Patent Publication Number: US-2005116462-A1

Title: Removably attachable security devices

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
      This application claims priority from Applicant&#39;s provisional application, U.S. Ser. No. 60/417,713 for REMOVABLY ATTACHABLE SECURITY DEVICE, filed Oct. 9, 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1. Field of the Invention  
      The present invention relates to detachable security devices which associate a number, alphanumeric code and/or symbol with personal access to a space, e.g. a detachable tab recording a hotel room number or the like which can be removed from a folder or other portable holder or container for the associated room key and/or other valuables, or from the access device itself. The invention further relates to incentives provided for removing and safeguarding the security device, such as a prize, an entry in a raffle or other game of chance or reward system.  
      2. Description of Relevant Art  
      Personal security is becoming increasingly important in both business and leisure travel. Many hotels provide coded plastic room keys in small envelopes or folders, and sometimes mark the room number and even the guest&#39;s name on such holders. Applicant has personally observed such practices, and recognized the security hazards inherent in having a room key associated in a small package with the guest&#39;s name and/or room number. In the event such an assembly is lost or stolen, the recipient could obtain immediate access to the room, at least until the hotel is able to alter the lock and issue a new key. This practice may intended as a convenience for the guest who may not remember a room number which is whispered to him or her upon check-in, and does not utilize a bellman to locate and open the assigned room. The hazard arises if the guest keeps the room key in a container displaying the room number and loses this container with both key and room number, thus giving the finder both access and entry to a particular room. Loss of documents including room number and the guest&#39;s name can also be hazardous, allowing the finder to contact the room directly via house or outside phones to determine if the guest is in the room. Similarly, the loss of keys to a rental vehicle with an identification tag attached could provide the finder with means to identify the vehicle and to acquire both access and unauthorized use of same.  
      Applicant&#39;s experience and interest in the fields of security, advertising, coupon sales and gaming suggested that some sort of marketing network could be employed to support systems including holders, carriers or other assemblies including hotel room keys (or other access devices) which are more secure for both guest and hotel. Such systems could be designed to fulfil needs in many areas of the transportation, hospitality and entertainment industries in addition to hotels.  
      Numerous prior art patents deal with locks, keys and other security devices. For example, U.S. Patent No.  4 , 488 , 737  discloses a combined key holder and booklet, the booklet including space for writing the room number. Advertising materials can be included in the booklet. A detachable envelope can be included for transmitting comments to the hotel and/or ordering goods or services advertised in the booklet. In the background, the patent describes the perceived inconvenience of a hotel guest having to maintain a room key, printed material about the hotel and the room number as separate items.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 5,529,172 discloses entry means holders for removably holding a hotel room key or key card, the room number and/or guest&#39;s name being recorded on the holder for identification of the room number to the guest and/or of the guest to hotel staff. Detachable portions of the holder can provide for the identification of additional room occupants and/or contain coupons, advertisements or the like, to be used in conjunction with the ID. There appears to be no incentive for the guest to separate the unmarked key from the holder.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 3,225,478 discloses a key tag or key head cover designed to be marked with the key identification and applied to the key head by adhesive means. There is no suggestion of removing the tag once marked and applied.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 4,336,701 discloses a keying process for resettable locks in which individual keys are identified by permanently inscribed serial numbers and removable plugs in the key head or handle indicating the hotel room number whose lock has been set to accommodate that key. There is apparently no suggestion or motivation for the guest to remove the plug (and room number) from the key; this is to be performed by maintenance when the individual room locks are re-keyed. Furthermore, the permanent inscription of the serial number on the key affords an advantage to those who might take an impression of the key for later duplication and improper use.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 4,907,359 discloses a simple key tag which can be imprinted with information and optionally removed from the key or key ring.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 5,232,528 discloses a method for semi-permanent attachment of ID labels (preferably containing a bar code) to conventional keys or key blanks to facilitate inventory control in a retail store or the like. The assembly would have to be removed for cutting a blank into a key or using the key.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 1,979,960 discloses automotive ignition keys which include breakaway tags containing the manufacturer&#39;s code number for the locks to which they apply. The tags are designed to inconvenience the user unless they are removed, thus preventing anyone other than the vehicle owner from discovering the combination of the lock by use of the code number and locksmiths&#39; code charts.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 4,565,922 discloses key card apparatus employing series of electrical conductors inside the card which can be selectively severed by external drilling to incorporate a specific code. The cards are described as less vulnerable to damage or magnetic influences than conventional cards containing electronic circuit components or magnetic information therein.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 4,801,076 discloses advertising pouch assemblies intended for distributing advertising literature and the like, plus methods for assembling same. Although the pouches contain numerous slits, pockets and the like for holding literature and business reply cards, there is no disclosure or suggestion of incorporating access means such as room keys.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 6,234,477 discloses integrated lottery pouches, designed to contain at least two lottery tickets therein. Methods of variable printing and assembly of the tickets and pouches are disclosed.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 6,311,860, assigned to Taco Bell Corp., discloses a container closure for soft drinks and the like, designed to hold a game piece between an opaque shield and a sealing member which is removable to view and extract the game piece.  
