Recharging key based wireless device

• US 20020109582A1
• Filed: 02/15/2001
• Published: 08/15/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 02/15/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Carrum Technologies, LLC (Pratima Instruments, LLC)
• Original Assignee: Agere Systems Incorporated (Broadcom, Inc.)
• Inventors: Mooney, Philip D., Veschi, John P.
• Granted Patent: US 6,943,666 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/5.65
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00603 by power transmission from lock
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0045 concerning the insertion or the connection of the batteries

Abstract

A key chain rechargeable device which is recharged when a key is inserted into a matching lock. In accordance with one embodiment, the key includes two electrical contacts or is separated into two electrically isolated portions. The two electrical contacts or portions of the key contact mating contacts in the matching lock only when the key is inserted therein. In another embodiment, inductive coupling is used when the key chain rechargeable device is proximate to a matching lock of a key associated therewith. A charging circuit may be integrated in the key chain rechargeable device or in the external device associated with the lock. The key chain rechargeable device may be, e.g., a wireless device such as a BLUETOOTH™ network device, pager, a security alarm enable/disable device, garage door opener, or a keyless entry remote. In a preferred embodiment, the key relates to a vehicle ignition key, and the key chain rechargeable device is recharged during operation of a vehicle.

Claims

1. A key chain rechargeable device, comprising:

key securing structure;

an electronic device associated with said key securing structure; and

a rechargeable battery source to power said electronic device;

wherein said key chain rechargeable device is recharged from an external power source when a key associated with said securing structure is inserted in a lock device.

2. The key chain rechargeable device according to claim 1, wherein:

said key securing structure is a dummy key hole.

3. The key chain rechargeable device according to claim 1, further comprising:

a charging circuit in said electronic device, said charging circuit adapted for electrical contact with a key secured by said key securing structure.

4. The key chain rechargeable device according to claim 3, wherein:

said charging circuit is permanently associated with said key chain rechargeable device.

5. The key chain rechargeable device according to claim 3, wherein:

said charging circuit is permanently associated with said lock.

6. The key chain rechargeable device according to claim 1, wherein:

said external power source is a vehicle'"'"'s electrical system.

7. The key chain rechargeable device according to claim 1, wherein:

said key chain rechargeable device is a wireless RF device.

8. The key chain rechargeable device according to claim 1, wherein:

said key chain rechargeable device is a BLUETOOTH network device.

9. The key chain rechargeable device according to claim 1, wherein:

said key chain rechargeable device is a security alarm enable/disable device.

10. The key chain rechargeable device according to claim 1,wherein:

said key chain rechargeable device is a keyless entry remote.

11. The key chain rechargeable device according to claim 1, wherein:

said key chain rechargeable device is a penlight device.

12. The key chain rechargeable device according to claim 1, wherein:

said key chain rechargeable device is a pager.

13. The key chain rechargeable device according to claim 1, further comprising:

an inductive coil to receive charging power to charge said rechargeable battery source.

14. The key chain rechargeable device according to claim 1, further comprising:

at least one electrical conductor on a key secured to said key securing structure.

15. The key chain rechargeable device according to claim 1, wherein:

said key chain rechargeable device is recharged from said external power source only when said key associated with said securing structure is inserted in said lock device.

17. The vehicle ignition assembly according to claim 16, further comprising:

a battery charging circuit connected to said opposite polarity contacts.

20. The method of recharging a key chain electronic device according to claim 19, wherein:

said coupling is inductive.

21. The method of recharging a key chain electronic device according to claim 19, wherein:

said coupling is by direct electrical contact of opposite polarity conductors.

16. A vehicle ignition assembly, comprising:

a lock device;

a vehicle ignition switch connected to said lock device; and

at least two electrical charging connections associated with said lock device and adapted to provide opposite polarity contacts to a key inserted in said lock device.

18. A vehicle ignition assembly, comprising:

a lock device;

a vehicle ignition switch connected to said lock device; and

an inductive charging coil adapted to provide battery charging power to a key chain rechargeable device placed proximate to said vehicle ignition assembly.

19. A method of recharging a key chain electronic device, comprising:

inserting a key on a key chain in a lock device; and

coupling a rechargeable battery of a key chain electronic device to an external power source associated with said lock device only when said key is in said lock device.

22. Apparatus for recharging a key chain electronic device, comprising:

key chain means for securing a key while inserted in a lock device; and

means for coupling a rechargeable battery of a key chain electronic device to an external power source associated with said lock device only when said key is in said lock device.

23. The apparatus for recharging a key chain electronic device according to claim 22, wherein:

said means for coupling uses inductive coupling.

24. The apparatus for recharging a key chain electronic device according to claim 22, wherein:

said means for coupling uses direct electrical contact of opposite polarity conductors.