Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A combination lock assembly for safes in which the combination can be easily reset without dismantling the assembly or changing its original adjustment for smoothness and consistency of tumbler wheel motion. The tumbler wheel and spacing washer components of the assembly are all mounted on a bushing that also includes an end cap. The tumblers and spacers are spring biased by a wave washer so that the drive tumbler, which includes a plurality of angularly spaced holes, presses against the end cap. One of the holes is aligned with a drive stud on the drive cam that is used to position the tumblers. In the event the drive tumbler should receive uneven pressure from the drive studs (e.g., due to improper alignment of the safe's drive spindle), the tumbler wheels and washers are all held together by the bias of the wave washer and are maintained with their engagement surfaces parallel with each other, permitting proper operation without undesirable wear. To reset the combination, manual pressure of the drive tumbler is sufficient to overcome the bias of the wave washer to move the tumblers and washers axially away from the end cap. This movement allows the drive tumbler to be rotated relative to the drive cam so that another of said angularly spaced holes is aligned with the drive stud. This simple procedure changes the combination required to open the safe.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim