Key fob with valet and car locator feature
US6518882B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 25, 2001 |
| Grant date | Feb 11, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 25, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T70/7876
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An improved key fob and key combination allows the mechanical key to be removed from the key fob and given to a valet attendant. The key is provided with a mechanical latch which may be easily removed from the key fob. When the key is removed, secured areas on the vehicle are locked. Moreover, the vehicle has limited operation when the mechanical key is not received with the key fob. In a second feature of this invention, a locator function on the key fob provides an indication of an approximate direction to a vehicle in a parking area. The key fob relies upon RF transmissions from the vehicle to determine an approximate direction to the vehicle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.