Year: 1888

page_text: I, FRANK SICKELS of Chicago, in the County of Cook, and State of Illinois
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'
My invention relates to an improvement in locks; and it consists in the arrangement
and combination of parts which will be more fully described hereinafter.
The objects of my invention are; to produce a lock in which the combined latch and
bolt can be both operated and locked by the same key;, to connect to the spindle post
an arm, or lever, which is connected at its outer end to the casting which operates the
latch and bolt, whereby light springs can be used to return the knobs and latch
and bolt readily to position; to provide an end wise noving spindle which can
be made to engage with, or disengaged from the outside lock as may be desired; to
make a tapering opening in the knob to receive the end of the spindle so that the
knobs may he placed out of line with each other and still continue to operate; to
provide a combination, which is made entirely separate and detachable from the lock,
and in which locking devices are used for the purpose of engaging with the key, and
thus preventing the key from being withdrawn until the door has been either locked
or unlocked, and assist in preventing the use of a false key; to connect the locks to
the escutcheon plates by means of screw threads, and to limit the movements of one
of the knobs by grooving the threaded part and causing it to operate in connection
with a stop; to so form the combination plate that a double edge key can be used and
thus enable the key to be inserted with either edge up or down; to so construct the
working parts of the lock that the same locking lever which locks the knobs and the
latch and bolt rigidly in position, will force the latch and bolt outward if it has not
automatically returned to place by the action of the springs; to produce a lock which
can be used either as an ordinary lock, a corridor lock, a hotel lock,, or a lock
between offices by making very slight changes in, or additions to the working parts.
Referring to the accompanying drawings
Figure 1, is a side elevation of a lock embodying my invention, with one of the face
plates removed, the parts being shown in one position.
Figure 2, is a similar view of the lock alone showing the operating parts in
another position.
Figure 3, is a sectional view of one of the knobs shown in connection with the
spindle lock.
Figure 4. is a perspective of one of the knobs, showing how its movement is
limited.
Figure 5. is a perspective of the mechanism for moving the knob spindle endwise.

page_text: their proper positions.
P
Figures 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13, are detached views of different portions of
the combinations.
Figures 14 & 15, are end views of the combination box showing the pins which 5
operate in connection with the key.
Figures 16 & 17, are vertical sections taken at right angles to each other through
the combination box.
Figures 18 & 19, are vertical sections of the locking post used in connection with
the locking levers; and showing the parts in different positions..
Figure 20, is a detached view of the endwise moving spindle and knobs.
Figure 21, is a perspective of the combination complete.
A, represents the casing, or frame of the lock, which is to be mortised, and to one
edge of which the face plate B,-is secured. This face plate as shown in Figure 3, has
a beveled edge, and is made removable so that it can be adapted for right and left
doors. The combined latch and bolt C has formed upon its rear edge the two hooked
prongs, or projections D, which engage with the rotating plate E, which is pivoted
between the face plates of the frame A. This rotating plate E, also has two prongs
or projections F, which engage with the hooked arms D, for the purpose of drawing
the latch and bolt backward when the knobs are turned. This rotating plate E, fits
between the hooked arms D, of the latch and bolt C. as shown, and when the knob is
turned one of its prongs F, strike against one of the hooked arms D. and forces the
combined latch and bolt backward, as shown in Fig. 2. This rotating plate forms a
rolling bearing for the hooked arms D and thus not only lessen the friction of the
moving parts, but at the same time serve to prevent the combined latch and bolt
getting out of line while moving back and forth. By the use of this rotating plate,
which moves the combined latch and bolt backward and forms a bearing at the same
time, there is no need for a special bearing at the rear end of the latch and bolt to
keep it in line, as has heretofore been the case.
Projecting from both the upper and lower edges of the combined latch and bolt C,
are the shoulders G, against which one of the plates H, inside of the springs I,
bear, for the purpose of returning the latch and bolt to position as soon as it is left
free to move by the rotating plate E. Inside of the springs I, are placed two plates H,
which have their inner ends to pass each other, and to which plates the ends of the
springs are fastened in any suitable manner. The ends of these plates H, project
beyond the ends of the springs, and form bearing points as shown.
The two front plates H, have their outer ends to bear against the shoulders G while
one of the rear plates H, has its rear end to bear against the locking lever J.and the
rear end of the other plate bears against the locking case or frame A. By using the
plates H inside of the springs I, the springs are held in a straight line at all times
and hence exert their full tension in forcing the combined latch and bolt outward.
Were it not for these plates the springs would double or bend, and by getting out of
line lose their proper positions. The lower spring I is placed at a slight angle as
shown, so as to overcome the weight of the bolt which would have a tendency to bear
against the face plate at its lower point.
The spindle post K has projecting from one side an arm or lever L, and the outer
edge of this lever is connected to the rotating plate E by means of a connecting rod,
or, plate M. When one of the knobs is turned, the lever I through the connection M
is made to turn the plate E, upon its pivot so as to draw the latch and bolt backward,
as shown in Figure 2. By means of the construction here shown, the spindle post K
is placed in the extreme back portion of the lock case, or frame A, thus making it
possible to make a very, narrow lock and yet retain the knobs at the regular distance
from the edge of the door. If one of the knobs is turned towards the left, the lever L
is forced backward and the plate E is drawn around upon its pivot, but if the knob is
turned towards the right, the lever L is forced forward toward the edge of the door,
and the upper edge of the rotating plate is pressed forward, causing the lower prong F
to engage with the lower hooked arm D, and draw the latch and bolt backward, thus

page_text: enabling the door to be opened whether the knob is turned one way or the other.
The spindle N as shown in Figure 6 has one of its ends made round and reduced in
size, as shown at O, and secured to this spindle N, is a flange, or collar P, with which
the lever engages for the purpose of moving the spindle endwise, as shown in
Figures 5, 6 and 20, this spindle N passes freely through the lock, and when its
square portions engage with the square openings made in the inner end of each of
the knobs R, the spindle causes both of the knobs to turn at the same tine, but when
the spindle is moved endwise by the lever Qas shown in Figure 6, so that
its square portion becomes disengaged from the outer knob and only the round
portion O, extends into this knob then the outer knob can be freely turned without
effecting the spindle in any manner. The spindle is given this endwise movement for
the purpose of throwing the outer knob out of action, and thus prevent the door from
being opened from the outer side, even if the door should be left unlocked. The
lever Q, as shown in Figure 5, is pivoted between the two screw sockets S made on the
inner side of one of the escutcheon plates, and has its lower end so shaped as to catch
over the edge of the cani T, on the lever U. Secured to the escutcheon plate is the
spring V, which has an arm W, to catch under the inner edge of the lever Q, while
its lower end catches against the lever U, and forces it upward toward the escutcheon
plate to cause it to engage with the notches made in the escutcheon plate for this
purpose.
The lever U may be operated by hand.
The lever Q, is made spring actuated so that if the lever U, should be operated
when the square portion of the spindle N is not in line with the square opening in
the outer side of the knob R, as soon as the outer knob R, is turned, and this square
opening is brought into line with the square portion of the spindle, the spring arm W
will instantly operate the lever Q, and thus force the spindle end wise, as shown by
dotted lines in Figure 6 and thus connect the outer knob to the spindle. The inner.
knob always engages with the spindle so that it will always operate the lock.
As shown in Figure 3. the opening into each of the knobs R, is made tapering so
that if the knobs should get slightly out of line with each other they will accommodate
themselves to the position of the spindle, and thus operate as freely as though they
were in line. Where the opening into the knob is not made tapering, as is here
shown, if the knobs get out of line with each other through bad workmanship, or from
any other cause, they bind and rub in such a manner as to prevent their returning
to place. Each of the knobs is provided with a screw thread upon its shank, which
threads engage with corresponding threads of the escutcheon plates. The inner knob
can be unscrewed from its escutcheon plate X, whenever it is disengaged from the
spindle, but the outer knob, which is to be disengaged at times from the spindle, is
provided with a groove Y, as shown in Figure 4, in which a catch Z which is secured
to the escutcheon plate is made to catch for the purpose of limiting the distance that
the knob shall be turned. This outer knob can only be unscrewed from the escutcheon
plate when the stop Z is removed.
A box or frame A¹, in which the combination is placed, is made entirely separate
and distinct from the lock, and is secured to the inner side of the escutcheon plate as
shown in Figure 6. As shown in Figures 16 and 17, in the inner sides of this box A'
are made the recesses 13', in opposite sides, and into which recesses the ends of the
tumblers C, which form the combination will sink, either when the key is wholly
withdrawn as shown upon one side of the lock in Figure 6, or when a false key is
inserted which does not operate all the combinations. In the outer end of this box A¹,
as shown in Figures 14 and 15, are made the cam shaped recesses D' which serve to
operate the pins which engage with the key. Placed in this box is a key post E¹,
which has an open slot cut through for the greater portion of its length, as shown in
Figure 21, and in which slot the tumblers C, which form the combination are placed.
