GB2526549A

GB2526549A - Key fob apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2526549A
Application number: GB1409338.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jonathan John Cheese
Original assignee: CHARGEBOX Ltd
Current assignee: CHARGEBOX Ltd
Priority date: 2014-05-27
Filing date: 2014-05-27
Publication date: 2015-12-02
Also published as: GB201409338D0; WO2015181240A1

Abstract

An apparatus comprising a key 130, a key holder 104 permanently and moveably connected to a joining member 100, 102, 106, which is permanently and moveably attached to an identification element 110. Preferably the joining mechanism comprises first 100 and second 102 parts which are rotatably connected to each other. The first part may be cylindrical and the second part may be a collar surrounding the first part. There may be holes provided in the collar of the second part for the wire loop key holder 104. There may be a bar 106 connecting the first part to the ID element and corresponding indents 122, 124 for the bar in the ID element. The ID element may comprise two parts 110, 112 permanently fixed together with the bar between them. The ID element maybe a label or a radio frequency tag. Also provided is a method of assembling the apparatus.

Description

I

KEY FOB APPARATUS

The invention is concerned with the provision of a key identification apparatus, and particularly but not exclusively a key identification apparatus for a lock of a secure means for charging an electronic device, such as for charging a portable electron. Ic device such as a mobile telephone.

It is known to provide a secure charging apparatus f or charging mobile electronic devices, such as apparatus provided ky Charqeboc Such an apparatus comprises a plurality of lockers in which mobile devices may be placed for charge, each locker being provided with a door with a locking mechanism. Each locking mechanism has an associated key, which is taken by a user of the apparatus when they secure Lb ir device j:or charging, The key must be securely linked with a key identification apparatus which provides an identity of the locker, usually amongst an array of lockers, in which their device has been left to charge.

The key identii.i.cation apparatus must be robust, so that it can withstand considerable use without compromising its integrity, and losing the link between the key and an identity.

The key identification apparatus must also be easy La carry around; for example so that it collapses or folds in some way in a users pocket.

WhiJ.st the particular demands of a charging apparatus set out particular requirements of a key identification apparatus, z other applications may also make use of a key identification apparatus.

It is an.. aim of the invention to provide an improved robust and secure (tamperproof) key identification aparatus There is disclosed a method for assembling a key identification apparatus, comprising providinc a key holding apoaratus; permanently and movably connecting the key holding apparatus to a joining mechanism; and permanently and movably connecting an identification element, providing an assoo±atjon of the key with a lock, to the joining mechanism.

The step of providing a key holding apparatus may compri.se providing a wire loop; passing the wire loop through an opening of a key; and permanently fixing the ends of the wire].oop to the joining mechanism.

The joining mechanism may comprise a first part and a second tart, the step of providing the joining mechanism comprising rotatably connecting the second part to the first part, and wherein the identification element is connected to the joinin.g mechanism by the step of pi.votally connecting the first part to the identification element, and the key holding apparatus is connected to the joining mechanism by the step of connecting the second part to the first and second ends of the wire 1oop.

The identification element may comprise a complimentary pair of elements, wherein the step of connecting the i.dent i.fication element to the ioining mechanism compnises fixing an additional element (eg. a bar) between the complimentary pair of elements; and joining the complimentary pair of elements to secure the element to the identification element permanently so that the additional element becomes an integral part of the. identification element. The integral identification element then is joIned to the joining mechanism permanently, preferably by connecting the joining mechanism and the additional element. The additional element is preferably a rigid element, such as a bar.

The step of joining the complimentary pair of elements may comprise sealinci the complimentary pair of elements together to form a single element, Sealing the complimentary pair of elements may comprise connecting each part of the pair using at least one one-way screw. An identification tag may located in said identification element. The identification tag may camp ice a label or a radio frequency tag.

The identification element may identify a lock with which a key is associated.

There may he provided an arrangement with a plurality of locks, the key being associated with one of the plurality of locks, and the step of providing an association comprising the identification identifying the association between the key and the plurality of locks. The plural.ity of locks may be provided on a charging apparatus, the charging apparatus comprising a plural±ty of locations for charging mobile devices, each location being accessible via locked access.

