individuals to enter, have specific key profiles that prevent unauthorized key duplication, either by an unauthorized entrant or an unauthorized professional assembling the duplicate key. Additionally, a variety of top-secret institutions require keys with more combinations that are difficult to duplicate in order to avoid unauthorized entry. 
     Present day flat blade keys often have depressions of different depths in the key blade or, in the cases of high-security entry, have holes that are of different shapes. Additionally, there are keys having a variety of shapes, such as round cross-sectioned keys; and keys having outward projecting bits; all for the purpose of preventing unauthorized entry and/or unauthorized key duplication. 
     Thus, a need exists for key assemblies configured to prevent or deter successful unauthorized duplication of the key assembly. Further, a need exists to provide a key assembly that has mechanical properties and design requirements that increase the possible key/lock combinations that would inhibit unauthorized successful duplication of the key assembly, and thereby provide increased security against unauthorized ingress or egress through an entry. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to an aspect of the invention, a key assembly is provided that comprises a key blade, the key blade having a first surface and a second surface, the key blade configured to be inserted into a mating lock; an aperture in the key blade, the aperture having an axis; a cap having an outer surface, captured in the aperture for continuous axial travel between a first limit extending out of the first surface and a second limit recessed within the aperture; and a base having an outer surface, captured in the aperture for continuous axial travel between a first limit extending out of the second surface and a second limit recessed within the aperture; wherein the base is biased away from the cap. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, a key assembly is provided wherein the key is positioned in a lock assembly, the key assembly, comprising: a key blade, the key blade having a first surface and a second surface, the key blade configured to be inserted into the lock; an aperture in the key blade, the aperture having an axis; a cap having an outer surface, captured in the aperture for continuous axial travel between a first limit extending out of the first surface and a second limit recessed within the aperture; and a base having an outer surface captured in the aperture for continuous axial travel between a first limit extending out of the second surface and a second limit recessed within the aperture; wherein the base is biased away from the cap; the lock assembly having a barrel, a column extending from the barrel, and a cylinder configured to rotate within the barrel, the cylinder including a guide way; the column having an aperture configured to receive the sliding movement of a first pin housing, the first pin housing configured to receive the sliding movement of a first pin; the cylinder including a cylinder aperture configured to receive the sliding movement of a second pin housing, the second pin housing configured to receive the sliding movement of a second pin, the first pin being inwardly biased against the second pin so as to place the first pin in the cylinder aperture when the key assembly is not positioned in the lock assembly; the key assembly configured to outwardly bias and move the cap or the base against the first pin when the key assembly is positioned in the lock assembly so that the second pin and the second pin housing are located inside the cylinder and the first pin and first pin housing are located outside of the cylinder. 
     Additionally, according to another aspect the invention provides, in combination, a key assembly comprising: a key blade, the key blade having a first surface and a second surface, the key blade configured to be inserted into a mating lock; an aperture in the key blade, the aperture having an axis; a cap having an outer surface, captured in the aperture for continuous axial travel between a first limit extending out of the first surface and a second limit recessed within the aperture; and a base having an outer surface captured in the aperture for continuous axial travel between a first limit extending out of the second surface and a second limit recessed within the aperture; wherein the base is biased away from the cap; and a mating lock assembly, the lock assembly having a barrel, a column extending from the barrel, and a cylinder configured to rotate within the barrel, the cylinder including a guide way; the column having an aperture configured to receive the sliding movement of a first pin housing, the first pin housing configured to receive the sliding movement of a first pin; the cylinder including a cylinder aperture configured to receive the sliding movement of a second pin housing, the second pin housing configured to receive the sliding movement of a second pin, the first pin being inwardly biased against the second pin so as to place the first pin in the cylinder aperture when the key assembly is not positioned in the lock assembly; the key configured to outwardly bias and move the cap or the base against the first pin when the key assembly is positioned in the lock assembly so that the second pin and the second pin housing are located inside the cylinder and the first pin and first pin housing are located outside of the cylinder. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an exploded view of a key assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a key assembly and a lock assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates a cross sectional view of the actuation element shown in  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment of the present invention; and  FIG. 3B  illustrates another embodiment containing a ball. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a cross sectional perspective view of a key assembly engaging a lock assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a cross sectional view of a lock assembly prior ( 5   a ) to the insertion of a mating key assembly into a lock assembly containing a depression in the key way;  FIG. 5   b  shows the insertion of the key; and  FIG. 5   c  shows the key blade lifting a pin in the lock assembly according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 6   a  illustrate a cross sectional view of a key assembly having multiple actuation elements positioned in a lock assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.  6   b  illustrates an enlarge view of an actuation element in  FIG. 6   a  engaging a second pin according to an embodiment of the present invention.  6   c  illustrates a partial cross sectional view of key assembly having a contoured cap posited in a lock assembly that includes a second pin having a mating contoured tip according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a cross sectional view of a section of the lock assembly in which the key assembly has been inserted into the lock assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a cross sectional view of a section of the lock assembly having a lower pin assembly in which the key assembly has been inserted into the lock assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9   a  illustrates a cross sectional view of a section of the lock assembly having a lower pin assembly in which the key assembly has been inserted into the lock assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.  