Radio frequency identification (RFID) system for manufacturing distribution and retailing of keys

• US 7,849,721 B2
• Filed: 09/12/2005
• Issued: 12/14/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 09/10/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Hy-Ko Products Company
• Original Assignee: Hy-Ko Products Company
• Inventors: Ryai, Richard W. Sr., Bass, Michael A., Steinberg, Robert, Dively, Sandra
• Primary Examiner(s): BARRETT, SUZANNE LALE DINO
• Application Number:
  US11/224,194
• Publication Number:
  US 20060059964A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,919 Days
• Field of Search: 704/08, 702/52, 702781-2783, 702/57, 704/56.R, 340/5.21, 340/5.26, 340/5.61, 340/5.62, 307 101- 103
• 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 sheath assembly for a key comprising:

a. a sheath having a front surface and a back surface that are connected to at least partially form an opening around at least a portion of the outer periphery of a key wherein said sheath is configured to selectively retain the key; and

b. a programmable identification device secured to the sheath, wherein the identification device contains information indicative of one or more characteristics of the key that can be used to identify at least one of a) the type of key, b) the type of key blank, c) an origination address, d) a destination address, e) a manufacturer, f) a manufacturing date, and g) a lot number.

2. The sheath assembly of claim 1 wherein the identification device is configured to be programmed with information indicative of one or more characteristics of a second key.

3. The sheath assembly of claim 1 wherein the identification device is integrated into the body of the sheath.

4. The sheath assembly of claim 1 wherein the identification device is an RFID.

5. The sheath assembly of claim 1 wherein the sheath is configured to enclose the blade of the key.

6. A method of manufacturing the sheath assembly of claim 1 comprising:

a. forming a sheath for a key, by joining a front surface to a back surface to form a receptacle sized to enclose at least a portion of the outside periphery of a key and wherein the sheath is configured to surround at least a portion of a key and to selectively retain the key;

b. securing an identification device to the sheath,

c. programming the identification device with information indicative of one or more characteristics of the key that can be used to identify at least one of a) the type of key, b) the type of key blank, c) an origination address, d) a destination address, e) a manufacturer, f) a manufacturing date, and g) a lot number.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein the identification device is an RFID.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein securing the RFID to the sheath comprises integrating the RFID at least partially within the body of the sheath.

9. The method of claim 7 further comprising retrieving information from the RFID that is indicative of one or more characteristics of the key.

10. The method of claim 7 further comprising reprogramming the RFID with information indicative of one or more characteristics of a second key.

11. A sheath assembly for a key comprising:

a sheath having a front surface and a back surface that are connected to at least partially form an opening configured to surround a portion of the outer periphery of a key,

wherein said sheath is configured to selectively retain a key; and

an RFID secured to the sheath;

wherein the RFID is programmed with one or more characteristics of a first key, that can be used to identify at least one of a) the type of key, b) the type of key blank, c) an origination address, d) a destination address, e) a manufacturer, f) a manufacturing date, and g) a lot number.

12. The sheath assembly of claim 11 wherein the RFID is reprogrammable with one or more characteristics of a second key.

13. The sheath assembly of claim 11 wherein the RFD is further programmed with data indicative of an origination address.

14. The sheath assembly of claim 11 wherein the RFID is programmed with data indicative of a destination address.

15. The sheath assembly of claim 11 wherein the RFID is programmed with a serial number for a key.

16. A plurality of sheath and key assemblies comprising;

a plurality of keys having one or more characteristics;

at least one sheath;

wherein the at least one sheath includes a front surface and a back surface that are connected to form an opening that is sufficiently sized to surround at least a portion of an outer periphery of at least one key, and at least partially surrounds and selectively retains at least one of the key;

an identification device secured to the at least one sheath;

the identification device being programmed with one or more characteristics of the plurality of keys, wherein the characteristics of the keys that can be used to identify at least one piece of shipping information for the plurality of keys.

17. The plurality of sheath and key assemblies of claim 16 wherein at least a first identification device is programmed with a key characteristic that is different than a key characteristic programmed on a second identification device.

18. The plurality of sheath and key assemblies of claim 17 wherein at least one identification device is programmed with data indicative of the manufacture of the sheath and key assembly.