Patent Publication Number: US-6209370-B1

Title: Non damaging key lock

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     a) Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to the industry of key-locking devices. There are several types of key-locking devices. The designs range from completely enclosing the key to a clamping device which locks the working part of the key. Most of the latter devices use a mechanical clamping method. 
     b) Description of the Related Art 
     There has always has been and will always be a need in the market for a key securing system to prevent access by unauthorized personnel, but which is user friendly. This is true whether it is a house key for real estate brokers to show homes for rent or sale, or whether it is your local parking garage. The need is especially crucial with valet style parking garages which typically retain the customer&#39;s keys after parking the car. Parking garages that retain the customer&#39;s keys have a great administrative burden. A choice between retaining the key in a central secure location or leaving the keys in the car. The former is a logistical burden to the attendant due to the time required to drop the key off after parking the car and that required to pick it up prior to retrieving the car. Also, the keys need to be tagged and organized in the secure location. This unfortunately leads to keys being misplaced or mis-tagged. The alternative of leaving the keys in the car is not much better in that more attendants are required to police the garage to prevent unauthorized personnel from stealing the car. Either way the options are not desirable since they are either a logistical nightmare or an unnecessary increase in overhead costs, or both. 
     The present invention solves this dilemma. The invention is a portable key locking device which can be kept in the car, thereby eliminating the logistical nightmare of a central locking area. It secures the key from use by unauthorized personnel, thereby eliminating the need for unnecessary overhead required to police the entire garage. 
     Prior designs have either totally encapsulated the key or left part of the key exposed while using a hard steel locking mechanism. 
     The encapsulating designs have several disadvantages. One disadvantage is the fact that since the key is fully hidden from view it is not readily apparent which key is in the lock. Secondly, if the lock is destroyed, the key remains intact. The problem here is breaking the lock leaves a perfectly functional key thus rendering the security aspect of the design moot. These shortcomings are overcome by the present invention, which leaves the head of the key exposed thereby allowing easy identification of its contents. Secondly, it is designed to break the key if same is removed by force. Accordingly, the key is rendered useless to unauthorized personnel. 
     The designs which leave the key exposed use a metal clamping mechanism which holds the key in place. The Bianco design (U.S. Pat. No. 4,090,380) uses metal ‘vice jaws’ which clamp the key in place. Unfortunately, these jaws damage the key rendering the key inoperative in the ignition. This damage occurs even though the lock was solely used by authorized personnel. Other designs use several moving parts to clamp the key which increase the cost of the device. Furthermore, the more moving parts that exist increase the chance that something will fail in the device. 
     The present invention resolves these shortcomings among the exposed key devices, since it uses revolutionary non-damaging substrates to clamp the key thereby eliminating the damage to the key. It has few moving parts which decreases the likelihood of the device failing and decreases its overall cost. 
     In summary, the present invention is a simply designed portable key securing system which does not damage the key when used by authorized personnel. It provides a simple solution to the market areas which require the flexibility obtained from a portable key securing system. 
     For the foregoing reasons stated above, there is a need for an inexpensive, reliable, non-damaging key locking device that is portable to provide flexibility for the person using the device. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to an apparatus that satisfies the need of securing a key with the flexibility of a portable device that is inexpensive and will not damage the key during authorized operation. The device is comprised of fives components namely: a housing to enclose the key, two deformable substrates, an unique locking screw, and a master key. There is a bore inside the housing that runs longitudinally within the housing. The bore has a threaded section that contains the locking screw and a non-threaded section that contains the two deformable substrates. There is a blind slot at the base of the housing which runs perpendicular to the bore from one side of the housing through the non-threaded section of the bore. The functional section of the key is placed through the blind slot, into the non-threaded section of the bore, and between the two deformable substrates. The master key then turns down the screw which clamps the deformable substrates around the functional section of the key. The unique design of the substrates will not damage the key upon clamping but will immobilize the key to prevent removal. The key is simply removed by turning back the screw using the master key and pulling the key out of the blind slot. 
     Accordingly, one object of the invention is to provide a securing system that can immobilize a key to prevent unauthorized use. 
     Another object of the invention is that it only secures the working section of the key thereby leaving the non functioning section exposed for easy identification. 
     A third object of the invention is to provide a portable securing system which provides flexibility to markets such as real estate brokers and parking garages whom need the portability to save overhead costs and logistical problems. 
     A fourth object of the invention is to provide a unique securing device that does not damage the object being secured during the operation of the invention. 
     A fifth object of the invention is that once secured, the object can not be removed by unauthorized personnel without rendering the key inoperable thereby increasing the security of the invention. 
     A sixth object of the invention is that it is inexpensive to manufacture, rugged in design, durable, easy to operate, and contains few moving parts thereby decreasing the likelihood of failure. 
     A seventh object of the invention is the blind slot in the housing which prevents access from one side thus increasing the security and immobilization of the object. 
