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:
Apr. 16, 2002
Filed:
Jan. 05, 2000
Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki Seisakusho, Aichi-ken, JP;
Abstract
An apparatus for insertion of a key therein substantially prevents foreign matter from entering into a key insertion hole, and even if foreign matter does enter into the key insertion hole, discharges the foreign matter therefrom. A shutter is provided within the key insertion hole so as to be movable along a direction of insertion of a key. The shutter is always urged by a compression coil spring toward an opening of the insertion hole. In a state in which no key is inserted in the insertion hole, the shutter is urged by the compression coil spring and closes the insertion hole. As a result, foreign matter such as dust or the like can be prevented from entering into the insertion hole. Further, the shutter is provided with a reflecting surface, and when no key is inserted in the insertion hole, the reflecting surface reflects light from a light source so as to illuminate the opening of the insertion hole. Thus, even if a region surrounding the opening of the insertion hole is dark, the opening can be visually confirmed and the key can be easily inserted into the insertion hole.