9   b  illustrates a cross sectional view of a section of the key assembly having an actuator pin extending from the cap of the actuation element according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a cross sectional view of a key assembly and a lock assembly in which the actuation elements include a protruding ball according to an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a cross sectional view of a key assembly and lock assembly in which the protruding balls extend from the base of the actuation elements and the lock assembly includes a lock actuation assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the drawings depict embodiments that are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the attached drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an exploded view of a key blade ( 112 ), the key blade ( 112 ) having a first surface ( 106 ) and a second surface ( 108 ), the key blade configured to be inserted into a mating lock; an aperture ( 109 ) in the key blade ( 112 ), the aperture having an axis; a cap ( 120 ) having an outer surface ( 123 ,  FIG. 3A ), captured in the aperture ( 109 ) for continuous axial travel between a first limit extending out of the first surface ( 106 ) and a second limit recessed within the aperture ( 109 ); and a base ( 124 ) having an outer surface ( 131 ), captured in the aperture ( 109 ) for continuous axial travel between a first limit extending out of the second surface ( 108 ) and a second limit recessed within the aperture ( 109 ); wherein the base ( 124 ) is biased away from the cap ( 120 ). The key blade  112  may have various different general shapes and sizes, such as, for example, having a generally rectangular, cylindrical, square, triangular, or trapezoidal cross-section, among others. 
     The blade  112  may also include recesses and protrusions forming one or more outwardly projecting key bit  116 . The key bit  116  may be located at various locations along the blade  112 , including for example along the sides  110 , first or second surfaces  106 ,  108 , or in one or more key guide ways  118  in the blade  112 . The key blank  102  may be constructed from a variety of different resilient materials, such as, for example, metallic materials, including, but not limited to, metal, brass, bronze, stainless steel, or a combination thereof. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a key assembly  100  and a lock assembly  200  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The lock assembly  200  includes a column  202  and a barrel  204 . The barrel  204  includes a drum  206  that houses and permits the rotational movement of a cylinder  208 . The cylinder  208  includes a lock guide way  210  that is configured to receive the insertion and position mating key blade  112  of the key assembly  100 . For example, the shape of the lock guide way  210  may be similar to that of the cross-sectional shape of the blade  112  and may include recesses, grooves, or other characteristics that generally complement and mate with those of the key blade  112 . 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates a cross sectional view of an actuation element  104  according to an embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 1 . The actuation element may include a cap  120  having an outer surface, a base  124  having an outer surface, wherein the cap  120  is biased away from the base  124  with the aid of a biasing means  122  such as a spring in one embodiment, or an elastic material, in another embodiment, or an identical-pole facing magnets, foam rubber, elastic cones or other similar mechanisms for biasing the cap  120  from the base  124 . According to one embodiment, the biasing means  122  may be a spring. However, different embodiments of the present invention allow for the use of different actuators, such as, for example, magnets and air pressure, or a combination thereof. The spring actuator  122  shown in  FIG. 3A  (and  3 B) may provide a biasing force that may allow for the continuous altering in the linear distance between an upper portion of the cap  120  and the base  124 , regardless of whether the cap  120  or the base  124  is anchored by the aperture  109  in one embodiment, or the lock guide way  210  in another embodiment. For example, when the biasing means  122  is a spring, when the spring is extended, the distance between the upper surface portion of the cap  120  and the base  124  is greater than if the spring was compressed. 
     According to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3A , the cap  120  and base  124  may be configured to provide a sliding engagement that allows for the continuous relative movement of the cap  120  and/or base  124  relative to each other. For example, the cap  120  may include at least one lower protrusion  121  that extends downwardly from an upper portion  123  of the cap  120 . At least a portion of the lower protrusion  121  may be configured to be received in a bore  125  of the base  124 . The lower protrusion  121  may include outwardly extending tabs  127  that mate with inwardly extending lips  129  of the base  124  that, in one embodiment retain the cap  120  and base  124  in a sliding engagement. Moreover, upper portion of the cap  123 , the lower protrusion  121  and the inwardly extending base lips  129  define a channel capable of being captured by the aperture  109  positioned in key blade&#39;s  112 . Further, this engagement assists in another aspect, in retaining the biasing means  122  within the actuation element  104 , as shown in  FIG. 3A . Therefore, in one embodiment, when the actuation element  104  attempts to extend the distance between an upper portion of the cap  120  and the base  124 , the inwardly extending lips of the base  124  and the outwardly extending tabs of the cap  120  provide interference that prevents the cap  120  from separating from the base  124 . The position of the tabs  127  and/or lips  129  may thus limit the distance the cap  120  may be biased away from the base  124 , the base  124  may be continuously biased away from the cap  120  and/or the cap  120  and the base  124  may be biased away from each other. Further, the tabs  127  and lip  129  may limit the distance the cap  120  and/or base  124  may extend from the first or second surface  106 ,  108 . In one embodiment, a shelf  111  extending radially inside the aperture  109  engages the channel created by upper portion of the cap  123 , the lower protrusion  121  and the inwardly extending base lips  129 , thereby limiting the continuous axial motion of the element  104 , between predetermined limits above surface  106  and below surface  108 . In one embodiment, element  104  may freely and continuously move from a position wherein the cap  120  extends about 1 mm above surface  106 , to a position in which the base  124  extends about  1 mm below surface  108 . In one embodiment, the element  104 , is referred to as floating, or a floating element, between the upper and lower limits, capable of being continuously positioned anywhere along the aperture  109  axis with the cap  120  and the base  124  capable of being biased away from each other in a continuous manner, regardless of whether the cap  120 , or the base  124  are anchored. In one embodiment, the terms actuation element and floating element are interchangeable. 
