WO1999052748A1

WO1999052748A1 - Key activated system having multiple keys

Info

Publication number: WO1999052748A1
Application number: PCT/US1999/007892
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alan L. Pocrass
Original assignee: Pocrass Alan L
Priority date: 1998-04-13
Filing date: 1999-04-12
Publication date: 1999-10-21

Abstract

A key activated system which includes a plurality of keys (key 1 to key N) each having a detectable first common characteristic and a detectable varying second characteristic. The system includes a detector (4) associated with the key receptacle (2) for detecting the second characteristic on a key received. Provided that the system (6) has been activated by a proper predetermined first characteristic on a key, the system (6) activates other certain functions (function 1 to function N) in the system in a manner unique to and determined by the second characteristic.

Description

KEY ACTIVATED SYSTEM HAVING MULTIPLE KEYS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a key activated system for various industries, including the automobile industry, which would provide more than one key to be used in the system, such as for use in the ignition system of an automobile. A second key would provide the capability for different functions, in addition to the main function, to be initiated by sensing certain characteristics of the key.

2. Description of the Prior Art

The automobile industry has developed cars with standard ignition key devices. One key is used to start a car with various positions on the keying device to provide battery power for accessories. All of these key devices have the capability for just one key with only the function of starting the car. The key mechanism is a normal key device with sensors that as the key is pushed into the device, pins move up and down with the height of the pins setting and recognizing the key as the proper key to start the car. Other forms of keys have also been used in the automobile industry, including transponder based keys and magnetically activated keys.

Other areas also use keys for ignition and/or activation of the system. Boats, for example, and locks in buildings also use keys for activating the device.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a system by which a second key would be used to not only activate the system, such as starting a car, but also provide functions and control of other aspects of the system in a manner different from the control of those other aspects or functions by a first key. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, I have developed a key activated system which includes a plurality of keys each having a detectable first characteristic which is common to each key and a detectable second characteristic which varies from key to key. The system also includes a key receptacle which is configured to receive a key and, in response to only a predetermined first characteristic on the key, activate the system in a normal manner. The system also includes means associated with the key receptacle for detecting the second characteristic on a key received therein and, provided that the system has been activated by a proper predetermined first characteristic on a key, means for activating other certain functions in the system in a manner unique to and determined by the second characteristic on the key. In this manner, a plurality of keys can be provided for a particular key receptacle with the same first characteristic for activating the system and wherein the second characteristic can vary from key to key in the plurality of keys having the same first characteristic. The particular second characteristic of each key is predetermined to activate the certain other functions in the system in a manner unique to that key.

My system is particularly useful for an automobile ignition key. In such a system, the first characteristic on each key is the unique design of the key that permits a particular key to operate a particular ignition system key receptacle and the second characteristic on each key is used to operate other functions of the automobile. These other functions of the automobile that can be operated by my system include, but are not limited to, seat positions, mirror positions, steering wheel positions, acceleration and speed limits, locking of the glove compartment, hood and/or trunk, gas pedal movement, and air bag disengagement.

In one embodiment of my automobile system, the first characteristic of each key is a series of ridges and

^■2- depressions which align with and move a plurality of corresponding spring mounted, two-piece pins in a plug in the key receptacle, and the second characteristic is a further ridge which is aligned with and moves a further pin in the plug in the key receptacle. The second characteristic is varied from key to key by varying the height of the further ridge. The means for detecting the height of the further ridge, which is the second characteristic of the key, is a sensor receiving the further pin and generating a signal which is related to the length of the further pin extending into the sensor. The other functions in the automobile are controlled in a unique manner as determined by the signal generated by the sensor for that particular key. The sensor varies its electrical resistance in response to the length of the further pin extending therein and provides the necessary control signal. The further pin in this embodiment can include a main pin element contacting the further ridge and remaining in the plug of the key receptacle, and a plurality of separate master wafers stacked above the main pin element and extending into the sensor. The sensor detects the number of master wafers received therein and generates therefrom the signal for controlling the other functions of the automobile. In a further embodiment of my invention, the second characteristic of each key can be an insulated resistor mounted to each key and having a unique resistance for each of the plurality of keys. In this embodiment, the means for detecting the second characteristic of the key is a resistance measuring means contacting the resistor which generates a unique resistance signal which is, thereby, used to control the other functions of the automobile.

My system can also be used in connection with other known key activation means. This can include the magnetic activated keys, transponder-activated key systems and keys having internal grooves and pins that extend into these grooves .

