The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 12, 2000
Filed:
Jan. 20, 1999
LeeAnn Marougi, Bloomfield Township, MI (US);
Marian O Borzea, Farmington Hills, MI (US);
Joseph D King, Ann Arbor, MI (US);
Lear Automotive Dearborn, Inc., Southfield, MI (US);
Abstract
An improved key system incorporates a number of electrical components. In one main aspect, the key is provided with electrical communication to components on the vehicle when the key is inserted into the ignition. The key connects to an antenna associated with the vehicle, such that the combined antenna size is greater than would otherwise be possible. In this application, the antenna is utilized for garage door opener purposes, and a switch is mounted on the key for actuation of the garage door opener. In another aspect, the key is recharged when inserted into the ignition. Further, the key may be provided with various other functions such as memo, vehicle deactivation, two-way communication, and other security applications. In embodiments of the key, the switches are positioned relative to a thumb area such that inadvertent actuation of the switches is made less likely.