JPH028470A - Plastic keys with reinforced shafts - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To essentially reinforce a shank and prevent the damage by torque of the shank such as torsion by producing a plastic key increased in thickness of the shank between the head part and engagement part of a. key and having a reinforcing part integrated thereto. CONSTITUTION: A mold type plastic key 10 comprises a shank 12 which is reinforced by forming a thick part 25 for preparing for the breakage by torsion or torque stress on the shank 12 for connecting a head part or handle 11 to a blade part or engagement part 13 and integrally molded by injection molding by use of an acetal resin. Otherwise, a thin, hard metallic reinforcing part 48 having extremely high resisting force to torque is integrated to the adjacent part of a shaft part 42 and a key handle 41 to reinforce the shaft part 42. Further, the plastic key may be combined with a card, or a reinforcing fiber may be molded in the plastic key.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of Industrial Application This invention is a continuation, in part, of United States Patent Application No. 091.492, filed September 3, 1987.

The present invention is a separate key or
My U.S. Patent No. 4,677.8 dated May 7th
Relates to molded plastic keys, whether plastic card/key combinations as in No. 35, and in particular to prevent the key shank from breaking under special torsional stresses applied through the key handle. It's about strengthening this type of key.

Conventional Technology> Ordinary metal keys used to operate rotary locks on automobiles, building doors, equipment control panels, etc.
At least up to the barb and shank, and even up to the handle, have been made to have the same thickness as the barb.

Molded plastic keys have also traditionally been made with essentially the same thickness over their entire length, just like metal keys.

<Problem to be Solved by the Invention> The key bar must fit tightly into the key slot in the shilling plug. If the key engages loosely in the key slot, the rotary lock will not mesh properly with the key notch. On the other hand, especially in the United States, there has been a tendency for the front end to have a large entry size in order to allow the key engagement portion to fit into the key slot without difficulty. As a result, when a considerable amount of torsional stress is applied, such as when there is resistance when turning a key in a lock for some reason, the key shaft can hardly support the torque. Such resistance can be caused by a variety of reasons, including poorly cut key notches, rusting, and icing. The user's response when there is such resistance to key rotation within the lock is to attempt to apply additional torque or twisting force to the key through the key handle. -Kouki has a metal key,
It can withstand such abnormal torsional stress.

A typical car engine or trunk key takes about 3 to 5 inch pounds (about 3 to 5 inch pounds) to open the lock.
Only ITP+ torque is required. Regular molded plastic keys of similar thickness are 8 or 9 ITP.
It can withstand the torque of. If a higher torque is applied, there is a risk of breaking the plastic key shank. The average woman can apply a torque of 7 to 10 ITP, and the average man can apply a torque of 10 to 14 ITP. Therefore, with molded plastic keys having essentially the same thickness over their entire length, breakage of the key shank is often experienced.

A molded plastic key is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,637.23 to Donald F. Almbrad.
No. 6 and U.S. Patent No. 4 of the same applicant.
．． No. 677,835. In both patents, the keys have a common thickness throughout their length.

The following list of United States patents, foreign patents and patent applications cited in prosecution of the patent applications developed into or related to U.S. Patent Nos. 4.637,236 and 4.677,835 Contains cited references. Patents and foreign patent applications also contain references that otherwise came to the attention of the inventor or his agent. No patent or patent application presents or suggests the invention to which Applicant applies. In fact, no patent or patent application provides for a key to be molded from plastic material. Briefly, the patents and patent applications can be considered and discussed in four groups.

The first group is - described in the preamble as an arrangement in which the card holder has a recess or key-receiving part, and within the recess there is a bar or band across the recess for the purpose of securing the key. . These patents are
D 259.073, D 245.371, 2.
No. 859.789, No. 2.734.624, D 27
No. 8.574 and Japanese Patent Application No. 58-11108
Including No. 4.

A second group of patents is described in the preamble as having a key holder having a pocket or the like for receiving a key, and there being some kind of mechanism for retaining the key in the pocket.

Patents included in this group include British Patent No. 845;
526, Japanese Patent Application No. 58-134982, U.S. Patent No. 4.286.641, U.S. Patent Application No. 3.2
No. 12.546, No. 2,625.190, No. 4,
There is No. 037,716.

Patents in the third group generally consist of keys that are hinged to a supporting base piece. Such patents include U.S. Pat.
933.017, 4.125.920, 3.318
．． 354, 3, 228.726, 2.488.24
No. 0, D No. 174.543, No. 2, 322.920,
and 1.766, No. 559.