     Additionally, the cap  120  and/or base  124  may be sized or configured to limit how close the upper portion of the cap  120  can come to the outer lower surface  131  of the base  124 . For example, according to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3A , the outer portion  123  of the cap  120  may be sized to allow for an interference with at least a portion of the base  124  at the lips  129  so as to limit the distance the cap  120  may travel when a compression force is applied to the actuator element  104 . These limitations in the distance the cap  120  may extend inwardly or outwardly from the base  124  according to certain embodiments of the present invention may provide an additional security against successful, unauthorized duplication of the key assembly  100 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the floating element  104  may be positioned along the blade  112  of the key blank  102 . According to one embodiment, element  104  may be captured in an aperture  109  defined by an opening in the key blank  102  thereby defining an internal surface having a shelf thereon  111 . The shelf  111  may be located anywhere along the axial dimension of the aperture  109  and may be used to capture the cap  120 , the base  124  or the channel created by upper portion of the cap  123 , the lower protrusion  121  and the inwardly extending base lips  129 , of floating element  104 . The aperture  109  may be a continuous aperture or may include one or more counter bores. 
     The precise location of each floating element  104  and the number of floating elements  104  on the blade  112  may vary. Additionally, the blade  112  may include one or more floating elements  104  that may have the caps  120  positioned above or recessed in the first surface  106 , or the base  124  below or recessed in the second surface  108 , or a combination thereof. According to an embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the cap  120  may be positioned along the first surface  106 . The base  124  may be positioned at, below or recessed to the second surface  108 . According to other embodiments, both the cap  120  and the base  124  are configured to be able to be biased away from each other and/or the adjacent surface of the blade  112 . 
     Accordingly and in one embodiment, provided herein is key assembly  100  having a key blade  112 , the key blade  112  having a first surface  106  and a second surface  108 , the key blade  112  configured to be inserted into a mating lock  200 ; an aperture  109  in the key blade  112 , the aperture having an axis; a cap  120  having an outer surface  123 , captured in the aperture  109  for continuous axial travel between a first limit extending out of the first surface  106  and a second limit recessed within the aperture  109 ; and a base  124  having an outer surface  131 , captured in the aperture  109  for continuous axial travel between a first limit extending out of the second surface  108  and a second limit recessed within the aperture  109 ; wherein the base  124  is biased away from the cap  120 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a cross sectional perspective view of a key assembly  100  engaging a lock assembly  200  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The column  202  may include at least one bore  222  that is configured for the sliding movement of a first pin housing  224 . An outer end of bore  222  may be closed, such as, for example, through the use of a plug  228 . An outer actuator  230 , such as a spring, may inwardly bias the first pin housing  224 , such as, for example, biasing the first pin housing  224  toward the cylinder  208 . 
