US 9,586,272 B1 · Key blank and carrier adapted for positioning a key blank in a cutter during bit cutting

Abstract

Implementations of key blank carriers or key blanks with a standard reference features may include alignment features on a key blank head, key blank tip, a key blank carrier coupled to a key blank sleeve and/or a key blank sleeve, and any feature directly attached to any portion of the key that may be used for referencing in the key duplication system, or any combination of these. The standard reference features may allow any key blank brand model to interface with the machine so as to consistently align each key, regardless of its make and model, for cutting in a universally configured key blank clamp that is clamped to reduce the movement of the key blank during duplication cutting.

Claims17

Dependent claims

A key blank cutting carrier adapted for mechanical interface with a key blank cutter, the carrier comprising:

a key blank carrier body;
a key blank recess within the key blank carrier body, the recess comprising at least two walls and sized and shaped to securely receive at least a portion of a key blank within the recess;
at least one key blank cutter alignment feature projecting from a surface of the carrier body at an angle of at least 20 degrees relative to the surface, the at least one key blank cutter alignment feature positioned on the carrier to mechanically engage a portion of a key blank cutter into which a portion of the key blank carrier is placed and align the key blank with the key blank cutter;
and
an opening along a first edge of the key blank carrier body, wherein the opening comprises a beveled edge for key blank burr removal extending for at least a portion of the opening.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Key blank and carrier adapted for positioning a key blank in a cutter during bit cutting

Life of this patent

Key blank and carrier adapted for positioning a key blank in a cutter during bit cutting

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims17