IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF Locks
Year: 1856

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Henry Horace Goodman, of No. 1, Rue Grange,
Batelierè, Paris, in the Empire of France, Banker, for the Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF Locks."-A communication fron
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Henry Horace Goodman
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
26th December 1856.
I, HENRY HORACE GOODMAN, of No. 1, Rue Grange, Batelierè, Paris, in
the Empire of France, Banker, do hereby declare the nature of the
Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF Locks," to be as
follows:-
-
The object of the Invention is to provide a lock for the prevention of
burglary, that from its simplicity of construction and trifling cost will enable
it to supersede the locks now in common use. It being adapted as well to
doors as to bank safes, and generally to all purposes for which locks aro
used.
I am well aware that permutation locks have been heretofore used, having
a series of discs mounted upon collars, each fitting over the other, the inner
one of which is mounted upon a stationary neck or stud, on which it is
supported and worked. And I am also aware that upon the upper end of

page_text: these collars have been secured an index figure to each, by which they could all
so be arranged that the slot or indentation in each disc would be so placed that
the lock bolt might be withdrawn from the staple, so as to unlock the door.
And I am likewise aware the index number of each disc could be changed
separately, without changing or altering those of the others, by simply changing
the position of the index figure of any of the flanged collars, by means of a
set screw and series of holes in the upper end of the collar. But such a
change as this, whilst it did not alter the relative numbers of the other discs,
caused the party making the change to institute a series of experiments,
involving both time and labour, to determine what the index number of the
collar so changed then was. Such a lock as this is at once costly, cumbersome,
and complicated, exceedingly liable to get out of order, and not at all adapted
to common purposes.
This Invention consists in so arranging and combining a series of revolving
slotted discs, mounted upon a stationary neck or stud, that the slots of each
shall be severally set by each other in turn, when properly operated upon
by a fixed disc mounted upon a revolving shaft, so that the rear end of the
lock bolt shall be free to enter the slots to permit the door to be unlocked,
there being but one revolving graduated index necessary to adjust the whole,
and that secured to the revolving shaft.
And it further relates to a new method of instantly discovering the various
numbers by which the several discs must be set, in order to arrange their
slots in a line for the reception of the end of the bolt, and which consists in
perforating each disc and fixed flange to the stud at the same angle to their
slots, whereby by passing a pin through a hole in the cap piece of the lock
it shall enter the perforation of each in turn, as their slots are respectively
brought in a line with the end of the lock bolt, the number indicated on
the graduated plate by the arrow as the pin enters a disc being the number
required to set it.
The advantages of such an arrangement will readily be perceived, as it
enables the proprietor to change them, as occasion should require, without
'being compelled to enter into a long series of experiments to determine which
are the proper ones to be used, thus saving both time and labour. As the
lock when applied to doors of houses is not capable of being unlocked from
the inside because of its peculiar construction, I have invented a new staple
or catch, whereby the door may be instantly opened without retracting the
lock bolt, and then by the simple act of closing the door locking it again;
this feature constituting another branch of the Invention.
The Invention further relates to a method of misleading those who may

page_text: be endeavouring to pick or unlock the door with burglarious intentions; and
it consists in notching one of the revolving discs (but I prefer the one next
the stationary one, as it is the last slotted disc to be set), so that as it is
caused to revolve, in order to arrange the slots of the others in a line with
the bolt, it will prevent them from discovering the exact moment when they
are properly placed, as its teeth whilst revolving will keep constantly striking
against the inner end of the lock bolt, in this way deceiving them with the
delusion that the slots have been properly arranged, and finally cause them
to relax their exertions and vigilance through their frequent mistakes.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Henry Horace Goodman in the Great Seal Patent Office on
the 25th June 1857..
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, J, HENRY
HORACE GOODMAN, of No. 1, Rue Grange, Batelierè, Paris, in the Empire of
France, Banker, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twenty-sixth day of December, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-six, in the twentieth year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the
said Henry Horace Goodman, Her special licence that I, the said Henry
Horace Goodman, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as
I, the said Henry Horace Goodman, 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 THE CONSTRUCTION OF Locks," a communication from
William H. Atkins, of the United States of America, upon the condition,
(amongst others) that I, the said Henry Horace Goodman, my executors or
administrators, 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.

