Patent Publication Number: US-2020284075-A1

Title: Two piece key and receiving housing for use as a lockout assembly for deactivating a press or robotic cel

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the priority of U.S. Ser. No. 62/814,902 filed Mar. 7, 2019, which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present application discloses a two piece lockout assembly, including in a first variant a simplified cross sectional shaped (such as cylindrical) key insertion portion and mating outer cross sectional shaped lockout frame mounted key receiving housing portion. The two piece assembly further provides, in combination, press retractable bearings, spheres or other circumferential projections in combination with a seat arrangement for providing quick single handed removal of the frame mounted lockout housing body by the user, regardless the rotational orientation of inserted key portion relative to the fixed outer receiving portion. 
     In a second variant, the two piece assembly again includes a cylindrical or other like shaped key insertion portion. A reconfiguration of the lockout housing includes an inlet aperture for receiving the insertion portion, the housing including an interior configuration with a further cylindrical displaceable portion which, upon being engaged by the insertion portion, actuates a pair of laterally displaceable and arcuate shaped clasp elements pivotally supported to the housing to pivot open for removing the lock/lockout assembly. 
     Without limitation, the reconfigured housing of the second variant can engage through a door frame proximate located aperture in order to operate as either a lockout style housing in similar fashion to the outer mounted portion of the first variant, such as again to maintain the lockout cell door opened so that the powered equipment/press remains in a non-operating and bypassed condition. Alternatively, the housing can be reconfigured in a fashion similar to a conventional padlock shaped body and so that the clasp elements can engage a door or panel enclosure to maintain the same in a closed or locked configuration within a supporting frame structure and according to additional potential applications. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The prior art is documented with lock-out key assemblies, such as which can be used with an access door of a robotic cell or cage. As is known, normal operation of the press or other power equipment within the cell/enclosure requires that the door be closed relative to the surrounding frame in order close a circuit for providing power to the equipment during normal operation. 
     During times in which access to the interior of the cell is required, such as by a technician for conducting any of servicing, repair or recalibration of the equipment, industrial regulations require that the door be “locked out” or maintained in an open condition relative to the surrounding frame, such that the circuit is opened and power thereby disconnected to the press or other machinery. As such, the purpose of establishing the lock-out condition is to isolate the door in the open position, thereby deactivating power to the robot or press, and preventing the door from being reclosed until the lock is removed and following departure of the technician from within the cell. 
     Traditional lockout assemblies typically include a conventional padlock which is attached to an aperture location of a frame or jamb surrounding the cell door and, when engaged, extending within the interior frame opening to prevent the associated door from being closed. Unless a combination style lock is used, a key is typically utilized by the operator/technician in deactivating and locking open the cell/cage door. 
     Examples of other existing assemblies also include the key switch of Braun, U.S. Pat. No. 4,980,524 which is operable by a cylinder lock. Braun further teaches a cylinder housing is provided, with a cylinder core arranged to be rotatable within the housing. The housing is coupled with a non-conducting switch rotor and a switch casing base, in which the switching arrangement is located and the switch rotor is guided. Other examples of key switch assemblies include that disclosed in Takenaka U.S. Pat. No. 7,345,252 and Kajio U.S. Pat. No. 6,307,167. 
     SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     The present invention discloses a two piece key and removable lock assembly, such again including an inserting key portion and a lockout portion for receiving the inserting key portion at any rotational orientation, thereby allowing removal of the lockout portion along with the inserting key portion from the cell frame. In a first variant, the lockout cell mounting portion includes an outer receiving housing having an elongated body adapted to being engaged within an opening in a frame location associated with a door, the outer housing (also termed an outer key portion) further including at least one laterally projecting portion which, upon the outer key portion being installed with the assistance of the inner key engaging portion, prevents axial withdrawal from the frame location (again to maintain the open circuit lockout condition to the press equipment). 
     The inner key inserting portion exhibits an end face profile which, upon being engaged through a passageway or opening in the outer receiving housing, contacts an opposing mating profile of the intermediate component, such provided in the form of the elongated pins supported within the receiving housing in extending fashion through the intermediate component, with displacement of the pins resulting from contact of the keyed inserting portion in turn acting against displaceable slides causing the laterally projecting portion to become circumferentially retracted into an interior of the outer key portion, subsequently permitting withdrawing removal of the combined inner key and receiving body. 
     Additional features include the lockout cell mounting portion having a body with an interior configuration for supporting at least one, and typically a pair of the linearly displacing slides for seating the elongated pins, a notched lateral exterior location configured in each of the slides aligning with the projecting portions to facilitate each of install or removal actions. The at least one laterally projecting portion may further include a pair of spheres or other elements, which can further include, without limitation, a spherical ball of like element which (in the engaged lockout condition) projects outwardly of a circumferential outer surface defining the outer housing to prevent the same from being removed from the lockout cell or frame. 
     The at least one slide can further include a pair of slides responsive to keyed displacement of the elongated pins or portions on opposite side locations of the housing body. The slides are further shown positioned in a side-by-side configuration within the outer key portion. Alternatively, the slides can be positioned in a stacked arrangement within the outer body or key portion, allowing for each slide to engage both of the projecting spheres or other configured projecting elements. 
