EP0293948B1 - Key head and key with such a head - Google Patents

Key head and key with such a head Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0293948B1
EP0293948B1 EP88200446A EP88200446A EP0293948B1 EP 0293948 B1 EP0293948 B1 EP 0293948B1 EP 88200446 A EP88200446 A EP 88200446A EP 88200446 A EP88200446 A EP 88200446A EP 0293948 B1 EP0293948 B1 EP 0293948B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
key
casing
cut
out section
head
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP88200446A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0293948A1 (en
Inventor
Gérard Deslandes
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
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Individual
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to AT88200446T priority Critical patent/ATE84842T1/en
Publication of EP0293948A1 publication Critical patent/EP0293948A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0293948B1 publication Critical patent/EP0293948B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B19/00—Keys; Accessories therefor
    • E05B19/04—Construction of the bow or head of the key; Attaching the bow to the shank
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T70/00—Locks
    • Y10T70/70—Operating mechanism
    • Y10T70/7441—Key
    • Y10T70/778—Operating elements
    • Y10T70/7791—Keys
    • Y10T70/7876—Bow or head
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T70/00—Locks
    • Y10T70/80—Parts, attachments, accessories and adjuncts
    • Y10T70/8432—For key-operated mechanism
    • Y10T70/8676—Key holders

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a key head according to the preamble of claim 1. It also relates to a key having such a head.
  • a key head formed of a housing capable of forming per se an ornamental object and for receiving a key (see patent in the United States of America No. 3,349,589).
  • the housing of this known key head has a downward opening which allows passage not only of the bit but also of the head of a key.
  • the latter is held inside the housing cavity by an elastic element with two clamping arms, capable of snapping into a recess in the head.
  • the head of the key can therefore be pushed into the housing or removed from it through the passage opening, which allows for example to lend the key, without simultaneously lending the ornamental housing.
  • this box is not adaptable to any common key, it has the disadvantage that the key is not rigidly fixed inside the box which must pose problems of transmission of forces. pulling, pushing and twisting the fingers on the key bit.
  • the metallic head is provided with a reinforcing device in the form of rigid housing (see French patent application No. 2448607).
  • This box is however only intended for whole keys and therefore does not allow use on several successive keys of different shapes.
  • the means for blocking and fixing the key in the housing are partially visible from the outside, which would be a major drawback for the use of this reinforcement device as a jewel.
  • they are not adjustable depending on the thickness of the key used.
  • a somewhat similar device is disclosed in the United States of America No. 2,759,279.
  • boxes are known which are intended to surround key heads so as to enclose in the box not only the key head, but also coins (see patent in the United States of America 4,102,166).
  • Keys are also known whose metal head is coated with a plastic or other coating, which makes it possible to differentiate one key from the other. Often, provision is made prior to coating for cutting the key head. Only the cut section is coated with plastics material or introduced into a plastic casing (see French patent application No. 2,411,650 and patent application Federal Republic of Germany No. 2739062).
  • deformable plastic envelopes in which the key heads can be fitted and by which they are partially covered.
  • These envelopes serve only as a means of distinguishing one key from another, and normally such an envelope is not intended to be removed from the key on which it is located again, although this is possible.
  • we remove such an envelope when it is worn or torn and we want to replace it with another, new or another color. If the removed envelope is not damaged, it can possibly be used as long as the key to be wrapped has the same head shape as the previous one.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a key head which is intended to form a jewel or precious and ornamental object in itself, the means for fixing, positioning and assembly of which are not visible from the outside or are visible. to a very small extent.
  • This key head must be able to be used for any different keys, successively, at the discretion of the user. It is the key head which is intended to be kept by the user and, for example, when he changes car, the key of his next car must be able to be used using the key head according to the invention, in a way which allows perfect transmission of tensile, pushing and twisting forces applied to the key head according to the invention to the key bit.
  • the key head must therefore not allow any relative movement between it and the bit during the operation of the key, whatever whatever the dimensions of the key used, and in particular its thickness. Finally, the replacement of one key by another in the box of the key head according to the invention must be easy to carry out by the user himself. Only the cutting of the current key head must still be carried out by a special device that is found at any key dealer.
  • FIG. 1 represents an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a key provided with a key head according to the invention.
  • FIG. 2 represents a perspective view, in the assembled state, of the key according to FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3 represents a front view, from the inside, of the part of the housing to be assembled carrying the means for positioning and fixing the cut section and the bit of the common key used.
  • FIG. 4 shows a sectional view, along the line IV-IV of Figure 2, on an enlarged scale.
  • Figure 5 shows a partial cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment according to the invention.
  • a key head intended to successively receive keys of different shapes is used as jewelry or as an ornamental object.
  • This key head comprises a rigid housing 1 having two opposite walls 2, 3 forming gripping surfaces on the external side. These gripping surfaces are used not only to receive the tensile, pushing or twisting forces printed by the fingers, to transmit them to the key, but also possibly decorative surfaces.
  • the housing 1 further comprises a peripheral wall 4 disposed between the two grip walls 2 and 3. The latter and the peripheral wall 4 form the enclosure of an internal cavity 5 of the housing 1.
  • a cut-out section 6 of the head of any common key, including keys for automobile, can be removably housed, as shown in Figure 1.
  • the peripheral wall 4 of the housing 1 has an opening 7 which is located near the cavity 5 and is intended to allow the passage of the bit 8 of the current key used outside the housing 1.
  • the housing 1 is formed of two parts to be assembled.
  • one of them 9 comprises the grip wall 3 and the parts 10, 11 of the peripheral wall 4, located on either side of the passage opening 7 for the bit 8.
  • This part to be assembled 9 door on the side facing the inside of the housing, means for positioning the cut section 6 of the head of the common key used.
  • these positioning means consist of a recess 12 provided on the internal face of the grip wall 3.
  • This recess has an approximately rectangular shape, with slightly rounded corners. It is limited in the longitudinal direction of the bit on one side by the parts 10 and 11 of the peripheral wall 4, located on either side of the passage opening 7 for the bit, and on the opposite side by thickening internal 14 of the intake wall 3 which partially fills the cavity 5.
  • the recess 12 is limited by two ribs 15, 16, projecting inwards relative to the internal face of the intake wall 3.
  • the recess 12 thus has a predetermined shape whose peripheral outline is expected to be smaller than any common key head. It can therefore always be cut according to the contour of the recess.
  • the parts 10 and 11 of the peripheral wall 4, on the one hand, and the thickening 14, on the other hand serve as stops which, while being in abutment against the peripheral contour of the cut section 6 of the key, prevent any movement of the bit 8 and the cut section 6 relative to the part 9 of the housing 1, in the longitudinal direction of the bit.
  • the ribs 15, 16 also serve as stops which, by pressing against the peripheral contour of the cut section 6 of the key, prevent any displacement of the bit 8 and the cut section 6 relative to, the part 9 of the housing 1 , laterally to the longitudinal direction of the bit. Therefore, once the cut section, positioned in the part to be assembled 9 of the housing 1, the bit 8 and the cut section 6 can no longer make relative movement relative to this part of the housing 9, in their plane.
  • the parts 10 and 11 of the peripheral wall 4 and the thickening 14 project widely inwards beyond the upper edge of the recess formed by the top of the ribs lateral 15 and 16.
  • the arrangement of the positioning means may be different from that described and illustrated.
  • the part 9 of the housing which carries the positioning means described above, also carries, also on the side facing inwards. of the housing 1, detachable fixing means, which are capable of fixing the cut section, positioned, so as to prevent any rotational movement of the cut section 6 relative to this housing part 9.
  • these means fastening means comprise a spring leaf 17 which partially or completely covers the cut out section 6 positioned, as well as clamping screws 18, 19 which are passed through two perforations provided at the ends of the spring leaf 17 and which are tightened in threaded holes 20, 21 provided at the top of the lateral ribs 15, 16 described above.
  • the spring blade 17 tightly clamped fixes the cut section 6 in its positioning means, whatever the thickness of the cut section 6.
  • the key head according to the invention further comprises additional fixing means.
  • additional fixing means include two cylindrical head screws 22, 23. These are to be screwed into tapped holes 24, 25 formed at the bottom of recesses 26, 27 provided in the thickening 14.
  • These recesses 26, 27, located in position adjacent to the recess 12 are open laterally on the latter, so that, when the screws 22, 23 are tightened, part of their head protrudes into the recess 12.
  • the bottom of these recesses 26, 27 is provided at the height of the edge of the recess 12 or at a lower level.
  • the leaf spring is cut at 28, 29, so as to free the passage of the head of the screws 22, 23, during their tightening. Whatever the thickness of the cut section 6 of the common key used, when tightening the screws, 22, 23, these will fix the cut section in its positioning means.
  • the thickening 14 of the part 9 of the housing 1 and the parts 10 and 11 of the peripheral wall 4 are cut along the lateral edges 30, 31 so as to form a tenon in tail dovetails.
  • the other part to be assembled 32 of the housing 1 comprises the grip wall 2 and the upper lateral sections of the peripheral wall 4.
  • the latter are shaped so as to form with the grip wall 2 a notch 33 whose shape corresponds to that of the aforementioned dovetail tenon.
  • the line is interrupted by an orifice formed by two semicircular recesses 34, 35 made in each of the parts to be assembled 9 and 32.
  • a screw 36 is passed through this orifice and tightened in a tapped hole not shown, provided laterally in thickening 14.
  • the means for stopping the sliding of the housing part 32 on the part 9, that is to say the screw 36, is arranged on the peripheral wall of the housing, therefore in a very discreet location. and little annoying for the external aspect of a jewel.
  • This screw 36 could be replaced, for example, by a self-locking push button.
  • a chain 37 To connect the key according to the invention to a keychain, one can provide a chain 37.
  • a housing 38 is hollowed out in the thickening 14. This housing is open towards the outside by a thinned opening 39 into which the last link of the chain can be slid.
  • a chain end ball, known per se, 40 is received in the housing and has a diameter greater than the opening 39, so as to retain the chain on the key head according to the invention in the assembled state of the latter.
  • the rigid case 1, provided in the form of a jewel can for example be made of precious metal or alloy, or of a decorative rigid material, possibly filled with precious elements, such as precious or semi-precious stones.
  • the gripping surfaces 2, 3 of the walls can be engraved or decorated in any way.
  • the key head according to the invention can thus form a quality object that the user may possibly wish to keep throughout his life.
  • the key head according to the invention offers this advantage since it is possible to adapt it in a detachable and easily replaceable manner to
  • the key head according to the invention is adaptable to any common key, whatever the dimensions of the head thereof, and in particular whatever the thickness thereof. this.
  • the transmission of forces from the fingers to the bit poses no problem following a change of key, and the assembly and disassembly of the key head are easy even for the owner of the jewel.
  • the upper lateral sections (of which only section 41 is shown) of the peripheral wall 4 are provided on their sliding face parallel to the grip surface 2 with an open housing 42
  • a positioning ball 43 which is pushed outwards by a spring 44, in the direction of the opening of the housing 42, so that it projects partially out of the housing, before assembly.
  • the opening of the housing 42 is in fact slightly smaller than the diameter of the ball 43 and it prevents a complete expulsion thereof under the action of the spring 44.
  • the ball is fully inserted inside the housing 42, against the force of the spring 44.

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  • Electrophonic Musical Instruments (AREA)
  • Supports Or Holders For Household Use (AREA)
  • Adornments (AREA)
  • Purses, Travelling Bags, Baskets, Or Suitcases (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analysing Materials By The Use Of Chemical Reactions (AREA)

Abstract

Key head that constitutes a piece of jewelry designed to be fitted, successively, with various keys and that comprises a case consisting of two parts to be assembled (9,32) at least, one of which (9) is fitted on the inner side with locking means (10-12, 14-16) that prevent any displacement of the cut section (6) of the key and of the bit (8) in relation to the aforesaid part of the case, in their plane, as well as, also on the inner side, with removable means of fixation (17 and/or 22,23) for the cut section in the locked position so as to prevent any rotary movement of this section and of the bit in relation to this part of the case, with these locking means and means of fixation not visible from the outside, subsequent to assembling.

Description

La présente invention est relative à une tête de clé selon le préamabule de la revendication 1. Elle concerne également une clé présentant une telle tête.The present invention relates to a key head according to the preamble of claim 1. It also relates to a key having such a head.

Une tête de clé de ce genre a déjà été décrite dans le brevet belge no 904.684 délivré à la présente demanderesse. Cette tête de clé connue est destinée à servir de bijou que l'on conserve et sur lequel diverses clés successives peuvent être adaptées. Toutefois, cette tête de clé présente l'inconvénient que seules les parois de prise sont prévues pour bloquer la section découpée de la clé dans la cavité du boîtier de façon à empêcher tout mouvement de rotation de la section découpée par rapport audit boîtier. Par conséquent, dès que la clé utilisée présente un épaisseur très légèrement inférieure à la paroi périphérique du boîtier il existe la possibilité d'un déplacement relatif non souhaitable entre le panneton et le boîtier. D'autre part les seuls moyens d'assemblage décrits pour la tête de clé suivant ce brevet sont des moyens de collage. Ces moyens présentent l'inconvénient que le changement de la clé ne peut se faire par un particulier, un bijoutier ou le vendeur de la tête de clé, qui seul connaît le solvant approprié et son mode d'emploi, devant nécessairement intervenir.One such key head has been described in Belgian Patent No. 904,684 issued to the present applicant. This known key head is intended to serve as a jewel which is kept and on which various successive keys can be adapted. However, this key head has the disadvantage that only the grip walls are provided for blocking the cut section of the key in the housing cavity so as to prevent any rotational movement of the cut section relative to said housing. Consequently, as soon as the key used has a thickness very slightly less than the peripheral wall of the case, there is the possibility of an undesirable relative displacement between the bit. and the housing. On the other hand the only assembly means described for the key head according to this patent are bonding means. These means have the disadvantage that the key cannot be changed by an individual, a jeweler or the seller of the key head, who alone knows the appropriate solvent and its instructions for use, which must necessarily intervene.

On connaît aussi une tête de clé formée d'un boîtier pouvant former en soi un objet ornemental et destiné à recevoir une clé (voir brevet aux Etats-Unis d'Amérique no 3.349.589). Le boîtier de cette tête de clé connue présente une ouverture vers le bas qui permet le passage non seulement du panneton mais également de la tête d'une clé. Cette dernière est maintenue à l'intérieur de la cavité du boîtier par un élément élastique à deux bras de serrage, capable de s'encliqueter dans un évidement de la tête. La tête de la clé peut donc être enfoncée dans le boîtier ou en être retirée par l'ouverture de passage, ce qui permet par exemple de prêter la clé, sans prêter simultanément le boîtier ornemental. En plus du fait que ce boîtier n'est pas adaptable sur n'importe quelle clé courante, il présente l'inconvénient que la clé n'est pas rigidement fixée à l'intérieur du boîtier ce qui doit poser des problèmes de transmission des efforts de traction, de poussée et de torsion des doigts au panneton de la clé.Also known is a key head formed of a housing capable of forming per se an ornamental object and for receiving a key (see patent in the United States of America No. 3,349,589). The housing of this known key head has a downward opening which allows passage not only of the bit but also of the head of a key. The latter is held inside the housing cavity by an elastic element with two clamping arms, capable of snapping into a recess in the head. The head of the key can therefore be pushed into the housing or removed from it through the passage opening, which allows for example to lend the key, without simultaneously lending the ornamental housing. In addition to the fact that this box is not adaptable to any common key, it has the disadvantage that the key is not rigidly fixed inside the box which must pose problems of transmission of forces. pulling, pushing and twisting the fingers on the key bit.

On connaît également des clés dont la tête métallique est pourvue d'un dispositif de renforcement en forme de boîtier rigide (voir demande de brevet française no 2448607). Ce boîtier n'est toutefois prévu que pour des clés entières et ne permet donc pas une utilisation sur plusieurs clés successives de formes différentes. D'autre part les moyens de blocage et de fixation de la clé dans le boîtier sont partiellement visibles de l'extérieur, ce qui serait un gros inconvénient pour l'utilisation de ce dispositif de renforcement comme bijou. De plus, ils ne sont pas ajustables en fonction de l'épaisseur de la clé utilisée. Un dispositif relativement semblable est décrit dans le brevet aux Etats-Unis d'Amérique no 2.759.279.Also known key, the metallic head is provided with a reinforcing device in the form of rigid housing (see French patent application No. 2448607). This box is however only intended for whole keys and therefore does not allow use on several successive keys of different shapes. On the other hand, the means for blocking and fixing the key in the housing are partially visible from the outside, which would be a major drawback for the use of this reinforcement device as a jewel. In addition, they are not adjustable depending on the thickness of the key used. A somewhat similar device is disclosed in the United States of America No. 2,759,279.

On connaît d'autre part des boîtiers destinés à entourer des têtes de clé de manière à enfermer dans le boîtier non seulement la tête de clé, mais aussi des pièces de monnaie (voir brevet aux Etats-Unis d'Amérique 4.102.166).On the other hand, boxes are known which are intended to surround key heads so as to enclose in the box not only the key head, but also coins (see patent in the United States of America 4,102,166).

On connaît aussi des clés dont la tête métallique est enrobée d'un revêtement en matière plastique ou autre, qui permet de différencier une clé de l'autre. Souvent, on prévoit préalablement à l'enrobage une découpe de la tête de clé. Seule la section découpée est enrobée de matière plastique ou introduite dans une enveloppe en matière plastique (voir demande de brevet française no 2411650 et demande de brevet en République Fédérale Allemande no 2739062).Keys are also known whose metal head is coated with a plastic or other coating, which makes it possible to differentiate one key from the other. Often, provision is made prior to coating for cutting the key head. Only the cut section is coated with plastics material or introduced into a plastic casing (see French patent application No. 2,411,650 and patent application Federal Republic of Germany No. 2739062).

On connaît par ailleurs un boîtier en matière synthétique destiné à renfermer une tête de clé encore solidaire de son panneton. La clé est fixée de manière rudimentaire par vissage à l'intérieur du boîtier (voir DE-U-7043113). Si, dans ce document, on prévoit un encodage spécial du boîtier, il est impossible d'y trouver un quelconque enseignement à propos de la transmission des forces entre le boîtier et la clé renfermée.There is also known a plastic housing intended to enclose a key head still integral with its bit. The key is fixed in a rudimentary way by screwing inside the case (see DE-U-7043113). If, in this document, provision is made for a special encoding of the housing, it is impossible to find any teaching therein concerning the transmission of forces between the housing and the enclosed key.

On connaît enfin, notamment pour les clés à tête circulaire, des enveloppes en matière plastique déformable dans lesquelles les têtes de clé peuvent être emmanchées et par lesquelles elles sont partiellement recouvertes. Ces enveloppes servent uniquement de moyen pour différencier une clé d'une autre, et normalement une enveloppe de ce genre n'est pas destinée à être à nouveau enlevée de la clé sur laquelle elle se trouve, bien que cela soit possible. En réalité, on ôte une telle enveloppe lorsqu'elle est usée ou déchirée et qu'on veut la remplacer par une autre, neuve ou d'une autre couleur. Si l'enveloppe ôtée n'est pas abîmée, elle peut éventuellement resservir pour autant toutefois que la clé à envelopper ait la même forme de tête que la précédente.Finally, known in particular for keys with circular heads, deformable plastic envelopes in which the key heads can be fitted and by which they are partially covered. These envelopes serve only as a means of distinguishing one key from another, and normally such an envelope is not intended to be removed from the key on which it is located again, although this is possible. In reality, we remove such an envelope when it is worn or torn and we want to replace it with another, new or another color. If the removed envelope is not damaged, it can possibly be used as long as the key to be wrapped has the same head shape as the previous one.

La présente invention a pour but de prévoir une tête de clé qui soit destinée à former un bijou ou objet précieux et ornemental en soi, dont les moyens de fixation, de positionnement et d'assemblage ne sont pas visibles de l'extérieur ou sont apparents dans une mesure très réduite. Cette tête de clé doit pouvoir servir à différentes clés quelconques, successivement, au gré de la volonté de l'utilisateur. C'est la tête de clé qui est destinée à être conservée par l'utilisateur et, par exemple, lorsqu'il change de voiture, la clé de sa voiture suivante doit pouvoir être utilisée à l'aide de la tête de clé suivant l'invention, d'une manière qui permette une transmission parfaite des efforts de traction, de poussée et de torsion appliqués sur la tête de clé suivant l'invention au panneton de la clé. La tête de clé ne doit donc permettre aucun déplacement relatif entre elle et le panneton pendant la manoeuvre de la clé, quelles que soient les dimensions de la clé mise en oeuvre, et en particulier de son épaisseur. Enfin, le remplacement d'une clé par une autre dans le boitier de la tête de clé suivant l'invention doit être aisé à effectuer par l'utilisateur lui-même. Seule la découpe de la tête de clé courante doit encore être réalisée par un dispositif spécial que l'on trouve chez n'importe quel marchand de clés.The object of the present invention is to provide a key head which is intended to form a jewel or precious and ornamental object in itself, the means for fixing, positioning and assembly of which are not visible from the outside or are visible. to a very small extent. This key head must be able to be used for any different keys, successively, at the discretion of the user. It is the key head which is intended to be kept by the user and, for example, when he changes car, the key of his next car must be able to be used using the key head according to the invention, in a way which allows perfect transmission of tensile, pushing and twisting forces applied to the key head according to the invention to the key bit. The key head must therefore not allow any relative movement between it and the bit during the operation of the key, whatever whatever the dimensions of the key used, and in particular its thickness. Finally, the replacement of one key by another in the box of the key head according to the invention must be easy to carry out by the user himself. Only the cutting of the current key head must still be carried out by a special device that is found at any key dealer.

On résout ces problèmes, suivant l'invention, par une tête de clé, telle que décrite au début, qui présente les particularités indiquées dans la partie caractérisante de la revendication 1These problems are solved, according to the invention, by a key head, as described at the start, which has the features indicated in the characterizing part of claim 1

Des développements avantageux de l'invention font l'objet des revendications défendantes.Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject of the defending claims.

D'autres détails et particularités de l'invention ressortiront de la description donnée ci-après, à titre non limitatif et avec référence aux dessins annexés.Other details and particularities of the invention will emerge from the description given below, without implied limitation and with reference to the attached drawings.

La figure 1 représente une vue en perspective, éclatée, d'une forme de réalisation de clé pourvue d'une tête de clé suivant l'invention.FIG. 1 represents an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a key provided with a key head according to the invention.

La figure 2 représente une vue en perspective, à l'état monté, de la clé suivant la figure 1.FIG. 2 represents a perspective view, in the assembled state, of the key according to FIG. 1.

La figure 3 représente une vue frontale, de l'intérieur, de la partie du boîtier à assembler portant les moyens de positionnement et de fixation de la section découpée et du panneton de la clé courante mise en oeuvre.FIG. 3 represents a front view, from the inside, of the part of the housing to be assembled carrying the means for positioning and fixing the cut section and the bit of the common key used.

La figure 4 représente une vue en coupe, suivant la ligne IV-IV de la figure 2, à l'échelle agrandie.4 shows a sectional view, along the line IV-IV of Figure 2, on an enlarged scale.

La figure 5 représente une vue en coupe transversale, partielle, d'une variante de réalisation suivant l'invention.Figure 5 shows a partial cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment according to the invention.

Sur les dessins, les éléments identiques ou analogues sont désignés par les mêmes références.In the drawings, identical or analogous elements are designated by the same references.

Ainsi qu'il ressort de l'exemple de réalisation illustré sur les figures 1 à 4, on utilise, à titre de bijou ou d'objet ornemental, une tête de clé destinée à recevoir successivement des clés de formes différentes. Cette tête de clé comprend un boîtier rigide 1 présentant deux parois opposées 2, 3 formant des surfaces de prise du côté externe. Ces surfaces de prise servent non seulement à recevoir les efforts de traction, de poussée ou de torsion imprimés par les doigts, pour les transmettre à la clé, mais aussi de surfaces éventuellement décoratives. Le boîtier 1 comprend en outre une paroi périphérique 4 disposée entre les deux parois de prise 2 et 3. Ces dernières et la paroi périphérique 4 forment l'enceinte d'une cavité interne 5 du boîtier 1. Dans celle-ci, une section découpée 6 de la tête de n'importe quelle clé courante, y compris de clés pour automobile, peut être logée de manière amovible, ainsi qu'il ressort de la figure 1. La paroi périphérique 4 du boîtier 1 présente une ouverture 7 qui est située à proximité de la cavité 5 et est destinée à permettre le passage du panneton 8 de la clé courante utilisée hors du boîtier 1.As is apparent from the illustrated embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 4, a key head intended to successively receive keys of different shapes is used as jewelry or as an ornamental object. This key head comprises a rigid housing 1 having two opposite walls 2, 3 forming gripping surfaces on the external side. These gripping surfaces are used not only to receive the tensile, pushing or twisting forces printed by the fingers, to transmit them to the key, but also possibly decorative surfaces. The housing 1 further comprises a peripheral wall 4 disposed between the two grip walls 2 and 3. The latter and the peripheral wall 4 form the enclosure of an internal cavity 5 of the housing 1. In this, a cut-out section 6 of the head of any common key, including keys for automobile, can be removably housed, as shown in Figure 1. The peripheral wall 4 of the housing 1 has an opening 7 which is located near the cavity 5 and is intended to allow the passage of the bit 8 of the current key used outside the housing 1.

Ainsi qu'il ressort de la figure 1, dans l'exemple de réalisation illustré, le boîtier 1 est formé de deux parties à assembler. Dans le cas illustré, l'une d'elles 9 comprend la paroi de prise 3 et les parties 10, 11 de la paroi périphérique 4, situées de part et d'autre de l'ouverture de passage 7 pour le panneton 8. Cette partie à assembler 9 porte, du côté tourné vers l'intérieur du boîtier, des moyens de positionnement de la section découpée 6 de la tête de la clé courante utilisée. Ici ces moyens de positionnement consistent en un évidement 12 prévu sur la face interne de la paroi de prise 3. Cet évidement a une forme approximativement rectangulaire, aux coins légèrement arrondis. Il est limité dans la direction longitudinale du panneton d'un côté par les parties 10 et 11 de la paroi périphérique 4, situées de part et d'autre de l'ouverture de passage 7 pour le panneton, et du côté opposé par un épaississement interne 14 de la paroi de prise 3 qui remplit partiellement la cavité 5. Latéralement à cette direction, l'évidement 12 est limité par deux nervures 15, 16, faisant saillie vers l'intérieur par rapport à la face interne de la paroi de prise 3. L'évidement 12 présente ainsi une forme prédéterminée dont le contour périphérique est prévu plus petit que n'importe quelle tête de clé courante. Celle-ci peut donc toujours être découpée selon le contour de l'évidement.As shown in Figure 1, in the illustrated embodiment, the housing 1 is formed of two parts to be assembled. In the illustrated case, one of them 9 comprises the grip wall 3 and the parts 10, 11 of the peripheral wall 4, located on either side of the passage opening 7 for the bit 8. This part to be assembled 9 door, on the side facing the inside of the housing, means for positioning the cut section 6 of the head of the common key used. Here, these positioning means consist of a recess 12 provided on the internal face of the grip wall 3. This recess has an approximately rectangular shape, with slightly rounded corners. It is limited in the longitudinal direction of the bit on one side by the parts 10 and 11 of the peripheral wall 4, located on either side of the passage opening 7 for the bit, and on the opposite side by thickening internal 14 of the intake wall 3 which partially fills the cavity 5. Laterally in this direction, the recess 12 is limited by two ribs 15, 16, projecting inwards relative to the internal face of the intake wall 3. The recess 12 thus has a predetermined shape whose peripheral outline is expected to be smaller than any common key head. It can therefore always be cut according to the contour of the recess.

En fait, les parties 10 et 11 de la paroi périphérique 4, d'une part, et l'épaississement 14, d'autre part, servent de butées qui, en étant en appui contre le contour périphérique de la section découpée 6 de la clé, empêchent tout déplacement du panneton 8 et de la section découpée 6 par rapport à la partie 9 du boîtier 1, suivant la direction longitudinale du panneton. Les nervures 15, 16 servent également de butées qui, en étant en appui contre le contour périphérique de la section découpée 6 de la clé, empêchent tout déplacement du panneton 8 et de la section découpée 6 par rapport à, la partie 9 du boîtier 1, latéralement à la direction longitudinal du panneton. Donc, une fois la section découpée, positionnée dans la partie à assembler 9 du boîtier 1, le panneton 8 et la section découpée 6 ne peuvent plus effectuer de mouvement relatif par rapport à cette partie du boîtier 9, dans leur plan.In fact, the parts 10 and 11 of the peripheral wall 4, on the one hand, and the thickening 14, on the other hand, serve as stops which, while being in abutment against the peripheral contour of the cut section 6 of the key, prevent any movement of the bit 8 and the cut section 6 relative to the part 9 of the housing 1, in the longitudinal direction of the bit. The ribs 15, 16 also serve as stops which, by pressing against the peripheral contour of the cut section 6 of the key, prevent any displacement of the bit 8 and the cut section 6 relative to, the part 9 of the housing 1 , laterally to the longitudinal direction of the bit. Therefore, once the cut section, positioned in the part to be assembled 9 of the housing 1, the bit 8 and the cut section 6 can no longer make relative movement relative to this part of the housing 9, in their plane.

Dans l'exemple de réalisation illustré, on peut voir que les parties 10 et 11 de la paroi phériphérique 4 et l'épaississement 14 font largement saillie vers l'intérieur au-delà du bord supérieur de l'évidement formé par le sommet des nervures latérales 15 et 16. Il doit être entendu que l'agencement des moyens de positionnement peut être différent de celui décrit et illustré. On pourrait notamment envisager au lieu d'un évidement dont tous les bords sont totalement un appui sur la section découpée de la clé, des butées disposées l'une par rapport à l'autre de façon à être en appui en certains endroits déterminés contre le contour périphérique de la section découpée 6 de la clé. Dans ces formes de réalisation il est de préférence prévu qu'au moins deux parties de butée opposées ou deux bords d'évidement opposés, dans le cas illustré les nervures latérales 15, 16, aient une hauteur au maximum égale à celle des têtes de clé courantes les moins épaisses.In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, it can be seen that the parts 10 and 11 of the peripheral wall 4 and the thickening 14 project widely inwards beyond the upper edge of the recess formed by the top of the ribs lateral 15 and 16. It should be understood that the arrangement of the positioning means may be different from that described and illustrated. One could in particular envisage instead of a recess whose all the edges are completely supported on the cut-out section of the key, stops arranged one relative to the other so as to be supported in certain determined places against the peripheral contour of the cut section 6 of the key. In these embodiments it is preferably provided that at least two opposite abutment parts or two opposite recess edges, in the illustrated case the lateral ribs 15, 16, have a height at most equal to that of the key heads thinner currents.

Un des avantages essentiels de l'invention réside dans le fait que la partie 9 du boîtier, qui porte les moyens de positionnement décrits ci-dessus, porte aussi, également du côté tourné vers l'intérieur du boîtier 1, des moyens de fixation détachables, qui sont capables de fixer la section découpée, positionnée, de façon à empêcher tout mouvement de rotation de la section découpée 6 par rapport à cette partie de boîtier 9. Suivant l'exemple illustré ces moyens de fixation comprennent une lame de ressort 17 qui recouvre partiellement ou totalement la section découpée 6 positionnée, ainsi que des vis de serrage 18, 19 qui sont passées à travers deux perforations prévues aux extrémités de la lame de ressort 17 et qui sont serrées dans des trous taraudés 20, 21 prévus au sommet des nervures latérales 15, 16 décrites précédemment. Comme les nervures 15, 16 ont une hauteur au maximum égale à celle de la section découpée 6 et que la lame 17 est élastique, la lame de ressort 17 serrée à bloc fixe la section découpée 6 dans ses moyens de positionnement, quelle que soit l'épaisseur de la section découpée 6.One of the essential advantages of the invention resides in the fact that the part 9 of the housing, which carries the positioning means described above, also carries, also on the side facing inwards. of the housing 1, detachable fixing means, which are capable of fixing the cut section, positioned, so as to prevent any rotational movement of the cut section 6 relative to this housing part 9. According to the example illustrated, these means fastening means comprise a spring leaf 17 which partially or completely covers the cut out section 6 positioned, as well as clamping screws 18, 19 which are passed through two perforations provided at the ends of the spring leaf 17 and which are tightened in threaded holes 20, 21 provided at the top of the lateral ribs 15, 16 described above. As the ribs 15, 16 have a height at most equal to that of the cut section 6 and the blade 17 is elastic, the spring blade 17 tightly clamped fixes the cut section 6 in its positioning means, whatever the thickness of the cut section 6.

Dans l'exemple de réalisation illustré, la tête de clé suivant l'invention comprend en outre des moyens de fixation supplémentaires. Ceux-ci comprennent deux vis à tête cylindrique 22, 23. Celles-ci sont à visser dans des trous taraudés 24, 25 façonnés au fond d'évidements 26, 27 prévus dans l'épaississement 14. Ces évidements 26, 27, situés en position adjacente à l'évidement 12 sont ouverts latéralement sur celui-ci, de façon que, lors du serrage des vis 22, 23, une partie de leur tête fasse saillie dans l'évidement 12. Le fond de ces évidements 26, 27 est prévu à la hauteur du bord de l'évidement 12 ou à un niveau inférieur. En face des évidements 26, 27, la lame de ressort est découpée en 28, 29, de façon à libérer le passage de la tête des vis 22, 23, lors de leur serrage. Quelle que soit l'épaisseur de la section découpée 6 de la clé courante utilisée, lors du serrage des vis, 22, 23, celles-ci fixeront la section découpée dans ses moyens de positionnement.In the illustrated embodiment, the key head according to the invention further comprises additional fixing means. These include two cylindrical head screws 22, 23. These are to be screwed into tapped holes 24, 25 formed at the bottom of recesses 26, 27 provided in the thickening 14. These recesses 26, 27, located in position adjacent to the recess 12 are open laterally on the latter, so that, when the screws 22, 23 are tightened, part of their head protrudes into the recess 12. The bottom of these recesses 26, 27 is provided at the height of the edge of the recess 12 or at a lower level. Opposite the recesses 26, 27, the leaf spring is cut at 28, 29, so as to free the passage of the head of the screws 22, 23, during their tightening. Whatever the thickness of the cut section 6 of the common key used, when tightening the screws, 22, 23, these will fix the cut section in its positioning means.

Il est évident que l'on peut aussi prévoir l'utilisation uniquement de la lame de ressort 17, ou uniquement les vis de serrage 22, 23.It is obvious that one can also provide for the use only of the leaf spring 17, or only the clamping screws 22, 23.

Il devient donc ainsi possible, avec la tête de clé suivant l'invention, de bloquer tout mouvement relatif entre la section découpée 6 et le panneton 8 d'une clé, d'une part, et la partie 9 du boîtier, d'autre part, et cela avant même de procéder à l'assemblage des parties à assembler du boîtier. Cela facilite le montage et permet l'utilisation de moyens qui, après l'assemblage, seront masqués, c'est-à-dire non visibles de l'extérieur. Pour un bijou cet aspect est en effet très important.It therefore becomes possible, with the key head according to the invention, to block any relative movement between the cut section 6 and the bit 8 of a key, on the one hand, and the part 9 of the housing, on the other part, even before proceeding to assemble the parts to be assembled from the housing. This facilitates assembly and allows the use of means which, after assembly, will be hidden, that is to say not visible from the outside. For a piece of jewelry this aspect is indeed very important.

Suivant la forme de réalisation illustrée, l'épaississement 14 de la partie 9 du boîtier 1 et les parties 10 et 11 de la paroi périphérique 4 sont taillés le long des bords latéraux 30, 31 de manière à former un tenon en queue-d'aronde. L'autre partie à assembler 32 du boîtier 1 comprend la paroi de prise 2 et les sections latérales supérieures de la paroi périphérique 4. Ces dernières sont façonnées de manière à former avec la paroi de prise 2 une entaille 33 dont la forme correspond à celle du tenon en queue-d'aronde précité. On peut aussi faire coulisser la partie à assembler 32 sur ce tenon jusqu'à ce que les deux parties à assembler 9 et 32 soient dans une position de, recouvrement correcte. Dans cette position, on distingue sur les bords latéraux 30, 31 de la tête de clé la ligne de démarcation entre les deux parties à assembler 9 et 32 (v. figure 2). Sur un de ces bords, la ligne est interrompue par un orifice formé de deux évidements en demi-cercle 34, 35 pratiqués dans chacune des parties à assembler 9 et 32. Une vis 36 est passée à travers cet orifice et serrée dans un trou taraudé non représenté, prévu latéralement dans l'épaississement 14.According to the illustrated embodiment, the thickening 14 of the part 9 of the housing 1 and the parts 10 and 11 of the peripheral wall 4 are cut along the lateral edges 30, 31 so as to form a tenon in tail dovetails. The other part to be assembled 32 of the housing 1 comprises the grip wall 2 and the upper lateral sections of the peripheral wall 4. The latter are shaped so as to form with the grip wall 2 a notch 33 whose shape corresponds to that of the aforementioned dovetail tenon. One can also slide the part to be assembled 32 on this tenon until the two parts to be assembled 9 and 32 are in a correct recovery position. In this position, there are on the lateral edges 30, 31 of the key head the line of demarcation between the two parts to be assembled 9 and 32 (see FIG. 2). On one of these edges, the line is interrupted by an orifice formed by two semicircular recesses 34, 35 made in each of the parts to be assembled 9 and 32. A screw 36 is passed through this orifice and tightened in a tapped hole not shown, provided laterally in thickening 14.

Dans cet exemple de réalisation, le moyen d'arrêt du coulissement de la partie de boîtier 32 sur la partie 9, c'est-à-dire la vis 36, est disposé sur la paroi périphérique du boîtier, donc à un endroit très discret et peu gênant pour l'aspect extérieur d'un bijou. Cette vis 36 pourrait être remplacée par exemple par un bouton-poussoir autoblocant. On pourrait évidemment prévoir un assemblage mécanique des parties à assembler du boîtier, dont les moyens apparaîtraient sur l'une ou l'autre surface de prise, mais il serait alors nécessaire de faire participer ces moyens à la décoration du bijou.In this exemplary embodiment, the means for stopping the sliding of the housing part 32 on the part 9, that is to say the screw 36, is arranged on the peripheral wall of the housing, therefore in a very discreet location. and little annoying for the external aspect of a jewel. This screw 36 could be replaced, for example, by a self-locking push button. One could obviously provide a mechanical assembly of the parts to be assembled from the housing, the means of which would appear on one or the other gripping surface, but it would then be necessary to involve these means in the decoration of the jewel.

Pour relier la clé suivant l'invention à un porte-clé, on peut prévoir une chaînette 37. Dans l'exemple de réalisation illustré, un logement 38 est évidé dans l'épaississement 14. Ce logement est ouvert vers l'extérieur par une ouverture amincie 39 dans laquelle peut être glissé le dernier maillon de la chaînette. Une bille d'extrémité de chaîne, connue en soi, 40 est reçue dans le logement et elle présente un diamètre supérieur à l'ouverture 39, de façon à retenir la chaînette sur la tête de clé suivant l'invention à l'état assemblé de cette dernière.
Le boîtier rigide 1, prévu en forme de bijou, peut être par exemple en métal ou alliage précieux, ou en une matière rigide décorative, éventuellement garnie d'éléments précieux, tels que des pierres précieuses ou semi-précieuses. Les surfaces de prise 2, 3 des parois peuvent être gravées ou décorées d'une manière quelconque. La tête de clé suivant l'invention peut ainsi former un objet de qualité que l'utilisateur peut éventuellement souhaiter garder toute sa vie durant. La tête de clé suivant l'invention offre cet avantage puisqu'on peut y adapter de manière détachable et aisément remplaçable le panneton de n'importe quelle clé courante.To connect the key according to the invention to a keychain, one can provide a chain 37. In the illustrated embodiment, a housing 38 is hollowed out in the thickening 14. This housing is open towards the outside by a thinned opening 39 into which the last link of the chain can be slid. A chain end ball, known per se, 40 is received in the housing and has a diameter greater than the opening 39, so as to retain the chain on the key head according to the invention in the assembled state of the latter.
The rigid case 1, provided in the form of a jewel, can for example be made of precious metal or alloy, or of a decorative rigid material, possibly filled with precious elements, such as precious or semi-precious stones. The gripping surfaces 2, 3 of the walls can be engraved or decorated in any way. The key head according to the invention can thus form a quality object that the user may possibly wish to keep throughout his life. The key head according to the invention offers this advantage since it is possible to adapt it in a detachable and easily replaceable manner to the bit of any common key.

En plus de sa qualité de bijou, la tête de clé suivant l'invention est adaptable sur n'importe quelle clé courante, quelle que soit les dimensions la tête de celle-ci, et en particulier quelle que soit l'épaisseur de celle-ci. La transmission des efforts depuis les doigts au panneton ne pose aucun problème à la suite d'un changement de clé, et le montage et le démontage de la tête de clé sont aisés même pour le propriétaire du bijou.In addition to its quality of jewel, the key head according to the invention is adaptable to any common key, whatever the dimensions of the head thereof, and in particular whatever the thickness thereof. this. The transmission of forces from the fingers to the bit poses no problem following a change of key, and the assembly and disassembly of the key head are easy even for the owner of the jewel.

Il doit aussi être entendu que par l'expression "tête de clé formant en soi un bijou ou élément analogue" il faut comprendre qu'elle forme non seulement un bijou précieux, mais aussi un objet décoratif non précieux en soi, tel qu'un support de petite horloge ou d'image. On peut même concevoir le boîtier suivant l'invention comme un support d'annonce.It should also be understood that by the expression "key head forming in itself a jewel or the like" it must be understood that it forms not only a precious jewel, but also a decorative object which is not precious in itself, such as a small clock stand or image. It is even possible to conceive of the box according to the invention as an advertising medium.

Ainsi qu'il ressort de la figure 5, on peut prévoir, au lieu d'une fixation par vissage en 34 pour assembler les parties de boîtier 9 et 32 (voir figures 1 à 4), des moyens qui coopèrent en position d'assemblage de façon telle qu'ils ne sont plus visibles de l'extérieur en position d'assemblage.As can be seen from FIG. 5, one can provide, instead of a screw fastening at 34 for assembling the housing parts 9 and 32 (see FIGS. 1 to 4), means which cooperate in the assembly position. in such a way that they are no longer visible from the outside in the assembly position.

Dans l'exemple de réalisation illustré sur la figure 5, les sections latérales supérieures( dont seule la section 41 est représentée) de la paroi périphérique 4 sont pourvues sur leur face de coulissement parallèle à la surface de prise 2 d'un logement ouvert 42. Dans ce logement 42 est agencée une bille de positionnement 43 qui est poussée vers l'extérieur par un ressort 44, en direction de l'ouverture du logement 42, de façon qu'elle fasse partiellement saillie hors du logement, avant l'assemblage. L'ouverture du logement 42 est en effet légèrement inférieure au diamètre de la bille 43 et elle empêche une expulsion complète de celle-ci sous l'action du ressort 44. Au cours du coulissement de la partie de boîtier 32 sur la partie de boîtier 9, la bille est enfoncée totalement à l'intérieur du logement 42, à l'encontre de la force du ressort 44. Les sections latérales inférieures (dont seule la section 45 est représentée sur la figure 5) de la paroi 4 sont pourvues sur leur face de coulissement parallèle à la surface de prise 3 d'un évidement 46. Cet évidement présente une forme capable de coopérer avec la bille 43. Lorsque celle-ci, par coulissement, est amenée en face de l'évidement 46, elle y pénètre sous l'action du ressort 44 et bloque le coulissement. La bille 43 et l'évidement 46 sont mutuellement agencés de façon que ce blocage ait lieu en position d'assemblage des parties du boîtier 1.In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the upper lateral sections (of which only section 41 is shown) of the peripheral wall 4 are provided on their sliding face parallel to the grip surface 2 with an open housing 42 In this housing 42 is arranged a positioning ball 43 which is pushed outwards by a spring 44, in the direction of the opening of the housing 42, so that it projects partially out of the housing, before assembly. . The opening of the housing 42 is in fact slightly smaller than the diameter of the ball 43 and it prevents a complete expulsion thereof under the action of the spring 44. During the sliding of the housing part 32 on the housing part 9, the ball is fully inserted inside the housing 42, against the force of the spring 44. The lower lateral sections (of which only the section 45 is shown in FIG. 5) of the wall 4 are provided on their sliding face parallel to the gripping surface 3 of a recess 46. This recess has a shape capable of cooperating with the ball 43. When the latter, by sliding, is brought in front of the recess 46, it penetrates under the action of spring 44 and blocks the sliding. The ball 43 and the recess 46 are mutually arranged so that this blocking takes place in the assembly position of the parts of the housing 1.

Claims (12)

  1. A key-head forming by itself a piece of jewellery or similar element, intended to receive successively keys of different shapes, including a rigid casing (1) formed from at least two parts (9, 32) to be assembled which are held together in a detachable manner by assembly means, this casing having two opposite walls (2, 3) forming engagement surfaces, a peripheral wall (4) disposed between the two engagement walls (2, 3) and an internal cavity (5) for receiving, in a removable manner, a section (6) cut out according to a predetermined contour of the head of any standard key, including keys for motor vehicles, the peripheral wall (4) of the casing (1) having an opening (7) for the passage of the web (8) of the standard key, which opening is narrower than a part of the cut-out section of the key, and means for positioning the key-head cut-out section (6) inside the cavity (5) of the casing (1) in a position adjacent to the aforementioned passage opening (7), these means being disposed with respect to each other so as to bear against at least one part of the predetermined contour of the cut-out section (6) of the key-head, the said means for positioning the cut-out section (6) not being visible from the outside, after assembly of the casing parts (9, 32) to be assembled, characterised in that one (9) of the parts of the casing (1) to be assembled carries, on the side facing the interior of the casing (1), all the said positioning means in the form of a recess (12) provided on the internal face of the engagement wall (3) which this casing part (9) includes, this recess (12) having a predetermined shape, the peripheral contour of which is provided to be smaller than any standard key-head and the depth of which is, at least in places, slightly less than or equal to the thickness of the thinnest standard key-heads, and in that this same part (9) of the casing (1) to be assembled, which carries the said positioning means, furthermore has, also on the side facing the interior of the casing (1), detachable fixing means, which are capable of fixing the cut-out section (6) positioned so as to prevent any rotational movement of the cut-out section (6) and of the web (8) with respect to this casing part, since this cut-out section and web are fixed, especially by screwing, to the said locations on the internal face of the casing part (9) which carries the positioning means and bear on the side of the cut-out section (6), opposite the casing part (9) in which it is positioned, by applying to it a clamping force, these fixing means being adjustable as a function of the thickness of the cut-out section and being able to act, independently of the thickness of the cut-out section, in order to press the latter against the bottom of the abovementioned recess, these fixing means not being visible from the outside, after assembly of the casing parts to be assembled.
  2. A key-head according to claim 1, characterised in that the abovementioned fixing means comprise a spring plate (17) which partially or completely covers the cut-out section (6) in the locking position.
  3. A key-head according to claim 2, characterised in that the spring plate (17) is fixed at its two ends at a point with respect to which the cut-out section (6) projects, especially at the said locations (15, 16) whose thickness is at most equal to those of the thinnest standard key-heads of the said-recess (12).
  4. A key-head according to claim 1, characterised in that the abovementioned fixing means comprise at least one screw (22, 23), capable of being tightened in a tapped hole (24, 25) provided in the internal face of the casing part (9) to be assembled which carries the positioning means and in that, during tightening of the screw or screws (22, 23) when the cut-out section (6) has been positioned, the head of these screws bears partially on the side of the cut-out section (6) opposite the casing part (9) in which it is positioned.
  5. A key-head according to claims 2 and 4, characterised in that the spring plate (17) has one or more cut-outs (28, 29) for enabling one or more screws (22, 23), such as were previously mentioned, to bear on the side of the cut-out section (6) opposite the casing part (9) in which it is positioned.
  6. A key-head according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the said means (30, 31, 33-36) for assembling the casing parts (9, 32) to be assembled are detachable mechanical assembly means, the part of which that is visible from the outside being so only on the peripheral wall (4) of the casing (1).
  7. A key-head according to claim 6, characterised in that the casing comprises two casing parts (9, 32) to be assembled, in that the part (9) carrying the means for positioning and fixing the cut-out section has two opposing edges (30, 31) which are capable of interacting with two corresponding edges of the other casing part (32) so as to enable the latter to slide on the former and in that the key-head comprises at least one means (36) for stopping the said sliding in the assembly position, which means passes right through the peripheral wall (4) of the casing (1).
  8. A key-head according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the said means for assembling the casing parts (9, 32) to be assembled are detachable mechanical assembly means which are carried by the said casing parts, on their side facing the interior, so as not to be visible from the outside after assembly.
  9. A key-head according to claim 8, characterised in that the casing comprises two casing parts (9, 32) to be assembled, in that the part (9) carrying the means for positioning and fixing the cut-out section (6) has two opposing edges (30, 31) which are capable of interacting with two corresponding edges of the other casing part (32) so as to enable the latter to slide on the former and in that the assembly means stop this sliding by interlocking in the assembly position.
  10. A key-head according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the said means for assembling the casing parts (9, 32) to be assembled are detachable mechanical assembly means, for example fixing screws, one part of which is visible from the outside on one or both engagement walls (2, 3), and in that these visible parts of the assembly means contribute to the decoration of the piece of jewellery.
  11. A key-head according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the casing (1) is completely or partially made from a precious alloy or metal or from a precious and/or semi-precious decorative rigid material, and forms by itself a piece of jewellery or the like.
  12. A key characterised in that it includes a key-head according to any one of claims 1 to 11.
EP88200446A 1987-05-14 1988-03-09 Key head and key with such a head Expired - Lifetime EP0293948B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT88200446T ATE84842T1 (en) 1987-05-14 1988-03-09 KEY HEAD AND KEY WITH SUCH HEAD.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
BE8700533A BE1000021A6 (en) 1987-05-14 1987-05-14 Cle cle and head head having such.
BE8700533 1987-05-14

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0293948A1 EP0293948A1 (en) 1988-12-07
EP0293948B1 true EP0293948B1 (en) 1993-01-20

Family

ID=3882664

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP88200446A Expired - Lifetime EP0293948B1 (en) 1987-05-14 1988-03-09 Key head and key with such a head

Country Status (11)

Country Link
US (1) US4901548A (en)
EP (1) EP0293948B1 (en)
JP (1) JPS63292906A (en)
AT (1) ATE84842T1 (en)
AU (1) AU1806688A (en)
BE (1) BE1000021A6 (en)
CA (1) CA1309604C (en)
DE (1) DE3877629D1 (en)
MC (1) MC1927A1 (en)
PT (1) PT87475A (en)
WO (1) WO1988008913A1 (en)

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US5819564A (en) * 1994-12-01 1998-10-13 Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Key plate structure for automobile
KR100202832B1 (en) * 1995-05-19 1999-06-15 송창준 Key clip
US5819568A (en) * 1996-11-12 1998-10-13 Audiovox Corporation Key element/key FOB unit housing signal transmitter
US5832761A (en) * 1997-12-03 1998-11-10 Advance Security Inc. Key in combination with a timer and emitter
US6016676A (en) * 1998-08-06 2000-01-25 Lear Automotive Dearborn, Inc. Universal fob
DE29906492U1 (en) * 1999-04-08 1999-07-29 Ikon AG Präzisionstechnik, 14167 Berlin Flat key
USD433921S (en) * 1999-08-20 2000-11-21 Ford Global Technologies, Inc. Automotive vehicle key
USD434307S (en) * 1999-08-20 2000-11-28 Ford Global Technologies, Inc. Automotive vehicle key
US6651470B1 (en) * 1999-09-17 2003-11-25 W. Michael Rafter System for ornamenting a key
US6928845B2 (en) * 2002-11-18 2005-08-16 Raymond W. Howard Key cap
US20040148988A1 (en) * 2003-02-05 2004-08-05 Taylor Mark Raymond Lock key with head and blade
US20050241353A1 (en) * 2004-04-30 2005-11-03 Moening Paul F Interchangeable key system
US20060048553A1 (en) * 2004-09-03 2006-03-09 Keyworks, Inc. Lead-free keys and alloys thereof
US20060090528A1 (en) * 2004-11-01 2006-05-04 Moening Paul F Interchangeable ornamented key system
JP4510698B2 (en) * 2005-05-19 2010-07-28 株式会社東海理化電機製作所 Mechanical key
EP2089177A4 (en) 2006-11-28 2016-08-24 Minute Key Inc Fully automatic key duplicating machine with automatic key model identification system
US20130331976A1 (en) 2010-06-03 2013-12-12 Minute Key Inc. Key duplicating system
US9556649B1 (en) 2010-07-15 2017-01-31 The Hillman Group, Inc. Key identification system
US9506272B2 (en) 2013-08-16 2016-11-29 The Hillman Group, Inc. Two-piece key assembly
US9243426B2 (en) 2013-08-16 2016-01-26 The Hillman Group, Inc. Multi-piece key assembly
US10124420B2 (en) 2016-02-08 2018-11-13 The Hillman Group, Inc. Key duplication machine having user-based functionality
USD810200S1 (en) * 2016-05-18 2018-02-13 Nite Ize, Inc. Key identifier
US10406607B2 (en) 2016-09-13 2019-09-10 The Hillman Group, Inc. Key duplication machine having pivoting clamp
US10737335B2 (en) 2017-03-17 2020-08-11 The Hillman Group, Inc. Key duplication system with key blank orientation detection features
GR1009825B (en) 2019-01-31 2020-09-25 Χαραλαμπος Σταυρου Σφαιροπουλος Detachable key head identifier

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FR2577267B1 (en) * 1985-02-13 1990-08-31 Kichise Hirakazu KEY EASY TO HOLD IN THE HAND AND IN THE SENSE OF USE
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
MC1927A1 (en) 1989-05-19
WO1988008913A1 (en) 1988-11-17
DE3877629D1 (en) 1993-03-04
JPS63292906A (en) 1988-11-30
BE1000021A6 (en) 1987-11-17
AU1806688A (en) 1988-12-06
CA1309604C (en) 1992-11-03
EP0293948A1 (en) 1988-12-07
US4901548A (en) 1990-02-20
ATE84842T1 (en) 1993-02-15
PT87475A (en) 1989-05-31

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