      U. S. Pat. No. 6,523,824 discloses a “business model algorithm” which provides for the placement of advertising materials in place of the conventional icons displayed during the play of slot machines. This patent is incorporated herein by reference.  
      Despite increasing security problems in hotels and other areas where space numbers and access means are used in combination, there remains a need for convenient holders or carriers for access means which include incentives for the user to separate the access means from the room number or other space number. Little effort seems to have been made by the industry to apply the principles of the advertising or gaming industries to provide such incentives and improve the security and safety of the hotel guest or other users of the transportation and hospitality industries.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      It is an object of the present invention to provide means and incentives for a traveller, whether hotel guest or passenger on common carriers including passenger trains and ships, to maintain the identity of his room number or other location identification and the means of access thereto (such as a key) secure and separate. It is another object of the invention to provide a variety of benefits to the traveller in a small folder or other holder for a room key or other access means, such as maps, advertising media incorporating discounts or other incentives, and the like. A further object is to provide removable security devices containing the room number or other location information which provide incentives for the removal of the device from the holder containing the key or other access means, e.g. immediate prizes, coupons or the like or the ability to turn the security device or a component thereof in (to the host activity) for rewards through a raffle or other game of chance. A further object is to provide advertising connections between a hotel, resort, casino, common carrier or other establishment accommodating travellers and local, regional or national vendors of goods and services to their mutual benefit. Still another object is to provide incentives for the traveller to visit, and preferably patronize, the advertisers listed in the key holder or other container. Yet another object is to provide at least one memento for the traveller to retain, which may contain contact information for the hotel, carrier and/or advertisers.  
      In accordance with the present invention, a carrier or holder assembly is provided for keys, codes, combinations or other access means to spaces for travellers such as hotel rooms. In addition to holding such access devices, the holder assembly comprises a detachable or removably attachable security device containing at least the room number or other locating information for the space. Incentives are preferably provided for the user to separate the security device or space information portion thereof from the access means, including at a minimum instructions to do so for the user&#39;s personal security. The holder preferably also includes advertising and useful information such as maps of the hotel, other establishments or local areas of the city, with key landmarks and attractions marked; discount coupons or other incentives providing guidance to selected local advertisers; currency conversion tables, local transportation schedules, rates and the like; and pictorial materials such as postcards. This informative material can be in printed form and/or embodied in “writable” electronic media such as mini-compact discs which may be read in laptop or desktop computers. Such media can embody programs which facilitate communication with the hotel or other establishment to check out, order special services such as tours, make future reservations and the like.  
      Either the holder or the security device could include keepsake or souvenir items such as pictorial refrigerator magnets, souvenir coins or tokens, costume jewelry such as pendants, and the like. The removable security device can contain additional numbers, alphanumeric codes or symbols, including advertising media, which can be communicated to the hotel, carrier or other organization to qualify the traveller for prizes or premiums. For example, the assigned room or space number can be the basis for an entry in a raffle if the device is deposited with the institution when checking out or disembarking. Using numbers or other codes randomly assigned upon checking in or embarking upon a trip, a computerized system can be used to make selections for prizes at any time, even daily or hourly. In resorts or casinos offering gambling, a computerized system can be used to qualify such codes for chances on large jackpots or other prizes, as is now done with slot machines in certain casinos. The traveller would be required to present the security device or a portion thereof to confirm his assigned code and claim the prize, encouraging him to keep the security device safe (i.e., separate from access means) and available at all times. This concept could be effectively applied to convention groups, cruises, reunions, tours or other groups travelling together to encourage full attendance and personalized participation in scheduled activities. A portion of the device can also be used as an ID to identify the holder as a guest of the hotel or other issuer. In addition or as alternatives to numbers or codes, certain combinations of advertising materials can be used to qualify the recipient for a prize or award, as in U.S. Pat. No. 6,523,824, which is incorporated herein by reference. Such a system will further motivate the traveller, guest or ultimate user to pay more attention to the advertising.  
      In a basic embodiment, the invention comprises access means to a space in combination with a detachable or removably attachable security device comprising identification means for the space, which security device preferably prevents use of the access means until the device is removed. Such combinations can include access means such as card keys, various types of mechanical keys and combinations for combination locks imprinted upon suitable media, with the security devices containing at least one component selected from peelable adhesive labels, strips of sheet material such as paper, plastics, fabrics and the like, which can be arranged or attached to prevent use of the access means until their removal. Access means to a vehicle, whether conventional mechanical ignition and/or door keys or ignition keys including wireless signal transmitter to lock and unlock the doors can include a removable vehicle ID tag. This can be accomplished by conventional dual, detachable key rings or other suitable connections. Removal of the ID tag would prevent a person finding lost keys from identifying them with the vehicle. Furthermore, when used with keys including wireless lock actuators, the removal of the ID tag can be adapted to break an electrical circuit to disable the transmitter.  
      Another embodiment of the invention is a business method comprising steps of selling advertising to national, international regional or local providers of goods and services such as those connected with a hotel, hotel chain or group, a resort, a passenger cruise line, passenger railroad or other entity accommodating travellers; producing carriers or holders for keys or other devices providing access to a hotel room, shipboard cabin or other designated space, the holders incorporating detachable security devices identifying each room or other space number so that it can be detached and kept secure and separate from the key holder; including in the key holder and/or security device printed matter such as advertising, maps and guides to local attractions and other incentives for the traveller to keep both the key holder and the security device; providing numbers, alphanumeric codes or symbols, optionally including various advertising materials, on the security device which can be communicated by the traveller to the hotel, carrier or other source to qualify for incentives such as prizes, discounts, and the like; and rewarding the traveller accordingly for keeping the security device secure and communicating a code to a designated receiver. The traveller can also be rewarded for visiting and/or patronizing certain numbers of the advertisers. On a small and simple scale, this method can be carried out in a manner resembling the use of serially numbered tickets for door prizes at various public functions.  
      Preferably, the system is at least partially computerized and automated, so that numbers, advertising materials or alphanumeric codes are generated randomly for use on the security devices, and prizes are periodically assigned to codes selected at random. This information could be communicated by various means to the traveller via his hotel room, telecommunications media, e-mail, postings on a website, bulletin board or the like, closed-circuit TV or public address systems. Alternatively, the traveller could have his security device code read by an electronic reader or otherwise communicate with a centralized, frequently-updated listing of awards (e.g. on an internet website or hotel TV channel) to learn about awards for which he is eligible and how to claim them. Many of these storage, computing and communications media are commercially available, and even small modern computers can easily be programmed to carry out such functions by those skilled in the computer programming and data processing arts. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, including the objects and advantages thereof, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings and the appended claims.  
       FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a trifold multipurpose card and holder for a plastic hotel room key.  
       FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of the holder of  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of a bifold key holder.  
       FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of the holder of  FIG. 3 .  
       FIGS. 5A, 5B  and  5 C are front perspective views of bifold holders with double, single and curved keyholder slots.  
       FIG. 6  is a front perspective view of a multifold multipurpose card and holder for plastic hotel room card keys and other items.  
       FIG. 7  is a rear perspective view of the holder of  FIG. 6 .  
       FIGS. 8A and 8B  are front and rear views of a closed envelope key holder with a perforated flap.  
       FIGS. 8C and 8D  are front views of an open envelope key holder with a perforated tear-off tag in place and removed.  
       FIG. 9  is a front view of a card adapted to hold a metal key with die-cut tab and slit.  
       FIGS. 10A, 10B  and  10 C are front views of a pouch-style envelope key holder with a perforated coupon attached and detached ( 10 C).  
       FIGS. 11A and 11B  are front views of a pocket-style key holder with a card key or flat metal key retained therein by an adhesive label.  
       FIGS. 11C and 11D  are front views of a pocket-style key holder having die-cut slots for special inserts.  
       FIGS. 11E and 11F  are front views of a pocket-style key holder and a a paper strip which is folded over the card key placed in the holder.  
       FIG. 11G  is a front view of a pocket-style key holder with a card key secured therein by an adhesive or wax seal.  
       FIGS. 12A, 12B  and  12 C are front views of card keys and conventional keys with adhesive room number labels directly affixed to the keys.  FIG. 12D  is a detail view of the use of such labels to conceal valuable tokens or the like.  
       FIGS. 13A and 13B  are front and rear views of a card key encircled by a paper sleeve with interlocking die-cut ends,  
       FIGS. 13C and 13D  are front and rear views of a card key encircled by a paper sleeve whose ends are fastened together by a seal.  
       FIGS. 13E and 13F  are front and rear views of a conventional flat metal key which is wrapped in a paper strip which is die-cut to accommodate the stem of the key and provide interlocking ends.  
       FIGS. 14A and 14B  are front views of a card key with an adhesive label affixed and the label itself with a “scratch-off” coating partially removed.  
       FIGS. 15A and 15B  are front views of a pouch-style key holder containing a card key, showing an adhesive label applied to retain the key in the holder and then removed.  
       FIG. 15C  is a front view of a pouch-style key holder with a flat metal key affixed to the outside of the holder by an adhesive label.  
       FIGS. 16A, 16B  and  16 C are front views of a pouch-style key holder containing a card key with an adhesive label affixed to protrude from the holder; the card key removed from the holder; and a flat metal key with an adhesive label similarly applied.  
       FIG. 17  is a front view of a pouch-style key holder containing a card key, the key being retained within by a ribbon and adhesive label.  
       FIG. 18  provides front views of a pouch-style key holder containing a card key and a paper slip in a slit, plus the paper slip removed, with front and rear views.  
       FIGS. 19A and 19B  are front views of a pouch-style key holder containing a card key, a room number slip being attached to the exterior with staples or paper clips.  
       FIGS. 20A and 20B  are front views of a pouch-style key holder containing a card key, the key being retained in the holder by a money clip applied to the pouch opening, and the money clip removed and in use.  
