U.S. patent application number 10/257150 was filed with the patent office on 2003-09-11 for key-holder.
Invention is credited to Frias, Antonio Frias, Martin, Tomas Cerdan.
Application Number | 20030167810 10/257150 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29551386 |
Filed Date | 2003-09-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030167810 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Frias, Antonio Frias ; et
al. |
September 11, 2003 |
Key-holder
Abstract
An improved key holder consisting of a case (1) provided with a
central body (2), having in its upper part a semicircular area (3)
and a lower curved one (4), the body (2) having on one of its
faces, a longitudinal groove (6) dividing in two similar areas,
having a projection (7) located in the blind face, incorporating a
central recess and a longitudinal projection (8) in the groove (6),
being covered with a body (10).
Inventors: |
Frias, Antonio Frias;
(Malaga, ES) ; Martin, Tomas Cerdan; (Malaga,
ES) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Horst M Kasper
13 Forest Drive
Warren
NJ
07059
US
|
Family ID: |
29551386 |
Appl. No.: |
10/257150 |
Filed: |
March 11, 2003 |
PCT Filed: |
March 28, 2001 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/ES01/00123 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
70/456R |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 11/324 20130101;
Y10T 70/8676 20150401 |
Class at
Publication: |
70/456.00R |
International
Class: |
A45C 011/32; A44B
015/00; A47G 029/10 |
Claims
1.- An improved key holder, made as from an external case and an
internal part which is moved inside in a transverse direction and
in both directions, characterised on consisting of a case (1)
having a central body (2) configured by two flat and parallel areas
terminating in the upper part through a semicircular area (3) and
in the lower part through an area (4) with a semicircular curved
configuration, the body (2) having on one of the faces a
longitudinal groove (6) covering the area where it is situated,
dividing it in two similar areas, likewise being situated along the
surface of the semicircular area (3) and finishing in the rear
face, having in inside the case (1) and matching with the upper
internal area a longitudinal projection, as well as a projection
(7) located in the blind face not having the groove (6), provided
with a central sunken line and likewise, having on this blind face
not having the groove (6), a longitudinal projection (8) having a
protuberance (5) with a central perforation in the external area of
the curved area (4).
2.- An improved key holder according to the first claim,
characterised in that inside the case (1) there is a holding body
(10) manufactured in plastic material as the part (1) formed by two
straight and parallel side walls (11) and (11') joined in the lower
part by a curved semicircular area matching the internal zone of
the area (4) of the part (1), the two areas (11) and (11') being
joined in the upper part by two semicircular projections (12) and
(12') on whose internal faces there is a transversely located body
(14) having a notch or perimetric bottleneck (15), likewise having
on one of its faces, the part (10) of a traverse (18) with a
rectangular plant situated in parallel with a blind area (16)
provided with vertical and parallel grooves (17).
3.- An improved key holder according to the previous claims,
characterised in that in the grooves (17) the spring (8) of the
part (1) is coupled, likewise the spring (7) being coupled between
the traverse (18) and the wall (16), being likewise coupled the
parts (1) and (10) by means of the projection (9) emerging from the
internal area of the part (1) in the area corresponding to the
semicircular zone (3) and the trapezoidal recess (13) existing in
the area (12) and (12') of the part (10).
4.- An improved key holder according to the previous claims,
characterised in that over the axis (14) of the part (10) parts
(20) are coupled adopting the semicircular shape (21), provided
with a central opening (22) terminating in its internal area in a
semicircular configuration, the part (20) being coupled over the
transverse body (14) by means of its bottleneck or perimetric notch
(15), the part (20) having in the access area to the area (22) two
thickenings (24) and in the general context of the semicircular
zone, a significant reduction of its volume in thickness (23) where
the head of the machined key (40) is coupled.
5.- An improved key holder according to the previous claims,
characterised on having a part (30) manufactured in plastic
material equal to that of the part (20) adopting the semiangular
configuration having a body (31) which at one of its ends has a
transverse thickening (32), this part (30) being coupled over the
groove (6) in the case area (3).
Description
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present specification refers to an improved key holder
providing the possibility of grouping a number of keys incorporated
inside a containing body, it being possible to select the requested
key, found grouped and ordered inside the containing body from
which it may be removed in case of replacement thereof.
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention is applicable to the industry dedicated to
the manufacture of key rings, key holders and similar items, it
also being possible to be used in the industry dedicated to the
manufacture of general accessories.
