Abstract:
A storage system for storing and entrapping a plurality of objects comprising a system housing; smartkey housings operable to receive and releasably lock a smartkey therein; recesses, each of which is associated with a respective smartkey housing; and a plurality of smartkeys, each of which is associated with an object. Each smartkey comprises a body; a memory device comprising an individualized code; and an entrapping arm, coupled to the body, for entrapping an object positioned in the recess associated with the smartkey housing. When the object is positioned within its respective recess and the smartkey is positioned and locked in the smartkey housing associated with the recess, the entrapping arm prevents the object from being removed from the associated recess until the smartkey is removed from its respective smartkey housing at which time the object is removable from the recess. Alternatively, the storage system may comprise chambers each associated with a smartkey housing, wherein each chamber has coupled thereto a door panel positionable in an open position where objects can be placed inside and at least a closed position where objects can be retained therein, wherein the entrapping arm of the smartkey entraps the door in a closed position when the smartkey is positioned in the smartkey housing, thus preventing the door from opening until the smartkey is removed from its respective smartkey housing.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to systems for storing objects, and in particular, to all improved system that additionally entraps and maintains at least partially out of view, one or more objects, so as to further prevent the unauthorized copying or obtaining of information associated with the object itself. 
     Systems for storing objects are well known. One such well known and commercially successful system being disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,808, commonly owned by the present assignee, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. A familiarity with the technology can be ascertained by a review of U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,808. 
     Although a commercially successful product, one of the perceived deficiencies in the aforementioned system is the inability to effectively and simultaneously prevent unscrupulous individual(s) from obtaining valuable information about the objects, notwithstanding the fact that the objects may be stored in the system. For example, even if the objects are being secured and stored in the prior art system, sophisticated technology available today permits the coping of information on the object (such as for example, if the object is a key or credit/access card) merely by visually inspecting the object or merely by virtue of having physical access to the object, notwithstanding the inability to actually remove the object from its coupling or connection to its associated identification device (i.e. “smartkey”). For example, the ability to make an imprint of a key or download valuable information from an access/credit card is now available merely by visually inspecting or physically touching the particular object. Such deficiencies must be overcome, for example, to effectively and reliably ensure that only authorized individuals are provided with access to areas of buildings and other facilities where keys or access cards provide such authorization. It can thus be seen that it is important, due to the availability of sophisticated equipment, to prevent reproduction or the obtaining of security information from the key or access/credit cards, even if the key or card remains secure in its associated station assembly (i.e. “smartkey” housing). Accordingly, a way to store such cards or keys (or numerous other objects) for proper access while simultaneously ensuring that information contained on or in the object is not unscrupulously obtained, is of paramount concern. 
     One known construction that prevents all users, authorized or not, from visually inspecting the object, is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,195,005. However, Applicant believes there are perceived deficiencies in the construction set forth therein, and a desire to overcome such deficiencies is also desired. 
     Accordingly, an improved system for entrapping objects that overcomes the aforementioned deficiencies and achieves the objectives and advantages set forth above and below is desired. 
     OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved system for entrapping objects. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved system for entrapping objects that can effectively store such objects for proper access while simultaneously ensuring that information contained on or in the object is not unscrupulously obtained. 
     Yet another object of the present invention to visibly hide at least a portion of the object intended to be stored and entrapped so as to make it significantly more difficult or impossible to obtain information associated with the object, notwithstanding that the object cannot actually be removed from the system. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to entrap keys and cards, such as, but not limited to, access cards and credit cards, more effectively and with more security reliability. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a system that can store and entrap bulky objects or objects that are not readily connectable to a smartkey, such as;, but not limited to, medicine or the like. 
     Still other objects and advantages of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part be apparent from the specification. 
     The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements and arrangement of parts that will be exemplified in the disclosure hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims. 
     Generally speaking, the present invention is directed to an improved storage system for storing and entrapping a plurality of objects. In a preferred embodiment, the system comprises a system housing; at least two smartkey housings, each of which disposed within the system housing and operable to receive and releasably lock a smartkey therein; at least two recesses, each recess being associated with a respective smartkey housing; and at least two smartkeys, each of which is associated with an object. Each of the smartkeys preferably comprises a body; a memory device coupled to the body and comprising an individualized code; and an entrapping arm, coupled to the body, for entrapping an object positioned in the recess associated with the smartkey housing. When the object is positioned within its respective recess and the smartkey is positioned and locked in the smartkey housing associated with the recess, the entrapping arm prevents the object from being removed from the associated recess until the smartkey is removed from its respective smartkey housing at which time the object is removable from the recess. 
