Abstract: An insert-molded card key in which a key and a card are mutually operatively connected, the card key comprising a key wherein a key support member formed of resin and a key body formed of metal are insert-molded, a card body having a key receiving portion formed in a portion of a card for the key, and a connecting portion for connecting the key support member of the key and the card body so that they may be rotated with each other, the key being rotatable with respect to the card body and being received in the key receiving portion. There is therefore provided an insert-molded card key which has an excellent usability, is conveniently carried, can be prevented from being lost, misplaced. etc., and can be reduced in manufacturing cost.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a key identification cover having universal adaptability to all manner of conventional keys. More specifically, the key cover of the present invention includes two substantially planar panels linked at their periphery by a hinge means having an aperture therethrough for receiving a key shank, and fastening means for securing the panels together at their periphery as they lie against a key head. Identifier means for identifying the lock for which the covered key is intended are associated with at least one of the panels, and may comprise labels or other markings. The key cover, or at least a portion of the panel carrying the identifier means, is substantially transparent so as to permit the placement of the identifier means in a protected position while enabling the user to view it.

Abstract: A flat plastic key is designed to actuate a rotary cylinder lock having lock tumblers, an elongated key receptable for receiving the key and a rotary lock face including a rectangular lock entrance slot with spaced apart sidwalls. The key and the lock include alignable longitudinal axes. The plastic key includes a head for receiving a lock actuating input torque within a force input area. The key also includes a shank having a first end surface joined to the end surface of the head and a spaced apart second end surface. The shank is designed to extend through the lock entrance slot of the lock face. When fully inserted, the resulting area of overlap between the sides of the fully inserted key shank and the lock entrance slot define a shank torque transfer surface where torque is transferred from the shank to the sidewalls of the lock entrance slot. The key also includes a solid plastic bit and a rigid metal insert.

Abstract: An improved key and lock assembly in which an electronically coded circuit is embedded in the handle of a conventional key and at least one electrical terminal extends from the handle adjacent to and electrically isolated from the key shank so as to contact a similarly located and biased terminal on the lock assembly when the key is fully inserted therein.

Abstract: A hybrid key for operating both electronic and mechanical locks has the electrical components in a separate and removable housing which is normally secured to the bow portion of the key blade but may be removed, the disclosed means for securing the electrical housing to the key bow is via a configuration including grooves in the housing, a hook portion on the key bow, and holes through the housing and bow at a single point for rivet securing means.

Abstract: A key extension for the physically impaired is provided and consists of a shank portion with an enlarged handle portion affixed to one end and a head portion affixed to a second end of the shank portion. The head portion retains a bow of a standard key therein so that a blade of the standard key can be inserted within a lock allowing the physically impaired to turn the key extension to operate the lock.

Abstract: A key using a synthetic resin bow which is connected to a metal key body having a blade section to which serrations are to be formed for use and an inserting section which is thinner than the blade section; the bow is formed into the thickness within 0.9 to 1.3 times that of the blade section.

Abstract: A spare keys and retaining card set for automobiles and/or for other purpose locks mainly consists of a plurality of spare keys and a retaining card. Each spare key may be inset into the retaining card within a key shaped hollow and may be easily removed out of the hollow and the card, accordingly, for use by the user. The retaining card has a size similar to that of a name card and can be put into a wallet or a pocket for easy carry. Whenever the original key is lost or is not carried with the user, the spare key may timely resolve the problem to open a door.

Abstract: The electronic key has a drive head and a turning blade for inserting in a rotor of a lock. The key has an intermediate zone, on the edges of which there are retractile contacts charged by springs in corresponding housings. These retractile contacts are joined to conducting plates that come through the head from the electronic circuit integrated in the drive head itself. On the insertion and turn of the key in the lock these retractile contacts enter into connection with fixed contacts of the corresponding electronic circuit of the lock that are included in the interior wall of an annular extension of the stator in front of the rotor of the lock.

