Multi-piece key assembly

A key assembly, comprising:

• a blade;
• a head configured to receive the blade;
• and
• a locking feature separate from the blade and the head and being received by the head, the locking feature configured to inhibit removal of the blade from the head via interference, wherein:
• the locking feature deforms during connection to the blade;
• the locking feature includes at least one tang that flexes out of the way of the blade during assembly and returns back into a recess of the blade to prevent disengagement;
• and
• the at least one tang includes two tangs that separately engage two different recesses in a head portion of the blade.

A key assembly, comprising:

• a blade;
• a head configured to receive the blade;
• and
• a locking feature separate from the blade and the head and being received by the head, the locking feature configured to inhibit removal of the blade from the head via interference, wherein:
• the locking feature deforms during connection to the blade;
• the locking feature includes at least one tang that flexes out of the way of the blade during assembly and returns back into a recess of the to prevent disengagement;
• the at least one tang includes at least a first tang configured to engage a head portion of the blade;
• and
• the locking feature further includes at least a second tang configured to engage the head.

A key assembly, comprising:

• a blade;
• a head configured to receive the blade;
• and
• a locking feature separate from the blade and the head and being received by the head, the locking feature configured to inhibit removal of the blade from the head via interference, wherein the locking feature deforms during connection to the blade, wherein:
• the locking feature is generally U-shaped and configured to receive a head portion of the blade;
• the locking feature includes legs separately received within two different openings in the head;
• and
• the locking feature includes a single tang located at a distal tip end of one of the legs, the single tang configured to engage a recess in the head.

A key assembly, comprising:

• a blade;
• a head configured to receive the blade;
• and
• a locking feature separate from the blade and the head and being received by the head, the locking feature configured to inhibit removal of the blade from the head via interference, wherein:
• the locking feature includes first and second tangs that deform during connection to the blade;
• the head includes an opening that receives the blade;
• and
• the locking feature is received in the head through the opening.

A key assembly, comprising:

• a blade;
• a head configured to receive the blade;
• and
• a locking feature separate from the blade and the head and being received by the head, the locking feature configured to inhibit removal of the blade from the head via interference, wherein:
• the locking feature deforms during connection to the blade;
• the locking feature includes at least one tang that flexes out of the way of the blade during assembly and returns back into a recess of the blade to prevent disengagement;
• the head includes a first opening that receives the blade, and a second opening located at an end of the head opposite the first opening;
• and
• the locking feature is received into the head through the second opening.

A key assembly, comprising:

• a blade having:
• a head portion;
• a shank;
• a transition region connecting the head portion to the shank;
• and
• at least one protrusion located at the transition region and extending outward past side edges of the blade;
• a head configured to receive the head portion of the blade and having at least one shoulder configured to engage the at least one protrusion;
• and
• a locking feature separate from the blade and the head, the locking feature received by the head and configured to permanently inhibit removal of the blade from the head.

A key assembly, comprising:

• a blade;
• a head configured to receive the blade;
• and
• a locking feature separate from the blade and the head and being receivable by the head, the locking feature having:
• at least a first tang configured to engage the blade;
• and
• at least a second tang configured to engage the head,
• wherein the at least a first tang deflects away from the blade during assembly.

A key assembly, comprising:

• a blade;
• a head configured to receive the blade;
• and
• a locking feature separate from the blade and the head and being receivable by the head, the locking feature having:
• at least a first tang configured to engage the blade;
• and
• at least a second tang configured to engage the head, wherein:
• the locking feature is generally U-shaped and configured to receive a head portion of the blade;
• and
• the locking feature includes legs separately received within two different openings in the head.

A key assembly, comprising:

• a blade;
• a head configured to receive the blade;
• and
• a locking feature separate from the blade and the head and being receivable by the head, the locking feature having:
• at least a first tang configured to engage the blade;
• and
• at least a second tang configured to engage the head, wherein:
• the head includes an opening that receives the blade;
• and
• the locking feature is received in the head through the opening.

A key assembly, comprising:

• a blade;
• a head configured to receive the blade;
• and
• a locking feature separate from the blade and the head and being receivable by the head, the locking feature having:
• at least a first tang configured to engage the blade;
• and
• at least a second tang configured to engage the head, wherein the locking feature is flat and generally plate-like, and inserted into the head from a blade end of the head.