Abstract: An electronic key includes a mechanical key, a case in which to store the mechanical key, and a restraint member provided to the case and restraining the mechanical key from falling out of the case. The mechanical key includes a key engagement plane which is a plane perpendicular to an axial direction of a bar portion in a lock state. The restraint member includes a lock engagement plane which is a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the bar portion in the lock state and engages with the key engagement plane. At least one of the key engagement plane and the lock engagement plane forms a stepped plane structure including a plurality of engagement planes provided at different positions in the axial direction of the bar portion of the mechanical key and engageable with the other one of the key engagement plane and the lock engagement plane.

Abstract: A key-shape data management system includes a storage server, an acceptance server, and a transmission server. The storage server stores vehicle identification information capable of identifying a vehicle, mechanical lock identification information capable of identifying a mechanical lock mounted on the vehicle, key-shape data of a mechanical key used in combination with the mechanical lock, and information on multiple manufacturing bases capable of manufacturing the mechanical key. The acceptance server accepts a request for acquiring the mechanical key together with determining information and delivery location information indicating a delivery location of the mechanical key.

Abstract: A cover for a key is disclosed. The cover includes: a first wall; a second wall opposite to the first wall; and an outer wall extending between the first wall and the second wall, the outer wall defining a pair of slots extending therethrough, the slots being positioned opposite to each other on the outer wall, wherein the first wall, the second wall, and the outer wall define a closed chamber for receiving a bow of the key and an opening to the chamber.

Abstract: A cover for a key is disclosed. The cover includes: a first wall; a second wall opposite to the first wall; and an outer wall extending between the first wall and the second wall, the outer wall defining a pair of slots extending therethrough, the slots being positioned opposite to each other on the outer wall, wherein the first wall, the second wall, and the outer wall define a closed chamber for receiving a bow of the key and an opening to the chamber.

Abstract: A trapped key interlock system is disclosed. A pair of hollow tubular casings located one inside the other and each having a series of elongate slots are used. When the lock is in a locked condition the elongate slots are aligned as inner and outer pairs with engaging members extending through the pairs of slots is preventing rotational movement of the tubular casings relative to each other. The engaging members are biased towards this locked condition. On insertion of the correctly coded key the engaging members are caused to move against the biasing force out of engagement with the slots in the outer tubular casing thereby allowing the inner tubular casing to rotate relative to the outer tubular casing and moving the lock to an unlocked condition.

Abstract: An anchoring structure for an annular member includes a housing including a first casing and a second casing, and the annular member. The annular member is partially interposed between the first casing and the second casing. The annular member includes an external member that protrudes to an outside of the housing, and an internal member connected to the external member and located on an inside of the housing. The first casing includes a first engagement portion into which a first end of the internal member is inserted, the first engagement portion limiting the first end from moving in a direction away from the first casing. The first casing includes a second engagement portion limiting a second end of the internal member from moving in the direction away from the first casing while the first end of the internal member is engaged with the first engagement portion.

Abstract: An electronic key for a vehicle includes an upper case component of a key case, a lower case component attachable to the upper case component, and a mechanical key that is selected from among a first mechanical key that is used in a state of being totally removed from the key case and a second mechanical key that is used in a protruding state of partially protruding from the key case. The lower case component is selected, so as to correspond to the mechanical key, from among a first lower case component that accommodates the first mechanical key to be removable and a second lower case component that accommodates the second mechanical key to be movable into the protruding state.

Abstract: A “minimalized” key has the smallest length, overall volume and weight commensurate with the ability to operate a lock in the same manner as a corresponding conventional key. It is easily formed from a conventional key blank, preferably after unique edge profiling to suit the lock, by eliminating the head portion and providing an aperture in the remaining body portion for attachment of means that facilitate application of a torque to turn it to operate the lock. Minimalized key blanks are also easily and inexpensively made from strip stock of rectangular cross-section of appropriate dimensions by forming longitudinal grooves and an aperture in selected lengths thereof, and the minimalized key blanks so formed are then individually profiled to make minimalized keys to fit specific locks. They may also be color-coded to make them visibly distinguishable from one another.