The last group of patents consists of a collection of various patents that have previously been cited as opposed to a parent patent application or a related patent application. This group includes U.S. patents 3.583.317, 3.481.168, D2
70.046, 3,101.726, 4.422.
No. 315 and German Patent No. 3242-766.

A typical patent example of metal keys and rotary locks is United States Patent No. 4.656.851.

Means for Solving the Problems An important object of the present invention is to
An object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved molded key that is strengthened against destruction of the key shaft due to torque.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved molded plastic key which is reinforced by thickening the shank.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved molded plastic key that uses a reinforcing component to strengthen the shank.

Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved molded plastic key whose shank is reinforced by adding plastic as reinforcement.

Based on the principles of the present invention, a key having a handle, a shaft, and a barb is destroyed by abnormal torque applied through the handle of the key when there is resistance to rotation after the barb is inserted into the lock. A molded plastic key with a reinforced shaft is presented.

The present invention also provides a new and improved method of making molded plastic keys with reinforced stems.

Additionally, improved plastic keys and key holders are presented.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following description of embodiments, presented in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Of course, variations and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the novel concept of the invention.

EXAMPLE In Figures 1 to 4 a one-piece molded plastic key (10) is presented, which has a head or handle (11) and typically has a width of It is sufficiently larger than the width of the shaft (12) that connects the handle to the blade or barb (13). In this example, the barb (13) has a rotary lock notch (14) on one or both sides of the blade, and for this purpose a cross-section of the shank and barb is provided, as can be seen clearly in FIG. The shape has a longitudinal tongue and groove section (15) with narrow edges along its opposite edges. As shown in the figure (Fig. 4), the key (10) has an elongated shaft part (12) and a catch part (13) to fit into the rotary lock (17), A rotating cylinder or plug (18) extends from the housing (19) forming a suitably sized chamber (20) for receiving a spring-biased hinged lid (21); Lid (2
1) is such that when the key is inserted from the entrance (22), it is pushed up from the position shown by the dotted line to the position shown by the solid line. In order to facilitate the insertion of a key through the entrance (22) into a key slot (23) whose dimensions, for practical reasons, are fairly close to the dimensions of the key catch (13), the entrance (22) has a suitable clearance. Please note that it is necessary. The hook (13) and the slot (23)
) the desired allowed clearance is only about 000
It is 5 inches. Entrance to key slot (23) (
24), the key part (13) is the slot (23)
It is generally a guide cam type structure that flares out to make it easier to fit into the socket. It is clear from this structure that when the key barb (13) is inserted into the slot (23) and then abnormal torque is applied through the handle (11), the key barb (13) will fit snugly into the slot (23). Although fitted, there is nothing on the shaft (12) to support the torque.

In order to protect the shank (12) from failure due to torsion and torque stress, the shank is reinforced. In the example shown in FIG. 4, where there is sufficient clearance at the lock entrance, the reinforcement of the shank (12) is advantageously provided by a thicker part (25) molded into the shank. be. Preferably, such thickening (25) extends over the entire length of the shank next to, but not into, the proximate area of the knurling barb (13).

This thickening can avoid interfering with the snug fit of the barb (13) into the key slot (23). In a desirable example, the thickness part (25
) are made approximately 0.020 inches thick on both sides of the shank (12) and extend at least a certain distance toward the adjacent portion of the handle (11).

For maximum strength as a unit, the thickened portion (25) may span the entire width of both the shank (12) and the thickened portion of the handle (11). At the end of the shank (12) on the hook side, the thickened section (25) should end abruptly as close as possible to the area where the blade is to be scored, as shown by the thickened section end (26) in Figure 3. We are trying to get the maximum benefit from adding thickness to improve functionality. The end of the thick portion (25) on the handle side is smoothly thinned at both side surfaces and the end on the handle side, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Thickness part (25
) could be made to cover both sides of the handle (11), but this is not necessary, and the plastic material is saved by only extending over a portion of the remainder of the handle. In any case, by increasing the thickness, a part that can be grasped with fingers is created that is sufficient to transmit torque to the strengthened shaft part.

It should be appreciated that when thickening the keys of the present invention for reinforcement, it is desirable to make the plastic keys thicker than standard metal keys, and is possible in these examples. For example, a plastic key may be thicker than a standard metal key if the slot in which the key fits is large enough. Also, although the shaft portion is thickened in some embodiments of the present invention, it is not necessarily necessary to thicken only the shaft portion. For example, the head, shank and blade can all be made as thick as the lock allows.

