US20040003635A1 - Apparatus and method for retaining keys - Google Patents
Apparatus and method for retaining keys Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20040003635A1 US20040003635A1 US10/191,905 US19190502A US2004003635A1 US 20040003635 A1 US20040003635 A1 US 20040003635A1 US 19190502 A US19190502 A US 19190502A US 2004003635 A1 US2004003635 A1 US 2004003635A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- key
- body portion
- tensioning mechanism
- retaining
- strap
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C11/00—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00
- A45C11/32—Bags or wallets for holding keys
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C11/00—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00
- A45C11/32—Bags or wallets for holding keys
- A45C2011/322—Sheath-like bags for protecting a key-blade or for receiving a key
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
- Y10T24/13—Article holder attachable to apparel or body
- Y10T24/1379—Key ring holder
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T70/00—Locks
- Y10T70/80—Parts, attachments, accessories and adjuncts
- Y10T70/8432—For key-operated mechanism
- Y10T70/8676—Key holders
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T70/00—Locks
- Y10T70/80—Parts, attachments, accessories and adjuncts
- Y10T70/8432—For key-operated mechanism
- Y10T70/8676—Key holders
- Y10T70/8757—Releasable catches
Definitions
- the present invention relates retaining devices and more specifically relates to quickly and easily retrieving keys from a purse or the like.
- an apparatus and method for retaining keys is disclosed.
- the present invention provides a tensioning mechanism within the body of the key-retaining apparatus for “pinching” the shaft of a key when the shaft is inserted into the body of the key-retaining apparatus.
- the tensioning mechanism may take the form of a spring-loaded mechanism or a tensioned piece of metal that is selectively pressured against the shaft of the key when the key is inserted into the body of the key-retaining apparatus.
- a thong or strap may be provided for securing the key-retaining apparatus to a purse, backpack, satchel, etc.
- FIG. 1 is a representation of a key-holding apparatus according to a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is the key-holding apparatus of FIG. 1 with a key inserted into the body of the key-holding apparatus;
- FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the interior of a key-holding apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the interior of the key-holding apparatus of FIG. 3 with a key inserted into the body of the key-holding apparatus;
- FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the interior of a key-holding apparatus in accordance with an alternative preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the interior of the key-holding apparatus of FIG. 5 with a key inserted into the body of the key-holding apparatus;
- FIG. 7 is an expanded sectional view of a tensioning mechanism for retaining a key within the body of a key-holding apparatus in accordance with a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 8 is a representation of a key-holding apparatus according to a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 is a representation of a key-holding apparatus according to a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 10 is a representation of a key-holding apparatus according to a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a key-holding apparatus according to an alternative preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 12 is an alternative view of the key-holding apparatus of FIG. 11.
- an apparatus and method for retaining keys is disclosed.
- the present invention provides a tensioning mechanism within the body of the key-retaining apparatus for “pinching” at least a portion of a key when the shaft is inserted into the body of the key-retaining apparatus.
- the tensioning mechanism may take the form of a spring-loaded mechanism or a tensioned piece of metal that is selectively pressured against the shaft of the key when the key is inserted into the body of the key-retaining apparatus.
- a thong or strap is provided for securing the key-retaining apparatus to a purse, backpack, etc.
- Key-holding apparatus 100 comprises a body portion 110 , a key-receiving portion 118 , a body aperture 114 , and a retaining strap 120 .
- key-receiving portion 118 is an aperture within body portion 110 that is sized and positioned to receive a key 116 by inserting shaft 117 of key 116 into key receiving portion 118 .
- body portion 110 is fabricated from an inexpensive hard, durable plastic material and is manufactured by any standard plastics manufacturing process including injection molding. Body portion 110 may be fabricated in one or more pieces and assembled after the discrete components are fabricated. Key 116 may be attached to a key ring with other keys 119 .
- Body aperture 114 is an opening in body portion 110 and used to attach retaining strap 120 to body portion 110 .
- Body aperture 114 may be formed during the manufacturing process used to fabricate body portion 110 or in a subsequent manufacturing process.