The inventIon, provides a key identification apparatus conprising a key having an opening therein; a key holding apparatus for holding the key; an identification element including an identification of an association of the key with a lock; a joining mechanism to which the key holding apparatus is permanently and moveably fixed and to which the identification element is permanently and movably fixed, The key holding apparatus may comprise a wire loop having first and second ends, the wire loop passing through the opening of the key, and the first and second ends being permanently fixed to the joining mechanism.

The joining mechanism may include a first part and a second part, the first part being pivota]iy connected to the identification element, the second part being rotatably connected to the first part, arid the second part being connected to the wire loop.

There may be further provided a bar for pivotally connecting the first part of the joining mechanism to the identification element. The identification element may comprise two parts permanently fixed together, and wherein first and second ends of the bar are secured between the two parts. A portion of the bar between the first and second ends may be exposed by the identification element. The first part of the joining mechanism may have a hole formed therein, the bar passing through said hole, such that the first part pivots about the bar. The first part may comprise a portion having a first cylindrical part having the hole formed i.n one end thereof, and a second cylindrical part attached to the other end of the first part, the diameter of the second part being larger than the first part. The second part may comprise a collar for the first part, the collar being retained between the hole by the bar and the surface of the second part.

The first and second ends of the loop may engage with the second part to secure the wire loop to the joining mechanism.

The second part may have first and second openings diametrically opposite each other, each opening engaging with a respective end of the loop. The openings in the second part may be in a portion of the collar abutting the surface of the

S

second cylindrical part of the first part. The first and second ends of the loop may extend parallel to an axis of first and second parts of the joining mechanism, and fit into said openings. The first and second ends of the loop may each have first and second parts, each first part extending along the surface of the second part of the joining mechanism, and each second part extending from the first part parallel to the axis of the first part of the first portion. The loop may extend from the first and second ends.

The loop may be rigid.

The key identification apparatus may be for an arrangement with a plurality of locks, the key being associated with one of the piunfltj'o 1ocks,an& tZ, tep:: providing an association comprising the identification identifying the association between the key and the plurality of locks.

The plurality of locks may be provided on a charging apparatus, thet charging apparatus comprising a plurality of locations for chargin9 mobile devices, each location being accessible via locked access.

The invention is now described by way of example with reference to the accompanying Figures in which; Figure 1 shows a charging apparatus in accordance with which preferred examples are described; Figure 2 illustrates a charging locker door and a locking mechanism such as may be used in an example mechard.sm such as shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 illustrates the component parts of art exemplary key identification apparatus; Figures 4(a) to 4(f) illustrate the assembly of certain component parts of the exemplary key identification apparatus; Figure 5 illustrates part of the assemiDly of the exemplary key identification apparatus; S Figure 6 illustrates an assembled exemplary key identification apparatus; and Figure 7 illustrates an assembled exemplary key identification apparatus with an identification label.

The invention.. i.5 flow further des ci.hed in detail by way of reference to particular embodiments and to its application in particular implementations One skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention is not limited to aspects of such embodiments or implementations.

An example apparatus with which the key fob apparatus of the present invention may be used isan apnaratus which has secure access for charging a plurality of electroni.o devices.

A user may secureiy access a part of the apparatus to charge an electronic device without needing to attend it, In a particular arrangement such an apparatus may comprise a charging station having a plurality of-secure areas. Each secure area may be a locker having a lock. Within each secure area there may be urovided means for connecting an electronic device for charging.

Iii use, in general, a user accesses a secure area. and connects their electroni.c device to ananpropriate charging connector of a cable. The user t1en locks the secure area and leaves the electronic device charging The user removes a key from the lock, once removed. The user accesses the secure area and retrieves the electronic device after an elapsed time, by using the key to open the lock.

An example is described herein of an apparatus comprising a set of secure access areas for charging e).ectronic devices.

The set of secure access areas are referred to as lockers of the apparatus. The electronic devices may be mobile telephones. The lockers may be sized and shaped to accommodate the electronic devices they are to secure for charging, and in the present example the lockers are sized to fit a mobile telephone device.

Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary apparatus.

The apparatus 10 comprises a main stand 12 having a base v. 14;TheStàdi2 1s 24wat a position which is convenient for users. The use of a stand 12 to house the lockers 24 allows the stand to be located in various locations. The stand 12 may include a set of instructions for a user denoted by reference numeral 20, and a user input interface 22.

A user input interface 22 preferably comprises an input part 22b and an output part 22a. The input part 22b may be used for a user to input money, a credit card, or other tokens for use, or for the user to provide information for an automated payment. The output part 22a may be used to display a set of instructions, with a screen used to electronically display to the user instructions or information associated with the use of the locker, and for example to select options using touch input (for example with a touchscreen or buttons.

Part or all of the user interface 22 may be toucliscreen.

A larger display screen 20 may be used to display promotional messages and general usage instructions.

The set of lockers 24 in this example include six lockers denoted by i6 to l6 denoted by locker 1 to 6 for user purposes. Each of the lockers 16 to 166 includes a lock 181 to 186. The lock wil]. be implementation dependent, fi or the purposes of this decr..bed example, a mechanical lock.

Each locker l6: to 166 is provided for a user to charge an electronic device. The presence of a lock 18:i to i8 means that a user can lock the locker and leave their electronic device to charge unattended. in order to support the charging of the device, each locker includes means to enable such charging.

The locking mechanism for each individual locker is shown more clearly by reference numeral 50 in Figure 2. In the arrangement of. Figure 2 there is shown one of the lockers (i6 to 166 of Figure 1) , In this arrangement the locker door 52 is shown having a locking mechanism 54 provided thereon.. The locking mechanism 54 will be controlled by the user to lock and unlock the locker. In the example of Figure 2 the locker door. 52 is shown as provided in the face of the apparatus in which the lockers are provided, which is denoted by reference numeral 56. Reference numeral 62 denotes a space in between the locker door 52 and the apparatus 56, which merel.y denotes that the locker door 52 may i.e operated and opened independently of the apparatus 56, The apparatus 56 may be the body of the apparatus 10 of Figure 1.

Also shown in Figure 2 in dashed outline is a rectangular shape 58, which denotes the locking mechanism for the locker door 52, in one example the locking mechanism 54 may be a key operated means, and by turning the key the rectangular means 58 may be rotated as illustrated by the arrow 60. In a position shown in Figure 2 the locker door is secured by abutting the rectangular shape 58 against the internal surface of the apparatus 56, ].y rotating the locking means 54 clockwise or anti'-clockwise as illustrated by the arrow 60, the door 52 may be opened since the rectangular means 58 can he moved to no longer abut the internal surface of the apparatus 56. other locking mechanisms may he provided.

In the arrangement of Figure 2 the apparatus 56 provides the means for securing the locking mechanist:, in an alternative arrangement the locker may provide means for securing the locking mechanism rather than the apparatus 56, preferably providing a housing wall against which the rectangular means can abut.

It should be noted that in the arrangement of Figure 2 the rectangular shape 58 is shown in dashed form since it would not he visible looking at the front of the apparatus and will be operated internal to the apparatus.

Such an apparatus may he nrovided as a floor standing unit or wall mounted unit, or in any configuration suitable to the implementation.

The general, purpose of such an application is to allow a user to securely charge their electronic device in a public environment. Such an apparatus may be provided in many different locations, such as public area of a shopping mall, an exhibition area, transport hub, entertainment venue or store, etc. Such an apparatus may also be provided in more restricted locations, such as restricted areas of a shopping mall, an exhibition area, transport hub, entertainment venue or store, etc. Such an apparatus may have applications in any area where it is desired to provide a secure place for charging an electronic device.

A key identification apparatus in accordance with the invention, and a method for assembling a key identification apparatus, which may be used with an apparatus in accordance with Fiqures 1 and 2-is now described.