     A first pin  226  may be positioned for a sliding engagement within the first pin housing  224 . According to on embodiment, the first pin  226  may be inwardly biased from the pin housing  224  by an inner pin actuator  232 . According to an embodiment, the inner pin actuator  232  may be a spring. However, other actuators  232  may be used to bias the first pin  226 , including, for example, a magnet, an electromagnet, air pressure and the like in other embodiments. According to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4 , a distal end of the first pin  226  may engage the inner pin actuator  232 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the cylinder  208  includes at least one cylinder aperture  240  configured for the sliding movement of a second pin housing  242 . The second pin housing  242  may be configured to receive and allow the sliding movement of a second pin  244 . The second pin  244  includes a second pin upper surface  243  and a second pin lower surface  246 . The second pin upper surface  243  may be configured for engagement with the distal end  227  of the first pin  226 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 5  illustrating a cross sectional view of a lock assembly  200  prior to the insertion and positioning of a mating key assembly  100  according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown, ( FIG. 5   a ) in one embodiment when a key blade  100  is not inserted into the lock assembly  200 , the outer actuator  230  biases the first pin housing  224  and first pin  226  downwardly or inwardly. Alternatively or in addition to the outer actuator  230 , the inner actuator  232  may also downwardly or inwardly force or bias the first pin  226 . These forces may move the first pin housing  224  and/or first pin  226  in a downwardly direction, so that at least a portion of the first pin housing  224  and/or first pin  226  enter into the cylinder  208  aperture  240  while another portion of the first pin housing  224  and/or first pin  226 , respectively, remains in the drum  206 , thereby preventing the rotation of cylinder  208 . As shown in  FIG. 5   a , in one embodiment of the invention, when a depression  250 , is disposed in the guide way  210  of the cylinder  208  of lock assembly  200 , cylinder  208  aperture  240  is configured to prevent the lower pin housing  242  from sliding into the depression  250 , likewise, pin housing  242  is configured to limit the downward motion of pin  244  into depression  250  in the guide way  210  of cylinder  208  in lock assembly  200 . As shown in  FIG. 5   b  pin housing  242  and pin  244  are beveled in their distal end at an angle that is configured to interact with the angle at the distal end of key blade  112 , such that sliding key blade  112  into the guide way  210  engages the beveled distal end of pin housing  242  ( FIG. 5   b ), lifting the housing  242  from guide way  210  and then likewise proceed to engage pin  244  (FIG. and lift pin  244  from guide way allowing the pin to align with floating element  104  (not shown). Absent the configuration shown in  FIG. 5 , pin housing  242  and pin  244  would slide into depression  250  and prevent the insertion of key blade  112 , thereby, through the use of the right angle in beveling both the key blade  112  and the distal ends of pin housing  242  and pin  244 , in combination with a lock assembly  200  having a depression  250  disposed in the guide way  210  of the cylinder  208 , the inventors have added to the complexity and thereby the security of the key/lock combination. 
     The presence of the first pin housing  224  and/or first pin  226  in both the cylinder aperture  240  and the drum  206  of the column  202  creates an interference that prohibits the rotational movement of the cylinder  208  about the barrel  204 . For the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4 , when a key assembly  100  is positioned into the lock assembly  200 , and the floating element  104  is properly positioned on the blade  112  so that the cap  120  in floating element  104  engages the second pin housing and/or pin  242 ,  244 , then when the biasing means  122 , such as a spring in one embodiment exerts the correct amount of force to counter the forces exerted on the actuator (such as forces created by outer actuator  230  and inner pin actuator  232 ) and to move at least a portion of the floating element  104 , such as for example the cap  120 , a proper distance, the first pin housing  224  and/or first pin  226  may be forced outside of the cylinder  208  without a portion of the second pin housing  242  and/or second pin  244  entering the bore  222 . If these criteria are satisfied, the first pin housing and pin  224 ,  226  respectively and second pin housing and pin  242 ,  244  respectively may be positioned so as to not inhibit the rotational movement of the cylinder  208  about the barrel  204 . If however the biasing means  122  in floating element  104  does not exert adequate force in one embodiment; and/or in another embodiment, the location of the base  124  along the aperture  109  axis is not anchored precisely as necessary; and/or, in another embodiment, the cap  120  is not biased away from the base  124  to a sufficient distance; or any combination thereof in other certain embodiments, at least a portion of the first pin housing  224  and/or first pin  226  may continue to be extended into the cylinder aperture  240  while the remainder of the first pin housing  224  and/or first pin  226  is in bore  222  of the column  202 , thereby creating an interference that inhibits the rotational movement of the cylinder  208 . Conversely, if the location of the base  124  along the aperture  109  axis is not anchored precisely as necessary; and/or, in another embodiment, the cap  120  is biased away from the base  124  to an extended distance; or any combination thereof in other certain embodiments, at least a portion of the second pin housing  242  and/or second pin  244  may be pushed into bore  222  of the column  202  while the remainder of the second pin housing  242  and/or second pin  244  remains in the cylinder aperture  240 , thereby creating an interference that inhibits the rotational movement of the cylinder  208 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates the second pin housing  242  and second pin  244  touching the bottom of the lock guide way  210  prior to the insertion of the key assembly  100 . According to such an embodiment, the second pin housing  242  and second pin  244  and/or key assembly  100  may be configured to allow the second pin housing  242  and second pin  244  to be lifted outwardly when a key assembly  100  is inserted into the lock assembly  200 , such as, for example, through the use of tapered surfaces. Further, the second pin housing  242  and second pin  244  need not be touching the bottom of the lock guide way  210  prior to the corresponding key assembly  100  being inserted into the lock assembly  200 . Moreover, the second pin housing  242  and second pin  244  may be in the lock guide way  210  but above the bottom of the lock guide way  210  before the insertion of the key assembly  100  so as to minimize possible interference with the ability to position the key assembly  100  into the lock assembly  200 . 