Figures 5 to 8 show a short molded plastic key variant with a handle (two
8), there is a short shank (29) and a shank (30) of a length suitable for the purpose. In this example, the hook part (30)
has a tongue-and-groove groove (31) on one side only with a thin longitudinal side with a rotary lock knurling (32).

This key (27) is especially suitable for the key hole and the metal fitting (34).
A rotary lock (33) with a guide surface (35) and a guide surface (35) wider than the key slot (38) on the plug of the lock.
There is an entrance with a mark 7), and the overlock part (30) is suitable for operating a rotary lock that allows entry into the entrance relatively easily.

Key (27) to prevent damage to the shaft (29) due to torque
The reinforcement is carried out in the same manner as described for the key (10) in FIG. . In that portion of the thickness (39) extending to the handle (28) on each side of the key, the thickness tapers towards the handle as shown. The thickness (39) of each face of the key extends from one end of the key to the other, as clearly shown in FIG.

As shown in Figure 5, the groove (g) running along the length of the barb of the key (27) corresponds to the internal arrangement of the slot of the rotary lock; 29) does not extend to the cranial end. This means that the shaft (2
9) functions to strengthen and harden it. From this point of view, it should be noted that keys with such grooves can be strengthened by terminating the gl before the final end of the shank (29). Therefore, if necessary, the plastic - The key shank can be strengthened simply by shortening the length of the groove without having to make the shank thicker than the rest of the key.

In the modification examples shown in Figures 9 through 13, the key
A molded plastic key (40) with a reinforced shank is shown that is particularly suitable for rotary locks that do not have an entrance to the key slot with a cross-sectional dimension significantly larger than the slot. Such rotary locks are particularly popular outside the United States, and are especially popular as locks for automobiles. For reinforcement, the key (40) has a thicker handle (41) than a short shaft (42) and a blade of suitable length (43).
)have.

The shaft (42) and the barb (43) are provided with - or more longitudinally extending coding grooves (45).
There is also a tongue and groove groove (45) on one side of the barb (43) in the longitudinal direction, and a rotary lock (not shown).
It forms a relatively thin longitudinal side area with an opening notch (46).

To strengthen the shank (42) adjacent to the handle to prevent it from being damaged by torque, a highly torque resistant reinforcing reinforcement (48) is provided for the shank (42) and the key. Built into the adjacent part of the handle. In the structure presented, the reinforcing component (48) is a thin, rigid metal component, preferably with a shank-strengthening extension or finger (49) extending from the body (50); It consists of a solid steel stamping with a head (51) at the opposite end. A circular corner (51a) on the head (51) and a main body (50
) has a similar circular corner (50a) made of plastic.
Integrity is enhanced when the key (40) and reinforcing component (48) are integrated by molding.

The reinforcing fingers (49) have a width and thickness to fit into the shank of the notched area (47) for the rotating pile.

In terms of width, the fingers (49) are wider than the shaft (42) relative to the key handle (41) and the barb (43).
), it is desirable that the width be slightly narrower than the width of the key area (47). Preferably, the reinforcing finger (49) and the key area (47) have the same thickness, with both sides of the finger (49) being exposed on both sides of the area (47);
In this way, the finger (49) is located at the entrance end of the key slot of the rotary lock, into which the shank (42) enters after the barb (43) is fully inserted into the slot to rotate the lock; The relationship can be such that torque can be directly transmitted. The length and end of the fingers (49) are designed to extend towards the shank end of the shank and region (47) to the maximum permitted distance with respect to the nearest rotary pile notch (46). . For maximum extension, the finger (49) has an angled or beveled end (
49a) to ensure clearance with the nearest notch (46) cut in area (47). As best shown in FIG.
) to create a narrow separation space on the area (47) between them. This shape prevents the fingers (49) from interfering with efficiently carving the notches (46).

The main body (50) of the reinforcing component (48) has a handle (41).
) is preferably dimensioned to be embedded within the terminal end (52) of the key, which contacts the outer edge of the lock when the key shank is fully inserted into the lock. The head end (51) of the reinforcing part (48) is dimensioned to be embedded in the key handle (41) and has a length that occupies approximately half the length of the handle and is connected to the finger (49) and the lock. To operate the handle (
41) is desirably wide enough to allow complete torque transmission.