- Retaining strap 120 provides a means for attaching key-holding apparatus 100 to a purse strap, backpack strap, satchel handle and the like. By wrapping retaining strap 120 around a purse strap and then body portion 110 of sliding key-holding apparatus 100 through retaining strap 120 , key-holding apparatus 100 can be attached to another object.
- Retaining strap 120 may be fabricated from any suitable material including but not limited to leather, plastic and the like.
- key-holding apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 is shown with key 116 inserted into key-receiving portion 118 .
- key 116 inserted into key-receiving portion 118 .
- a substantial portion of shaft 117 of key 116 has been inserted into key insertion portion 118 .
- key-receiving portion 118 is preferably sized to accommodate most standard sized keys. The detailed operation of the key-retaining mechanism housed within key-receiving portion 118 is further described in conjunction with FIGS. 3 - 7 .
- Key-holding mechanism 300 comprises a tensioning mechanism 310 , a key blocking portion 320 , a floor portion 305 and a body aperture 314 .
- Body aperture 314 is an aperture formed in the body of key-holding apparatus 300 and is designed to receive a strap or leash.
- Key blocking portion 320 is most preferably an integral pat of key-holding mechanism 300 but may also be a discrete component added after key-holding mechanism 300 is fabricated.
- Tensioning mechanism 310 comprises a housing 311 , a spring 313 contained within housing 311 , and a ball-bearing 312 contained within housing 311 .
- Ball-bearing 312 is pressed towards an opening in housing 311 and towards floor portion 305 by spring 313 .
- Spring 313 is tensioned to urge and otherwise press ball-bearing 312 against a key that is inserted into key-holding apparatus 300 .
- key-holding apparatus 300 of FIG. 3 is shown operating in conjunction with a key 116 .
- shaft 117 of key 116 is inserted into key-holding apparatus 300
- ball-bearing 312 engages shaft 117 and shaft 117 is pressed towards an towards floor portion 305 by the combination of ball-bearing 312 and spring 313 .
- Key blocking portion 320 is sized and positioned to prevent shaft portion 117 of key 116 from entering key-holding apparatus 300 above tensioning mechanism 310 , thereby ensuring that shaft portion 117 of key 116 engages ball-bearing 312 of tensioning mechanism 310 .
- Key-holding apparatus 500 in accordance with an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown.
- Key-holding apparatus 500 comprises a tensioning mechanism 510 , a key blocking portion 520 , a floor portion 505 and a body aperture 514 .
- Body aperture 514 is an aperture formed in the body of key-holding apparatus 500 and is designed to receive a strap or leash.
- Tensioning mechanism 510 is preferably fabricated from a metal or metallic substance that is durable yet relatively resilient.
- FIG. 6 key-holding apparatus 500 of FIG. 5 is shown operating in conjunction with a key 116 .
- shaft 117 of key 116 When shaft 117 of key 116 is inserted into key-holding apparatus 500 , shaft portion 117 engages tensioning mechanism 510 and shaft 117 is “pinched” between tensioning mechanism 510 and floor portion 505 of key-holding apparatus 500 . Additional detail regarding the operation of tensioning mechanism 510 can be understood by referring to FIG. 7.
- Key-receiving portion 718 illustrates the operation of a key-holding apparatus such as key-holding apparatus 500 of FIGS. 5 and 6.
- Key receiving portion 718 comprises a tensioning mechanism 705 , a floor portion 715 , a cutout portion 740 and a key blocking portion 750 .
- Tensioning mechanism 705 comprises a pressure portion 710 , a rear portion 720 , and a locking portion 730 .
- Blocking portion 750 is sized and positioned to prevent shaft portion 117 of key 116 from entering key receiving portion 718 above pressure portion 710 , thereby ensuring that shaft portion 117 of key 116 engages pressure portion 710 .
- Cutout portion 740 is sized and positioned to receive locking portion 730 when tensioning mechanism 705 is inserted into key receiving portion 718 .
- Rear portion 720 is flexible and acts like a spring, allowing tensioning mechanism 705 to slide into key receiving portion 718 .
- Locking portion 730 of tensioning mechanism 705 “snaps” into cutout 740 , thereby fixing tensioning mechanism 705 in position inside key receiving portion 718 .
