Patent Publication Number: US-2007113606-A1

Title: Lock Assembly For A Safe Deposit Box and Uses Thereof

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/709,331, filed 18 Aug. 2005, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference, 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention is directed to safe deposit boxes and lock assemblies therefor. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a high security lock assembly for a safe deposit box that restricts access to the contents of the safe deposit box to only authorized individuals.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      Safe deposit boxes are a frequently employed means for securing articles. As known, banks, hotels and similar institutions typically maintain a vault or similar structure that houses a plurality (typically hundreds) of safe deposit boxes, each of which is rented to a particular customer and accessible only to that particular customer. Such access is often mediated by a dual key locking assembly associated with a safe deposit box door. The dual key locking assembly typically includes a guard key interface (e.g., lock) for receiving a bank official key and a customer key interface (e.g., lock) for receiving a customer-issued key. The guard key interface cooperates with the customer key interface to permit access to the contents of the safe deposit box only upon simultaneous actuation of both key interfaces.  
      As known, the guard key interface is typically individual box non-specific. In other words, the guard key interface of every safe deposit box within a collection of safe deposit boxes is actuable by a single bank official key. Requiring the actuation of the guard key interface provides a security measure by enabling bank official oversight of a customer&#39;s access of the customer&#39;s safe deposit box.  
      As also known, the customer key interface is typically individual box specific. In other words, a customer issued key will only actuate the particular safe deposit box to which the customer issued key corresponds, thereby permitting the customer to access only the safe deposit box that the customer has rented, and also thereby prohibiting the customer from accessing any safe deposit box that the customer has not rented.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      In accordance with an example aspect, the present invention is directed to a lock assembly for a safe deposit box door. The assembly generally includes a customer lock mechanism capable of at least five million actuation configurations, and wherein the customer lock mechanism includes a selected one of the actuation configurations; and a bolt mechanism, operatively associated with the customer lock mechanism, adapted for selectably engaging a safe deposit box to which the door is pivotally associated for locking the door relative to the safe deposit box.  
      In accordance with another example aspect, the present invention is directed to a safe deposit box for securely storing articles therein. The safe deposit box generally includes a housing adapted for receiving articles into an inner cavity thereof; a door pivotally associated with the housing; and a lock assembly associated with the door and adapted for selectably locking the door relative to the housing. The lock assembly generally includes a customer lock mechanism capable of at least five million actuation configurations, and wherein the customer lock mechanism includes a selected one of the actuation configurations; and a bolt mechanism, operatively associated with the customer lock mechanism, adapted for selectably engaging the housing.  
      In accordance with yet another example aspect, the present invention is directed to a safe deposit box for securely storing articles therein. The safe deposit box generally includes a housing adapted for receiving articles into an inner cavity thereof; a door pivotally associated with the housing; and a lock assembly associated with the door and adapted for selectably locking the door relative to the housing. The lock assembly generally includes a customer lock mechanism capable of at least twenty million actuation configurations, and wherein the customer lock mechanism includes a selected one of the actuation configurations; a bolt mechanism, operatively associated with the customer lock mechanism, adapted for selectably engaging the housing; and a guard lock mechanism. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
      These and other features and a more thorough understanding of the present invention may be achieved by referring to the following description and claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an example safe deposit box door incorporating an example lock assembly according to the present invention;  
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an example collection of safe deposit boxes of  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 3  is a top perspective view of the example lock assembly of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ;  
       FIG. 4  is a another perspective view of the example lock assembly of  FIG. 3 ;  
       FIG. 5  is a top perspective view of the example lock assembly of  FIGS. 3 and 4 , wherein a support plate thereof is removed to illustrate assembly inner contents;  
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an example support plate of the lock assembly of  FIGS. 1-4 ;  
       FIG. 7  is a top plan view of the lock assembly of  FIG. 5 , wherein a restriction means thereof is in a closed configuration;  
       FIG. 8  is a top plan view of the lock assembly of  FIG. 7 , wherein a restriction means thereof is in an open configuration;  
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an example customer lock of the lock assembly of the preceding Figures; and  
       FIG. 10  is a side plan view of the example customer lock of  FIG. 9 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DISCUSSION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS  
      Disclosed according to the present invention is a lock assembly  100  for a safe deposit box and various uses thereof. The lock assembly  100  is generally configured to be associated with a door  102  ( FIG. 1 ) of a safe deposit box and provide a means for selectably locking the door  102  and thereby restricting access to contents of the safe deposit box.  
      As will be more fully explained hereinafter, the lock assembly  100  is preferably configured as a high security measure that is capable of being configured to feature any of a myriad of actuation configurations. As known to one of ordinary skill in the art, a lock assembly actuation configuration is typically defined by a precise three dimensional profile that is adapted to receive therein a key (typically through a keyway). In customary operation, the lock assembly is first configured to adopt a selected actuation configuration and then the key (especially a blade thereof) is configured to feature a three dimensional profile complementary to the actuation configuration. Accordingly, upon association of a lock assembly and a key having a profile complementary to the lock assembly actuation configuration, the lock assembly may suitably be actuated (e.g., opened, locked, etc.).  
      In a preferred embodiment and as will be more fully described hereinafter, the lock assembly  100  is adapted to permit at least one million distinct actuation configurations. Conventional lock assemblies for conventional safe deposit boxes are generally adapted to permit a significantly reduced number of actuation configurations, typically on the order of about one hundred thousand to about three hundred thousand usable actuation configurations. Additionally, conventional collections  103  ( FIG. 2 ) of safe deposit boxes (such as those featured at a banking institution, a lodging facility (e.g., hotel) and the like) may feature a plurality of safe deposit boxes. Accordingly, as the number of safe deposit boxes present in such a collection  103  increases, so too increases the possibility that an issued customer key may simultaneously actuate several safe deposit boxes, thereby creating the potential for unauthorized safe deposit box access. Therefore, the lock assembly of the present invention suitably overcomes the potential for unauthorized access by enabling a collection  103  of safe deposit boxes to feature an aggregate number of distinct lock assembly actuation configurations that greatly exceeds the number of safe deposit boxes present in the collection.  
      Turning now to  FIG. 3 , illustrated is a preferred, yet exemplary, embodiment of a lock assembly  100  according to the present invention. The lock assembly  100  generally includes a lock assembly housing  101 , a customer interface  104 , and a locking mechanism  106 . As will be more fully explained hereinafter, the lock assembly housing  101  generally provides a housing within and/or to which the various components of the lock assembly  100  are interassociated. The customer interface  104  generally provides a means by which actuable access to the lock assembly  100  is restricted to only authorized individuals (e.g., a customer to whom lock assembly  100  (and, by extension, safe deposit box) has been assigned and/or generally rented). Such actuable access suitably provides a means for selectably locking and opening the safe deposit box. The locking mechanism  106  is preferably operably associated with the customer interface  104  and provides a structure (e.g., a bolt mechanism, a cam mechanism, etc.) that is adapted to releasably engage complementary structure of the safe deposit box to lock and unlock the door  102  relative to the safe deposit box.  
