Abstract:
A fixture for magnetically coding a card key includes a front plate with areas for North and South magnetic polarity coding each with a number of holes, an optional code template having a lesser number of holes corresponding to selected holes in the front plate and attachable to the front plate, and North and South permanent magnet encoding tools sized to be inserted into the holes in the code template and front plate. The device further includes a card key holder preferably coupled to a tool holder and slidably connected to the fixture for placing the card key proximate the North or South area of the front plate and positioning the appropriate encoding tool for easy access. The device provides for convenient, accurate and error-free magnetic coding of card keys.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED DOCUMENTS 
   This application is based on provisional application Ser. No. 60/700,032 filed Jul. 16, 2005. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Magnetic key cards such as described in Sedley U.S. Pat. No. 4,077,242 “Metal Magnetic Key” require a substantial amount of magnetic energy to encode discrete magnetic areas in specific locations to operate card locks that utilize magnetic pin tumblers to form the code of the lock, for example, the “Magnetic Key Operated Door Lock” as described in Sedley U.S. Pat. No. 4,133,194. The method that has been utilized for many years is an electronic device such as described in Sedley U.S. Pat. No. 4,128,851 “Hand Held Magnetic Encoder.” 
   Developments of new permanent magnetic materials in recent years, such as Neodymium which has very strong magnetic properties, have been found to be of sufficient strength so that by forming a magnet of the proper size and simply touching it to the said magnetic key creates a magnetic area of sufficient strength to actuate the magnetic pin tumblers in a lock. As the permanent magnet has North and South opposing poles, the polarity of the magnetic area created on the key can be either North or South, depending on which end of the magnet was used to create the magnetized area on the key. 
   The advantage of using a device that can encode magnetic keys in this manner is that electric power does not have to be utilized for the encoding device, and the parts which often fail in those devices such as the electric switches that turn on the device or change its polarity are no longer a source of faulty encoding. When the electric encoding device is battery operated there has always been the problem that when the batteries become weak so does the resulting magnetic area on the key, and the person doing the encoding may not be aware that the code is not of sufficient strength, and the person to whom the key is issued is not able to unlock the lock using that key. 
   To encode a key with specific magnetic areas in the form of a code to actuate magnetic tumbler pins, the location of the area must be accurately made or the pin may not be moved out of locking position in the lock. A coding fixture such as described in the Sedley &#39;851 patent is normally used into which the key to be encoded is manually placed behind a plate pierced with holes at the exact location where magnetic areas could be applied to the inserted key. The holes are sized to accept the tip of the encoding device which, when energized by the electronic circuit inside the device, creates a strong magnetic field of either North or South polarity which is transferred into the key at the location of the selected hole. 
   So that a record is made of where to encode the said magnetic areas on a card, a code template is first created which is a paper or plastic sheet on which is printed the pattern of the complete array of magnetic areas that could be encoded on a key for a particular type of magnetic lock or locks. Typically specific holes are punched out of this code template with a hole punch or other tool. In a preferred embodiment of such a code template, there are two identical array fields printed on the card side-by-side. The hole locations are numbered to identify which pin tumbler in the lock would be affected by a magnetic area of the key when said key is inserted into the card lock. 
   Typically one of the arrays of numbers is for encoding all the North magnetic areas and the other is used for encoding all the South areas. Using two separate areas reduces the potential error if both polarities were punched into one array and the person doing the encoding had to change the polarity while selecting holes in the card to be coded. Also it is easier to miss one or more holes while encoding in this way. 
   The use of such a card with two arrays of numbers along with a code fixture that has only a single key slot for insertion of the key to be coded, however, requires that the code template card be moved after encoding the first polarity section so that the second array overlays the key to be encoded and then those areas can be encoded on the key. 
   OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
   It is a purpose of this invention to eliminate the need for the electronic coding device and use instead permanent magnets to encode the key. 
   It is a further purpose of the invention to provide an improved coding fixture into which the key is inserted for the encoding process. 
   It is a further purpose of the invention to provide means to accurately locate the key that has been inserted into the fixture into encoding position behind either the North or the South array of the code template and eliminate the need to move the code template during the encoding process. 
   It is a further purpose of the invention to provide means to hold the code template in place on the code fixture by a spring biased clip. 
   Another purpose of the invention is to combine into one device the permanent magnet tools used to encode the key and the code fixture into which the key to be coded is inserted. 
   It is a further purpose of the invention to make two permanent magnet tools, one that would only encode North magnetic areas and one that would only encode South magnetic areas. 
   Other advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reviewing the following drawings and detailed description. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   A device or fixture for magnetically coding a card key includes a front plate with an area for North magnetic polarity coding and an area for South magnetic encoding, and each with a relatively large number of holes, a code template having a smaller number of holes corresponding to selected holes in the front plate and attachable to the front plate, and North and South permanent magnet encoding tools sized to be inserted into the holes in the code template and front plate. The device further includes a card key holder moveably connected to the fixture for placing the card key proximate the North or South portion of the front plate. The fixture further preferably includes a magnetic encoding tool holder connected to the device for storing the permanent magnetic encoding tools when not in use, and the tool holder includes a magnet to attract and retain the encoding tools. Preferably the card key holder and the encoding tool holder are coupled together and slidably connected to the fixture. 
   When the card key holder is proximate the North portion of the front plate the North encoding tool protrudes out from the fixture for easy access, and such that when the card key holder is proximate the South portion of the front plate the South encoding tool protrudes out from the fixture for easy access. Preferably the encoding tools are color coded, e.g., blue for North polarity and red for South polarity. Preferably the fixture also includes a base plate located behind the front plate that is one color (e.g. blue) behind the holes in the North portion of the front plate and a different color (e.g. red) behind the holes in the South portion of the front plate. Finally, the fixture also preferably includes a clip connected to the device for attaching the code template to the front plate, and the clip in combination with the base plate functions as a stand to keep the fixture upright. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of the code fixture device of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of the device; 
       FIG. 3  is a rear view of the device; 
       FIG. 4  is a front view showing insertion of a key to be coded in the center position of a slider of the device; 
       FIG. 5  is a rear view showing the slider moved to the position to encode North magnetic areas on the key; 
       FIG. 6  is a front view showing a code template with punched holes in position for encoding; 
       FIG. 7  is a side perspective view showing removing a magnet tool that will encode North magnetic areas on the inserted key; note it is color coded with a blue band around its barrel to identify it as being the North polarity; 
       FIG. 8  shows use of the magnet tool to encode one of the North magnet areas on the inserted card; 
       FIG. 9  shows replacing of the blue magnet tool into a tube on the rear of the code fixture; 
       FIG. 10  shows pushing the slider carrying the inserted key to the opposite side of the fixture in order to code the South magnetic areas on the key; 
       FIG. 11  shows pulling the red banded (South) magnet tool from the mounting tube; 
       FIG. 12  shows use of the red tool to encode South magnet areas on the inserted key; 
       FIG. 13  shows replacing the tool in the tube after encoding all South magnetic areas; 
       FIG. 14  shows returning the slider with inserted key to the center position; 
       FIG. 15  shows opening the clip to remove the code template; 
       FIG. 16  shows removing the code template from the fixture; 
       FIG. 17  shows removing the encoded key from the sliding member; 
       FIG. 18  is a view of the front of the empty code fixture without a key inserted showing polarity-identifying colors visible through front plate holes; and, 
       FIG. 19  shows the key in the slider in the North position and the blue color plate behind the key can no longer be seen. 
   

