Patent ID: 7036405

Claim:
A key for operating a security fastener having a lock pattern, said key comprising a housing having a base end and an open fastener receiving end; a torque-receiving configuration associated with said housing base end, said torque-receiving configuration being adapted to transfer rotational torque from a torquing source to said housing; a key well in said housing; a retractable key pattern slideably disposed in said key well; a torque-transfer configuration between said key well and said retractable key pattern, said torque-transfer configuration being adapted to transfer rotational torque imparted by said torquing source to said housing from said housing to said retractable key pattern; and said retractable key pattern having an operational extension position in which said key pattern is enabled for substantial engagement with a security fastener having a matching lock pattern, thereby allowing operation of the matching security fastener, and a non-operational retraction position in which said key pattern is not capable of substantial engagement with a security fastener having a non-matching lock pattern, thereby preventing operation of the non-matching security fastener.