US20040050122A1 - Non-planar key shaped electronic key - Google Patents

Non-planar key shaped electronic key Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20040050122A1
US20040050122A1 US10/244,079 US24407902A US2004050122A1 US 20040050122 A1 US20040050122 A1 US 20040050122A1 US 24407902 A US24407902 A US 24407902A US 2004050122 A1 US2004050122 A1 US 2004050122A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
key
electronic key
grip portion
blade
lock
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US10/244,079
Inventor
Ernst Mitchell
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Computerized Security Systems Inc
Original Assignee
Masco Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Masco Corp filed Critical Masco Corp
Priority to US10/244,079 priority Critical patent/US20040050122A1/en
Assigned to MASCO CORPORATION reassignment MASCO CORPORATION ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: MITCHELL, ERNST KERN
Publication of US20040050122A1 publication Critical patent/US20040050122A1/en
Assigned to COMPUTERIZED SECURITY SYSTEMS reassignment COMPUTERIZED SECURITY SYSTEMS ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: MASCO CORPORATION
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B19/00—Keys; Accessories therefor
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
    • G07C9/00—Individual registration on entry or exit
    • G07C9/00174—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys
    • G07C2009/00753—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys operated by active electrical keys
    • G07C2009/00761—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys operated by active electrical keys with data transmission performed by connected means, e.g. mechanical contacts, plugs, connectors
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T70/00—Locks
    • Y10T70/80—Parts, attachments, accessories and adjuncts
    • Y10T70/8432—For key-operated mechanism
    • Y10T70/8676—Key holders

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an electronic key, and more particularly to a rigid non-planar electronic key.
  • Electronic keys are generally known.
  • One type of electronic key is a rectangular credit card shaped device which is inserted into a slot to unlock an electronic lock as commonly utilized within a hotel.
  • Another electronic key is a flat plastic device which is shaped to have an outline generally similar to a conventional metal key.
  • conventional electronic keys are relatively thin, inexpensive devices.
  • conventional electronic keys are relatively flimsy because they are manufactured to be essentially disposable. Such conventional electronic keys may be somewhat difficult for some people to use because the flat electronic key may be inserted into the lock slot in a multiple of orientations. This is a particular disadvantage of the credit card shaped electronic key. Failure to unlock electronic locks is therefore often due to improper insertion of the key which may lead to a reduced acceptance of electronic locks.
  • the electronic key according to the present invention includes a rigid key shaped member having a blade and a grip.
  • the blade includes a three-dimensional engagement surface including a slot or the like so that the electronic key may be inserted into a lock in only the correct manner.
  • a smart chip is located at an end of the blade opposite the grip. As the blade can only be inserted into the lock in a single orientation, the chip will always be in a proper position to be identified by the lock.
  • the electronic key is manufactured of a rigid material the key may be utilized to rotate the lock in a conventional manner thereby operating a locking bolt or the like.
  • a resilient grip portion provides an improved grip and further conveys the less disposable nature of the key to thereby facilitate transition to electronic locks.
  • the present invention therefore increases the robustness of electronic keys and minimize improper insertion to facilitate transition to electronic locks.
  • FIG. 1 is a general perspective view of an electronic key of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a front view of the electronic key
  • FIG. 3 is a front view of the electronic key blade.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a general perspective view of an electronic key 10 for a lock 12 .
  • the lock 12 may include rotational or non-rotational features. That is, the electronic key 10 is preferably manufactured to provide torsional rigidity which permits the key 10 to be inserted into and to rotate the lock 12 in a conventional manner.
  • the electronic key 10 includes a rigid key shaped member 14 having a blade 16 and a grip 18 .
  • the key shaped member 14 is preferably manufactured of a rigid non-metallic material (illustrated in phantom in FIGS. 2 and 3).
  • the blade 16 includes a three-dimensional engagement surface (FIG. 2) including a slot 20 (also illustrated in FIG. 3) or the like so that the electronic key may be inserted into the lock 12 in only the correct manner.
  • the slot 20 is preferably defined along the longitudinal length of the blade 16 .
  • a smart chip 22 is located at an end of the blade 16 opposite the grip 18 . Smart chips are known and various identification devices will also benefit from the present invention. As the blade can only be inserted into the lock in a single orientation, the chip 22 will always be in a proper position to be identified by the lock. Moreover, as the electronic key 10 is manufactured of a rigid material the key 10 may be utilized to rotate the lock 12 in a conventional manner thereby operating a locking bolt (illustrated schematically at 2 ; FIG. 1) or the like. Requiring rotation of the key 10 to open the lock 12 provides further security and familiarity.
  • the grip 18 includes a first non-metallic portion 24 formed contiguous with the blade 16 as defined by the phantom like portion.
  • the first non-metallic grip portion 24 is overmolded with a resilient grip portion 26 manufactured of a second non-metallic material which is less rigid than the first material such as a rubber or the like.
  • the resilient grip portion 26 provides an improved grip and further conveys the less disposable nature of the key 10 to thereby facilitate transition to electronic locks.
  • An aperture 28 is preferably included in the grip 18 to secure the electronic key 10 in a manner similar to conventional mechanical keys.

Abstract

An electronic key includes a rigid key shaped member having a blade and a grip. The blade includes a three-dimensional engagement surface including a slot or the like so that the electronic key may be inserted into a lock in only the correct manner. A smart chip is located at an end of the blade opposite the grip. As the blade can only be inserted into the lock in a single orientation, the chip will always be in a proper position to be identified by the lock. A resilient grip portion provides an improved grip and further conveys the less disposable nature of the key to thereby facilitate transition to electronic locks.

Description

    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention relates to an electronic key, and more particularly to a rigid non-planar electronic key. [0001]
  • Electronic keys are generally known. One type of electronic key is a rectangular credit card shaped device which is inserted into a slot to unlock an electronic lock as commonly utilized within a hotel. Another electronic key is a flat plastic device which is shaped to have an outline generally similar to a conventional metal key. Overall, conventional electronic keys are relatively thin, inexpensive devices. [0002]
  • Disadvantageously, conventional electronic keys are relatively flimsy because they are manufactured to be essentially disposable. Such conventional electronic keys may be somewhat difficult for some people to use because the flat electronic key may be inserted into the lock slot in a multiple of orientations. This is a particular disadvantage of the credit card shaped electronic key. Failure to unlock electronic locks is therefore often due to improper insertion of the key which may lead to a reduced acceptance of electronic locks. [0003]
  • Accordingly, it is desirable to increases the robustness of electronic keys and minimize improper insertion to facilitate transition to electronic locks. [0004]
    • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • The electronic key according to the present invention includes a rigid key shaped member having a blade and a grip. The blade includes a three-dimensional engagement surface including a slot or the like so that the electronic key may be inserted into a lock in only the correct manner. A smart chip is located at an end of the blade opposite the grip. As the blade can only be inserted into the lock in a single orientation, the chip will always be in a proper position to be identified by the lock. As the electronic key is manufactured of a rigid material the key may be utilized to rotate the lock in a conventional manner thereby operating a locking bolt or the like. A resilient grip portion provides an improved grip and further conveys the less disposable nature of the key to thereby facilitate transition to electronic locks. [0005]
  • The present invention therefore increases the robustness of electronic keys and minimize improper insertion to facilitate transition to electronic locks.[0006]
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • The various features and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the currently preferred embodiment. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows: [0007]
  • FIG. 1 is a general perspective view of an electronic key of the present invention; [0008]
  • FIG. 2 is a front view of the electronic key; and [0009]
  • FIG. 3 is a front view of the electronic key blade.[0010]
    • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a general perspective view of an [0011] electronic key 10 for a lock 12. It should be understood that various devices will benefit from the electronic key and lock designed according to the present invention. Moreover, the lock 12 may include rotational or non-rotational features. That is, the electronic key 10 is preferably manufactured to provide torsional rigidity which permits the key 10 to be inserted into and to rotate the lock 12 in a conventional manner.
  • The [0012] electronic key 10 includes a rigid key shaped member 14 having a blade 16 and a grip 18. The key shaped member 14 is preferably manufactured of a rigid non-metallic material (illustrated in phantom in FIGS. 2 and 3). The blade 16 includes a three-dimensional engagement surface (FIG. 2) including a slot 20 (also illustrated in FIG. 3) or the like so that the electronic key may be inserted into the lock 12 in only the correct manner. The slot 20 is preferably defined along the longitudinal length of the blade 16.
  • A [0013] smart chip 22 is located at an end of the blade 16 opposite the grip 18. Smart chips are known and various identification devices will also benefit from the present invention. As the blade can only be inserted into the lock in a single orientation, the chip 22 will always be in a proper position to be identified by the lock. Moreover, as the electronic key 10 is manufactured of a rigid material the key 10 may be utilized to rotate the lock 12 in a conventional manner thereby operating a locking bolt (illustrated schematically at 2; FIG. 1) or the like. Requiring rotation of the key 10 to open the lock 12 provides further security and familiarity.
  • Referring to FIG. 3, the [0014] grip 18 includes a first non-metallic portion 24 formed contiguous with the blade 16 as defined by the phantom like portion. Preferably, the first non-metallic grip portion 24 is overmolded with a resilient grip portion 26 manufactured of a second non-metallic material which is less rigid than the first material such as a rubber or the like. The resilient grip portion 26 provides an improved grip and further conveys the less disposable nature of the key 10 to thereby facilitate transition to electronic locks. An aperture 28 is preferably included in the grip 18 to secure the electronic key 10 in a manner similar to conventional mechanical keys.
  • The foregoing description is exemplary rather than defined by the limitations within. Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. The preferred embodiments of this invention have been disclosed, however, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of this invention. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. For that reason the following claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of this invention. [0015]