-3- A complete understanding of the invention will be obtained from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures wherein like reference characters identify like parts throughout . BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of the overall concepts of my multiple key system;

Fig. 2 is a cross section of a mechanical embodiment of a multiple key system in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 2a is an enlarged view of the circled portion of Fig. 2;

Fig. 3 is a cross section of an electrical embodiment of a multiple key system in accordance with the present invention; and

Fig. 3a is an enlarged view of the circled portion of Fig. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Fig. 1 shows the general elements of the key activated system having multiple keys in accordance with my invention. The elements shown in Fig. 1 would be applicable regardless of whether the multiple keys are used in connection with automobiles, boats, locks in buildings or the like. The general concepts common to all systems include a key receptacle 2 which is configured to receive a plurality of keys. Each key, shown as key 1, key 2 and key N in Fig. 1, has what is referred to as a first characteristic common to each key and a second characteristic which varies from key to key. The "first characteristic" is also more commonly referred to as the main key functions of the key which are used to activate or operate the key receptacle 2, such as an automobile ignition or the like. A key detector 4 will decide if the key inserted into the key receptacle 2 has the proper first characteristic for operating the device 6 controlled by the key. If the proper first characteristic is detected, then the key detector 4 will operate the device 6 in a normal

-4- manner. In accordance with the present invention, each key also includes a second characteristic, separate from the first characteristic, which is detected in the key receptacle 2 by what is referred to as a function detector 8 in Fig. 1. This function detector 8 will be activated and used only if the key receptacle 2, as determined by the key detector 4, has a proper key having the proper first characteristic thereon. If so, then the function detector 8 examines the particular key in the key receptacle 2 and examines the second characteristic on that particular key. In response to the detected second characteristic, a number of other functions associated with the device 6, identified as function 1, function 2 and function N in Fig. 1, will be operated or controlled as determined by the particular second characteristic on the particular key inserted into the key receptacle 2. It is a goal of the present invention to provide a plurality of keys that are usable for activating the device 6 through normal operation of the key in the key receptacle 2 , but also for providing varying second characteristics on each of the plurality of keys such that the key can activate certain other functions in the device in a manner unique to each key. This will be made more clear below in connection with several embodiments relating to the automobile area. I have developed an apparatus for providing a second key used to start a car and at the same time trigger the functionality of other controls in the car in a manner different from the functionality controls of a first key. The apparatus of the present invention, in its preferred embodiment, is an automobile keying device that is in a car. All versions of the key perform the functions of a standard key to start a car in addition to added functionality of controlling other functions in the car, such as the seat of a car, the mirror position on a car, the steering wheel position and acceleration of the speed of the car. However, it should be understood that this

-5- invention includes the capability to have other functions controlled by a second key used in this device.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a key sensor mechanism that when pins are displaced by the key, the height positions on the key can be set to accept the key to not only start the car but, in addition, set different functions. Control of the acceleration of a car is one such function. A solenoid on the accelerator will control the amount of fuel providing acceleration. The second key can include a limit which would control the solenoid on the intake manifold advancement of the cable that goes from the gas pedal to the intake manifold. This controls the amount of airflow into the engine and limits the acceleration. The solenoid limits the travel of the valve and this is controlled by the multiple keying invention. The control of the acceleration can be controlled in other ways, and the keying invention can optionally control this function by different means. Acceleration control can be controlled by how far the gas pedal on the floor of the car can be pushed down to cause acceleration.

Multiple keys for this present invention can be used in a task related to an automobile as simple as disengaging the air bag system in the car. One key could disengage the passenger side air bag, while another key for the same vehicle would not disengage the passenger side air bag.

In the automobile industry, the use of key pads in the car controls the function of seat, mirror and steering wheel movements. A feature offered in cars is a second driver setting for the seat, mirror and steering wheel movements so that different drivers can have their proper positioning with a push of a button. It is required that the driver pushes a button pad selection for this function. With the present invention, the positioning of items required for change by different drivers would be recognized by the different second characteristic of the keys of this invention and these controls would be changed automatically through the key.

A multiple keying device for automobiles presents the ability for more than one key to be used to not only start a particular car but to provide different functions for different keys for that particular car. The functions that the key controls are dependent on the key so that one key will provide functions that other keys will not . Ignition will be provided in each key. This is the first characteristic. The main additional controls that the key is ideally suited to provide, through the second characteristic on the key, are related to acceleration of a car and the customized preference of positioning of items related to different drivers, such as seat, mirror and steering wheel. In addition, some keys could allow a function to occur and other keys will not . One such function could be whether the glove compartment would open or not. Some keys can keep the glove compartment from opening so that a valet cannot have access to the items in the compartments between seats or in the glove compartment. The key for a valet (or a new driver) could also engage the governor on the accelerator so that the acceleration would be limited. With the emerging use of high technology products, such as computers, cellular phones and printers used in the car, the present invention could lock out unauthorized use of these items located in the car. Navigation systems, TVs and other devices are showing their presence in automobiles as well, and access to these items or control of these items could be controlled by the invention.