       FIGS. 21A and 21B  are rear views of an envelope-style key holder containing a card key, with a tear-off flap providing access to the key,  
       FIGS. 22A and 22B  are rear views of an envelope-style key holder having a flap held closed by string wrapped around circular fasteners, and the string separated from the envelope and containing a room number card and prize.  
       FIG. 22C  is a rear view of an envelope-style key holder with a clasp-type flap held closed by the clasp, a room number card also being held in place by the clasp.  
       FIGS. 23A and 23B  are front views of a trifold-type envelope key holder in both closed and open positions.  
       FIG. 24  is a schematic diagram illustrating a business method of the invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
      Devices for providing access to the designated space can be of any suitable type for the industry, including conventional keys having flat or “skeleton” key shapes, codes for computerized numerical pads placed on or near the access door, and magnetic devices including conventional plastic “card keys” which release a lock when inserted into a slot in the correct manner. Psychometric or electrooptical devices can also be programmed to recognize the fingerprint, voice, eye characteristics, personal walking gait or other physical attribute of the user assigned to the particular space. Wireless transmitting devices can be provided to lock and unlock doors for vehicles and other spaces.  
      Referring now to the drawings,  FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate a trifold folding card and holder  10  for a flat plastic hotel room key (card key)  11 , which is inserted in slot  16 . Advertising material  12  for a hotel, common carrier or the like is printed on the left panel  10 A in  FIG. 1 . A removable security patch  14  is provided in the middle panel  10 B to carry a room number or the like separate from the key, with written and verbal instructions provided to the guest to stress this security procedure. At least one layer of advertising materials, rewards or prize codes can be revealed by removal of patch  14 . More advertising material  18 , e.g. for national organizations, is placed on the right panel  10 C in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 2  reveals in the rear view of holder  10 , in the left panel  10 C a slot  20  for holding a map  33 , slot  22  in the center panel  10 B for a CD-ROM or other electronic media  23 , and at least one slot  24  in right panel  10 A for a credit card  25 . A hotel guest ID (not shown here) could be combined with a prepaid credit card for hotel shops, restaurants and the like, and/or a prepaid telephone calling card. This facilitates the user carrying useful personal articles such as maps, guides, credit cards and the like separate from the room number identification. More advertising of various types can be positioned at positions such as  26 ,  28  and  30  behind the map, CD-ROM and credit card slots.  
      The holders described above and below can be formed of suitable sheet material by die cutting, printing and stamping. Such sheet material is preferably paper or card stock with a suitable degree of rigidity, ability to fold to form a stable crease and printable by automated printing systems known in the art. Various types of plastic sheet material comprising polymeric materials, reinforcing fibers and cellulosic materials can also be used, for example. Certain kinds of woven or nonwoven fabrics, barks or other natural fibers or sheet materials can be used to convey the theme of a resort or the like and provides a keepsake for the guest. Exterior panels or layers can be fastened to the holder, comprising smooth, semi-rigid materials including leather, wood, metal, plastics or polymeric composites.  
       FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate a simpler holder, a bifold version  10  with panels  10 A and  10 B. In  FIG. 3 , the front view reveals in left panel  10 A a removable security patch  14  for the room number, and hotel or carrier advertising  12 . The right panel  10 B includes at least one keyholder slot  16  for a conventional metal key  21  and national advertising  15 , which also appears on the left panel  10 B of the rear view, shown in  FIG. 4 . The tabs  16 C formed by slots  16  can be made removable by perforations  16 B. The right panel  10 A in  FIG. 4  contains slot  32  for holding a folded map  33 .  
       FIGS. 5A, 5B  and  5 C illustrate variations of the keyholder slots  16  of holder  10 , with double slots/tabs  16  appearing in  FIG. 5A , a single slot/tab  16  in  FIG. 5B  and a curved slot  16 A in  FIG. 5C . Any of these variations can be used to retain a conventional key until removal. Tabs formed by the slots can be perforated (as at  16 B) for removal. Various types of adhesive seals can be used to hold the keys in place, either alone or in conjuction with the perforated tabs, requiring that the seals be unpeeled or broken to remove the key, as described elsewhere herein.  
       FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate a multifold card and key holder  13  of the invention. The front view of  FIG. 6  reveals national advertising  15  on the leftmost panel  13 A. The second panel from the left ( 13 B) includes a removable security patch  14  for the hotel room number and hotel advertising  12 . The central panel  13 C and the two panels to the right ( 13 D, 13 E) can also contain general advertising  17  and detachable taxi discount coupons  19  or the like. The rear view of  FIG. 7  illustrates in the rightmost panel  13 A a curved slot  16 A for a conventional room key  21  and advertising  38  by the system provider, i.e. the company publishing and distributing the cards/key holders. The straight edges  13 F and  13 G from slot  16 A to the corner of panel  13 A can be perforated (not shown here) to encourage removal of the tab thus formed (and key  21 ). Detachable taxi discount coupons can be placed on the leftmost panel  19 , with various types of retail discount coupons  36  (local, regional, auto rental agencies, etc.) placed in the next three panels, { 13 E,  13 D,  13 C). A map slot  20 , or even a printed, folded map  33 , can be provided in the second panel from the right  13 B. As an alternative to folded maps which are removable from slots or other retaining means, maps can be an integral part of the holder assemblies, having at least one edge attached to a panel of the holder and unfolding for use according to any suitable scheme known in the art.  
