Non damaging key lock
US6209370A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 2, 1999 |
| Grant date | Apr 3, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 2, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T70/8676
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A key retaining device that secures the functional section of the key while leaving the non functional section exposed for easy identification. The device is able to lock individual keys on a large key chain without interference with the non locked keys. The key can only be removed with the use of a master key. The device's simple and inexpensive design includes only five components: namely a housing to enclose the key, two deformable substrates, a unique set screw, and a master key. There is a bore inside the housing that runs longitudinally within the housing. The bore has a threaded section that contains the screw and a non-threaded section that contains the two deformable substrates. There is a blind slot at the base of the housing which runs from one side of the housing to the non-threaded section of the bore. The functional section of the key is placed through the blind slot, into the non-threaded section of bore, and between the two deformable substrates. The master key then turns down the screw which clamps the deformable substrates around the functional section of the key. The unique design of the substrates will not damage the key upon clamping but will immobilize the key…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.