page_text: NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Henry Horace Goodman, 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
following statement thereof, that is to say :-
Figure 1 represents a front elevation of such of its parts as are on the
outside of the door, the latter being represented as broken off.
Figure 2 represents an elevation of the rear side of the lock as secured
to the door, showing the bolt protruded into the recess of the staple, when
locked the bolt being removed.
Figure 3 represents a longitudinal section of the same, taken through the
line x, x, of Figure 2, with the cap removed.
Figure 5 represents a side elevation of the staple, with the catch bolt in
position when the door is locked; and Figure 6, a section of the same,
but having the bolt raised, for the purpose of opening the door from the
inside.
Figure 7 represents a side elevation of the lock bolt and slotted discs,
showing their relative positions when the former is retraced to unlock the
door; and Figure 8, a plan of the under side of the lock, and horizontal
section of the door, taken through the line a, a, Figure 2; and Figures
9, 10, 11, and 12 represent side elevations or plans of the slotted discs.
The object of the Invention is to provide a lock for the prevention of
burglary, that from its simplicity of construction and trifling cost will enable
it to supersede the locks now in common use. It being adapted as well to
dloors as to bank safes; and generally to all purposes for which locks are
used.
I am well aware that permutation locks have been heretofore used, having a
series of discs mounted upon collars, each fitting over the other, the inner one
of which is mounted upon a stationary neck or stud, on which it is supported
and worked. And I am also aware that upon the upper end of these collars
have been secured an index figure to each, by which they could all so be
arranged that the slot or indentation in each disc would be so placed that
the lock bolt might be withdrawn from the staple, so as to unlock the door.
And I am likewise aware the index number of each disc could be changed
separately, without changing or altering those of the others, by simply changing
the position of the index figure of any of the flanged collars, by means of a
set screw and series of holes in the upper end of the collar; but such a
change as this, whilst it did not alter the relative numbers of the other discs,
caused the party making the change to institute a series of experiments,
:

page_text: involving both time and, labour, to determine what the index number of the
collar so changed then was. Such a lock as this is at.once costly, cumbersome,
and complicated, exceedingly liable. to get out of order, and not at all. adapted
to common purposes.
This Invention consists in so arranging and combining a series of. revolving
slotted discs, mounted upon a stationary neck or stud, that the slots of each
shall be severally set by each other in turn, when properly operated upon
by a fixed disc, mounted upon a revolving shaft, so that the rear end of the
lock bolt shall be free to enter the slots to permit the door to be unlocked,
there being but one revolving graduated index necessary to adjust the whole,
and that secured to the revolving shaft.
And it further relates to a new method of instantly discovering the various
numbers by which the several discs must be set, in order to arrange their
slots in a line for the reception of the end of the bolt, and which consists in
perforating each disc and fixed flange to the stud at the same angle to their
slots, whereby by passing a pin through a hole in the cap piece of the lock
it shall enter the perforation of each in turn, as their slots are respectively
brought in a line with the end of the lock bolt, the number indicated on the
graduated plate by the arrow as the pin enters a disc being the number
required to set it.
The advantages of such an arrangement will readily be perceived, as it
enables the proprietor to change them as occasion should require without being
compelled to enter into a long series of experiments to determine which are
the proper ones to be used, thus saving both time and labour. As the lock when
applied to doors of houses is not capable of being unlocked from the inside
because of its peculiar construction, I have invented a new staple or catch,
whereby the door may be instantly opened without retracting the lock bolt,
and then by the simple act of closing the door locking it again; this.feature
constituting another branch of the Inven
The Invention further relates to a method of misleading those who may be
endeavouring to pick or unlock the door with burglarious intentions, and it
consists in notching one of the revolving discs (but I prefer the one next the
stationary one, as it is the last slotted disc to be set), so that as it is caused
to revolve in order to arrange the slots of the others in a line with the bolt, it
will prevent them from discovering the exact moment when they are properly
placed, as its teeth whilst revolving will keep constantly striking against the
inner end of the lock bolt, in this way deceiving them with the delusion that
the slots have been properly arranged, and finally cause them to relax their
exertions and vigilance through their frequent mistakes.

