Key trapping device, system, and method of use thereof

摘要

Devices, methods, and systems for providing physical retention of a key or keys, such one or more vehicle keys or keys to a safe, and for providing an input feature, such as a breath or blood analysis device, and other features to prevent access to the keys until a suitable input is provided. For example, each key may be physically retained and prevented from being used until a breath, blood, or other sample input has been received that indicates a blood alcohol level is below a pre-determined limit, such as a legal limit for driving a vehicle. Various features then allow release of the key upon the legal limit being met.

主权项

1. A device for retaining and selectively releasing a key, the device comprising:
a housing; a key retaining mechanism within the housing, the key retaining mechanism being configured to receive the key and to place the key in a retained condition, wherein the key retaining mechanism is configured to be selectively placeable in a key releasing condition; a sample sensor within the housing configured to analyze a received sample and to output data relating to the analyzed sample; and a control mechanism configured to:
receive the data output from the sample sensor; andupon the received data output meeting a predetermined condition, place the key retaining mechanism in the key releasing condition, wherein the key retaining mechanism comprises one of:
(a) a tensioning mechanism, the tensioning mechanism including:
an electric motor;a winding mechanism drivably engaged with the electric motor; anda cable windable by the winding mechanism to produce a tension in the cable to tensionably retain the key; or(b) a tumbler having a pin receiving opening;a pin engageable with the pin receiving opening of the tumbler when the tumbler is in a predetermined rotational position; anda solenoid operably engageable with the pin so as to retract the pin from the pin receiving opening of the tumbler upon the predetermined condition being met.