Furthermore, once the code of the lock is known and in the absence of an original key, the preparation of a replacement key, for purposes such as reaching to the original key that unintentionally was locked inside a car or a house, may be very cumbersome and time and money consuming.

[02] Reference is made now to Fig. 1A, which is a schematic illustration of an internal two-track key 10 and key head 11 used to open and/or close an internal two-track lock, and to Fig. 1B which illustrates a possible engraved code made in the key illustrated in Fig. 1A. Key head 11 may have any suitable shape and size, and may be used to substantially hold key 10 to enable operation of key 10. Internal two-track key 10 may include operational two-sided key blade 12 each one of which may logically be divided into numerous codable positions denoted by the gray grid seen on the surfaces of blade 12. Each rectangular unit in the gray grid may denote one possible codable position thus, in the example illustrated in Fig. 1A there are 8 sideways positions (herein denoted PS1-PS8) and 4 depth positions (herein denoted D1-D4), thereby providing 32 codable positions. Other physical systems for representing codes (e. g. , other than rectangular units) may be used. Any suitable desirable arrangement of codable positions may be exploited using one Dx position (1<= x <= 4) for each PSx position (1<= x <= 8). In some locks of this type only part of the PSx and/or Dx positions are used on each face of two-track key 10. Other numbers of units may be used. Coding of a key (e. g. , creating of a specific key) may be done by way of for example engraving a shallow groove on the face of an operational two-sided blade 12. Internal two-track locks may have, for each sideways position PS1-PS8, engraved code that may be made in only one of the possible depth positions D1-D4. Internal two-track key 10 may have code engraved on the upper side (the side or face shown in Fig. 1) that is different from the code engraved on the lower side (the side not shown in Fig. 1). For example, groove 8 in Fig. 1B represents the following code on the upper (i. e. visible) face of operational two-sided blade 12:

Sideways Corresponding position cross-sideways coordinate position PS1 D3 PS2 D 4 PS3 D 2 PS4 D 1 PS5 D 2 PS6 D 1 PS7 D 2 PS8 D 3 [03] An internal two-track lock may be activated (e. g. , opened or locked) only when each of its internal locking teeth is placed, by the lead of the groove of key 4, to its exact,. pre-defined position (corresponding to one of depth positions D 1.--. D4). A. specific coding engraved on a face of operational two-sided blade 12 should therefore match a specific lock.

[04] Decoding of an internal lock, generally requires identifying the position of each of the teeth (8 in the example of Fig. 1A ; other numbers may be used), which, when moved to that position, will allow activation of that lock. Accordingly, these decoded positions should correspond to the engraving of each of the two sides of key 10.

[05] Commonly used locks of the internal two-track type have 8 sideways positions and 4 depth positions, but typically only four positions sideways are being used on each of the two faces of key 4. Other numbers of positions may be used. One method of coding of an internal two-track lock uses a"left-right"arrangement, in which sideways positions 1,3, 5 and 7 are used on one face of the lock, and sideways positions 2,4, 6 and 8 are used on the other face of the lock. In another method, which may be called"two left-two right"arrangement, positions 1,2, 5 and 6 are used on one face of the lock, and positions 3,4, 7 and 8 used on the other face of the lock.

Other coding methods may be used.

[06] Decoding of a two-track lock may involve decoding of both left and right sides of the lock. For the"left-right"type of lock, decoding of the"left"side may generally result in the identification of the activating position of teeth in for example positions 1,3, 5 and 7 and decoding of the"right"side may generally result in the identification of the activating position of teeth in for example positions 2,4, 6 and 8. For the"two left-two right"arrangement, decoding of the"left"side may generally result in the identification of the activating position of teeth in for example positions 1,2, 5 and 6 and decoding of the"right"side may generally result in the identification of the activating position of teeth-in for-example positions 3,4, 7 and 8.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [07] There is provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus, system, and method for decoding and opening internal two-track security locks.

[08] According to some embodiments of the present invention a lock decoding apparatus is provided, which may include an operational piece that includes a code sensing mechanism having a rigid structure. The code sensing mechanism may be capable of determining an unlocking depth of one or more tumblers in a lock to be decoded. The lock decoding apparatus may further include a first positioning mechanism coupled to the code sensing mechanism, to enable movement of the code sensing mechanism between a plurality of positions along a first direction ; and a second positioning mechanism coupled to the code sensing mechanism, to enable movement of the code sensing mechanism between a plurality of positions along a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The operational piece may be insertable into a keyhole of a lock to be decoded.