     The opposing end profile of the intermediate component supported within the outer receiving body (again also termed an outer key portion or lockout frame mounted portion), may include a coaxial arrangement of projecting rings according to a given axial length and diameter and which, upon being contacted by the opposed mating profile of the inserting key portion, resulting in a keyed displacement of the elongated pins extending through the intermediate component in order to displace the slides to a position in which the spheres align with the outer recesses or notches in the slides and the apertures formed in the sides of the lockout housing for retracting the spherical elements. The axial projecting rings of the inner key portion are therefore keyed to a specific length and diameter pattern which is sized to match a specific opposing pattern defined in the intermediate component of the lockout housing member and in order to determine a degree of axial displacement of the slides and spheres within the outer key (our lockout cell housing mounted) portion. 
     A pair of annular recessed valleys are configured into a forward facing end of the intermediate component and communicates with additional seating recesses configured within a rearward facing end through which are received elongated pins projecting from the slides. The springs bias the slides in a direction towards the open end of the outer key portion. An interior wall supports the slides at an intermediate location of the outer key portion separating the open end and a closed distal end. 
     Axial displacement of the axial projecting rings causes the elongated pins to displace forwardly from the fixed intermediate component to contact and displace the slides to retract the spheres within the outer key portion interior. The lateral projecting portions can again further include any of a sphere, rectangular, or other shape bearing or like projection for preventing axial withdrawal in the lockout condition and without the matching key inserting portion being engaged within the lockout frame mounted housing to allow the side projecting spheres/pins to inwardly seat within the circumference of the lockout housing to establish a smooth circumferential surface for either installation or removal of the lockout mounting portion. 
     In a second variant, the key assembly includes a similarly configured cylindrical key insertion portion, with the key receiving portion (also termed as either of a lock or lockout housing) including a housing body having an inlet aperture for receiving the key insertion portion. The lock/lockout housing include an interior configuration with a further cylindrical or similar shaped intermediate component supported within an interior track profile and which, upon being engaged by the insertion portion, allowing the insertion portion to influence a pair of elongated pins extending through the intermediate component to displace interior located slides for in turn causing a pair of spring loaded clasp elements pivotally mounted to the lockout housing to pivot in an outwardly laterally spaced and open forward end position. 
     The pair of slides are again configured in communication with the inner displaceable elongated pins and, in response to notches configured in the slides being displaced into alignment with opposing arrayed inward projections configured at inner ends of the clasp elements, providing quick single handed bypass/switch engagement by the user, again irrespective of the rotational orientation of position of the insert portion of the key relative to the outer receiving portion; 
     Secondary springs can be embedded in the lock/lockout mounting housing for biasing the slides in a direction relative to the clasps to maintain their forward projecting ends in an opposing abutting and locked position. The slides also include underside tabs which are biased by the embedded secondary springs toward the key inserting end of the lock housing to maintain the outer configured recess notches of the slides out of alignment with the inward clasps engaging end portions and to thereby prevent inadvertent opening (defined again as outward pivoting and lateral displacement) of the clasp elements at their opposing and contacting forward ends of the clasps which are located on an opposite side of the pivot mount to the inward end projections. Upon inserting engagement of the inner cylindrical portion with the mating receiving portion, the notches in the displaceable slides are aligned with the inward pin projections of the clasp elements, at which point an additional biasing spring extending in a lateral or width extending direction within a forward interior of the lockout housing between the clasps influences the same to pivot their forward ends outwardly to the open position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Reference will now be made to the attached drawings, when read in combination with the following detailed description, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective illustration of a two piece key assembly according to one variant of the present invention having an cylindrical insertion portion and outer cylindrical recessed and receiving portion; 
         FIG. 2  is a partial axial cutaway view of the two piece key assembly of  FIG. 1  and further depicting, in combination, a press retractable bearing and seat arrangement for providing quick single handed bypass/switch engagement by the user irrespective of the rotational position of the insert portion of the key relative to the fixed outer receiving portion. 
         FIG. 3  is a rotated axial cutaway and exploded view based on the illustration of  FIG. 2  and further showing a unique and variable combination of coaxial pin seating locations associated with the projecting sleeves/rings associated with the inner key inserting portion, these positioned relative to a fixed intermediate component which is in turn integrated into the outer key (pin) portion and which seats the pins projecting from the slides for engagement by the coaxially aligned and linearly offset rings of the inner key inserting portion in order to establish the desired keyed engagement between the first and second key portions; 
         FIG. 4  is a further rotated view of  FIG. 3  and depicting the pair of pins and interconnected and spring-bias supported slides incorporated into the outer cylindrical receiving portion and which, upon insertion of the keyed rings or sleeves of the first keyed portion within the coaxial recesses of the fixed intermediate component, act upon the pins, in turn causing keyed linear displacement of the slides which, upon matching the correct inner key portion, facilitates displacement of side projecting balls, spheres or other configured seating portions in an inward recessing direction (laterally) relative to side pockets configured into the slides, again upon the pockets aligning with lateral apertures configured into the housing of the outer cylindrical portion; 
         FIG. 4A  is an enlarged partial perspective of the first key inserting portion with unique combination of dual ring diameter of varied lengths for seating with the opposing coaxial recesses of the fixed intermediate component; 
         FIG. 4B  is a rotated illustration of  FIG. 4A  and further showing the key ring diameters integrated into the intermediate component which exhibit matching valleys for receiving the coaxially spaced and varied linear projecting sleeve portions of the dual ring diameter portions of the first key inserting portion; 
         FIG. 4C  is a further rotated illustration of the fixed intermediate component and further showing the pin receiving locations configured within the intermediate component for seating the pins projecting from the linearly displaceably supported slides; 
         FIG. 4D  is an enlarged axial cutaway illustration depicting the keyed engagement of the varied axial projecting sleeve portions (or rings) of the first key inserting portion with the pins, the unique axial length of each first key inserting sleeve/ring in turn causing varying displacement of the slides to align their outer lateral recesses to permit retraction of the balls/spheres integrated into the outer receiving portion; 
         FIG. 5  is a further rotated linear cutaway of  FIG. 2 , similar to that shown in  FIG. 4D , and better illustrating the inner key portion fully inserted, thus causing the offset rings/sleeves in engagement with the pins extending through the intermediate fixed component, and in turn pressing/displacing the slides into correct position for retracting the engagement spheres and accomplishing removal of the outer cylindrical (pin) portion, via inward seating displacement of the spheres within the pockets; 
         FIG. 6  is an environmental illustration of the two piece key in an initial install configuration associated with a frame location of a lockout cell door; 
         FIG. 7  is a crosswise cutaway view taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 6  and depicting the removal of the inner (inserting) key portion, with the outer (pin) portion retained within the open interior of the door frame and prevented from being axially retracted by the laterally projecting spheres abutting against inside edges of the door frame which define the insert aperture through which the outer key (pin) portion is installed; 
         FIG. 8  is an assembled perspective of the lockout key assembly similar to  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a cutaway perspective similar to  FIG. 3 , with the biasing coil springs removed; 
         FIG. 10  is a further linear cutaway of the key lockout assembly and further depicting the matching coaxial profile of the intermediate fixed component opposing that of a given coaxial sleeve or ring array of the first key inserting portion and, when viewed in combination with  FIG. 4 , further depicting the ability of the pins to seat in extending fashion though the receiving locations in the intermediate component so that the first key inserting portion, regardless of angular position, enables coaxial contact of the rings/sleeves against the pins for displacing the same according to the keyed profiles and for accomplishing each of key install or retraction relative to the cell/cage lockout door frame; 
         FIG. 11  is an illustration of an variant of the present invention, with the cylindrical configuration of the outer housing removed, and in which the slides are reconfigured in a stacked arrangement one atop the other, and as opposed to being positioned side-by-side, such allowing for each slide to engage both side positioned balls and requiring both slides to be in position before either ball will move to the unlocking/retracting position; 
         FIG. 12  is rotated side view of the configuration of  FIG. 11  and showing from another angle the alignment of the notches in the sides of the stacked plates for seating and retracting the balls to permit each of engagement and retraction; 
         FIG. 13  is a partial perspective cutaway of the stacked slide configuration of  FIGS. 11-12  and better illustrating the configuration of a coil biasing spring associated with each of the plates, located both above and below the stacked plates, and biased against the angled abutment portions  120  and  122 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective illustration of a two piece key assembly according to a further variant of the present invention having a cylindrical insertion portion and a lock housing having an inlet aperture for receiving the insertion portion, the housing including an interior configuration with a further cylindrical displaceable portion which, upon being engaged by the insertion portion, actuate a pair of laterally displaceable and arcuate shaped clasp elements; 
         FIG. 15  is a partial axial cutaway view of the two piece key assembly of  FIG. 14  and further depicting the spring loaded clasp elements pivoted to an outwardly laterally spaced and open position in response to notches configured in the slides aligning with opposing inward pin projections associated with the clasp elements for providing quick single handed bypass/switch engagement by the user irrespective of the rotational position of the insert portion of the key relative to the fixed outer receiving portion; 
         FIGS. 16 and 17  provide first and second rotated views of the assembly in  FIG. 15  and depicting the concentric arrayed rings associated with each of the opposing cylindrical portions of the inserting key and the mating receiving portion displaceably mounted within the lock housing; 
         FIG. 18  provides a further rotated and downward looking perspective illustration depicting the interior of the lock housing with the slides removed in order to illustrate embedded springs for biasing the slides in a direction relative to the clasps to maintain them in the locked position; 
         FIG. 19  is a further cutaway perspective showing the tabs associated with the slides which are biased by the embedded springs in  FIG. 18  toward the inserting end of the lock housing to prevent opening lateral displacement of the clasp elements; and 
         FIG. 20  is a succeeding illustration to  FIG. 18  depicting an inserting engagement of the inner cylindrical portion with a mating receiving portion so that the inward pin projections of the clasp elements align with and seat within the outward notches of the displaceable slides in order to permit the width extending biasing spring to pivot the clasp elements to the open position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-10 , the present invention discloses a two piece lockout key assembly, depicted generally at  10  in each of  FIGS. 1 and 8 . A sub-variant of a two piece lockout key assembly is further disclosed with reference to  FIGS. 11-13 , at  100 . A further embodiment of a two piece assembly is separately depicted at  200  with reference to succeeding  FIGS. 14-20 . 
