IMPROVE- MENTS IN LOCKS AND SUCH LIKE FASTENINGS
Year: 1865

page_text: LETTERS. PATENT to Jules Adolphe Rainé, of 28, Calthorpe Street, Gray's
Inn Road, in the County of Middlesex, for the Invention of "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN LOCKS AND SUCH LIKE FASTENINGS."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Jules Adolphe Rainé at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
8th November 1865.
I, JULES ADOLPHE RAINE, of 23, Calthorpe Street, Gray's Inn Road, in the
County of Middlesex, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for
"IMPROVEMENTS IN LOCKS AND SUCH LIKE FASTENINGS," to be as follows:-
In carrying out my improvements the "levers" or tumblers are divided
into two series or classes, with one of each series or class side by side alter-
nately. Those of one class or series turn upon a fixed or stationary axis or
centre of motion; those of the other series turn upon an axis or centre of
motion carried by the bolt. They are all formed with projections or cross
pieces somewhat of the T form, but by preference these cross pieces are por-
tions, of segments from their, centre or axis of motion. The ends of these cross
pieces in one set or series are turned up or flanged to form channels just
sufficient to admit those of the other series to pass them when the two series
are brought into proper relation for that purpose, and the proper relation is
effected by the "bit" of the key acting on them to range them in proper line
to admit of the parts of one series passing those of the other for the throwing
or withdrawal of the bolt. The extent of the cross pieces in relation one to

page_text: the other will be varied, and except when these levers or tumblers are set in
proper order for the locking or unlocking by the key they are borne out of that
relation by springs. By these means security is obtained without the aid of fixed
stumps or stumps applied to the bolts. The key in acting on these levers or
tumblers also acts on a double or open lever to give motion to the bolt, by
which a short movement effected by the key effects the desired further move-
ment of the bolt dependent on the variation in the length of leverage exerted
by such double or open lever. In one series the levers or tumblers may have
several successive cross pieces for the cross pieces of the other series or class
to pass successively, in which case the bolt will be moved to and fro or out
and in at several times corresponding with the number of these cross pieces,
and each movement on the bolt and on the tumbler lever may be effected
by a different key, so that two, three, or more keys may be used to act in
regular order with variations corresponding with those of the tumbler levers,
or the same key may act in succession by the same or by extra bits. In the
case of spring bolts or bolts which may be opened on one side by a handle or
knob, the axis or centre of motion of the one series of tumbler levers in place
of being carried by the bolt will be affixed to a separate plate capable of
movement as a bolt, and of acting when operated by the key on projections
from or forming parts of the bolt. A block or stop keeps the levers or tumblers
in correct relation. against the action of the springs. Several of such locks
may be combined, each to act by different numbers and varieties of keys, and
one of them may act to cover the keyhole of another or others. In some
cases only one of one class or series of tumbler levers such as referred to
may be employed to act with several of the other class or series; in other
cases some of each class or series of tumbler levers may be applied to eithe
or both axes.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Jules Adolphe Rainé in the Great Seal Patent Office on
the 8th May 1866.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JULES
ADOLPHE RAINÉ, of 28, Calthorpe Street, Gray's Inn Road, in the County of
Middlesex, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Eighth day of November, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-five, in the twenty-ninth year of

page_text: Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me,
the said Jules Adolphe Rainé, Her special licence that I, the said Jules Adolphe
Rainé, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the
said Jules Adolphe Rainé, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should
at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times
thereafter during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might
make, use, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for
"IMPROVEMENTS IN LOCKS AND SUCH LIKE FASTENINGS," upon the condition
(amongst others) that I, the said Jules Adolphe Rainé, my executors or admi-
nistrators, by an instrument in writing under my, or their, or one of their
hands and seals, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the
said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be performed, and
cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar
months next and immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Jules Adolphe Rainé, do hereby declare
the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the follow-
ing statement thereof, that is to say:―
In carrying out my improvements the parts which in locks and such like
fastenings are called "levers" or "tumblers" are divided into two series or
classes, which for the purposes of "locking" or "unlocking" must be brought
into correct relation to each other.
According to one modification those of one class or series turn upon a fixed
or stationary axis or centre of motion, and those of the other series turn upon
an axis or centre of motion carried by the bolt. These "levers" or "tumblers"
as employed by me are all formed with projections or cross pieces somewhat of
the T form, but by preference these cross pieces thereof are portions of seg-
ments from their centre or axis of motion. The ends of these cross pieces
in one set or series are turned up or flanged to form channels just sufficient to
admit those of the other series to pass them when the two series are brought
into proper relation for that purpose, and the proper relation is effected by
the "bit" of the key acting on them to range them in proper line to admit of
the parts of one series of levers passing those of the other for the throwing or
withdrawal of the bolt. The extent of the cross pieces in relation one to the
other will be varied, and except when these levers or tumblers are set in
proper order for the locking or unlocking by the key they are borne out of
that relation by springs. By these means security is obtained without the aid
of fixed stumps or stumps applied to the bolts. The key in acting on these