[09] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a lock opening apparatus is provided that includes a pre-defined set of pairs of half keys, wherein two selected half keys of the set placed back to back are capable of opening a high security lock.

[010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a system for lock opening may be provided, that includes a lock decoding apparatus and a lock opening apparatus, the lock opening apparatus having a pre-defined set of identical pairs of half keys, wherein two selected half keys of the set placed back to back are capable of opening a high security lock.

[011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a method for decoding a high security lock is provided, which includes inserting a lock decoding apparatus into a lock to be opened, the lock decoding apparatus including an operational piece with a code sensing mechanism; advancing the code sensing mechanism from a first sideways position to a plurality of additional sideways positions, and sensing the unlocking depth for one or more tumblers in the lock at each of the sideways position; and defining a combination of half keys to open the lock, based on the sensing of the unlocking depth for one or more tumblers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [012] The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanied drawings in which: [013] Fig. 1A is a schematic illustration of an internal two-track key known in the art; [014] Fig. 1B is a schematic illustration of an internal two-track key of Fig. 1A with an engraved code; [015] Fig. 2A is a decoder according to some embodiments of the present invention; [016] Fig. 2B is a decoder including a tactile movement mechanism, according to some embodiments of the present invention; [017] Fig. 2C is a decoder including a measurement scale and retraction mechanism, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[018] Fig. 3 is an example of a decoder with a hinge, according to some embodiments of the present invention; [019] Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of an internal two-track key engraving according to some embodiments of the present invention; and [020] Fig. 5 is a side view of a key element according to some embodiments of the present invention; [021] Fig. 6 is a graphical illustration of an example of a set of half keys that may used to open any lock from a particular type of high security two-track lock; and [022] Fig. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a lock opening method, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[023] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements..

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [024] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. However it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components and systems have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the description of embodiments of the present invention.

[025] It should be understood that embodiments of the present invention may be used in a variety of applications. Although the present invention is not limited in this respect, the apparatus disclosed herein may be used in many systems such as two-track external locks, four-track external locks and other similar locking devices.

[026] The detailed description hereinafter is made with respect to a specific configuration of a lock and a corresponding key. Yet, it should be apparent to a person of ordinary skills in the art that the system and method for decoding an internal two-track lock described above are merely examples.

[027] Embodiments of the present invention describe an apparatus, system and methods to enable unlocking of locked high security locks. A system according to one embodiment may include apparatuses to decode high security locks, and apparatuses to enable unlocking high security locks using generic keys.

[028] Reference is made now to Fig. 2A, which illustrates a decoder apparatus 20 according to some embodiments of the present invention, to help in decoding a high security lock. Decoder 20 may include a blind key operational piece 22, which may have a substantially similar shape to key blade 12, or may have other suitable shapes to enable insertion into a keyhole of a lock to be decoded. For example, blind key operational piece 22 may correspond in length and width to its counterpart key blade in a regular key made for an internal two-track lock, so that blind key operational piece 22 is insertable into a key slot of a lock to be decoded. Decoder 20 may include a sideways operating mechanism 24, to move a code sensor mechanism 28 in a sideways direction along blind key operational piece 22. Sideways operating mechanism 24 may enable determination of, for example, PS-values for-unlocking positions of one or more tumblers for a lock to be decoded. A tumbler as referred to herein may refer to, for example, a movable obstruction or object in a lock that must be adjusted to a given position before the bolt or other lock piece can be activated, or any other similar component for enabling unlocking of a lock by a key.

[029] Decoder 20 may include a depth operating mechanism 26, to move a code sensor mechanism 28 in an"up/down"direction across blind key operational piece 22.

Depth operating mechanism 26 may enable determination of, for example, D values for enabling code sensor mechanism 28 to locate unlocking positions of one or more tumblers for a lock to be decoded. Code sensor mechanism 28 may include, for example, a code sensor tip 29 located at the distal end of code sensor unit 28 for selectively activating a tumbler at each PS position. Code sensor 28 may have a rigid structure capable of precisely determining an unlocking depth of one or more tumblers in a lock to be decoded. Code sensor 28 may have an elongated form as depicted in Fig. 2, or may have other suitable shapes or features; a traditional"key" shape need not be used. Code sensor tip 29 may have a triangular shape as depicted in Fig. 2, a rectangular shape, or may have other suitable shapes.

