Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system for manufacturing distribution and retailing of keys

• US 20060059964A1
• Filed: 09/12/2005
• Published: 03/23/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 09/10/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Hy-Ko Products Company
• Original Assignee: Hy-Ko Products Company
• Inventors: Ryai, Richard W. Sr., Bass, Michael A., Steinberg, Robert, Dively, Sandra
• Granted Patent: US 7,849,721 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 70/408
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 11/321 combined with other articles
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 17/0004 Lock assembling or manufacturing making locksmith's goods of sheet metal B21D53/38; assembling in general B23P21/00
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 19/00 Keys; Accessories therefor key modifications or attachments preventing removal from the lock E05B11/005; key rings A44B15/00; key cases A45C11/32; key holders A47G29/10; making keys, see the relevant places, e.g. B21D53/42; milling grooves in keys B23C3/35
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 19/24 Key distinguishing marks fluorescent E05B17/106
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/048 the record carrier being shaped as a key
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/07749 the record carrier being capable of non-contact communication, e.g. constructional details of the antenna of a non-contact smart card
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/0776 the adhering arrangement being a layer of adhesive, so that the record carrier can function as a sticker
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00793 by Hertzian waves
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2209/62 Comprising means for indicating the status of the lock
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00896 specially adapted for particular uses
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00944 Details of construction or manufacture
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7079 Key rotated [e.g., Eurocylinder]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7876 Bow or head
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/8676 Key holders

Abstract

The present invention generally provides apparatus and methods for tracking, counting and inventorying keys throughout the supply chain, from manufacturing through retailing to the end user. In addition, the present invention provides apparatus and methods for improving the accuracy of duplicating keys. The apparatus and methods generally rely on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, where information is stored to and collected from RFID tags that are located proximate to keys. The apparatus and methods provided for in this invention improve efficiency and accuracy in the key supply chain.

Claims

1. A key assembly, consisting:

a. a key, and

b. an RFID tag attached to the key.

2. The key assembly of claim 1, further comprising an adhesive label, wherein the RFID tag is attached to the key by the adhesive label.

3. The key assembly of claim 2 wherein the adhesive label is a universal product code label.

4. The key assembly of claim 1, wherein the key includes a polymeric head, further wherein the RFID tag is attached to the key by the tag being incorporated into the head of the key.

5. A key assembly, consisting:

a. a key;

b. an sheath, into which the key can be selectively positioned; and

c. a RFID tag attached to the sheath.

6. The key assembly of claim 5, wherein the RFID tag is attached to the sheath by being incorporated into the body of the sheath.

7. A key assembly, comprising:

a. a key;

b. an RFID tag holder;

c. an RFID tag attached to the RFID tag holder; and

d. an attachment device to attach the RFID tag holder to the key.

8. The key assembly of claim 7, wherein the RFID tag is attached to the RFID tag holder by being incorporated into the body of the member.

9. A system for restocking a merchandising rack comprising:

a. an RFID-enabled merchandising rack, comprising;

i. at least one display means; and

ii. at least one indicator means positioned near the at least one display means;

b. an RFID reader; and

c. a database.

10. The system in claim 9 wherein the display means is a spindle.

11. The system in claim 9 wherein the display means is a bin.

12. The system in claim 9 wherein the indicator means is a light emitting diode.

13. A method for restocking a merchandising rack comprising the following steps:

a. receiving of a shipment of keys;

b. individually placing keys in the read zone of an RFID reader;

c. reading information from an RFID tag located proximate to the key;

d. determining proper location on the rack to store key; and

e. indicating the proper location.

14. A method for selecting proper key blank for the cutting of a duplicated key comprising the following steps:

a. placing an original key in the read zone of a RFID reader;

b. reading information from an RFID tag attached to the key;

c. processing information through a host computer to determine proper key blank to be used; and

d. directing a merchandise rack to energize a light emitting diode proximate to the proper key blank.

15. A method for calculating the inventory of keys on a merchandising rack comprising the following steps:

a. initiating an inventory inquiry by initiating at least one RFID reader;

b. gathering RFID information from each key located on a merchandising rack; and

c. calculating inventory of each type of key located on the merchandising rack based on the RFID information.

16. The method of claim 15 further comprising the steps:

a. displaying the inventory through a user interface; and

b. performing functions based on inventory and predetermined business rules.

17. A method for cutting duplicate keys comprising the following steps:

a. selecting a blank to be cut into a duplicate key;

b. reading information from an RFID tag on the key blank with an RFID reader;

c. setting jaws of a cutter to accommodate an original key and the duplicate key based on information from RFID tag; and

d. manually testing the fit of the original key into the jaws.

18. A method for moving keys through a supply chain comprising the following steps:

a. placing an RFID tag proximate to at least one key;

b. storing information specific to the at least one key on the RFID tag;

c. moving the at least one key from a first node in the supply chain to a second node in the supply chain;

d. reading information from the RFID tag; and

e. processing business rules to determine if an action needs to be initiated based on information from the RFID tag.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein the first node is a manufacturing facility and the information stored on the RFID tag is the type of key, name of manufacturer, and manufacturing date.

20. A method for preparing keys for movement through a supply chain comprising the following steps:

a. placing an RFID tag proximate to at least one key;

b. storing information specific to the at least one key on the RFID tag;

c. assembling keys into a group for shipping;

d. reading all RFID tags in the group of keys; and

e. producing a bill of lading for group of keys based on information read from all RFID tags.

21. A method for using real time inventory information comprising the steps:

a. initiating a reading of key inventory at one node of a supply chain;

b. utilizing remote communication means to initiate a reading of a key inventory at at least one other node in the supply chain;

c. processing inventory readings by comparing inventory to business rules; and

d. determining actions to be taken based on the inventory readings.

22. A method of authorizing duplication of a key comprising the following steps:

a. placing unique information on an RFID tag attached to an original key;

b. retrieving unique information from the RFID tag when duplicating the original key;

c. comparing the unique information with information provided by a person wanting to duplicate the key; and

d. duplicating the key if the unique information and the provided information are a match.

23. The method of claim 22 wherein the unique information is the name of an owner of the key.

24. The method of claim 22 wherein the unique information is a personal identification number.