Object locator system employing RF signaling
First Claim
1. An assembly comprising:
- a portable, remote, keyless access device including an electronic control circuit, said control circuit being operable to produce control signals for providing remote keyless access; and
an electronic locator circuit integrated into said keyless access device, said electronic circuit including an RF receiver circuit and an indication producing device, said locator circuit activated by an RF signal produced by a control unit for producing an audible or visual indication to assist in locating said keyless access device.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An object locating system includes at least one control unit, which is used to activate at least one electronic locator circuit to assist in locating an object to which the locator circuit is attached. The objects to be located can be a key assembly or generally any item which can be hand-carried by a person and is prone to misplacement. When activated, the locator circuit produces an audible and/or visual indication for getting the attention of the user. The locator circuit can be contained in a fob to which is attached a key, or the locator circuit can be molded into the head of a key. In another embodiment, the locator circuit is supported by a carrier which is retrofitted to a key by a securing mechanism which can include one or more fasteners, mating snap catches, or a strapping device such as a cable tie and the like. Alternatively, the carrier can be secured to the key by friction or by an interference fit between the carrier and the key.
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Citations
26 Claims
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1. An assembly comprising:
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a portable, remote, keyless access device including an electronic control circuit, said control circuit being operable to produce control signals for providing remote keyless access; and
an electronic locator circuit integrated into said keyless access device, said electronic circuit including an RF receiver circuit and an indication producing device, said locator circuit activated by an RF signal produced by a control unit for producing an audible or visual indication to assist in locating said keyless access device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A key assembly for a vehicle, said key assembly comprising:
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a key including a shank portion and a heel end portion;
a key fob including a housing;
an electronic control circuit contained within said housing for providing remote keyless entry for the vehicle; and
an electronic locator circuit contained within said housing, said electronic circuit including an RF receiver circuit and an indication producing device, said electronic locator circuit activated by an RF signal produced by a control unit for producing an audible or visual indication;
at least a portion of said heel end portion of said key being located within said housing of said key fob and being secured fixedly to said housing of said key fob. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A key assembly comprising:
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a key including a shank portion and a heel end portion;
an electronic locator circuit fixed to said heel end portion, said locator circuit including an RF receiver circuit and an indication producing device, said locator circuit activated by an RF signal produced by a control unit for producing an audible or visual indication; and
a plastic material molded over said locator circuit and said heel end portion of the key, forming an outer shell over said locator circuit and said heel end portion of said key. - View Dependent Claims (11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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12. A key assembly for a vehicle, said key assembly comprising:
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a key including a shank portion and a heel end portion;
an electronic control circuit fixed to said heel end portion, said control circuit providing control signals for the vehicle;
an electronic locator circuit fixed to said heel end portion, said locator circuit activated by an RF signal produced by a control unit for producing an audible or visual indication; and
a plastic material molded over said locator circuit, said control circuit and said heel end portion, forming an outer shell over said locator circuit, said control circuit and said heel end portion.
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17. A retrofit assembly for mounting to a key having a head portion and a shank portion, said retrofit assembly comprising:
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an electronic locator circuit, said locator circuit activated by an RF signal produced by a control unit for producing an audible or visual indication;
a carrier for supporting said locator circuit; and
a securing mechanism for securing said carrier to said head portion of said key.
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Specification