Abstract:
Methods and apparatus are provided for securing a wireless fob in a vehicle. The fob has a control thereon for controlling a vehicle function. The system comprising a first vehicle region having an opening for receiving the fob. The opening is configured to render the control accessible from the exterior of the vehicle. A second vehicle region is capable of having first and second positions with respect to the first vehicle region. The opening receives the fob when the second vehicle region is in the first position. The second vehicle region prevents removal of the fob from the opening when the second vehicle region is in the second position.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is related to U.S. application Ser. No. 10/643,731, entitled “KEYLESS ENTRY MODULE AND METHOD” filed on Aug. 18, 2003, hereinafter referred to as the “Reference Application,” and is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention generally relates to a keyless entry or activation system and method, and more particularly, a keyless entry or activation system and method suitable for vehicles or other equipment, which detachably mounts to the vehicle, or other equipment in a secure manner. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Modern vehicles and other equipment are often equipped for remote entry control using a fob-type key device. A fob-type key device is a small, pocket-sized, radio-frequency (RF) signaling device, usually attached to the same key ring holding the mechanical ignition key or other control key. By pressing a switch button on the fob-type key, the user is able to remotely open one or more of the doors and/or turn on a portion of the vehicle or other equipment without having to insert a mechanical key in a mechanical lock. This is a great convenience and an attractive safety feature. The fob-type keyless entry works by sending a coded RF signal to a receiver-decoder-actuator in the vehicle. This in-car system unlocks the door and/or performs other predetermined functions when it detects a valid “OPEN” code or equivalent on the RF signal received from the fob. 
     A disadvantage of such arrangement is that the fob-type key must be brought into the vicinity of the vehicle for it to function. Thus, the user must carry the fob-type key with him or her in order to be able to use it. Under these circumstances, the physical security of the fob-type key is essential for preventing unauthorized entry into the vehicle. If the fob is lost or stolen, vehicle security is compromised. 
     Sometimes vehicles are provided with key-less entry systems where the user only needs to remember a door code (e.g., a vehicle PIN number) and need not carry the electronic or mechanical key along. This eliminates the security risk arising from having to carry the key. Such key-less entry systems usually have the form of a small keypad built into the door of the car. To gain access to the vehicle, the user merely enters his or her personal entry code into the keypad and the door is automatically unlocked by the vehicle electronic system. A physical key or remote fob-type key is not needed. This arrangement is well known and very useful. However such keyless entry systems are still only in limited use and are usually available only as a hard-wired, “factory installed” option. “Factory installed” means that the components needed to provide the key-less entry function are hard-wired into the car at the time of construction and cannot be easily added afterward, for example, as a “dealer installed” or “after-market” option. This is a significant limitation. 
     In the Reference Application there is described a keyless entry or activation system that is easily installed after a vehicle or other equipment or structure is manufactured and that does not depend on a factory installed keypad or keypad wiring harness. However, a more flexible means of attaching the keyless entry system to the vehicle is desired, one that permits the keyless entry module to be quickly and easily attached to and removed from the vehicle by the user, rather than a service mechanic. It is further desired that the mounting means and method be secure, that is, such that once the vehicle or equipment is locked, the keyless entry module is accessible from the exterior of the vehicle but cannot be removed until the vehicle is again unlocked. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical field and background. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     A system for securing a wireless fob in a vehicle. The fob has a control for controlling a vehicle function. The system comprises a first vehicle region that has an opening to receive the fob. The opening is configured to render the control accessible from the exterior of the vehicle. The second vehicle region is capable of having first and second positions with respect to the first vehicle region. The opening receives the fob when the second vehicle region is in the first position. The second vehicle region prevents removal of the fob from the opening when the second vehicle region is in the second position. 