   
     
       
             
           
             
             
             
           
         
             
                 
             
             
               LISTING OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
             
             
                 
             
           
           
             
                 
             
           
        
         
             
                 
               code fixture device 
               10 
             
             
                 
               tool holder or hollow tube 
               12 
             
             
                 
               holder internal magnets 
               13 
             
             
                 
               permanent magnet encoding tools 
               14, 16 
             
             
                 
               color stripes on encoding tools 
               15, 17 
             
             
                 
               sliding card holder section or slider 
               18 
             
             
                 
               angle brackets 
               19, 21 
             
             
                 
               card key 
               20 
             
             
                 
               code template 
               22 
             
             
                 
               front plate 
               24 
             
             
                 
               registration pins 
               26 
             
             
                 
               spring clip 
               28 
             
             
                 
               retaining arms 
               30 
             
             
                 
               base plate 
               32 
             
             
                 
               code template holes 
               34 
             
             
                 
               base plate holes 
               36 
             
             
                 
                 
             
           
        
       
     
   
   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   First referring primarily to  FIGS. 1–4 , the code fixture device  10  includes a tool holder in the form of a hollow tube  12  for the two permanent magnet encoding tools  14 ,  16 , which has been fitted with a permanent magnet  13  in its center so when the correct tool  14  or  16  is inserted in the tube  12  it is attracted to the internal magnet  13  and is retained in position. If the wrong tool  14  or  16  is inserted it is repelled by the internal magnet  13 . In this manner it is only possible to place the tools  14 ,  16  in their respective tube  12  ends after use and for storage. The internal magnet  13  also serves as a “keeper” for the tools  14 ,  16  and tends to retain their magnetic strength. 
   The tube  12  with inserted tools  14 ,  16  is fixed to the sliding card holder section  18  of the code fixture  10  into which the key  20  is inserted for the purpose of encoding. Pulling or pushing horizontally on the tube  12  moves the slider  18  to either side of the code fixture  10  for the purpose of positioning it properly for encoding either polarity of magnetic areas (e.g.,  FIGS. 5 ,  10 ). There is also a center position between the North and South locations where the slider  18  is placed to load and unload the key  20  and when the fixture  10  is not in use (e.g.  FIGS. 3 ,  14 ). Note at the center position the tools  14 ,  16  do not protrude past the sides of the fixture  10 . 
   Securing the tube  12  to the sliding member  18  has the additional benefit that the proper tool  14  or  16  is extended outside the edge of the fixture  10  and is easy for the person doing the encoding to pull it out of the fixed tube  12  for use to encode the hole array on that side of the of the code template  22  ( FIG. 5 ). After returning the magnet tool  14  or  16  into the tube  12  the sliding member  18  carrying the inserted key  20  can be pushed horizontally across the fixture  10  to the corresponding position on the opposite side of the fixture  10  where the magnet tool  14  or  16  for that polarity of encoding is extended for easy withdrawal from the tube  12  and available for replacement into the tube  12  when the encoding of that side has been completed ( FIGS. 9–13 ). 
   The front plate  24  also includes a pair of angle brackets  19 ,  21  ( FIGS. 3 ,  4 ) which serve to capture the key  20  in the left and right encoding positions (e.g.,  FIGS. 9 ,  11 ) to restrict any movement and prevent the key  20  from falling out of the fixture  10 , e.g. if the fixture is tilted backwards. At the center position the angled brackets  19 ,  21  do not surround the key  20  and it is freely removable or insertable ( FIGS. 4 ,  17 ). 