      The key holder or holder for access or entry means to any assigned space can take any suitable form, including a simple paper folder, pouch or envelope large enough for holding a typical plastic computer-coded card key, check-in receipts and the like, but can extend to multifold devices comprising paper, plastics, leather or metal containing useful items such as maps, currency conversion tables, transportation schedules and rates, discount coupons and other incentives provided by local advertisers. The paper stock or other sheet material used for printing can have at least two layers to facilitate the forming of slots and pockets to hold keys, cards and the like.  
      The information provided can be in conventional printed form and/or embodied in suitable electronic media such as mini-compact discs, including CD-ROMs. Commercially available microchip-based musical devices can be included to play suitable theme music when the holder is opened. Fragrances can also be incorporated in the holder and/or security devices. Miniature calculators programmed to facilitate currency conversions can also be included. With fashionable, expensive hotels, cruise ships or the like, the holder can be elegant and attractive enough to encourage the patron to retain it as a memento (and thus the contact information for the hotel or carrier and the local advertisers). It may be beneficial for local advertisers to maintain such contacts to facilitate later phone or mail orders for local delicacies, unique crafts or the like.  
      The removable security device carrying the room number or other location identification can be of any suitable shape, size, material or construction which is convenient for the traveller to carry and encourages secure storage. For example, with conventional hotel key holders or folders, the security device can be a small paper tab perforated for easy removal or a label which can be attached to the folder with a suitable pressure-sensitive adhesive so that the traveller can peel it off, then fold the label to adhere the adhesive back portions together while leaving the room number visible. Alteratively, the label could be adhered to the label with a gelatinous pressure sensitive adhesive which could be removed from both surfaces by rubbing. The device could also take the form of a slip of paper or card stock which could be withdrawn from a slit or other suitable repository in the holder and folded for convenient storage in pocket, wallet or purse, with the room number concealed until it is unfolded. In many cases it will be convenient to use a small card about the size of a business card. The device could also be removably attached to the holder by mechanical or magnetic attachment means such as hook-and-loop fabric combinations (e.g., VelcroTM) or magnetic portions in both holder and device. In the latter instance, the device could take the form of an attractive souvenir “refrigerator magnet”, with the room number marked upon the back.  
      The device could also be a decorative piece suitable for wear as a woman&#39;s pendant or brooch, attached to the holder by a gelatinous pressure-sensitive adhesive which can be completely removed from the piece by friction. The device can also be embodied in other useful items such as simple money clips, mini-purses or wallets (suitable for carrying foreign currency, travellers&#39; checks, business cards or the like), or small notepads. Many of these devices could have the room or space number revealed only by an opaque “scratch off” material (as in a lottery card), ink which either appears or disappears after a short period of time, or other methods to conceal the number until the traveller is able to step away from a crowded registration desk. The removable security device and/or key holder can be custom-printed to identify and include theme symbols for a special tour, reunion, convention or the like. Similar information and/or advertising can also be printed on card keys.  
      As shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , a magnetic card key  11  can be enclosed inside a sealed envelope  40 , a perforated tear strip  42  with a graspable tab  44  being provided for recording of the space or room number, the tab and room number to be kept separate from the card key-containing envelope once it is removed.  FIG. 8B  illustrates the insertion of the card key  11  into the envelope  40  (reverse side shown), which is then sealed by removing a protective strip from a strip of strong pressure sensitive adhesive (similar to that used in various express shipment envelopes, but not shown here) and folding and pressing the flap  46  to adhere it to the envelope, sealing the latter. This can be done in the process of producing the key holder, or just before the assembly is delivered to the ultimate user at the hotel or other facility.  FIGS. 8C and 8D  illustrate the envelope  40  with the perforated tab  42  removed and the card key  11  retained in the envelope. Also shown is a small tab  48  which is removably attached to the envelope, containing the room number and representing various types of discount coupons, admission tickets, chips or tokens which can be offered for the use of the registered guest.  FIG. 9  illustrates a perforated die-cut card  50  providing a perforated sleeve  52  and slot  54  to retain a conventional flat metal key  21 . The tab or card can be inserted in an envelope as previously described, presented to the guest as is, or included as one panel of a multifold holder. When the perforated sleeve portion with the room number recorded thereon is removed, the key is freed for use and the sleeve becomes a small, separate tab which can be retained separately to safeguard the room number. Card  50  cam be imprinted to serve as a hotel ID, carry discount coupons, advertising or the like.  
      A pouch-style envelope  60  with a removable coupon  64  attached is shown in  FIGS. 10A, 10B  and  10 C. A card key  11  is contained within a small keyholder envelope  60  with the opening of the envelope being covered by perforated flap  62  upon which a room number can be marked. Instructions to remove the flap can be printed on the reverse side, which preferably also includes a coupon  64 , advertising or promotional message encouraging the user to separate the flap and coupon from the keyholder. The coupon  64  can be at least partially attached to the underside of flap  62  by a peelable pressure sensitive adhesive. Such coupons can comprise multiple portions separable along perforated lines and/or multiple layers which adhere removably together by means of pressure-sensitive adhesives or other suitable means.  