      Turning now to  FIGS. 3-8  and a discussion of the lock assembly housing  102 , the housing  101  preferably provides a number of functions relative to the lock assembly  100  of the present invention. In one aspect, the housing  101  provides a casing-like member that generally houses and/or provides an association substrate for the various components of the lock assembly  100  (e.g., the customer interface  104 , the locking mechanism  106 , etc.). In another aspect, the housing  101  also preferably defines a core structure that is associable with a conventional safe deposit box door  101 . More specifically, the housing  101  generally defines an interfacing structure that permits the components of the locking assembly  100  to be operably associated with and the door  102 . Further thereto, the housing  101  is adapted to be associated generally with any conventional safe deposit box door, and thereby provides a means by which any conventional safe deposit box door may be retrofit with the lock assembly  100  of the present invention.  
      With best reference to  FIGS. 3, 5  and  6 , the housing  102  preferably includes a casing  108  and a support plate  110 . The casing  108  is preferably defined as a generally prismatically rectangular member, having an inner cavity  122  in which is disposed various lock assembly  100  elements, as will be more fully described hereinafter. Even more preferably, the casing  108  is open along one of its faces (e.g., the casing  108  is preferably defined by five, rather than six, faces). In this embodiment, the support plate  110  generally removably interfaces with the casing  108  and, when so interfaced, defines the sixth face of the casing  108 . As will also be more fully explained hereinafter, the support plate  110  generally provides a substrate against which various components of the customer interface  104  are associated.  
      Turning now to  FIGS. 3, 5  and  7 , the casing  108  is preferably defined by left and right spaced apart side walls  112 ,  114 , a rear wall  116 , a front wall  118 , and a base wall  120 . The left and right side walls  112 ,  114  generally define left and right faces of the casing  108 , and are preferably coplanar and spaced apart from each other so as to define therebetween a portion of the inner cavity  122 . The left wall  112  preferably includes an aperture-like opening  124  ( FIGS. 7 and 8 ) through which the locking mechanism  106  may suitably pass for selectable engagement with the safe deposit box, as will be more fully explained hereinafter. Further, the right side wall  114  generally includes an outwardly bowed portion  126 , which generally provides a space for rotation of various customer interface  104  elements, as will also be more fully explained hereinafter.  
      With best reference to  FIG. 3 , the casing  108  rear wall  116  preferably defines a rear face of the lock assembly  100  and is preferably disposed so that its vertical terminal edges generally abut rear vertical edges of the left and right side walls  112 ,  114 . In a preferred embodiment, the rear wall  116  generally includes at least one scallop-like arcuate portion  128 . As will be more fully explained hereinafter, the arcuate portion  128  generally provides a means for gaining access to the inner cavity  122  when the lock assembly  100  is in a fully assembled state (e.g., the support plate  110  is associated with the casing  108 ). The arcuate portion  128  is suitably defined by a partially open portion that extends along an upper edge of the rear wall  116 . The partially open arcuate portion  128  is suitably closed (i.e., its partially open portion is completed) when the support plate  110  is associated with the casing  108 .  
      Turning now to  FIG. 8 , the casing  108  preferably also includes the front wall  118 . The front wall  118  is preferably oriented in a spaced apart relation to the rear wall  116 , and is generally coplanar therewith. The front wall  118  generally cooperates with the rear wall  116  and side walls  112 ,  114  to define therebetween the inner cavity  122 . Further, the front wall  118  is generally perpendicular to the side walls  112 ,  114 , and abuts front vertical edge portions of the side walls  112 ,  114  along its terminal vertical edges.  
      With continued reference to  FIG. 8  and turning also to  FIG. 5 , the front wall  118  preferably includes an outwardly bowed portion  132 . As will be more fully explained hereinafter, the bowed portion  132  generally provides a selectably expanded portion of the inner cavity  122  that accommodates the presence of various customer interface  104  elements.  
      With best reference to  FIGS. 4, 5  and  8 , the bowed portion  132  preferably extends along a substantial portion of the front wall  118  lateral face. Even more preferably, and as best shown in  FIG. 4 , the bowed portion  132  suitably includes a shoulder  148  that extends generally perpendicularly outward from the front wall  118 . In that regard, the bowed portion  132  is preferably defined by an arcuate and generally rectangular member, opposite lateral edges of which terminate into the front wall  118 , and a bottom edge of which terminates into a front edge of the shoulder  148  (preferably at a right angle thereto). As will be more fully explained hereinafter, the shoulder  148  preferably provides a substrate against which the support plate  110 , or a portion thereof, rests.  
      Similar to the rear wall  116 , the front wall  118  suitably also includes one or more scallop-like arcuate portion  130  ( FIGS. 4 and 8 ). As will be more fully explained hereinafter, the arcuate portion  130  generally provides a means for permitting access to the inner cavity  122  when the lock assembly  100  is in a fully assembled state (e.g., the support plate  110  is associated with the casing  108 ). The arcuate portion  130  is suitably defined by a partially open portion that extends along an upper edge of the front wall  118 , even more preferably the bowed portion  132  thereof. The partially open arcuate portion  130  is suitably closed (i.e., its partially open portion is completed) when the support plate  110  is associated with the casing  108 .  
      Turning now to  FIGS. 4, 7  and  8 , the casing  108  generally also includes the base wall  120 . The base wall  120  generally provides a structural base from which the casing  108  front wall  118 , rear wall  116 , left side wall  112 , and right side wall  114  extend. More specifically, the walls  118 ,  116 ,  112 ,  114  preferably extend generally perpendicularly from edge portions of the base wall  120 . As will be more fully explained hereinafter, the base wall  120 , especially a top face  134  thereof, generally provides a substrate to which various components of the lock assembly  100 , particularly the customer interface  104  and the locking mechanism  106 , are associated. Further, the base wall  120  generally defines a component of the lock assembly  100  that is oriented opposite and generally spaced apart from the safe deposit box door  102  when the assembly  100  is associated with the door  102 , as will also be more fully explained hereinafter.  
      With further reference to the base wall&#39;s  120  substrate function, the base wall  120  suitably includes a plurality of projections for such association. In one aspect and with reference to  FIG. 8 , the base wall  120  includes a first projection  138  and a second projection  140  that generally operate to associate various components of the customer interface  104  to the base wall  120 . The base wall  120  may suitably also include one or more projections  142  that are adapted to associate the locking mechanism  106  to the base wall  120 . Even more preferably, the projections  142  are adapted to also permit the locking mechanism  106  to be slidably disposed relative to the base wall  120 . Various aspects of the projections  138 ,  140 ,  142  will be more fully described hereinafter.  
      Turning now to  FIGS. 3, 5  and  7 , the casing  108  generally also includes a plurality of boss-like corner portions  144 , each of which is preferably disposed at each of the corners of the casing  108 . For example, one of the corner portions  144  is preferably vertically disposed at the interface of the left side wall  112  and the front wall  118 , while a second corner portion  144  is preferably vertically disposed at the interface of the left side wall  112  and the rear wall  116 , etc. The corner portions  144  preferably each feature a bore  145  ( FIG. 8 ) extending vertically therethrough, each of which bores  145  are suitably adapted to secure a dowel-like pin  146  therein ( FIG. 3 ). As will be more fully explained hereinafter, the pins  146  are preferably disposed so as to extend beyond the corner portions  144  and away from the casing  108  base wall  120 . As such, the pins  146  are preferably adapted to interface with complementary receiving structure on a rear face of the safe deposit box door  102 . Accordingly, the pins  146  suitably provide an interface between the casing  108  and the door  102  that increases the stability of the casing  108  relative to the door  102 , as will also be more fully explained hereinafter.  
      The casing  108  may suitably also include one or more support bosses  150 ,  152  that are adapted to interact with and provide a support surface for the support plate  110 . With best reference to  FIGS. 3, 5  and  8 , the support boss  150  is preferably disposed in general abutting relationship to the casing  108  rear wall  116 , and preferably along a position that is in general proximity to the left side wall  112 . The boss  150  preferably includes a bore therethrough that extends generally parallel to the bores  145  of the corner portions  144 . The casing  108  may suitably also include another support boss  152  that is disposed opposite the boss  150  and in general abutting relationship to the front wall  118 . As previously mentioned, the front wall  118  suitably includes the bowed portion  132  that preferably does not extend along the entire vertical dimension of the front wall  118 . Accordingly, the support boss  152  is preferably disposed in abutting contact with the front wall  118  along a lower portion thereof that is not bowed, and then extends upward so as to be slightly spaced apart from the bowed portion  132 . Further thereto, an upper portion of the support boss  152  may suitably interface with the bowed portion  130  through one or more reinforcing ribs  153  ( FIGS. 5 and 8 ).  
      Turning now to  FIG. 3 , the support bosses  150 ,  152  generally provide a surface onto which the support plate  110  may suitably be supported and positioned. The support bosses  150 ,  152  preferably also provide an anchoring structure to which the support plate  110  may suitably be secured. As previously mentioned, the support bosses  150 ,  152  preferably include the bores  145  therethrough. The support plate  110  preferably also includes one or more bores that are positioned to communicate with the support bosses&#39;  150 ,  152  bores  145 , Accordingly, a fastener  155  may suitably be disposed through the support plate  110  bores and into engagement with the support bosses  150 ,  152  to releasably or otherwise secure the support plate  110  to the casing  108 .  
      The locking assembly  100  housing  101  preferably also includes the support plate  110 . As previously mentioned, the support plate  110  preferably defines a sixth face of the casing  108  (so as to complete the rectangular prism configuration thereof). The support plate  110  suitably also provides a removable access means that enables selectable access to the inner cavity  122  of the housing  101 . In yet another aspect and as will be more fully explained hereinafter, the support plate  110  suitably includes various structure that generally provides an anchoring structure to which various components of the customer interface  104  may suitably be secured.  
      Turning now to  FIG. 6 , an exemplary support plate  110  according to the present invention generally includes a top face  154 , a bottom face  156 , and a flange  158 . The top face  154  is a generally planar member and suitably faces away from the inner cavity  122  when the plate  110  is associated with the casing  108 . The bottom face  156  is also a generally planar member coplanar with the top face  154 , and generally faces the inner cavity  110  when the plate  110  is associated with the casing  108 .  
      The support plate  110  suitably also includes the flange  158 . In a preferred embodiment, the flange  158  is generally adapted to define a portion of the casing  108  left side wall  112 . As previously mentioned and as best shown in  FIG. 7 , the left side wall  112  preferably includes the aperture  124  that permits the locking mechanism  106  to selectably extend beyond the housing  101 . The aperture  124  is generally defined by a gap in the side wall  112  that preferably extends along the entire vertical dimension thereof. Accordingly, the support plate  110  flange  158  preferably extends into the aperture  124  so as to reduce the open dimensions thereof. In that regard, the flange  158  preferably extends generally perpendicularly from an edge of the support plate  110 , even more preferably an edge of the support plate  110  that is configured to rest in proximity to the casing  108  left side wall  112 . Further, the flange  158  generally extends in opposition to the plate  110  top face  154  so that the flange  158  is readily adapted to be disposed in the aperture  124  when the plate  110  is associated with the casing  108 .  
      The support plate  110  is preferably physically configured so as to flushly associate with the casing  108 . In that regard and with best reference to  FIGS. 3 and 6 , the support plate  110  is preferably configured to generally rest within the casing  108  inner cavity  122 . More specifically, the support plate  110  is preferably dimensioned so as to fit within the casing  108  walls  112 ,  114 ,  116 ,  118 , and rest atop the support bosses  150 ,  152  and the shoulder  148 , thereby positioning the plate  110  top face  154  at a level generally coterminal with the top edges of the walls  112 ,  114 ,  116 ,  118 , as evident in  FIG. 3 .  
      Further thereto, the support plate  110  is preferably also configured to fit within the contours as defined by the casing  108  corner portions  144 . As best shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the corner portions  144  are preferably generally square in cross sectional shape, one corner of which is disposed in the inner cavity  122  (while the other corners are generally flush with the casing  108 ). As shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the exposed corners of the corner portions  144  are preferably generally curved and/or radiused along their vertical faces. Accordingly, the plate  110  is preferably configured along its corners to fit within the casing  108  corner portions  144 . As best shown in  FIG. 6 , the plate  110  generally features corners  160  that are complementary to the casing  108  corner portions  144  (i.e., the plate  110  corners  160  are generally inwardly cutout portions featuring an arcuate face). Therefore, when the plate  110  is associated with the casing  108 , the plate  110  corners  160  generally receive the casing  108  corner portions  144  thereagainst.  
      As previously mentioned, the support plate  110  is suitably adapted to releasably engage the casing  108 , and thereby complete the housing  101 . As also previously mentioned, the casing  108  preferably includes at least one support boss  150 ,  152  having the bore therethrough that is adapted to secure the fastener  155  (e.g., a screw, a rivet, and the like) thereto. In that regard, the support plate  110  preferably includes at least one bore  166 ,  168  that enables communication between the plate  110  top face  154  and bottom face  156 . The bore  166 ,  168  is suitably positioned so as to enable ready communication with the support boss  150 ,  152  bore when the plate  110  is positioned on the casing  108 . Accordingly, when the plate  110  is so positioned, the fastener  155  may suitably be passed through the plate bore  166 ,  168  and into engagement with the casing  108  support boss  150 ,  152  bore, thereby releasably securing the plate  110  to the casing  108 .  
      As will be more fully explained hereinafter, the customer interface  104  preferably includes a customer lock mechanism  178  that, in turn, includes a lock cylinder. As will also be more fully explained, the customer interface  104  may suitably also include a guard lock mechanism  182  that, in turn, also includes a lock cylinder. As known, the customer interface  104 , particularly the lock mechanism(s)  178 ,  182  thereof, should be disposed for communication with an environment external to the safe deposit box, generally so that customers may interact with the interface  104  for selectably opening and closing the safe deposit box door  102 . As also previously mentioned, the lock assembly  100  housing  101  is preferably configured to abuttingly rest against a rear face of the safe deposit box door  102 . Accordingly, the housing  101  support plate  110  is preferably configured to permit the customer interface  104 , and various components thereof (e.g., the customer lock mechanism  178 , the guard lock mechanism  182 , etc.) to extend therethrough, as shown in  FIG. 6 .  
      With continued reference to  FIG. 6 , the plate  110  preferably includes an aperture  162  therein that permits the customer lock mechanism  178  to extend through the plate  110 . The aperture  162  is preferably generally circular in configuration to accommodate the configuration of the customer lock mechanism  178 , as will be more fully described hereinafter.  
      In connection with an embodiment in which the customer interface  104  includes the guard lock mechanism  182 , the support plate  110  may include another aperture  164  that permits the guard lock mechanism  182  to extend through the plate  110 . The aperture  164  is also preferably generally circular in configuration to accommodate the configuration of the guard lock mechanism  182 , as will be more fully described hereinafter.  
