US4686358A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Programmable electronic-mechanical reversing flat key interactively communicatable with data processing means
Assignee: Dormakaba Schweiz AG
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Filing: 1985-03-15
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Granted: 1987-08-11
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Expires: 2005-03-15
Abstract
Abstract A metal flat key with depressions arranged in the key shank for receiving radially displaceably tumbler pins located in the lock rotor for use as a mechanical key outside and as a mechanical/electronic key inside a closing means with additional electronic means arranged in the lock cylinder includes a casing (2B, 2A, 20, 21) for receiving an electronic assembly (5) and which is fixed to the key shank (1), the casing simultaneously being used as the key grip (2). The casing (2A, 2B, 20, 12) on the casing side to the key shank (1) has a connecting part (12) for receiving electric contacts (4) between grip (2) and key shank (1).
Inventors
- 👤 Erich Seckinger
- 👤 Walter Gutmann
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 05:45
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07C; G07C9/00; G07C9/00174; G07C9/00944; E; E05; E05B; E05B19/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
244 words
A mechanical and electronic flat key for use in combination with a lock of the type having a rotor, a key slot, means for performing a mechanical locking/unlocking function and an electronic locking/unlocking function and electrical conductors extending between and interconnecting said slot and said means for performing said electronic locking/unlocking function, the key comprising the combination of a key shank dimensioned to be insertable into the lock rotor key slot for driving said rotor; a key grip; an intermediate portion fixedly attached to and mechanically interconnecting said shank and said grip on opposite sides of side intermediate portion; means on said shank defining mechanical coding for cooperating with said means in said rotor for performing said mechanical locking/unlocking function of said lock; an electronic coding circuit for cooperating with said means in said rotor to perform said electronic locking/unlocking function of said lock; means defining a recess in said grip for receiving said electronic coding circuit; circuit means electrically connected to said coding circuit having contact members for making electrical contact with conductors in said rotor to permit transmission of electrical signals between said coding circuit and said means in said rotor controlling said electronic locking/unlocking function; and means defining a recess in said intermediate portion for receiving said circuit means with said coding circuit in said grip recess and for holding said contact members in proper position to engage said electrical conductors in said rotor when said key is in said slot.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
244 words
A mechanical and electronic flat key for use in combination with a lock of the type having a rotor, a key slot, means for performing a mechanical locking/unlocking function and an electronic locking/unlocking function and electrical conductors extending between and interconnecting said slot and said means for performing said electronic locking/unlocking function, the key comprising the combination of a key shank dimensioned to be insertable into the lock rotor key slot for driving said rotor; a key grip; an intermediate portion fixedly attached to and mechanically interconnecting said shank and said grip on opposite sides of side intermediate portion; means on said shank defining mechanical coding for cooperating with said means in said rotor for performing said mechanical locking/unlocking function of said lock; an electronic coding circuit for cooperating with said means in said rotor to perform said electronic locking/unlocking function of said lock; means defining a recess in said grip for receiving said electronic coding circuit; circuit means electrically connected to said coding circuit having contact members for making electrical contact with conductors in said rotor to permit transmission of electrical signals between said coding circuit and said means in said rotor controlling said electronic locking/unlocking function; and means defining a recess in said intermediate portion for receiving said circuit means with said coding circuit in said grip recess and for holding said contact members in proper position to engage said electrical conductors in said rotor when said key is in said slot.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
A key according to claim 1 wherein said circuit means includes a flexible circuit board.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
A key according to claim 2 wherein said grip includes a portion permanently attached to said intermediate portion and a removable and reconnectable end portion.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
A key according to claim 3 wherein said removable and reconnectable end portion carries a battery for supplying said coding circuit.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
A key according to claim 3 wherein said removable and reconnectable end portion carries said coding circuit.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
A key according to claim 3 wherein said removable and reconnectable end portion carries a part of said coding circuit.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
A key according to claim 3 wherein said removable and reconnectable end portion comprises an interchangeable module for identifying said key.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
A key according to claim 3 wherein said removable and reconnectable end portion comprises an electronic clock with an LED display.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
39 words
A key according to claim 2 wherein said coding circuit, said circuit means and said contact members form a separate assembly from said grip and said intermediate portion, said separate assembly being joinable to said grip and intermediate portion.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
A key according to claim 9 wherein said coding circuit includes a random access memory for receiving data from said means in said rotor for performing said electronic locking/unlocking function.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
44 words
A key according to claim 10, wherein said grip includes a portion permanently attached to said intermediate portion and a removable and reconnectable end portion carrying a battery for supplying said coding circuit, said random access memory being erasable when said battery is removed.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
27 words
A key according to claim 9 wherein said separate assembly is shaped and dimensioned to be received in said recesses in said grip and said intermediate portion.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-08-10 | 1991-02-09 | 1991-08-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-08-10 | 1995-02-09 | 1995-08-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-08-10 | 1999-02-09 | 1999-08-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |