Improvements in Mechanism for Locking and Bolting.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 3rd May, 1890
Complete Specification Left, 3rd Feb., 1891-4ccepted, 3rd June, 1891
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Mechanism for Locking and Bolting.
I, CHARLES EMILE ALEXANDRE ALEXIS DÉNY of 48 Rue des Acacias, Paris
in the Republic of France Ironmonger, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention to be as follows:-
--
The improvements forming the object of the present invention relate to locks and
safety bolts and are connected more particularly with the arrangement of the bolt
the arrangement of the keyhole tube and the employment of a barrel of peculiar
form designed with a view to reducing the dimensions of the keys and obtaining
greater security.
The bolt is preferably a forked bolt or holt with two heads capable of a throw
of two turns and a half. The two turns are obtained with the key exclusively
whilst the half turn is obtained with the key from the exterior and with the aid of
a rotating or sliding knob or handle from the interior. This bolt thus forms a
substitute for the dormant bolt and the moveable bolt; it simplifies the mechanism
of the lock and ensures its proper action. A spiral or other spring constantly tends
to bring the bolt back to the position corresponding to the half turn.
When a
sliding knob is employed it is attached to the bolt and partakes of all the
movements of the latter. The length of its stem is such that it bears against the
plate or division of the box when the lock is locked with two turns but it may be
made longer if preferred.
This new double acting bolt also presents the advantage of being unpickable
even at the half turn as its moveable plates or tumblers provided with special
openings or rackings must be pushed back by the bit of the key before the latter
can act upon the talons or projections on the bolt. Moreover all these plates are
normally pressed by one strong blade or coiled spring on to a support or pillar cut
in the form cf a comb or with steps corresponding to the notches or shape of the
key. This support is attached by a foot or flange to the lower plate of the box.
A lock according to my invention is provided under the cover plate with a key-
hole tube or guide combined with a disc provided with one or more concentric ribs
which are regulated by filing so as to act as wards with which the bit of the key
must correspond in order to enable it to rotate.. Such ward or wards may be
formed simply by projections or studs on the disc which provides greater security
and may be arranged on the back plate of the box opposite to the keyhole.
The lock may also be constructed with a barrel which takes the place of the
aforesaid keyhole tube being fixed to the cover plate and is provided with two
longitudinal grooves and an entrance of small diameter with a radial slot or slots
for the passage of a relatively small key with two bits. The longitudinal grooves
oppose the rotation of a series of discs or washers provided with radial projections
engaging with the grooves. These washers are packed together in suitable numbers,
being retained in position by one ring or washer screwed to the tube or barrel.
Every washer is provided with a radial slot and a central hole for the passage of
the key. All the slots correspond or coincide radially with the slots in the barrel
and the central holes being of different diameters constitute a species of circular
comb or notched chamber fitting the bit of the key. The fixed ring or washer is
likewise provided with a slot and a hole but the slot does not coincide with the slot
in the entrance, being set at a different angle. It results from this arrangement
that the key when pushed into the barrel is stopped by this fixed washer and cannot
be turned so as to enable it to pass through this washer unless the other washers
correspond perfectly with the form of the bit. In the latter case the key can be

page_text: turned in the barrel until its bits are at such an angle as to enable it to enter the
slots in the fixed washer through which it has to pass in order to enter the lock.
In the interior of the lock and covered by the barrel there is a lantern piece
likewise provided with a radial slot for the reception of the bit of the key with
which it becomes connected. This lantern being capable of rotation and being
provided with a false bit capable of acting on the talons of the bolt and on its
levers or plates when such are employed the bolt can then be moved. For greater
security a warded dise such as that hereinbefore described may be provided on one
or on both sides of the fixed ring.
This barrel or tube presents the advantages of rendering the lock unpickable and
is of great strength all its parts being fixed and it enables the lock to be actuated
by a key of relatively very small dimensions.
In accordance with the several improvements hereinbefore described different
combinations or types of locks and bolts may be constructed. Thus a double action
bolt may be combined with special levers or tumblers and may be combined with
the keyhole tube and warded discs or with the barrel arrangement. The tube and
lise can be combined in a cupboard lock, with the disc working in an opening in
the body of the bolt.
