HEIJA MARKKU TAPANI (FI)
HEIJA PERTTI ANTERO (FI)
HEIJA MARKKU TAPANI (FI)
| WO1994021483A1 | 1994-09-29 |
| GB2192665A | 1988-01-20 | |||
| DE2501516A1 | 1976-07-22 | |||
| FI95113B | 1995-09-15 | |||
| DE2339424A1 | 1975-02-20 | |||
| US4318288A | 1982-03-09 | |||
| DE3434815A1 | 1985-02-21 | |||
| US4689603A | 1987-08-25 | |||
| US4697171A | 1987-09-29 | |||
| US4678057A | 1987-07-07 |
| 1. | A key or similar means, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that said key (2) or similar means is provided with: means (3) to selectively allow or prevent the use thereof, detecting means (6), and means (7) to determine whether the use of said key or similar means should be prevented or allowed in response to a signal provided by said detecting means (6). |
| 2. | A key or similar means according to claim 1 , wherein said detecting means comprise testing means, preferably means (6) for taking a breath test of the user to determine if the user is under the influence of alcohol or similar into¬ xicants. |
| 3. | A key or similar means according to claim 2, wherein said detecting means comprise means for determining the level of alcohol content of the breath of the user. |
| 4. | A key or similar means according to claim 1 , wherein said detecting means comprise means for receiving a remote control signal. |
| 5. | A key or similar means according to claim 1 , wherein said key or similar means comprise clock means and means for detecting the time from said clock means. |
| 6. | A key or similar means according to claim 1 , wherein said detecting means comprise means for detecting a personal identification, like a fingerprint, voice sample or similar. |
| 7. | A key or similar means according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the means for determining whether to allow the use or not further comprise a microprocessor (7) . |
| 8. | A key or similar means according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said means for selectively allowing and preventing the use of said key of similar means comprise: means for controlling the depth of insertion of said key (2) or similar means into a lock, said means preferably being pin means (3) or sleeve means or cam means being movable between a first and a second position, said first position allowing the full insertion of said key or similar means to said lock and said second position preventing said full insertion thereof. |
| 9. | A key or similar means according to claim 8, wherein the movement of said pin means (3) is actuated and/or restricted by solenoid means (4,5) or similar means, said means being preferably actuated by electrical current. |
| 10. | A key or similar means according to claims 1...7, wherein said means for selectively allowing and preventing the use of said key means (2) comprise: a rear part (1 ) of said key means (2) rotatably assembled in connection with said key means, means (12) for locking and releasing the rotation of said rear part (1 ) relative to said key means (2) in response to the signal provided by said detecting means. |
| 11. | A key or similar means according to claims 1 ...7, wherein said means for selectively allowing and preventing the use of said key of similar means comprises: a rear part of said key means, means for moving the key portion relative, and preferably inside to said rear part such that said key portion becomes too short, when said determining means do not allow the use of said key means. |
| 12. | A key or similar means according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said it further comprises means (10) for automatically returning the preventing stage after a predetermined period of time. |
| 13. | A key or similar means according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said key means is an ignition key of a vehicle and is intented to be used as a preventing means for drunken driving. |
| 14. | A method for preventing of an unauthorized use of locks or similar means, said method comprising: detecting and/or testing predetermined samples or signals by means arranged in connection with keys or similar means arranged to open said locks or similar means, determining whether predetermined conditions for allowable use of said locks or similar means are met or not by means arranged in connection with said keys or similar means, and actuating means arranged to allow or to prevent the use of said locks and similar means in response to the result of said determination. |
| 15. | A method according to claim 14, wherein said method further comprises: taking a breath test from a person by breath analyzer arranged in connection with said key, and determining from said sample whether said person is capable of driving a vehicle or not by means arranged in connection with said key. |
| 16. | A method according to claim 14, wherein said method further comprises identifying the user by a predetermined personal properties, like fingerprint, voice sample or the like. |
| 17. | A method according to any of claims 14...16, wherein said actuating means are moved to said allow state for a predetermined period of time, after which said preventing state is automatically returned. |
| 18. | A method according to any of claims 14...16, wherein said preventing and allowing stage is provided by moving suitable producing pin means or locking means between a first and a second operational position. |
The present invention relates to a keys and similar means which are arranged for preventing unwanted or illegal use, i.e. locking arrangements like driving of a vehicle if the driver is under the influence of alcohol and more precisely to a key or similar means as defined in claim 1.
The present invention relates also to a method for preventing an unauthorized use of locks and similar means or locking arrangements in various applications, like drivers to start driving when they are influenced by alcohol, as more preci¬ sely defined in claim 14.
There are various situations, where it is not allowed to the key holder to use his key, for example for a drunken person to drive his car. The awareness of risks caused by this so called drink-and-drive situations has increased and thus the laws concerning driving under influence of alcohol and other intoxicants have become more stringent in most countries. However, this has not been success¬ ful enough to stop all drunken driving. Another problem arises in that it is dif¬ ficulty to a driver to estimate whether the small amounts of alcohol, like a beer with minor alcoholic contents with meals, are sufficient enough to lower the ability to drive and to violate the laws or if the driver is still capable to drive.
To solve a part of these problems, an earlier FI patent application no. 874662 describes a drink-and-drive prevention arrangement consisting a cover plate mounted in front of the ignition lock. The plate will move aside if the breathalyz¬ er indicates that the driver has not alcohol in his breath. If the driver does have alcohol in his breath, the cover plate will not move aside, making it impossible to insert the ignition key in the lock and start the car. There is also a start lock which is mounted on the instrument panel and which will prevent connection of electrical current to the vehicle's current circuit if the breathalyzer indicates that the driver has alcohol in his breath.
The prior known drink-and-drive prevention devices are mounted as a part of the constructions of a vehicle. This requires remarkable changes in production of such vehicles and is therefore particularly expensive. It is also difficult and
expensive to mount these prevention devices in cars already in use due to their complex operating principle and, in some cases lack of sufficient space for such installations. Fixed mounting of the breathlyzer in the vehicles can also be consi¬ dered a drawback, since these devices do not operate reliably when they are cold, for instance due to a cold weather in the winter time.
The object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a totally new solution for preventing unauthorized use of locks and similar means, like drunken driving or other riskful actions of intoxi¬ cated persons. The objective are means for allowing the use of a device, such as vehicle, when allowed or sober and preventing the use when the use is not allowed, for instance because of alcohol, said means being simple as to the construction, easy and economical to manufacture and to use, and requiring no expensive assembly.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an ignition key or the like that solves the above mentioned problems.
An another object is to provide a key or the like that is intented for personal use and can be adjusted according to personal requirements of the user.
A further object of the invention is to prevent the use of such a key arrange¬ ment that does not prevent the drunken person to drive.
A still further object is to provide a method and means for preventing the drunken driving only in case the legal limits for alcoholic contents in breath is exceeded.
A still further object is to provide a safety device for such places as banks, hospitals, schools, offices or the like.
The present invention is based on the idea that by combining a detecting means, like a breath analyzer or remote control signal receiver to the key means or the like and by providing the key means or in some cases also the counter ¬ part, like ignition lock, with means for preventing the use of the key when the detection, like the breath test, and the determination thereafter are giving a negative value, whereby the above mentioned objects are realized .
More precisely, the arrangement according to the present invention is mainly characterized by what is disclosed in appended claims 1 to and especially by the characterizing portion of claim 1 . The method according the present inven¬ tion is mainly characterized by appended claims 14 to 18 and especially by the characterizing portion of claim 14.
According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the head of an ignition key is provided with breath analyzing means and controlling means, like microprocessor, for controlling the operation of the arrangement. The key furt¬ her comprises means for preventing the key to operate, like to penetrate deep enough to the ignition lock or to be rotated in the lock, in case the user has failed in the breath test and thus the controlling means do not allow the user of the vehicle to drive.
According to an another embodiment the arrangement comprises means for preventing the use of other keys in the ignition lock. According to a further alter¬ native, all users of the vehicle or the like do have their own, personal keys according to the present invention, which can be adapted to various personal requirements of the users.
According to an alternative embodiment the keys are provided with means which receive remote control signals, like radio waves or infrared light.
Significant advantages are obtained by the present invention. An ignition key according to the present invention is easy to manufacture and to fit to any vehicle or device provided with ignition lock means and thus provides low total costs. The breathalyzer and the prevention device are combined with the igni¬ tion key, making them an accessory of the vehicle, and thus no expensive arran¬ gement into the vehicle itself is required. This facilitates a large-scale production of the preventing means for drunken driving, which is independent of the mark of the car. The key is light and easy to use, since in normal use the user does not need to do anything else than give the test and then start the vehicle as normally. Furthermore, the size of the arrangement according to the invention does not essentially differ from the present ignition keys and thus not cause any further inconvenience to have the key with the user when the vehicle is not in use. A further important advantage is the fact that the breathalyzer is provided in the ignition key which is usually kept in the pocket or the like. This secures that the breathanalyzer is always warm and ready for operation. When used in
other applications, like in banks, schools, hospitals or offices, the keys provided with suitable remote control receivers can be easily activated or deactivated, for example in case of robbery or for the night time.