As shown in Figures 9 to 12, the plate reinforcement (48) is substantially thinner than the key handle (41). Thickness at the center of the shaft portion (42) and the hook portion (43),
The body part (50) and the head end (51) of the reinforcing part are sufficiently thinner than the stop part (52) and the handle (41), respectively, and are therefore molded into the handle (41), so that the reinforcing part Completely integrated into the handle. The integration and integration of the key reinforcement parts by such molding allows the handle (41) to be integrated with the reinforcement parts (48).
) is achieved by making it much thicker than the

Although the key (40) is used alone, it can also be provided as a plastic key and card combination, as shown in FIGS. 14-17. For this purpose, the keys (40) are placed in corresponding recesses (53) of the holder (card 54) of the desired wallet size in terms of RB. Conveniently, the recess (53) is located on one side of the card (54), so that the remaining area on one or both sides of the card is free of any desired It can also be used as a title or seal.

To hold the key (40) together with the card (54), there is an integral multidirectional hinge (55) formed as part of the mold and made of the same material as the key and the molded card. The head of the key or the end of the handle (41) is integrally connected to the end of the card (54) in the recess (53). The hinge (55) is generally an elongated piece that allows the key to not only swing out of the plane of the card (54), but also to allow the key to be twisted around the card surface without separating it from the card. It is desirable to make In the configuration presented, the hinge (55) is generally formed by a rod-like part with a circular cross section and whose length is greater than its diameter. As shown in FIG. 15, the hinge (55) has a diameter that is slightly thinner than the thickness of the head (41), and its diameter is slightly thicker than the thickness of the card (54). A reinforcing extension (57) extends from the connecting end of the hinge (55) to the proximal portion of the card (54) and extends along the edge of the card to stiffen the edge in this area against unexpected bending. It is connected to the rib (58).

Figures 18 to 21 include a notch (46) for a rotating pile, similar in some respects to the key (40) of Figure 9;
A molded plastic key (60) is shown having a reinforced shank, which differs in that there are 2.) on each side of the blade. This key (60) has a handle (61)
, a shaft portion (62) and a hook portion (63). The cross-section of the barb (63) is symmetrical and has, along each longitudinal side, a tongue-and-groove coding groove (64) in Rx, the grooves on both sides being opposite to the blade (63). It has a staggered relationship to the surface.

Along each groove there is a longitudinal side area (65) of approximately half the thickness of the body of the barb (63).

A rotary lock notch (67) is cut in the area (65).

The reinforcement of the shank (62) against torque failure is provided by a highly torque-resistant reinforcement part, preferably in the form of a stamped part (68) made of steel.

The main body (69) and the head (
70) is completely embedded within the handle (61).

In order to completely fix the head (70) of the reinforcing part in the handle (61), the head (70) has a transverse fixing slot (71), which allows the fixing by the molding of the plastic key handle. Do the following.

In the structure presented, the reinforcing part (68) is no thicker than the thickness of at least one of the notched areas (65), where a reinforcing extension in the form of a finger (73) of the reinforcing part (68) is attached to the reinforcing part. Extending from the main body (69).

As best shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, finger (73) has an opposite surface opposite region (65) for reasons similar to those discussed with respect to finger (49) in FIG. is arranged in the associated barb area (65) in such a manner that it is exposed to the barb area (65). In order to obtain an appropriate torque resistance force with the finger (73), the corresponding key area (65
), so that this part of the finger can be molded onto the body of the shank (62). Such a fill-in portion of the body of the finger (73) is desirable as it allows for longer dimensions of the finger when it has an angled or beveled end (74) as shown in FIG. Whether or not the termination (74) is beveled, it is desirable to narrow it from both sides of the finger to bevel or chamfer the surface leading to the termination (74) as seen in FIG. This allows the part of the finger (73) close to the end (74) to be thinned, so that the plastic material of the barb (63) is molded onto the beveled surface (75) to create the fixing profile (77). This allows the terminal end of the finger (73) to be well fixed with the molded material of the finger, and the key (60) and reinforcing portion (68) made of mold.
Excellent structural integration can be achieved.

As shown in Figures 22 to 24, the key (80)
Similar to the key (40) and the key (60), the shaft part (
The handle (82) is thicker than the handle (82) and the handle (83).
1), in which a metal reinforcing component (84) is embedded in the handle and shaft. Head end of reinforcing part (85
) is embedded in the handle (81) and has a plastic fixing part (87) molded with a fixing slot (87).
8). From the head (85) to the reinforcing part body (89)
) extends, and in this example also extends from the body (89) to the key detail (82) a pair of parallel reinforcing fingers (90) and (91). Finger (90) is Finger (90)
1), in the shank region between the fingers there is a longitudinal coding groove extending over the entire length of the shank (82) and the barb (83).