When this post E' is turned in a line with the recesses B', the tumblers C¹ drop down
into one of the recesses but at no other time can the plates become displaced. When
a key is inserted the lower ends of these tumblers Care raised out of the recess B¹,
as shown in the upper left hand corner of Figure 6 and then the post and tumblers C₁

page_text: can be revolved freely within the box by the turning of the key. In case a false key
is inserted into the key post and any one of the tumblers C', is raised too high or not
quite high enough, the end of this plate will catch in one of the recesses B₁ and thus
prevent the post from being revolved. There may be any desired number of
tumblers C¹ each of which must occupy a certain position upon the key.
When
As here shown the key is made double edged so that either edge can be inserted
uppermost into the lock, and thus avoid the necessity of having to first look at the key
or feel of its edge to find whether it is in the proper position for insertion.
the key is inserted all of the tumblers must fit solidly upon it so that they will turn
as if they were formed in one solid piece. Each of the tumblers being in direct
contact with the other the friction of one plate upon the other serves to give to
each tumbler separately the effect of the combined weight of them all, and thus all
necessity for the use of springs for causing the tumblers to move is done away with
and the lock is simplified and cheapened accordingly. To the inner end of this post E¹
is attached the plate F' shown in Figures 7, 8 and 21 and which is connected to the
post. E by means of the pins G¹, which catch in corresponding sockets made in the
end of the post.
This plate F¹ has the greater portion of its edge cut away so as
to form the two shoulders H' H2 for striking against a projection I¹ upon the post J
which is placed in the inner end of the box A', and which has its inner end made
angular as shown in Figure 21. for the purpose of projecting through the side of the
lock case, or frame and into the revolving casting K placed in the frame for the purpose
of operating the locking lever J. The length of the angular portion of the inner end of
the post J depends entirely upon the thickness of the door to which the lock is to be
applied. This angular portion need only be long enough to engage with the
casting K sufficiently to cause the casting to revolve. In Fig. 6, each of these
angular portions are shown as extending nearly half way through the casting K¹ but
this is longer than is absolutely necessary. If the door is quite thick then its angular
part will be made long enough to engage with the casting K', but if the door is made
thin they will be shortened accordingly.
The plate which is provided with the stud G₁ to engage with the end of the
post E has the key opening made through it and has an independent movement of
the part J, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. When the key is inserted, the post E' and
the plate F¹, can be turned so that the shoulder H₁, which is shown in contact with the
projection I¹ upon the post J in Fig. 7, will be moved around until the shoulder H2 is
made to strike against the projection I as shown in Figure 8. During the movement
of the key post E' and the plate F¹, while moving from one shoulder to the other, the
post J¹ is not affected, but as soon as one of the shoulders HH2 is brought against
the projection I, and the movement of the key is continued, the post J', is made to
revolve, and the revolving casting K₁ is then turned either to operate the locking
lever J or to operate the combined latch and bolt without the necessity of operating
the knob. In order to prevent the key from being withdrawn from the lock before
the door has been wholly unlocked or locked, the two pins L' shown in Figures 14
and 15 are passed through from opposite sides of the key post E¹, and which pins
when forced inward meet across the key hole as shown in Figure 15. When the
post E is turned into the position shown in Figure 14, and the key is inserted into
the key hole, the wedge shaped end of the key forces these two pins outward into the
recesses D, and then the key can be freely inserted. As soon as the key post E' is
turned in either direction the heads of the pins L' strike against the curved sides of
the recesses D' and these curved sides force the pins inward, as shown in Figure 15,
and the inner end of each of the pins L' pass half way through the key for the purpose
of holding the key in the lock. These pins L' can only be forced outward again after
the post E has been turned half way around for while moving from one recess D'
to the other, the inner sides of the box A¹, lock the pins L' rigidly in position. These
pins L also serve to aid in preventing the use of a false key, for as soon as an attempt
is made to turn the post E¹ the pins 1 are pressed inwardly to meet each other, and
if there is no opening or recess M made in the key to receive the points of the pins,
the post cannot be turned.

page_text: In Figures 7, 8, and 21 the plate F¹ is shown attached to the post both by means of
the pins G¹ and a tumbler N which has a flange O¹, formed upon its upper end to
catch in a corresponding recess P¹ in the edge of the plate F. This tumbler N' forms
the inner one of the combination plates. Either this flange O¹ and recesses P¹ may
be used or the pins G¹ may be used alone, just as may be preferred. In case a master
key is desired for unlocking a number of locks of this construction a small recess Q¹
will be made through each of the tumblers and this recess Q will match openings
in the key hole and the master key by catching in the recess Q¹ will successively
operate each one of the tumblers C as though it was operated by the key provided
with the lock.
