GB2567554A

GB2567554A - A key device

Info

Publication number: GB2567554A
Application number: GB1814554.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Albert Stocken Paul; Douglas Lyall Colin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-09-06
Filing date: 2018-09-06
Publication date: 2019-04-17
Also published as: GB201714321D0; GB2566272A; GB201814554D0

Abstract

A key device comprising a mechanical key 2, a housing 1 and an electronic key (12, figure 2) arranged on a user attachment mechanism 4. The mechanical key 2 is arranged to move from a first storage position within the housing to a second usage position, for example by means of a pivot, a sliding mechanism or an articulated joint such as a ball and socket joint. The user attachment mechanism 4 may comprise a wristband which can optionally be adjusted in diameter, for example using an elastometric section 6. The device may also comprise a display screen, a light source and a timer. A locking system may be provided to prevent unauthorised access to the keys. The electronic key may comprise a transponder, the mechanical key 2 may be formed from synthetics, and the housing 1 and attachment mechanism 4 may be made from silicone.

Description

The present invention relates to a key device, arranged to provide a means of transporting a key; more particularly but not exclusively a vehicle key.

Background

Increasing numbers of keys, in particular vehicular keys, have both mechanical and electronic key parts. In this way security of the vehicle may be increased.

The electronic key part typically includes a transponder, which can be expensive to reproduce and recode.

These keys can be bulky and therefore also problematic if lost, wherein loss of the electronic key part typically prevents the vehicle even from being temporarily started through other means as it is immobilised, and loss of the mechanical key part typically prevents the vehicle wheels from being turned due to the wheel lock.

Over 45 million people in the UK hold a driving licence, and research has shown that of that number over 35% have at some time lost their vehicle’s keys. This represents a significant number of vehicle drivers who incur costs to replace misplaced keys and who are inconvenienced as a result.

Prior Art

JP 2007 171 110 (MIWA et al) discloses a mechanical vehicle key in a portable watch such as a wrist watch. A storage recess is provided in a back of a watch case of the wrist watch and a key plate of the key is engaged with the storage recess of the case back and may be exposed from the case back, and may be projected from the watch case for use. The watch case of the wrist watch is therefore effectively used as the vehicle mechanical key to cope with an emergency situation.

EP 278 901 (WERMEILLE) discloses a device for storing a security key which makes an emergency key available to a person who has forgotten or lost the normal key, for example for the entrance door of his house or apartment or the key of his car. For this purpose, the active part of a duplicate of the normal key is welded to one end of a watch strap and is stored in a cavity which is formed between the two pieces of the double bottom of a watch case. A sprung ball locks the latter in place.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a key device comprising a mechanical key, a housing and an electronic key, arranged on a user attachment mechanism, wherein the mechanical key is arranged to move from a first storage position within the housing to a second usage position, the housing comprises the electronic key and the user attachment mechanism is arranged to maintain the device attached to the user.

In some embodiments the movement is enabled by a pivot. In others this movement may be enabled by a sliding mechanism, and in yet further the movement may be enabled by an articulated joint such as a ball and socket joint.

The electronic key may comprise a localised transponder, for example as commonly applied in a key for a vehicle.

In some embodiments the device comprises a housing, which housing provides a housing for the electronic key, and for the mechanical key in the first position.

In some embodiments the housing provides the user attachment mechanism, wherein the user attachment mechanism or means is active and arranged to attach the housing and device to the user securely.

The housing therefore may comprise a user attachment part, or may wholly comprise a user attachment part. For example the user attachment mechanism may comprise an elastic portion, for example the attachment mechanism may comprise an elastomeric mechanism, so as to automatically adjust to the user, or more particularly for example the user’s wrist. In this way the attachment mechanism may function automatically and adjust to different users within a range, as well as allowing for changes and attempted displacements without breakage.

In other embodiments the user attachment mechanism may comprise an adjustable mechanism to enable the key device to be fitted to a user and/or to permit adjustment to fit more than one user. For example the mechanism may comprise a screw thread, over centre buckle, clasp, ratchet mechanism, hole and pin arrangement or tie. In this way the attachment mechanism may be secured at an adjustment, so as to prevent accidental losses for example when the device is caught on something.

