Patent ID: 7930915

Claim:
A valet key storage system for an automotive vehicle having an engine switch capable of being started by both a regular key and a valet key, comprising: a valet key for unlocking and starting the vehicle, the valet key having an opening; a valet key storage portion located in the body of the vehicle for storing the valet key; a locking bar for locking the valet key in the valet key storage portion; an elastic driving member for driving the locking bar into the opening of the valet key by elastic force; a locking pin for locking the locking bar; a driving section for driving the locking pin into engagement with a recess in the locking bar to lock the locking bar; a control section for controlling the driving section to extend or withdraw the locking pin to or from the recess in the locking bar upon the actuation of a valet switch.