      As previously mentioned, the support plate  110  includes various structure that enables association between the plate  110  and the customer interface  104 . With continued reference to  FIG. 6 , the support plate  110  preferably includes a first shoulder  170   a  and a second shoulder  170   b  disposed in proximity to the aperture  162  and which are adapted to enable customer interface  104  association. Each shoulder  170   a ,  170   b  is preferably provided as a substantially rectangular member disposed and extending generally perpendicular to the support plate  110  bottom face  156 . Even more preferably, the shoulders  170   a ,  170   b  are preferably disposed opposite each other relative to the aperture  162  (e.g., the shoulders  170   a ,  170   b  are preferably positioned diametrically opposite each other at approximately 0 degrees and 180 degrees, respectively, about the aperture  162 ). In this configuration, the shoulders  170   a ,  170   b  are disposed so as to abut opposite portions of the customer interface  104 , even more preferably the customer lock mechanism  178  thereof.  
      The shoulders  170   a ,  170   b  may suitably each also include a bore  172   a ,  172   b  extending therethrough. As, will be more fully explained hereinafter, the customer lock mechanism  178  may suitably also include one or more bores therethrough. Accordingly, the customer lock mechanism  178  may suitably be secured to the support plate  110  by disposition of one or more fasteners (e.g., screw, set screw, etc.) through the shoulder  170   a ,  170   b  bores  172   a ,  172   b  and lock mechanism  178 , as will be more fully described hereinafter.  
      The guard lock mechanism  182 , if optionally present, may be secured to the support plate  110  through a similar mechanism. With continued reference to  FIG. 6 , the support plate  110  may suitably include a first shoulder  174   a  and a second shoulder  174   b  disposed in proximity to the aperture  164  and which are adapted to enable customer interface  104  association. Each shoulder  174   a ,  174   b  is preferably provided as a substantially rectangular member disposed and extending generally perpendicular to the support plate  110  bottom face  156 . Even more preferably, the shoulders  174   a ,  174   b  are preferably disposed opposite each other relative to the aperture  164  (e.g., the shoulders  174   a ,  174   b  are preferably positioned diametrically opposite each other at approximately 0 degrees and 180 degrees, respectively, about the aperature  164 ). In this configuration, the shoulders  174   a ,  174   b  are disposed so as to abut opposite portions of the customer interface  104 , even more preferably the guard lock mechanism  182  thereof.  
      The shoulders  174   a ,  174   b  may suitably each also include a bore  176   a ,  176   b  extending therethrough. As will be more full explained hereinafter, the guard lock mechanism  182  may suitably also include one or more bores therethrough. Accordingly, the guard lock mechanism  182  may suitably be secured to the support plate  110  by disposition of one or more fasteners (e.g., screw, set screw, etc.) through the shoulder  174   a ,  174   b  bores  176   a ,  176   b  and lock mechanism  178 , as will be more fully described hereinafter.  
      Turning now to a discussion of the customer interface  104 , the customer interface  104  suitably provides a means by which a customer or other individual to whom a safe deposit box is assigned selectably gains and/or prevents access to the contents of the safe deposit box to which the lock assembly  100  is associated. In a preferred embodiment, the customer interface  104  generally operates, at least in general principle, in a lock and key manner according to which a customer-issued key may suitably actuate the lock for alternation between an open and a closed configuration.  
      In a preferred, yet exemplary, embodiment, the customer interface  104  suitably includes a customer lock mechanism  178  and a guard lock mechanism  182 , as earlier mentioned. In general, the customer lock mechanism  178  provides an interface between a customer to whom the safe deposit box is assigned and the lock assembly  100  (e.g., the customer lock mechanism  178  is preferably adapted to receive a customer-issued key and translate key-based actuation into lock mechanism  178  actuation). Also in general, the guard lock mechanism  182 , if optionally present, provides an interface between a guard (e.g., a bank official or other individual charged with administering and generally overseeing access to a collection of safe deposit boxes). Such guard lock mechanism  182  interface may suitably be employed to provide an additional level of access restriction (e.g., actuation of the guard lock mechanism  182  may suitably be required before the customer lock mechanism  178  may be actuated by the customer-issued lock), as will be more fully explained hereinafter.  
      Turning now to a discussion of the customer lock mechanism  178  and with best reference to  FIGS. 3, 5  and  8 , the customer lock mechanism  178  is preferably defined by a customer lock  179 , and a gear  180  operably associated therewith. The customer lock  179  is preferably provided as a pin tumbler-style lock capable of receiving a key and translating rotation of the key into a lock  179  actuation. The gear  180  is preferably associated with a rear portion of the customer lock  179  and is preferably rotated in response to actuation of the customer lock  179 . As will be more fully explained hereinafter, the gear  180  is preferably operably associated with the locking mechanism  106 ; accordingly actuation of the customer lock  179  suitably translates into actuation of the locking mechanism  106  by operable intervention of the gear  180 .  
      In a preferred embodiment, the customer lock  179  is provided as a pin tumbler-style lock. Reference will be made throughout to such a preferred style lock. However, it is to be appreciated that any suitable style of lock may be employed to accomplish the aims of the present invention.  
      With best reference to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the customer lock  179  generally includes a cylinder case  186 , a plug  188 , a keyway  190 , an upper pin chamber  192 , a lower pin chamber, springs, drivers, bottom pins and a tail piece  196 . The cylinder case  186  is generally provided as a substantially cylindrical member adapted to house the various additional customer lock  179  components, and which is also adapted to be disposed within the support plate  110  aperture  162 , as previously described.  
      As also previously mentioned, the customer lock  179 , as a component of the customer interface  104 , preferably includes various structure that permits an assigned customer to engage the customer interface  104  when the safe deposit box door  102  is in a closed configuration. Accordingly, the customer interface  104  suitably includes structure that is accessible from the outside of the safe deposit box door  102 . In that regard, the customer lock  179  preferably includes a terminal face having dimensions relatively larger than the dimensions of the cylinder case  186 . As will be more fully explained hereinafter, the door  102  suitably includes an aperture similar to the plate  110  aperture  162  through which the customer lock  179  is generally disposed. Therefore, dimensioning the customer lock  179  face as a member relatively larger than the cylinder case  186  suitably provides a means for securely disposing a portion of the customer interface  104  outside the safe deposit box door.  
      The customer lock  179  suitably also includes the plug  188  that is generally disposed, at least partially, within the cylinder case  186 , and secured relative thereto by a retainer ring or similar feature. The plug  188  is preferably also a substantially cylindrical member that is adapted to rotate within the cylinder case  186 . More specifically, the plug  188  suitably includes the keyway  190  disposed along a front portion thereof, optionally paracentric relative thereto, that permits a key or similar unlocking means to be inserted into the plug  188 . The plug  188 , either alone or in combination with various additional elements, is configured to feature the actuation configuration, as previously mentioned. Accordingly, and in operation, a customer positions in the keyway  190  and then pushes the key inward so as to occupy the plug  188 . If the profile of the customer key matches the actuation configuration of the plug  188 , the customer rotates the key, thereby rotating the plug  188  actuating the customer interface  104 .  
      As previously mentioned, the customer interface  104 , particularly the customer lock  179  thereof, is adapted to feature any of a wide range, preferably over one million, actuation configurations. The practical import of this feature is that the customer interface  104  of the present invention is generally actuable only by a key or similar unlocking means featuring a very specific profile. Because of the number of possible actuation configurations possible for the customer lock  179 , there exists a statistically significant very low probability that an otherwise unauthorized customer and/or key may actuate a given safe deposit box lock assembly  100 . Such very low probability suitably provides a level of security heretofore unattained in safe deposit box practice.  
      The customer interface  104 , particularly the customer lock  179 , preferably includes certain features that enable it to adopt any of the wide range of actuation configurations. In a preferred embodiment, such features are generally provided by cooperation of the customer lock  179  upper pin chamber  192 , lower pin chamber, springs, drivers and bottom pins. The upper pin chambers  192  are preferably provided as bore-like features cylindrically extending transversely through the plug  188 ; as such, the upper pin chambers  192  generally communicate between an outer face of the cylinder case  186  and an inner face thereof (which inner face generally abuts the plug  188  when the plug  188  is disposed therein). The lower pin chambers (not visible in the drawings) are substantially similar to the upper pin chambers  192 , with the exception that the lower pin chambers are generally disposed transversely within the plug  188 . More specifically, the lower pin chambers generally communicate between an outer face of the plug  188  (i.e., the face that abuts the inner face of the cylinder case  186 ), and an inner portion of the plug  188 . Such inner portion of the plug generally communicates with the keyway and is configured to define the actuation configuration.  
      The upper pin chambers  192  and the lower pin chambers are generally adapted to house springs, drivers and bottom pins therein. In a preferred embodiment, the upper pin chambers  192  generally each feature a spring disposed therein. A first end of the spring preferably abuts an upper portion of the upper pin chamber  192  so as to provide a substrate against which the spring may generate spring force. A second end of the spring is preferably disposed downward into the upper pin chamber  192  and is adapted to communicate with a top pin-like driver. The driver is a generally cylindrical member adapted to be vertically translated through the upper and low pin chambers by action of the spring. The driver includes a top face that remains in general abutting contact with the spring, and a lower face that remains in general abutting contact with a bottom pin. The bottom pin is generally disposed within the plug  188  lower pin chamber and includes a top face that remains in contact with the driver, and a lower face that extends into the plug  188 , particularly a portion thereof that defines the lock  179  actuation configuration. As will be more fully explained, the bottom pin lower face is preferably adapted to cooperate with the other bottom pins and the plug  188  to define the actuation configuration that a key must match to permit lock  179  actuation.  
      In general operational terms, when a key is not inserted into the cylinder case  186 , the downward pressure of the springs drives the drivers partially downward into the plug  188  to prevent the plug  188  from being rotated (and thereby preventing actuation of the lock  179 ). In this configuration, the drivers generally occupy a shear line of the lock  179 . The shear line is generally defined by the interface of the plug  188  and the cylinder case  186 . Accordingly, the presence of the drivers along the shear line provides a physical impediment to the free rotation of the plug  188 , thereby securing the lock  179  in a locked configuration. When a key featuring a proper actuation configuration profile is inserted into the keyway  190  and plug  188 , the pins and drivers vertically translate within the upper and lower pin chambers. More specifically, the correct key suitably causes the top face of the bottom pin and the bottom face of the driver to meet at the shear line. In this configuration, the physical impediment to plug  188  rotation is removed and the lock  179  may suitably be actuated by rotation of the key disposed therein.  
      The customer lock  179  may suitably permit any of the many, preferably more than one million, actuation configurations, through any of a number of aspects, either alone or in various combination. In one aspect, the customer lock  179  may feature any suitable number of pin chambers and associated components (e.g., upper pin chamber, lower pin chamber, spring, driver, bottom pin, etc.). The customer lock  179  may feature approximately 2-12 pin chambers, more preferably approximately 4-11 pin chambers, even more preferably approximately 7-10 pin chambers.  
      In another aspect, the drivers and the bottom pins may be provided in any suitable configuration that increases the range of actuation configurations adoptable by the customer lock  179 . For example, the driver may be provided in a generally broken profile (e.g., generally dumbbell-like in cross sectional configuration) that causes the driver to hang up before it crosses the shear line. Any other suitable examples may be employed in connection with the present invention.  
      In a preferred embodiment, the customer lock  179  is provided as a high security element. More specifically, the customer lock  179  is preferably provided as a locking mechanism that features resistance against picking, impressioning, drilling, wrenching and other common forms of burglary. Even more preferably, the customer lock  179  is provided as a locking mechanism that meets Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL) standard 437. Further thereto, the preferred locking mechanism, including its working parts, is constructed of a durable material, such as brass, bronze, stainless steel or similar corrosion-resistant material.  
      Returning to a general discussion of the customer lock  179 , the lock  179  suitably also includes the tailpiece  196 , as best shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . The tailpiece  196  is preferably operably associated with the customer lock  179 , preferably the plug  188  thereof, so that rotation of the plug  188  is translated into actuation of the tailpiece  196 . As will be more fully explained hereinafter, the tailpiece  196  is preferably operably associated with the locking mechanism  106 . Accordingly, actuation of the tailpiece  196  suitably translates into actuation of the locking mechanism  106 , thereby enabling selective locking and opening of the lock assembly  108 .  
      With best reference to  FIG. 6 , the tailpiece  196  is generally defined by a base portion  198 , a projecting portion  200 , and a cylindrical recess  202 . As will be more fully hereinafter, the base portion  198  is preferably an element of the customer lock  179  that is operably associated with the gear  180  (i.e., the base portion  198  preferably enables actuation of the customer lock  179  to be translated to the gear  180 ). In a preferred embodiment, the base portion  198  is generally defined by a pair of opposed side faces that are preferably coplanar relative to each other, and further which extend generally coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the customer lock  179 . Thus, the base portion  198  is generally rectangular in cross sectional profile, and may suitably also feature arcuate faces as the front and rear faces thereof.  
      The tailpiece  196  preferably also includes the projecting portion  200  that generally extends from the base portion  198  away from the customer lock  179 . the projecting portion  200  is preferably provided as a generally cylindrical member, optionally featuring opposed and generally planar side faces, similar to the planar side faces of the base portion  198 . The projecting portion  198  may suitably also includes a generally cylindrical recess  202  disposed therein, an open end of which is generally disposed along a terminal face of the projecting portion  198 .  
      Turning now to  FIG. 8 , the customer interface  104  suitably also includes the gear  180  that generally provides an operable interface between the customer lock  179  and the locking mechanism  106 . In a preferred embodiment, the gear  180  is provided as a generally disc-like member having a plurality of teeth  204  circumferentially disposed thereabout. As will be more fully explained hereinafter, the teeth  204  are preferably adapted to engage complementary structure on the locking mechanism  106  for actuation of the same.  
      The gear  180  preferably also includes various structure that permits the gear  180  to associate with both the housing  101  and the customer lock  179 . As previously mentioned, the housing  101  preferably includes the projection  138  that is provided as a generally cylindrical member extending from the top face  134  of the base wall  120 . Accordingly, the gear  180  preferably includes an aperture that permits rotatable engagement between the gear  180  and the projection  138 . Even more preferably, the aperture is preferably disposed concentrically within the gear  180  so that rotation of the gear  180  occurs along a continuous axis of rotation.  