[030] Sideways operating mechanism 24 may control the momentary position of tip 29 along an imaginary line parallel to the direction of the two-headed arrow drawn on sideways operating mechanism 24 in Fig. 2A. Operation of sideways operating mechanism 24 may move tip 29 from one sideways position to another as desired, for example, using a lever, guide-wire, or other suitable operating mechanism. As can be seen with reference to Fig. 2B which includes a partial cross section in part of sideways operating mechanism 24. Sideways operating mechanism 24 may include a tactile movement mechanism 200 that may enable a user to sense substantially accurate stepping movements from one sideways position to another. For example, a spring-loaded ball 205 may be used that may be located in a series of half-spherical borings 210 submerged in positions corresponding to the sideways coding positions.

Other suitable stepping movement mechanisms may be used. For example, a tactile in-out positioning mechanism may be used to enable a user to feel the sideways positioning of code sensing mechanism 28. Sideways operating mechanism 24 may include a readable position scale, for-example, substantially similar-to the scale 220 depicted in Fig. 2C, to indicate the sideways position of tip 29 at any desired time.

[031] Depth operating mechanism 26 may operate similarly to sideways operating mechanism 24 so as to move tip 29 cross-sideways, or in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sideways movement, between depth positions D1 and D4, for example, using a lever, rotating apparatus or other suitable mechanism. Depth operating mechanism 26 may include a mechanism, for example, substantially similar to the tactile movement mechanism 200 depicted in Fig. 2B to allow for accurate sensing of the activating position of tip 29 in any one of a lock's cross-sideways positions. Further depth operating mechanism 26 may include a mechanism to enable its precise position to be sensed or felt by a user. For example, a tactile in-out positioning mechanism may be used to enable a user to feel the depth positioning of code sensing mechanism 28. As can be seen with reference to Fig. 2C, depth operating mechanism 26 may include a readable scale 220 to accurately indicate the depth position of tip 29 at any time.

[032] As can further be seen with reference to Fig. 2C, depth operating mechanism 26 may also include a retracting mechanism, for example as depicted by 230, to enable returning of code sensing mechanism 28 to a position that protects sensing

mechanism 28, if operational piece 22 or sideways operating mechanism 24 are moved while code sensing mechanism 28 is in the lock to be decoded. The retracting mechanism may additionally or alternatively enable code sensing mechanism 28 to return to a position that does not damage the locking mechanism of the lock to be decoded, if operational piece 22 or sideways operating mechanism 24 are moved while code sensing mechanism 28 is engaged in the lock. The retracting mechanism may include, for example, a loaded spring 235 or other suitable mechanisms to retract code sensor unit 28 to a safe place when depth perating mechanism 26 is left non-operated.

[033] In order to decode an internal two-track lock, the code of which is unknown, decoder 20 may be inserted into a lock, and tip 29 may be advanced from a first sideways position to a second sideways position, and to other required sideways positions, using sideways operating mechanism 24. At each sideways position the actual depth position to which a corresponding tooth should be moved in order to allow unlocking of the lock may be sensed. Such measuring or sensing may be carried out by pushing operating tip 29 to its unlocking position, for example, from an initial idle position to D1 and on, until the depth position direction of the unlocking position of the tumbler for each corresponding side-ways position for a lock to be decoded is determined. Readings may be taken from a sideways scale and/or depth scale 220 for each tooth position. These readings may subsequently be used to decode a first track of a security code of a lock to be opened, for example, by providing the code corresponding to a first face of a key blade that may open the lock. A similar sequence of operations may be repeated for the other track of the lock after turning decoder 20 (e. g. , 180 degrees) to similarly sense the code corresponding to a second face of a key blade that may open the lock.

[034] Reference is made now to Fig. 3, which illustrates a decoder 30 according to some embodiments of the present invention. Decoder 30 may include a blind key operational piece 32, a sideways operating mechanism 34, a depth operating mechanism 36, and a code sensor unit 38. Code sensor unit 38 may include a code sensor tip 39 made at the distal end of code sensor unit 38. Code sensor unit 38 may be connected to blind key operational piece 32 by hinge 37, such that when depth operating mechanism 36 is activated, sensor unit 38 may rotate upon hinge 37 and tip

39 may move, for example, substantially along the vertical two-head arrow drawn next to tip 39. Other suitable maneuvering mechanisms may be used in place of or in addition to hinge 37.