Claims (9)

What is claimed is:
1. An electronic key comprising:
a grip portion manufactured of a first non-metallic material;
a blade portion manufactured of said first non-metallic material formed contiguous with said grip portion, said blade portion having a slot; and
a smart chip mounted within said blade portion opposite said grip portion
2. The electronic key as recited in claim 1, wherein said blade portion and said grip portion are non-planar.
3. The electronic key as recited in claim 1, further comprising a resilient grip portion at least partially encasing said grip portion, said resilient grip portion manufactured of a second non-metallic material less rigid than said first material.
4. The electronic key as recited in claim 3, wherein said resilient grip portion comprises a rubber material.
5. An electronic key comprising:
a non-planar grip portion manufactured of a first non-metallic material;
a non-planar blade portion manufactured of said first non-metallic material formed contiguous with said grip portion, said blade portion having a slot; and
a smart chip mounted within said blade portion opposite said grip portion
6. The electronic key as recited in claim 5, further comprising a resilient grip portion at least partially encasing said grip portion, said resilient grip portion manufactured of a second non-metallic material less rigid than said first material.
7. A method of operating an electronic lock comprising the steps of:
(1) inserting an electronic key into a lock;
(2) identifying the electronic key; and
(3) rotating the electronic key to retract a locking bolt.
8. A method as recited in claim 7, wherein step (2) further comprises identifying a smart chip within a blade of the key.
9. A method as recited in claim 7, wherein step (3) further comprises unlocking the electronic lock in response to said step (2).
US10/244,079 2002-09-13 2002-09-13 Non-planar key shaped electronic key Abandoned US20040050122A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/244,079 US20040050122A1 (en) 2002-09-13 2002-09-13 Non-planar key shaped electronic key

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/244,079 US20040050122A1 (en) 2002-09-13 2002-09-13 Non-planar key shaped electronic key

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20040050122A1 true US20040050122A1 (en) 2004-03-18

Family

ID=31991812

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/244,079 Abandoned US20040050122A1 (en) 2002-09-13 2002-09-13 Non-planar key shaped electronic key

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) US20040050122A1 (en)

Citations (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4333327A (en) * 1977-03-25 1982-06-08 Miwa Lock Co., Ltd. Magnetic tumbler lock
US4789859A (en) * 1986-03-21 1988-12-06 Emhart Industries, Inc. Electronic locking system and key therefor
US5029459A (en) * 1987-09-03 1991-07-09 Mitsubishi Corporation Flat plastic key with rigid torque transfer insert
US5083362A (en) * 1990-12-13 1992-01-28 Briggs & Stratton Corp. Method for making a vehicle anti-theft key with resistor
US5156032A (en) * 1990-07-10 1992-10-20 Briggs & Stratton Corporation Key assembly for vehicle anti-theft security system
US5195341A (en) * 1991-01-08 1993-03-23 Chubb Lips Nederland Bv Electronic cylinder lock with inductively coupled key
US5245329A (en) * 1989-02-27 1993-09-14 Security People Inc. Access control system with mechanical keys which store data
US5337588A (en) * 1990-10-11 1994-08-16 Intellikey Corporation Electronic lock and key system
US5433096A (en) * 1993-08-26 1995-07-18 Strattec Security Corporation Key assembly for vehicle ignition locks
US5469727A (en) * 1992-03-06 1995-11-28 Aug.Winkhaus Gmbh & Co. Kg Electronic lock cylinder
US5605067A (en) * 1994-09-21 1997-02-25 Em Microelectronique-Marin S.A. Electronic identification device
US5732579A (en) * 1994-11-30 1998-03-31 Texas Instruments Incorporated Key having an air coil antenna and a method of construction
US5819564A (en) * 1994-12-01 1998-10-13 Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Key plate structure for automobile
US5878611A (en) * 1996-10-24 1999-03-09 Keso Salzburg-Gmbh Flat key
US6367299B1 (en) * 1993-08-26 2002-04-09 Strattec Security Corporation Key assembly for vehicle ignition locks
US6442986B1 (en) * 1998-04-07 2002-09-03 Best Lock Corporation Electronic token and lock core
US6546768B1 (en) * 1998-08-28 2003-04-15 Daimlerchrysler Ag Ignition lock system for motor vehicles
US20030112242A1 (en) * 2001-12-17 2003-06-19 Vitale Robert Louis Electronic vehicle registration and license plate
US20040020253A1 (en) * 2000-10-05 2004-02-05 Oiva Hurskainen Electromechanical cylinder lock-key-combination

