| 摘要 |
<p>A hierarchical lock (30, 40) and key (31, 41) system includes a plurality of locks (30, 40) and keys (31, 41) wherein each key is provided with at least one unique bitting surface (33, 43) that engages a complementarily shaped tumbler pin tip (37, 47) to cause the tumbler pin (35, 45) to rotate. In one system, one key (31) is provided with bittings (33) to rotate the tumbler pins. The one key (31) may also operate a lock (40) which does not determine the rotational position of the tumbler pins (44). Another key (41) which has at least one different bitting (43) from the one key (31) will operate the latter lock (40). However, the other key (41) will not operate the former lock (30) because the bitting (43) does not properly rotate the tumbler pins (35). The complementarily shaped contacting surfaces of the tumbler pin and key are generally sloped from one edge to an opposite edge in tapered form and may be flat, concave, convex, or a combination thereof.</p> |