Abstract: Provided is a key locator comprising a) a bent rod-shaped first member having opposing first and second end portions and b) a second member that selectively retains keys. The first member incorporates a bent interior region between the end portions. The end portions are not urged against each other and allow the bent interior region to hang from or clasp to an edge. The first end portion substantially permanently and flexibly engages with the second member. In one embodiment, the second end portion is substantially rigidly affixed to the key locator such that container movement necessarily causes key locator movement. In another embodiment, the container is rotatably mounted to the second end portion and comprises a hinge that attaches a first face to the container. The first face moves between an open configuration that exposes an interior portion of the container and a closed configuration that seals the interior portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automotive vehicle key in which a button (30) maintains by means of two legs (32, 33) a rotatable bearing (20) and a housing (40) fixed in mutual rotation at least in a situation where the key is in open position, the rotatable bearing (20) presenting an elongated shape so that the rotatable bearing (20) presents at least a longer dimension (a) and at least a shorter dimension (b) transversal to the said at least one longer dimension (a), wherein one leg (33) of the said at least two legs (32, 33) extends sensibly in the direction of the longer dimension (a) and the other leg (32) of the at least two legs (32,33) extends sensibly in the direction of the shorter transversal dimension (b), and the leg (33) extending in the direction of the longer dimension (a) is longer along said longer direction (a) than the leg (32) which extends in the direction of the transversal dimension (b).

Abstract: A key assembly is disclosed. The key assembly may have a blade, and a head configured to receive the blade. The key assembly may also have a locking feature separate from the blade and the head. The locking feature may be received by the head and configured to inhibit removal of the blade from the head via interference. The locking feature may deform during connection to the blade.

Abstract: A door entry device comprising includes a case, a key holder and a key pad. The case covers a door-locking device on a door. The key holder has a slot into which a key end fits. The knob is mounted on the case. A currently active security code can be entered into the keypad. When the currently active security code has been entered into the keypad, turning the knob results in turning the key holder to unlock the door-locking device.

Abstract: A key unit for a lock system of a vehicle includes a device for opening and closing a lock system, in particular having a transmitter for the remote control of the lock system and/or a mechanical key. The key unit has a modular design, which includes a key case and an attachment. The key case accommodates the device for opening and closing the lock system. The attachment is releasably joined to the key case and permits various embodiments of the key unit.

Abstract: A transport clip for attachment to a key fob is provided. The transport clip includes a neck at least partially surrounding a key blade, which is selectively rotatable between a stowed position in which the key blade is substantially within a fob body and a deployed position in which the key blade extends away from the fob body. The neck prevents rotation of the transport clip relative to the key blade. The transport clip also includes an ear portion that depresses a latch button to an unlocked position, which allows substantially free rotation of the key blade, relative to the fob body, between the deployed position and the stowed position.

Abstract: An anti-picking device for a lock includes a casing, a rotating body, a key guiding seat and a linking member. The casing has a compartment. The rotating body is rotatably received in the compartment and has an actuated member adapted to rotate the rotating body relatively to the casing and an insertion hole axially connecting two end faces of the rotating body. The key guiding seat is received in the compartment and has an arc guiding groove and a receiving hole. The arc guiding groove communicates with the receiving hole, and the receiving hole penetrates through the key guiding seat in the axial direction. The linking member is received in the receiving hole of the key guiding seat and has an engaging part at a first end, while a second end of the linking member extends out of the receiving hole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a retractable key comprising an upper half-shell (3) and a lower half-shell which are assembled together so as to form a housing, and an insert-extending module configured so as to be mounted in said housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a remote control device with a stowable key, in particular for an automobile, which comprises a remote control casing including two lower (1) and upper (2) shells, an insert (3) defining a key-bit pivotally mounted between an extended use position and a stowed position inside the casing, and an elastic return mechanism for returning the insert to the extended position, which comprises a push button (4) provided on the upper shell (2). According to the invention, the insert (3) rotates directly about said button (4) which is rotatingly connected with the upper shell (2), and includes rotational indexing means with said insert (3) that can be declutched by pushing said button (4).