There is provided a method for assembling a key identification apparatus, which comprises', providing a key holding apparatus; permanently fixing the key holding apparatus to a joining mech nism so the key cannot be removed from the joining mechanism; arid permanently fixing an identification element, providing an association of the key with a lock, to the joining mechanism so the identification element cannot be removed from the joining mechanism. A thus assembled key identification aptaratus comorises a key having an opening therein; a key holding apparatus securely holding the key; an identification element including an identification of an association of the key with a lock; a joining mechanism to which the key holding apparatus is permanently fixed and to which the identification element is permar.ently fixed.

The joining mechanism is a distinct element, and. may otherwise be referred to as a. joining element.

Preferably the assembly method comprises the steps of: movably connecting the key holding apparatus to the joining mechanism; and movably connecting the identification element to the joining mechanism to allow th.e key-key ring"key fob to be collapsible. As such, the key holding apparatus is movably connected to the joining mechanism and the identification element is moveably connected to the joining mechanism.

Thus the key holding apparatus is preferably permanently, movably connected to the joininc mechanism. The identification element is also preferably permanently, movably connected to the joining mechanism This permanent, moveable connection may also be referred to as a one-way or one-time connection or fixing. This connection or fixing may not be broken without breaking the key identification apparatus.

The elements of the key identification apparatus of a preferred embodiment are shown in Figure 3, and include a joining mechanism comprising a first part 100 and a second part 102, a wire loop 104, a bar 106, and an identification element 108 comprising a complimentary pair of elements 110 and 112.

The key holding apparatus preferably includes the wire loop 104. The wire loop is preferably an open loop having first and second ends. The first and second ends are preferably permanently fixed to the joining mechanism. A key having a hole or opening therein is preferably provided, with the wire loop passi.ng through the opening of the key. The assembly method preferably comprises: providing a wire loop; passing the wire loop through an opening of a key; and permanently fixing the ends of the wire loop to the joining mechanism so the key cannot be removed.

The wire loop is preferably not a closed loop, but has open ends to allow a key to be positioned on and held on the loop through its opening. The end of the loops are then fixed to the joining mechanism as further discussed. In general, following assembly, the key cannot be removed from the wire loop by the mechanism through which it is placed on the wire loop.

The wire loop is assembled to be secured to the joining apparatus as further described below.

Referring again to Figure 3, the first part 100 of the joining mechanism comprises a first cylindrical element bOa and a second cylindrical element 10Db, having a larger diameter than the first cylindrical element boa, The second cylindrical element. 10Db is i.ixed to one end of the first cylindrical, element iDGa, tith the first and second cylindrical etements bOa, 1.0Gb having common axes.

The first cylindrical element lODa has an openir.g passing radially through an end thereof. at the end distant from the second cylindrical element].OOh, The opening is to accommodate (as further discussed below) the bar 104.

The second part 102 of the joining mechanism is oreferably a cylindrical cclla:r, adapted to fit the. first cylindrical element bOa of the first part 100, The collar is retained in position about the first cylindrical element lODe of the first part 100 by being positioned between the second cylindrical element 10Db, against one surface of which it abuts, and between the bar 106 ass.ing through the opening in the first cylindrical part bOa.

The structure of a key identification apparatus in.

accordance with the invention, and the preferable as serrly of such, can he further understood wit.h reference to Figures 4 (a) to 4(f) Figure 4(a) illustrates the part 100, comprising the first cylindrical element lODe and the second cylindrical element 10Db.

In an assembly process, the wire loop 104 is positioned with respect to the first part 100 as shown in Figure 4 (b) In general, the wire loop provides a key holding apparatus Although not shown in.. Figure 4 (b) for ease of-explanation, the wire loop 104 will at this point he holding a key, by the wire loop being passed through a hole or opening of the key body.

The provision of a key in this way is described and shown with respect to later figures.

The fitting of the wire loop 104 to the first part 100 preferably takes place before the first and second parts of the joining mechanism are combined. It should be noted that the wire loop is positioned here with respect to the first part, but is not attached to the first part. The wire loop is held in place, as discussed in the following, with respect to the subsequent positioning of the second part of the joining mechanism.