page_text: To enable others skilled in the art to make, construct, and use the Invention,
I will now proceed to describe the improved lock more in detail.
A represents a door, on the rear of which is secured by means of screws a
one of the improved locks B, upon the cap piece of which is cast a small
circular-shaped projection c, through a mortice in which is firmly secured
one end of a neck or stud D, upon which are mounted a series of revolving
dises c, between each of which, and rigidly connected to the stud, is a flange e,
forming a support to the discs, in all of which are cut a slot i, the flanges e
being so arranged and secured on the stud as that their slots shall always be
in a line with the end or tongue n of the lock bolt E.
Through each of the discs c and flanges c, as also through the projection c
of the cap piece, is pierced a hole m, at an equal distance from the shaft, and
in this instance in a line passing centrally between the sides of the slots, and
diametrically through the axis of the stud, the slots being cut radially there-
with, so that when the pin W is passed through these holes the slot of each
will be in a line with the end n of the bolt E, and it will be free to enter as
the door is unlocked. Through the discs c are pierced a series of holes p for
the reception of pins o, which form adjustable clutches on both sides of the
lises, for a purpose to be hereafter described. On the inner end of the journal
F, and which passes through the door A, is firmly secured a disc f, through
which is pierced a series of holes near its periphery, they being equidistant
from and concentric with the axis of the discs c, and like them provided with
an adjustable clutch pin u. Near this end of the shaft F, between the back
plate of the lock and the door, is formed a shoulder h, to prevent its being
withdrawn from the latter, or from pushing or from pressing the disc f against
the disc c more than is required to bring the clutch of the latter within the
sphere of action of the clutch of the former, and to which it would otherwise
be liable. Upon the outer end of the shaft F, and which works in a bearing f',
secured to the outer side of the door, is secured a graduated plate G, circular in
form, on the periphery of which is cut a series of notches and teeth, near which
is engraved the corresponding number, in this instance fifty in number, as seen
in Figure 1. This plate is made to rotate with the shaft F as the latter is
turned by means of the key H, the end of the former being filed to fit the
latter for that purpose. By the regulating of this plate, with respect to the
arrows or index 7 on the door, the lock is made to open. Through mortice
in the door, immediately under the lock B, is passed the key shaft K, and
working in bearings on the out and inside of the door. To the inner end of
this shaft is secured one end of a lever L, the other extending up through a
mortice in the side of a lock into a recess s, formed on the under side of the

page_text: lock bolt E, which, according to the direction which the shaft K. is turned,
will protrude or retract the bolt E to lock or unlock the door. M represents
a plate, secured to the side frame of the door by means of screws, from which
project three arms N, having a mortice (v) through their extremity, for the
reception of the catch bolt P, the whole forming the staple into which the
bolt E is passed when the door is locked. By raising the catch bolt P, as seen
at Figure 6, the door will be free to open without retracting the lock bolt E,
the former being held in its raised position by a small pin a, pushed under it
by means of a spring y, secured to the face of the plate M, until the door is
closed again, when the lock bolt E will pass the spring y back, withdrawing
the pin x from under the catch P, which will then drop down through the
mortice in each arm and lock the door, as seen at Figure 5. To prevent the
catch P from being withdrawn altogether from the arms N, a small pin W
is passed through it between the two upper arms N, to limit its range of.
motion.
Having described the improved lock in detail, I will now proceed to give a
description of its operation, assuming, for the sake of illustration, the numbers.
for arranging the slots of the discs c, of which there are three, to be 48, 9
and 32 respectively, these being the numbers as the model is at present.
adjusted; 32 representing the disc next the cap of the lock, 9 the middle one,
and 48 the one next the fixed disc f on the revolving shaft F. The shaft F..
upon the inner end of which is secured the disc f, is first caused to revolve in
the direction of the arrow, shown in red, Figure 1, until the clutch u strikes
against the clutch pin o of the first revolving disc c, then continuing on until
the other end of the clutch of the latter comes in contact with the head
of the clutch pin of the second disc, carrying it round until its clutch in
turn strikes against the head of that of the third disc, when, if there be
but three of these slotted discs, the party will then be in a condition to
arrange the slot of the third one in a line with the slots of the flanges e and
that of the inner end of the tongue E, for which purpose he will continue
turning the shaft round in the same direction until the number 32 on the
plate G is brought exactly opposite the point of the arrow g, when he must
immediately stop; he then reverses the motion of the shaft, causing it to
revolve backwards twice to bring the clutches of the disc f and first disc
together on the other side of the clutches of the second disc, when he will
continue it round until the number 9 is brought opposite the point of the
arrow g, when the slots of the second disc will also be set; the motion of the
shaft is again reversed and caused to describe one revolution, when
the clutch of the disc f will again have been brought round to the other side

