GB2466352A

GB2466352A - Keyhole reminder device

Info

Publication number: GB2466352A
Application number: GB0920949A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stephen Scotton
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-12-02
Filing date: 2009-11-30
Publication date: 2010-06-23
Anticipated expiration: 2029-11-30
Also published as: GB2466352B; GB2465972A; GB0920949D0; GB0821984D0

Abstract

A keyhole reminder device 16 for insertion into a starter key slot or keyhole of an apparatus, for example a motorcycle. The device comprises a first and second part 1, 2 the first part 1 having a blank key portion 3, 3' which is at least partially insertable into the starter key slot of said apparatus for reminding a user of a pre-start sequence to be carried out prior to insertion of a starter key into said starter key slot. The second part 2 has an opening 6, for connecting said second part to a key ring 4, and a recess 8 in which the blank key portion can be retained when not inserted in said starter key slot so that the first part can be carried by the second part on said key ring. The first part may have an alarm configured to activate when the blank key portion is removed from the starter key slot The key blank 3' may have a thin layer of rubber on it for engaging with the starter key slot.

Description

Reminder Device The present invention relates to a reminder device for the prevention of damage to equipment or users of an apparatus upon starting said apparatus. More specificaUy, a reminder device for the prevention of damage to a motorised apparatus, such as motorcycles or industria' equipment, or users of said motorised apparatus, due to said apparatus being started prior to certain actions being performed.

A'most aU motorcycle owners use a ock, such as a disc ock, to prevent the theft of their bike. Disc ocks attach to the brake discs of the motorcycle to stop the brake disc from passing through the calipers and therefore prevent the bike being driven off. However it is common for motorcycle owners to forget the lock is attached and attempt to ride the bike without their removaL This not on'y causes damage to the bike, but the motorcyde rider may be thrown from the bike.

It is know to provide an apparatus which both prevents the motorcycle from being started and reminds the user of actions to be carried out prior to starting the motorcycle, i.e. the remova' of a ock. Such apparatus, for example as described in US 2006/0000249, comprise a b'ank ignition (starter) key that fits into the ignition key s'ot of the motorcycle thus preventing the user from being ab'e to insert the actua' ignition key and start the motorcycle unti' the b'ank key is removed from the s'ot. This provides the user with a reminder that the ock must be removed before the motorbike is driven away. However, such devices are easi'y ost or may be stolen from the ignition key s'ot white it is parked, for examp'e, on the street.

It is the aim of the embodiments of the present invention described herein to overcome these problems.

The present invention provides a reminder device for insertion into a starter key slot of an apparatus, the device comprising first and second parts; the first part comprising a blank key portion, at least partiay insertable into the starter key slot of said apparatus for reminding a user of a pre-start sequence to be carried out prior to insertion of a starter key into said starter key slot; the second part comprising an opening, for connecting said second part to a key ring, and a recess in which the blank key portion can be retained when not inserted in said starter key slot so that the first part can be carried by the second part on said key ring.

As seen in the Figures described in more detail hereinafter, the user is provided with two reminders that a pre-start sequence, such as removing a disc lock, must be carried out before starting the motorcycle. One reminder is provided by the first part of the device, which prevents the user from inserting the motorcycle starter key into the ignition key slot. The other reminder is provided by the second part, which is preferably located on the same key ring as the motorcycle starter key, reminding the user of the pre-start sequence when the they go to start the bike. An audible alarm may add itionaUy be incorporated which alerts a user if the first part has been removed from the starter key slot due to being stolen.

Also, when located on the same key ring as the motorcycle starter key or keys, the device also provides a reminder to the user to both attach the disc ock and insert the blank key portion of the first part into the starter key switch when turning off the bike.

R will be appreciated that the present invention also provides a dual reminder system for other machinery using a starter key, for example when carrying out maintenance on lifts, or vehicles.

The first part of the device preferably further comprises a display portion to provide a surface for displaying a reminder of any pre-start actions to be taken before starting the apparatus. It is advantageous that the display portion is rotatably connected to the blank key portion. Thus, when the second part is received by the first part, a key ring comprising the starter keys and the device easily fits into the pocket of a user. Then, when the blank key portion is inserted into the starter key slot, the display portion can be rotated by an angle of preferably about 90 degrees to the blank key portion to provide a larger, more visible, surface for displaying the pre-start reminder.

The display portion or blank key portion of the first part may also comprise a removal alarm, i.e. a flashing light or audible alarm, which is configured to activate when the blank key portion is removed from the starter key slot. This provides a further reminder of the pre-start actions, and can also indicate that the first portion is being stolen from the bike.

The blank key portion is advantageously configured to provide some resistance to remova' from a starter key slot so that when it is inserted it does not become dislodged by accident. Preferably, the blank key portion has at least one surface which provides some additional friction, compared to a standard blank key, to remova' from the starter key s'ot. This prevents the first part from being too easi'y removed from said starter key slot. The at least one surface can comprise a thin layer of rubber.