Abstract: The invention relates to a key, in particular for an automobile, which comprises: —a casing (3) with an upper half shell (3a) defining a lid and a lower half shell (3b) defining a casing bottom; —an insert (5, 7) pivotally mounted relative to the casing (3) and capable of movement between a rest position in which the insert (5, 7) is stowed in said casing (3) and a use position in which the insert (5, 7) is extended relative to said casing (3); —an insert (5, 7) extension device mounted in the casing (3) and including: a push button (19) axially received in a cavity (21) combined with the upper half shell (3a) and protruding from the upper half shell (3a) so as to be actuated by a user; and an elastic return member (23) for the insert (5, 7), having a first end (23a) connected to the insert (5, 7) for pivotally urging the insert (5, 7) into the use position when the push button (19) is actuated.

Abstract: A mechanical key for accommodation in a portable device for use in an electronic key system. The mechanical key is provided with a grip including a socket and a key plate fixed to the grip. The key plate includes a blade and a shank, which is inserted into the socket. The shank includes a first edge for abutting against the socket when the shank is inserted into the socket and a shoulder extending from the blade. The socket includes a guide for abutting against and guiding the first edge of the shank when the shank is inserted into the socket. The guide is mated with the first edge under pressure. The socket further includes a second edge for abutting against the shoulder when the shank is inserted into the socket. The second edge is mated with the shoulder under pressure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of providing a compact, tamper-evident means of combining individual keys with unique electronic memory identifiers. The disclosure involves a holder that is manufactured to attach some form of electronic identification, such as a touch memory button, to the head of a key. Once attached, the assembly can be mounted and read electronically to continually account for the identification, presence, access rights, and removal or replacement of the assembly from storage. Application of the key holder would not require alteration of the key in any manner, and thus could occur when the individual keys are either ready for distribution or already distributed and in regular use. The key holder would preferably be tamper-evident and prevent removal of the touch memory button without destruction of the holder, and possibly even the key itself.

Abstract: A combined mechanical and electronic key includes a housing with an edge area having a link configured with grooves, electronics disposed in the housing, a key portion, which has a bearing surface mounted in a rotatable manner about an axis along the link, an activating element in the bearing surface having at least two radially projecting wings and a radially projecting driver, where the activating element is movable between a passive and an active position, the key portion is movable between an inoperative position and an operative position, where in the inoperative and operative positions, in which the activating element occupies the passive position, each wing is in a respective groove, and during the movement between the inoperative and operative positions, in which the activating element occupies the active position, the wings are detached from the grooves, and the driver engages with a contour of the bearing surface.

Abstract: A portable wireless key having an emergency key includes a body in which the emergency key is held. The body has an operation surface and a protrusion action portion. The operation surface defines a part of an outer side surface of the body. The protrusion action portion has a hook that is held in the body under a condition that the emergency key is held in the body. One push to the operation surface causes the protrusion action portion to perform a protrusion action. The protrusion action causes the protrusion action portion to protrude outward from the body in such a manner that the hook of the protrusion action portion is exposed outside the body.

Abstract: A portable device having compact size while accommodating a mechanical key therein. The mechanical key has an opening and an internal space, which are in communication with each other. An engagement member, arranged in the internal space, is movable between a first position where it partially projects from the opening and a second position where it is accommodated in the internal space. A resilient member, which urges the engagement member from the second position toward the first position is arranged in the internal space, includes a fixing portion fixed to the mechanical key in the internal space. The portable device further includes a case having a key accommodation portion for removably accommodating the mechanical key. The key accommodation portion includes an engaged portion that is engaged with the engagement member when the mechanical key is accommodated in the key accommodation portion.

Abstract: The present remote key device includes an annular frame member disposed about a central axis. The frame member includes an inner frame portion that defines a central void region interior thereto, which is adapted to house a remote access transmitter device therewithin.

Abstract: A multipurpose key for use by vehicle operators in the case of emergency. In addition to conventional key electronics, the key including a glass-breaking spike, an open slot cutter for cutting seat belts and the like, and may also include a light, an alarm, and other functions. The multipurpose key is formed as a single key unit so as to be always available in the ignition slot of the vehicle in case of emergency. A key portion may be separable from the glass-breaking spike portion.

Abstract: An organizing device including housing, cover, and sliding mechanism. The housing includes a cavity, at least one open end and at least one sliding mechanism opening extending in the longitudinal direction along the housing for receiving and retaining at least part of the sliding mechanism within the housing. The cover is removeably attached over the open end of the housing. Sliding mechanism includes an actuation portion or thumb actuator and mounting portion for mounting a key or other user device. The mounting portion of the sliding mechanism is positioned inside cavity of the housing and the actuation portion of the sliding mechanism extends though the sliding mechanism opening in the housing. In one implementation, the mounting mechanism may be permanently or removeably fixed to the user device. In the case of a key, the mounting mechanism may be mounted to the key blade to form the modified key.