The casting K placed in the upper left hand corner of the lock is made just thick
enough to be flush with the outer edge of each of the face plates of the lock, and is
provided with an angular socket to receive the angular portion of the post J. This
casting K being journaled or pivoted in the two sides of the lock revolves freely when
turned by the post J and which is operated by the key. The casting K has an
opening or recess S¹ made in one side so as to receive the flange T, formed upon the
rear edge of the lever J. When the lever J is forced backward into the position
shown in solid lines in Figure 1. by means of the spring I the flange T¹ catches in the
recess S, and the lever does not then effect in any manner the movement of the
combined latch and bolt C. When however the casting K' is turned from the position
shown in Figures 1, 2 and 19, the solid portion of the casting K' strikes against the
edge of the flange T¹ of the lever J and forces the lever outward so that its end catches
against the rear corner of the combined latch and bolt as shown in dotted lines in
Figure 1 and in solid lines in Figure 18, in which case the latch and bolt is locked
rigidly. in position, and can have no movement whatever. When the casting K' is
turned to the position shown in Figures 1, 2 and 19, the spring I, forces the lever
backward out of the way of the combined latch and bolt and then this lever does not
interfere with the movement of the latch and bolt in any manner.
Formed upon the casting Kare the two projections R' which engage with the bent
operating rod U which is placed in the upper end of the lock frame. One end of this
bent rod U catches over one of the shoulders or projections G formed upon the com-
bined latch and bolt C and the other end catches behind the projection R¹. When
the casting K is turned to the left the bend rod U₁ is made to draw the combined
latch and bolt backward and thus operate it as if it had been operated by the turning
of the knob. After a person has inserted his key and has turned it far enough to
move the lever J out of contact with the combined latch and bolt C he has but to
continue the movement of his key to cause the casting K', to operate the latch and
bolt and thus save all necessity of having to use the other hand to turn the knob.
This construction is especially useful to those who have one hand occupied in holding
some object.
In case two persons are occupying the same room and one of them comes in before
the other and wishes to both lock the door and at the same time leave it so that it can
be unlocked by the other person who also has a key, the first person inserts his key
from the inner side of the door and turns it sufficiently far around to cause the
casting K through the post J¹ to operate the locking lever J. After the casting K¹
has been turned around until the projections R' strike against the back of the lock
frame A as shown in Figure 1. in dotted lines thus moving the locking lever to the
position shown in Fig. 18. he turns the key backward moving the key post E' and the
plate F upon his side of the door so that the shoulder H¹ or H which was bearing
against the projection I' upon the post J¹, is moved around until the other shoulder
on the plate is made to bear against the projection thus leaving the post J¹ free
to turn with the casting K' when the key is inserted from the opposite side of the
door. By so forming the plate F¹ that the post E' containing the tumblers C¹ can be
turned backward the post J is left free to be operated by the casting K¹ but if this
construction were not used then after the door had been locked from one side it could
not be unlocked by the insertion of a key from tlie opposite side.

page_text: The same effect may be produced by leaving the key in the lock upon the inner side
of the door which renders the combination inoperative upon that side leaving the
post J¹ free to be turned with the casting K. By means of this construction all
necessity for a lock containing two bolts or for two locks for each door is entirely done
away with.
Where this lock is placed upon the door between two communicating
offices either person can lock the latch and bolt C in such a manner that it cannot be
operated from the opposite side for the reason that the casting K cannot be turned
while the tumblers on the other side of the door are in the position shown in Figure 17.
In case it is mutually desired to operate the lock upon both sides of the door so that
either one can operate the lock after the key has been turned so to move the casting K¹
into the position shown in Figure 18, one person has but to give the key an one-
half backward turn when the casting K is free to be operated as above described,
but in case both of the parties turn their keys until one of the shoulders upon the
plate F¹, stops against the projection 11, then neither party can open the door.