      The gear  180  suitably also includes structure for interfacing with the customer lock  179  tailpiece  196  and accepting rotation thereof. Even more preferably, the gear  180  structure is provided in a shape generally complementary to the preferred tailpiece  196  structure so that a tight fit is achieved between the tailpiece  196  and the gear  180  for smooth and durable operation. With continued reference to  FIG. 8 , the gear  180  preferably includes a pair of shoulders  206  and a cylindrical portion  208  disposed therebetween. The shoulders  206  are preferably spaced apart from each other about the cylindrical portion  208  (a central portion of which accepts the projection  138 ), and each preferably include a face. The shoulders&#39;  206  faces are preferably coplanar to each other and generally extend coaxially relative to the longitudinal axis of the customer lock  179 . In this configuration, the gear  180  shoulders  206  are preferably adapted to securely receive the tailpiece  196  base portion  198 , particularly the side faces thereof, therebetween. Because the tailpiece  196  base portion  198  side faces flushly abut the gear  180  shoulders  206 , rotation of the tailpiece  196  (suitably caused by rotation of the plug  188 ) is securely and repeatably translated to the gear  180 .  
      The gear  180  also preferably includes the cylindrical portion  208  disposed between the shoulder  206 . The cylindrical portion  208  generally includes the gear  180  aperture that permits the gear  108  to associate with the housing  101  projection  138 . The cylindrical portion  208  is preferably also configured so as to receive the tailpiece  196  projecting portion  200  therein. In that regard, the tailpiece  196  cylindrical recess  202  is generally disposed so as to communicate with the housing  101  projection  138  that extends through the gear  180  aperture and into contact with the tailpiece  196  cylindrical recess  202 .  
      As previously mentioned, the lock assembly  100  preferably also includes the locking mechanism  106  that provides a structure capable of releasably engaging structure on the safe deposit box for locking the safe deposit box thereto. More specifically and with reference to  FIG. 1 , the locking mechanism  106  is preferably provided as a bolt-like member capable of retraction toward the lock assembly  100  (thereby enabling the safe deposit box door  102  to be opened), and extension away from the lock assembly  100  into engagement with complementary structure on the safe deposit box, which engagement suitably prevents the door  102  from being opened, absent actuation by the proper customer-issued key.  
      Turning now to  FIG. 8 , the locking mechanism  106  is preferably provided as a generally planar member having a base portion  224  and a bolt portion  226 . The base portion  224  is preferably provided as a generally rectangular member having a top edge  244 , a bottom edge  246 , a left edge  248  and a right edge  250 . The top edge  244  is preferably disposed in general proximity to the casing  108  rear wall  116 ; the bottom edge  246  is preferably disposed in general proximity to the casing  108  front wall  118 ; the left edge  248  is preferably disposed in general proximity to the casing  108  left side wall  112 ; and the right edge  250  is preferably disposed in general proximity to the casing  108  right side wall  114 .  
      The locking mechanism  106  base portion  224  top edge  244  is preferably provided as a generally linear feature adapted to remain in general proximity to the casing  108  rear wall  116 . In an embodiment in which the casing  108  includes the support boss  150 , the top edge  244  may suitably include a partially cut away portion to permit the base portion  224  to slide unimpeded relative to the support boss  150 .  
      The locking mechanism  106  base portion  224  bottom edge  246  is preferably adapted to remain in general proximity to the casing  108  front wall  118 . Even more preferably, the customer interface  104 , particularly the customer lock  179  thereof, is disposed between the locking mechanism  106  base portion  224  and the casing  108  front wall  118 . Accordingly, the bottom edge  246  generally provides a ready site for interface between the gear  180  and the locking mechanism  106 . As previously mentioned, the gear  180  preferably includes a plurality of teeth  204  disposed circumferentially thereabout. Further thereto, the locking mechanism  106  bottom edge  246  preferably includes a plurality of corresponding teeth  252  that are adapted to engage the gear  180  teeth  204 . In a preferred embodiment, the bottom edge  246  teeth  252  are preferably arranged seriatim and/or generally linearly therealong. Accordingly, rotation of the gear  180  suitably causes translation of the locking mechanism  106  along a linear path.  
      The locking mechanism  106  base portion  224  left edge  248  suitably terminates into the bolt portion  226 . Various aspects of the bolt portion  226  will be more fully described hereinafter.  
      The locking mechanism  106  base portion  224  right edge  250  is preferably adapted to remain in general proximity to the casing  108  right side wall  114 . In general, the right edge  250  is provided as a generally linear face disposed generally perpendicularly to the casing  108  front and rear walls  116 ,  118 , respectively. As will be more fully explained hereinafter, the customer interface  104  of the present invention may suitably also include the guard lock mechanism  182 , which mechanism  182  may suitably include a rotatable cam-like member that is adapted to interface with the locking mechanism  106 . In this embodiment, the guard lock mechanism  182  cam may suitably interface with the locking mechanism  106  right edge  250 , as will be more fully explained hereinafter.  
      The locking mechanism  106  base portion  224  may suitably include various structure that enables it to engage the housing  101 . As previously mentioned, the locking mechanism  106  is preferably slidably disposed within the housing  101 . Accordingly, the housing  101  structure that engages the locking mechanism  106  is preferably provided as any structure that enables such slidable association. With continued reference to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the locking mechanism  106  base portion  224  may suitably include a channel  254  that extends within the base portion  224 , and generally coaxially with the longitudinal axis thereof. As also previously mentioned, the casing  108  preferably includes one or more projections  142  that extend from the casing  108  base wall  120 . Accordingly, the base portion  224  channel  254  is preferably adapted to receive the casing  108  projections  142  therethrough and slide relative thereto.  
      Turning now to a discussion of the locking mechanism  106  bolt portion  226  and with continued reference to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the bolt portion  226  generally provides an operable element of the locking mechanism  106  that is capable of selectably engaging the safe deposit box. The bolt portion  226  is preferably provided as a generally rectangular member extending from the locking mechanism  106  base portion  224  left edge  248 . In this configuration, the bolt portion  226  is generally configured to extend through the housing  101  aperture  124  ( FIG. 7 ) for engagement with the safe deposit box, and to retract through the housing  101  aperture  124  for selective safe deposit box door  102  opening.  
      Turning now to a continued discussion of the customer interface  104 , the customer interface  104  may suitably also include the guard lock mechanism  182 . Under certain circumstances, it may be desirable to provide a dual means for restricting access to the contents of a safe deposit box. In such a dual means system, the first means is preferably provided by the customer lock  179  that requires a customer to actuate the customer lock  179  with the customer-issued key. The second means may suitably be provided by the guard lock mechanism  182  that also must be actuated by a corresponding guard key before the lock assembly  100  may be actuated. Such a guard key may suitably be maintained by an authorized individual (e.g., an employee of the institution in which the collection of safe deposit boxes is housed) who must first actuate the guard lock mechanism  182  before the customer lock  179  may be actuated. The use of such a dual means system provides an additional level of security by requiring an institutional authorized individual to first permit the customer to access the customer safe deposit box. It is to be appreciated, however, that the guard lock mechanism  182  is an optional element of the lock assembly  100 , and may suitably be omitted therefrom.  
      The guard lock mechanism  182 , if optionally present, may be provided as any element capable of accomplishing the aims of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, the guard lock mechanism  182  generally includes a conventional pin-style tumbler guard lock  210  and an associated cam  184 . The guard lock  210  may be provided as any suitable lock capable of accepting a key and translating key-based actuation into cam  184  actuation. The guard lock  210  may be a high security lock, a standard security lock, or any other style of lock. Accordingly, it is to be appreciated that the foregoing discussion of the customer lock  179  is generally applicable to the guard lock  210 , and that the guard lock  210  may feature one or more of the elements of the customer lock  179  (e.g., cylinder case, plug, keyway, upper pin chambers, lower pin chambers, etc.).  
      Similar to the customer lock  179 , the guard lock  210  preferably includes a face  212  that is provided in relatively larger dimensions than the cylinder case thereof. Also similar to the customer lock  179 , the guard lock  210 , as a component of the customer interface  104 , preferably includes various structure that permits an authorized individual to engage the guard lock mechanism  182  when the safe deposit box door  102  is in a closed configuration. Accordingly, the customer interface  104  suitably includes structure that is accessible from the outside of the safe deposit box door  102 . In that regard, the guard lock  210  preferably includes a terminal face having dimensions relatively larger than the dimensions of its cylinder case. As previously described, the door  102  suitably includes an aperture similar to the plate  110  aperture  164  through which the guard lock  210  is generally disposed. Therefore, dimensioning the guard lock  210  face  212  as a member relatively larger than the cylinder case suitably provides a means for securely disposing a portion of the guard lock  210  outside the safe deposit box door for ready access.  
      Turning now to  FIG. 6 , the guard lock  210  preferably includes a tailpiece  220  that is operably associated with the guard lock  210  plug, in a manner generally similar to the customer lock  179  and its tailpiece  220 . In a preferred embodiment, the tailpiece  220  is provided as a substantially square member having a relatively low vertical profile. As will be more fully explained hereinafter, the preferred square configuration of the tailpiece  220  is generally adapted to interface with complementary structure of the cam  184 . Also similar to the customer lock  179  tailpiece  220 , the guard lock  210  tailpiece  220  preferably also includes a cylindrical recess  222  for engaging the casing  108  projection  140 , as will be more fully described.  
      Turning now to  FIG. 7 , the guard lock mechanism  182 , if optionally present, may suitably also include the cam  184 . As previously mentioned, the cam  184  may suitably function in connection with a dual access restriction approach for the lock assembly  100 . More specifically, the cam  184  preferably operates in conjunction with the guard lock  210  to restrict actuation of the locking mechanism  106 . In that regard, the cam  184  is preferably adapted to alternate between an open and/or on configuration ( FIG. 8 ) and a closed and/or off configuration ( FIG. 7 ). In the open configuration, the cam  184  is rotated away from the locking mechanism  106 , particularly the base portion  224  thereof, thereby permitting the locking mechanism  106  to withdraw into the housing  101  and enabling the door  102  to be opened. In the closed configuration, the cam  184  is rotated toward the locking mechanism  106  and generally rests in abutting contact with the base portion  224  right edge  250 . In this embodiment, the cam  184  is not able to freely rotate because of its association with the guard lock  210 . Accordingly, when the cam  184  is in the closed configuration, the locking mechanism  106  is prevented from withdrawing into the housing  101 , thereby preventing the safe deposit box door  102  from being opened.  
      Certain advantages may be realized by configuring the customer interface  104  to include both the customer lock mechanism  178  and the guard lock mechanism  182 . As previously mentioned, a conventional safe deposit box lock typically incorporates both a customer lock mechanism and a guard lock mechanism. However, actuation of the safe deposit box requires simultaneous actuation of both the customer lock mechanism and the guard lock mechanism. More specifically, both lock mechanisms must have a corresponding key inserted therein, and both keys must be turned at the same time to actuate the lock. As evident, this conventional approach produces undesirable results. For example, an official, such as a bank employee, a hotel employee, etc., must be present for a customer to gain access to his/her safe deposit box, thereby preventing customers from self serving their access needs.  
      The lock assembly  100  of the present invention, especially in connection with the customer lock mechanism  178  and guard lock mechanism  182  embodiment, suitably overcomes the simultaneous actuation limitation of conventional safe deposit box locks. The inclusion of the guard lock mechanism  182  suitably enables the lock assembly  100  to be disposed in either an “on” configuration or an “off” configuration. As previously mentioned, the customer lock mechanism  178  and the guard lock mechanism  182  are preferably independently actuable. As also previously mentioned, if the guard lock mechanism  182  is present, it must be actuated before the lock assembly  100  can be opened. Accordingly, the guard lock mechanism  182  may suitably be independently actuated to dispose the lock assembly  100  in either the on or off configuration.  
      In connection with a preferred embodiment, the configuration of the guard lock mechanism  182  determines whether the lock assembly  100  is in the off configuration or the on configuration. For example, if the guard lock mechanism  182  is locked (i.e., its cam  184  is disposed against the locking mechanism  106  and thereby prevents movement thereof), the lock assembly  100  is in the off configuration, thereby preventing actuation of the lock assembly  100  absent actuation of the guard lock mechanism  182 . By way of continued example, if the guard lock mechanism  182  is unlocked (i.e., its cam  184  is rotated away from the locking mechanism  106 , thereby enabling movement thereof), the lock assembly  100  is in the on configuration. When the lock assembly  100  is in the on configuration, customer self service is possible, i.e., a customer may actuate the lock assembly  100  and gain access to the contents of the safe deposit box without the continued assistance of an official.  
      The ability to turn the lock assembly  100  either on or off may present certain advantages. As previously mentioned, customer self service is possible, thereby eliminating the need for a, e.g., bank official to monitor a customer&#39;s usage. However, the continued ability to turn the lock assembly  100  on or off eliminates complications inherent in such self service. Thus, for example, if a customer has failed to satisfy financial obligations associated with use of a safe deposit box, the lock assembly  100  may be disposed in the off configuration for preventing customer access until the obligations are met. By way of additional example, if a customer becomes entangled in a legal action, such as an Internal Revenue Service investigation, the lock assembly  100  may be disposed in the off configuration to comply with a legal mandate.  
      As previously mentioned, the lock assembly  100  is preferably actuable by a customer issued key having a profile corresponding to the actuation configuration. The key may suitably also contribute to the preferred self service aspects of the lock assembly  100 . For example, the key may suitably be provided as a convenience key. A convenience key can operate a lock regardless of the orientation of the key when inserted into the keyway. Conventional keys can typically be inserted into a lock in two orientations, an up orientation and a down orientation, each of which orientations is generally a one hundred and eighty degree rotational inverse of the other. Conventional keys typically require insertion into a lock in only one of the two configurations for actuation to occur. In contrast, convenience keys may suitably actuate a lock regardless of whether the convenience key is inserted into the lock in an up orientation or a down orientation. Thus, the use of a convenience key suitably supports customer self service by reducing the likelihood that a customer will encounter difficulty in actuating the lock assembly  100 .  
      A discussion will now be presented illustrating an example method by which the lock assembly  100  may suitably be associated with a safe deposit box door  102 . In a preferred embodiment, the customer lock  179 , preferably as an item not associated with the remainder of the lock assembly  100 , is preferably inserted into the door  102  aperture  162 . The guard lock  210 , if optionally present, may suitably also be inserted in a similar manner through the door  102  aperture  164 . Thereafter, the housing  101  (here generally constituted by the casing  108 , the support plate  110 , the gear  180 , the locking mechanism  106 , and, optionally, the cam  184 ), preferably along its support plate  110 , is brought into abutting contact with a rear face of the door  102 . As the housing  101  is brought into such contact, rear portions of the customer lock  179  and, optionally, the guard lock  210  enter the housing  101  inner cavity  122 , thereby bringing the tailpieces  196 ,  220  into communicable association with the gear  180  and cam  184 .  
      As previously mentioned, the lock assembly  100  of the present invention preferably also includes means for securing the customer lock  179  and, optionally, the guard lock  210  to the housing  101 . As also previously mentioned, the support plate  110  preferably includes a first pair of shoulders  170   a ,  170   b  and a second pair of shoulder  174   a ,  174   b . Each pair of shoulders  170   a ,  170   b ,  174   a ,  174   b  preferably provides a substrate against which the customer lock  179  and the guard lock  210  may suitably be secured. The shoulders  170   a ,  170   b ,  174   a ,  174   b  preferably each also include the bores  172   a ,  172   b ,  176   a ,  176   b  that permit a fastener, such as a set screw, to be disposed within the bores  172   a ,  172   b ,  176   a ,  176   b  and engage complementary receiving structure on the customer lock  179  and guard lock  210 . Thus, in operation, once the rear portions of the customer lock  179  and the guard lock  210  have been brought into the housing  101  inner cavity  122 , the set screw-like fastener is preferably tightened, thereby anchoring the customer lock  179  and, optionally, guard lock  210  relative to the housing  101 . The casing  108  arcuate portions  128 ,  130  generally provide a means for accessing the fasteners with, e.g., an allen wrench or similar means.  
      Thus, because of the ease of installation of the lock assembly  100  of the present invention, it is to be appreciated that the lock assembly  100  may suitably be associated with any convention safe deposit box door  102 . Even more advantageously, such a conventional safe deposit box door  102  may have its existing lock assembly removed and replaced by the lock assembly  100  of the present invention, thereby ensuring a relatively seamless transition.  
      The lock assembly  100  of the present invention may suitably interface with other elements to increase the level of security afforded thereby. In connection with a preferred embodiment, the lock assembly  100  actual lock mechanism(s) (e.g., the customer lock mechanism  178 , the guard lock mechanism  182 , etc.) may be selected on the basis proprietary technology. For example, there are several commercially available lock mechanisms that are actuable only by a proprietary key. Such a proprietary key is typically subject to one or more patents that protect various aspects, such as the physical configuration of the key (e.g., key blank features, key blade features, key shoulder features, etc.), various means by which such a key is machined, etc. Accordingly, such keys are non-duplicable and are only produced in accordance with strict guidelines. Examples of lock systems subject to proprietary aspects include, by way of non-limiting example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,477,875 to Field et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,176,015 to Sussina, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,520,035 to Eizen et al., the contents of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.  
      As previously mentioned, the ability of the lock assembly  100  to adopt any one of many different actuation configurations renders it highly unlikely that a given collection of safe deposit boxes would feature two lock assemblies  100  having the same actuation configuration. However, various additional measures may be employed to completely eliminate the possibility that a collection features two identically keyed lock assemblies  100 , as will be more fully explained.  
      An example system that eliminates the possibility of repeating lock assemblies  100  within a given collection of safe deposit boxes will now be discussed. Once a lock has been identified for use as the lock assembly  100  customer lock  179 , every potential actuation configuration therefor may suitably be predicted. More specifically, once the lock has been identified and its components understood (e.g., the number of pin chambers, etc.), a systematic approach may be undertaken to predict every potential actuation configuration that the lock can adopt. In a preferred embodiment, a data processing device (e.g., a computer) executing an appropriate set of instructions is employed to predict the potential actuation configurations.  
      Once all possible actuation configurations have been predicted, a database is preferably assembled that lists each configuration and all relevant information therefor. The relevant information preferably includes such information as the actual actuation configuration, the profile that a key must feature to actuate the actuation configuration, and the like. Further, each database entry (with each entry generally corresponding to a discrete actuation configuration) is preferably assigned a unique identification, such as a serial number. The serial number preferably enables ready identification of the actuation configuration and the key profile therefor.  
      After the database is assembled, a plurality of lock assemblies  100  may suitably be manufactured, with each featuring a different customer lock  179 . More specifically, depending on the number of lock assemblies  100  identified for manufacture, a corresponding number of database entries (i.e., actuation configurations) is selected. The database entry information is used to provide a corresponding number of customer locks  179 , with each of the customer locks  179  incorporating a different actuation configuration. Accordingly, because the customer locks  179  are provided in accordance with a different actuation configuration, it is known with certainty that the lock assemblies  100  incorporating the customer locks  179  are each different, and that none will he identically keyed.  
      The customer locks  179  provided in accordance with the database information may suitably each include information that enables ready identification of which actuation configuration each features. With best reference to  FIG. 9 , the customer lock  179  may suitably include a written indicium, such as a number  214 , associated therewith, which indicium enables ready identification of which actuation configuration the customer lock  179  features. As previously mentioned, the database detailing all possible actuation configurations suitably lists each actuation configuration as a separate entry, and a unique identification is associated with each entry. Similarly, the number  214  associated with the lock  179  preferably corresponds with the unique identification used in the database. Accordingly, the association of the number  214  with the lock  179  enables ready identification of which actuation configurations have been used, thereby avoiding duplication of actuation configurations.  
      The written indicium, preferably provided as the number  214 , may be associated with the customer lock  179  in any suitable manner and in any appropriate location. For example, the number  214  may suitably be laser etched onto the lock  179 , printed on a sticker-like decal which is separately associated with the lock  179 , or any other suitable means.  
      In connection with a preferred embodiment, the number  214  is associated with a portion of the lock  179  that is visible when the safe deposit box to which the assembly  100  is associated is in a locked configuration. A preferred portion of the lock is one generally in proximity to the keyway  190 , as generally shown in  FIG. 9 .  
      The positioning of the number  214  for ready inspection when the safe deposit box door is in a closed configuration may provide certain advantages. As previously mentioned, the assembled database preferably includes information that ties each number  214  to its corresponding actuation configuration. Accordingly, in the event that a customer loses his/her key, a duplicate key can be provided by reading the number  214 , identifying the database entry that corresponds to the number  214  and producing a duplicate key in accordance with the information provided in the database entry.  
      In yet another preferred embodiment, the database listing all actuation configuration and number  214  data is maintained as generally confidential and in a manner inaccessible to individuals associated with a collection of safe deposit boxes incorporating lock assemblies  100  constructed in accordance with the database. For example, the database may suitably be maintained by a manufacturer of the lock assemblies  100 , or a suitably party appointed by the manufacturer. In practice, the manufacturer typically provides the lock assemblies  100  to an institution, such as a bank, which institution then installs the lock assemblies  100  in various locations. The institution is preferably not given access to the database, while the manufacturer is also preferably not given access to information identifying the exact location of the lock assemblies  100 . Accordingly, a double blind situation is established by which neither the manufacturer (or other database manager) nor the institution has sufficient information available to it to gain access to safe deposit boxes incorporating the lock assemblies  100 . Thus, in the event that a customer loses his/her key, an official of the institution suitably informs the manufacturer of the number  214  of the subject lock assembly  100 , whereupon the manufacturer first authenticates the request, identifies the actuation configuration through the database, produces a replacement key, and then provides the replacement key to the institution for customer use. This approach suitably overcomes the conventional approach of completely replacing a lock assembly in the event that a customer loses a key.  
      Although the invention has been described with regard to certain preferred example embodiments, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made by way of example only, and that improvements, changes and modifications in the details of construction and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Such improvements, changes and modifications within the skill of the art are intended to be covered by the scope of the appended claims.