The barrel arrangement can be applied to a safety bolt, and act in combination
with a rotating knob or handle connected to the rotating lantern, receiving the
action of the key and transmitting it to the bolt as hereinbefore described. In
cabinet or furniture locks, the keyhole tube is preferably of rectangular or flattened
form in transverse section with a suitable opening or entrance for the insertion of
the double bitted key: it is perforated at its lower part with stepped or notched
openings corresponding with the comb or stepped chainber formed by the series of
stationary washers hereinbefore described. The tube thus formed nets in the same
manner as the barrel and washers, but its construction is more simple and
economical.
Of course the steps or notches in the openings in the side of the tube must be of
corresponding form to the bits of the key, in order that the latter may turn freely,
and the openings are different in each lock which thus retains its individuality.
The bolt is forked and the legs pass on opposite sides of the tube. One leg
carries the talons, which are acted on by the key, and the other is provided with
notches engaging with the stop spring. The key after being turned so that the bits
pass through and project from the openings in the sides of the flattened tube acts
simultaneously and in opposite directions on the bolt and on the spring catch or
stop. This movement is very smooth the force to be overcome being balanced or
equalized. In order to obtain further security a thin plate or curtain covers the
talons of the bolt and opposes the introduction of a pick, and with the same object
the bowl or anti friction roller on the spring catch on the opposite side of the key,
can be arranged at any desired level facing the notched or stepped opening.
Cabinet locks constructed under these conditions are of great strength, but at the
same time devoid of complication and present perfect safety as hereinbefore
explained.
In conclusion it should be observed that all the parts embodying my invention
can be composed of any suitable metal and be of any suitable shapes and
dimensions. I do not limit myself as to their combination and connection, which
may be modified according to circumstances and conditions arising in practice and
in accordance with the type of lock in which they are employed. For example the
comb or stepped chamber in the barrel in place of being formed with washers
placed side by side in suitable numbers may be formed by a single piece or block
obtained by any suitable means, and corresponding internally to the notches or
steps in the bits of the key.
AAA

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Mechanism for Locking and Bolting.
I CHARLES EMILE ALEXANDRE ALEXIS DÉNY of 48 Rue des Acacias Paris
in the Republic of France Ironmonger do hereby declare the nature of this
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
The improvements forming the object of the present invention relate to locks and
safety bolts and are connected more particularly with the arrangement of the bolt
and tumblers the arrangement of the keyhole tube and the employment of a barrel
of peculiar form as hereinafter explained designed with a view to reducing the
dimensions of the keys and obtaining greater security. These several arrangements
can be employed either together or separately.
And in order that the said invention may be fully understood I shall now proceed
particularly to describe the same and for that purpose shall refer to the several
figures on the annexed sheet of drawings the same letters of reference indicating
corresponding parts in all the figures:
-
Figure 1 of the accompanying drawing represents an example of a lock con-
structed with the improved arrangement of the bolt and tumblers according to
my invention the cover plate being removed in order to expose the internal
mechanism.
Figures 2 and 3 illustrate in transverse section and in elevation respectively the
arrangement of the keyhole (Figure 3 representing the cover plate viewed from the
inner side).
Figure 4 illustrates a modification of this arrangement as hereinafter explained.
Figure 5 represents an internally notched or stepped barrel in longitudinal
section and
Figure 6 represents the key employed in combination therewith.
Figures 5, 7, 8 and 9 illustrate details and a modification of this arrangement.
Figures 10 to 13 illustrate other modifications as hereinafter explained.
Arrangement of the bolt-The bolt A in the arrangement represented in
Figure 1 of the drawings is a forked bolt or bolt with two heads n¹ capable of a
throw of two turns and a throw of half a turn. The two turns or locking motion
are obtained with the key exclusively whilst the half turn or latching motion is
produced from the exterior of the apartment by the action of the key and from the
interior with the aid of a rotating handle and follower or as in the example
illustrated by means of a sliding knob or handle M.
This one bolt thus combines the functions of the dormant or locking bolt and of
the movable bolt or latch commonly employed: it simplifies the mechanism of the
lock and ensures its proper action. A spring p constantly tends to protrude the
bolt to an extent corresponding to the half turn. When the sliding handle M is
employed it is attached to and moves with the bolt as represented in the drawing.
The length of its stem is such that the handle bears against the end of the box
when the lock is locked with two turns but it may be made longer if preferred
without affecting the action of the lock.
This double acting bolt also presents the advantage of being unpickable even at
the half turn as its movable plates or tumblers Z, which according to my invention
are made of extra length corresponding to the extra length of the bolt necessary
for the double action, enable the tumblers to act in the half turn as well as in the
double turn. These tumblers are also provided with special notches openings or
rackings of double length for use in making this turn and must be pushed back by
the bit of the key before the latter can act upon the talons or projections on the
bolt so as to present the same security at the half iurn as at the double turn.
Moreover all these plates are normally depressed by the action of a strong spring R
which may be made of sufficient width to act on all the tumblers so as to press

page_text: against a stop or pillar Pent in the form of a comb or steps corresponding to the
notches or profile of the key.
This support or stop i' may be attached by a foot or flange to the underside of
the box.
Arrangement of the key hole tube-According to the arrangement represented
in Figures 2 and 3 a key hole tube is combined with a metal or brass disc a
provided with one or more projections or studs a' or with concentric ribs whose
forms are regulated by filing so as to enable them to act as wards with which the
bit of the key must correspond in order to enable it to rotate. In either case
this dise a provides additional security for rendering it more difficult to tamper
with the lock. The said disc may be arranged on the back plate of the box
opposite to the key hole or a dise may be provided at the back as well as at the
front as represented in Figure 2.
Arrangement of the barrel-Figure 5 drawn to a larger scale illustrates in
longitudinal section a barrel B which may be employed in place of the key hole
tube 1, Figure 2 the said barrel being attached to the cover plate a portion of
which is represented in section at 2. This barrel which may be made of brass is
provided with two longitudinal grooves 3 and with a central orifice () of relatively
small diameter combined with a radial slot or slots 4 for the passage of a small key
having two bits. This key is illustrated separately in side and end elevation in
Figure 6. The longitudinal grooves 3 oppose the rotation of a series of discs or
washers (one of which is shown detached in Figure 7) provided with radial pro-
jections d engaging with the said grooves and packed together in suitable numbers
being retained in position by a fixed ring or washer (Figures 5 and 8) connected
to the barrel by screws Figure 5. The washers are each provided with a
central circular opening 5 of a diameter equal to that of the corresponding step in
the bit of the key and are also provided with radial slots corresponding to the
slot Figure 5 admitting of the passage of the longest part of the bit. All these
slots are arranged in the same line for the passage of the key (Fig. 5).
is
All the slots in the washers correspond or coincide radially with the slots 4 in
the barrel and the central orifices in the washers being of different diameters (as
represented in Figure 5) constitute a species of circul ir comb or notched chamber
in which the bit of the key (Figure 6) may rotate. The fixed ring or washer
likewise provided with a radial slot (Fig. 8) and a central hole but the slot c'
does not coincide with the slot at the entrance end of the barrel, being set at a
different angle. It results from this arrangement that the key when pushed into
the barrel is stopped by this fixed washer and cannot be turned unless the
recesses 5 in the other washers e correspond perfectly with the profile of the bit.
When they do correspond the key can be turned or rotated in the barrel until its
bits are at such an angle as to enable them to enter radial slots formed in the
washers at the same angle as the slots of in the fixed washer e' through which it
lins to pass in order to be in a position to move the bolt. In the interior of the
lock and covered by the barrel there is a lantern piece likewise provided with a
radial slot for the reception of the bit of the key with which it becomes connected.
This lantern piece being caused to rotate with the key and being provided with a
false bit capable of acting on the talons of the bolt and on its levers or tumblers
when such are employed enables the bolt to be moved. For greater security a
warded disc such as that hereinbefore described may be provided on one or on
both sides of the fixed washer or ring c.
The barrel Barranged as hereinbefore described presents the advantages of
rendering the lock umpickable and of possessing great strength all its parts being fixed
it also enables the lock to he actuated by a key of relatively small dimensions
The lantern piece which is illustrated in section at L. Figure 5 and in end elevation
in Figure 5 is connected with two pistons or sliding rods tt'acted on by springs
and situated in the same plane with the slots in the washer c (Figure 8) so as to be
pushed inwards by the key when the latter has passed through the said washer. In
the drawing the sliding rods are represented as being in a vertical plane in order

page_text: Lo shew their construction. w nen pusnca nome the key pushes back these rods to
unequal extents the rod t being provided with an arm which is acted on by the
extreme end of the key shank at the centre and the rod t being acted on later by the
bit of the key. The rods when pushed back by the key are arranged so that when in
this position they present a recess u to a circular or annular groove in the lantern L
in the plane of two projections on the barrel B. In order to shew these pro-
jections in the drawing they are represented as being in the same vertical plane
with the rods but in the lock as actually constructed they are situated in a
plane at right angles to the plane of the rods i t'in order to enable these rods to
be pushed by the key. When the recesses in the rods are brought opposite to the
groove or slot in the lantern piece L the latter on being acted on by the key is
capable of rotating on its axis and acts through its false bit or bits upon the talons
of the bolt so as to shoot or draw back the latter as required.
A similar notched or stepped chamber or arrangement formed by the combination
of the washers c and the lantern piece with its sliding rods may be provided on the
other side of the lock so as to provide equal security against tampering with the
works on both sides of the door. In this case the same springs may be arranged
to act on both pairs of rodst. The positions of the recesses in the latter is
changed for cach lock and their combination is regulated for each series or type
of lock.
In accordance with the several improvements hereinbefore described I construct
different combinations or types of locks and bolts such as those represented in the
accompanying drawing. Thus a double action bolt A. Figure 1 with special levers
or tumblers forms one type of safety lock. This bolt may be combined with the
key hole tube and warded discs a Figures 2 and 3, or with the barrel arrangement B
Figure 5, thus forming two other types of safety locks. The arrangement with the
tube and disc Figures 2 and 3 can be combined with a cupboard lock having a bolt
arranged as represented in Figure 4 for example the disc a being arranged in an
opening in the body of the bolt.
The barrel arrangement B Figure 5 can be applied to a safety bolt and act in
combination with a rotating knob or handle on one side of the door connected to a
lantern L like that of Figure 5 receiving the action of the key on the other side of
the door and transmitting it to the bolt as indicated in Figure 9.
In this case the barrel is to the cover plate of the bolt and the knob or handle is
connected with the lantern piece such as that illustrated at L Fig. 5 provided at
the end with two radial slots and entering or projecting into the barrel so as to be
near the washer c¹.
The bit of the key after passing through the washer centers the slot in the
lantern which is situated opposite the latter and is then enabled by its rotary
movement to displace the bolt.
In cabinet or furniture locks the key hole tube is preferably arranged in the
manner represented in Figures 10, 11 and 12. In these figures the tube B is of
rectangular or flattened form in transverse section with a symmetrical or regularly
formed opening or entrance for the insertion of a double bitted key such as the key
illustrated in end and side elevation in Figure 13. This tube is perforated at its
lower part or inner end with stepped or notched openings eel (Figures 11 and 12)
corresponding with the comb or stepped chamber formed by the series of washers c
hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 5 of the drawings. The tube thus
formed acts in the same manner as the arrangement with the barrel and washers
(Fig. 5) but its construction is more simple and economical. Of course the steps or
notches in the openings e e must be of corresponding form to the bits of the key
(Figure 13) in order that the latter may turn freely and the openings must be
differently arranged in each lock.
