Key with movable element disposed within key blade

摘要

A key with one or more movable elements that slide within the blade of a substantially flat key for operating a lock includes a blade configured to be inserted into a keyway of a lock and including contour features formed on an outer surface of the blade that mate with corresponding contour features of the keyway. The key includes at least one movable element disposed within a recess formed in the blade and including a contour surface exposed to the exterior of the key blade. The contour surface may include external contour features that correspond in shape to at least a portion of the contour features of the keyway. The movable element may be movable within the recess, when it engages a blocking member within the keyway, and after such movement, the element will engage a locking element within the lock.

主权项

1. A key for operating a lock and comprising:
a blade configured to be inserted into a keyway of a lock and including contour features comprising at least one of a groove and a ridge formed on an outer surface of the blade that mate with corresponding contour features of the keyway; and at least one movable element disposed within an associated recess formed in the blade and including a contour surface exposed to the exterior of the key blade, the contour surface including external contour features comprising at least one of a groove and a ridge that correspond in shape to at least a portion of the contour features of the blade, wherein each movable element is movable within its associated recess between: (a) a first position in which the external contour features of the contour surface of the movable element are aligned with the contour features of the key blade, such that the contour features of the blade and movable element mate with the corresponding contour features of the keyway and (b) a second position in which the external contour features of the contour surface of the movable element are misaligned with respect to the contour features of the key blade, such that the contour features of the movable element do not mate with the corresponding contour features of the keyway.