Patent Application
20170208905
This disclosure relates generally to radio frequency shielding and more specifically to a secure carrier for a wireless key fob.
A Remote keyless system (RKS) use radio frequency to control access to a building or vehicle, and performs as a conventional physical key without physical contact with a lock or ignition. A RKS is essentially a limited range radio transmitter which sends an encrypted signal to a receiver or transceiver located in the vehicle. The transmitter may take the form of a key fob, or be embedded in the head of a physical key. RKSs may include both a remote keyless entry system and a remote keyless ignition system. So called “smart keys” are a subset of RKSs that includes a proximity sensor which enables a user to unlock a vehicle without pressing a button on the wireless key fob or key.
Despite widespread adoption of RKSs, security is a concern. In the past it has proved possible for car thieves to use amplification devices to boost the signal of keyless entry fobs in order to unlock vehicles beyond the designated range of the key. As of Aug. 06, 2015, Wired Magazine reported on a device which employs a radio hack to record and store a usable signal for later use. In response to various exploits, some individuals have opted to carry their wireless keyfob or key within a pouch that includes radio frequency (RF) shielding material. Still, such pouches representing previous attempts to improve vehicle security are not very user friendly, are typically stored separately from a user's other keys and require the user to be especially careful when removing a key fob from the pouch or placing it back in the pouch.
It would be desirable to provide a RF blocking pouch for a RKS that includes features that ease deployment of a wireless key fob or key by a user, and lessens the likelihood that the shield will be compromised, or the wireless key fob or key is misplaced.
In one general embodiment, a RF blocking pouch for shielding wireless key fobs and the like includes an invertable pouch with a top side having a mouth, a closure for the mouth, and a cavity for securely housing and retaining a wireless key fob or key when the pouch is inverted and the closure opened.
In one aspect of the present invention in accordance with a general embodiment, a RF blocking pouch includes at least one RF blocking material.
A second aspect combinable with any other aspect includes an inner tether connected at its proximal end to an inner surface of the cavity, and extendable from a collapsed position at a bottom of the cavity to the mouth.
A third aspect combinable with any other aspect includes a key fob attachment at a distal end of the inner tether.
A fourth aspect combinable with any other aspect includes a key ring tether and attachment member at an end of the pouch opposite the closure.
In various embodiments, the pouch may include collapsible inner or outer tethers, portions of which may be elastic or non-elastic.
In various embodiments, the pouch may include an outer pliant layer and an inner pliant layer, or, an outer rigid layer and an inner pliant layer.
In various embodiments, the pouch may include an inner tether that is displaced by gravity when the pouch is inverted.
In various embodiments, the pouch may include an inner tether that may be lengthened or shortened as desired.
While in various embodiments depicted herein, the RF blocking pouch is made of a RF blocking fabric with a grid of interlaced conductive strands, it should be understood that other RF blocking materials such as metallic substrates, or metallic coatings will suggest themselves to those having skill in the art and benefit of this disclosure.
The foregoing general and specific embodiments may be implemented using a device, system or method, or nay combinations of devices, systems, or methods. Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures wherein the scale depicted is approximate. Exemplary implementations, embodiments and examples that follow are non-exhaustive.
In the following description, the term “pouch” refers to a small container configured to hold a wireless key fob and wherein the container is configured to attach to a key ring. The term “conductive fabric” refers to textiles made in part with metal strands, or fibers that are either embedded with, or coated with a conductive material such as carbon, nickel, stainless steel, gold or silver. The term “Faraday cage” refers to a shield comprising a conductive material used to block or attenuate specific radio frequencies or a range of radio frequencies. The singular terms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the word “or” is intended to include “and” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of this disclosure, suitable methods and materials are described below. The term “comprises” means “includes.” All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. In case of conflict, the present specification, including explanations of terms, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.
Referring generally to
Construction materials of any portion of the RF blocking pouch, whether the outer panels of the pouch or the inner cavity or pockets, can be any RF blocking conductive material alone, or a combination with any other RF blocking conductive material, metallic foils, conductive coatings, natural or synthetic materials. While in the embodiments herein, the inner tether as shown includes an invertable liner sewn onto or otherwise attached circumjacent the inner surface of the pouch cavity, the inner tether may be a collapsible member attached to the bottom of the pouch that is extendable towards the mouth of the pouch if displaced by gravity when the pouch is inverted. It is conceivable that the inner tether may be adjusted for length. For example, the inner tether may include a cable or banding (not shown) that passes through a loop, buckle or cinch, attached to the bottom of the pouch or cavity (314) with a free end that may be pulled to shorten the end having the key fob attachment member, and conversely, the end having the key fob attachment member may be pulled in order to lengthen the tether. Other adjustment means will suggest themselves to persons having skill in the art and benefit of this disclosure, and may be employed with various embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.
It should be understood that the drawings and detailed description herein are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive manner, and are not intended to be limiting to the particular forms and examples disclosed. Exemplary features and objects of the embodiments described herein can be combined or not combined with one another. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited to the particular forms set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