      As shown in  FIGS. 11A and 11B , a room number can be marked upon a peelably removable adhesive label  14 , preferably including a small non-adhesive pull tab  44  at one end, which is then affixed to both the key (e.g., a card key  11  or flat metal key  21  as shown) and the key holder  70  in which the key is held by a pocket  72  or slot (not shown here) arrangement. The card key or metal key is thus retained within the key holder  70  until the adhesive label  14  is removed. The room number should be marked upon only a portion of the label, so that the adhesive portions of the label can be folded to adhere together, leaving the room number visible to the user. (Alternatively, a gelatinous adhesive which is easily removable can be used).  
       FIGS. 11C and 11D  illustrate a similar key holder with an open pocket  72  for holding a key, the room number being marked upon a removable piece  74  such as a disc which is inserted in a die-cut slot  76  in the pocket  72 . The numbered disc can be a simple disc of sheet material such as stiff paper or paperboard, optionally carrying the colors, logo or other indicia of the hotel on the reverse side, or it can be a peelably removable adhesive label placed upon an incentive disc or token (not shown here). Multiple adhesive labels can be used upon such discs. Such a token could take a number of forms, such as a gaming chip, souvenir badge, token redeemable in vending machines and/or slot-type gaming devices, or a souvenir coin such as produced at Mardis Gras celebrations. A coin of the latter type could be custom imprinted with the theme or identity of any affinity group, such as a particular tour, convention, reunion or the like. In a variation on this theme, the disc could be a confection such as a foil-wrapped “coin” of chocolate, candy mint or wafer, or a stick of chewing gum. As shown in  FIG. 11D , the room number insert  74  in such a slotted pouch need not be a disc, but could take a fanciful shape such as a leaf (shown here) or other shape symbolizing the hotel or other establishment, or, e.g. shapes resembling the symbols of the suits of playing cards (hearts, clubs, etc.) or representing theme park characters.  
       FIGS. 11E and 11F  illustrate the use of a strip of paper or other foldable sheet material  78 , preferably fairly stiff, folded over the card key  11  in pocket  72  of keyholder card  70  for providing the room number. Strip  78  could also have one end inserted into slot  76 . The user must remove the strip  78  from card key  11  to use same. As shown in  FIG. 11F , the removable strip  78  can be perforated ( 78 A) to allow the guest to remove a smaller segment containing the room number, the remainder being inscribed with the hotel name and other decorative materials to provide an attractive souvenir bookmark.  
       FIG. 11G  ilustrates a card key  11  which is retained inside an open pocket  72  in a keyholder card  70  by a peelable adhesive label  80  containing the hotel name and resembling a classic wax seal as used in sealing correspondence or official documents. This label (or an actual melted wax seal stamped with the hotel name, in luxury or prestige establishments) holds in place a small detachable card or slip  82  containing the room number, at the same time retaining card key  11  in pocket  72 . In a simpler version of this approach, the room number label can be a slip of paper at least partially coated on the reverse side with an easily peelable adhesive (such as in the Post-ItTM labels marketed by 3M company). Such a slip can be easily placed inside a wallet, notebook, appointment calendar or the like to adhere in place rather than placed directly inside a pocket.  
       FIGS. 12A, 12B  and  12 C illustrate various means of adhering a peelable adhesive tab  14  containing the room number directly to a key (e.g., a card key  11  as in  FIG. 12A  or a flat metal key  21  as in  FIG. 12B ) with a gelatinous adhesive which is easily removable from both key and label after they are separated. This requires the room number label (and security device) to be separated from the key  11  before use. Labels  14  preferably include a pull tab  44 , as shown in  FIGS. 12A, 12B  and  12 C. The peelable room number label  14  can cover at least one token, souvenir or numbered ticket for a prize drawing, shown schematically in  FIG. 12D  as disc  84 . Multiple layers of such flat tokens and labels can be provided to provide increased incentives for removing all the labels, keeping the key and room number separate. Such labels can be used to promote the hotel or related activities through advertising and premiums, and encourage the guest to retain them for future use. For example, in addition to coupons which may be redeemed for premiums or discounts at the hotel, related activities, restaurants and the like, the labels can contain taxi directions to the hotel and/or restaurants. Such “taxi cards” can be very useful in major foreign cities where unusual alphabets are used and/or street addresses are obscure, such as Tokyo or Bangkok.  
       FIGS. 13A through 13F  illustrate the use of paper strips marked with a room number and arranged to form a sleeve around a card key  11  or conventional flat metal key  21 . In  FIGS. 13A and 13B  the strip  86  contains die-cut slots  88  which permit the ends of the strip to be interlocked on the reverse side of the keycard ( FIG. 13B ) to form the sleeve.  FIGS. 13C and 13D  illustrate an arrangement in which the ends  87  of the strip  86  containing the room number are fastened together with an adhesive seal  80  resembling an imprinted wax seal containing the hotel name (or a real wax seal, as described above). Optionally, seal  80  can extend beyond the sides of strip  86  to adhere same to card key  11 .  FIGS. 13E and 13F  illustrate a room number slip  86  like that of  FIGS. 13A and 13B  which contains a slot  89  (not visible here) into which the shank  21 A of metal key  21  can be inserted. The ends of the strip then can be folded around the head of the key, with die-cut slots  88  at the ends used to interlock the ends to form a sleeve around the head of the key. In all the cases described, the room number slip  86  must be removed to allow use of the key.  
       FIGS. 14A and 14B  illustrate the use of opaque scratch-off coatings  90  which can be applied to at least one peelable label  14  on a card key  11  or other key (or directly to such keys) to conceal a prize offer such as a prize drawing number or special discount. The room number can be inscribed directly upon the scratch-off coating, requiring that the guest memorize or record the number before removing the coating, or the room number can be inscribed upon a peelable label covering the scratch-off coating.  FIG. 14B  shows label  14  removed from the key, with coating  90  partially removed. Scratch-off coatings  90  can also be used to reveal advertising, combinations for space access or codes for prizes.  
       FIGS. 15A, 15B  and  15 C illustrate another manner of employing adhesive labels containing the room number to seal a key to a pouch-type key holder  40 . In  FIG. 15A  peelable label  14  containing the room number is fastened over both sides of the open end of pouch  40  containing card key  11 . Once removed by pulling tab  44 , the label can be folded to adhere its adhesive surfaces together, leaving the room number visible, as shown in  FIG. 15B . The card key can then be removed. A similar technique is used with the flat metal key  21  shown in  FIG. 15C , except that adhesive label  14  is used to fasten key  21  to the outside of pouch  40 , to ensure that the label is removed from the key and pouch before use.  
       FIGS. 16A, 16B  and  16 C illustrate the use of an adhesive label  14  which is applied to a key (card-type  11  or flat metal  21 ) so that the portion containing the room number protrudes from the pouch-type key holder  40  when the key is inserted. As stated above, once the label  14  is removed from the key it can be folded so that the adhesive portions adhere together, leaving the room number visible. The label must generally be removed before using the key. The label  14  can be folded as described and kept separate from the key and holder, adhered to a personal notebook or scheduler or inside a wallet, or can be adhered to a portion of the holder, provided the key is kept separate therefrom.  
       FIG. 17  illustrates the use of a decorative ribbon  92  in conjunction with a peelable label  14  (with tab  44 ) containing the room number to retain a card key  11  in a pouch-type key holder  40 . Other methods of affixing a paper slip or strip  86  containing a room number to a key holder  40  for a card key  11  are shown in  FIGS. 18, 19A  and  19 B. The strip can be inserted in a die-cut slot  76  in the key holder  40 , and can include at least one coupon  91  or other promotional legend affixed on the back to encourage its removal and retention separate from the key. Similar paper strips  86  can be attached to the key holder with mechanical fasteners comprising staples  93  or paper clips  95 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 19A and 19B .  
       FIGS. 20A and 20B  illustrate an adhesive label  14 , preferably with pull tab  44 , containing the room number attached to a money clip  94  imprinted with the hotel name or other suitable indicia. The label can be left on the clip, which is removed from the pouch key holder  40  to access the card key  11 , or can be removed using tab  44  and carried separately from the money clip and key. The money clip can be a simple, functional model, or can be a quality product suitable as a souvenir of a stay at a luxury hotel, a cruise or group reunion.  
      Various useful personal or souvenir items which will fit within the pouch-style key holders illustrated above can be included as gifts for the guest, provided they do not adversely affect the magnetic properties of the card key. For example, small placques bearing photographic or decorative designs, wallet card-sized maps, language guides, guides to games of chance, magnifying lenses, mini-flashlights or the like can be provided. Costume jewelry pendants, brooches and/or chains could also be provided.  
       FIGS. 21A and 21B  illustrate a pouch key holder  40  with perforated flap  42  with perforations  42 A and a pointed end  43  inserted into a die-cut slot  76 , which flap can be torn off for separate use after allowing access to the card key  11  inside. Optionally, such performated tabs and the various adhesive label devices described above can be designed to release a characteristic fragrance, in the same manner as the removable fragrance patches employed in magazine advertisements.  FIGS. 22A and 22B  illustrates the use of a string  106  to fasten flap  102  of an envelope key holder  100  closed by winding about both discs  104 , which are affixed to the flap and envelope by fasteners  110 . The string must be completely removed to open the flap and remove the key (metal or card key) inside. The string can then be removed from card  108  containing the room number, or the string may be formed into a loop to assist the guest in keeping it secure but accessible. Disc  112  schematically represents a souvenir, prize, token or other desirable item, including edible or scented items, to encourage the complete removal of string  106 .  