Figure 4(c) Illustrates the addition of the positioning of the second part 102, comprising a cylindrical collar positioned about the first cylindrical element bOa of the first part 100. With the wire loop 104 positioned with respect to the first part 100, as illustrated in Figure 4(b). the collar of the second part 102 is then combined with the first part 100. The collar is positioned to fit over (or engage with), the first part such that it is rotatably positioned about the first cylindrical element bOa of the first part.

The collar is also positioned to engage with the wire loop, so as to fix the wire loop permanently and movably to the joining mechanism.

As shown in Figure 4(d), the collar is provided with an opening 150, and is provided with a similar opening dIametrically opposite which is not visible in Figure 4(d).

The collar is adjusted so that when it is positioned its openings (such as opening 150) engage with the ends of the wire loop 104.

The collar part 102 is provided with an opening at a circumference edge thereof, so that there is an opening at the surface of the collar which abuts the second cylindrical part 10th. Preferably there are thus two openings to engage with the two ends of the wire loop.

Referring again to Figure 3, the wire loop has first and second ends 200a and 20th. The wire loop is preferably rigid.

Each end 200a, 200b of the wire loop preferably has a first part 202a, 202b which extends in parallel with the complimentary part of the other end. Each end of the wire loop preferably has a second part 204a, 204b connected to the first part, which extends perpendicular to the first part.

The two ends of the wire loop engage with the openings of the collar to fix the wire loop to the second part 102. As the cylindrical part rotates about the part 100, the wire loop also rotates. In this way the wire loop is able to rotate with respect to the joining mechanism.

Thus first and second ends of the loop engage with the second part 102 to secure the wire loop to the joining mechanism permanently and preferably movably.

The second part 102 has first and second openings diametrically opposite each other, each opening engaging with a respective end of the loop 104, The openings in the second part 102 are in a portion of the collar abutting the surface of the second cylindrical element bob. First parts 202a, 202b of the ends of the loop extend parallel to an axis of first and second parts 100, 102 of the joining mechanism, and fit into said openings 150. The second parts 204a, 204b of the ends of the loop each extend along the underside surface of the second cylindrical element bOb. The main wire extends from the second part 204a to join the respective second part 204b in a loop shape.

Each end of the loop preferably comprises the first and second parts, the second part joining the first part to a main loop, and the first part engaging with the collar to permanently, rotatably connect the loop to the collar and joining mechanism.

Figure 4(e) illustrates the part assembly of Figure 4(c), particularly the part 100, in cross-section. As illustrated in Figure 4(e), the part 100 is provided with a hole or opening 120. The hole is a radial hole formed through an end of the first cylindrical part bOa distal from the second cylindrical element, and designated by reference numeral 120.

As illustrated in Figure 4(f), the bar 106 is then slotted through the opening 120 to secure the entire apparatus. Figure 4(f) illustrates the addition of the bar 106 through the hole 120, such that the collar 102 is retained in place about the first cylindrical element bOa of the first part 100.

The collar 102 may rotate about the first cylindrical element boa of the first part 100, whilst being retained in position, to provide rotational movement of the second part of the joining mechanism with respect to the first part of the joining mechanism.

Thus an assembly process comprises connecting the pans as shown in Figure 4(a) to 4(f).

with reference to Figure 5, there is shown a different perspective of the finished assembly of Figure 4 (f). In figure S there is also shown a key 130 mounted on the wire loop 104, the wire loop passing through a hole 132 on the key body. The connection of the wire).oop to the joining mechanism means the key is permanently secured to the joining mechanism by the permanent securing of the wire ioop. Thus the wire loop is permanently but movably connected to the joining mechanism, and the key is permanently but movably connected to the wire loop.

With further reference to Figure 5, and further reference to Figure 3, there is illustrated a further stage of the assembly process, which preferably follows the assembly of Figure 4(a) to 4(f).