Figs. 2 and 2a show an arrangement of a key activated system having multiple keys in accordance with the present invention using the standard, mechanical key mechanism used in most automobiles today. A portion of the keying mechanism (the first characteristic) is used for the ignition function to start the car. This portion is the same in each key of the plurality of keys for a particular

-7- car. My invention utilizes a portion of the keying mechanism (the second characteristic) to perform other functions. This portion may vary from key to key for a particular vehicle to control these other functions in a varying manner unique to each key.

As shown in Figs. 2 and 2a, an ignition key 10 is inserted into a plug 12 which is held in a housing 14 of the ignition system attached to the steering wheel or on the dashboard, typically, of a vehicle. A series of spring loaded, two-piece pins extends through the housing 14 and into the plug 12. The pins are identified as top pins 16 which engage springs 18 and are generally held within the housing 14 and bottom pins 20, which contact the lower ends of the top pins 16 and extend into the plug 12 which receives the key 10. For a properly configured key 10 for a particular plug 12 and housing 14 arrangement, when the key 10 is inserted into the plug 12, the key 10, as determined by the ridges and grooves therein, will push up the bottom pins 20 and top pins 16 so that the top pins 16 are completely in the housing 14 and the bottom pins 20 are completely in the plug 12, leaving the joint or separation therebetween free to permit the plug 12 to be rotated within the housing 14. This permits the plug 12 to be turned by the correct key 10 and start the car's ignition. This is the first characteristic of the key 10. The other common elements of this ignition system include a cam 22 at the end of the plug 12, a spring 24 and a rotary switch 26 which provide the completion of the electrical contacts to various terminals 28 in the ignition system. As shown in Figs. 2 and 2a, this embodiment of my invention uses a first pin 30 to sense the height of a first ridge 32 on the key 10. This is the second characteristic of the key 10. The first pin 30 includes a bottom pin 34 and a plurality of master wafers 36 stacked above bottom pin 34. When the key 10 is inserted into the plug 12, the first ridge 32 pushes both bottom pin 34 and the plurality of master wafers 36 upward. A sensor 38 is

-8- mounted to the top of the first pin 30 and measures how many master wafers 36 have been pushed into it and varies its resistance in relation to the number of wafers. A signal is developed, as representing the resistance measured by the sensor 38, which is supplied via wires 40 to a pair of sensor terminals 42 on the ignition system. These sensor terminals 42 are connected via wires 44 to input terminals 46 of a control module or controller 48 which, in response to the resistance generated by the sensor 38, will control a plurality of switches 50 in a predetermined manner to control various other aspects or functions of the vehicle in a unique way. These various aspects that can be controlled through this system were discussed hereinabove. A further embodiment, referred to as an electronic version of the present invention, is shown in Figs. 3 and 3a. Many of the elements shown in this embodiment are the same as those shown in Figs. 2 and 2a and the same reference numbers will be used for the same elements. In this embodiment the standard mechanical key 10, using the pins and springs discussed above, is considered to be the first characteristic of the key. The second characteristic of the key, which controls the other functionality of the automobile, is provided through an insulated plastic disk 60 which is attached to the shaft of the key 10 and a surface mount resistor 62 attached to the insulated plastic disk. Metallic contacts 64 in the housing 14 connect to both ends of the resistor 62 when the key 10 is inserted into the plug 12. These contacts 64 are used to sense or measure the resistance value of the resistor 62 attached to the key 10. More than one pair of metallic contacts 64 could be used if desired. Similar to the embodiment shown above in Figs. 2 and 2a, the resistance of the resistor 62 mounted on the key 10 is supplied via wires 40 to the sensor terminals 42 and is used to control the other functions of the car. By varying the resistance of the resistor 62 attached to the key 10, but otherwise keeping the key 10 the same for normal ignition operations, the characteristics of the functions controlled by each individual key 10 can be varied from key to key by merely changing or setting the resistance of the resistor 62 to a different value.