Preferably the user attachment mechanism may comprise a band. This band may in use comprise a bracelet. In some embodiments the device may comprise an anklet in use, in addition or the alternative. In this way the device may be rendered permanently available, and accessible at all times.

Ideally the user attachment mechanism is a band is formed from a strong, durable, flexible material such as silicone.

It is appreciated that the band may be formed from any suitable synthetic or natural material. Rigid or flexible bands may be provided.

The band may be personalised for a user, for example so that a user can select their chosen band, for example a band being formed from synthetic plastics, leather, metal, webbing or canvas.

In some embodiments the band may be interchangeable so that a user can fit different bands to the housing. A connecting means may be provided for removably attaching a band to the housing. For example the connecting means may comprise interlocking parts, magnetic means, or a hole and pin configuration.

The housing, which encloses the mechanical key and electronic key, may be a substantially rigid or inflexible part, so as to limit damage to the keys.

In other embodiments the keys may provide the rigidity to the key device and the housing may be formed from a flexible material such as rubber or silicone. In this way the keys are enclosed and protected by the flexible housing.

It is appreciated that the housing and user attachment means may be formed from the same material. In some embodiments the housing is integrated with the user attachment means such that the key device is a unitary body that holds keys.

In other embodiments the housing may be multipartite, for example comprising rigid parts joined by hinges or other articulations, interlocking parts, mating parts or parts bonded together to define an opening into which a key can be inserted and removed.

In some embodiments the housing comprises a displaceable part forming a part of the user attachment mechanism, wherein the mechanism is opened by displacement of the displaceable part. For example the housing may comprise a cap and body, wherein attachment of the cap to the body provides the closure for the user attachment mechanism.

The body may provide the mechanical key, which is capped to close by the body. This attachment mechanism may be combined with an adjustable mechanism, for example wherein the cap and the body are semi-permanently connected, and placement of the device around a user’s wrist or ankle is achieved by adjusting an adjustment section of the device. Such adjustment section may comprise an elastic section, such as an elastomeric section wherein the cap and body are connected in use, and the section stretches to allow the device to be put over a hand or foot and worn.

In some such embodiments the displaceable part is semi-permanently closed, wherein the mechanical key is closed for single emergency use.

In some embodiments the keys are accessed by displacement of a flap which can be peeled back, to reveal the key(s). In some embodiments the flap is flexible to make it easier to gain access to the key in restricted arrangements, for example when the key device is donned on a user’s wrist. Furthermore by having a flexible flap the risk of damage to the keys, users or other items is reduced if it becomes caught against or knocked into an object.

In preferred embodiments the housing comprises both the mechanical and electronic keys, such that the electronic key’s transponder is local to where the mechanical key is in use, as is typically required in vehicle locks or ignitions.

Preferably the mechanical key is formed from synthetic plastics, such as a polymer. Advantageously a mechanical key formed from synthetic plastics is lighter than standard metal keys, making the mechanical key for suitable for being worn as a wristband, bracelet, watch or anklet.

In some embodiments the device is wholly waterproofed to prevent damage when exposed to water such as when raining or when submerged. For example the device may be useful for surfers, sailors, swimmers or similar sportspeople, who wish to leave items in a vehicle during time in or on water.

In some embodiments the device may comprise further emergency features, for example a timer or light source, wherein the device may comprise a battery.

In yet a further embodiment the device may include a locking system so that only an authorised user can access the key(s). The locking system may include a latch, combination lock, or opening system activated by a mechanical or electronic switch.

In some embodiments the switch may be activated by a signal from a remote device such as a smartphone, or the key device may include a sensor to identify biometric details of a user, such as a fingerprint or iris scanner.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a first embodiment of the device according to the present invention;

Figure 2 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows an isometric view of a second embodiment of the device according to the present invention; and

Figure 5 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 4.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to Figures 1 to 3 there is shown an embodiment of the device comprising a mechanical key 2, a housing 1 and an electronic key 12. The housing 1 is arranged on a user attachment mechanism 4, wherein the mechanical key 2 is arranged to move from a first storage position within the housing 1 to a second usage position, and the user attachment mechanism 4 is arranged to maintain the device attached to the user.