     A method is provided for attaching a wireless fob to a vehicle to control the functions of the vehicle. The vehicle has first and second adjacent portions capable of being opened and closed with respect to each other. The fob will mate with the first portion when the first and second portions are open will expose the control from the exterior of the vehicle. When closing the second portion with respect to the first portion it will secure the fob in and prevent removal of the fob from the first portion. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a keyless entry fob according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 2A  shows a simplified view of the keyless entry fob of  FIG. 1  being removably inserted into a slot in a vehicle structure; 
         FIG. 2B  shows the keyless entry fob of  FIG. 1  after insertion into the slot of  FIG. 2A , and with the vehicle door closed to temporarily preclude removal of the fob; 
         FIG. 3  is a simplified partial cross-sectional view through the structure of  FIG. 2B  at the location indicated thereon; 
         FIG. 4  is a simplified partial cross-sectional view through the structure of  FIG. 2B  at the location indicated thereon and at right angles to the view of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is an end view of a keyless entry fob according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6A  shows the keyless entry fob of  FIG. 5  being removably inserted into a slot in a vehicle structure, analogous to the view of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 6B  shows the keyless entry fob of  FIG. 5  after insertion into the slot of  FIG. 6A , and with the vehicle door closed to temporarily preclude removal of the fob, analogous to the view of  FIG. 2B ; 
         FIG. 7  is a simplified partial cross-sectional view through the structure of  FIG. 6B  at the location indicated thereon; 
         FIG. 8A  is a simplified partial cross-sectional view showing the removable attachment of a wireless fob to a vehicle according to a further embodiment of the present invention, while the vehicle door or hatch is open; 
         FIG. 8B  is a view similar to that of  FIG. 8A  but after the wireless fob has been attached to the vehicle and the vehicle door or hatch closed to temporarily preclude removal of the wireless fob; 
         FIG. 9A  is a simplified partial cross-sectional view of a wireless fob being removably attached to a vehicle, according to a still further embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9B  is a view similar to  FIG. 9A  but showing the arrangement of  FIG. 9A  after the vehicle door or hatch is closed; 
         FIG. 10A  is a simplified partial cross-sectional view of a wireless fob according to a still further embodiment of the present invention, showing attachment to a window in the open position; 
         FIG. 10B  is view similar to  FIG. 10A  but with the window closed, thereby temporarily attaching the wireless fob to the vehicle; 
         FIG. 11A  shows a simplified end view of a wireless fob adapted for temporary attachment to a vehicle or other equipment, according to a yet additional embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 11B and 11C  are simplified bottom plan views of the wireless fob of  FIG. 11A , illustrating the use of a sliding switch integrated into the fob for altering its mode of operation; and 
         FIGS. 12A and 12B  are simplified top plan views of a wireless fob according to a still further embodiment of the present invention incorporating a switch for altering the mode of operation of the wireless fob, where  FIG. 12A  illustrates a first switch position and  FIG. 12B  illustrates a second switch position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. 
     As used herein the word “vehicle” is intended to include any type of vehicle including but not limited to car, truck, trailer, plane, boat, motorcycle, bike and so forth, and any other type of equipment desired to be provided with an electronic entrance and/or activation key. As used herein, the words “keyless fob” and “fob” are intended to include but not be limited to fobs of the type described in the Reference Application having keypads or the like by which a user can enter a code to activate the fob and control corresponding vehicle systems. 
       FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a remote keyless entry fob  10  according to the present invention. Fob  10  has body portion  12  containing switches  14  or equivalent, which the vehicle operator uses to enter various operating codes, as for example are described in the Reference Application. Such codes can be used to cause the vehicle doors to unlock or lock, lights to turn ON or OFF, engine to start or stop and a variety of other functions depending upon the vehicle control system associated with the wireless fob. Switches  14  are preferably recessed in region  13  of fob  10  so as to avoid being inadvertently actuated. This is conveniently accomplished by providing raised end regions  16 ,  18  but this is not essential and not intended to be limiting. Alternatively, a removable protective cover (not shown) may also be provided. The exact means of protecting switches  14  from unintended use is not critical and any means of protecting switches  14  from unintended use may be conveniently but not essentially employed. Aperture  20  passing through fob  10  is conveniently provided to allow fob  10  to be easily attached, for example, to a key chain and also, as will be subsequently explained, to provide an alternative means of temporary attachment of fob  10  to a vehicle. 