       FIG. 6   a  illustrate a cross sectional view of a key assembly  100  having multiple floating elements  104   a ,  104   b  being rotatably symmetrical, referred to in certain aspects as “reversible key” by those skilled in the art, are positioned in a lock assembly  200  according to an aspect of the present invention.  FIG. 6   b  illustrates an enlarge view of floating element  104   a  in  FIG. 6   a  engaging a second pin  244  according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, floating elements  104   a  and  104   b  may have caps  120   a ,  120   b  respectively positioned along or about the first and second surfaces  106 ,  108 , respectively, of the key blade  112 . While floating elements  104   a ,  104   b  are illustrated as being next to each other, in certain other embodiments, floating elements  104   a ,  104   b  may be spaced apart at different locations along the length and/or width of the blade  112 . Further, although  FIGS. 6   a ,  6   b  illustrate only a mating cylinder aperture  240 , pins  226 ,  244  respectively, pin housings  224 ,  242  respectively and actuators  230 ,  232  respectively for one of the floating elements  104   a , the lock assembly  200  may also include similar components for other floating elements  104   b.    
     As illustrated in  FIG. 6   b , floating elements  104   a ,  104   b  may be positioned in apertures  109   a ,  109   b  respectively that have counter bores having a depth that allows the upper surface of the caps  120   a ,  120   b  and bottom surface of the base  124   a ,  124   b  to be flush, above, or recessed in the respective first or second surface  106 ,  108  of key blade  112 . 
     According to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 6   a ,  6   b , when the key assembly  100  is properly positioned within lock assembly  200 , floating element  104   a , cylinder aperture  240 , and bore  222  of the column  202  are aligned. The biasing means, such as a spring in one embodiment  122   a  of the floating element  104   a  may then be actuate. The extent the biasing means  122   a  such as an identical-pole facing magnet in certain embodiment may be actuated depend in one embodiment on several design criteria. For example, the size and force of the biasing means  122   a  may be countered by the size and force of the outer actuator  230  and/or inner pin actuator  232 , alone or in combination. Additionally, the tabs  127   a  of the cap  120   a  and lips  129   a  of the base  124   a  may limit the distance the cap  120   a  may be biased away from the base. Each of these design criteria may be implemented in precisely controlling the distance or amount the may move the first pin housing  224  and first pin  226  and/or second pin housing  242  and second pin  246  so as to allow for the cylinder  208  to be rotated, and thereby operate the lock assembly  200 . 
     For example, in the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 6   a ,  6   b , the biasing means,  122   a  such as a spring in one embodiment, may activate to allow cap  120   a  to be biased outwardly against the mating second pin housing  242  and/or second pin  244 . Whether the cap  120   a  engages either the second pin housing  242 , the second pin  244 , or both, may be determined by the size, shape, and/or configuration of the mating surfaces of the cap  120   a , second pin housing  242 , and second pin  244 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 6   b , the relative sizes of the cap  120   a , second pin housing  242 , and second pin  244  allow the cap  120   a  to directly engage both the second pin housing  242  and second pin  244 . 
     Additional combinations, and thereby security may be provided by requiring that the second pin housing  242  and second pin  244  mate a specific surface configuration of the cover  120   a . For example,  FIG. 6   c  illustrates a partial cross sectional view of key assembly  1100  having a contoured cap  1120   a  posited in a lock assembly  1200  that includes a second pin  1244  having a mating contoured tip  1245  according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6   c , the use of first and second pin housings have been eliminated. Therefore, the column  1202  includes a drum  1206  configured for the placement and sliding movement of a first pin  1226 , and the cylinder  1208  includes an aperture  1240  configured to receive and allow the sliding movement of a second pin  1244 . As illustrated, the second pin  1244  includes a tip  1245  that is configured to mate with the contoured surface of the cap  1120   a  so that, when engaged, a portion of the tip  1245  fits within a recess  1125  in the cap  1120   a . If the portion of the tip  1245  were too large to properly fit all the way within the recess  1125  and thus not mate the recess  1125 , the second pin  1244  would sit too high on floating element  1104   a  when the cap  1120   a  is biased away from the base  1124   a , resulting in at least the upper surface  1243  of the second pin  1244  extending into the aperture  1222  of the column  1202 , thereby creating an interference that prohibits the rotational movement of the cylinder  1208  about the barrel  1204 . Conversely, if the size of the recess  1125  is too large and/or too deep, the second pin  1244  may sit too deep in the recess  1125 , resulting in the second pin  1244  being drawn to far into the floating element  1104   a  when the cap  1120   a  is biased away from the base  1124   a,  resulting in a portion of the first pin  1226  being moved inwardly so that the first pin  1226  is in both in the drum  1206  of the cylinder  1208  and the aperture  1222  of the column  1202 . The presence of the first pin  1226  in both the bore  1222  of the column  1202  and the aperture  1240  of the cylinder  1208  creates an interference that inhibits the rotational movement of the cylinder  1208 , and thereby prohibits unlocking of the lock. Therefore, even a slight error in sizing in an unauthorized attempt to replicate and use the key assembly of the present invention unsuccessful. 