Abstract: A device for confirming whether a lock is locked or unlocked in which a display magnet consisting of a sheet- or plate-like permanent magnet is rotatably disposed within a key head. Two magnet pairs, each consisting of a first drive magnet, and a second drive magnet are located at angular positions, respectively, on the front end face of a cylinder lock at opposite sides, respectively, of an intermediate angular position within a range of rotation of a key for locking and unlocking the cylinder lock. The direction of magnetization of one magnet pair is opposite to that of the other magnet pair.

Abstract: A key device including a key main body for actuating a mechanical lock device, a knob fixedly secured to the base end of the key main body, and an electronic circuit incorporated in the knob of the key device, wherein: the electronic circuit is carried by a flexible printed circuit board which is folded around an edge of the base end of the key main body and at least partly cover the two major surfaces of the base end. Thus, even when the size of the base end of the key main body is increased so as to improve the resistance of the knob against the force which tends to pry open the knob due to the twisting torque acting upon the key main body during use, through such efficient utilization of the internal space of the knob, the circuity can be fitted into the knob without increasing its size. Furthermore, the base end of the key main body serves as a heat sink and a firm support for the circuit and the accessory component parts.

Abstract: A device for assisting the crippled hand to turn a key in an automobile starter switch lock has an elongated member that firmly grips opposite faces of the key head and has longitudinal portions which rigidly extend the moment arm for application of turning force. In one form the device has recesses to receive the tabs of a steering column mounted starter switch. In another form, the device has a protuberance to project the key into the recess of a recessed switch on a dashboard. A preferred embodiment has hinged rigid panels with hollowed internal surfaces that mount keys for slidable and pivotal movement along tracked guideways. The internal surfaces have raised marginal edges interrupted by a slot through which the shank of a key may be passed.

Abstract: Each key in a set of keys has a headless shank. A slotted opening through the shank is slightly larger than the shank so that any key can be installed over the shank of the active key to act as a wrench to turn the active key. In addition, any shank can carry two blades thereon, one on each end of the shank.

Abstract: A spare car key comprising a metal core defined by a grip portion and by an active portion designed to cooperate with a respective lock, and housed in removable manner in the center portion of a plate to which it is secured by means of a flexible appendix on the plate itself.

Abstract: Key head that constitutes a piece of jewelry designed to be fitted, successively, with various keys and that comprises a case consisting of two parts to be assembled (9,32) at least, one of which (9) is fitted on the inner side with locking means (10-12, 14-16) that prevent any displacement of the cut section (6) of the key and of the bit (8) in relation to the aforesaid part of the case, in their plane, as well as, also on the inner side, with removable means of fixation (17 and/or 22,23) for the cut section in the locked position so as to prevent any rotary movement of this section and of the bit in relation to this part of the case, with these locking means and means of fixation not visible from the outside, subsequent to assembling.

Abstract: A key unit includes a transmitter for remote actuation of a lock and, in a common housing, a mechanical key for mechanical operation of the lock. The mechanical key is held within a key compartment in the housing and, when a trigger button is depressed, pivots to an outwardly extending working position on a circular bearing portion. The cover of the housing is held to the lower portion at one location by a bayonet connection which enables the cover to be pivoted to a position for access to the battery compartment in which batteries are contained for the transmitter. A lock connection spaced from the bayonet connection couples the cover to the lower housing portion when closed, and a removable locking screw is provided to hold the cover in the closed position.

Abstract: A combination of a mechanical key of the reversible type and a steering shaft for locking and unlocking a key cylinder including a stationary housing and a rotatable rotor mounted therein. For reducing car thefts, the key is provided with electrical contacts arranged on opposite surfaces. An illuminator control circuit is mounted on the key and is adapted for delivery of a code signal corresponding to a specifically preset code signal upon energization of the electrical contacts. The key is provided with a pair of illuminator elements in lateral position. The lock cylinder is formed in the key slot and is adapted for establishing an electrical contact with either of the electrical contacts on the key.