       FIG. 2A  shows a simplified view of a remote keyless entry system wherein fob  10  of  FIG. 1  is removably inserted in the direction of arrow  21  into slot  22  in vehicle structure  24 , for example, into a slot in the door-frame of the vehicle while the door (not shown) is open.  FIG. 2B  shows keyless entry fob  10  of  FIG. 1  after insertion into slot  22  of  FIG. 2A , and with vehicle door  26  closed to temporarily preclude removal of fob  10 . It can be seen, however, that switches  14  remain accessible to a user from the exterior of the vehicle through slot  22 .  FIGS. 3 and 4  are partial cross-sectional views through the assembly of  FIG. 2B  at the locations indicated. In a preferred embodiment, slot  22  of  FIGS. 2A-2B ,  3 ,  4  is preferably oriented approximately horizontally in the doorframe on the side of the car where the door edge and the door frame meet. With door  26  open, opening  23  of slot  22  in door frame  24  is accessible and fob  10  can be slid laterally into slot  22  in door frame  24  as shown by arrow  21 , with switches  14  facing outward. When door  26  is closed, opening  23  of slot  22  is now blocked, temporarily preventing fob  10  from being removed from the vehicle. Lip  25  on slot  22  may be of any convenient size so as to retain fob  10  in slot  22 , and it should not preferably block access to switches  14 . With the arrangement of  FIGS. 2-4 , once fob  10  is placed in slot  22  and door  26  closed, fob  10  is recessed and well protected against vandalism or accidental damage from something brushing against the side of the vehicle or the like. It may be further protected by placing slot  22  in a depression below the plane of the vehicle skin. It should be appreciated that slot  22  may be configured to permit removal of or access to the fob from the interior of the vehicle even when door or access to  26  is closed. 
     While region  24  has been identified as a “doorframe” and region  26  as a “door” persons of skill in the art will understand that this is merely for convenience of illustration and not intended to be limiting. Either of regions  24 ,  26  can be a door or hatch and the other a part of the vehicle shell. What is important is that regions  24 ,  26  move with respect to each other so that in a first relative position, opening  23  of slot  22  is exposed and in a second relative position opening  23  is blocked or unexposed. Thus, as used herein, the word “door” is intended to include any type of openable panel (e.g., hatch, hood, trunk, window, drawer, door, etc.) and is not limited merely to passenger doors. Further, the words “door” and “frame” are used interchangeably to refer to any two regions of the vehicle with relative motion such that they open and close with respect to each other. It does not matter which is stationary with respect to the vehicle as a whole and which is moveable. 
       FIG. 5  is an end view of keyless entry fob  30  analogous to fob  10  but according to another embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 6A and 6B  are analogous to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , respectively, and  FIG. 7  is analogous to  FIG. 3 . These figures illustrate how fob  30  is temporarily attached to a vehicle. Fob  30  has generally T-shaped protrusion  32 , preferably on its rear face (other faces are not precluded), with spine  34  and lip  36 . Protrusion  32  engages slot opening  38  of doorframe (or door)  44  in the direction of arrow  31 , with spine  34  entering narrower slot  40  and lip  36  entering underlying slot  42 . While protrusion  32  is depicted as being elongated and comparatively narrow, this is not essential. For example, protrusion  32  can have the form of a button-on-a-stalk or other shape. The exact shape is not important so long as lip  36  is wider than spine  34 .  FIG. 6B  illustrates the arrangement when door (or frame)  46  is closed thereby temporarily preventing removal of fob  30 .  FIG. 7  is a simplified partial cross-sectional view in the direction indicated in  FIG. 6B  showing the arrangement of fob  30  with respect to vehicle panels  44 ,  46  when the “door” is closed. As depicted in  FIGS. 6-7 , except for protrusion  32 , fob  30  protrudes from the vehicle panel. Many variations are possible. For example, fob  30  can be partially or fully recessed by having slots  40 ,  42  recessed from the outer surface of the vehicle skin so that when fob  30  is inserted therein in the direction of arrow  31  (see  FIG. 6A ), upper surface  33  of fob  30  is approximately flush with the outer vehicle skin, or if desired recessed therein. Thus, great design and stylistic flexibility is provided by the invented configuration. 
       FIG. 8A  is a simplified partial cross-sectional view showing the removable attachment of wireless fob  10  to vehicle shell portion  50 , according to a further embodiment of the present invention. Fob  10  with through-hole  20  (see  FIG. 1 ) is moved in the direction of arrow  51  so that hole  20  sides over pin  58  mounted in recess  55  on frame portion  54  of vehicle shell  50 . In  FIG. 8A  moveable vehicle door or hatch  56  is open with respect to doorframe  54 . Door  56  closes in the direction of arrow  53 .  FIG. 8B  is a view similar to that of  FIG. 8A  but after the wireless fob  10  has been slipped over pin  58  and vehicle door or hatch  56  closed to temporarily preclude removal of wireless fob  10 . When door  56  is closed with respect to frame  54 , lip  59  on door portion  56  extends about to the end of pin  58  so that fob  10  cannot be removed from pin  58  while door  56  is closed. 
