U.S. patent application number 11/256319 was filed with the patent office on 2006-04-27 for modified key enclosure.
Invention is credited to Josh Downes.
Application Number | 20060086163 11/256319 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37968134 |
Filed Date | 2006-04-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060086163 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Downes; Josh |
April 27, 2006 |
Modified key enclosure
Abstract
An enclosure 15 to hold a modified key 14 or set of keys that
allows any unused keys to be conveniently stored inside the
enclosure while the desired key Is maneuvered for use when required
by the user requiring the enclosure itself to replace the function
of a standard key head.
Inventors: |
Downes; Josh; (Los Angeles,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JOSH DOWNES
714 S. LOS ANGELES ST. # 513
LOS ANGELES
CA
90014
US
|
Family ID: |
37968134 |
Appl. No.: |
11/256319 |
Filed: |
October 21, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60621289 |
Oct 22, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
70/456R |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 11/324 20130101;
A45C 11/327 20130101; Y10T 70/8676 20150401 |
Class at
Publication: |
070/456.00R |
International
Class: |
A45C 11/32 20060101
A45C011/32; A47G 29/10 20060101 A47G029/10; A44B 15/00 20060101
A44B015/00 |
Claims
1. A key adjoining assembly, comprising: a. at least one key with a
modified head, & b. an enclosure that houses said key or keys,
& c. an assembly adjoining said key or keys to said enclosure
allowing said key to be maneuvered for use when needed, whereby
said key adjoining assembly provides means for organizing keys.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS:
[0001] This application claims the benefit of provisional patent
application Ser. No. 60/621,289, filed 2004 Oct. 22 by the present
inventor.
FEDERALLY SPONSERED RESEARCH
[0002] N/A
SEQUENCE OR PROGRAM LISTING
[0003] N/A
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of Invention
[0005] This invention relates to key adjoining assemblies,
specifically to a new minimal key adjoining system that enables
access to multiple keys in a convenient enclosure.
[0006] 2. Prior Art
[0007] To my knowledge, there Is no prior art. There are many
versions of key adjoining assemblies that use rings, clips, chains,
wallets, etc. to Join standard keys together. But to my knowledge
there is no invention that Incorporates a modified head to rid the
key of its unneeded head mass. The removal of the head mass
material enables all ones keys to be similar in size thus allowing
the keys to fit into a relatively small enclosure. This enclosure
becomes a key head when an individual key is employed for use
alleviating the burden of loose key assemblies & allowing the
user to carry numerous keys without the impeding bulkiness of a
standard loose key assembly.
OBJECTS & ADVANTAGES
[0008] To clarify, this invention is not a key ring or key chain
but a convenient alternative. Accordingly, the objects and
advantages of my invention are: [0009] (a) to provide a simplified
& minimal alternative to the impeding bulkiness of standard
everyday loose key assemblies; [0010] (b) to provide a lighter,
smaller, easier to manipulate, more organized, & more
comfortable way to carry keys & store them in pockets; [0011]
(c) to essentially provide one master key that will access all
locks & doors including vehicle ignitions; [0012] (d) to
provide an assembly that consistently stores keys in the same
location with an option for inscriptions, color coding, numbering,
or other means of distinguishing individual keys if desired; [0013]
(e) to provide a key that will not damage the handlebar assembly on
a motorcycle or steering columns & dashboards in automobiles;
[0014] (f) to provide an enclosure that enables the incorporation
of many other gadgets & technologies including those that are
commonly found on a standard key ring to be combined with the
enclosure satisfying the specific needs of each individual
user;
[0015] Further objects & advantages of this invention are to
provide a vehicle for the surging trend to minimize & combine
gadgets into one smaller & convenient object that is simple to
manufacture. Still further objects & advantages will become
obvious from the following drawings & description.
SUMMARY
[0016] This invention is a simplified solution to cumbersome loose
key assemblies. It allows the user to maintain access to his or her
valuables in an efficient manner. It organizes all keys into a
relatively small enclosure & conveniently allows the user to
find & quickly access each key when desired.
DRAWINGS--FIGURES
SHEET A--Modified Head Samples
[0017] FIG. 1A is a typical car key with an outline of a modified
head in accordance with the Invention.
[0018] FIG. 1B shows the typical car key after the head has been
modified.
[0019] FIG. 2A is a typical house key with an outline of a modified
head in accordance with the invention.
[0020] FIG. 2B shows the typical house key after the head has been
modified.
[0021] FIG. 3A is a typical lock key with an outline of a modified
head in accordance with the invention.
[0022] FIG. 3B shows the typical lock key after the head has been
modified.
SHEET B--Preferred Embodiment
[0023] FIG. 4 is a top view of the enclosure 15 as flat stock
[0024] FIG. 5 is a top view of the enclosure lid 16 as flat
stock
[0025] FIG. 6 is a top view of THIS INVENTION with enclosure lid
closed & one key employed for use.
[0026] FIG. 7 is a side view of this invention with one key
employed for use & the enclosure lid in the open position.
SHEET C--Axonometric View of Preferred Embodiment
[0027] FIG. 8 is an axonometric view of this invention with parts
required for assembly.
SHEET D--Additional Embodiment 1
[0028] FIG. 9 is a front side view of additional embodiment 1.
[0029] FIG. 10 is a front side view of additional embodiment 1 with
one section opened halfway & one key employed for use.
[0030] FIG. 11 is a top side view of additional embodiment 1 with
both sections fully opened & one key employed for use.
SHEET E--Additional Embodiment 2
[0031] FIG. 12 is a front side view of additional embodiment 2 with
one key employed for use.
[0032] FIG. 13 is a top end view of additional embodiment 2.
[0033] FIG. 14 is a top end view of additional embodiment 2 with
sections folding into operable key formation.
[0034] FIG. 15 is a top end view of additional embodiment 2 with
sections folded Into operable key formation.
[0035] FIG. 16 is a side view of additional embodiment 2 with
sections folded into operable key formation & one key employed
for use.
[0036] REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0037] 11. typical car key
[0038] 12. typical house key
[0039] 13. typical lock key
[0040] 14. modified key
[0041] 15. enclosure
[0042] 16. enclosure lid
[0043] 17. screw assembly
[0044] 18. rivet
[0045] 19. rounded end
[0046] 20. spacer
[0047] 21. hinge
[0048] 22. slider assembly
[0049] 23. connector
[0050] 24. open end
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0051] FIG. 4 is a top view of the enclosure as flat stock sheet
metal with long dashed lines representing 90 degree bends, &
short dashed lines representing smaller bends. Note: sheet metal is
used as an example only. The enclosure can be manufactured by a
variety of methods & materials.
[0052] FIG. 5 is a side view of the enclosure lid as flat stock
sheet metal with long dashed lines representing 90 degree bends,
& short dashed lines representing smaller bends.
[0053] FIG. 8 is an axonometric drawing of the preferred embodiment
of this invention showing all parts required for assembly. This
invention is made by modifying heads of typical keys 11-13 to one
similar head 14, attaching the keys with a screw assembly 17 acting
as a hinge, & housing the keys Into the enclosure 15 as shown
in FIG. 8. Depending on the number of keys used & the width of
the enclosure, spacers 20 may be required to compensate for the
extra space on the screw assembly. Spacers can range in width with
a diameter less than or equal modified key heads. The spacers are
used to ensure a snug fit to comply with any key variation.
[0054] Scenario 1--the preferred embodiment width is based on the
number of keys. The enclosure FIG. 6 will allow up to eight
modified keys. However, some keys are slightly wider than others In
which only seven keys might fit on the screw assembly. In this
situation there is likely to be some unwanted extra space In which
a spacer could be placed on the screw assembly to compensate.
[0055] Scenario 2--using a wider enclosure with only four keys,
there is considerable extra space in which additional spacers or
one larger spacer could be used. If there is still unwanted
movement on the screw assembly, a thin spacer could be used to
compensate. If the assembly is too tight, a thin spacer can be
removed. The screw assembly is optimum when modified keys swivel
freely without lateral movement.
[0056] Once the modified keys have been properly adjusted within
the assembly & the screw has been secured, the enclosure lid 16
can then be installed. To install the enclosure lid simply match up
the rounded end of the enclosure lid to the rounded end of the
enclosure & secure into place with rivets 18 on either side of
the enclosure lid as shown in FIG. 8. When this invention is
assembled it Is ready for operation as described below.
Operation
[0057] This Invention is designed to minimize & simplify the
burden of ordinary key assemblies. Its operation follows suit with
its design in terms of simplicity. To employ a key for use in the
preferred embodiment shown in this application, simply click the
enclosure lid 16 open as shown in FIG. 7 by pulling enclosure lid
away from enclosure 15 at open end 24. Flick the enclosure 15 so
the modified keys 14 rotate on the screw assembly & are all
exposed, pick the key to be used & hold while rotating the
assembly so the remaining keys rotate back into the enclosure.