In addition to this, there is a longitudinal coding groove (93) in the shank (82) and the barb (83). A notched area (94) for the flat longitudinal rotary pile runs along the side of the barb (83) at the location of the reinforcing finger (90). The key of the lock in which the key (80) is used
at the surface of the shank (82) in contact with the entrance to the slot;
Finger (90) and finger (91) have surfaces exposed as contact surfaces. If coding groove (92)
It will be appreciated that otherwise the two fingers (90) and (91) can be made rigidly as one piece.

This emphasizes the versatility of the reinforced plastic key concept with fingers.

Next, FIGS. 25 to 27 show another embodiment of a molded plastic key (101) according to the present invention. Key (1011 is the key (60) in Figure 18)
, which has a symmetrical cross-section blade 11
03) and along each longitudinal side there is a generally tongue-and-groove coding groove (105), the groove surfaces being staggered on both sides of the barb (1031).

105+ along each of the barbs (longitudinal side regions of approximately half the thickness of the remaining portions of 1031);
107). The side areas (107) are made in such a way that indentations (109) for the rotating piles are cut. In the structure of the molded plastic key (1011), the key shaft [111] is susceptible to twisting or breaking due to torque when the key is inserted into the slot of the rotary lock and receives abnormal resistance. f1011 is particularly weak in the side region (1071) of the shaft (111).

A superior torque-strengthening reinforcing component (113) is presented to strengthen the shaft (111) against torque failure. As shown in Figure 28, the reinforcing parts (
113) has a head fl with a fixing slot (117).
15). The fixing slot [1171 ensures that the reinforcing part is firmly embedded within the key (1011), as detailed below.

The reinforcing part (113) further includes a pair of fingers (119) and (121) extending from the head (115). The fingers (119) and (121) are made at different levels from each other. For this reason, the fingers (119) and (121) do not lie in the same horizontal plane when the reinforcing part (113) is placed horizontally as shown in FIG.

In the example presented, one of the fingers (121) extends out of the horizontal plane defined by the rest of the reinforcing part. As shown in FIG. 27, with this structure, one of the fingers (119) and (121) is attached to the respective restraint of the shaft (111) when the reinforcing part (113) is embedded in the key (1011). Due to the three folds of this structure of the key (101), the longitudinal sides (1071) are not in the same horizontal plane. Therefore, the fingers (119) of the reinforcement part fl13
) and (1211) are not at different levels from each other, when the reinforcing part (113) is embedded in the key (101), it cannot be inserted effectively. This structure of the reinforcing part (1131) Especially the shaft part (1111,
It plays the role of strengthening against damage caused by torque.

As shown in FIGS. 25 to 27, the reinforcing parts (1
13) is designed to be embedded in the key (101). For this purpose, as mentioned above, reinforcing parts (
113) has a fixing slot f11 in the head (115).
There are 71. When the reinforcing part (1131) is embedded in the key (1011, the fixing slot (1171) acts so that the reinforcing part is firmly fixed therein. From this point of view, the slot (117) The plastic material made is molded into the slot (117) to secure the reinforcing part to the key.

An example of the reinforcing component (113) shown in FIG.
The fingers (119) and (1211) of the reinforcing part (113)
has a corresponding longitudinally extending edge (
120) and (122). This finger (1191
and (1211), the respective end edges (120) and (122
) is thinner than other parts of the fingers (119) and (121). The edges (1201 and (122) serve to ensure that the reinforcing part (113) is fixed to the key (101). In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 26 to 28, the fingers ( The central part of 1191 and (121) has approximately the same thickness as the restraint (107) of the shaft (111). Therefore, the reinforcing part [113]
), fingers (119) and (121)
The top and bottom surfaces of the restraint (107) are exposed alongside or just below the corresponding top and bottom surfaces of the restraint (107). As shown in FIG.
The thinned areas of (0) and (122) create areas that mesh with the molded restraint (107), and the fingers (1191 and (1211) are firmly embedded and fixed in the key (1 (11)). guaranteed.