L
In case the plate F1 is not used, the plate shown in Figure 13 and having
notch in one edge will be substituted for it. This notch Y₁ engages with the
projection on the post J₁ shown in Figures 7, 8, 9 and 21. This plate X like the
one has the key hole through it, so as to allow the inner end of the key to pass
through, and this plate serves as a connection between the key post E' and the post J',
like the one F¹ so as to allow them to revolve together. When the plate X is used
the tumbler N provided with the flange O¹ will not be used and a tumbler O¹ will be
substituted for it. When the plate X is used the lock cannot be left in such a
condition that it can be operated from the opposite side because then the casting Ki
cannot be turned by the post J¹ on the opposite side of the lock.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what 1
claim is :-
1. In a lock the combination of the latch and bolt provided with rearwardly
extending arms the partially rotating plate which moves the latch and bolt, the lever,
connected to the spindle post, a connecting rod, for uniting the plate and lever, and
the springs substantially as shown.
2. In a lock the combination of the latch and bolt, provided with two arms, the
partially rotating plate placed between the said arms, and forming a bearing for the
latch and bolt, the connecting rod, the lever on the spindle post, and the springs,
substantially as described.
3. In a lock, the combination of the latch and bolt C, provided with the two rear-
wardly extending hooked arms, the partially rotating plate, provided with the prongs,
the springs I, which bear against shoulders on the latch and bolt, the lever, on the
spindle post and the connecting rod substantially as set forth.
4. In a lock the combination of the spring I, with two plates, placed inside of the
spring, and having their inner ends to extend past each other substantially as
specified.
5. The combination of the latch and bolt provided with shoulders, the two springs I,
and the plates H placed inside of the springs, the lower spring being placed at an
angle to the latch and bolt to balance the weight of its forward end, substantially as
shown.
6. In a lock the combination of the latch and bolt, provided with a shoulder upon
its upper edge, springs to return the latch and bolt to place after having been moved,
a rod which engages with the latch and bolt, and the rotating casting with which the
key engages and which engages with the inner end of the rod substantially as
described.
7. The combination of the rotating casting K', provided with the projection R', the
rod U', the latch and bolt, provided with shoulders on its edges and the springs which
return the latch and bolt to position substantially as set forth.
8. The combination of the rotating casting, which is turned by the movement of

page_text: the key, a locking lever, operated by the casting, the latch and bolt, and springs for
returning the latch and bolt to position after having been moved, substantially as
specified.
9. The combination of the rotating casting K' grooved in one side, the locking
lever, which has its edge to catch in the groove, the latch and bolt, and springs to
return both the latch and bolt and the lever to position substantially as shown.
10. In a lock, an endwise moving spindle which may be made to connect with
both knobs, or only one, and a lever for moving the spindle, substantially as
described.
11. In a lock an endwise moving spindle which is made smallest at one end, the
knobs, provided with sockets to receive the ends of the spindlo, and a lever for moving
the spindle end wise through the lock, so as to connect with and be disconnected from
one of the knobs substantially as set forth.
12. The combination of the knobs provided with sockets to receive the ends of the
endwise moving spindle, the spindle, provided with a flange, the lever engaging with
the flange, a lever, provided with a cam and the spring substantially as specified.
13. A knob having a tapering socket to receive the end of the spindle, substantially
as shown.
14. The combination of an escutcheon plate with a knob, the knob being attached
to the plate by means of a screw thread, substantially as set forth.
15. The combination of a knob, having a socket to receive the end of the spindle
and a screw threaded shank which is provided with a groove Y with the stop Z
secured to the escutcheon plate and the spindle having a reduced end substantially as
specified.
16. The combination of the box A¹ provided with recesses B', the key post, the
tumblers C placed in the post and the key the post and tumblers being made to turn
with the key substantially as shown.
17. The combination of the box A¹ having recesses B¹, the key post E', the
tumblers C, the post J which turns with the key post E¹, the casting K' and the
lever J for locking the latch and bolt substantially as set forth.
18. The combination of the box A', key post, tumblers, post J', casting K³, rod U¹,
and the latch and bolt substantially as specified.
19. The combination of the box A', key post, tumblers, plate F¹ provided with two
shoulders, the post J, provided with the projection I', and the casting K' substantially
as shown.
20. The combination of the box A¹, the key post E', tumblers, post J¹ provided
with the projection I' casting K, and a plate which is interposed between the ends of
the key post and the post J', and which plate has a key hole through it to receive the
inner end of the key, and which plate serves to connect the two posts together
substantially as specified.
21. The combination of a lock, a frame or casing containing the combination and
which is applied to the outer side of the lock and is made removable therefrom, so that
the combination can be removed without disturbing the lock substantially as shown.
22. The combination of a lock, a casing or frame containing the combination, and
which is removably applied to the outer side of the lock, and an escutcheon plate, the
outer end of the frame or casing containing the combination being made to extend
through the escutcheon plate, substantially as described.
Dated this 12th day of Fahruary 1888.