Abstract: The invention relates to a module for extending a retractable insert of a key, in particular for a motor vehicle, which is intended to be mounted in a casing for said key and which comprises an insert (5, 7), intended to be pivotably mounted relative to said casing (3) between an inoperative and an operative position, and comprising a bit (7) and a bit holder (5), which is pivotably mounted relative to said casing (3), and a mechanism for extending the insert (5, 7), which includes a push-button (19), and an elastic return element (23) for the insert (5, 7) consisting of a helical torsion spring, one end (23a) of which is connected to the insert (5, 7), in order to urge the insert (5, 7) by pivoting towards said operative position, when the push-button (19) is actuated.

Abstract: A vehicle portable device that locks and unlocks a door of a vehicle by remote control has a case that accommodates a mechanical key operable to lock and unlock the door of the vehicle therein, and having an accommodation part in which the mechanical key is inserted in a predetermined insertion direction, a first engagement part that engages with a second engagement part of the mechanical key, and a retaining member in which the first engagement part is formed. The retaining member is supported in the case while being rotatable about a first support point. An external force is provided on the retaining member so as to rotate the retaining member in a first rotating direction. When the mechanical key is accommodated in the accommodation part, an exposed portion of the mechanical key is partially exposed from the case.

Abstract: A key assembly with a releasable shackle allows a key to be attached and released from a closed loop or key chain. The key is similar to convention keys but does not have a closed shackle. A gap is formed in the shackle to define an opening. A gate that can be opened or closed releasable closes the gap. The gate is opened to add or remove the key from the loop. The gate is closed to lock the key on the loop. The gate can be formed in a number of manners including a wire gate, as flexible resilient gate, a hinged gate, or as a cuff.

Abstract: An unlocking device includes a casing mounted to a side of a lock. A movable body is movably received in the casing along a first axis and has an opening. The lock has a keyhole in an extent of the opening. A key receiving seat is movable along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis between a first position received in the movable body and a second position at least partially outside of the movable body. A linking rod is extended into the movable seat. A key can be placed into a key receiving hole of the key receiving seat in the second position and then moved into the movable body to engage with the linking rod when the key receiving seat moves to the first position. The key is movable into the keyhole by moving the linking rod along the first axis and is rotatable for a locking or unlocking operation.

Abstract: A key mechanism that includes a key having a shank portion and a grip portion secured to the shank portion. The mechanism further includes a frame with the key being rotatably secured within the frame such that the shank portion protrudes from a first end of the frame. The grip portion of the key may be accessed and rotated to rotate the shank portion while the key is in the frame allowing one-handed operation of the key mechanism.

Abstract: A mechanical key is to be prevented from coming apart, a head portion of the mechanical key is to be attached to a main body for use and the main body is to be prevented from being disassembled unintentionally when using the mechanical key. In a key lock structure of a mechanical key of a portable device in which a mechanical key is storable in a main body, the main body is configured in a two-piece structure including a first case and a second case, the first case includes a first storage section for storing the mechanical key and a second storage section for storing a key lock mechanism of the mechanical key, the lock mechanism locks the mechanical key stored in the first storage section to prevent the mechanical key from coming off and unlocks in response to a predetermined operation to allow the mechanical key to be pulled out.

Abstract: An unlocking device includes a casing mounted to a side of a lock having a keyhole. A movable body is rotatably received in the casing about an axis. The movable body has a closed end having a through-hole. A key receiving seat is received in the movable body and has a passage. The keyhole is normally blocked by the closed end of the movable body. The movable body can be rotated to align the through-hole with the keyhole and the passage. A manually rotatable linking rod extends through the passage and has an engaging portion for coupling a key received in the passage. The key can be moved into the keyhole by moving the linking rod along the axis and can be rotated for a locking or unlocking operation.