Although the plastic material from which the key (101) is made shrinks,
Since the hard reinforcing part (113) does not shrink, especially if it is made of metal, it is necessary to create spaces (131) and (133) at the tips of the fingers (119) and (1211). (131) and (1331) are made by allowing the plastic to shrink during the molding process.
The fingers (1191 and (121)) slide into this space.If this space were not present, pressure would be exerted on the key and twisting could occur.

The reinforcing component +113) is preferably made of an inherently strong material, such as metal. However, the reinforcing parts (113
It will be appreciated that 1 can be made of any material that can strengthen the key (1011), especially the shank (111), making it able to withstand greater forces. , the reinforcing part (113) is made of steel.

The molded plastic keys described here are
For example, it is made of an acetal resin made of a formaldehyde polymer, which is sold under the trade name 'Delrin 500'' by EI du Pont de Nemois & Company.

Reinforcing parts for keys are made of cold rolled steel, which can be strengthened if necessary, or annealed before molding into plastic keys, and then hardened to a Rockell hardness of 55-57.
A suitable material is stamped sheet steel, such as hardened C1095 spring steel.

The key (101) is then used alone and, if necessary, stored in a storage device such as a key ring, but as shown in FIG. It can also be made as part of a key combination (151). For this purpose, use the key (101
) is housed in a corresponding receptacle (153) of a holder (154) which is essentially card-shaped. Holder (1
Although only one key (101) is shown in 54), two or more keys could be accommodated there if required.

To hold the key (101) on the card (154),
The illustrated embodiment has an integral hinge (155) that allows for multi-directional movement. Hinge (1551
is integrated with the mold, key +1011
and the card f154). This hinge connects the key head (123) or handle to the card receiving portion 11.
53). The hinge [155] is generally an elongated piece that preferably allows the key (1011) not only to swing out from the surface of the card, but also to allow the key to be twisted relative to the card without being separated from the card.

In the example presented, the hinge is a generally rod-shaped piece. In the illustrated embodiment, to stiffen the card (154), the card includes a reinforcing section extending from the edge of the hinge (155) to a proximate portion of the card (154) and running along the edge of the card. Connected to Rip (158),
There is a reinforcing extension (157).

In the illustrated embodiment, the key (1011) is the card (15
41 with a hinge (155), but the key (
Note that other methods of retaining 101) on the card (154) can also be used. For example, the keys may be retained on the card in a detachable manner such that the keys can be removed from the card for use and then returned to the key receptacle on the card for retention.

Next, FIG. 30 shows another embodiment of the present invention. In this example, not only is the key (161) made of plastic material, but there is also reinforcing fiber (162) in it.
) is molded. The reinforcing fibers (162) strengthen the key (161), particularly the key shaft (163). The reinforcing fiber can strengthen the key (1611) against breaking due to the torque caused by the resistance when the key (1611) is inserted into the lock and twisted.The reinforcing fiber can strengthen the key (161), especially the shaft (1631). Reinforcing fiber materials used in the
There are composite fibers such as glass, aramid/carbon/glass, and carbon/glass. These fibers may be directional or non-directional, depending on the molding process in which the key (1611) is fabricated.

Carbon fiber is particularly useful due to its excellent strength and high modulus of elasticity. Additionally, carbon fibers can be applied to plastic keys [161] as well as by lamination.
It can be molded by injection or compression molding. Glass fibers are also useful because glass fiber reinforced plastic materials have a high strength-to-weight ratio and are dimensionally stable. Glass fibers may also be used by lamination or compression or injection molding. Thermoplastic fibers are particularly useful for fabrication processes that are subject to high shear stresses, such as injection molding. Composite materials are particularly
It is effective because it is lightweight and has high elastic modulus, compression resistance, deflection resistance, impact resistance, and breakage resistance. Furthermore, certain composite materials have very good manufacturing characteristics.

As mentioned above, it has been revealed that the present invention essentially strengthens the key shaft of a molded plastic key to prevent it from being damaged by torque.