Patent Citations (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4333327A (en) * 1977-03-25 1982-06-08 Miwa Lock Co., Ltd. Magnetic tumbler lock
US4789859A (en) * 1986-03-21 1988-12-06 Emhart Industries, Inc. Electronic locking system and key therefor
US5029459A (en) * 1987-09-03 1991-07-09 Mitsubishi Corporation Flat plastic key with rigid torque transfer insert
US5245329A (en) * 1989-02-27 1993-09-14 Security People Inc. Access control system with mechanical keys which store data
US5156032A (en) * 1990-07-10 1992-10-20 Briggs & Stratton Corporation Key assembly for vehicle anti-theft security system
US5337588A (en) * 1990-10-11 1994-08-16 Intellikey Corporation Electronic lock and key system
US5083362A (en) * 1990-12-13 1992-01-28 Briggs & Stratton Corp. Method for making a vehicle anti-theft key with resistor
US5195341A (en) * 1991-01-08 1993-03-23 Chubb Lips Nederland Bv Electronic cylinder lock with inductively coupled key
US5469727A (en) * 1992-03-06 1995-11-28 Aug.Winkhaus Gmbh & Co. Kg Electronic lock cylinder
US5433096A (en) * 1993-08-26 1995-07-18 Strattec Security Corporation Key assembly for vehicle ignition locks
US6367299B1 (en) * 1993-08-26 2002-04-09 Strattec Security Corporation Key assembly for vehicle ignition locks
US5605067A (en) * 1994-09-21 1997-02-25 Em Microelectronique-Marin S.A. Electronic identification device
US5732579A (en) * 1994-11-30 1998-03-31 Texas Instruments Incorporated Key having an air coil antenna and a method of construction
US5819564A (en) * 1994-12-01 1998-10-13 Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Key plate structure for automobile
US5878611A (en) * 1996-10-24 1999-03-09 Keso Salzburg-Gmbh Flat key
US6442986B1 (en) * 1998-04-07 2002-09-03 Best Lock Corporation Electronic token and lock core
US6546768B1 (en) * 1998-08-28 2003-04-15 Daimlerchrysler Ag Ignition lock system for motor vehicles
US20040020253A1 (en) * 2000-10-05 2004-02-05 Oiva Hurskainen Electromechanical cylinder lock-key-combination
US20030112242A1 (en) * 2001-12-17 2003-06-19 Vitale Robert Louis Electronic vehicle registration and license plate

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7380428B2 (en) Separable transponder key assembly
EP1324276A3 (en) Electronic key, electronic locking apparatus, electronic security system, and key administering server
US20050275226A1 (en) Grip handle type door handle apparatus
EP1052352A3 (en) Electronic key device
TW514695B (en) Burglar resistant lock core of cylinder lock
US20040050122A1 (en) Non-planar key shaped electronic key
US20110167881A1 (en) Anti-theft devices for portable objects such as laptops
US20050229662A1 (en) Key with transponder and rotating shuttle
WO2006136767A1 (en) Key and lock
WO1998011516A3 (en) Token lock
US7080533B2 (en) Lock and magnetically coded card
JP4187823B2 (en) Small case for storing electronic components
EP0942130A3 (en) Key for a cylinder lock
JP2007032123A (en) Portable machine
CN2791181Y (en) Safety and reliable lock
JP2883604B1 (en) Combination locking device with torque limiter mechanism
JPS60184707A (en) Attachment means
GB2356016A (en) Security key
CN216866336U (en) Handle lock
JP2883605B1 (en) Combination lock device
CN2417247Y (en) Plate tumbler type lock
JPH0434125Y2 (en)
JP2869028B2 (en) Lock unlocking device
JPH1171942A (en) Cylinder lock for car
JP2896490B2 (en) Card that doubles as a key ring

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: MASCO CORPORATION, MICHIGAN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MITCHELL, ERNST KERN;REEL/FRAME:013303/0881

Effective date: 20020904

AS Assignment

Owner name: COMPUTERIZED SECURITY SYSTEMS, MICHIGAN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MASCO CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:018888/0225

Effective date: 20070213

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: EXPRESSLY ABANDONED -- DURING EXAMINATION