Abstract: An improved cylindrical key comprising a key plate having two small fixing protrusions and a leg-shaped extension plate formed at one-side end portion thereof, and a key cylinder having a greater cylinder section provided with a radial elongated hole for receiving said leg-shaped extension plate, a smaller cylinder section provided with a cross slot arranged in alignment with said radial elongated hole for engagement of said side end portion of said key plate, and a communicating with the inner step bore of said cylinder sections for firmly securing said two fixing protrusions when the latter are inserted into said inner step bore through said cross slot, and outwardly bent and rested on the inner step slope wall of said inner step bore.

Abstract: Key marker comprises an elastic ring and integral flanges adapted to be stretched around the periphery of the bow of a flat key. The ring has a slot therein adapted to fit around the bit of the key. An elastic membrane integral with one of the flanges extends part way across the flange inwardly from the slot. An inscription area, which may be a coating, on the outer surface of the membrane is adapted to receive a graphic inscription thereon. There may be a similar membrane integral with the other flange. Also, there may be small protuberances distributed over the outer surfaces of the flanges.

Abstract: An ignition key consists of two structural units which are detachably connected to each other. One of the structural units contains the transmitter electronics and the key shank, while the other structural unit contains the battery and a button for connecting the battery to the transmitter electronics. The attachment of the two structural parts to each other is effected by means of dovetail guides.

Abstract: A triangular, sharp projection is formed in the surface of a key handle, the projection being directed into the interior of a key ring opening formed therein. This key ring projection includes edge recesses formed proximate the base thereof thereby providing a shape forcing the segments of a collapsed helical key ring apart, the recesses then maintaining the ring segments separated for insertion or removal of additional keys. In an alternative implementation the similar key ring separation projection may be formed on articles other than keys that can thus be carried on the key ring for convenience in key removal.

Abstract: There is provided a device for the contactless coupling of control and output currents between the electronic elements on a locking cylinder and the electronic elements in the key of an electro/mechanical locking system. The device is characterized by a multiple coupler consisting of a part integrated in the key, preferably in the handle of said key, and a part disposed on the periphery of the locking cylinder, so that when the key is inserted in the locking cylinder, the two parts oppose each other at least at one point in such a way that contactless electrical coupling of the control and output currents is possible between the electronic elements on the locking cylinder and the electronic elements in the key.

Abstract: A key holder is for keys with standardized heads of about the same width as standard key blades. The key holder includes a casing which has a flat base wall and a plurality of parallel, spaced-apart, elongated key compartment side walls extending integrally upwardly from the base wall to form a plurality of parallel key compartments. Keys are pivotally mounted in outer end portions of the key compartment side walls on removable cap screws and are pivotable about openings in the key heads and these cap screws from storage position inside of the casing to position for use of the key outside of the casing. Leaf springs, one in each key compartment, push the keys against the side walls with sufficient force to frictionally hold the keys in place each within its own key compartment whether or not one or the other of the cap screws is temporarily removed to insert or remove other keys.

Abstract: A folding key for vehicles, in which a key body is pivotally mounted in a dished cap so as to be capable of pivoting with respect to the cap. The key body has a pivot portion which is directly supported by a bearing bore formed in the cap, or which is clamped and supported between a first bearing portion provided in a bottom surface of a recess in the cap and a second bearing portion provided in a support member fitted in the recess in the cap. In the latter case, a resilient tongue is resiliently engaged with an inward end of the key body to retain the same. The cap has formed therein a cut-out with which the key body is engaged upon ultimate levelling of the key body. Preferably, the cut-out is formed in a portion of a peripheral edge of the cap, which is located at a rear of the peripheral edge with reference to an advance direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A locking key, designed to preserve an indication of the lock-shifting (opening or closing) operation last performed, has a shank with an extension shaft rotatably received in an adjoining head, the relative rotation of the shank and the head being limited to 90.degree. or 180.degree. by a retaining pin in the head coacting with a part-circular recess on the shaft. The pin and the recess also serve to hold the head in a fixed axial position with reference to the shank. A spring-loaded detent in the shaft or elsewhere inside the head serves to index the two key portions in either of their limiting relative positions.

Abstract: In a magnetic locking system for locking a door to a fixed member, comprising a key cylinder connected to the door, a magnetic sensor connected to the door near the key and operating when sensing a predetermined magnetic force, control means for locking the door to the fixed member when the magnetic sensor operates, and a magnet-mounted key including a key cylinder proper which is to be engaged with the key cylinder and a key head which is equipped with an elongate magnet piece, there is proposed an arrangement in which when the key is operatively engaged with the key cylinder to turn same, an imaginary plane which the axis of the magnet piece describes when the key turns about the axis of the key cylinder intersects the axis of the magnetic sensor.

Abstract: A reusable molded plastic package for holding audio cassettes which enables the cassettes to be stored and displayed in racks heretofore used for record discs and eight-track audio tapes and which includes a slide lock which secures the cassette in the package preventing its unauthorized removal therefrom. In one embodiment, the cassette is mounted in a transverse position at one end of the package enabling the contents of the cassette to be viewed from the end of the package when stored in a horizontal position. In another embodiment, the cassette is mounted in a longitudinal position at one end of the cassette whereby the contents can be read from the front of the cassette when stored in a vertical position. In still another embodiment the package can store either an audio cassette or a compact disc. The slide lock is retracted from its locked position by a manually operated key.

Abstract: The device comprises a generally L-shaped body of plastic, metal or the like, with two flat arms of unequal length set at an angle from each other about 105.degree.-120.degree.. The shorter arm has a key-receiving slot at its free end, while the longer arm has a beverage can pull tab-receiving slot at its free end for prying up that tab. The body may also include a hook to pull the pried up tab completely from the can. The device also includes a key chain-receiving opening. The key-receiving slot can have sloped upwardly converging walls to accommodate keys of various sizes. Such walls may be integral to the body or part of an insert disposed in the key-receiving slot. The device enables car keys and the like to be easily temporarily fitted therein and extends therefrom for insertion in a lock. The key can then be easily turned in the lock by rotating the longer arm away from the lock, thus avoiding bumping and chipping the users fingernails against the lock.

Abstract: A key with key bit and separate handle, the end of the key bit extending form-lockingly into a channel in the handle, the channel being directed towards a narrow side of the handle. A disengageable insertion detent is provided for locking a bit to the handle, wherein a construction is provided which is simple to manufacture, advantageous for assembly and stable in use.

Abstract: A starter switch arrangement for boats, where the switch may be subjected to water splash or the like. The arrangement includes a key with a gripping component and an insert component to be inserted into an aperture in the switch for opening and locking the switch. The key has a cover component positioned between the gripping and insert components and provided to be sealingly supported against the switch in the inserted position of the key during the utilization of the boat. The cover component will sealing close a portion of the switch around the aperture of the switch.

Abstract: This invention relates to a key capable of being distinguished easily from any one of a plurality of keys for different uses carried therewith; held between the fingers conveniently during locking and unlocking operations; and determined easily in advance as to the direction, in which the key is to be inserted into a key hole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cylinder lock with a key for mechanical and/or electromechanical locking or electrical signal emission with codeable locking means and devices which influence or generate electrical currents. The device includes a cylinder housing with a cylinder core carrying the locking bit and a continuous keyway with conduits discharging therein for core platelets (wafers), whereby the key and locking conduits are provided with mutually cooperating and codeable mechanical devices and devices which influence or generate and electrical currents for mechanical and/or electromechanical locking, or for other given signal triggering. The device is characterized in that the mechanical devices for actuation or for triggering the mechanical locking each form a corresponding structural unit for coding within the keyway and in the key, together with the electrical/electronic devices for the electromechanical locking or signal triggering.