page_text: levers or tumblers also acts on a double or open lever to give motion to the
bolt, by which a short movement effected by the key effects the desired
further movement of the bolt dependent on the variation in the length of
leverage exerted by such double or open lever. One series of the levers or
tumblers may have several successive cross pieces for the cross pieces of the
other series or class to pass successively, in which case the bolt will be
moved to and fro or out and in several times corresponding with the number
of these cross pieces, and each movement on the bolt and on the tumbler
levers may be effected by a different key, so that two, three, or more keys
may be used to act in regular order with variations corresponding with those
of the tumbler levers, or the same key may act in succession by the same or
by extra bits. In the case of spring bolts or bolts which may be opened on
one side by a handle or knob, the axis or centre of motion of the one series of
tumbler levers in place of being carried by the bolt will be affixed to a separate
plate capable of movement as a bolt, and of acting when operated by the key
on projections from or forming parts of the bolt. A block or stop keeps the
levers or tumblers in correct relation against the action of the springs. Several
of such locks may be combined, each to act by different numbers and varieties
of keys, and one of them may act to cover the keyhole of another or others.
In some cases only one of one class or series of tumbler levers such as referred
to may be employed to act with several of the other class or series; in other
cases some of each class or series of tumbler levers may be applied to either or
both axes.
But that the Invention may be fully understood I will, by the aid of the
accompanying Drawings, proceed to describe means pursued by me for carry-
ing the same into effect.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
Figure 1 represents an internal view, Figures 2 and 3, horizontal and
transverse sections, and Figures 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11, detail views of
a lock with my improvements applied to it capable of being "locked" and
"unlocked" from either side of the door to which it is applied; Figure 12
shows an internal view of a similar lock to that indicated by Figure 1, but
with the bolt unlocked and arranged to shoot in the opposite direction. In
each of these Figures similar letters are used to indicate corresponding parts.
In this case there are three levers or tumblers A, B, and C. The "levers"
or "tumblers" A and C move on the same pin or stud a affixed to the case
of the lock; the "lever" or "tumbler " B moves on a pin or stud 6 carried by
the bolt D; F is a pin fixed on the case of the lock, and serving, by passing

page_text: through a slot D' in the bolt D, to guide that end of the bolt D, whilst it also
supports springs G, the other ends of which bear upon the levers A, B, and
C, with a tendency to press them against the fixed stop E; H is an auxiliary
lever, which at one part turns upon the fixed stud H' carried by the frame of
the lock, and at the other end turns upon another stud K carried by the bolt
D. In locking or unlocking the "bit" of the key acts on the auxiliary lever
H with a tendency to give motion to the bolt in the direction desired, and
simultaneously upon the levers or tumblers A, B, and C, to raise them to the
required relative heights. The lever A is formed with a simple T-end A',
which is part of a segment struck from the centre a. Each of the levers B
and C is formed with similar T-ends B', C, but these ends in these cases
are also turned up or flanged at B, C, and in order to the bolt D of the lock
being moved either way for locking or unlocking, it will be necessary for the
levers A and B to be raised in relation to each other so as to admit of the
projection A¹ of the lever A passing between the turned up parts or flanges
B2 of the end B of the lever B, and that both the projecting ends A' of the
lever A and B of the lever B may pass between the turned up or flanged ends
C of the end C¹ of the lever C, it will thus be seen that the bolt D is retained
in position by the ends A¹ and C¹ of the levers A and C, preventing the
backward movement of the lever B, which is connected to the bolt D by pin
joint.
'
Figure 13 represents the levers A, B, and C in the relative positions they
assume when the bolt is in the act of being thrown or withdrawn.
A form of key adapted to this lock is indicated by Figure 14, where the
part 1 is that which would act upon the auxiliary lever H, and one .or other
of the sets of "bits" 2, 3, and 4 will act respectively on the levers A, B, and C,
according to which side of the door the key is for the time entered. I
(Figure 2) is a block for the purpose of keeping the levers in their proper
positions on the axis b.
Figure 15 shows an internal view of another arrangement of lock. In
this case there are only two levers A and B, which are each similar to those
described in respect of the previous Figures, and in order to move the bolt D
in either direction, it is only necessary to raise the lever A into position to
enable the end A' thereof to pass between the flanges B of the levers B. In
this lock a second bolt which forms no part of my improvements, being an
ordinary spring bolt, is indicated, which is constantly borne against by a
spring N' with a tendency to keep it projecting beyond the case of the lock,
except when it is drawn back by one or the other end N of the double follower.
pressing against the lever N³, which at one end turns on the pin N*, and at