   Then encoding is done by simply touching the tip end of the magnetic tool  14  or  16  to the surface of the key  20  through a hole  34  in the code template  22  and the corresponding aligned hole  36  in the plate  24  that covers the key  20  in the fixture  10  ( FIGS. 8 ,  12 ). Other hole  36  pattern front plates  24  can be installed on the code fixture  10  without any other change to the fixture  10 , so that keys  20  using other array position of magnet areas can be encoded by the same fixture  10  by simply changing the front plate  24  containing the two arrays of holes. To facilitate correct alignment of the code template  22  to the code fixture  10 , registration pins  26  in the fixture  10  are positioned in corresponding holes in the code template  22  prior to encoding each array. It has been necessary in the past to hold the code template on the surface of the code fixture  10  or it could fall off during the encoding process. 
   The spring clip  28  that holds the code template  22  in place is situated across the bottom of the front of the code fixture  10  and by pressing the clip  28  with a thumb the retaining arms  30  move away from the surface of the fixture  10  so that the code template can be inserted and positioned over the registration pins. When the clip  28  is released its arms  30  contact the code template  22  and hold it on the surface  24  of the fixture  10  during the encoding process. When completed the clip  28  is again opened and the code template  22  removed ( FIGS. 15 ,  16 ). 
   The clip  28  is pivoted so as to open when the outside plate of the clip  28  is pressed and a spring biases the clip  28  shut when not opened. The bottom edge of the clip  28  is positioned forward of the code fixture  10  base plate  32  and provides means to stand the entire code fixture  10  upright on a table when not in use to conserve table top space ( FIG. 2 ). 
   As best shown in  FIG. 18 , the base plate  32  behind the holes  36  is painted blue on the North side and red on the South side, so if no key  20  is inserted the blue or red colors show through the holes  36  and show that there is no key  20  at that location. This helps to prevent the situation where the person doing the coding forgets to slide the card  20  to the opposite side and encodes empty holes  36  in the code fixture  10 . If either the blue or red color shows through the holes  34  in the code template  22  there is no key  20  in that position and that side should not be coded. 
   The three positions of the slider carrier  18 , center, North and South are defined by ball detents (not shown) in the carrier  18 . Thus when in any of the three positions, the slider  18  is accurately held in position and will not move from that position until pushed to one of the other positions. 
   Having described the structure of the preferred embodiment it is now possible to describe its function, operation and use.  FIGS. 4–17  show the sequence of steps in mechanically encoding the magnetic card in accordance with the present invention. First a code template  22  is inserted into the fixture  10  in front of the front plate  24  and located by the two (2) registration pins  26  and held in place by the clip  28  ( FIG. 6 ), and a card key  20  is inserted into the sliding holder  18  ( FIG. 4 ). Then the combination card holder  18  and tool holder  18  is slid to one side such that the blue-coded North tool  15  protrudes past the edge of the base plate  32  for easy access of the correct tool  15  ( FIGS. 5 ,  7 ). Then the tool  14  is removed from the tool holder  12  and placed through the holes  34  in the code template  22  (and the front plate  24 ) to contact the card key  20  and magnetically encode it, this step repeated for each of the holes  34  in the template  22  ( FIG. 8 ). Note at this position the key  20  is retained in the sliding holder  18  by the angled bracket  19  ( FIG. 9 ). 
   Then the tool  14  is replaced in the holder  12  and slid across the fixture to the other side ( FIGS. 9 ,  10 ). Here the key  20  is retained by the other angled bracket  21  ( FIGS. 10 ,  11 ). The red-coded  17  South tool  16  is removed and used to complete coding of the key  20  ( FIGS. 11 ,  12 ). The South tool  16  is replaced and the holder  12  slid back to the center position ( FIGS. 13 ,  14 ). Then the three retaining arms  30  of the clip  28  may be opened and the template  22  removed ( FIGS. 15 ,  16 ), and the coded card key  20  removed clear of the angled brackets  19 ,  21  ( FIG. 17 ). 
   While the present invention has been described with regards to particular embodiments, it is recognized that additional variations of the present invention may be devised without departing from the inventive concept. For example, although the term plate is used throughout, no particular material or thickness is intended to be defined. Another example, although certain steps in a certain order were outlined above as a way to use the invention, those steps and their order may vary. The invention is defined by the claims which follow.