KeyStor – Lock box assembly comprised of license plate holder and secured compartment for attachment to vehicle and spare key storage.

Abstract

Lock box assembly comprised of license plate holder and secured compartment for attachment to vehicle and spare key storage. My invention is securely attached to the vehicle in a universally accessible location. The key is securely stored by a lock mechanism whether combination, phone application, digital thumb recognition, or other technology and has light for illumination necessary for all lighting situations. All measurements provided are estimates at this time and may be modified and adjusted as necessary for function and purpose as the finished product is developed and produced.

Claims

1. A lock box assembly comprising a Key Housing allowing storage of spare key comprising holes to allow attachment to vehicle utilizing existing holes and fasteners that originally attach license plate to vehicle and comprising a center rib divider to separate key storage compartment from space needed to allow lock light combination which is part of the lock assembly door to be recessed and to add strength to Key Housing.

2. A lock box assembly comprising a hinged Lock Assembly Door designed to cover storage compartment equipped with a combination lock for security and a light to illuminate numbers/letters in low lighting environments attaching to the Key Housing component that provides storage of spare key and space needed to house the combination lock and light assembly providing security and accessibility to the Key Housing discussed in claim 1.

3. A lock box assembly comprising a hinged outer Mounting Plate attached to the Key Housing discussed in claim 1 that provides protection for the Lock Assembly Door discussed in claim 2 and attachment of license plate utilizing holes in a recessed opening in Mounting Plate.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0008] FIG. 1 is the mounting plate for license plate attachment. It is the outer hinged cover that protects and hides the lock assembly door.

[0009] FIG. 2 is the lock assembly door that houses the combination lock and light assembly providing security and accessibility to the key housing.

[0010] FIG. 3 is the key housing which is equipped with openings for attachment to vehicle and storage for spare key.

[0011] FIG. 4 is the isometric view which shows how all components interact.

[0012] FIG. 5 is the notes to fabricator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] As stated above, my invention is intended to assist a person regain entry to their vehicle in the event of an unintended lockout, such as locking their keys in their car. Existing spare key holders are attached to the vehicle via magnets or cables. Magnetized holders have been known to fall off the vehicle and cable attached holders cannot be secured in an easily accessible location. This invention is an improvement on what currently exists. I have been unable to find a secured spare key holder that attaches to vehicles in a conveniently accessible location. The invention claimed here solves this problem.

[0014] My invention is securely attached to the vehicle in a universally accessible location. The key is securely stored by a combination lock that is illuminated to accommodate any lighting situation.

[0015] The Version of the Invention Discussed Here Includes: [0016] 1. Mounting Plate is the outer hinged license plate holder. Approximately 210 injected molded plastic hinged (FIG. 1, FIG. 3, 2) at the top. License plate attachment utilizes holes in a recessed opening (FIG. 1, FIG. 2, 1) in mounting plate. [0017] 2. Lock Assembly Door is the interior hinged component that houses the combination lock and light assembly providing security and accessibility to the Key Housing. Approximately 2 5/169 injected molded plastic hinged (FIG. 2, FIG. 3, 6) at the bottom. There is a recessed opening (FIG. 2, FIG. 3, 3) for mounting plate screw to go into. There is an opening (FIG. 2, 4) for the inset combination lock light combination to be assembled. The combination lock light combination is still to be engineered for production. A button light switch (FIG. 2, 5) will activate combination lock light for illumination in poor lighting conditions. [0018] 3. Key Housing is the box assembly equipped with openings for attachment to vehicle and storage for spare key. Approximately 2101 3/16 injected molded plastic hinged (FIGS. 3, 10 and 11) at the top bottom. It includes the holes (FIG. 3, 7) to allow attachment to vehicle utilizing existing holes and fasteners that originally attached license plate to vehicle. There is a center rib divider (FIG. 3, 8) to separate storage compartment from combination lock light combination area and to add strength to Key Housing. There is an approximate lip (FIG. 3, 9) that provides seating for Lock Assembly Door (FIG. 2) and possible catch for locking mechanism (FIG. 2, 4) to secure Lock Assembly Door in closed position. [0019] 4. Notes to Fabricator list additional components and details of invention that will be needed for desired function and appearance that have not been engineered at the time of patent application. It is anticipated that the detailed description of the invention will be updated at the time of production.

[0020] How the Invention Works:

[0021] My lock box assembly with license plate holder is a combination lock secured spare key holder and is attached to a vehicle using the receptacles and screws for normal license plate attachment. Once installed to the vehicle, the license plate is attached to the Mounting Plate (FIG. 1). If a person locks themselves out of the vehicle, they go to the back of the vehicle, lift the license plate up via the hinged attachment revealing and illuminating the combination lock. Dial numbers/letters chosen for combination, depress lock release to hinge open cover revealing spare key. This process will also allow access to screws attaching invention to vehicle.

[0022] How to Make the Invention:

[0023] Mounting Plate (FIG. 1), Lock Assembly Door (FIG. 2) and Key Housing (FIG. 3) should be made of high strength injected molded plastics to allow strength necessary for security. The Mounting Plate is designed for license plate attachment and provides cover and protection to the Lock Assembly Door and its components. The Lock Assembly Door is designed to cover storage compartment. It is equipped with a combination lock for security and a light to illuminate numbers/letters when the Mounting Plate is lifted revealing the combination lock. The Key Housing is the box portion of the assembly where the spare key is stored and the combination light combination is housed. Within the Key Housing are the holes for attaching the invention to the vehicle. FIG. 4 is the isometric view which shows how all components interact. All elements are necessary to operate as intended securing invention to vehicle and holding spare key, usable in all lighting situations and to hold license plate as required by law.

[0024] How to Use the Invention:

[0025] If a person has locked themselves out of their vehicle or lost their keys, they would lift license plate up revealing secured storage. Enter combination, push release lever hinging lock cover open to access spare key.