Abstract: A key fob with a retractable key blank is provided. The present invention includes a housing having a first portion and a second portion coupled together. The housing includes an aperture formed between the first and second portions on an end of the housing. The aperture allows for a key blade to slide therethrough. The present invention further includes a key blank having a base portion and a blade portion, wherein the base portion is coupled to an activation mechanism and the blade extends from the base portion. The base portion is slideable within the housing and retained at all times within the housing. The blade portion slides out and in the housing in response to operation of the activation mechanism. The blade portion slides between an extended portion and a refracted position. The key blank is cuttable while coupled to the housing.

Abstract: A key having one end secured to a yoke mounted between in a casing to turn about a pivot axis between a position in which the key is retracted inside the casing and a position in which the key is extended, and a control pushbutton mounted in a housing of the yoke so as to be constrained to pivot therewith and so as to slide between a position for holding the yoke at least in the retracted position, and a position for releasing the yoke for pivoting, the control pushbutton having at least one stud received in a groove of the housing, the groove including an inlet segment that opens out via a first end in an outer face of the yoke and that opens out via a second end in a terminal segment, forming an angle therewith, the terminal segment extending along the pivot axis.

Abstract: Provided is an electronic lock which achieves improved productivity while maintaining the performance of waterproofness for an internal electronic circuit of an insertion portion for a mechanical lock. Specifically provided is an electronic lock provided with a portable machine (1) which contains an electric circuit that locks and/or unlocks a door by communicating with the outside wirelessly, and a mechanical lock which is attachable to and detachable from the portable machine (1) and mechanically locks and/or unlocks the door.

Abstract: A key-operated pin tumbler lock has a shell in which is rotatably disposed a plug that defines a keyway and a plurality of bores. The bores communicate with the keyway through the plug and in a locked position of the lock communicate with corresponding bores formed in the shell. A plurality of spring-loaded pin stacks are located within the bores and are moveable within the bores against the spring-loading by a key inserted in the keyway into a position wherein the plug can be rotated relative to the shell. A stop means is provided in one of the bores and is adapted to engage the pin stack which is located therein such that a key pin of the stack is prevented from penetrating into the plug to a level reached by key pins of the other pin stacks.

Abstract: A portable wireless key having an emergency key includes a body in which the emergency key is held. The body has an operation surface and a protrusion action portion. The operation surface defines a part of an outer side surface of the body. The protrusion action portion has a hook that is held in the body under a condition that the emergency key is held in the body. One push to the operation surface causes the protrusion action portion to perform a protrusion action. The protrusion action causes the protrusion action portion to protrude outward from the body in such a manner that the hook of the protrusion action portion is exposed outside the body.

Abstract: A lid has a planar front face corresponding to the upper extent of the front surface. The front face terminates in a front free edge. The lid has a rear face corresponding to an upper portion of the upper extent of the rear surface. The rear face terminates in a back free edge. The lid also has a periphery. The periphery includes a top with sides. The periphery terminates at an angled edge. A hinge couples the back free edge of the rear face of the lid and the back surface of the device in proximity to the forward edge. In this manner the lid is adapted to pivot to a closed lower orientation to cover the buttons and an open raised orientation to expose the buttons.

Abstract: A key assembly having an identification member secured to the key. In one embodiment, the identification member includes a programmable device that contains information indicative of one or more characteristics of the key that can be used to identify at least one of a) the type of key, b) the type of key blank, c) an origination address, d) a destination address, e) a manufacturer, f) a manufacturing date, and g) a lot number. Another embodiment may include a key, and an identification member secured to the key, wherein the identification member includes a programmable device that contains information indicative of a) the key type, b) the type of key blank, and c) cutting instructions for a key cutter to determine cut characteristics. Additional embodiments may include an automobile key and an identification member secured to the automobile key, where in the identification member includes memory for use as mobile data storage.

Abstract: A method for repairing the head of a “chip key” comprising the steps of providing a section of polyolefin tubing, forming the tubing to a blank slightly larger than the key head with a grommet defining a key ring hole, and assembling the blank about the key head and heat shrinking the same into tight engagement with the key head.

Abstract: The invention provides a key (10), of the type comprising a stem (14) which is retractable in relation to a case (12), in which the stem (14) comprises a lug (18), by means of which it is articulated in relation to the case (12), which comprises angular locking means (22) for locking the stem (14) in the retracted position and angular locking means (22) for locking the stem (14) in the deployed position, characterized in that the locking means comprise a single locking element (22) mounted such that it can move inside the case (12), which co-operates directly with the lug (18) of the stem (14) in order to lock the stem (14) in the retracted or deployed position.