page_text: the other is connected by pin joint to the bolt N. The follower may be caused
to turn so that either of its ends N2 may be brought into action against the
lever N by means of the shaft N³, which receives handles on either side of the
door, as is well understood.
Figures 16 and 17 show another arrangement in which a series of levers or
tumblers A and B are arranged alternately, so that each lever A acts in con-
junction with a separate lever B, and each pair of levers A and B acts inde-
pendently of the others of the series, but all the levers must be placed in their
proper relative positions by the key before the bolt can be moved. Figure 18
shows the same levers in the position they assume when the bolt is in the act
of being "locked" or "unlocked."
Figures 19 and 20 represent a series of "tumblers" or levers A acting in
conjunction with a single lever B, the flanges B2 of the lever B being extended
so as to embrace the ends A¹ of all of the series of tumblers or levers A. In
Figure 19 one of the levers A with its end A' is represented, the position of
the ends A¹ of other levers A being indicated by dotted lines.
Figure 21 shows a portion of a lock with another combination of a series of
levers A, which in order to "lock" or "unlock" the bolt must be caused to
pass between flanges B of a lever B, and the end B of the lever B must pass
between flanges C² on the end of a lever C, which must also pass between
the flanges D of the lever D. The lever D may, if necessary, be controlled.
by another or other levers of the character herein described according to the
amount of security desired to be obtained.
Figure 22 represents an internal view of a "latch" lock, the bolt of which
may be withdrawn or "unlocked" by acting upon it from the outside by a
key and on the inside by a knob or handle affixed on the shaft No. For this
purpose the end B' of the levers B in this lock are in relation to corresponding
parts of the levers A made broader than in the arrangements previously indi-
cated, in order that when the ends A¹ of the levers A pass between the
flanges B, the flanges B³ may not retain the levers A in the position of
"unlocked." O is an additional plate indicated by red lines, to which the
axis 6 of the levers B, and also the axis K of the auxiliary lever H are affixed..
The object of this plate O is to enable the bolt to be withdrawn by the handle
from the inside without affecting the position of the tumblers or levers A
and B, whilst on the other hand, in order to act upon the bolt from the outside
to withdraw it, it is necessary to place the levers in the proper relation by
means of the key, so as to allow the levers A to pass the projections B of the
levers B. D* are studs affixed to the bolt D, in order that when the addi-
tional plate O is moved backwards by means of the key acting on the auxiliary.

page_text: lever H, it may cause the bolt D to move with it when it is required to open
the door to which the lock is affixed from the outside. The plate O is cut
away at O¹ in order to allow the bolt head to be withdrawn by means of the
handle; V is a small sliding bolt operated by a knob or bandle from the inside,
and forms no part of these improvements.
Figure 23 is an internal view of another door lock capable of being operated
upon from either side of the door. The bolt D of this lock when fully "shot"
can only be withdrawn by the action of the key, whilst at other times it may be
used as a latch in like manner to that indicated by Figure 22. For this
purpose the ends of the levers B are formed double, and are provided with two
sets of flanges B2, B³, one or both of which act in conjunction with the
ends A¹ of the levers A. The bolt D is retained in the position of "locked,"
indicated by the Drawing, by means of the end of the lever B coming against
its head D**, and in order to withdraw the bolt from that position the key
must place the levers in their proper relative positions to enable the flanges B³
of the levers B to pass the heads A¹ of the levers A by such key acting on
the auxiliary lever H connected to the plate O, which, as in Figure 22, carries
the axis 6 of the levers B. The bolt will then act as an ordinary latch, and
may be withdrawn either from the inside by turning a handle fixed on the
shaft No, or from the outside by the key acting to place the levers in position
such that the flanges B2 of the levers B will act with the ends A¹ of the
levers A, as described in Figure 22.
Figure 24 is an internal view of another arrangement of door lock the bolt
of which is capable of being doubly "shot." In this case the levers B are
also provided with two sets of flanges B2, B3, but both sets of flanges are of
the same breadth, and the levers B are carried by a pin from the bolt D. In
order to withdraw the bolt from the position indicated by the Drawing, it is
necessary to cause the key to make two revolutions, in the first of which
the flanges B³ will be caused to pass the end A¹ of the levers A, when those
ends A' will then fall between the flanges B2, B3, where they will remain until
in the second revolution or action of the key the levers are again brought into
line, and the flanges B2 of the levers B permitted to pass the ends of the
levers A.
Figure 25 is an internal view of a lock having two separate bolts, each
connected with a separate set of levers, and locked and unlocked by different
keys. The upper bolt 1, and parts connected therewith, is constructed on
the same principle and acts in the same manner as that indicated by Figure 24,
whilst the lower one 2, which is a "latch" bolt, is constructed and acts in
the same manner as that described in Figure 22, except that the knob or

