Improvements in or relating to Locks, and Keys therefor.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 24th Aug., 1894-Accepted, 29th Sept., 1894
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or relating to Locks, and Keys therefor.
I, JACQUES VITAL MARTIN of 31 Boulevard Henri IV. Paris in the Republic
of France, Mechanician, 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 present invention relates to locks and keys therefor and is intended to
provide for the use of keys having bits which may be moved within the stem or pin
of the key when not in use.
The locks to be used with such keys may be of any construction to be operated
by the bit of the key, but the entrance for the key is circular and fits to the stem
of the key, or a sleeve surrounding said stem, and within the lock case is a pro-
jection for the purpose of releasing the bit of the key so that it may take its usual
operative position.
The key is made so that the bit may fold into a slot in the pin and be there held
by sliding a sleeve thereon, the pin having also a longitudinal groove for engage-
ment of the aforesaid projection in the lock case, and an annular groove for
enabling the key to be revolved when fully inserted without hindrance from said
projection, which latter is for the purpose not only of pushing back the sleeve for
releasing the bit which is then thrust out by a spring but also for ensuring that
this release shall be effected when the bit is in the proper position for coming into
action for operating the lock.
In the annexed drawing
Fig. 1 is an illustration of an ordinary lock fitted with the improvements.
Fig. 2 is a view of the key in its operative position.
Fig. 3 a plan view of Fig. 2.
Fig. 4 is a view of the key with bit closed and covered as the key is intended to
be carried about.
I is the lock case. g the projection therein which is fitted within the circular
key hole H.
m is a part of the boss about the key hole which is bevelled in
order to meet the back of the bit as the key is drawn out of the lock and press
inwards said bit so that it resumes its position prior to being drawn out of the
key hole.
A is the pin of the key and B the bow C is the bit which is pivoted in the small
pin e and folds within the slot d cut in the pin A. f is a spring which presses on
the heel of the bit C and tends to throw it outward into the position shown in
Fig. 2. The outer surface of pin A is cylindrical with the exception of the longi-
tudinal slot a which extends from the end of the pin A. along the same up to the
annular slot b with which it communicates. The sleeve D slides upon the pin A,
and the pin A is provided at the end with a flange c which prevents the sleeve D
from sliding off the pin at that end. The bow B prevents removal of the sleeve D
at the other end.
When this key is not in use the sleeve D may be slid down to the flange c and
will cover and enclose the bit C as shown in Fig. 4. In this position the key is
inserted in the key hole H and is turned if necessary till the slot a coincides with
projection g. The key can then be thrust further into the lock during which action
the projection 9 will push back or arrest the sleeve D and guide the key by moving
in the slot a. When the key has been inserted so far that the projection g arrives
in the annular slot 6 the key may be turned.
When the key is withdrawn the incline m will meet the back of the bit C and
press it upwards into the stem so that it passes out of the key hole. In this

page_text: position the bit may be then held by pushing the sleeve D over it as shown
in Fig. 4.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. The improved key in which the bit may be folded into the slot in the pin
and there retained by a sleeve adapted to be pushed back by a projection within a
lock case to free the bit inside the lock case substantially as described.
2. The improved key having a bit adapted to be folded into a slot in the pin
and a sleeve to retain said bit together with a slot in said pin for the guiding of
the pin within a lock case having a projection to engage said slot, for the purpose
set forth.
3. The improved key having bit C pivoted at e in stem A, spring f, slots a b and
sleeve D substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
4. In a lock the combination with a case having a circular key hole, of a
projection g adapted to guide a key in the lock and arrest a sleeve surrounding
the stem thereof for the purpose of releasing the bit of said key pivoted in the stem
thereof, and means for returning the bit into the stem on the withdrawal of the key
substantially as set forth.
Dated this 24th dow of Aust 1901
R. HADDAN,
Of the Firm of Herbert Haddan & Co.,
18, Buckingham Street, Strand, London, W.C., Agent to Applicant.