     As will be further described, the lockout key assembly in any variant disclosed provides a simplified arrangement for keying in a paired fashion both of a specific and simplified first key insertion portion  12  and a second outer key receiving portion  14 , such further being defined interchangeably as a lockout mounted body or outer body portion for receiving the key inserting portion  12 . The two piece key assembly further provides, in combination, a press retractable bearing/sphere/ball or other pin and seat arrangement for providing quick single handed bypass/switch engagement by the user irrespective of the rotational position of the insert key portion  12  relative to the fixed outer receiving body or outer key portion  14  to provide either of paired engagement or removal of the two piece assembly from the robotic cell lockout enclosure. 
     Prior to a detailed description of the lockout key assembly, reference to  FIG. 6  depicts an environmental illustration of the two piece key in an initial install configuration associated with a frame location  2  of a lockout cell door, such as can be utilized in a powered cell arrangement for securing any of a robotic, press, arm or other process in which unanticipated contact with an operator, technician or other individual can result in injury or death. As previously described, it is desirable to provide a quick, effective and inexpensive assembly for ensuring the cell door remains in an open position (and thus power to the press or robot is short circuited to the open position) during any scheduled maintenance or downtime of the robot or press. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , an open interior (at  4 ) of the door frame  2  is shown and by which the previously installed outer key (pin) cylindrical body  14  is prevented from being axially retracted, this owing to the laterally projecting portions  16  (also termed balls, bearings or spheres) which are normally outwardly circumferentially projecting from the exterior circumferential surface of the inserted lockout portion  14 . While both the inner key inserting portion  12  and outer lockout cell mounted body  14  are shown having a cylindrical cross sectional shape, it envisioned and understood that the mating interface established between outer circumferential surface of the inserting key portion and the opposing receiving passageway configured within the outer lockout mounting body or portion  14  can also be reconfigured in other polygonal cross sectional shapes not limited to such as rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal or the like. 
     The outwardly displaced spheres  16 / 18  abut against inside edges (see further as depicted at  6  and  8 ) of the door frame  2  which define therebetween the insert aperture through which the outer lockout body portion  14  is installed. For purposes of the present description, the illustration of the laterally projecting portions are depicted as the spheres or balls, again at  16  and  18  as provided herein, with it further understood to most broadly represent any type of laterally displaceable pin which can further extend beyond a spherical shape to include any of a square, rectangular, other polygonal, arcuate, ellipsoidal or other shape seating portions. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , a perspective illustration is again shown of a two piece key assembly according to the initial variant  10  of the present invention having the cylindrical insertion portion  12  and outer cylindrical recessed and receiving body portion  14 , such being depicted in partially linear exploded fashion. The key assembly is constructed of any material not limited to metal, heavy duty plastic (e.g. nylon) or other material exhibiting the necessary properties. 
     As further shown, the inner and inserting key portion  12  also includes a flattened disk shaped gripping end portion  20  (this can also be substituted by other shapes or profiles).  FIG. 2  provides a partial cutaway view of the two piece key assembly of  FIG. 1  and further depicts, in combination, the press retractable bearings (also again shown in non-limiting example by balls or spheres  16  and  18 ) along with the seat arrangement for providing quick single handed bypass/switch engagement by the user, and without regard to the rotational position of the insert portion  12  of the key relative to the fixed outer receiving body portion  14 . As described above, and without limitation, the balls/spheres  16 / 18  can also be depicted in any other shape not limited to elliptical, oblong, arcuate, square or other polygonal shapes, such consistent with the recess profiles in the side walls of the receiving housing and the recessed configured in the edges of the associated displaceable slides. 
     A fixed intermediate component is depicted at  22  which is supported within an inner cylindrical surface location (see surface  24 ) of the outer cylindrical (pin) body  14  (see  FIG. 10 ) which defines a receiving passageway within which is inserted the inner key portion  12 . The fixed intermediate component  22  includes, as best again shown in  FIG. 10 , a pair or coaxial annular recesses, or valleys, shown at  26  and  26 ′ arranged between alternating outer  25  and inner  27  coaxially spaced solid portions (see also  FIGS. 4B and 4D ) of the intermediate component. 
     The inserting end portion of the inner key  12  depicts an outermost diameter end surface  28  (see  FIG. 4A ), from which axially projects coaxial outer  29  and inner  30  linearly spaced extending rings or sleeves (also annular walls), these in turn defining the desired engagement with the slides and pins associated with the second key portion  14  as will be further described. The dimensioning of the coaxial rings (again also sleeves or walls)  29 / 30  mates with the coaxial annular recesses  26  and  26 ′ configured between the coaxial solid portions  25 / 27  of the fixed intermediate component  22  and such that, upon inserting the keyed rings or sleeves  29  and  30  of the keyed portion  12  into the outer body  14 , the pins associated with the slides being seated within the fixed intermediate component  22  are caused to displace in a forward direction along with their associated slides and towards a distal end  32  of the outer pin portion  14 . 
       FIG. 3  is a rotated and exploded view of  FIG. 2  and further showing a unique and variable combination of coaxial seating diameters, see again outermost annular end face  28  of the inner key portion  12 , from which projecting outer annular coaxial portion  29  and a modified inner-most coaxial diameter portion  30 , this modified from that shown in  FIG. 10 , so that the inserting key portion  12  can be keyed to a specific configuration of annular recess pattern configured within the coaxial opposing arrangement of the intermediate component  22 . As shown, the fixed intermediate component  22  includes an end cap portion  34 , this defining an end face within which is configured a pair of pin receiving locations, shown at  36  and  36 ′. 
