Patent Application
20110220521
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a multi-key holding device that can securely store keys and protect the operator's property in the unfortunate event that the keys are lost or stolen. Specifically, the invention is a titanium multi-key holding device that requires both fingerprint recognition and specific proximities before the keys are released from the device. Once the operator's fingerprint is recognized by the secure multi-key holding device, and the device is within the correct proximity of the lock the operator is going to open, only the key necessary to unlock the lock will be released. Before the secure multi-key holding device is utilized, it serves the basic purpose of protecting keys from easily being lost or stolen, and not allowing easy access to the keys in the unfortunate event of a loss or theft.
2. Prior Art
Many households and businesses utilize keys in order to gain access to their homes, offices, confidential documents, etc. Typically, when an operator uses a key to access an area restricted to the general public, it is to ensure both the safety and/or privacy the operators and/or their guest are seeking. Unfortunately, in today's society having keys lost or stolen is not an unusual occurrence. Many people have key rings that bend or break causing keys to be lost, and others are victims of thieves who steal keys from book bags, purses, cars, etc. By securely storing keys in the titanium multi-key holding device and requiring a fingerprint for a key to be released, provides a practical means that prevents keys from being loose, making them vulnerable to theft and/or being lost.
As mentioned, when a person uses a regular key ring to hold their keys, there is a constant risk that valued keys may be both lost and/or stolen. In addition, many people tend to carry multiple keys as a part of their daily routine. This poses the further risk of forgetting which key is utilized with a particular lock. As a result, an operator requires more time before they find the proper key, which increases the chances of theft, and in some cases causes anxiety due to the fact that the operator is concerned whether they actually have the key in their possession. By utilizing the secure multi-key holding device, operators alleviate the worries associated with both mal-functioning key rings and the guessing games associated with locating keys that have similar characteristics. Lastly, due to the fact that the secure multi-key holding device has the keys stored within, it allows keys to be carried in a stainless steel casing with a smooth surface, which prevents keys from tearing the linings of bags, purses, pants pockets, etc.
A comparison that is relevant to how the secure multi-key holding device functions is the key retaining lock box. U.S. Pat. No. 5,878,613 to Liston, Thomas K which “relates generally to access control systems for keys and other items and specifically to a key holding device that controls access to a key contained inside the device.” While this invention provides a practical means of protecting valuable keys from unauthorized use, it is not ideal for convenient access to the desired key(s) due to the fact that the key retaining lock box has to be fully opened to gain access to what is usually a key ring from which a person then has to figure out which key is needed. The process of utilizing the key retaining lock box is a tedious task compared to the secure multi-key holding device which slides out the exact key that an operator needs following a quick, secure authorization process.
The prior art discloses methods of ameliorating the unauthorized usage of access keys. Various efforts have been made to mitigate the unauthorized usage of access keys in order to prevent degrading violations such as theft and invasion of privacy. However, due to the inconvenience that the key retaining lock box causes with its tedious process to access keys, many people continue to use traditional key rings, which increase the possibility of theft or misplacement of keys. But, the titanium multi-key holding device allows users to have the means to conveniently access a key only when it is needed, and have keys secured from theft and/or loss when not in use; which exercises safety tactics resulting in a safer lifestyle.
The present invention provides a titanium multi-key holding device that secures keys amongst the device, and provides only the exact key needed to gain access to a lock once the operator completes the brief fingerprint authentication process. The purpose of the secure multi-key holding device is to provide privacy, protection, and organization for peoples' keys, which is beneficial not only because it assist in protecting personal belongings, but also may potentially save lives due to the fact that the device prevents the user from being a easy target for theft. Additionally, once the fingerprint authentication process is completed, and the operator has gained access to the desired lock, the key that was used slides back into the secure multi-key holding device. The safety of the operator is never jeopardized because in the unlikely event that the fingerprint scanner mal-functions, there is a manual rolling combination lock that allows the user to open the device and retrieve necessary keys manually until the device is repaired.
The present invention is provided in order to allow user's to secure keys within a device to ensure that both their privacy and possessions are protected. The purpose of the secure multi-key holding device is to provide a safe, convenient, and exclusive method for securing peoples' keys. The invention is a titanium multi-key holding device, referred to herein as a titanium multi-key holding device, which not only serves as a secure means to carry keys, but also functions as a key organizer which prevents the teeth of the keys from damaging clothing, bags, or delicate surfaces.
The process begins when the operator slides back the plastic cover protecting the fingerprint scanner located on the front of the titanium multi-key holding device. The plastic cover has a small plastic stopper that prevents the sliding cover from completely sliding into the device. Once the cover is open, the user places his/her finger on the fingerprint scanner for authentication. The titanium multi-key holding device's fingerprint scanner will accept or decline the fingerprint via a light indicator. If the fingerprint is declined, the light indicator will display a red light, but when the fingerprint is accepted, the light indicator will display a green light and trigger a sequence of events. An approved fingerprint scan will activate key sensors located within the titanium multi-key holding device, and the operator will have up to one minute enter the proper proximity which will allow the necessary key to partially slide out of the device. While the one minute timer is activated, the indicator light will remain green, but if one minute elapses without the titanium multi-key holding device being within the proper proximity to release the key, the green indicator light turns off and the device deactivates requiring the operator to rescan their fingerprint before the next use.
Once the device is within the correct proximity of the lock, the key sensor for the necessary key will be individually triggered, the key cover slot will unlock and open, and the correct key will slide out via a motorized track within the device. This sequence of events occurs because there is a thin, waterproof, electronic chip/sticker that the operator inserts within the lock panel. The electronic chip/sticker then syncs with the correct key sensor causing the necessary key to slide out of the titanium multi-key holding device via the internal motorized track. The proximity necessary for the electronic chip/sticker to trigger the correct key sensor is controlled by a switch located inside the device. The operator has the option to set the proximity switch to 2 ft, 5 ft, or 10 ft.
Once the key is inserted into the lock, it will be within 10 inch proximity of the electronic chip/sticker located in the lock panel; and once the key is removed from the lock slot and is outside of the 10 inch proximity, the key that was used will slide back into the titanium multi-key holding device. Also, operators will be capable of knowing which of their keys the device contains because there is a clear slip cover on the back of the device that holds labels identifying which numbered key goes to which lock i.e. 1-office 2-home etc. The titanium multi-key holding device will also contain wall slots that prevent the keys from moving around inside the device. The wall slots will further secure the keys via a wall slot lock dial located on the back exterior of the device that tightens the grip of the wall slots on the keys. These wall slots will be lined with rubber to secure the keys in place.
In addition, the titanium multi-key holding device has a standard key ring for holding materials such as excess keys, car remotes, etc. Lastly, the titanium multi-key holding device has a lock combination and a lithium ion battery that is recharged via a micro USB port. In the unlikely event that the device mal functions or the rechargeable lithium ion battery supply is depleted, inserting the lock combination allows users to manually gain access to the keys stored within the device.