- Tensioning mechanism 705 is thin, flat, bent, blade-like arm preferably fabricated from a metal or metallic substance that is relatively resilient and is inserted into key receiving portion 718 so that locking portion 730 engages cutout 740 .
- Pressure portion 710 of tensioning mechanism 705 is fabricated to press against floor portion 715 of key receiving portion 718 . Accordingly, when shaft portion 117 of key 116 is inserted into key receiving portion 718 , shaft portion 117 engages pressure portion 710 and is “pinched” between pressure portion 710 and floor portion 715 of key receiving portion 718 .
- FIG. 8 a key-retaining apparatus 800 according to an alternative preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.
- body portion 810 is substantially oval in shape.
- key receiving portion 818 is sized and positioned to receive key 116 .
- body portion 910 is substantially triangular in shape.
- key receiving portion 918 is sized and positioned to receive key 116 .
- body portion 1010 has a generally rectangular shape with a rounded end.
- key receiving portion 1018 is sized and positioned to receive key 116 .
- a branding location 1020 is provided on body portion 1010 . Branding location 1020 is used to provide various indicia, including advertising messages and product or company logos.
- Key-retaining apparatus 1100 comprises a body portion 1110 and an insert portion 1130 .
- Body portion 1110 comprises a cavity portion 1118 .
- Body portion 1110 is preferably manufactured as a durable one-piece molded plastic device.
- Insert portion 1130 is designed to fit snugly into cavity portion 1118 and “snap” into place. This can be accomplished by a variety of means well known to those skilled in the art. This includes the use of locking tabs and insets, pressure fitting, etc.
- Insert portion 1130 comprises a tensioning mechanism 1135 , a strap 1120 , and a strap-retaining portion 1150 .
- Strap 1120 comprises a first end 1131 and a second end 1132 .
- Strap-retaining portion 1150 is an indentation in the body of insert portion 1130 that is designed to receive first end 1131 and second end 1132 of strap 1120 . Then, when insert portion 1130 is inserted into body portion 1110 of key-retaining apparatus 1100 , receive first end 1131 and second end 1132 of strap 1120 are trapped by the sidewalls formed by cavity portion 1118 and are effectively “pinched” in place. This prevents first end 1131 and second end 1132 of strap 1120 from being separated from body portion 1110 of key-retaining apparatus 1100 .
- FIG. 12 a side view of key-retaining apparatus 1100 of FIG. 12 is shown. Strap 1120 is shown with first end 1131 and second end 1132 in strap-retaining portion 1150 and insert portion 1130 is ready to be inserted into body portion 1120 . Once fully assembled, key-retaining apparatus 1100 performs in much the same manner as described in conjunction with the previously discussed FIGs.
Abstract
According to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus and method for retaining keys is disclosed. The present invention provides a tensioning mechanism within the body of the key-retaining apparatus for “pinching” the shaft of a key when the shaft is inserted into the body of the key-retaining apparatus. The tensioning mechanism may take the form of a spring-loaded mechanism or a tensioned piece of metal that is selectively pressured against the shaft of the key when the key is inserted into the body of the key-retaining apparatus. Additionally, a thong or strap may be provided for securing the key-retaining apparatus to a purse, backpack, etc.
Description
- 1. Technical Field
- The present invention relates retaining devices and more specifically relates to quickly and easily retrieving keys from a purse or the like.
- 2. Background Art
- In today's society, the use of keys to secure locks for items of value is well known. Almost all adults, and most adolescents as well, maintain one or more keys to lock and unlock various security devices on homes, cars, school lockers, etc. Typically, these various keys are placed on a key ring and/or key fob to help individuals keep track of their various keys. In spite of this, many people, especially women, have a difficult time keeping track of their keys. In many cases, this is because women will keep their key ring in their purse, along with a number of other items. Because of the size of the purse, and the often significant quantity of other items contained therein, some women spend quite a lot of time searching through their purse in an often vain attempt to locate their keys.