Finally, rotate the enclosure lid to the original position &
click into place. Now the required key is ready for use as shown in
FIG. 6.
ADDITIONAL EMBODIMENT 1--DESCRIPTION
[0058] Additional embodiment 1 is very similar to the preferred
embodiment. The main difference is that there is no enclosure lid.
Instead it has two separate enclosures 15 that are held together by
a connector 23. FIG. 10 shows additional embodiment 1 with one of
the enclosures open & one key employed for use.
Operation
[0059] To use additional embodiment 1 simply pull the enclosures
apart, flick the enclosure with the desired keys until they are all
exposed, pick the desired key & hold while rotating the
assembly until the other keys are back in the enclosure, then push
the two enclosures back together.
ADDITIONAL EMBODIMENT 2--DESCRIPTION
[0060] Additional embodiment 2 is an alternate form of this
invention. It can be similar in size as a credit card & can
easily be carried inside a wallet for everyday use or as a set of
spare keys.
[0061] FIG. 12 shows a front view of additional embodiment 2 with
one modified key 14 employed for use. The key card uses sliders 22
to employ each key & hinges 21 to fold the card so the length
of the card won't be an obstruction when using the keys In tight
areas.
Operation
[0062] Use of additional embodiment 2 is very simple. FIG. 9-FIG.
13 demonstrate the actions required for use. The first step is to
slide the desired key out of the enclosure using the slider
assembly as shown In FIG. 12. Then fold the card as shown in FIG.
14 until each enclosure Is fully collapsed as shown in FIG. 15. Now
additional embodiment 2 is ready for use.
CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, & SCOPE
[0063] To my knowledge, there are no keys currently available that
are unable to be modified to be compatible with this invention.
There are many possibilities for this invention, but as stated in
claim 1 there are only three simple parts to the device.
at least one key with a modified head
an enclosure to house said modified key or keys
an assembly adjoining said modified key or keys to said
enclosure
There are limitless alternatives in regards to size, shape, &
material of these three simple guidelines. There Is also an option
of adding physical & technological features to the key. The
following lists some examples:
locking mechanism that locks each key Into place when employed
clip attachments such as money clip or belt clip
magnet
light
marking system to distinguish each key
push-button assembly to employ each key In like a switch blade
any feature found in a pocket knife
ring to attach loose keys or other items
personal or commercial script, logos, & emblems
security mechanism that won't allow others to access keys
wallet
clock
hard drive
key entry cards
removable key option to loan out Individual keys when needed
jewelry such as a necklace or pin.
designer encasements
key pager
PDA
alarm remote
door entry sensor (RFID)
garage door opener
car door, window, & trunk lock opener
car valet
communication devices
electronic gaming
mobile phone
camera
music player
electronic security mechanism that won't allow others to access
keys
voice controlled command option
bluetooth capabilities
biometrics
monetary purchasing mechanism
GPS tracking system
computer memory device
electronic organizer
media player
personal computer
hard drive data storage
voice recorder
etc.
[0064] This Invention is a logically superior alternative to
standard everyday loose key assemblies. It follows suit with the
surging market trend to make gadgets smaller & more compact.
There have been advancements in the field of entry systems such as
key card sensor locks & door entry sensors (RFID). Computers,
cell phones, & music players are getting increasingly smaller
as their speed & memory is increasing while cellular phones are
combining with cameras, PDA's, & internet applications.
Meanwhile, standard key assemblies are getting larger and
Increasingly bulky with unnecessary key chains, alarm remotes,
garage door openers, & high-end car keys increasing in size.
This irony can has become an unrecognized paradox especially since
every consumer's most essential gadget is his or her set of
keys.
[0065] There are numerous specificities, including various
embodiments, optional physical enhancements, & technological
upgrades that are Illustrated in this application. The descriptions
herein should not limit the scope of any component of this
Invention but illustrate some of its preferred embodiments. For
example, the enclosure & related mechanisms could take on many
different shapes, materials, & sizes that will enable unlimited
function of this Invention to suit the needs of each individual
user.
[0066] Therefore, the scope should be determined by the appended
claims & their legal equivalents, & not by the examples
given in this application.
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