Asset key shield

Abstract

This key shield features a control key joined to an asset key by a key ring. The key ring is slidable in a longitudinal key ring slot in an opaque elongate body such that the asset key can be moved to a position within said body where its configuration is concealed and can likewise be moved to a position where it is exposed for insertion into a lock by sliding the key ring from one end of the slot to the other. When the key ring is moved to so as to expose the asset key, it pulls the control key into the other end of the body and exposes the asset key at the other end of the body. Likewise, when the control key is exposed, the asset key is hidden. In addition, since the slot itself provides a means for studying the configuration of the asset key, elongate key visibility shields are provided on either side of the asset key and mounted to the key ring. These are adjacent the asset key when it is positioned within the body and block visual inspection through the slots. They can be moved away from the asset key when it is exposed for insertion into a lock so as to allow insertion into the lock.

1 . A key shield, comprising: 
 a) an asset key;    b) a body to which said asset key is connected in such manner that it can be moved to a position within said body where its cuts are concealed and can be moved to a position where it is exposed for insertion into a lock.    
   
   
       2 . A key shield as described in  claim 1 , further comprising a control key, which control key is joined to said asset key and body in such manner that when cuts of said control key are exposed for insertion into a lock, said asset key is in a position within said body where its cuts are concealed.  
   
   
       3 . A key shield as described in  claim 2 , wherein when said asset key is exposed for insertion into a lock, said control key is within said body.  
   
   
       4 . A key shield as described in  claim 2 , wherein a connector joins said asset key, control key and body.  
   
   
       5 . A key shield as described in  claim 4 , wherein said connector is slidable in a slot in said body.  
   
   
       6 . A key shield as described in  claim 4 , wherein said connector is a key ring.  
   
   
       7 . A key shield as described in  claim 1 , further comprising visibility shields, which visibility shields are adjacent said asset key when it is positioned within said body and can be moved away from said asset key when it is exposed for insertion into a lock so as to allow insertion into a lock.  
   
   
       8 . A key shield, comprising: 
 a) an asset key;    b) a body to which said asset key is connected in such manner that it can be moved to a position within said body where its configuration is concealed and can be moved to a position where it is exposed for insertion into a lock;    c) a control key, which control key is joined to said asset key and body in such manner that when cuts of said control key are exposed for insertion into a lock, said asset key is in a position with said body where its cuts are concealed; and    d) a connector slidable in a slot in the body joins said asset key, control key and body; and    e) wherein when said asset key is exposed for insertion into a lock, said control key is within said body.    
   
   
       9 . A key shield as described in  claim 4 , wherein said connector is a key ring.  
   
   
       10 . A key shield as described in  claim 8 , further comprising visibility shields, which visibility shields are adjacent said asset key when it is positioned within said body and can be moved away from said asset key when it is exposed for insertion into a lock so as to allow insertion into a lock.  
   
   
       11 . A key shield as described in  claim 9 , further comprising visibility shields, which visibility shields are adjacent said asset key when it is positioned within said body and can be moved away from said asset key when it is exposed for insertion into a lock so as to allow insertion into a lock.