Wireless control of security system with key-operated key fob

A portable hand-held key-operated keyfob combination comprising:

• A) a lock-opening key comprising a head and a shank protruding therefrom, the shank of the key arranged so as to operate a mechanical door lock;
• and
• B) a portable hand-held key fob comprising:
• a) a housing comprising
• (i) a recess in which the head of the key is located;
• (ii) an opening through which the shank of the key protrudes ;
• and
• (iii) a pivot-enabling device configured to enable the key to pivot
• in a first direction with respect to the housing when the shank of the key is inserted within a lock cylinder and the housing is turned in a clockwise direction, and
• in a second direction with respect to the housing when the shank of the key is inserted within a lock cylinder and the housing is turned in a counterclockwise direction;
• b) a position sensing device configured to sense a position of the housing with respect to the key;
• and
• c) circuitry, comprising an RF transmitter, configured to transmit
• a first RF signal when the position sensing device senses that the housing is turned in a clockwise direction with respect to the key, and
• a second RF signal when the position sensing device senses that the housing is turned in a counterclockwise direction with respect to the key.

A method of controlling a security system comprising the steps of:

• A) providing a portable hand-held key-operated keyfob combination comprising:
• I) a lock-opening key comprising a head and a shank protruding therefrom, the shank of the key arranged so as to operate a mechanical door lock;
• and
• II) a portable hand-held a key fob comprising
• a) a housing comprising
• (i) a recess comprising a mounting plate against which the head of the key is mounted;
• (ii) an opening configured to allow the shank of the key to protrude therefrom ;
• and
• (iii) a fulcrum integral with an inner wall within the recess on which the mounting plate rests thereon, the fulcrum generally bisecting the recess into a first region on a first side of the mounting plate and a second region on a second side of the mounting plate;
• b) a first switch located in the first region, and a second switch located in the second region, each of said switches configured to be in an open position when the mounting plate rests on the fulcrum in a nominal position, the first switch being caused to close when the housing is turned in a first direction with respect to the mounting plate mounted with the head of the key, and the second switch being caused to close when the housing is turned in a second direction with respect to the mounting plate mounted with the head of the key;
• and
• c) circuitry , comprising an RF transmitter, configured to transmit a first RF signal when the first switch is closed and a second RF signal when the second switch is closed;
• B) inserting the shank of the key within a cylinder of a lock;
• C) turning the housing in a first direction with respect to the cylinder so as to cause
• the key to open the lock, and
• the first switch to close;
• and
• D) transmitting a first signal as a result of the closing of the first switch.