     Referencing  FIGS. 6   a ,  6   b , the second pin housing  242  and/or second pin  244  may then be moved against the force of the outer actuator  230  and/or inner pin actuator  232  to move the first pin housing  224  and first pin  226  into the bore  222  of the column  202  while the second pin housing  242  and/or second pin  244  remain in the cylinder aperture  240 . More specifically, the engagement between the first pin housing and pin  224 ,  226  with the second pin housing and pin  242 ,  244  occurs at a distance equal to the diameter of the cylinder  208  so that the cylinder  208  can be rotated without prohibitive interference from the first pin housing and pin  224 ,  226  and the second pin housing and pin  242 ,  244 . This requires precise forces from the biasing means  122  such as a spring in one embodiment, and actuators  230 ,  232  and tight tolerances for at least the fixed location of the floating element  104  along the aperture  109  axis, pins  226 ,  244 , and pin housings  224 ,  242 . Once the key assembly  100  is allowed to rotate in the cylinder  208 , the key assembly  100  may operate as a traditional key to unlock the lock assembly. 
     Different types of actuators for biasing means  122 , outside actuator  230 , and/or inner pin actuator  232  may be used. More specifically, although the biasing means  122 , and actuators  230 , and  232  are illustrated in  FIG. 6   a  as springs, other types of actuators may be used, for example, a magnet or air pressure, among others. Moreover, biasing means  122 , and actuators  230 , and  232  may each individually provide a force alone or in conjunction with another biasing means. For example, in embodiments in which the biasing means  122  is an identical pole-facing magnet, a mating magnet in the locking assembly  200  may have a polarity that is identical that of the outer surface of biasing means  122  in the key assembly  100 , and thereby be rejected by the actuator  122  when the corresponding key assembly  100  is properly positioned in the lock assembly  200 . 
     Further, rather than provide separate magnets, components of the floating element  104 , such as the cap  120 , among others, and components of the lock assembly, such as, for example, the second pin  242 , among others, may be construction from the necessary metallic materials or be imparted with a specific polarity for floating of the lock assembly  200 . For embodiments in which air pressure is used as an actuator, the floating element  104  may include at least one air passageway that is sized to deliver a predetermined amount of pressure to counter the pressure needed to be overcome by the floating element  104  to properly position the first and second pin housings  224 ,  242  and first and second pins  226 ,  244  along the interface of cylinder  208  and barrel  204  so as to allow the cylinder  208  to rotate. 
     According embodiments of the present invention, when in the locked position prior to the insertion of a key assembly  100 , rather than creating an inference by moving a portion of the first pin housing  224  and/or first pin  226  into the cylinder aperture  240 , a portion of the second pin housing  242  and/or second pin  244  may instead be drawn into the bore  222  of the column  202  while another portion of the second pin housing  242  and/or second pin  244 , respectively, remains in the cylinder aperture  240 . According to such an embodiment, the floating element  104  may have a polarity opposite to a polarity in the lock assembly  200  that may draw the second pin housing  242  and/or second pin  244  out of the aperture  240  while retaining the first pin housing  224  and first pin  226  in the bore  222  of the column  202  so that the first and second pins and housings,  224 ,  226 ,  242 ,  244  respectively do not inhibit the rotational movement of the cylinder  208  about the barrel  204 . According to one such embodiment, biasing means  122  and the first pin  224 , second pin  242 , first pin housing  226 , and/or second pin housing  244  may be construction of magnets or be imparted with polarities that, when properly mated, allow the first pin  226 , second pin  244 , first pin housing  224 , and second pin housing  242  be positioned in the lock assembly  200  so as to not inhibit the rotational movement of the cylinder  208 . 