page_text: handle is applied direct to the bolt D, instead of to a shaft connected to a
double follower.
Figures 26 and 27 shew an internal view and sectional plan of another
arrangement of lock, in which the levers B are provided with three sets of
flanges B2, B3, B', adapted each to act with the ends A¹ of the levers A at
different times for three different lockings with three different keys, so that
when the bolt is fully "shot" it requires the application of the three keys in
succession in order to open the door to which the lock is attached.
Figure 28 is an internal view of a lock particularly adapted to "safes." It
is provided with three main bolts D, D1, D2; the bolt D being formed with
à double head, and being connected at one end by pin joints D³, D, to L levers
D', D, turning on fixed studs D', D, and at the other by pin joints D, D10,
to the bolts D1, D2, thereby causing them to move simultaneously with the
bolt D. The bolt D has applied to it levers B formed with double ends, each
having flanges B2, B3, acting with a series of layers A in manner as described
in Figure 24. In the right-hand corner of the lock case there is a fourth
bolt D, which is also provided with a set of levers A and B, the levers B in
this case having only one series of flanges, and operating as described in
respect of Figure 15. To the bolt D" a plate P (indicated by red lines) is
connected by pin joint D18, which acts when the bolt D is shot to close the
keyhole D of the main lock. The plate P turns on a centre of motion P',
and when in position to close the keyhole its end P* comes under and is held
by a fixed abutment q, and is thereby prevented from being forced away by
pressure applied to it from the outside of the door. In the left-hand corner
of the same lock case there is a spring bolt (3), which is operated by a handle
applied on the shaft (4), and serves to keep the door of the safe closed when
it is not necessary to lock it; this, however, forms no part of my Invention.
Figure 29 represents an internal view of a small lock suitable for various
articles of furniture.
Figure 30 is a padlock, and Figure 31 a lock for small fancy articles, each
having my improvements applied to it.
Figure 32 shows a variety of forms of the ends A¹ of a series of levers or
tumblers A.
Figure 33 represents the end B³ of a "tumbler" or lever B previous to the
flanges B being turned up; Figure 34 represents the same lever with the
flanges B turned up.
Figures 35 and 36 show views of another lever or
after the flanges C have been turned up.
" tumbler before and
Figure 37 represents a key with a series of "bits," previous to their being

page_text: adjusted to their respective levers in the lock; and Figure 38 represents the
same after the "bits" have been so adjusted.
Figure 39 is a separate view of a spring G, for keeping the "tumblers
levers in position.
""
or
It will, however, be readily understood that levers of the character referred
to are susceptible of various combinations and modifications.
Having thus described my Invention, and means which I adopt in carrying
the same into effect, I would bave it understood that I do not confine myself
to the precise arrangements shown and described, as these may be varied
without departing from the peculiar character of my improvements; but what
I claim is the mode of arranging and combining the tumbler levers of locks
and such like fastenings, whereby some of such levers have enlarged ends or
heads A', and others have enlarged heads or ends B₁ with turned up or flanged
portions Be thereto to operate together in pairs or in series turning on separate
pins or axes, one of which may be stationary, and the other moveable with the
bolt or on a separate plate, substantially as described.
Also I claim the arranging and combining such levers of locks and such like
fastenings with two or more cross pieces or heads, for the purpose and acting
in the manner substantially as described.
Also I claim the arranging and combining such "tumbler" levers of locks
and such like fastenings with projections or ends A¹ and B', B', acting with
and dependently upon other such levers with projections or ends C¹, C³, in
manner substantially as described.
Also I claim the arranging and combining "tumbler" levers of locks and
such like fastenings with several levers, having enlarged projections or heads
to move within the flanges or turned-up parts of the projection or head of a
lever B, substantially as described.
Also I claim the arrangement and combination of parts forming a lock or
combination of locks, as shown and described in respect of Figure 28.
In witness whereof, I, the said Jules Adolphe Rainé, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Seventh day of May, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-six.
AD. RAINE. (L.B.)