Abstract: A fob (10) such as a key fob has a casing (11) and a resilient clip (12) abutting the casing at a first end of the clip and overhanging the casing to form a substantially J-shaped clip. The casing may be substantially rectangular in shape and may includes a recess for accommodating therein an insert such as a electronic circuit (13) and a cover mounted (16) within the recess so as to overlay the electronic circuit and form a peripheral recess (18) between a rim (19) of the casing and a peripheral edge of the cover that may be hermetically sealed to form a sealed unit. During manufacture, the fob is injection molded wherein the resilient clip abuts the casing at a first end of the clip while lying outside a boundary of the casing. Local heat is then applied to the clip and the clip is bent so that it overhangs the casing.

Abstract: An unlocking device includes a casing mounted to a side of a lock having a keyhole. A movable body is rotatably received in the casing about an axis. The movable body has a closed end having a hole. A key receiving seat is received in the movable body and has a key receiving hole. The keyhole is normally blocked by the closed end of the movable body. The movable body can be rotated to align the hole with the keyhole and the key receiving hole. A block is fixed to the movable body and includes a through-hole extending along the axis. A manually rotatable linking rod extends through the through-hole and has an engaging portion for coupling a key received in the key receiving hole. The key can be moved into the keyhole by moving the linking rod along the axis and can be rotated for locking or unlocking operation.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides apparatus and methods for tracking, counting and inventorying keys throughout the supply chain, from manufacturing through retailing to the end user. In addition, the present invention provides apparatus and methods for improving the accuracy of duplicating keys. The apparatus and methods generally rely on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, where information is stored to and collected from RFID tags that are located proximate to keys. The apparatus and methods provided for in this invention improve efficiency and accuracy in the key supply chain.

Abstract: A portable device includes a main body, which has a mechanical key retainer, and a mechanical key, which is removably retained in the mechanical key retainer. An engagement projection extends from the mechanical key in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the mechanical key is inserted into the mechanical key retainer. The engagement projection is formed from a resilient material. The mechanical key retainer includes an engagement recess for engaging the engagement projection when the mechanical key is retained in the mechanical key retainer. This structure reduces the size of the portable device and improves portability of the portable device.

Abstract: A tool is used to split the coils of a key ring so that the key ring can be easily and efficiently placed on a key or other object. In one embodiment the invention includes a pair of guides, such as ribs or slots, incorporated into the bridge of the key ring grip. One rib or slot assists in getting the key ring onto the key and the other rib or slot assists in removing the key ring from the key. Alternatively, the tool could be separate from the key ring bridge and take the form of a plate having a pair of cut-out sections on opposite sides thereof. One cut-out has a sharp leading edge on the top of the plate and the other has a sharp leading edge on the bottom of the plate. A semicircular handle is attached to one side of the plate and assists it further by widening the gap between the coils so that a key can be threaded onto the free end of the key ring.

Abstract: A key blank including a generally elongate shaft portion defining first and second generally flat oppositely directed side surfaces, joined by edge surfaces, at least one of the first and second side surfaces cuttable to form key cuts that define a key combination surface, and at least one key combination element movably disposed in the elongate shaft portion and adapted for touching a lock combination element disposed in a cylinder lock plug, wherein the at least one key combination element has inherent energy for applying an urging force against the lock combination element. A key formed from the key blank and lock therefore are also disclosed.

Abstract: A key fob for a vehicle has a first end that is used as a key for insertion into a vehicle ignition receptacle and a second end that defines an opening for internal storage of a separate, removable key. While the key fob will remotely unlock the vehicle doors and start the vehicle engine when turned in the vehicle ignition, the removable key is an auxiliary, mechanical access key that may be used on door locks and interior storage compartments. The key fob will not unlock interior storage compartments and the removable key will not sustain operation of the vehicle engine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a key housing with an emergency key, having a key head forming a grip part joined to an insert for insertion in an emergency lock in a vehicle when applied and an insert housing with a longitudinal form, for housing the insert when the emergency key is not in use. The emergency key can be separated from the housing if the emergency key is to be used. The key head is fixed to the insert by of a joint.