       FIGS. 23A and 23B  illustrate a trifold envelope key holder  120  which is held closed by a rigid or semi-rigid narrow strip of sheet material material  122  which is inserted through punched holes  124  in both tabs  121  of the envelope and in semi-rigid strip of sheet material  123  containing the room number. The key  11  (card or flat metal types) is folded into the envelope, the room number strip  123  positioned with its punched holes  124 A matching the holes  124  in both tabs  121  of the envelope, and the narrow strip  122  passed through both sets of holes to seal the assembly. The guest need only slide the narrow strip  122  out of the holes to open the envelope and remove the key. The room number strip  122  can then be kept separate from the key. The rigid narrow strip  122  can be a novelty item imprinted with the hotel name, logo or the like and suitable for uses such as stirring a drink, or could be a wrapped edible item or cinnamon stick for flavoring drinks.  
       FIG. 23C  illustrates the use of a small clasp envelope  101  as a key holder, the room number card or slip  114  being fastened outside flap  102  of envelope  101  by the clasps  103 . In opening the envelope, the guest will remove the room number slip for use separate from the key and key holder. In addition to the closure means described, the pouch, envelope or folder holders can be provided with reusable closure means comprising hook-and-loop fabric combinations, frictional closures (such as Zip-LocTM), magnetic closures, drawstrings, laces and other suitable means for repeatedly opening and closing the holders.  
      Although the present invention has been described above by focusing on a preferred embodiment of a removable security device to facilitate the separate and secure carrying of a hotel guest&#39;s room number and the room key, the inventive concept can be extended to almost any arrangement where it is desirable to keep a convenient record of a space number and access means such as a key, code or combination both separate and secure. With these means separated, the loss of one or the other may cause inconvenience, but not allow intruders access to the designated space. The loss of a room key with a holder or other documentation of the room number could be disastrous unless the key code or other access means are changed immediately. As described above, the holder for the key or other access means can be provided with a variety of useful or attractive features to encourage the guest or traveller to retain same, perhaps even after the stay or journey. The removable security device incorporating the room number or other location indicia can incorporate incentives based upon the room number and/or random numbers or other codes or symbols, including advertising materials, or combinations thereof, which can qualify the user to win chances in a drawing, other game of chance, discount programs with the hotel or common carrier, or even related companies.  
       FIG. 24  is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of the invention, a business method for selling advertising and incorporating it into holder assemblies and security devices of the invention, which are printed, folded and distributed to the facilities which have ordered the advertising. Advertising orders and financial authorizations  150  enter a receiver  152 , which can encompass an office where telephone and direct orders and received and conventional and electronic mail (e-mail) are processed, electronic or computer means for receiving facsimile, file transfer protocol (FTP) or e-mail transmissions or other suitable means for receiving advertising orders for initial review and verification. Advertising copy may be received in immediately usable (“camera ready”) form or actually composed at this stage. The advertising can be directed to national, regional and local facilities or organizations, or various combinations thereof.  
      The resulting advertising copy is passed via multiple channels  154 , including optical scanning into image or word processing document formats, e-mail or facsimile transmissions, FTP, keyboard inputs, computer drives for media such as diskettes and compact discs and other suitable means, into a computerized editing unit  158  for sorting and editing. This unit is preferably at lest partially computerized. Here the copy is viewed as necessary by an operator, edited and assigned ( 160 ) to appear in at least one document to be printed for a facility or organization ordering the advertising and access means holder assemblies, security devices and the like to be sent to the facility. Specific formats  156  for individual facilities are entered into unit  158  by suitable input means, and complete formats for the holder assemblies emerge at  162 , preferably in electronic form. The units described in this schematic diagram need not be colocated, but can be linked by various suitable electronic, optical or electrical connecting means such as telephone lines, cables, networks, wireless transmitter/receiver combinations and the like. For example, the advertising copy could be submited to one location, the holder assembly formats compiled in a second location and the holder assemblies printed remotely in at least one additional location.  
      The completed formats  162  for printing the holder assemblies are entered into printer  164 , where suitable sheet material such as paper or card stock is printed for the holder assemblies. A suitable printer assembly is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,234,477, which is incorporated herein by reference. The printed stock  166  is physically transferred to a folding unit  168 , which is preferably part of an assembly line, to be folded into the form of the holder assemblies. The folded holder assemblies  170  can optionally be passed to an insertion unit  172  where objects such as adhesive security devices, access devices, prizes, game pieces, rewards, souvenirs and the like can be inserted. Labels, flaps or closures for pouches and envelopes can be sealed at this time. At this point, sequentially numbered pieces for various types of games of chance, lotteries, etc. can be imprinted or inserted. The folded holder assemblies  170 , including any insertions or additions, are then physically transferred to a computerized packing and shipping unit  174 , where addresses and postage and/or shipping instructions  173  are entered and the orders for individual facilities are made up for shipment. Such computerized packing and shipping systems are well known in the art of mail order fulfilment systems. The completed packages  176  are then transferred to a postal system or picked up by a shipping company for final shipment. Thus, a complete system is provided for automated processing of advertising orders and their incorporation into the holder assembly/security device combinations of the invention, including suitable incentives as described above, plus packing and shipment to the individual facilities they were prepared for.  
      Clearly, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced in various embodiments other than those specifically described above.