Key control tag

Details Key control tag Key control tag

2002-11-20

2004-05-04

Pham, Toan N. (Department: 2632)

Communications: electrical

Condition responsive indicating system

Specific condition

C340S570000, C340S005600, C070S45600R

Reexamination Certificate

active

06731211

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to security systems, and more particularly to a key control system incorporating a series of key tags. The tags each include an electronic devices which is inserted in a reader slot, which determines whether the key tag is installed in the slot, times of removal and replacement, etc. The present tag uses existing prior art electronic devices and reader mechanisms, but incorporates many improvements over earlier prior art key tags, particularly in precluding entry of foreign objects into the slots of the device and resultant damage.
2. Description of the Related Art
An ongoing problem in many industries or fields, is the tracking and security of keys and/or similar articles which are used by employees or others. While this is not generally a problem for a relatively small number of keys, the tracking of a larger number of keys adds to the difficulty of the task, and increases the opportunity for error or abuse of the system. Examples of industries where this problem exists, are auto sales and rental operations where keys to a large number of vehicles must be tracked and secured, large apartment or storage rental facilities, etc.
Accordingly, various solutions have been proposed for this problem. An example of such is the system developed by Key-Trak, Inc., of Ovieda, Fla., which provides a master drawer system which is accessible by a master key, copies of which are held by only a very few authorized persons. The master drawer in turn includes a relatively large number of key tag slots therein, providing for the selective placement of corresponding key tags in each of the slots. Each key tag includes a key attached to one end, and an electronic device secured to the opposite end of the tag. The key tag drawer is connected to a reader system, which determines specifically which key tag(s) and its associated key(s) is/are removed from the drawer, the times of removal and replacement of the tag(s), and perhaps other pertinent information.
This system has helped immensely in reducing key loss, misuse and abuse of the system and associated vehicles, and other problems which may arise when control of a relatively large number of keys is an issue. However, the Key-Trak system is not perfect. The key tags which are used with the Key-Trak system are relatively simple devices, and can create problems with the Key-Trak drawer system. For example, the drawer slots must by necessity have a relatively wide portion, to provide clearance for the thickness of the electronic device installed in the end of the tag. This can allow key and other foreign objects to pass into that or an adjacent slot(s) as well, where they can engage the electrical contacts within the drawer and cause reader errors, damage the system by shorting out the reader contacts, etc.
The present invention responds to this problem by providing an improved key tag which includes a lateral flange or stop disposed above the electronic tracking device installed in one end of the tag. This stop or flange serves to cover the slot into which the tag is inserted, thereby precluding entrance of the attached key (or any other article) into that or other slot(s), and assuring that the electrical contacts within the slot(s) will not be bridged by any electrically conductive device(s) other than the electronic chip or button installed in the end of the tag. The present tag is formed of a heavier gauge and of a more durable plastic material than tags of the prior art used conventionally with the Key-Trak system, with the present tags having greater durability and more resistance to breakage than the conventional Key-Trak tags.
A discussion of the related art of which the present inventors is aware, and its differences and distinctions from the present invention, is provided below.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,521,981 issued on Jun. 11, 1985 to Robert Kasprzycki et al., titled “Key Holder,” describes a flat, rectangular tag having relatively thickened, inwardly turned edges to retain a card or the like therein. A slot is provided through one of the edges, for the attachment of a key or keychain therethrough. The Kasprzycki et al. key holder is not adaptable for use with a key tag reading and tracking device, as (a) no passage for the installation of an electronic device is provided, and (b) the relatively thick edges of the Kasprzycki et al. tag, would preclude its insertion into a slot of a tag tracking device.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,801,628 issued on Sep. 1, 1998 to William C. Maloney, titled “Inventoriable-Object Control And Tracking System,” describes the key tracking and control system with which the present improved key tag is used, which disclosure is incorporated herein by reference. The Maloney system comprises a drawer having a horizontal panel, with a series of key tag slots in the panel. Each slot has a pair of electrical contacts therein, which communicate with a computer system. A series of key tags are provided, with each having an electronic button or chip installed opposite the key attachment end. A key is secured to each tag in use, with the computer tracking which tag and key correspond to which slot. When the tag is removed so the key can be used, the computer registers the withdrawal of the corresponding electronics device from the slot, thereby logging out the key. When the key is returned, the device registers the insertion of the electronic device within the slot, and logs the key return. This system works well, with some exceptions. One major problem with this system is that the key tags are formed of thin plastic of uniform thickness. As noted above, the necessity of relatively wide clearance areas in the drawer slots for the electronic devices in the ends of the tags, results in spaces or gaps between the edges of the slots and the sides of the tags. Keys attached to the tags, or other articles, can pass into these gaps, and short out or otherwise interfere with the electronic signal from the buttons or chips. The present tag obviates this problem, by means of the lateral flange between the electronic device and key attachment ends.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,075,441 issued on Jun. 13, 2000 to William C. Maloney, titled “Inventoriable-Object Control And Tracking System,” is a continuation-in-part based upon the '628 U.S. Patent to the same inventor, discussed immediately above. The specifications of the two Maloney U.S. Patens are essentially identical to one another, with some slight formatting differences between the two. Only the claims differ significantly between the two patents. Accordingly, the discussion of the parent '628 U.S. Patent provided immediately above, is seen to apply here as well.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,262,664 issued on Jul. 17, 2001 to William C. Maloney, titled “Tamper Detection Prevention For An Object Control And Tracking System,” describes a somewhat different type of key tag device than that disclosed in his earlier '628 and '441 U.S. Patents, discussed above. The key tag device of the Maloney '664 U.S. Patent includes a generally U-shaped cable or tether having its ends attached to the key tag device. The key is captured along the length of the tether. The key tag includes means for detecting any breakage or discontinuity in the tether, thereby alerting the system if the tether is cut for removal of the key. This system may also operate when the key tag is removed from the storage drawer, by means of RF (radio frequency) or similar signals. However, no means is apparent to preclude the dropping or inadvertent insertion of the conductive key in to the corresponding slot in the storage drawer, and the problems associated with such an occurrence as noted further above. The present key tag, with its lateral flange, solves this problem.
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002/44,055 published on Apr. 18, 2002 to William C. Maloney, titled “Object Carriers For An Object Control And Tracking System,” describes an alternate security container device for use with the key control security drawer of the Maloney &

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