Method and apparatus for holding keys during the cutting process

摘要

A method and apparatus for holding a key or key blank while copying a key including at least one holder having an opening configured to at least partially enclose at least two sides of a keyway is provided herein. The opening of the holder includes at least one longitudinal groove or one longitudinal protrusion configured to mate with at least one longitudinal protrusion or longitudinal groove of the keyway. A user slides a first holder over the keyway of a key blank, and a second holder over a keyway of a key to be copied and places the holders into clamping jaws of a key cutting machine prior to copying a key.

主权项

1. An adaptor for holding a key or key blank while copying a key comprising:
a first holder having a first opening configured to at least partially enclose at least two sides of a blade of a key, the first opening having at least one longitudinal groove or one longitudinal protrusion configured to mate with at least one corresponding longitudinal protrusion or longitudinal groove of the blade of the key; a longitudinal groove on an outer surface of the first holder, wherein when the first holder is placed in a first set of clamping jaws of a key cutting machine, a protrusion on the first set of clamping jaws engages the longitudinal groove on the outer surface of the first holder; and a second holder having a second opening configured to at least partially enclose at least two sides of the blade of a key blank, the second opening having at least one longitudinal groove or one longitudinal protrusion configured to mate with at least one corresponding longitudinal protrusion or longitudinal groove of the blade of a key blank: a longitudinal groove on an outer surface of the second holder, wherein when the second holder is placed in a second set of clamping jaws of a key cutting machine, a protrusion on the second set of clamping jaws engages the longitudinal groove on the outer surface of the second holder.