Abstract: A locking key, designed to retain an indication of the lock-shifting (opening or closing) operation last performed, has a head and a shank interconnected by a screw coupling with limited axial play enabling their relative rotation through 90.degree. or 180.degree.. The shank and its bit can thus be positively entrained for a lock-opening or a lock-closing motion only after the head has arrived in one or the other limiting angular position relative thereto. When the idle rotation of the head is 180.degree., the relative angular position of the two parts can be indicated by special markings thereon.

Abstract: A lock and key combination in which the lock is of the plunger operated type and the key has elongated resilient fingers with a mandrel for expanding the ends of the fingers in an engagable portion of the lock plunger. The head of the lock is provided with a central recess, and the head of the key is provided with a forwardly extending spacer at the base of the fingers for entering the recess and axially positioning the ends of the fingers in relation to the engagable portion of the plunger. The structure of the interface between the lock and key allows the manufacture of locks and keys of various combinations, determined by the cross-sectional shape of the spacer and recess, and of various "levels" determined by the length of the spacer and the depth of the recess. In a lock and key of a higher "level" the spacer is longer, the recess is deeper, the resilient fingers are longer, and the engagable portion of the lock plunger is deeper in the lock housing.

Abstract: A one piece key identification cover including a hollow body of resilient deformable material and having a flat top portion connected to a flat bottom portion by opposed sidewalls. The end portion of the body is restricted with an opening communicating with the interior of the hollow body and through which a portion of a key is extended outwardly of the body. The flat top portion has a slit formed therethrough and through which a key is forced into the body member with the narrow portion of a key extended outwardly through the restricted opening portion and the remaining head portion of the key within the body against displacement.

Abstract: A keying process is provided for use in hotels or motels in conjunction with resettable room locks, so that an immediate indication is provided by the key itself as to whether it is the current key for the lock of a particular room. The key is provided with a serial number which identifies the key so that it may be grouped with its duplicates. The key is also provided with a removable plug which identifies the particular room whose lock has been set currently to accept the key. Two, or more, differently colored plugs are provided for each room, and each time the lock of a particular room is reset to accept a new key, the new key is provided with a room-identifying plug of a different color from the previous key. The key slots at the hotel or motel desk may be provided with correspondingly colored lights, or other color indicators, and the color indicator corresponding to the color of the current plug is activated for each slot.

Abstract: A key construction comprising a pair of key shanks joined at one end to provide a unitary body portion having aligned, oppositely extending key bits each of which is adapted for use in a different lock tumbler. In one of its forms, the key shanks are secured in end-to-end relation by means of a sleeve. The sleeve desirably is provided with a pin to which an end of a key bit receiving and holding member is attached. The key bit receiving and holding member advantageously is constructed in a manner to enable only one of the key bits to be pivoted from a normally, inoperable position in the receiving and holding member to an operable, lock tumbler engaging position. Thus, one key bit can be easily and readily distinguished from the other key bit, and there can be no mistake as to which key bit is to be engaged in which lock tumbler.

Abstract: Exchangeable key covers, and a related system and method, each key cover at least partially enclosing the proximal end of a hotel or like key, each cover being preferably formed of synthetic resinous material, such as polyethylene, and removably force-fit over the proximal end of the key to display room identification indicia and, if desired, other indicia, whereby no key interconnecting chains, tags or the like are required and the key covers are easily and accurately exchanged between keys in correspondence with rotation of the locks.

Abstract: A flat strip section fits in width and height into a keyhole and has non-operable teeth extending from the top and from the bottom. One end of the flat strip section is anchored in one part of a two part gripping stud. The second part is separably connectable to the first part by a detent connection.

