Non-planar key shaped electronic key

Abstract

An electronic key includes a rigid key shaped member having a blade and a grip. The blade includes a three-dimensional engagement surface including a slot or the like so that the electronic key may be inserted into a lock in only the correct manner. A smart chip is located at an end of the blade opposite the grip. As the blade can only be inserted into the lock in a single orientation, the chip will always be in a proper position to be identified by the lock. A resilient grip portion provides an improved grip and further conveys the less disposable nature of the key to thereby facilitate transition to electronic locks.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An electronic key comprising: 
 a grip portion manufactured of a first non-metallic material;    a blade portion manufactured of said first non-metallic material formed contiguous with said grip portion, said blade portion having a slot; and    a smart chip mounted within said blade portion opposite said grip portion    
     
     
         2 . The electronic key as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said blade portion and said grip portion are non-planar.  
     
     
         3 . The electronic key as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a resilient grip portion at least partially encasing said grip portion, said resilient grip portion manufactured of a second non-metallic material less rigid than said first material.  
     
     
         4 . The electronic key as recited in  claim 3 , wherein said resilient grip portion comprises a rubber material.  
     
     
         5 . An electronic key comprising: 
 a non-planar grip portion manufactured of a first non-metallic material;    a non-planar blade portion manufactured of said first non-metallic material formed contiguous with said grip portion, said blade portion having a slot; and    a smart chip mounted within said blade portion opposite said grip portion    
     
     
         6 . The electronic key as recited in  claim 5 , further comprising a resilient grip portion at least partially encasing said grip portion, said resilient grip portion manufactured of a second non-metallic material less rigid than said first material.  
     
     
         7 . A method of operating an electronic lock comprising the steps of: 
 (1) inserting an electronic key into a lock;    (2) identifying the electronic key; and    (3) rotating the electronic key to retract a locking bolt.    
     
     
         8 . A method as recited in  claim 7 , wherein step (2) further comprises identifying a smart chip within a blade of the key.  
     
     
         9 . A method as recited in  claim 7 , wherein step (3) further comprises unlocking the electronic lock in response to said step (2).