- A similar problem has been noted when a key ring is dropped into a backpack, satchel, or other carrying device with a relatively voluminous interior that also contains other items. Depending on the size of the container, and the number and size of objects contained therein, it may be very difficult to locate the keys. Additionally, in some circumstances, once a key or set of keys has been deposited in a purse or backpack, it can be difficult to find because the lack of light in some environments makes it difficult to peer inside the purse or backpack and quickly and easily locate the key or keys. In all of these situations and other similar situations, there is a high degree of probability that the keys will be difficult to find and consume precious minutes in a sometimes frustrating search.
- In order to address this situation, a number of products have been developed in an attempt to make it easier for people to locate their keys. Some of these devices are magnetic in nature and provide magnets for securing the keys in a specific location inside the purse or satchel. While useful, some keys are non-magnetic and don't work with magnetic key devices. Additionally, it is too easy to dislodge the keys by accidentally bumping the keys with other items that may be inserted into the purse. Other attempts to alleviate the “lost-keys-in-the-purse” syndrome include various types of retractable leashes or ropes that are attached to the keys or key ring, making it impossible to lose the keys in the depths of the purse. However, these devices are problematic in that they also make it very difficult to take the keys or key ring anywhere without removing the keys from the lease or rope. This can be a challenge for individuals with limited dexterity and a time-consuming process as well.
- While these various devices have found some limited acceptance, none of these previous devices have made any significant progress in solving the underlying problem of losing keys or a key ring in a purse, backpack, satchel, or the like. Accordingly, without an improved device for providing quick and easy access to keys or key rings in a purse, backpack, satchel, or the like, frustration and unnecessary searching will continue to be the order of the day.
- According to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus and method for retaining keys is disclosed. The present invention provides a tensioning mechanism within the body of the key-retaining apparatus for “pinching” the shaft of a key when the shaft is inserted into the body of the key-retaining apparatus. The tensioning mechanism may take the form of a spring-loaded mechanism or a tensioned piece of metal that is selectively pressured against the shaft of the key when the key is inserted into the body of the key-retaining apparatus. Additionally, a thong or strap may be provided for securing the key-retaining apparatus to a purse, backpack, satchel, etc.
- The preferred embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements, and
- FIG. 1 is a representation of a key-holding apparatus according to a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 2 is the key-holding apparatus of FIG. 1 with a key inserted into the body of the key-holding apparatus;
- FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the interior of a key-holding apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the interior of the key-holding apparatus of FIG. 3 with a key inserted into the body of the key-holding apparatus;
- FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the interior of a key-holding apparatus in accordance with an alternative preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the interior of the key-holding apparatus of FIG. 5 with a key inserted into the body of the key-holding apparatus;
- FIG. 7 is an expanded sectional view of a tensioning mechanism for retaining a key within the body of a key-holding apparatus in accordance with a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 8 is a representation of a key-holding apparatus according to a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 9 is a representation of a key-holding apparatus according to a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 10 is a representation of a key-holding apparatus according to a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a key-holding apparatus according to an alternative preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and
- FIG. 12 is an alternative view of the key-holding apparatus of FIG. 11.
- According to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus and method for retaining keys is disclosed. The present invention provides a tensioning mechanism within the body of the key-retaining apparatus for “pinching” at least a portion of a key when the shaft is inserted into the body of the key-retaining apparatus. The tensioning mechanism may take the form of a spring-loaded mechanism or a tensioned piece of metal that is selectively pressured against the shaft of the key when the key is inserted into the body of the key-retaining apparatus. Additionally, a thong or strap is provided for securing the key-retaining apparatus to a purse, backpack, etc.
