摘要 |
A key retaining device for capturing and selectively locking therein a portion of the working section of a key. When the key is locked in the device, its handle section is visible so that the presence of the key can be instantly determined without unlocking of the apparatus, yet the key cannot be removed from the device until unlocked with a master key. Retention of the key within the housing is accomplished by a resilient clamping mechanism employing a set of wedges which are resiliently urged toward the working section of the key and held there by a rachet spring. Insertion of a master key releases the ratchet spring allowing the wedges to release the key.
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