Patent ID: 6308542
Filing Date: 2001-10-30
Classification: E05B,G07C,Y10T

Abstract:
A key assembly for a lock comprising:a key blank having a longitudinal axis on which is located a key blank center section, one key blank end extending from said center section in one axial direction and being adapted to be shaped to fit and operate a lock, and another key blank end extending from said center section in the other axial direction, said another key blank end including legs extending from said center section in laterally spaced relation to each other to form an open-ended recess;a transponder mounted in said open-ended recess in a precisely-defined axial and lateral location relative to said key blank;a molded transponder holder molded of a plastic to a defined shape and having a recess in which said transponder is received and retained, said transponder holder being secured to said legs;and a key head cover molded of a suitable plastic in place about said key blank another end and said transponder and said transponder holder;said transponder, and the plastic from which said transponder holder is molded and hardened, being able to withstand without deformation a molding pressure up to 350 bar and a molding temperature up to 410.degree. F. impressed thereon during the molding of said key head cover;said molded transponder holder having a transponder mounting section resiliently supporting and retaining said transponder until said key head cover has been molded in place, and legs resiliently connected with said transponder mounting section, said transponder holder legs having channels on the outer sides thereof receiving said key blank legs, said channels each having sides joined by a bottom provided with an opening extending toward said transponder mounting section, said key blank legs each having a protrusion extending toward said transponder holder mounting section and snap-fitted into one of said channel bottom openings, said protrusions and said channel bottom openings and said channel sides cooperating to define the precise axial and lateral location of said transponder holder and said transponder in relation to said key blank.