SIGNALLING DEVICE TO PREVENT LEAVING A KEY IN A LOCK

• US 3,579,183 A
• Filed: 07/25/1968
• Issued: 05/18/1971
• Est. Priority Date: 10/06/1967
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Paul Lipschutz
• Original Assignee: Paul Lipschutz
• Inventors: Lipschutz, Paul
• Application Number:
  US04/747,670
• Time in Patent Office: 1,027 Days
• US Class Current: 340/457
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 45/0605 for preventing of leaving the key key ejection E05B63/003
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7802 Multi-part structures

Abstract

A signalling device to prevent leaving a key in a lock. The device includes a lock which has a number of different positions and a key coacting with the lock to displace it between these positions. An electromechanical means coacts with the key and lock to give a warning signal when the key places the lock in at least one of its positions, such as the position which the lock has when the key is introduced into and removed from the lock. The device is particularly suited for use in connection with ignition switches of vehicles, and the signal which is provided can either be visible, audible, or vibratory so as to be felt by the fingers of the operator.

Claims

1. A signalling assembly, particularly for an ignition switch, comprising:

a lock having a plurality of positions;

a key coacting with said lock to displace the latter between said positions;

an enclosure carried by said key, in an outer portion thereof, situated outwardly beyond said lock;

electricalsignalling means in said enclosure; and

means in said lock for actuating said signalling means in at least one of the positions of the lock, for warning the operator that the key has not been removed from the lock.

2. The combination of claim 1 and wherein said electrical-signalling means is constructed and arranged to provide a vibratoRy sensation to the fingers of the operator during handling of the key.

3. The combination of claim 1 and wherein said electrical-signalling means is constructed and adapted to provide an audible signal.

4. The combination of claim 1 and wherein said enclosure is at least partially transparent and said electrical-signalling means is adapted to provide a visible signal.

5. The combination of claim 4 and wherein said electrical-signalling means includes a lamp and an electrical circuit for the lamp, also extending into the lock, and means for closing said circuit when the key places the lock in said one position.

6. The combination of claim 5 and wherein the electrical-signalling means includes a conductive member forming part of the circuit of said lamp, substantially located in the walls of said enclosure but having a free end directed toward said lock, said lock having a spring-pressed, insulated contact member, which is engaged by said conductive member at said end thereof when the lock coacts with the key and is in said one position.

7. The combination of claim 6 wherein the key has a metallic conductive component which is grounded through the lock when the key is in the lock.

8. The combination of claim 7 wherein said conductive component of the key extends into said enclosure.