     As further shown in  FIG. 3 , supported within the cylindrical interior recess of the outer two piece key portion  14 , forward of the intermediate component  22 , are a pair of linearly displaceable slides  38  and  40 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the slides  38  and  40  each include an elongated, rectangular three dimensional shape, with each exhibiting an outer lateral notch (see at  42  for slide  38  and further at  44  for slide  40 ). As will be further described, the laterally outwardly configured notches  42 / 44  in the slides are aligned with recess locations of the outer body housing  14 , within which reside the balls or spheres  16 / 18  and, upon which are caused to seat inwardly from the position shown in  FIG. 7 , by which the outer cylindrical key body or outer portion  14  is then permitted to be removed from the lockout cell. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 4 , the slides  38 / 40  are supported in a limited linear displaceable fashion within a forward end of the outer body  14  and seated through the receiving locations  36 / 36 ′ in the intermediate component  22  so that the pins (shown at  52  and  54 ) project within the communicating coaxial recesses or valleys  26 / 26 ′ in the intermediate component. As further shown, a midpoint located interior wall  46  in the outer body  14  defines a rearward most displaced position of the slides  38 / 40  as influenced by a pair of coil springs  48  and  50  which in turn seat within forward-most cylindrical pockets (see at  49  and  51  in  FIG. 9 ) within the outer body  14 , these in communication with the forward distal end  32 . The pair of elongated pins  52  and  54  accordingly extend from inner facing ends of the slides  38  and  40 , with the pins  52 / 54  projecting through cutout locations  56  of the interior wall  46  (see again  FIG. 4 ) before extending into the fixed intermediate component  22  via the receiving locations  36 / 36 ′ and communicating valleys  26 / 26 ′ in the manner described. 
     With reference to  FIG. 4A , it provides an enlarged partial perspective of the first key inserting portion, again at  12 , with the unique combination of dual ring diameter sleeves of varied lengths  29  and  30 , again for seating within the opposing coaxial recesses or valleys ( 26  and  26 ′) defined of the fixed intermediate component  22 .  FIG. 4B  is a rotated illustration of  FIG. 4A  and further shows the key ring diameters  25 / 27  integrated into the intermediate component which exhibit matching valleys  26 / 26 ′ for receiving the coaxially spaced and varied linear projecting sleeve portions  29  and  30  of the dual ring diameter portions of the first key inserting portion  12 . 
     Proceeding to  FIG. 4C , a further rotated illustration is shown of the fixed intermediate component  22 , and further showing the pin receiving locations configured within the intermediate component for seating the pins  52 / 54  projecting from the linearly displaceably supported slides ( 38  and  40 ). This is better illustrated with succeeding reference to  FIG. 4D  which provides an enlarged axial cutaway illustration depicting the keyed engagement of the varied axial projecting sleeve portions (or rings)  29  and  30  of the first key inserting portion  12  with the pins  52  and  54 , these further shown so that each pin seats through this receiving recess  36 / 36 ′ and rests within a selected one of the annular recesses or valleys  26  or  26 ′ configured within the fixed intermediate component. 
     As shown, the unique axial length of each first key inserting sleeve/ring  29  and  30 , upon linear insertion of the first key portion  12  in any rotated position, causes the rings  29 / 30  to slide within the overlapping valleys  26 / 26 ′ into abutting contact with the pins  52 / 54  pre seated within the receiving locations  36 / 36 ′ of the intermediate component  22 . Insertion of the inner key portion  12  to the extent permissible in turn causes the varying displacement of the pins  52 / 54  and associated slides  38 / 40  and which, assuming the correctly matched inner key portion  12  is inserted into the outer key or body portion  14  regardless of rotational orientations, results in correct axial aligning of the slides  38 / 40  with their outer lateral recesses (see at  58 / 60  in  FIG. 5 ) to permit retraction of the balls/spheres  16 / 18  integrated into the outer receiving portion; 
     As further supported by the cutaway view of  FIG. 5 , the pins  52 / 54  extend through the recess locations  36  and  36 ′ in the intermediate component  22 , again in communicating fashion within the interior valleys or recesses  26 / 26 ′ of the intermediate component  22 . In this fashion, and upon the coaxial keyed relationship established between the unique combination of the ring diameters  29 / 30  (see again  FIGS. 3 and 4D ) of the inner key inserting portion  12  seating with the opposing coaxial diameter pattern defined by the recesses  26 / 26 ′ configured between the coaxial solid portions  25 / 27  of the intermediate component  22 , the inner key portion  12  is pressed inwardly, again regardless of rotational position relative to the outer cylindrical (inserting key receiving) body portion  14 , in order to displace pins  52 / 54  in a direction outwardly of their seating recesses  36 / 36 ′ in the fixed intermediate component  22 , the pins and slides being individually displaced according to the keyed linear dimensioning of the rings  29 / 30  in the inner key portion  12 . 