[035] Operational piece 32 and sensor unit 38 may be in active communication with sideways operating mechanism 34, so that activation of sideways operating mechanism 34 may move operational piece 32 and sensor unit 38 sideways so as to shorten or extend the positioning of tip 39 and distance of the distal end of operational piece 32 with respect to reference line A-A.

[036] The connections between operating mechanism 34 and operational piece 32 and sensor unit 38, and between depth operating mechanism 36 and sensor unit 38, may be designed to minimize mechanical clearances and mechanical tolerances, thus allowing for accurate positioning of tip 39 along sideways and/or depth cross-sideways coordinates, and accurate indication of such coordinates. Sensor unit 38 and/or tip 39 may be constructed from, for example, a rigid material that may enable precise determination of the position of sensor unit 38 and/or tip 39 at any. time. Sensor unit 38 and/or tip 39 may be constructed in suitable shapes so as to enable durability of sensor unit mechanism 38 even in harsh conditions, for example, to enable activation of sideways operating mechanism 34 when tip 39 is not fully retracted out of a tumbler cavity.

[037] Blind key operational piece 22 (or 32) with code sensor unit 28 (or 38) may correspond all or in part, for example in length, width and/or thickness to its counterpart in a regular key made for an internal two-track lock, so that blind key operational piece 22 (or 32), along with code sensor unit 28 (or 38), is insertable into a corresponding lock.

[038] According to some embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus is provided to enable unlocking of a high security lock, for example any lock of a particular type of high security lock, with a limited number of pre-designed half keys.

Reference is made now to Fig. 4, which is an illustration of the engraved face of a half key 40 according to some exemplary embodiments of the present invention. A half key as described herein refers to a key with one side engraved and the other face flat, having a thickness substantially equal to half of the thickness of an internal two-track key 10. In this way two half keys may be placed back to back, with their flat faces

touching each other, to form a full key. Engraving on the two faces of a prior art internal two-track key 10 is typically symmetric to allow operation of key 10 irrespective of in which direction the key is inserted into a two-track lock. Thus, symmetric engravings on both sides of key 10 should match coded positions of each of the 8 PS positions. According to some embodiments of the present invention, half keys may be made non-symmetrically to match, for example, only 4 coded positions, thereby enabling the possible combinations of keys to be covered with a significantly limited set of keys.

[039] According to some embodiments of the present invention, as described above, for each used position of a specific code of an internal two-track lock, such as positions PS1, PS3, PS5 and PS8 in Fig. 4, the depth position of the engraved code may be precisely in one of the possible depth positions D1 to D4. However, internal two-track locks may allow for certain clearance in production, to enable a selected level of tolerance or flexibility in the dimension of the activating mechanisms that are to activate the tumblers of such a lock. For example, a. clearance may be incorporated into the actual depth position of the engraving for each sideways position, and/or in the exact matching of an internal rotatable mechanism of the lock into its cavity. Such accumulated clearance, hereinafter d (a), may be, for example, of a magnitude of, for example, a few tenths of a millimeter in some cases, or the like. With several types of internal two-track locks, d (a) typically is of a value that is substantially close to half of the distance between to adjacent Dx positions and thus may allow engraving that is made between two adjacent depth positions to still bring the corresponding tumbler in an internal two-track lock to a releasing position, thus allowing to open that lock, whether the actual releasing depth position should be the first or the second position, adjacent to each other.

[040] For example, as can be seen in Fig. 4, the depth of engraving 44 in sideways position PS1 may intentionally be made between depth positions D3 and D4. The same idea applies to sideways positions PS3 (in which depth position may be made between D1 and D2), PS5 (between D3 and D4) and PS8 (between D1 and D2).

Taking advantage of the above arrangement may result in a dramatic reduction of required combinations needed in order to create a full set of keys capable of opening

any possible code of a particular type of security lock, for example, an internal two-track lock.

[041] In particular, according to some embodiments of the present invention, half keys may be engraved such that the half key engraving is wider than one standard engraving depth, to utilize the tolerance or clearance of the tumblers of a lock, to enable opening of tumblers at one of two adjacent depth positions.

[042] According to other embodiments of the present invention, half keys may be engraved such that the half key engraving is at a mid depth position to utilize the tolerance or clearance of the tumblers of a lock, to enable opening of tumblers at one of two adjacent depth positions.

