Patent Publication Number: US-2004050122-A1

Title: Non-planar key shaped electronic key

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001] The present invention relates to an electronic key, and more particularly to a rigid non-planar electronic key.  
       [0002] Electronic keys are generally known. One type of electronic key is a rectangular credit card shaped device which is inserted into a slot to unlock an electronic lock as commonly utilized within a hotel. Another electronic key is a flat plastic device which is shaped to have an outline generally similar to a conventional metal key. Overall, conventional electronic keys are relatively thin, inexpensive devices.  
       [0003] Disadvantageously, conventional electronic keys are relatively flimsy because they are manufactured to be essentially disposable. Such conventional electronic keys may be somewhat difficult for some people to use because the flat electronic key may be inserted into the lock slot in a multiple of orientations. This is a particular disadvantage of the credit card shaped electronic key. Failure to unlock electronic locks is therefore often due to improper insertion of the key which may lead to a reduced acceptance of electronic locks.  
       [0004] Accordingly, it is desirable to increases the robustness of electronic keys and minimize improper insertion to facilitate transition to electronic locks.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005] The electronic key according to the present invention includes a rigid key shaped member having a blade and a grip. The blade includes a three-dimensional engagement surface including a slot or the like so that the electronic key may be inserted into a lock in only the correct manner. A smart chip is located at an end of the blade opposite the grip. As the blade can only be inserted into the lock in a single orientation, the chip will always be in a proper position to be identified by the lock. As the electronic key is manufactured of a rigid material the key may be utilized to rotate the lock in a conventional manner thereby operating a locking bolt or the like. A resilient grip portion provides an improved grip and further conveys the less disposable nature of the key to thereby facilitate transition to electronic locks.  
       [0006] The present invention therefore increases the robustness of electronic keys and minimize improper insertion to facilitate transition to electronic locks. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0007] The various features and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the currently preferred embodiment. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows:  
     [0008]FIG. 1 is a general perspective view of an electronic key of the present invention;  
     [0009]FIG. 2 is a front view of the electronic key; and  
     [0010]FIG. 3 is a front view of the electronic key blade. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
     [0011]FIG. 1 illustrates a general perspective view of an electronic key  10  for a lock  12 . It should be understood that various devices will benefit from the electronic key and lock designed according to the present invention. Moreover, the lock  12  may include rotational or non-rotational features. That is, the electronic key  10  is preferably manufactured to provide torsional rigidity which permits the key  10  to be inserted into and to rotate the lock  12  in a conventional manner.  
     [0012] The electronic key  10  includes a rigid key shaped member  14  having a blade  16  and a grip  18 . The key shaped member  14  is preferably manufactured of a rigid non-metallic material (illustrated in phantom in FIGS. 2 and 3). The blade  16  includes a three-dimensional engagement surface (FIG. 2) including a slot  20  (also illustrated in FIG. 3) or the like so that the electronic key may be inserted into the lock  12  in only the correct manner. The slot  20  is preferably defined along the longitudinal length of the blade  16 .  
     [0013] A smart chip  22  is located at an end of the blade  16  opposite the grip  18 . Smart chips are known and various identification devices will also benefit from the present invention. As the blade can only be inserted into the lock in a single orientation, the chip  22  will always be in a proper position to be identified by the lock. Moreover, as the electronic key  10  is manufactured of a rigid material the key  10  may be utilized to rotate the lock  12  in a conventional manner thereby operating a locking bolt (illustrated schematically at  2 ; FIG. 1) or the like. Requiring rotation of the key  10  to open the lock  12  provides further security and familiarity.  
     [0014] Referring to FIG. 3, the grip  18  includes a first non-metallic portion  24  formed contiguous with the blade  16  as defined by the phantom like portion. Preferably, the first non-metallic grip portion  24  is overmolded with a resilient grip portion  26  manufactured of a second non-metallic material which is less rigid than the first material such as a rubber or the like. The resilient grip portion  26  provides an improved grip and further conveys the less disposable nature of the key  10  to thereby facilitate transition to electronic locks. An aperture  28  is preferably included in the grip  18  to secure the electronic key  10  in a manner similar to conventional mechanical keys.  
     [0015] The foregoing description is exemplary rather than defined by the limitations within. Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. The preferred embodiments of this invention have been disclosed, however, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of this invention. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. For that reason the following claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of this invention.