     An eighth object of the invention is that the deformable substrates can be easily removed, interchanged, inverted, and/or replaced thereby extending the life of the product. 
     A ninth object of the invention is a specially designed protrusion on the locking screw that can not be defeated with commercially available tools. 
     A tenth object of the invention is that enough of the key is exposed so that the clamping mechanism does not touch the area of the key where computer chips are presently embedded. 
    
    
     Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where, 
     FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the preferred embodiment showing the parts of the invention, 
     FIG. 2 is side elevation of the preferred embodiment of the invention in its starting position, 
     FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the invention in its starting position, 
     FIG. 4 is side elevation of the preferred embodiment of the invention prior to clamping, 
     FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the invention prior to clamping, 
     FIG. 6 is side elevation of the preferred embodiment of the invention in its clamped position, 
     FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the invention in its clamped position, 
     FIG. 8 is a side elevation of the deformable substrate. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to the Figures, and more specifically FIG. 1, the invention  10  consists of a rectangular shaped housing  18  with a cylindrically shaped bore  22  which is centered in the housing  18  and runs along the longitudinal axis of the housing  18 . At the base of the housing  18  is a blind slot  20  which is centered in the height of the housing  18  and runs nearly the entire width of said housing. The housing  18  is made out of light and strong material with the preferred material being aluminum. The preferred dimensions of the housing  18  are 2.960 in.×1.500 in.×0.6300 in. 
     The bore  22  has a threaded section  24  and a non-threaded section  26 . The threaded section  24  accepts the locking screw  14  via the engagement of the threads  36  of the locking screw  14  with the threads  38  of the threaded portion of the bore  24 . The tee handle wrench  12  is used to engage the locking screw  14  with the bore  22 . The bore  22  has an open end  42  and a closed end  40 . The open end  42  allows the assembly and operation of the invention  10  while the closed end  40  acts as a positive stop for the deformable substrates  16   a  and  16   b . The preferred embodiment has the bore  22  diameter being {fraction (15/32)}th of an inch. The bore  22  is manufactured using general machining practices of drilling the hole and then threading the same with a tap. 
     The locking screw  14  is cylindrically shaped with a threaded section  36  on the cylindrical surface. During operation of the invention, the locking screw  14  is contained in and moves axially within the bore  22 . Said screw has a base surface  62  which interfaces with the top surface  50   a  of the deformable substrate  16   a . The preferred embodiment has both surfaces  50   a  and  62  flat and smooth thereby decreasing friction for smooth operation. On the top of said screw is a geometrically shaped protrusion  30  which engages the corresponding geometrically shaped cavity  28  of the tee handle wrench  12 . There are several geometrically designs for the protrusion  30  and the cavity  28 . For every male geometrically designed protrusion  30  there is a matching female geometrically design cavity  28 . In order to operate the invention  10 , one must use the tee handle wrench  12  that has the cavity  28  that matches the protrusion  30 . Otherwise the invention  10  can not be operated thereby increasing the security. 
     The tee handle wrench  12  is cylindrically shaped and consists of a main section  72  and a handle  34 . At the base of the main section  72  is a flat surface  74  and at the top is a holding knob  32 . At the center of the base surface  74  is the notch  28 . The holding knob  32  has a hole  76  drilled through its center axis to allow the tee handle wrench  12  to be carried on any conventional key chain in conjunction with other keys or other tee handle wrenches. The handle  34  is near the top of, runs through the center axis of and is perpendicular to the main section  72 . The diameter of the main section  72  is less than the diameter of the bore  22  thereby allowing the tee handle wrench  12  to enter the bore  22  and operate the invention  10 . The preferred embodiment has a difference of 0.060 inches (0.030 inches per side) between the two said diameters. 
     The slot  20  has an open end  44  and a closed end  46 . The open end  44  allows a means for the introduction working section  70  of the key K into the housing  18  (See FIG.  5 ). The closed end  46  of the slot  20  acts as a positive stop for the key K so that the key K will not extend through the housing  18  thereby increasing its security. The slot  20  runs nearly the entire width of the housing  18  and is located below the bottom of the thread section  24  of the bore  22 . The width of the slot  20  is in the center of the depth of the housing  18  while the length of the slot  20  runs perpendicular with the bore  22 . The width of the slot  20  in the preferred embodiment is 1.650 inches. 
     The slot  20  runs through and is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the bore  22 . As a result, the key K is introduced transverse to the longitudinal axis of the bore  22 . The slot  20  and the bore  22  interface at the areas  48   a  and  48   b . The slot  20  only interfaces with the non-threaded section  26  of the bore  22 . 
     The deformable substrates  16   a  and  16   b  are identically designed. The substrates move axially and freely within the bore  22 . In FIG. 8, it is shown that said substrates have a general cylindrical barrel shape design with a side section  58 , bevel sections  60 , a top surface  50  and a bottom surface  52 . Said substrates are symmetrical along their center axis enabling the substrates to be interchanged and/or inverted for longer life. The diameter of the substrates is less than the diameter of the bore  22  in order that the substrates may be placed in the bore  22  for operation. The preferred embodiment has the difference in diameters being 0.075 inches (0.0375 inches per side) for easy assembly and operation while maintaining maximum clamping ability. The side section  58  of the substrates rest against the side wall  64  of the bore  22  (See FIG.  7 ). The bevel section  60  is designed to compensate for horizontal compression during clamping and as an aid to facilitate the introduction of the key K between the two deformable substrates  16   a  and  16   b . The preferred angle for the bevel  60  is fourteen (14) degrees. The deformable substrates  16   a  and  16   b  are made from a deformable material with the preferred embodiment having the substrates made of acetal copolymer. Said substrates may be molded using conventional molding techniques. 
     During operation the deformable substrates  16   a  and  16   b  will be slightly compressed and lose some of their height. 
     The invention  10  is simply assembled by placing the deformable substrates  16   a  and  16   b  into the bore  22 . Gravity allows both deformable substrates  16   a  and  16   b  to rest on the closed end  40  of the bore  22 . Next, the protrusion  30  of the locking screw  14  is then placed into the corresponding cavity  28  of the tee handle wrench  12 . Using the tee handle wrench  12 , the threads  36  of the locking screw  14  are engaged with the threads  38  of the thread section  24  of the bore  22 . The locking screw  14  is then turned down about half way down the threaded section  24  of the bore  22 . The invention  10  is now in its starting position (See FIG. 2.0 and FIG.  3 ). 
     The invention  10  is operated by simply placing the working section  70  of the key K into the slot  20 . The key K itself will cause the two deformable substrates  16   a  and  16   b  to separate thereby positioning the key K between said substrates. The key K is then pushed until it hits the closed end  46  of the slot  20  (See FIG.  4  and FIG.  5 ). Using the appropriate tee handle wrench  12 , which geometrical cavity  28  matches the geometrical protrusion  30  on the locking screw  14 , the tee handle wrench  12  is placed into the bore  22  and over the locking screw  14 . Next, said wrench is then turned down to move the said locking screw axially toward the top deformable substrate  16   a . Said wrench is turned down until it is finger tight. The tee handle wrench  12  is then turned down enough (usually one half turn) to immobilized the key and then removed. This action causes the two deformable substrates  16   a  and  16   b  to clamp around the key K (See FIG.  6  and FIG.  7 ). The clamping means is created by the axial movement of the locking screw  14 , via the threads in the bore  22 , towards the closed end  40  of the bore  22 . As a result, the substrates  16   a  and  16   b  are forced against the closed end  40  of the bore  22  causing the substrates to clamp around the key K. As this force is increased by the turning of the tee handle wrench  12 , the deformable substrates  16   a  and  16   b  deform and clamp around the working section  70  of the key K thereby immobilizing it. The revolutionary unique ability of the substrates  16   a  and  16   b  to deform allows them to deform around and lock the key K while at the same time not damage the same. 
     The key K is simply removed by inserting into the bore  22  the tee handle wrench  12  with the appropriate cavity  28  and turning axially upward the locking screw  14  to the starting position. The key K is then wiggled, which releases the deformable substrates  16   a  and  16   b , and removed. 
     FIG.  2  and FIG. 3 show the invention  10  in its starting position. The deformable substrates  16   a  and  16   b  move freely within the bore  22  and due to gravity are resting at the closed end  40  of said bore. In its starting position, the locking screw  14  is positioned far enough away from the top deformable substrate  16   a  such that there is a sufficient distance  80  between them to allow the introduction of the key K without immediately jamming the top substrate  16   a  into the locking screw  14 . Consequently, the key K may be freely introduced into the invention  10 . As seen in FIG. 5, after the key K is introduced into the invention  10 , the space between the locking screw  14  and the top substrate  16   a  is reduced to the distance  78 . 
     FIG. 7 shows the invention  10  in its clamped position. In accordance with the operation directions above, the locking screw  14  has been turn downed axially into its locked position thereby squeezing the deformable substrates  16   a  and  16   b  between said screw and the closed end  40  of the bore  22 . Consequently, the pressure caused by the downward axial movement of the locking screw  14  causes the deformable substrates  16   a  and  16   b  to deform around the working section  70  of key K thereby locking the same in position. At this point the key K can not be removed from the invention  10  without being damaged. The unique design of the deformable substrates  16   a  and  16   b  allows them to deform around and lock the key K without damaging the same. 
     When the invention in its locked position, the working section  70  of the key K is clamped between and touches the bottom surface  52 a of the top deformable substrate  16   a  and the top surface  50 b of the bottom deformable substrate  16   b.