[0004] 2. Background of the Invention
[0005] The applicant is the holder of a Utility Model requested in
Spain with the number 9300466, published and granted with the
number 1,023,911, regarding a KEY HOLDING DEVICE.
[0006] The applicant is also the holder of a Utility Model
requested in Spain regarding an IMPROVED KEY HOLDER, as well as an
Industrial Design requested in Spain with the number 134,959
regarding a KEY.
[0007] Beyond the aforementioned files, the applicant ignores the
existence of an invention having a minimum relation with that
described in this specification.
[0008] In the aforementioned Utility Models, a hollow body was
described inside of which slit a second body holding a special key
configured as a key shaft whose head had been eliminated and which
duly adapted was coupled to an axis or transverse pin fixed in the
internal ends of the sliding body inside the external body, the key
being removed by manipulating the carrying axis thereof from
outside.
[0009] The applicant has observed the existence of some anomalies
in the general operation of the items mentioned above, such that an
invention has been carried out whose object, being the same as
above, has novel features with relation to the known items.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The improved key holder proposed by the invention is
configured as an evident novelty within its field of application,
combining in its context a series of important advantages which
clearly improve the objects protected in similar applications.
[0011] The improved key holder has an external part acting as a
general casing inside of which the rectified key holding component
is incorporated joined to the coupling axis. In its upper part,
said case has a semicircular configuration and in the lower part a
configuration with the shape of a semicircular arch seen sideways,
provided in its front face with a longitudinal groove located in
the central area, which partially penetrates in the curved lower
area and in turn is located in the semicircular upper area
finishing in the rear face which is blind.
[0012] Matching the longitudinal groove, the curved lower area has
a protuberance with a central perforation applicable to fix a
support chain, ring or similar.
[0013] The internal part which slides in both directions inside the
case, adopts a lateral configuration similar to the body in which
it couples, the front face being totally free and the rear face
being provided with a grooved wall in the external part and a
traverse in the upper area, it being necessary to mention that on
the internal blind face, the case has a double projection
consisting of a guide which in collaboration with an emerging
spigot guide the internal body and in turn, slows it down by the
introduction of the spigot in the aforementioned longitudinal and
parallel grooves.
[0014] In the internal central area of the upper zone of the
sliding body, holder of the key shaft, a transverse body has been
foreseen, centred in the semicircular area having a recess in the
upper part which, together with a double spring existing in the
internal area of the case in the curved or semicircular area, also
facilitates guidance of the internal body, being coupled over the
transverse axis some plastic parts provided with a central
semicircular recess in the middle area and over its surface, an
area of reduced dimension where the upper end of the key shaft in
which it is fixed is coupled, prior reduction of the key thickness
in question being coupled and on being introduced in the axis
holder duly aligned.
[0015] The set of keys is vertically situated inside the holding
body, which is then embedded in the case to be later incorporated
matching the central groove, a semicircular body provided with a
transverse spring generating removal of the key in a vertical
ascending direction, prior selection thereof, the key being
suitably configured as a conventional one which in replacement of
the head thereof, will have the general body of key holder and
aligned with the emerging shaft will produce the opening of the
lock.
[0016] Once the key has been used, it will be moved by means of the
transverse projection until this is coupled inside the key holder,
the key ring or improved key holder consequently being in
conditions to be again introduced in the user's pocket until being
used again.
[0017] It should be clearly indicated that beyond the parts
comprising the case, holding body, key coupling part and the
semicircular component applicable as remover thereof, the keys
which should be used in this key holder should be previously
machined in the area of the head to permit their coupling in the
holding part which will be later coupled over the axis, which has a
groove facilitating removal thereof.
[0018] All the parts used to manufacture the key holder, except the
key itself, are manufactured in plastic material.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] To complete the description being carried out and to help a
better understanding of the features of the invention, the present
specification is accompanied by a set of drawings in which the
following has been represented with an illustrative an non-limiting
character:
[0020] FIG. 1, shows a side elevation view of the external case
corresponding to the invention regarding an improved key
holder.
[0021] FIG. 2 shows a view along A-B of the object represented in
figure number 1.
[0022] FIG. 3 shows a view of the key holder body which is
incorporated and displaced inside the item shown in FIGS. 1 and 2
constituting the case.
[0023] FIG. 4 shows a view along C-D of the object shown in FIG.
3.
[0024] FIG. 5 corresponds to a side elevation, plan and duly
sectioned view of the part in which the keys are coupled for their
later coupling in the holding part shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0025] FIG. 6 shows a side elevation and plan view of the
semicircular body which on coupling over the external case produces
key removal
[0026] FIG. 7 corresponds to a side elevation view of the object of
the invention duly assembled.
[0027] FIG. 8 shows a view of the object of the invention through
the sides not seen in FIG. 7.
[0028] FIG. 9 corresponds to a view of the invention through the
side opposite to that shown in FIG. 7.
[0029] FIG. 10 corresponds to a view along E-F of the object shown
in FIG. 8.
[0030] FIG. 11 refers to a view along G-H of the object shown in
FIG. 9.
[0031] FIG. 12 corresponds to a view of the invention when the
internal body of the case is displaced with the object of selecting
one of the keys inside.
[0032] FIG. 13 finally shows a view of the invention when the key
has been removed, remaining in the position of being used.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0033] On observing FIG. 1, it may be appreciated how the case (1)
of the improved key holder is constructed as from a long hollow
body in which the case (1) has been shown, having a central body
(2) with parallel walls terminating in the upper part with a
semicircular configuration (3) in which a groove (6) has been
foreseen, longitudinally dividing the front face in two identical
areas, passing through the semicircular area (3) and terminating in
the reverse once the semicircular area (3) has been surpassed, the
body (2) finishing in the lower part through an area curved like an
inverted semicircular arch (4) which externally has a protuberance
(5) intended to be used as a nexus for fixing a chain or similar
item.
[0034] If we observe FIG. 2, we may find two rectangular
projections between which there is a groove (7), the combination
acting as the body guide (10), likewise having a projection (8)
intended to be used as an immobilising brake.
[0035] In FIG. 3, it is observed that the body (10) shown in
profile in FIG. 4 is configured in its sides similar to the
internal area of the case (1) having two semicircular upper areas
(12) and (12'), two straight areas (11) and (11') and terminating
in the lower part as a not numbered semicircular shape.
[0036] The areas (12) and (12') are joined to each other by a
transverse body (14) which acts as an axis provided with a
bottleneck (15), this area (14) being destined to be used as an
axis for placing the keys incorporated in the general body
(10).
[0037] The invention has an upper wall (18) located parallel to an
area (16) in which there are vertical and parallel grooves (17),
the body (10) moving inside the body (1) guided by the projections
(7) which are coupled between the walls (16) y (18), whilst the
longitudinal projection (8) acts as a body (10) brake over it (1)
on being introduced in the grooves (17) situated in parallel.
[0038] It should be mentioned that in the upper part of the bodies
(12) a slot (13) has been foreseen which will permit a projection
(9) existing inside the case (1) matching the upper internal area
of the semicircular area (3) permits its mobilisation as a guide,
collaborating with area (7) and the brake (8).
[0039] In FIG. 5, the part is observed where the key shaft is
coupled, which has been referenced with number (20), having a
practically circular body (21) in which there is an opening (22)
finished in a semicircle and two lateral steps (24) which in
collaboration with a central area (23) of reduced thickness, permit
that the key, once its thickness has been reduced and its head
eliminated, is left without any mobility inside the part (20),
specifically in area (23), to later proceed to fit the key inside
the part (10) adjusting it to the carrying axis (14) using the
notch or perimetric bottleneck (15) to facilitate its introduction
and later coupling.
[0040] Finally, the improved key holder is completed with the
annular component shown in FIG. 6 in which it is observed how this
component (30) has a semicircular area (31) and a transversely
thickened component (32) which acts as a coupling area for the
user's finger to proceed to mobilise the key (40) located inside
the part (10) and which will emerge outside in a vertical ascending
direction through the opening or groove (6) as shown in figure
number 13.
[0041] The selection of the key to be removed is carried out by
mobilising the internal body over the external one and once the key
to be extracted has been defined, by mobilising the button (32) to
achieve that the key (40) fixed in the bed (23) joined to the body
(20) coupled over the axis (14) rotates over itself emerging
through the groove (6) pushed by the annular component (31)
impelled by the button (32), remaining outside and in a position to
be used, so that once used, it returns and is reintroduced inside
the holding body (10) prior inverse operation.
* * * * *