     As further shown, the pins  52 / 54  are biased forwardly along with their connected slides  38 / 40  in counter biasing fashion against the forward end biasing coil springs  48 / 50 . Upon being engaged by the extending keyed rings  29 / 30  of the inner key portion  12  (again through the fixed intermediate component  22 ) the pins  52 / 54  and interconnected slides  38 / 40  are thus forwardly displaced to their aligning positions in which the balls  16 / 18  and permitted to retract within the receiving notches/pockets  42 / 44  in the lateral outer edges of the slides  38 / 40  and so as to be fully recessed into the slide pockets  42 / 44  to permit withdrawal of the outer body  14  from the installed lockout position depicted in  FIG. 7  along with the insert inner key portion. 
     As previously noted, a number of factors are taken into account in the designing of the inner  12  key portion and outer  14  body receiving portion to allow for pairing of the key portions so that a selected inner key  12  will only engage, displace and successfully align the pins and slides for removal of the outer portion  14 . This can include any offset arrangement in the configuration of the slides  38 / 40  (see again  FIG. 5 ) as well as the location of the seating notches  42 / 44  in the slides relative to the side exposed recess locations in the outer key portion  14  for permitting retraction of the spheres  16 / 18  and resultant linear withdrawal of the outer pin  14  from a jamb frame engaged position as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     With reference again to  FIG. 4 , this provides a further rotated view of  FIG. 3  and depicts a pair of elongated pins  52 / 54  extending through the intermediate component  22  to interconnect the spring-bias supported slides  38 / 40  incorporated into the forward region of the outer cylindrical receiving portion  14 . Upon displacement of the pins  52 / 54  through the fixed intermediate component  22 , again resulting from insertion of the inner keyed rings  29 / 30  associated with the first key portion  12  acting upon the opposing keyed array  25 / 27  of the intermediate component  22 , pins and slides, facilitating displacement of slides  38 / 40  and associated notches  42 / 44  into alignment of the notches with the side projecting spheres  16 / 18 , whereupon the spheres are retracted into the side pockets or notches  42 / 44  configured into the slides. 
       FIG. 5  is again a further rotated linear cutaway of  FIG. 2  and better illustrating the inner key portion  12  fully inserted, thus pressing the slides  38 / 40  into correct position for re-seating the balls  16 / 18  into slide configured notches  42 / 44 , thereby accomplishing removal of the outer cylindrical (pin) portion from an install position such as previously shown in  FIG. 7  and via the inward seating displacement of the balls or spheres within their mating pockets. 
       FIG. 8  is an assembled perspective of the lockout key assembly similar to  FIG. 1 , with  FIG. 9  further provides a cutaway perspective similar to  FIG. 3  a similar designed two part key assembly, with the biasing coil springs removed and in which a modification of the keyed rings  29 ′ and  30 ′ is shown.  FIG. 10  is a further linear cutaway of the key lockout assembly and further depicting the matching coaxial profile of the intermediate fixed component  22 , this again opposing that of the keyed rings  29 ′/ 30 ′ of the redesigned inserting portion  12 ′ (see also  FIG. 9 ) and which, when viewed in combination with  FIG. 4 , further depicts the ability of the elongated pins  52 / 54  (not depicted in this figure but again shown in  FIGS. 4C and 4D ) to seat within the seating channels  36 / 36 ′ of the intermediate component  22  in communication with the interior valleys  26 / 26 ′ defined in the intermediate component.  FIG. 10  again shows passageways  36  and  36 ′ which extend through the enlarged end  34  of the intermediate component  22 , these in communication with the interior valleys  26  and  26 ′ for receiving the elongated pins  52  and  54  and so that inward displacement of the component  22  results in through displacement of the pins  52 / 54  resulting in keyed displacement of the slides  38  and  40  and their side notches  42 / 44 . 
     As previously noted, engagement between the key portions  12 / 14  again occurs regardless of the relative rotational position of the insert key portion  12  relative to the outer cylindrical lockout installed portion  14  for accomplishing each of key install or retraction relative to the cell/cage lockout door frame. In this manner, the two piece key provides for ease of single handed install or removal of the outer portion  14  to and from a door jamb location (can also envision a separate bracket with a hole as being the mounting environment apart from an aperture through a door frame location). 
     Also, and by again keying the dimensions of the slides  38 / 40  and their recess notches  42 / 44 , such as in combination with varying the lengths of the extending pins  52 / 54 , the ability to pair a specific inner key portion  12  to an outer (door jamb installed) key portion  14  provides a security feature preventing a non-authorized user (anyone not possessing the correct matching inner key portion  12 ) from removing the outer lockout portion  14  from the door jamb. 
     Proceeding to  FIG. 11 , an illustration is generally shown at  100  of a variant  FIG. 1  of the present invention, with the cylindrical configuration previously shown at  14  in  FIG. 1  of the outer housing removed, and in which the slides are reconfigured as a pair of upper  102  and lower  104  slides in a stacked arrangement one atop the other, and as opposed to being positioned side-by-side as shown in the preceding views. Each of the slides  102 / 104  is depicted as a generally rectangular thin plate of larger dimension in comparison to the slides  38 / 40  in the preceding variant, each having a pair of opposite side configured arcuate recesses including a pair  106  and  108  shown for upper slide  102  and a further pair (only one of which is visible at  110 ) for lower plate  104 . 