- Referring now to FIG. 1, a key-
holding apparatus 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. Key-holding apparatus 100 comprises abody portion 110, a key-receivingportion 118, abody aperture 114, and aretaining strap 120. As shown in FIG. 1, key-receivingportion 118 is an aperture withinbody portion 110 that is sized and positioned to receive akey 116 by insertingshaft 117 ofkey 116 into key receivingportion 118. - In the most preferred embodiments of the present invention,
body portion 110 is fabricated from an inexpensive hard, durable plastic material and is manufactured by any standard plastics manufacturing process including injection molding.Body portion 110 may be fabricated in one or more pieces and assembled after the discrete components are fabricated.Key 116 may be attached to a key ring withother keys 119. -
Body aperture 114 is an opening inbody portion 110 and used to attach retainingstrap 120 tobody portion 110.Body aperture 114 may be formed during the manufacturing process used to fabricatebody portion 110 or in a subsequent manufacturing process. - Retaining
strap 120 provides a means for attaching key-holding apparatus 100 to a purse strap, backpack strap, satchel handle and the like. By wrapping retainingstrap 120 around a purse strap and thenbody portion 110 of sliding key-holding apparatus 100 through retainingstrap 120, key-holding apparatus 100 can be attached to another object. Retainingstrap 120 may be fabricated from any suitable material including but not limited to leather, plastic and the like. - Referring now to FIG. 2, key-
holding apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 is shown with key 116 inserted into key-receivingportion 118. As shown in FIG. 2, a substantial portion ofshaft 117 ofkey 116 has been inserted intokey insertion portion 118. While the depth of the insertion may vary based on the exact size and shape ofkey 116 and the size of key-receivingportion 118, key-receivingportion 118 is preferably sized to accommodate most standard sized keys. The detailed operation of the key-retaining mechanism housed within key-receivingportion 118 is further described in conjunction with FIGS. 3-7. - Referring now to FIG. 3, a key-
holding apparatus 300 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. Key-holdingmechanism 300 comprises atensioning mechanism 310, akey blocking portion 320, afloor portion 305 and abody aperture 314.Body aperture 314 is an aperture formed in the body of key-holdingapparatus 300 and is designed to receive a strap or leash.Key blocking portion 320 is most preferably an integral pat of key-holdingmechanism 300 but may also be a discrete component added after key-holdingmechanism 300 is fabricated. -
Tensioning mechanism 310 comprises ahousing 311, aspring 313 contained withinhousing 311, and a ball-bearing 312 contained withinhousing 311. Ball-bearing 312 is pressed towards an opening inhousing 311 and towardsfloor portion 305 byspring 313.Spring 313 is tensioned to urge and otherwise press ball-bearing 312 against a key that is inserted into key-holdingapparatus 300. - Referring now to FIG. 4, key-holding
apparatus 300 of FIG. 3 is shown operating in conjunction with a key 116. Whenshaft 117 ofkey 116 is inserted into key-holdingapparatus 300, ball-bearing 312 engagesshaft 117 andshaft 117 is pressed towards an towardsfloor portion 305 by the combination of ball-bearing 312 andspring 313.Key blocking portion 320 is sized and positioned to preventshaft portion 117 of key 116 from entering key-holdingapparatus 300 abovetensioning mechanism 310, thereby ensuring thatshaft portion 117 ofkey 116 engages ball-bearing 312 oftensioning mechanism 310. - Referring now to FIG. 5,a key-holding
apparatus 500 in accordance with an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. Key-holdingapparatus 500 comprises atensioning mechanism 510, akey blocking portion 520, afloor portion 505 and abody aperture 514.Body aperture 514 is an aperture formed in the body of key-holdingapparatus 500 and is designed to receive a strap or leash.Tensioning mechanism 510 is preferably fabricated from a metal or metallic substance that is durable yet relatively resilient. - Referring now to FIG. 6, key-holding
apparatus 500 of FIG. 5 is shown operating in conjunction with a key 116. Whenshaft 117 ofkey 116 is inserted into key-holdingapparatus 500,shaft portion 117 engagestensioning mechanism 510 andshaft 117 is “pinched” betweentensioning mechanism 510 andfloor portion 505 of key-holdingapparatus 500. Additional detail regarding the operation oftensioning mechanism 510 can be understood by referring to FIG. 7. - Referring now to FIG. 7, a detailed sectional view of a
key receiving portion 718 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. Key-receivingportion 718 illustrates the operation of a key-holding apparatus such as key-holdingapparatus 500 of FIGS. 5 and 6. Key receivingportion 718 comprises atensioning mechanism 705, afloor portion 715, acutout portion 740 and akey blocking portion 750.Tensioning mechanism 705 comprises apressure portion 710, arear portion 720, and a lockingportion 730. Blockingportion 750 is sized and positioned to preventshaft portion 117 of key 116 from enteringkey receiving portion 718 abovepressure portion 710, thereby ensuring thatshaft portion 117 ofkey 116 engagespressure portion 710. -