Standard key mechanisms use six to eight pins. The key is pushed into the mechanism. My invention uses some of these pins to sense the position of the device once the key is fully entered. If the key matches the correct positions, then the functions of the key will be supported. If the key pushes the incorrect pins, then the key will not be recognized and will not allow the other functions to occur. These special functions are in addition to the standard ignition function which will remain the same from key to key for a particular vehicle.

Although the above embodiments have been discussed in connection with an automobile keying system using the standard mechanical pin and spring arrangement, other known keys can also be used and be modified to add the second characteristic or additional functionality of the present invention. Keys may have one or more grooves extending in the key and a series of ridges or depressions which align with and move a plurality of corresponding pins. The second characteristic can be added using one or more of the pins. In addition, keys that are activated by a series of magnetized areas along the length of the key and correspond to magnetic areas or detectors in the key receptacle are known. By adding an additional second characteristic to these keys, whether in the form of a pin, resistance or additional magnetic area, the key can be used to control the additional functionality in the automobile. In addition, keys that use transponders, i.e., wireless signals, for activating the ignition systems are also known. My invention can also be used in connection with these transponder based keys by adding the second functionality or second characteristic, different for each

•10- key, to a plurality of keys which otherwise can be used to activate the ignition of the automobile or other device.

Having described above the presently preferred embodiments of the present invention, it is to be understood that the invention may be otherwise embodied within the scope of the appended claims.

^■11-

Claims

I CLAIM :

1. A key activated system comprising: a) a plurality of keys each having a detectable first characteristic which is common to each key and a detectable second characteristic which varies from key to key; b) a key receptacle which is configured to receive a key and, in response to only a predetermined first characteristic on the key, activate the system in a normal manner; and c) means associated with the key receptacle for detecting the second characteristic on a key received therein and, provided the system has been activated by a proper predetermined first characteristic on a key, means for activating certain other functions in the system in a manner unique to and determined by the second characteristic on the key, whereby a plurality of keys can be provided for a particular key receptacle with the same first characteristic for activating the system and whereby the second characteristic can vary from key to key in the plurality of keys having the same first characteristic, with the particular second characteristic of each key predetermined to activate certain other functions in the system in a manner unique to each key.

2. The key activated system of claim 1, wherein the key receptacle is an automobile ignition key receptacle and the first characteristic on each key is the unique design of the key that permits a particular key to operate a particular ignition system and the second characteristic on each key is used to operate other functions of the automobile .

3. The key activated system of claim 2, wherein the other functions of the automobile that can be operated by the second characteristic of each key in a unique manner

^Γûá12- include seat positions, mirror positions, steering wheel positions, acceleration and speed limits, locking of a glove compartment, hood and trunk, gas pedal movement, and air bag disengagement.

4. The key activated system of claim 2, wherein the first characteristic of each key is a series of ridges and depressions which align with and move a plurality of corresponding spring mounted, two-piece pins in a plug in the key receptacle, and wherein the second characteristic is a further ridge which is aligned with and moves a further pin in the plug in the key receptacle, wherein the second characteristic is varied from key to key by varying the height of the further ridge, and wherein the means for detecting the second characteristic is a sensor receiving the further pin and generating a signal which is related to the length of the further pin extending in the sensor, and whereby the other functions in the automobile are controlled in a unique manner as determined by the signal generated by the sensor.

5. The key activated system of claim 4, wherein the sensor varies an electrical resistance therein in response to the length of the further pin extending into the sensor.

6. The key activated system of claim 4, wherein the further pin includes a main pin element contacting the further ridge and remaining in the plug of the key receptacle, and a plurality of separate master wafers stacked above the main pin element and extending into the sensor, with the sensor detecting the number of master wafers received therein and thereby generating therefrom the signal for controlling the other functions of the automobile .

^Γûá13-

7. The key activated system of claim 2, wherein the second characteristic of each key is an insulated resistor mounted to each key and having a unique resistance for each of the plurality of keys, and wherein the means for detecting the second characteristic is a resistance measuring means contacting the resistor which generates a unique resistance signal which is used to control the other functions in the automobile in a unique manner as determined by the resistance of the resistor.

8. The key activated system of claim 2, wherein the first characteristic of each key is one or more magnetic areas on the key and corresponding magnetic areas in the key receptacle.

9. The key activated system of claim 2, wherein the first characteristic of each key is a first transponder on each key which activates a first receiver in the automobile .

10. The key activated system of claim 2, wherein the first characteristic of each key is one or more grooves extending into the key and having a series of ridges or depressions which align with and move a plurality of corresponding spring mounted, two-piece pins in a plug in the key receptacle.

ΓÇó14-