An identification module is disclosed for use in a key making machine. The identification module may have a key receiving assembly configured to receive only a shank of an existing key. The identification module may also have a tip guide, configured to receive a tip of the shank of the existing key. The tip guide may have a slot that exposes a tip end of the shank. The identification module may also have an imaging assembly configured to capture an image of the tip end through the slot.

A fabrication system is disclosed for use in a key making machine. The fabrication system may have a housing with a slot configured to receive a key blank, and a receiving unit configured to accept a shank of the key blank at the slot. The receiving unit may be configured to mechanically align the shank as it is inserted by a user. The fabrication system may also have a clamp movable between an open position and a closed position, and an actuator. The actuator may be configured to move the receiving unit and the key blank to the clamp, and to move the receiving unit away from the key blank after the clamp has moved to the closed position.

A fabrication system is disclosed for use in a key making machine. The fabrication system may have a housing with a slot configured to receive a key blank, and a receiving unit configured to accept a shank of the key blank at the slot. The receiving unit may be configured to mechanically align the shank as it is inserted by a user. The fabrication system may also have a clamp movable between an open position and a closed position, and an actuator. The actuator may be configured to move the receiving unit and the key blank to the clamp, and to move the receiving unit away from the key blank after the clamp has moved to the closed position.

The present disclosure relates to a key (101) for operating a lock mechanism (L). The key (101) includes a shank (105); and a blade (107) having a lock operating bit portion (111). The blade (107) is movable relative to the shank (105) between an operative position and a non-operative position. The blade (107) is disposed alongside the shank (105) in said non-operative position. The present disclosure also relates to key (101) in combination with a key fob; and a kit comprising a key (101) and a lock mechanism (L).

The present disclosure relates to a key (101) for operating a lock mechanism (L). The key (101) includes a shank (105); and a blade (107) having a lock operating bit portion (111). The blade (107) is movable relative to the shank (105) between an operative position and a non-operative position. The blade (107) is disposed alongside the shank (105) in said non-operative position. The present disclosure also relates to key (101) in combination with a key fob; and a kit comprising a key (101) and a lock mechanism (L).

A fabrication system is disclosed for use in a key making machine. The fabrication system may have a housing with a slot configured to receive a key blank, and a receiving unit configured to accept a shank of the key blank at the slot. The receiving unit may be configured to mechanically align the shank as it is inserted by a user. The fabrication system may also have a clamp movable between an open position and a closed position, and an actuator. The actuator may be configured to move the receiving unit and the key blank to the clamp, and to move the receiving unit away from the key blank after the clamp has moved to the closed position.

A fabrication system is disclosed for use in a key making machine. The fabrication system may have a housing with a slot configured to receive a key blank, and a receiving unit configured to accept a shank of the key blank at the slot. The receiving unit may be configured to mechanically align the shank as it is inserted by a user. The fabrication system may also have a clamp movable between an open position and a closed position, and an actuator. The actuator may be configured to move the receiving unit and the key blank to the clamp, and to move the receiving unit away from the key blank after the clamp has moved to the closed position.

The present disclosure relates to a key (101) for operating a lock mechanism (L). The key (101) includes a shank (105); and a blade (107) having a lock operating bit portion (111). The blade (107) is movable relative to the shank (105) between an operative position and a non-operative position. The blade (107) is disposed alongside the shank (105) in said non-operative position. The present disclosure also relates to key (101) in combination with a key fob; and a kit comprising a key (101) and a lock mechanism (L).

The present disclosure relates to a key (101) for operating a lock mechanism (L). The key (101) includes a shank (105); and a blade (107) having a lock operating bit portion (111). The blade (107) is movable relative to the shank (105) between an operative position and a non-operative position. The blade (107) is disposed alongside the shank (105) in said non-operative position. The present disclosure also relates to key (101) in combination with a key fob; and a kit comprising a key (101) and a lock mechanism (L).

A mechanical key includes a key pattern recessed in the mechanical key in a thickness direction and key segments separable in the thickness direction. At least one of the key segments includes a key pattern slit. The key pattern slit extends through the at least one of the key segments in the thickness direction and is shaped in conformance with the key pattern.