Cutout portion 740 is sized and positioned to receive lockingportion 730 when tensioningmechanism 705 is inserted intokey receiving portion 718.Rear portion 720 is flexible and acts like a spring, allowingtensioning mechanism 705 to slide intokey receiving portion 718. Lockingportion 730 oftensioning mechanism 705 “snaps” intocutout 740, thereby fixingtensioning mechanism 705 in position inside key receivingportion 718. -
Tensioning mechanism 705 is thin, flat, bent, blade-like arm preferably fabricated from a metal or metallic substance that is relatively resilient and is inserted intokey receiving portion 718 so that lockingportion 730 engagescutout 740.Pressure portion 710 oftensioning mechanism 705 is fabricated to press againstfloor portion 715 ofkey receiving portion 718. Accordingly, whenshaft portion 117 ofkey 116 is inserted intokey receiving portion 718,shaft portion 117 engagespressure portion 710 and is “pinched” betweenpressure portion 710 andfloor portion 715 ofkey receiving portion 718. - Referring now to FIG. 8, a key-retaining
apparatus 800 according to an alternative preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment,body portion 810 is substantially oval in shape. Once again,key receiving portion 818 is sized and positioned to receivekey 116. - Referring now to FIG. 9, a key-retaining
apparatus 900 according to an alternative preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment,body portion 910 is substantially triangular in shape. Once again,key receiving portion 918 is sized and positioned to receivekey 116. - Referring now to FIG. 10, a key-retaining
apparatus 1000 according to an alternative preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment,body portion 1010 has a generally rectangular shape with a rounded end. Once again,key receiving portion 1018 is sized and positioned to receivekey 116. Additionally, abranding location 1020 is provided onbody portion 1010.Branding location 1020 is used to provide various indicia, including advertising messages and product or company logos. - Referring now to FIG. 11, a top view of a key-retaining
apparatus 1100 according to an alternative preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Key-retainingapparatus 1100 comprises abody portion 1110 and aninsert portion 1130.Body portion 1110 comprises acavity portion 1118.Body portion 1110 is preferably manufactured as a durable one-piece molded plastic device.Insert portion 1130 is designed to fit snugly intocavity portion 1118 and “snap” into place. This can be accomplished by a variety of means well known to those skilled in the art. This includes the use of locking tabs and insets, pressure fitting, etc. -
Insert portion 1130 comprises atensioning mechanism 1135, astrap 1120, and a strap-retainingportion 1150.Strap 1120 comprises afirst end 1131 and asecond end 1132. Strap-retainingportion 1150 is an indentation in the body ofinsert portion 1130 that is designed to receivefirst end 1131 andsecond end 1132 ofstrap 1120. Then, wheninsert portion 1130 is inserted intobody portion 1110 of key-retainingapparatus 1100, receivefirst end 1131 andsecond end 1132 ofstrap 1120 are trapped by the sidewalls formed bycavity portion 1118 and are effectively “pinched” in place. This preventsfirst end 1131 andsecond end 1132 ofstrap 1120 from being separated frombody portion 1110 of key-retainingapparatus 1100. - Referring now to FIG. 12, a side view of key-retaining
apparatus 1100 of FIG. 12 is shown.Strap 1120 is shown withfirst end 1131 andsecond end 1132 in strap-retainingportion 1150 andinsert portion 1130 is ready to be inserted intobody portion 1120. Once fully assembled, key-retainingapparatus 1100 performs in much the same manner as described in conjunction with the previously discussed FIGs. - While the preferred exemplary embodiments have been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the preferred embodiments presented herein are only examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed descriptions provide those skilled in the art with a convenient roadmap for implementing the preferred exemplary embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in the exemplary preferred embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
Claims (20)
1. An apparatus comprising:
a body portion, said body portion said defining a key-receiving aperture; and
a tensioning mechanism contained within said body portion.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said tensioning mechanism comprises a spring-loaded ball bearing.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said tensioning mechanism comprises a thin, flat, bent, blade-like arm.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said body portion comprises a substantially rectangular body portion.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said body portion comprises a substantially oval body portion.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a key blocking portion, said key blocking portion blocking at least a portion of said key-receiving aperture.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said body portion further defines a body aperture, said body aperture receiving a restraining strap.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:
a floor portion contained within said hollow body portion;
wherein said tensioning mechanism comprises a thin, flat, bent, blade-like arm; and
wherein at least a portion of said tensioning mechanism presses against said floor portion.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 , further comprising a key with a shaft portion wherein said shaft portion is inserted through key-receiving aperture and is positioned between said tensioning mechanism and said floor portion.