     In  FIG. 8A  where fob  10  is being inserted into recess  55  and over pin  58 , fob  10  is conveniently (but not essentially) oriented with its longer dimension  15  about at right angles to outer surface  52  of doorframe  54  and vehicle shell region  50 . This makes it easy to grasp fob  10  while it is being slipped over pin  58 . In  FIG. 8B  after fob  10  has been captured by closing door  56 , fob  10  conveniently swings down around pin  58  so that its longer dimension  15  is at right angles to the view of  FIG. 8B , that is, extending into and out of the plane of  FIG. 8B . Thus, in the closed position, fob  10  automatically aligns long dimension  15  approximately parallel to the surface of doorframe  54  and vehicle shell region  50 . Depth  57  of recess  55  may be selected so that when fob  10  has swung down into the stowage position it is partially recessed, that is, depth  57  is less than transverse dimension  17  of fob  10  as shown for example in  FIG. 8B , or fully recessed, that is, depth  57  equals or exceeds dimension  17 , and fob  10  does not protrude outwardly from vehicle panel region  50 . Thus, great design and stylistic flexibility is provided by the invented configuration. 
       FIG. 9A  is a simplified partial cross-sectional view of wireless fob  60  being removably attached in the direction of arrow  63  to vehicle region  70 , according to a still further embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 9B  is a simplified view analogous to  FIG. 9A  but after the vehicle door or hatch is closed. Vehicle region  70  has frame portion  74  and door portion  76  that move relatively in the direction of arrow  73 . As previously explained, the words “door” and “frame” are merely used as convenient labels for purposes of explanation and are not intended to be limiting. Either of  74 ,  76  can be the “door” or the “frame” it does not matter. What is important is that they move relatively as shown by arrow  73  so as to permit fob  60  to be mounted when “open” as in  FIG. 9A , and to prevent fob  60  from being removed when “closed” as in  FIG. 9B . Fob  60  has clip  62  attached to rear face  64 . Clip  62  is moved in the direction of arrow  63 , thereby sliding over lip  72  and into recess  78  of door portion  76 , as can be seen by comparing  FIGS. 9A and 9B . When door  76  is closed into frame  74 , surface  75  of frame  74  prevents clip  62  and fob  60  from being removed. Lip  72  is not essential, but merely one way of accomplishing this. Persons of skill in the art will understand based on the teachings herein that lip  72  may be shortened or eliminated by adjusting the depth of slot  78 , the location of attachment  66  on fob  60  and/or the relative separation between vehicle portions  74 ,  76 . While fob  60  in  FIG. 9B  is shown as being external to vehicle surface region  77 ,  79  when locked into position, this is not essential. By providing slot  78  in a recessed region, outer surface  65  of fob  60  may be made flush with or recessed from or protruding from outer vehicle surfaces  77 ,  79 . Also, while clip  62  is shown as having portion  66  attached to rear surface  64  of fob  60  near end region  16 , this is not essential. Clip  62  may be attached to fob  60  at any convenient location and may be a separate metal or plastic clip or may be molded-in. Thus, great design and stylistic flexibility is provided by the invented configuration. 
       FIG. 10A  is a simplified partial cross sectional view of wireless fob  80  being attached to vehicle region  90  according to a still further embodiment of the present invention. Vehicle portion  90  includes window (or like structure)  92  that moves in the direction of arrow  91  into window frame  94 .  FIG. 10A  shows the situation when window  92  is open and before fob  80  is placed thereon and  FIG. 10B  shows the situation after fob  80  has been attached to window  92  and window  92  closed in the direction of arrow  91  into window frame  94 . While  FIGS. 10A ,  10 B illustrate the situation where window  92  slides up in the direction of arrow  91  into window frame  94 , this is not intended to be limiting and persons of skill in the art will understand that window  92  can open and close in the same manner as for the doors depicted in the prior figures. 