     The arrangement of the opposite edge recesses in the slides  102 / 104  are configured to allow for each slide to engage both balls, further depicted at  112  and  114 , thereby requiring both of the slides to be in position before either ball will retract into the aligned arcuate recesses and further permitting each of installation and retraction relative to the outer jamb  2  as depicted in the environmental position of  FIG. 7 . Although not shown, the outer cylindrical housing (see again at  14  in  FIG. 1  and as shown in cutaway in  FIG. 2 , as well as at  14 ′ in  FIG. 13 ) includes similar lateral apertures corresponding to those shown at  58  and  60  in  FIG. 5  and further depicted at  58 ′ and  60 ′ in  FIG. 13 . The intermediate component is again shown at  22  with enlarged end cap  34  and annular recess pattern  36  configured in its exposed end face. 
     Each of the stacked slides  102  and  104  are supported by elongated pins, these shown at  116  and  118  in each of  FIGS. 11 and 12 , and which can be provided singularly or in pairs for seating against the recessed end face pattern  36  of the intermediate e component  22 . Each of the slides  102  and  104  further exhibits an angled end stop portion, at  120  and  122  respectively, which seats within suitable top and bottom channels or grooves (not shown) configured within the longitudinally extending inner surfaces of the outer cylindrical housing (see again at  14  in  FIG. 1 ), the abutment or stop portions  120 / 122  providing a seating support to the biasing coil springs (see  FIG. 13 ) and which can be further configured to prevent the slides  102  and  104  from pivoting or rotating in misaligning fashion during displacement within the outer elongated housing.  FIG. 12  further provides a rotated side view of the configuration of  FIG. 11 , and showing from another angle the alignment of the notches in the sides of the stacked plates for seating and retracting the balls to permit each of engagement and retraction. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 13 , a partial perspective cutaway is shown of the stacked slide configuration of  FIGS. 11-12  and better illustrating the configuration of a coil biasing spring (see selected upper coil spring  124  associated with upper stacked slide plate  102  depicted only with the understanding that a similar lower coil spring is positioned below the lower slide plate  104 ). In application, at least one coil spring is associated with each of the upper  102  and lower  104  plates, such that each of the springs are located both above and below the stacked plates. As shown, the coil springs are biased against the angled abutment portions  120  and  122  at first ends and, at opposite ends, abut end surfaces associated with interior pockets defined in the outer cylindrical portion (shown at  14 ′) similar to that shown in  FIGS. 3-5  of the initial embodiment 10. 
     The construction of the variant of  FIGS. 11-13  allows for each slide to engage both side positioned balls and further requiring both slides to be in position before either ball  112 / 114  will retract within the notches defined in the upper and lower plates to unlock the mounted lockout portion and to permit the same to be removed from the frame lockout recess location (see again  FIGS. 6-7 ). The stacked arrangement of the slides provides the advantage of making it more difficult to unlawfully unlock or pick, as opposed to the side-by-side slide variant of  FIG. 1 . To wit, application of pressure on a single side positioned ball in the first variant could potentially result in the corresponding pin being displaced through the use of a small diameter tool in theory inserted through an exposed end location of the outer housing, and such as until the ball is caused to recess (drop or fall) into the associated side configured recess or pocket within the slide. Continued pressure upon the ball is then maintained while also applying pressure to the second ball, with the second corresponding pin being moved until the second ball falls into the pocket, with both balls then in the retracted/seated position and the lock capable of being removed. 
     According to the variant of  FIGS. 11-12 , the ability of both slides  102 / 104  to engage the balls  112 / 114  would require an individual trying to pick the lock having to move both pins  116 / 118  simultaneously to their correct (unknown) positions, and before either ball will inwardly seat or retract (a near impossibility). It is also envisioned that additional variants can include variations of the slide arrangement (either side-by-side as in  FIG. 1  or stacked as in  FIG. 11 ) which can accommodate any arrangement of three, four or other plurality of seating balls. Additional variants can incorporating an arrangement of linkages in substitution for the slide configurations. 
     Proceeding to  FIG. 14 , a perspective illustration is shown at  200  of a two piece key assembly according to a further variant of the present invention and again having a cylindrical insertion portion  202  and a lock or lockout housing, this further including a body having an upper assemble-able half (at  204  in  FIG. 14 ) and a lower sandwiching half  204 ′, which is further depicted in  FIGS. 15-20  to further illustrate the various displacing and clasp engaging features integrated into a housing interior of the body. As best shown in  FIG. 16 , the inserting key portion  202  is similarly configured to that shown at  12  in  FIG. 1  and includes a cylindrical shaped body with a gripping end  206  along with a concentric ring or shoulder array (see outer sleeve shaped shoulder  208  and inner spaced shoulder  210 . 
     The body (shown again as housings  204 / 204 ′) includes an inlet (see annular profile  212 ) for receiving the inserting portion  202 . An intermediate component is supported within an annular extending interior  213  of the lockout housing  204  in communication with the inlet rim passageway  212 . The intermediate component (similar to that depicted at  22  in  FIG. 2 ) includes a main annular body  214  with an enlarged inner end  216 . As best shown in  FIG. 17 , an arrangement of concentric annular rings or shoulders (see outer  218  and concentric inner spaced at  220 ) are configured in the opposing end of the intermediate component so that, and upon insertion of the keyed portion  202 , the pairs of concentric rings  208 / 210  of the inserting portion nest with the opposing arrayed and concentric shoulders  218 / 220  of the intermediate so that elongated pins (see at  222 ) extending through the intermediate component are displaced by inward motion of the keyed insert portion  202  inwardly through the intermediate component. 
