Patent ID: 8011214

Claim:
A valet key storage system integrated within an automotive vehicle having an engine capable of being started by an engine switch, comprising: a regular key for unlocking doors of the vehicle and starting the vehicle engine; a valet key for unlocking doors of the vehicle and starting the vehicle engine, the valet key having an opening; a valet key storage portion located in the body of the vehicle for storing the valet key; an electronic control unit (ECU) including a control section that activates the engine switch from an operative state that does not allow the switch to start up the vehicle engine to an inoperative state that does allow the switch to start up the vehicle engine; a locking bar for locking the valet key in the valet key storage portion; a driving section for driving the locking bar into insertion with the opening of the valet key to lock the valet key in the storage portion and for removing the locking bar from insertion to unlock the valet key from the storage portion; and the control section controlling the driving section to insert the locking bar into the opening of the valet key or remove the locking bar therefrom upon the actuation of a valet switch, wherein both the regular key and the valet key include a transponder that communicates with the ECU to activate the engine switch.