| 摘要 |
<p>An improved key and an improved method of manufacturing the key are disclosed. The key is an assembly of a handle and a blade, which are formed separately from each other. The blade is substantially flat, and includes on each of its opposite sides a plurality of parallel longitudinal lands having forwardly-facing bittings thereon, and a plurality of parallel longitudinal grooves which alternate with the lands and space them apart. The bittings serve to engage transverse rows of axially reciprocatable tumblers in a cylinder lock, and the grooves receive lock wards therein, while the distal end of the blade engages the lock to determine the depth of insertion of the key blade. The blade also is provided with a capture pin opening, and with a proximal end structure which cooperates with the handle in assembling the key. The blade is made from a length of bar stock which is rolled in order to form lands and grooves on the sides of a flat strip. The lands preferably project laterally outwardly for different distances, to provide increased security and to increase the number of possible key changes. Thereafter, the bar is stamped to form openings and recesses, and cut into individual key blade blanks. Forwardly facing bittings are provided in the lands of each blank, by milling from a distal end of the blade. The proximal end of the blade is inserted into a pocket formed in the handle, which is made of a thermoplastic material, and ultrasonic wave energy is used to soften the handle and cause the material thereof to penetrate the recesses and an opening in the proximal end of the blade, thereby forming a permanent assembly.</p> |