     A further ‘U” shaped component is provided within the interior of the body (see as supported upon lower housing  204 ’ in  FIG. 15  et seq.). An interconnecting base  224  of the “U” shaped component includes any lower projection which seats within an axial slot recess  225  (se  FIG. 19  in which “U” shaped component is removed) and so that the interconnecting base abuts the enlarged inner end  216  of the intermediate portion in contact with the elongated pins  222  extending through the intermediate component. Upon being contacted by the inserted key portion  202 , the elongated pins  222  are caused in response to displace through the intermediate component to influence the “U” shaped component, which in turn further includes first and second extending sides of the “U” shaped component which is provided in the form of slide components  226  and  228 . 
     The slides  226 / 228  each include a notched configuration, see at  230  and  232  respectively, configured on outward facing sides thereof. As further shown the notch configurations each include a series of angled interconnected edges which define a narrowed or pointed inner end which generally corresponds in function to the seating recesses  42 / 44  of the slides  38 / 40  shown in the preceding embodiment of  FIG. 2 . By this construction, inward sliding of the elongated pins  222  through the intermediate component in response to keyed engagement of the key insert portion via nesting of the opposing cylindrical ring arrays, results in the elongated pins  222  (as shown in  FIG. 17 ) displacing through inner end  216  of the displaceable portion for displacing the “U” shaped portion and its extending side disposed slides  226 / 228  with outward notches  230 / 232  inwardly within the main body. 
       FIG. 15  is a partial axial cutaway view of the two piece key assembly of  FIG. 14  and further depicting a pair of spring loaded clasp elements  234  and  236  (also termed clasps) which are pivotally supported to side locations of the main body. The clasps  234 / 236  seat within open side channels (see as shown at  242 ) defined between the upper and lower housing halves  204 / 204 ′. 
     The clasps  234 / 236  each include inwardly curved forward ends  244 / 246  which are in a closed abutting relationship ( FIGS. 14, 16, 17 and 19 ) in a normal and non-actuated condition and corresponding with inward pointing projections  248 / 250  at inner ends of the clasps seating within the inner angled slide notches  230 / 232 . The assembled housings  204 / 204 ′ of the main body further include a concave forward end profile (see at  252  and  254 ) which define an interior space  256  (see  FIGS. 16 and 17 ) between the housing and the curved forwards ends of the clasps in the closed position for permitting the same to operate either as a conventional lock body or, consistent with the prior variants of  FIGS. 1 and 11  to install the curved clasp ends into opposite openings defined in the sides of the frame location  2  of the cell enclosure (see  FIGS. 6-7 ) and so that the clasps can affix the body ( 204 / 204 ′) to the lockout cell in a manner in which it projects within the cell frame to prevent the associated door (not shown) from closing. 
     A compressed spring  258  is seated within a lateral or crosswise directed pocket defined within the forward end of the opposing housing halves  204 / 204 ′ (selected half pocket  260  shown for lower housing  204 ′ in  FIG. 20 ). The spring  258  extends between the clasps  234 / 236  to influence them in a separating direction forwardly of the pivot locations  238 / 240  and in order to biasing the inward projections  248 / 250  against the exterior surfaces of the slides  234 / 236  such that, upon inward displacing alignment of the slide notches  230 / 232  with the projections, the compressed spring  258  outwardly and laterally displaces the clasps at their forward ends to pivot to an open configuration as shown in  FIGS. 15 and 20 . 
     A pair of secondary springs (depicted at  262  and  264  in  FIG. 19  with the “U” shaped slide component removed) are illustrated for biasing slide portions  226 / 228  of the “U” component, along with the displaceable portion  214  in a direction toward the housing inlet  212  to normally influence the clasps  234 / 236  into the locked or closed clasp position. As shown in the cutaway portion of  FIG. 18 , the secondary springs  262 / 264  extend within axial pockets  266  and  268  configured within the recesses of the lower assemble-able half  204 ′. 
     As further depicted in  FIG. 18 , the slide portions  226 / 228  each include an angled end tab (see selected tab  270  shown for slide  226 ) which bias the slide portions of the “U” shaped component, along with the displaceable portion  214  in a direction toward the inlet  212  of the housing defined body and thereby, absent the counter-influencing force exerted by the key portion  202 , to maintain the slide notches  230 / 232  out of alignment with the clasp inner pointed portions  248 / 250 . 
     Accordingly, the present invention provides for quick single handed bypass/switch engagement of the insert key portion into the outer receiving body by the user, again irrespective of the rotational position of the insert portion of the key relative to the fixed outer receiving portion and owing to the keyed configuration of the circumferential seating ring arrays of each of the insert and receiving portions for causing the ring arrays to nest together in order for the elongated pins (see again at  222  in  FIG. 17 ) extending through the inner component. 
     Having described my invention, other and additional embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains and without deviating from the scope of the appended claims. This can include redesigning the inner or outer key portions to include varying cross sectional profiles, no limited to cylindrical, and which can include other polygonal or multi-sided profiles. Other variants can include the outer key portion being varied in its cross sectional profile, and so that it can be configured to match a given (non-circular) profile associated with the door jamb location.