page_text: of the clutch o on the first disc c, which will then be turned round until the
number 48 on the plate G is opposite the arrow g, when its slot, like the others,
will be in a line with the tang of the lock bolt E, and it will be free to enter
as the shaft K is turned to unlock the door. In adjusting the second disc
after the first disc (that is, the disc next the cap piece c of the lock,) is set, the
motion of the shaft is immediately reversed, as if not the slot would be carried
past the bolt and caused to revolve twice before setting the second; for this
reason, that it requires one revolution of the disc f and clutch to bring it
on the other side of the clutch o of the disc c next it, and another revolution
to bring the clutch of the disc c on the other side of the clutch o of the
second disc c, when the slot of the latter can then be set; and so in adjusting
the next disc c, only that it requires but one revolution of the disc f to bring
its clutch on the right side of the clutch of the first disc to set it.
It is not
essential that the clutch should be attached to the disc f, as the same
object may be effected through the medium of an arm with the clutch u
attached to it; but I prefer the former, inasmuch as I am enabled to get a vast
amount of changes of numbers through it by having it perforated with a series
of holes, and the clutch adjustable, whereby by moving it from one hole to
another the whole numbers to adjust the slots would be changed each time in
every disc. These can still further be changed, so that they can be multiplied
almost infinitely, inasmuch as each revolving disc may if desired be pierced
with a series of holes, which by the mere changing of the adjustable clutch,
as in the former case, from one hole into another, if the disc should happen
to be the one next tho fixed one, would also alter the numbers of all the
others respectively; and so on with the other discs, with the exception that
any change of the clutch. of the second disc from one hole to another would
only involve a change in the number of itself, and those dises succeeding it, and
the next in the same way, until the clutch of the last one was changed,
which would simply effect its own number; and it is here to be observed
that the discs may be set so that the door can be unlocked by turning the
shaft K in the first instance in the opposite direction to that which I have
just now described, but in that case the same numbers would not answer.
I
The correct ones, however, it is an easy matter to discover, as by taking the
pin W and inserting it into the hole m of the cap C, and exerting a slight
pressure against it as you turn the shaft K in the direction of which you desire
to find the numbers, it will, the moment the whole aperture m is brought
opposite to the aperture of the projection c, pass into it and stop the further
progress of the shaft in that direction. The number indicated by the arrow g
on the plate G at this point will be the required number for that disc.

page_text: The motion of the shaft F is thus reversed, until, the aperture of the second
disc, like that of the first, is opposite the pin W, which is then pressed into it,
and the motion of the shaft in that direction arrested; the number indicated on
the plate G being the required number for this disc. The number of the
third being found in the same manner by simply reversing the motion of the
shaft until the pin presses through its aperture, as in the case of the others;
the numbers thus found in this instance being 23, 16, and 45. It will now
readily be perceived that the lock cannot be opened from the inside but by
raising the catch bolt P; the door may be opened without retracting the lock
bolt E, and locked again by the closing of the door, as the bolt E, having
pressed the pin from under the catch P, by pressing against the spring y, thus
permitting it to drop in place.
Having thus described the Invention, what I claim as new, and desire to
secure by Letters Patent, is, so arranging a series of revolving slotted dises c
upon a fixed neck or stud D that each in turn shall be made the means of
adjusting the slot of the other when operated upon by another disc f, or its
equivalent, secured to a shaft F and index G, for the purposes described.
Second, I claim altering the respective numbers of two or all the discs c by
the simple change of an adjustable clutch from one hole to another, substantially
as for the purposes described.
Third, I claim the method therein described of discovering the proper
numbers to open the lock, substantially as specified.
In witness whereof, I, the said Henry Horace Goodman, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this Twentieth day of June, in the year of our
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven.
Witness,
HENRY HORACE GOODMAN. (L.S.)
MATTHEW WILLIAM GILDER,
370, Rue St. Honoré, Paris.