The electronic key 12 comprises a small passive transponder which transponder chip disarms a vehicle immobiliser when the car key is used to start the engine.

In this embodiment the electronic key 12 and mechanical key 2 are within a thermoplastics rigid housing 1, which is bipartite, comprising a housing cap 3 and a key blade body 10, wherein the mechanical key projects axially from the cap 3 and contains the electronic key 12, and the body 10 accepts and sheaths the blade of the mechanical key 2 when the device is worn.

The housing parts 3, 10 clips together using a resilient interference fit using projecting studs on the inner surface of the cap 3.

The cap 3 comprises raised and lowered parts 8 on its faces to enable friction and easier displacement of the cap from the body.

The cap and body both comprise indented central faces with upstanding lip edges 9 which further enable easier gripping.

The keys may therefore be easily accessible and usable by simply pulling apart the housing at this clip fit joint 11.

The user attachment mechanism comprises an elastomeric section 6 which joins the cap 3 of the housing 1 to the body 10 of the housing, at two loops 5, projecting from end discs 7.

The discs 7 close an elastomeric section comprises by an elasticated cord 6. In this way the user is enabled to wear their keys on their wrist, arm or ankle.

With reference to Figures 4 and 5 there is shown a second embodiment of the device comprising a mechanical key 2, and an electronic key, arranged on a user attachment mechanism 3, wherein the mechanical key 2 is arranged to move from a first storage position to a second usage position with reference to a housing 1 and the user attachment mechanism is arranged to maintain the device attached to the user.

The housing is an elongate rigid container with an open side, wherein the key is arranged longitudinally in the housing.

The mechanical and electronic keys are contained within the housing 1, which has a side edge to allow for the user’s fingers to grip the mechanical key 2. The mechanical key 2 is thereby largely and easily displaceable from the housing, about a pivot 26 within the housing 1 such that the mechanical key 2 is pivoted out for frequent and repeated as required. This embodiment thereby provides a reusable device.

The housing and the user attachment mechanism are continuous, whereby the housing comprises a substantially rigid body, located centrally on a flexible band 24, which band comprises a user attachment mechanism formed by two free ends of the band, one having an inwardly projecting pin and the other having a plurality of holes (not shown) to make a connection according to wrist diameter. A sliding ring 25 holds the free end of the band after connection.

The housing 1 has an indented side 21, where the mechanical key 2 is accessed at the indent, and pivots out from one end of the indent 21.

The housing further comprises a PCB and a display screen 27, which screen 27, provides access to a timer facility. The device further comprises a fitness or step monitor in some embodiments, as well as audible alerts and a light source, operated by side buttons 26.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely 5 combination of features of described embodiments.

Claims

1. A key device comprising a mechanical key, a housing and an electronic key, arranged on a user attachment mechanism, wherein the mechanical key is arranged to move from a first storage position within the housing to a second usage position, the housing includes the electronic key and the user attachment mechanism is arranged to maintain the device attached to the user.

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein movement is enabled by a pivot.

3. A device according to claim 1 wherein movement is enabled by a sliding mechanism.

4. A device according to claim 1 wherein movement is movement is enabled by an articulated joint such as a ball and socket joint.

5. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the electronic key comprises a transponder.

6. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the user attachment mechanism comprises a band.

7. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the mechanical key is formed from synthetic plastics.

8. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the housing is formed from silicone.

9. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the attachment mechanism is formed from silicone.

10. A device according to any preceding claim arranged as a wristband.

11. A device according to any preceding claim having a diameter adjustment section.

12. A device according to claim 11 wherein the adjustment section comprises an elastomeric section.

13. A device according to any preceding claim further comprising a printed circuit board.

14. A device according to any preceding claim further comprising a display screen.

15. A device according to any preceding claim further comprising a light source.

16. A device according to any preceding claim further comprising a timer facility.

10

17. A device according to any preceding claim including a locking system to prevent unauthorised access to the key(s).