     Fob  80  has clip  82  attached to rear surface  84 . In the preferred embodiment, clip  82  is U-shaped and made of springy metal. However, the exact manner of attachment, location and material of clip  82  are not important so long as sufficient clearance is provided for window  92  to close into its frame with clip  82  mounted on window  92 , as shown for example, in  FIG. 10B . Referring to  FIG. 10A , fob  80  is moved in the direction of arrow  86  so that opening  83  of clip  82  is aligned with upper edge  93  of window  92 . Clip  82  is then slid down over window  92  thereby attaching fob  80  to window  92 . When upper edge  93  of window  92  is advanced into opening  95  of window frame  94 , clip  82  and fob  80  are securely trapped between window  92  and window frame  94 . Depending upon the functions provided by the vehicle system controller remotely actuated using switches  14  on fob  80 , raising and lowering window  92  may be accomplished using fob  80  from outside the vehicle or using the conventional window controls or window crank from inside the vehicle. Either arrangement works but the capability to raise and lower widow  92  remotely using fob  80  is particularly convenient. Clip  82  is preferably of springy metal attached to body  12  of fob  80  by any convenient means or, for example, molded in during the manufacturer of fob  80 . Thus, great design and stylistic flexibility is provided by the invented configuration. 
       FIG. 11A  shows a simplified end view of wireless fob  100  having body  110 , adapted for temporary attachment to a vehicle, according to a yet additional embodiment of the present invention. Fob  100  is analogous to fob  30  of  FIG. 5 , except that protrusion  102  from lower surface  103  of FOB  100  has a “C” shape rather than a “T” shape as in  FIG. 5 . Thus, fob  100  attaches to the vehicle by having lips  106  with slot  107  therebetween slipped over a “T” shaped protrusion (not shown) on the vehicle surface rather than engaging a slot, as was the case with fob  30  of  FIG. 5 . Persons of skill in the art will understand that this arrangement is the geometric inverse of the arrangement of  FIG. 5  but otherwise accomplishes the same result. As with the arrangement of  FIG. 5 , fob  100  can be external to the surface of the vehicle or have its upper surface  104  flush or even recessed, by recessing the “T” shaped protrusion on the vehicle in a manner analogous to the arrangement discussed in connection with  FIG. 5  for fob  30 . 
       FIGS. 11B and 11C  are simplified bottom plan views of wireless fob  100  of  FIG. 11A , illustrating the use of sliding switch  108  integrated into fob  100  for altering its mode of operation. Sliding switch  108  is conveniently exposed on lower surface  103  of body  110  of fob  100  between lips  106  of C-shaped protrusion  102 , although other locations on lower surface  103  are not precluded. When fob is slipped over T-shaped protrusion  112  (shown as a dashed rectangle on  FIGS. 11B ,  11 C) on the vehicle surface, it pushes switch  108  from the position shown in  FIG. 11B  to the position shown in  FIG. 11C , thereby altering the function of fob  100 . This is particularly convenient when the user wants the fob to have one function (e.g., entry of a secret access code) when mounted on the vehicle and another (e.g., conventional lock, unlock, trunk release etc.) when removed from the vehicle. Persons of skill in the art will understand that such an automatic switch function can be incorporated in the other fobs illustrated in connection with  FIGS. 2-10  by providing an appropriate protrusion associated with the vehicle slot or pin that actuates a corresponding switch on the fob when the fob is inserted into the slot or slid over the pin on the vehicle. This provides great design and functional flexibility. 
       FIGS. 12A and 12B  are simplified plan views of wireless fob  120  according to a still further embodiment of the present invention incorporating switch  122  for altering the mode of operation of the wireless fob.  FIG. 12A  illustrates a first position of switch  122  and  FIG. 12B  illustrating a second position of switch  122 . Switch  122  conveniently slides in and out in the direction of arrow  123  from end region  18 ′ (or  16 ′) although other modes of movement are not precluded. The switch arrangement depicted in  FIGS. 12A-12B  may be employed with any of the fob attachment means illustrated in  FIGS. 2-11 . Persons of skill in the art will understand based on the description herein that that switch  122  may forced into the closed (retracted) position when fob  120  is mounted on the vehicle, or forced into the open (extended) position, depending upon the direction of insertion of fob  120  into the vehicle mounting slot or rail. For example, suppose that fob  120  is used with the mounting arrangement of  FIGS. 10A-10B , with switch  122  at end  16  of fob  80 . Then switch  122  is forced into the retracted position (see  FIG. 12A ) when window  92  is raised to the closed position. If switch  122  is spring loaded, then it automatically returns to the extended position ( FIG. 12B ) when window  92  is lowered to release the fob. Similar modifications may be used in connection with the fobs and attachment means illustrated in  FIGS. 2-9 . 
     While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims and the legal equivalents thereof.