The second part is advantageously removably attachable to the apparatus starter key, i.e. the second part attaches directly to the apparatus starter key. This can be achieved by a piece of hook and eye fabric, or by forming an additional recess in the second part to receive the key. This provides a further reminder of the pre-start actions when the user inserts the apparatus starter key into the starter key slot. More preferably the second portion is removably attachable to the starter key such that the starter key cannot be inserted into the starter key slot until the second part and starter key are separated.

Both the first and second parts can be formed of any suitable materiaL but preferentially metal, plastic or a combination thereof. The first and second parts of the device are ideay highly visible, for example by being fluorescent.

For a better understanding of the invention, reference wifi now be made, by way of exempfication only, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. I is a perspective view of the device with the first part connected to the second part and the second part attached to a key ring; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the first part of the device; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the second part of the device; Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the first part of the device; Fig. 5 is a further perspective view of the first part of the device; and Fig. 6 is an illustration of the first part of the device in use on a motorcycle.

With reference to Figures 1 to 6, the device 16 comprises a first part I and a second part 2.

The first part I comprises a blank key portion 3 and a display portion 5. The display portion 5 is rotatably connected to the blank key portion 3 via a hinge 7 (shown in more detail in figure 4 as hinged about a rod 7') so that it is able to rotate with respect to the plane of the blank key portion 3 as shown in figures 5 and 6.

The blank key 3' of portion 3 is shown as a flat key 3', but could easily be any key type. The blank 3' needn't be as long as the actual starter key 12 for the apparatus 20; it need only be long enough that it fits in the starter key slot 18 without falling out. The blank 3' may also comprise at least one rubber surface, or another surface which increases friction between the blank key 3' and the inside of the starter key slot 18, as shown by the cross-hatched lines 11 in figure 4. The additional friction helps the blank 3' remain in the starter key slot 18, and therefore device as a whole, to be shorter than if a full sized blank key were used.

The display portion 5, can comprise pre-start instructions, or simply be inscribed with the words "stop" or "warning" as a reminder to the user of said pre-start actions.

The second part 2 comprises a body 10, through which a hole 6 is formed for connection to a key ring 4 and starter key 12 for an apparatus 20. The body 10 has formed therein a recess 8 for receiving the blank key 3' and therefore retaining the first part 1. The body 10 may also comprise a further recess or other suitable attachment mechanism (not shown) for removably attaching directly to the starter key 12 so that they are kept in close contact and brought to the mind of the user when attempting to use the starter key 12.

In use the device 16 is preferably attached to a key ring 4 also comprising the apparatus starter key 12. When the user (not shown) stops the motorcycle 20 they first remove the starter key 12 from the starter key slot 18. They then remove the first part I from the device 16 and insert the blank key 3' of portion 3 into the starter key slot 18 and rotate the display portion 5 at 90 degrees to the plane of the starter key to make any pre-start reminders on the display portion 5 more visible. By having the device 16 on the key ring 4 comprising the starter key 12 the user is reminded not only to attach the disc lock, or any other suitable lock, to the bike, but also to insert the first part of the device into the starter key slot 18.

When the user next attempts to rides the bike 20, they are presented with two possible reminders that they must first remove any locks. One reminder is provided by the first part 1 which is located in the starter key slot 18 of the bike, thus preventing the actual starter key 12 from being inserted until the first part I is removed. The user is also reminded by the presence of the second part 2 on the key ring 4. Therefore if the first part I is no longer in the starter key slot 18, for example due to being stolen or accidentally falling out, the user is stilt reminded of the need to remove any locks by the second part 2.

The first and second parts 1, 2 are then connected by inserting the blank key 3 into the recess 8. An additional mechanism (not shown), such as a catch, may be provided to ensure the first parts remains retained by the second part 2.

Claims

Claims 1. A reminder device for insertion into a starter key slot of an apparatus, the device comprising first and second parts; the first part comprising a blank key portion, at least partially insertable into the starter key slot of said apparatus for reminding a user of a pre-start sequence to be carried out prior to insertion of a starter key into said starter key slot; the second part comprising an opening, for connecting said second part to a key ring, and a recess in which the blank key portion can be retained when not inserted in said starter key slot so that the first part can be carried by the second part on said key ring.
2. A device according to Claim 1, wherein the first part of the device further comprises a display portion to provide a surface for displaying a reminder of a pre-start sequence to be carried out before starting the apparatus.
3. A device according to Claim 2, wherein the display portion is rotatably connected to the blank key portion so that when the blank key portion is received in said starter key slot said display portion can be rotated to allow it to be more easily viewed.
4. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first part further comprises an alarm configured to activate when the blank key portion is removed from the starter key slot.
5. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the blank key portion is configured to engage with the starter key slot for applying a resistance to removal of the first part from the starter key slot.
6. A device according to Claim 5, wherein the key blank portion comprises a thin layer of rubber for engaging with the starter key slot.
7. A device according to any preceding daim, wherein the second part is removab'y attachab'e to at east part of the apparatus starter key when both said key and second part are connected to the same key ring.
8. A device according to C'aim 7, wherein the second portion is removab'y attachab'e to the starter key such that the starter key cannot be inserted into the starter key sbt until the second part and starter key are separated.
9. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is a motorcycle and the pre-start sequence is the removal of a disk lock from the brake disk of the motorcycle prior to starting the motorcycle by inserting of a start key into the starter key slot.