10. A method comprising the steps of:
inserting a key into an a key-retaining apparatus, said key comprising a shaft; and
engaging a tensioning mechanism housed contained within said key-retaining apparatus with at least a portion of said shaft.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein said tensioning mechanism comprises a spring-loaded ball bearing.
12. The method of claim 10 wherein said tensioning mechanism comprises a thin, flat, bent, blade-like arm, wherein at least a portion of said tensioning mechanism contacts a floor portion of said key-retaining apparatus.
13. The method of claim 10 wherein said body portion further comprises a branding location.
14. The method of claim 10 wherein said body portion comprises a substantially rectangular body portion.
15. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of attaching said key-retaining apparatus to a purse.
16. An apparatus comprising:
a body portion;
a key-receiving aperture defined by said body portion;
a key blocking portion, said key blocking portion blocking at least a portion of said key-receiving aperture;
a floor portion contained within said body portion;
a tensioning mechanism contained within said body portion; and
wherein at least a portion of said tensioning mechanism presses against said floor portion.
17. The key-retaining apparatus of claim 16 further comprising:
a body aperture defined by said body portion; and
a restraining strap passing through said body aperture.
18. The key-retaining apparatus of claim 16 wherein said body portion comprises a substantially oval body portion.
19. The key-retaining apparatus of claim 16 wherein said body portion comprises a substantially triangular body portion.
20. The key-retaining apparatus of claim 16 further comprising:
a branding location;
a strap, said strap comprising a first end and a second end; and
an inset portion inserted into said body portion, said inset portion comprising:
said tensioning mechanism; and
a strap-retaining portion, said strap-retaining portion receiving said first end and said second end.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US10/191,905 US6672118B1 (en) | 2002-07-08 | 2002-07-08 | Apparatus and method for retaining keys |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US10/191,905 US6672118B1 (en) | 2002-07-08 | 2002-07-08 | Apparatus and method for retaining keys |
Publications (2)
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US6672118B1 US6672118B1 (en) | 2004-01-06 |
US20040003635A1 true US20040003635A1 (en) | 2004-01-08 |
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US10/191,905 Expired - Fee Related US6672118B1 (en) | 2002-07-08 | 2002-07-08 | Apparatus and method for retaining keys |
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US20050258245A1 (en) * | 2004-05-20 | 2005-11-24 | Bates Peter K | Radio frequency fobs and methods of using the same |
US20060032279A1 (en) * | 2004-08-11 | 2006-02-16 | Andersen Michael T | Key assembly |
US20100126242A1 (en) * | 2008-11-24 | 2010-05-27 | Thomas Perlmutter | Tool for Opening a Split Ring Key Holder |
US20100176008A1 (en) * | 2009-01-09 | 2010-07-15 | Ateca Steven J | Keypsafe |
US7798415B1 (en) | 2004-05-20 | 2010-09-21 | American Express Travel Realted Services Company, Inc. | Wireless transaction fobs and methods of using the same |
AT513313A1 (en) * | 2012-08-29 | 2014-03-15 | Franz Tuechler | Compact holder for keys and / or tools |
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US20050258245A1 (en) * | 2004-05-20 | 2005-11-24 | Bates Peter K | Radio frequency fobs and methods of using the same |
US7604176B2 (en) | 2004-05-20 | 2009-10-20 | American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. | Radio frequency fobs and methods of using the same |
US7798415B1 (en) | 2004-05-20 | 2010-09-21 | American Express Travel Realted Services Company, Inc. | Wireless transaction fobs and methods of using the same |
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