In the following the present invention and the other objects and advantages thereof will be described by way of an example with reference to the annexed drawings, in which similar reference characters throughout the various figures refer to similar features. It should be understood that the following description of an example of the invention is not meant to restrict the invention to the specific forms presented in this connection but rather the present invention is meant to cover all modifications, similarities and alternatives which are included in the spirit and scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims. For example, it is apparent to the skilled man that the expression ignition key refers to any kinds of arrangements, for instance punched card keys, various electrical reading systems, like magnet cards or smart cards, and similar means used to prevent the use of various kinds of equipments or devices, like machinery in factories or powerplants or the like.
Figure 1 illustrates the cross-section of the ignition key in the locking position.
Figure 2 illustrates the cross-section of the ignition key with the locking removed.
Figure 3 is a partially sectional presentation of a side view of the ignition key.
Figure 4 is a schematic presentation of an alternative embodiment.
In Figs. 1 to 3 disclosed ignition key 2 is provided with a bow 1 or head portion made of plastic or other suitable material. The internal space of the bow 1 are formed such that the components of the invention can be easily fitted in it. Inside the bow 1 , beside the ignition key 2 and parallel with it, is provided a spring-loaded pin means 3. Said pin means shall be so long that, when in exten¬ ded or projected position, it will prevent the ignition key 2 from being inserted so deep into the ignition lock that the key could be turned and the vehicle star ¬ ted. A solenoid means 5 are mounted over the pin head 3 inside the bow 1 in such a way that the core 4 of the solenoid means comes in front of the pin head. The core of the solenoid means shall be so long that it can move aside from front of the pin head when current flows into the solenoid means 5. It is
apparent to the skilled person that the movement and the locking of said pin means or preventing means can also be arranged with various alternative man¬ ners, like using the core 4 directly as pin means or by rotatable means having eccentric discs or cams.
The bow means 1 contains further breathalyzer means 6 with holes 9 on both sides of the body to form a flow channel for the breath sample. The bow 1 also includes controlling means as a microprocessor 7 for controlling the functions thereof, as well as power source means 8 with the required current conductors.
The ignition key shown in Figs. 1 to 3 operates as follows: if the breath sample blown into the breathalyzer means 6 contains no alcohol, the microprocessor means 7 connects current to the solenoid means 5. The core 4 of the solenoid means moves aside from the position in front of the pin means 3 for a predeter¬ mined period of time, and during this period the ignition key can be used in the normal way. When the key is inserted in the ignition lock, the pin means moves freely inside the bow 1 and the vehicle can be started. If the breath sample contains alcohol, the microprocessor means will not connect current to the solenoid means, whereby the core of the solenoid means keeps the pin means locked and the ignition key cannot be inserted deep enough in the ignition lock to be turned and thus to start the vehicle.
Instead of the pin means, it is also possible to use cam means or other mecha¬ nisms suited for the purpose. The pin function can also be accomplished by means of eg. a bushing type component disposed around the bow of the igni¬ tion key, the movements and locking of which correspond to the same of the pin means. The bow of the key can also come into contact with the surface of the ignition lock, with the key itself functioning in the same way as the pin means. As shown in Fig. 4, the ignition key portion 2 shown with dashed lines can also be connected to a rotating cylinder means 1 1 inside the bow 1 of the key such that the rotation of the cylinder means 1 1 can be locked by producing means 12 and cooperating cam means 13 or toothed means or similar means when a breath sample not containing alcohol is given and thus the vehicle can be started with the key. As can be seen, the actuating solenoid means 5 are also provided in connection with the producing means. Furthermore, the breatha¬ lyzer opening can be covered with a protective plate arranged to be movable aside with a finger, to protect it from dirt.
The principle of the invention can be utilized also in other locking applications where the breathlyzer can be replaced by eg. a signal receiver for remote cont¬ rol of the use of the key. Remote control means for sending and receiving remo¬ te control signal are per se know, and thus not explained any further. According to one embodiment the key can be used for instance in offices, banks or hospi¬ tals, where the signal allowing the use of the key can be changed and/or switc¬ hed off when the lock or locks should not be opened, for instance in case of robbery or in the night time. It is also possible to provide the key with clock means, the signal of which is then detected by detection means and the key activated in a predetermined way.
According top one further embodiment the key is provided with means for identi¬ fying the user. The identifying can be realized e.g. by detecting the fingerprints, voice or other personal properties of the user or by a security code, all means capable of performing this being per se known to the skilled person.
The foregoing discloses some preferred embodiments according to the invention but it is clear to those skilled in the art that the invention can be modified and applied and used in many other ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention defined in the appended claims. Even though the invention is in some cases intented to be used voluntarily, the arrangement according to the invention can be provided with means that prevent the use of any other kinds of keys than those according to the present invention, i.e. the use of any substitute keys. For instance, the counterpart, e.g. ignition lock can be provided with means which check that the key is a correct one and prevent the connection of electrical current to the vehicle's current circuit if a wrong type of key is tried to be inserted to said ignition lock.