Patent Application
20110296882
Keys which carry an imbedded microchip or so called “chip keys” have become very popular with automobile manufacturers and with the purchasing public. The replacement of lost or broken “chip keys,” however, may be inconvenient and quite expensive, with dealers who may be the only source of supply commonly charging $100.00 to $200.00 or more per copy.
It is the general object of the present invention to provide a simple and inexpensive method for repairing keys and “chip keys” in particular, as well as an effective resulting repaired key.
In fulfillment of the foregoing object and in accordance with the method of the present invention, the separate parts if any of the head of a key are assembled as nearly as possible in conformity with the original configuration of the head. A small section of heat shrinkable polyolefin tubing in then provided of a length approximately equal to the dimension of the key head measured from the junction at the bottom of the head with the key shank to the top of the key head. The key head is then inserte4d telescopically into the interior of the tubing section and the assembled key and tubing section are heated at a temperature between two (2) hundred and three (3) hundred degrees Fahrenheit until the tubing shrinks tightly about the key head and secures any separate parts thereof tightly together.
Preferably, the length of tubing is slightly longer than the measured dimension of the key head and the key head is positioned within the tubing section with the excess portion of the tubing extending slightly beyond the top of the head. Further, the excess portion of the tubing may be shaped to a generally V-shaped configuration with apex of the V remote from the key head. Still further, a small grommet with an opening approximating the size of a key ring hole is mounted in the excess portion of the tubing near the apex of the V.
Optionally, adhesive may be applied to the interior surface of the polyolefin tubing section.
Finally, the repaired key exhibits the characteristics of the method with a heat shrinkable tubing section tightly enveloping its head and a V shaped portion of the tubing projecting from the top of its head with a small grommet defining a key ring hole.
Referring particularly to
The key 10 is or may be of the “chip key” type, but it will be understood that the present invention is applicable to keys of any type. Also, the type of fracture shown can be repaired with the method of the present invention, but here again, it should be understood that various types of partial and more severe fractures can be repaired with the method of the present invention as well as fractures at the base of the head of the key where it joins the key shank 14. Such fractures at the base of the head can be accommodated by making the tube section 20 of
When the blank 22 is shrunk about the key head and in tight engagement with the head, the repaired key may be employed in precisely the same manner as an original key without fear of disengagement of the tubing or other problems. In this regard, it should be noted that the tubing section 20 may be provided with a coating of adhesive on its interior surface for enhanced bonding with the key head and enhanced integrity of the repaired key.
The repaired key exhibits the characteristics of the aforedescribed method having a blank formed from a section of polyolefin tubing assembled thereabout and thereafter heated and shrunk into tight engagement with the head of the key 10.
In view of the foregoing, it will be apparent that a “chip key,” or the like can be repaired in the practice of the method of the present invention for a mere fraction of the cost of a replacement key and can be used thereafter in the same manner as an expensive replacement key.
