Key structure with illumination function

• US 5,730,013 A
• Filed: 04/02/1997
• Issued: 03/24/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 04/02/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Wen-Sheng Huang
• Original Assignee: Wen-Sheng Huang
• Inventors: Huang, Wen-Sheng
• Primary Examiner(s): Gall, Lloyd A.
• Application Number:
  US08/832,003
• Time in Patent Office: 356 Days
• Field of Search: 70/456 R, 70/408, 70/395, 70/403, 70/404, 70/453, 70/454, 70/278, 70/DIG. 51, 362/116, 362/100, 362/200
• US Class Current: 70/395
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 17/103 on keys E05B17/106 takes precedence; attached to key rings A44B15/005; on key bags or wallets A45C11/32
• 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: Y10T 70/7802 Multi-part structures
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7853 Tubular
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7876 Bow or head
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/8622 Key insertion guides

Abstract

A key structure with illumination function including a grip housing composed of a first and a second casing, a key plate enclosed in the grip housing and having a key head extending out of the grip housing, a cell disposed beside the key plate and a light emitting diode having two terminals extending to two electrodes of the cell. By depressing a depression button, the terminals of the light emitting diode are electrically connected with the cell to form a closed circuit so that the light emitting diode can emit a light beam to illuminate the circumference of the key hole. Accordingly, in a dim place, a user can easily use the key to unlock the lock.

Claims

1. A key structure with illumination function, comprising:

a key plate having a front end with which a key head is engaged for extending into a key hole, a middle section of the key head being disposed with a locating diaphragm;

a cell;

a light emitting means disposed on the locating diaphragm of the key head, two terminals of the light emitting means being respectively extended to two electrodes of the cell, one of the terminals being spaced from the cell in normal state and able to contact with the cell when depressed; and

a grip housing composed of a first and a second casing for enclosing the above elements, one side of the grip housing being disposed with a movable depression button adjacent to one side of the cell, whereby by means of depressing the depression button, the spaced terminal of the light emitting means is pushed to contact with the electrode of the cell to form a closed circuit, enabling the light emitting means to provide illuminating effect.

2. A key structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein a rear end of the key plate is disposed with a locating hole and the first casing is disposed with a locating block corresponding to the locating hole for inserting therein so as to firmly associate the key plate with the grip housing.

3. A key structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the key plate is made of metal material and directly contacts with one electrode of the cell, the terminals of the light emitting means being respectively extended to the key plate and the other electrode of the cell.

4. A key structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein an arch rib is formed inside the first casing for locating the assembly of the key plate and the cell.

5. A key structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the depression button is connected with the second casing via a connecting section.

6. A key structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light emitting means is a light emitting diode.

7. A key structure as claimed in claim 6, wherein one terminal of the light emitting means is coated by an insulative sleeve and extended to one electrode of the cell without contacting therewith in normal state, the other terminal of the light emitting means being extended to the key plate and electrically connected with the key plate and the other electrode of the cell.

8. A key structure as claimed in claim 6, wherein the grip housing is composed of the first and second casings.

9. A key structure as claimed in claim 6, wherein the key head is a tube-like body and the locating diaphragm is disposed at the middle section thereof for retaining the light emitting means.