[043] Based on the above, for example, in order to open any two-track internal lock with 8 sideways possible positions, a limited number of 16 pairs of half keys, each pair having two identical keys, may be required, if these keys are prepared according to the principles discussed above. For example, for a lock in a car of the VAG group (Volkswagen, Audi etc.) a set of key-pairs with only-16 different half keys may be- enough to allow for opening of any such lock. In cases where fewer sideways positions are required, a smaller number of half keys may be required to enable opening of any possible combination of a lock. In cases where a larger number of sideways positions are required, a larger number of half keys may be required to enable opening of any possible combination of a lock. In some embodiments the 16 pairs of half keys may include four pairs of joint half keys, where the joint half keys are able to open locks of an additional type. Locks of other vehicle groups, or locks of other types may be opened using a limited number of pairs of half keys prepared according to the principles discussed above.

[044] In other embodiments the lock opening apparatus may include 28 pairs of half keys, the 28 pairs including 12 unique pairs to open locks of a first type, 12 unique pairs to open locks of a second type, and 4 unique pairs to open locks of the first type and the second type. Any other number of keys, in any suitable combination, may be used, depending on the type of lock to be opened.

[045] Reference is made now to Fig. 5, which is a side view of master key 50 and key head 51, according to some embodiments of the present invention. Master key 50 may include a first half 52 with a codable face and a second half 54 with a codable

face. First half 52 and second half 54, when placed back-to back, may complement each other to form a regular key for an internal two-track lock. A"half key"is either first half 52 or second half 54. With the right selection of coding for each of first half 52 and second half 54, any possible combination may be formed.

[046] Reference is now made to Fig. 6, which depicts an example of a set of 16 half keys that may be combined to unlock all locks of a particular type. Each key depicted may have a couple key that is identical to it. As can be seen in Fig. 6, the bottom 12 keys may be unique keys to open locks of a first type. The top four half keys may be unique keys to open locks of a first type and-a second type. Other key shapes, types, numbers etc. may be used, depending on the lock type to be opened.

[047] In some embodiments, based on the above, for an internal two-track lock of the"left-right"type, including 8 sideways positions, a pre-designed set of"half keys", for example a double set of 16 half keys, may be enough to provide all possible combinations of full keys so as to cover all of the possible different locks of a particular type.

[048] In some embodiments, for an internal two track lock of the"left-right"type or of the"two left-two right"type, including 8 sideways positions, a pre-designed double set of"half keys", for example a double set of 28 pairs of half keys may be enough to provide all possible combinations of full keys so as to cover all of the possible different locks of two particular types.

[049] It would be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the system and method for creating any possible combination for an internal two-track lock from a double set of 28 half-keys only are just examples. The same inventive solution may be used in many other ways, as long as a set of pre-prepared key elements are used, where each element is a"half-key"and the engraving on its active face takes advantage of the mid-positioning principle.

[050] Reference is now made to Fig. 7, which is a flow chart describing a method for opening a security lock using a limited set of master keys, according to some embodiments of the present invention. At block 70 a lock decoding apparatus may be inserted into a lock to be opened, the apparatus including an operational piece with a code sensing mechanism.

[051] At block 71 the code sensing mechanism may be advanced from a first sideways position to a plurality of additional sideways positions, and may sense the unlocking depth for one or more tumblers in the lock at each of the sideways positions. The plurality of depth positions may be read off one or more positioning scales associated with the code sensing mechanism, to identify the depths for each side position. The read off positions may be recorded.

[052] At block 72 a combination of two half keys may be defined that can open the lock, based on the sensing of the unlocking depth for one or more tumblers. The half keys may be selected from a double set of half keys that have engraving that is wider than one standard engraving depth. In this way each tumbler located at one of two adjacent depth positions may be unlocked by a single engraving position.

[053] At block 73 the lock may be unlocked using the selected combination of half keys.

[054] It would be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the system and method for decoding an internal two-track lock described above are just examples. The same- inventive solution may be used in many other ways, as long as a precise mechanism for sensing the unlocking depth of tumblers, and for indicating the sideways and depth coordinates of such tumbler is used according to the principles of the present invention.

[055] While the present invention has been described with respect to two-track locks, the scope of the present invention may include apparatuses and methods for implementation of lock decoding and master key usage for four-track locks or other suitable security lock systems. Further, while the present invention has been described with respect to locks with eight sideways possible positions, and four possible depth positions, the scope of the present invention may include apparatuses and methods for implementation of lock decoding and master key usage for locks with other suitable numbers of sideways and/or depth positions.

[056] While certain features of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents will now occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.