Recharging key based wireless device
First Claim
1. A key chain rechargeable device, comprising:
- key securing structure;
an electronic device associated with said key securing structure;
a rechargeable battery source to power said electronic device; and
an inductive coil to receive charging power to charge said rechargeable battery source;
wherein said key chain rechargeable device is placed within charging range of said inductive coil when a key associated with said key securing structure is inserted in a lock device; and
wherein said key chain rechargeable device is distinct from said key inserted in said key securing structure and adaptively attaches to a key chain.
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Accused Products
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.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A key chain rechargeable device, comprising:
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key securing structure;
an electronic device associated with said key securing structure;
a rechargeable battery source to power said electronic device; and
an inductive coil to receive charging power to charge said rechargeable battery source;
wherein said key chain rechargeable device is placed within charging range of said inductive coil when a key associated with said key securing structure is inserted in a lock device; and
wherein said key chain rechargeable device is distinct from said key inserted in said key securing structure and adaptively attaches to a key chain. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A vehicle ignition assembly, comprising:
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a lock device;
a vehicle ignition switch connected to said lock device; and
an inductive charging coil placed proximate to said vehicle ignition assembly adapted to provide battery charging power to a key chain rechargeable device;
wherein said key chain rechargeable device is distinct from a key inserted in said vehicle ignition assembly and adaptively attaches to a key chain; and
wherein said key chain rechargeable device is placed within chaining range of said inductive charging coil when said key is inserted in said lock device.
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15. A method of recharging a key chain electronic device, comprising:
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inserting a key on a key chain in a lock device;
inductive coupling a rechargeable battery of a key chain electronic device to an external power source associated with said lock device when said key is in said lock device; and
placing said key chain electronic device in charging range of an inductive coil when said key is inserted in a lock device;
wherein said key chain electronic device is distinct from said key inserted in said lock device and adaptively attaches to a key chain.
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16. Apparatus for recharging a key chain electronic device, comprising:
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key chain means for securing a key while inserted in a lock device;
means for inductive coupling a rechargeable battery of a key chain electronic device to an external power source associated with said lock device when said key is in said lock device; and
means for placing said key chain electronic device in charging range of an inductive coil when said key is inserted in a lock device;
wherein said key chain electronic device is distinct from said key inserted in said lock device and adaptively attaches to a key chain.
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Specification