     In one embodiment, the invention provides a key assembly  100  positioned in a lock assembly  200 , the key assembly  100 , comprising: a key blade  112 , the key blade having a first surface  106  and a second surface  108 , the key blade  112  configured to be inserted into the lock  200 ; an aperture  109  in the key blade  112 , the aperture  109  having an axis; a cap  120  having an outer surface  123 , captured in the aperture  109  for continuous axial travel between a first limit extending out of the first surface  106  and a second limit recessed within the aperture  109 ; and a base  124  having an outer surface  131  captured in the aperture  109  for continuous axial travel between a first limit extending out of the second surface  108  and a second limit recessed within the aperture  109 ; wherein the base  124  is biased away from the cap  120 ; the lock assembly  200  having a barrel  204 , a column  202  extending from the barrel  204 , and a cylinder  208  configured to rotate within the barrel  204 , the cylinder  208  including a guide way  210 ; the column  202  having an bore  222  configured to receive the sliding movement of a first pin housing  224 , the first pin housing  224  configured to receive the sliding movement of a first pin  226 ; the cylinder  208  including a cylinder aperture  206  configured to receive the sliding movement of a second pin housing  242 , the second pin housing  242  configured to receive the sliding movement of a second pin  244 , the first pin  226  being inwardly biased against the second pin  244  so as to place the first pin  226  in the cylinder aperture  206  when the key assembly  100  is not positioned in the lock assembly  200 ; the key assembly  100  configured to outwardly bias and move the cap  120  or the base  124  against the first pin  226  when the key assembly  100  is positioned in the lock assembly  200  so that the second pin  244  and the second pin housing  242  are located inside the cylinder  208  and the first pin  226  and first pin housing  224  are located outside of the cylinder  208 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a cross sectional view of a section of the lock assembly  200  in which the key assembly  100  has been inserted into the lock assembly  200  according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the lock guide way  210  includes a depression  250  in which the base  124   a  is inserted when the key assembly  100  is positioned in the lock assembly  200 . The addition of the depression  250  and the limit the cap  120   a  may be separated from the base  124   a  by the tabs  127  and lip  129  may reduce the distance that the floating element  104  moves the first and second pins  226 ,  244  and first and second housings  226 ,  244 . For example, when activated, the base  124   a  may be located in the depression  250 , and therefore be lower in the cylinder  208  than where the base  124   a  is located in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 6 . Thus, by lowering the base  124 , the cap  120   a  may not extend from surface  106  the key blade  112  in the embodiment in  FIG. 7  than the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6   a . A longer second pin  244  and/or second pin housing  242  may therefore be required in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7  so that the engagement of the second housing and pin  242 ,  244  and first housing and pin  224 ,  226  occurs along the diameter of the cylinder  208  so as to allow for the cylinder  208  to be rotated, and thereby operate the lock assembly  200 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a cross sectional view of a section of the lock assembly  200  having a lower pin  300  in which the key assembly  100  has been inserted into the lock assembly  200  according to an aspect of the present invention. The lower portion  304  of pin  300  moves through an opening  306  in the cylinder  208  and is under the force of a spring  308 . Pin  300  includes a pin portion  302  having a wider bottom cylinder portion  304 . As show in  FIG. 8 , the base  124   a  may have a contoured surface complementary to the tip  309  of pin portion  302 . Moreover, these mating surfaces of the tip  309  and base  124   a  allow the pin  300  portion  302  to be properly position so that when activated, pin  300  does not extend beyond the outer diameter of the cylinder  208 . However, if the tip  309  is improperly configured for the contour of the base the tip may not properly mate the contour of the base but instead may abut against the bottom of the base Such an arrangement may prohibit the lock from operating, as the lower portion  304  of pin portion  302  may extend beyond the diameter of the cylinder  208 , and thereby interfere with the rotation of the cylinder  208 . 
     When the tip  309  does properly mate with the contour of the base  124 A, the lower portion  304  of pin  300  may extend into the barrel  204  or the plug  310  of the lower actuating element  311  may be forced by a spring  308  into the cylinder  208 , both of which may inhibit rotational movement of the cylinder  208 . 
       FIG. 9   a  illustrates a cross sectional view of a section of the lock assembly  200  having a lower pin  300  in which the key assembly  100  has been inserted into the lock assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 9   a , the base  124   a  includes an actuator pin  126   a , a portion of which may slide outwardly through an aperture in the outer surface  131  of base  124   a  beyond the base  124   a . For example, the base  124   a  may include an orifice through which at least a portion of the actuator pin  126   a  may travel. The actuator pin  126   a  includes a distal end  128 , a proximal end  130 , and at least one shoulder  132 . The distal end  128  engages the tip  309  of the upper portion  302  of pin  300 . According to one embodiment, the biasing means  122   a , such as a spring in one embodiment imparts a downward force against the shoulder  128  to direct the actuator pin  126   a  downwardly against the upper portion  302  of pin  300 . Further, the shoulder  128  may limit the distance the actuator pin  126   a  may travel out of the base  124   a  and/or retain the actuator pin  126   a  in the base  124   a  thereby again, increasing the number of possible key/lock combination and adding to the security of the entry way. Due to the precision required in the depth that the bottom portion  304  and plug  310  of pin  300  must move to reach the proper position so as to not prohibit the cylinder  208  from moving, the configuration of the actuator pin  126   a  may add further complexity to the ability to the unauthorized successful duplication of the key assembly  100 . 