     In a further preferred embodiment, the system includes a plate, coupled to the system housing, wherein the recesses are each formed within the plate. Each recess may be elongated so as to accept an object that is at least essentially the shape of a credit card, or may be shaped so as to accept an object that is at least essentially the shape of a key. The recess may be dimensioned so as to prevent a visual inspection of the entire object when the object is disposed in the recess. The object may also be coupled, or even directly connected, to the entrapping arm. Yet further, inserts may be provided and positioned within each of the at least two recesses, wherein the objects are disposed wit the inserts when the inserts are positioned within the recess of the plate. 
     In yet another preferred embodiment, the smartkey comprises a coupler for coupling the entrapping arm to the body. In this embodiment the entrapping arm further comprises a unique identifier, whereby if the entrapping arm is destroyed, damaged or decoupled from the body, an identical replacement-entrapping arm will be significantly difficult to obtain. In this embodiment, the entrapping arm may have surface indicia to indicate the unique identifying information. 
     And, in yet another embodiment of the invention, the storage system may comprise chambers, each of which is associated with a smartkey housing. In this embodiment, each chamber has coupled thereto a door panel positionable in an open position where objects can be placed inside and at least a closed position where objects can be retained therein. Here, the entrapping arm entraps the door in a closed position when the smartkey is positioned in the smartkey housing, wherein the entrapping arm prevents the door from opening until the smartkey is removed from its respective smartkey housing. The door may also include a slotted opening through which an object can be at least partially inserted. For example, the opening may be dimensioned so as to accept at least a portion of a key positioned therein and to prevent a visual inspection of information associated with the key when the key is positioned in the slotted opening, all while maintaining the closure of the chamber. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is made to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a system for entrapping objects constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the system illustrated in FIG. 1 constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 is a non-exploded perspective view of the portion of the system illustrated in FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the system illustrated in FIG. 1 constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention, utilizing much of the construction of tat portion of the system illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 and at least one feature illustrated in FIG. 4, 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the system of FIG. 1 of yet another embodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention, utilizing at least some of the construction of that portion of the system illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3; 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of the system of yet another embodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention; and 
     FIGS. 8 and 9 are schematic diagrams illustrating minor changes in circuit design from that disclosed in co-owned U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,808, incorporated herein by reference. 
     Identically labeled elements appearing in different ones of the above-described figures refer to the same elements but way not be referenced in the description for all figures. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Generally speaking, the present invention is an improvement over the system that is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,808 which is commonly owned by the present assignee. Of course, with the exception of the details of the present invention, U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,808 provides a complete disclosure of the electronics, software and hardware features, construction and operations of the present invention. Accordingly, the entire U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,808 is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. 
     Reference will first be made to FIG. 1 wherein a system for storing and entrapping objects, generally indicated at  10 , is disclosed. Generally speaking, system  10  includes a plurality of smartkey housings, generally indicated at  12 . For convenience, it should be understood that the smartkey housings  12  can be particularly identified herein by reference to a column and row number (c, 1 ) as exemplary illustrated in FIG. 1. A smartkey, generally indicated at  50 , constructed in accordance with the present invention, is also illustrated in FIG. 1, It should be understood that smartkey  50  is releasably received and insertable (and thereafter releasably locked) within anyone of the smartkey housings  12 , all as set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,808 (hereinafter the “&#39;808 patent”). A door  14  with a lock  16  (and corresponding latch (not shown)) may be hingedly coupled to the system&#39;s housing  11  in a known manner, so as to provide increasing security and protection of the objects stored and entrapped within system  10 . A display  18  and a keypad  20  may also be provided as set forth in the &#39;808 patent. Such features are not material to the present invention. 
     FIG. 1 also illustrates that each of the smartkey housings  12 , of which there may be many as the number thereof is a matter of design choice, are disposed with system housing  11 , Preferably, system  10  also includes a plate  22 , coupled to system housing  11 , through which the front end of each smartkey housing  12  may extend. Plate  22  preferably includes a plurality of recesses  13 . The mounting assembly of smartkey housings  12  on plate  22  is further detailed in the &#39;808 patent. 
     Each smartkey housing  12  preferably has associated therewith one recess  13 . In a similar manner, each recess can also be particularly identified herein by reference to a column and row number (c, 1 ). As illustrated, smartkey housing  12  identified by location ( 1 , 1 ) is associated with recess  13  that is also identified by designation ( 1 , 1 ). Preferably, each smartkey housing has associated therewith an associated recess, but it is conceivable, and clearly within the scope of the present invention, that not all smartkey housings  12  have an associated recess  13 . For example, a portion of system  10  may be configured merely in the manner as set forth in FIG. 1 of the &#39;808 patent. 