It will be understood that variations and modifications may be made within the spirit and scope of the novel concept of the invention.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a molded plastic key with a reinforced shank according to the present invention. 2 is an enlarged detailed cross-sectional view taken along line II-11 of FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged detailed longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along line 49 III--III of FIG. FIG. 4 is a general schematic diagram of the key shown in FIG. 1 inserted into the operating position of one rotary lock. FIG. 5 is a plan view of a modified example of the molded plastic key of the present invention, which has a shaft portion that is somewhat shorter than the key shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is an enlarged detail of a transverse section along the line Vl--Vl of FIG. FIG. 7 is an enlarged detailed longitudinal cross-sectional view along the line vn-vn of FIG. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the key of FIG. 5 inserted into a typical rotary lock. FIG. 9 is a plan view showing another modification of the molded plastic key having a reinforced shaft portion according to the present invention. FIG. 10 is an enlarged detailed longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along the line X--X of FIG. 9; FIG. 11 is an enlarged detailed view of a transverse cross section taken along the line X[--cut in FIG. 9. FIG. 12 is an enlarged side view of the key in FIG. 9. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the reinforcing insert in the key of FIG. 9; FIG. 14 is a plan view showing a combination of the plastic card with the keys shown in FIG. 9 and the keys. FIG. 15 is a detailed cross-sectional view taken along line 2--2 in FIG. 14. FIG. 16 is a detailed cross-sectional view taken along the line D!jAXVI-XVI of FIG. Yet another variant of a key made of molded plastic with a reinforced shaft. Figure 19 is an enlarged detailed partial cross-section along the line XlX-XIX of Figure 18. Figure 20 is #i of Figure 18. !xx-xx. Figure 21 is an enlarged partial sectional detail along line xxr-xxr of Figure 18. Figure 22 has a reinforced shank according to the invention. A plan view showing yet another modification of the molded plastic key. Fig. 23 is a line XXIII-XXIII 4m in Fig. 22.
Detailed enlarged cross-sectional view along the line. FIG. 24 is an enlarged detailed longitudinal cross-sectional view along line XXIV-XXIV of FIG. 22; FIG. 25 is a plan view showing yet another modification of the molded plastic key with a reinforced shaft according to the present invention. FIG. 26 is an enlarged detailed cross-sectional view along line XXVI-XXVI in FIG. 25. FIG. 27 is an enlarged detailed cross-sectional view taken along line XXVII-XXVII of FIG. 25; FIG. 28 is a plan view showing an insert part embedded in the key of FIG. 25. FIG. 29 is a plan view of the card and key combination containing the keys shown in FIG. 25. FIG. 30 is a plan view showing a broken portion of another modified example of a malt-type plastic key having a reinforced shaft portion according to the present invention. 10.27, 40.60.80.101.161...
Key, 11, 28.41.61...Handle,
12.29.42.82.111.163...
Shaft part 13, 30.43.83.103... Latch part, 23, 71... Key slot, 25, 39... Thickness part, 32, 48... ... carving] mi (eye), 48.68.1
13... Reinforcement parts 49.73.119121.
...Finger, 54, 154...Card

Claims (37)