The bolt A is forked and the legs pass on opposite sides of the tube. One leg
carries talons 7 which are acted on by the key and the other is cut away or recessed
at 5 on the upper side to permit the bit to pass. Both legs are provided with
notches 6 engaging with pivoted spring stops R. These stops carry plates b which

page_text: are situated in different planes facing the openings eel so as to be acted on by the
bits of the key.
The key after being turned so that the bits pass through and project from the
said openings e el in the sides of the flattened tube acts simultaneously upon the two
plates to disengage the spring stops R and at the same time nets upon the bolt so
as to move it in the required direction. This movement is very smooth the
resistances to be overcome being balanced or equalized by arranging the parts in
the manner described. The plates cover the talons of the bolt so as to oppose
the introduction of a pick thus affording additional security. The plates bare
placed at different elevations with the same object. Cabinet locks constructed
under these conditions are extremely strong and at the same time are devoid of
complication and present perfect safety as hereinbefore explained.
The improved locking and bolting mechanisms of my invention may be composed
of any suitable metal and be of any suitable shapes and dimensions. I do not limit
myself as to their combination or grouping and connection which may be modified
according to circumstances and conditions arising in practice and in accordance with
the type or class of lock in which they are employed. For example the comb or
stepped chamber in the barrel in place of being formed with the washers e placed
side by side or one over the other us represented in the drawing may be formed by
a single piece or block obtained by any suitable means and corresponding internally
to the notches or steps in the bits of the key.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is
First. The arrangements and combinations of parts constituting the improvements
in the construction of mechanism for locking and bolting substantially as herein-
before described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Second. In safety locks the arrangement and application of the double acting
bolt A acting in combination with plates or tumblers provided with supplementary
notches openings or rackings and operating in the manner and for the purpose sub-
stantially as herein before described with reference to Figure 1 of the accompanying
drawings.
Third. In safety locks the arrangement of the plates or tumblers acted on hy
one spring R and bearing against a stop or pillar in the manner and for the
purpose substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 1 of the
accompanying drawings.
Fourth. In safety and other locks the arrangement and application of a key hole
tube and a plate or disc (a) in the manner and for the purpose substantially as
hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 2 and 3 of the accompanying
drawings.
Fifth. In locks and in safety bolts the arrangement and application of a barrel B
combined with a comb or notched or stepped chamber constituted by means of a
series of washers e placed side by side or formed in one piece or provided with
grooves or the like formed by stationary washers or constituted in any other
suitable manner the said barrel acting in combination with a lantern piece Lor
other equivalent device in the manner and for the purpose substantially as herein-
before described with reference to Figures 5, 7, 8 and 9 of the accompanying
drawings.
Sixth. A safety bolting or locking mechanism comprising a double neting bolt A.
and the peculiar or special plates or tumblers as set forth or the double acting
bolt A and the plates or tumblers in combination with the key hole tube and plate
or disc a or with the barrel B3 these several typical forms or combinations being
arranged and operating in the manner and for the purpose substantially as herein-
before described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Seventh. A cupboard or like lock comprising a keyhole tube with a plate or
disc a acting in combination or not with a similar disc placed at the opposite side

page_text: of the case and an ordinary bolt all arranged and operating in the manner and for
the purpose substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 2, 3,
and 4 of the accompanying drawings.
Eighth. A safety bolting mechanism comprising a barrel B and a lantern piece L
acting on an ordinary bolt in the manner and for the purpose substantially as
hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 5, 5 7 8 and 9 of the accompanying
drawings.
Ninth. A cabinet or like lock comprising a barrel with a notched or comb
chamber formed by a tube B of suitable form in section provided with suitable
notched or stepped openings e e¹ on opposite sides (acting in the manner herein-
before explained with reference to the action of the double bitted key) talons and
stop springs R carrying safety plates barranged on each side of the tube so as to
he acted on simultaneously and in opposite directions by the double bitted key all
arranged in the manner and for the purpose substantially as hereinbefore described
with reference to Figures 10, 11, 12 and 13 of the accompanying drawings.
Dated this 3rd day of February 1891.
J. H. JOHNSON & Co.,
47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, Agents.