     Reference is now made to FIGS. 2 and 3 for a more detailed description of the present invention, although it is clear that these FIGS. 2 and 3 only illustrate a portion of the present invention. First, as a matter of design choice and not limitation, it can be seen that the smartkey housings  12  and its associated recesses  13  may be slightly staggered although a pattern of row and columns can still be accurately illustrated as in the Figures. The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 is configured to permit recesses  13  to receive cards, such as access cards or credit cards. Accordingly, it can clearly be seen that recesses  13  are elongated in shape. 
     Preferably, each recess  13  includes an insert  24  that is positionable therein. A depressible spring-biased latch  25  may be utilized to ensure the coupling of insert  24  in the recess against plate  22 . There may also be a corresponding locking mechanism (not shown) positioned behind plate  22  to ensure that each insert  24  is securely locked to plate  22  within each recess  13 . Preferably, each recess  13  is provided with an insert  24 . Each insert has an opening  26  dimensioned to receive a desired object  28 . In the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, object  28  is a card, such as an access card or credit card. 
     Preferably, recess  13  (if no insert  24  is used) or opening  26  (if an insert  24  is used) is dimensioned so as to prevent a complete visual inspection of the entire object  28  when object  28  is disposed therein. In this way, there is au increased prevention of any unauthorized review, scanning or otherwise retrieval of information associated with the object since the material portion of the object will be hidden from view within the recess  13  or opening  26 , as shown by the smartkey/insert pair ( 2 , 1 ) of FIG.  3 . 
     Now with particular reference to FIG. 3, smartkey  50  is generally comprised of, three elements; namely, a body  52 , a memory device  54  coupled thereto, such as an electronic memory device, details of which are set forth in the &#39;808 patent, and an entrapping arm  56  which is also coupled to body  52 . Entrapping arm  56  may be coupled to body  52  in a similar manner as the wire is coupled to the smartkey&#39;s housing in the &#39;808 patent. Alternatively, simple mechanical changes, such as the use of welding or adhesives, may be implemented in a known manner as arm  56  in the present invention is preferably made of steel. As can be readily seen in FIG. 3, entrapping arm  56  entraps object  28  positioned in insert  24 . Specifically, when object  28  is positioned within its respective recess  13  (or opening  26 ) and smartkey  50  is positioned and releasably locked in a smartkey housing  12  (all as disclosed in the &#39;808 patent) which itself is associated with a particular recess  13 , entrapping arm  56  prevents object  28  from being removed from the associated recess  13  (or opening  26 ). Further, when smartkey  50  is delocked and removed from its respective smartkey housing  12 , object  28  can then be removed from its respective recess  13  (or opening  26  of insert  24 ). 
     Reference is now made to FIG. 4, in which a second embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. Generally speaking, this second embodiment is identical to the first-mentioned embodiment in many respects, the largest distinction being that openings  26  in inserts  24  may be dimensioned to accept a smaller object  29 , in this example, a key. In this embodiment, as well as in the first embodiment (FIG.  5 ), object  28  or  29  may be coupled or directly connected to entrapping arm  56 , through, by example, an aperture  31  in object  29 . This is an additional measure of security if desired. As illustrated, entrapping arm  56  can be formed in a plurality of shapes. If needed, a notch  27  can be formed in insert  24  to accommodate any portion of arm  56  to prevent interference between arm  56  and insert  24  (see FIG.  5 ). In this way, smartkey  50  and the object  29  would need to travel together. 
     Reference is now made to FIG. 6, which illustrates yet another embodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 6 highlights the alternative embodiment of the smartkey, generally indicated at  70 . In this embodiment, again, smartkey  70  preferably comprises a body  72 , a memory device  74 , such as electronic memory device, coupled thereto, and an entrapping arm  76 , in the general shape of a straightened “Z.” A coupler  78  may be provided for coupling entrapping arm  76  to body  72 , Arm  76  may itself also be adhered, by adhesive or the like, to body  72 . Coupler  78 , like entrapping arm  56  of the earlier embodiments, may be secured to body  72  in a similar manner as element  61  is secured within the smartkey described in the &#39;808 patent. The advantage of this alternate embodiment is that it is conceivable that the entrapping arm  76  may be broken and replaced by an unscrupulous individual, The idea behind entrapping arm  76  is that it will be color-coded or have some other unique indicia (such as a serial number) thereon so that, should entrapping arm  76  be tampered with (i.e. broken or damaged), it would be quite hard to avoid detection thereof, since it would be quite obvious that the proper identification indicia is not associated with the entrapping arm  76 . This is a significant improvement over the present state of the an since a replacement arm corresponding to entrapping arm  56  may be more generic and readily available in the marketplace to copy. 
     Lastly, reference is now made to FIG. 7 wherein a still further embodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention is disclosed. In this alternate embodiment, each insert  24  has been replaced with a chamber, generally indicated at  80 . Each chamber  80  may be snapped, glued, welded or otherwise coupled to plate  22 . That is, it should be understood that the recesses  13  in plate  22  may be dimensioned to receive a larger insert, such as a chamber  80 . Chamber  80  should be understood to include side and back walls  82  and a front door  84 , which itself may be hingedy coupled to chamber  80  in a known manner (see chamber at position  2 , 2 ). Chamber  80  may also be made of steel and may have a transparent or opaque door, depending on whether it is desired to be able to visually inspect and/or confirm that he objects are actually within the chamber. 
     Smartkey  50  may be constructed in an identical manner to smartkey  50  of FIG.  4 . The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7 is advantageous in several ways. Foremost, it can be seen that entrapping arm  56  of smartkey  50  (when disposed and releasably locked in any smartkey housing  12 ), will maintain the closure of door  84 . This exemplary closed configuration can be seen in smartkey/chamber pair located at column, row ( 2 , 1 ). In this way, any object, such as prescription medicine, additional keys or any other bulky objects, that can fit within chamber  80  can be entrapped therein in a manner consistent with the embodiments disclosed herein. Still further, door  84  may have provided therein a slot  86  through which an object, such as key  29 , can partially pass. In this way, both a key (or card  28  if the slot is configured/shaped accordingly) and other bulky objects can be simultaneously stored within system  10  (see chamber  80  located at position ( 1 , 1 )). It should be understood tat in this embodiment of FIG. 7, door  84  cannot close an object (such as key  29 ) attached to entrapping arm  56  therein since the slot  86  permits object  29  to slide in and out thereof. In this manner, use of slot  86  is similar in construction to the recess  13  or insert  26  that is merely shaped to receive the object  29  therein. Advantageously, the embodiment of FIG. 7 also provides for the prevention of visually inspecting the object that may be coupled to the entrapping arm  56  as well as the prevention of visually inspecting the objects that are safely entrapped within chamber  80  when smartkey  50  is disposed and releasably locked within the smartkey housing  12 . 
     The operation of the present invention can be understood from a reading of co-owned U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,808 wherein it is clearly disclosed in detail the manner in which an authorized user can obtain the release of one or more selected smartkeys from their locked positions in the smartkey housings. However, as detailed here it is now not necessary to actually connect the object to the wire or other entrapping arm material, as the entrapping arm now entraps the object in the insert or recess until such time as the smartkey is released in the manner disclosed in the &#39;808 patent. In this way, both the object may remain hidden from view and more bulk items, other than a single key, can more effectively be stored and entrapped as set forth herein. 
     Still further, to comply with the requirements of 35 U.S.C. §112, the following is set forth. Specifically, shortly after the initial filing in July 1993 of the application that matured into U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,808, several improvements (unrelated to the prevent invention) were made to improve the operation and function of the invention disclosed and claimed in the &#39;808 patent. These improvements are set forth in FIGS. 8 and 9 hereof and correspond To FIGS. 27 and 28, respectively, of the &#39;808 patent. With reference to FIG. 8, resistors R 1 -R 5  were added in the manner shown. With reference to FIG. 9, diodes D 16 -D 23  were added as shown. The function of these components would be understood by one skilled in the art and are omitted for brevity. Lastly, an inadvertent and insignificant error was noted in FIG. 28 of the &#39;808 patent. Specifically, the common node of resistors RN 5  should be tied to the voltage source, namely +5V. This is corrected in the attached FIG.  9 . One skilled in the art would clearly notice this error and would readily notice that these resistors would indeed need to be connected to a positive voltage source. Details of FIGS. 8 and 9 are omitted as they are sufficiently detailed in the &#39;808 patent. 
     A system constructed in accordance with the foregoing detailed description, which includes the description of the &#39;808 patent incorporated herein by reference, provides an improved system for entrapping objects that can effectively store such objects for proper access while simultaneously ensuring that information associated with the object is not unscrupulously obtained. For example, the present invention provides for the ability to visibly hide at least a portion of the object intended to be stored and entrapped so as to make it significantly more difficult or impossible to obtain information associated with the object, notwithstanding that the object is being stored and entrapped. Furthermore, the invention constructed in accordance with the foregoing provides for the improved ability to entrap objects, such as but not limited to keys and cards (such as access cards and credit cards) more effectively and with more security reliability. Additional, the present invention provide a system that can store and entrap bulky objects or objects that are not readily connectable to a smartkey, such as, but not limited to, medicine or the like. 
     It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in the above constructions without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 
     While the invention has been particularly shown and described with respect to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.