Abstract: The locking valve apparatus includes a valve housing containing a rotatable cylinder lock with a keyway extending into the cylinder from one end and with a stationary cylindrical member of the valve housing encircling this rotatable cylinder. An alignment element on the outside of this stationary cylindrical member is adapted to position, align and guide a removable handle for the valve. This removable handle includes a sleeve defining a socket which is adapted to nest over the stationary cylindrical member of the valve housing when the handle is engaged for operating the valve. A key is located inside of this sleeve socket, being adjustably secured therein, and the socket is provided with a slot, which the user of the handle must align with the alignment element, otherwise the handle cannot be positioned on the valve housing.

Abstract: A key assembly for operating a coded security system is structured with a plurality of information carrier members mounted on a longitudinal member of the key assembly and angularly arranged thereon to define a code for a security system operated by the key. Alteration of the code is effected by changing the relative orientation of the information carrier members by threadedly loosening the longitudinal member upon which the carrier members are held, readjusting the position of the carrier members and tightening the longitudinal member to hold the information carrier members fixed in a desired relative position defining the code.

Abstract: A covered-grip key includes a flat head wherefrom extends an elongated shaft. In the head there are formed a pair of spaced apart holes interconnecting the two faces of the head and therethrough the joining portions of the two layers covering the two faces of the flat head extend.

Abstract: A key for a lock wherein a resiliently deformable bow portion of the key is extended to form a loop of the split ring variety. The said split ring loop allows the release from and attachment of the key to a keyholder. The split ring loop is also adapted for use as a clip to hold or clamp items or to secure the key to various items other than keyholders.

Abstract: An augmented key and cylinder lock has a housing with a bore therein concentric about an axis. A plug in the bore is rotatable about the axis and has a flange on one end. There is a radial pin tumbler mechanism in the plug and housing access to which is afforded by a keyway in the plug which extends through the flange leaving a notch therein. A key serrated along one edge to operate the pin tumbler mechanism is receivable in the keyway to occupy an operating position. In that position, a shoulder adjacent the serrated edge of the key substantially abuts the end face of the flange. In that position another, axially elongated shoulder on the key adjacent its other edge axially displaces a spring pressed detent, supported on the housing, out of the notch. This frees the plug from rotational restraint by the detent.

Abstract: A key bow cover which is adapted to be placed around the bow of a key and is composed of a pair of plates which are hingedly connected together by a rivet or other similar fastening means at the top end of the cover. The bow of the key is adapted to totally fit within one of the plates with there still being sufficient excess space to insert a money coin, such as a dime in United States currency. There is sufficient space in the other of the plates to also insert a similar coin. When the plates are located together to completely enclose the internal chambers, there is a fastening means provided to secure together the plates. Whenever it is desired, the cover can be opened and the dimes removed and used for whatever purpose deemed necessary, such as a telephone call. An insert is to be normally used within the cover to matingly cooperate within the opening provided by the joined pair of plates. A second opening is provided within the insert to matingly fit with the particular shape of key bow.

Abstract: A key of which the longitudinally extending grooves which code the key for insertion into the key receiving passage of a lock, extend both through the stem of the key which is inserted into the passage, and through the manipulating head part of the key so that the key blank can be produced by a stamping or pressing operation. There is also described a method of making the key.

Abstract: A pick proof money box featuring an inverted lock held proximate to the top surface of the coin operated device which is serviced by the money box. In conjunction therewith a structured characterized key is used for opening the money box. An additional feature is the integral flanges used for holding interlocking wings that are operated to lock and unlock the money box.

Abstract: A flat key comprises a blank cut on a copying machine to form a shank, having a shank head. An intermediate head is formed with a slot, in which the shank head is received. A key head is detachably connected with the intermediate head, with wedge action between these latter heads.

Abstract: A key locating attachment for controlling the depth of penetration of a key into a lock. This attachment is engaged with the key and a portion thereof engages the face of the lock when the key is placed therein to align the complemental parts of the key and the lock to actuate the same. The attachment is adjustably fixed to the key in order to permit adjustment thereof to compensate for wear on the bearing surfaces of the lock and key which would otherwise cause misalignment of the interengaging parts of the key and the lock.