[Claims] (1) A plastic key, essentially similar to a metal key, having a barb sized to fit into a barb-receiving slot in a rotary lock, and a head having a surface for applying a rotational torque to the key. , a molded plastic key consisting of a shank with a thicker part than the corresponding part of the metal key between the barb and the head to strengthen the key against breakage. 2. The molded plastic key of claim 1, wherein the key is injection molded from acetal resin. (3) The molded plastic according to claim 1, wherein the thick portion extends over the entire length of the shank and extends at least a certain distance in the vicinity of the shank of the head. Key. (4) The molded plastic key according to claim 3, wherein the thick portion covers the entire area of both surfaces of the shaft portion. 5. The molded plastic of claim 4, wherein the thickened portion terminates abruptly adjacent the end proximal to the barb and has clearance to the key notch area of the barb. Made of keys. 6. The molded plastic key of claim 5, wherein said thickened portion tapers toward the head of the key. 7. The thickened portion of claim 2, wherein the thickened portion extends sufficiently toward the head to allow a user to grasp the key with a finger to torque the key when the key is inserted into the lock. Molded plastic keys. (8) The hook portion has a thickness that changes in the longitudinal direction in accordance with the internal shape of the slot of the rotary lock, and the head applies rotational torque when the hook portion is inserted into the slot. The key has a wing surface extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the key, and the shaft portion is reinforced compared to the barb portion and has greater resistance to damage due to torsion than the barb portion. The molded plastic key described in 1. 9. A molded plastic key according to claim 8, wherein said longitudinal thickness variation terminates at a location on said shaft portion adjacent to said barb portion and remote from said head portion. (10) The molded plastic key according to claim 8, wherein the thick portion is provided by making the thickness of the shaft portion thicker than the thickness of the barb portion. 11. The molded plastic key according to claim 10, wherein said head portion has a thick portion similar to said shaft portion. (12) The molded plastic key according to claim 8, wherein the head and the shaft are thick at a connecting portion thereof, and the thick portion is sufficiently thicker than the thickness of the hook portion. (13) The molded plastic key according to claim 1, wherein the key has a rigid reinforcing component incorporated therein for the purpose of reinforcing the key. 14. The molded plastic key of claim 13, wherein the rigid reinforcing component has a head at least partially recessed in the key head and a protruding finger extending into the shank. 15. The molded plastic key of claim 14, wherein said reinforcing component has two protruding fingers. 16. The molded plastic key of claim 15, wherein said two projecting fingers are offset from each other. (17) Claim 1, wherein the key includes a fibrous reinforcing material.
Molded plastic keys as shown. (18) The fibrous reinforcing material is selected from the group consisting of aramid fiber, carbon fiber, glass fiber, thermoplastic fiber, aramid/carbon fiber, aramid/glass fiber, aramid/glass/carbon fiber, and carbon/glass fiber. 18. The molded plastic key of claim 17. (19) The molded plastic key according to claim 17, wherein the fibrous reinforcing material is a laminate material. (20) A key body consisting of a widened head end, a shaft connected to the head, and a hook protruding from the shaft, the hook having a size to be inserted into the key slot of the lock. having a longitudinal shape corresponding to the thickness and internal structure of the key slot, said barb having a side edge notched for a rotary lock, and a rigid reinforcing element embedded in said head and shank. , the reinforcing part has a head part embedded in the head part and a finger part protruding from the head part, the finger part protruding from the shaft part, and the central axis of the finger part is at a different level from the central axis of the hanging part. A molded plastic key. 21. The molded plastic key of claim 20, wherein said rigid reinforcing component is made of metal. (22) The finger has an oblique end;
A molded plastic key according to claim 20. 23. The mold of claim 22, wherein the finger has an obliquely angled surface toward the distal end, and a plastic fixed portion of the key shaft engages the obliquely angled surface. Type plastic keys. 24. The molded plastic key of claim 20, wherein said finger has a surface that is oblique to a fixed plastic portion of the key that engages said surface. 25. The molded plastic key of claim 20, wherein the head of the rigid reinforcement is secured to the head of the key. 26. The molded plastic key of claim 20, wherein the rigid reinforcement includes a plurality of spaced fingers projecting from the shank. 27. The molded plastic key of claim 20, wherein the reinforcing component has two fingers projecting from the head thereof, the first finger being offset from the second finger. 28. The molded plastic key of claim 20, including a card-like key holder having a key receiving portion for holding said key and a device for securing the key within said key receiving portion. (29) The device for fixing a key includes a hinge that connects the head of the key to a card-like key holder in such a manner that the key can be swung out and transferred out of the key receiving portion;
A molded plastic key according to claim 28. 30. The molded plastic key of claim 20, wherein the key includes a thickened portion to strengthen the key. (31) a second finger extends from the head, the second finger being placed next to the first finger, the central axis of which is offset from the central axes of the first finger and the barb; A molded plastic key according to claim 20. 32. The molded plastic key of claim 31, wherein each finger lies in a different plane in the thickness direction of the shaft. 33. A molded plastic key according to claim 20, wherein the barb has opposite sides of reduced cross-sectional thickness, and the fingers protrude from the sides. (34) The barring portion has opposite sides having a reduced cross-sectional thickness, fingers projecting from each side, and at least a portion of the first side has a thickness different from a portion of the second side. 34. The molded plastic key of claim 33 in a plane of direction. (35) The molded plastic according to claim 20, wherein the barb has at least one groove, and the two fingers protrude toward the shank at different levels from a center line defined by the groove. Made of keys. (36) A molded plastic key having a bar end sized to fit into a lock receiving slot, a head having a surface for applying rotational torque to the key, and a shaft connecting the barb and the head. A reinforcing part molded into the shaft and head to strengthen the shaft, and a stress relief part of the key next to the reinforcing part to essentially prevent key deformation when cooling after molding. A molded plastic key consisting of. (37) A key made of molded plastic, with a head end for applying rotational torque and a protruding part for driving the lock, the head end and the lock drive part being molded from plastic material, and made of metal. a reinforcing part of the lock is fully embedded partially in the head and partially in the lock drive, the lock drive being located between two sides with a part of minimum thickness and another thicker part. the reinforcing component has a maximum thickness that is greater than the minimum thickness, and the maximum thickness of the reinforcing component is laterally spaced from the minimum thickness of the lock drive. plastic key.