The bar 106 is placed in a groove of one part no of the identification element 108, the groove being illustrated without the positioning of the bar in Figure 3. As shown in Figure 5, the bar 106 is positioned in a groove 122 of element 112. The groove is shaped to acconnodate the bar. The groove is formed in order to provide a fit for the bar.

IS In general the bar 106 is an element, preferably a rigid element, integrally formed with the identification element to facilitate a connection of the identification element to the joining mechanism.

The parts 110, 112 of the identification element are shaped such that when the bar 106 is accommodated in the grooves, the end of the bars are positioned in the grooves within the identification element 108, but a middle section of the bar is exposed by the parts 112 and 110.

In a next stage as illustrated in Figure 6, the two parts 110 and 112 are combined. The grooves 124 and 122 of the parts no and 112 are complimentary, such that as the part 112 is brought into contact with the part 110, the bar 106 also fits with the groove 3.24. The two parts 112 and 110 are brought together, with the bar 106 being accommodated by the respective grooves in the two parts.

The two parts 110 and 112 are permanently joined together, or sealed, such that they cannot be separated and form the identification element 108 incorporating the bar 106.

This may achieved by combining the parts 110 and 112 with one way screws fitted in holes tUBa, 108b. The two parts may be combined in some other way, for example by riveting them together, or gluing them together. Once combined, the parts of the identification element permanently and preferably rigidly fix the bar to the identification element.

ID In general, the identification element thus comprises a complimentary pair of elements, and the assembly method comprises the step of fixing the identification element to the joining mechanism by: fixing an element such as bar between the complimentary pair of elements; and joining the complimentary pair of elements to secure the element such as a bar in place, the element such as a bar being attached to the joining mechanism permanently and movably. The step of joining the complimentary pair of elements 110, 112 preferably comprises sealing the complimentary pair of elements 110, 112 together to form a single element, with the element such as the bar being integrally formed therein.

Once sealed, a middle section of the bar 106 is preferably exposed by the identification element 108 as shown in Figure 6. Thus an edge of the identification element between the point at which first and second ends of the bar are secured may be omitted or cut-away, to expose a middle portion of the bar 106.

By means of the opening 120 through which the bar 106 passes in the part 100, and the securing of the bar 106 in the identification element 108, the joining mechanism is able to permanently connect to and pivot with respect to the identification element1 due to the part 100 pivoting about the bar 106, following the assembly of the joining mechanism as shown in Figures 4(a) to 4(f) As is also illustrated and explained in the foregoing; the wire ioop is permanently and rotatably secured to the joining mecherism. In the preferred embodiment the identification element moves by pivoting with respect to the joining mechanism, and the wire loop moves by rotating with respect to the joining mechanjem.

With reference to Figure 7, the Identification element is preferably provided with a "window' which allows inclusion therei.n of an identification tag or label which is visible through the window. The identification tag may be positioned before the two parts 110 and 112 are combined and sealed, and IS this identification tag may be chosen during assembly The identification tag may provide an identification for the key, or some other service. The identification element itself may provide the identification, The identification may be v-lsible in said identifi.ci..t ion element.

The identification may ccprise a radio frequency tag, instead of or in addition to a label.

The identification identifies a lock with which the key is associaned.

In general the key identification apparatus may be provided for any arrangement with a plurality of locks, the key being associated with one of the plurality of locks, and an association may be provided by identifying the association between a key and one of a plurality of locks, The plurality of locks may he provided on a charging apparatus such as shown in Figure 1, but the invention is not limited to use wit). such an apraratus. Where provided, the charging apparatus may comprise a plurality of locations for charging mobile devices, each location being accessible via locked access, key identification apparatus being provided for the different locations.

The invention has been described herein with application to particular embodiments and particular uses. Embodiments described herein may he provided in combination or may be provided separately. No example given herein need be combined with an..ot.er example given herein unless it is specifically stated in this description. One or more examples may be provided in any given implementation. Although the invention is described in a particular implementation to a charging arrangement comprising six lockers for charging portahl.e electronic devices inc].uding mobile phones, the invention is not. to the orovision of six lockers, or to the charging of mobile phones or mobile electronic devices.