       FIG. 9   b  illustrates a cross sectional view of a section of the key assembly  100  having an actuator pin  126   b  extending from the cap  120   a  of the floating element  104   a  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The actuator pin  126   b  shown in  FIG. 9   b  is similar to the actuator pin  126   a  shown in  FIG. 9   a , except, rather than extending from the base  124   a  and exerting a force against the pin  300 , the actuator pin  126   b  in  FIG. 9   b  extends from the cap  120  and exerts a force against the second pin  244 . Additionally, the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 9   b  includes the feature of a depression  250 , as previously discussed with reference to  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a cross sectional view of a key assembly  100  and a lock assembly  200  in which the floating elements  104   a ,  104   b  include a protruding ball  260   a ,  260   b  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The partially protruding ball  260   a ,  260   b  may be retained in the floating elements  104   a ,  104   b  by a variety of different ways, including, for example, having in the cover  120   a ,  120   b  an opening smaller than the outer diameter of the partially protruding ball  260   a ,  260   b . Biasing means  122   a ,  122   b  such as elastic materials in certain embodiments may force at least a portion of the protruding ball  260   a ,  260   b  to extend outwardly from the cap  120 , the base  124  as shown in  FIG. 3B , or both in floating elements  104   a,    104   b . For example, in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the biasing mean  122   a  may force at portion of the protruding ball  260   a  to extend beyond the cover  120   a  so that the partially protruding ball  260   a  engages and moves the second pin  244  outwardly while the cover  120   a  engages and moves the second housing  242  outwardly. The distance the protruding ball  260   a  extends from the cover  120   a  is configured so that the second pin  244  moves the distance required to move the first pin  226  out of the aperture  240  of the cylinder  208  and into the bore  222  of the column  202  while retaining the second pin  244  in the aperture  240  of the cylinder  208 . Additionally, because the partially protruding ball  260   a  extends from the cover  120   a , the second pin  244  may have a different length than that of the second pin housing  242 , further complicating the unauthorized duplication of the key assembly  100 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a cross sectional view of a key assembly  100  and lock assembly  200  in which the partially protruding balls  260   a ,  260   b  extend from the base  124   a ,  124   b  of floating elements  104   a ,  104   b  and the lock assembly  200  includes a lower locking pin  300  according to an embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the floating elements  104   a ,  104   b  may be configured to control the extent the protruding balls  260   a,    260   b  may be outwardly biased when floating elements  104   a ,  104   b  are actuated, such as, for example, controlling the size of the aperture opening in the lower surface  131   a ,  131   b  of base  124   a ,  124   b  respectively, through which the balls  260   a ,  260   b  partially protrude. 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 11 , when the floating element  104   a  is actuated in at the proper location along the axis of the key blade  112  aperture  109  when inserted in the lock assembly  200 , the protruding ball  260 a engages a lower pin  400 . The lower pin  400  may slidingly move inside a lower pin housing  402 . The lower pin housing  402  may slide in a lower bore  404  of the cylinder  208 . The lower pin  400  may include a plunger  401  that engages a lower protruding ball  336  of a lock floating assembly  104   c . In addition to the lower protruding ball  336 , the locking lock floating assembly  104   c  may further include a cover  333 , an actuator  308  and a base  335 . The cover  333  and base  335  of the locking, now telescopic pin  300  may be retained together in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the cover  120 a and base  124 a of the floating element  104   a  of the key assembly  100 , such as, for example, the cover  333  having a lower protrusion  336  with taps  337  that engage the lips  338  of the base  335 . In use, when the lock biasing mechanism of locking pin  300  inwardly extends into lower bore  404  of the cylinder or the lower pin  400  or lower pin housing  402  extends into the guide way  210  in the barrel, an interference is created that inhibits the rotational movement of the cylinder  208 . When the proper forces are exerted on the lower pin  400 , lower pin housing  402 , and lock floating assembly  104   c , and the protruding ball  336  base and cover  333  extend the proper distance, neither the lower pin  400  and lower pin housing  402  do not extend into the guide way  210  nor does locking pin  300  extends in the cylinder  208  so to not inhibit rotational movement of the cylinder  208 . 
     In one embodiment, provided herein in combination; a key assembly  100  comprising: a key blade  112 , the key blade having a first surface  106  and a second surface  108 , the key blade  112  configured to be inserted into a mating lock. Key blade  112  further comprises an aperture  109  in the key blade, the aperture having an axis A-A and in certain aspects, a cap  120  having an outer surface  123 , captured in the aperture  109  for continuous axial travel between a first limit extending out of the first surface  106  and a second limit recessed within the aperture  109 ; and a base  124  having an outer surface  131  captured in the aperture  109  for continuous axial travel between a first limit extending out of the second surface  108  and a second limit recessed within the aperture  109  along axis A-A; wherein the base  124  is biased away from the cap; and a mating lock assembly  200 , the lock assembly having a barrel  204 , a column  202  extending from the barrel  204 , and a cylinder  208  configured to rotate within the barrel  204 , the cylinder  208  including a guide way  210 ; the column having an aperture configured to receive the sliding movement of a first pin housing  224 , the first pin housing configured to receive the sliding movement of a first pin  226 ; the cylinder  208  including a cylinder aperture  206  configured to receive the sliding movement of a second pin housing  242 , the second pin housing configured to receive the sliding movement of a second pin  244 , the first pin  226  being inwardly biased against the second pin  244  so as to place the first pin  226  in the cylinder aperture  206  when the key assembly  100  is not positioned in the lock assembly  200 ; the key configured to outwardly bias and move the cap  120  or the base  124  against the first pin  226  when the key assembly  100  is positioned in the lock assembly  200  so that the second pin  244  and the second pin housing  242  are located inside the cylinder  208  and the first pin  226  and first pin housing  224  are located outside of the cylinder  208 . 
     While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.