U.S. patent application number 11/326297 was filed with the patent office on 2006-07-06 for key holder.
Invention is credited to Bernardo Yuri Beresnitzky.
Application Number | 20060144106 11/326297 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36638821 |
Filed Date | 2006-07-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060144106 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Beresnitzky; Bernardo Yuri |
July 6, 2006 |
Key holder
Abstract
A key holder includes a housing which stores a plurality of
keys. The keys are presented automatically for use in response to
an operator pushing a button. The housing supports a plurality of
buttons with each button corresponding to an individual key.
Inventors: |
Beresnitzky; Bernardo Yuri;
(Brooklyn, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BERNARD MALINA, ESQ.;Malina & Associates, P.C.
Suite 501
60 East 42nd Street
New York
NY
10165
US
|
Family ID: |
36638821 |
Appl. No.: |
11/326297 |
Filed: |
January 4, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60641897 |
Jan 5, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
70/456R |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 11/328 20130101;
Y10T 70/8676 20150401 |
Class at
Publication: |
070/456.00R |
International
Class: |
A45C 11/32 20060101
A45C011/32 |
Claims
1. A key holder comprising: a housing having a top panel; a
plurality of keys disposed within said housing; a plurality of
operating buttons disposed on said top panel; a plurality of
driving connections connecting, one each, said keys and said
operating buttons to drive a selected key from a retracted position
disposed in said housing to an extended position projecting from
said housing.
2. The key holder according to claim 1 wherein each of said
operating buttons can be depressed relative to said top panel.
3. The key holder according to claim 1 wherein each of said
operating buttons is slideably mounted on said top panel.
4. The key holder according to claim 1 wherein each of said
operating buttons is pivotally mounted on said top panel.
5. The key holder according to claim 1 wherein said driving
connections include a rotatably mounted disc.
6. The key holder according to claim 5 further comprising a spring
connected to said rotatably mounted disc.
7. The key holder according to claim 1 further comprising a key
platform connected to said rotatably mounted disc for selectively
driving said keys to said extended position.
8. The key holder according to claim 1 wherein said driving
connection comprises: a first gear; a first rack in mesh with said
first gear; a second rack connected to said first rack; a second
gear in mesh with said second rack; a pair of link members
connected to said second gear and to a selected key for reversibly
driving said selected key to an extended position relative to said
housing responsive to rotation of said first gear.
9. The key holder according to claim 1 wherein said driving
connections comprise: a toothed wheel; a spring for rotation of
said toothed wheel; a catch member for engaging said toothed wheel;
a screw shaft driven by said toothed wheel; and a threaded block
driven by said threaded block and connected to a selected key for
reversibly driving said selected key to an extended position
relative to said housing.
10. The key holder according to claim 1 wherein said driving
connections comprise: a rigid rack member; a gear in mesh with said
rigid rack member; and a flexible rack member in mesh with said
gear.
11. The key holder according to claim 1 wherein said driving
connections comprise: a rigid rack member; a gear in mesh with said
rigid rack member; a drum connected to said gear for rotation with
said gear; and a belt member connected to said drum and connected
to a selected key for reversibly driving said key to an extended
position relative to said housing.
12. The key holder according to claim 1 wherein said driving
connections comprise: a support plate; a gear rotatably mounted
relative to said support plate; a rack member connected to said
housing; a link member connected to said gear and to a selected key
for reversibly driving said key to an extended position relative to
said housing.
13. The key holder according to claim 12 wherein said support plate
further comprises an integrally formed compression spring.
14. The key holder according to claim 12 wherein said link member
further comprises an integrally formed leaf spring.
15. The key holder according to claim 1 wherein each of said
buttons further comprises a latch member.
16. The key holder according to claim 1 wherein said driving
connections comprise: a pivoting link member with said pivoting
link member having a first end, an intermediate portion and a
second end, with said first end of said pivoting link member
connected to a selected button, with said intermediate position
pivotally connected to said housing and with said second end
connected to a selected key for reversibly driving said selected
key to an extended position relative to said housing.
17. The key holder according to claim 16 wherein said driving
connections further comprise a plurality of compression springs
with said compression springs disposed, one each between a selected
button and said housing and urging said button corresponding to a
retracted position of said selected key.
18. The key holder according to claim 1 wherein said driving
connections comprise: a plurality of spring wires each having a
first end and a second end; a plurality of pivotally mounted
buttons, with said first end of said spring wire connected to a
selected pivotally mounted button and with said second end of said
spring wire connected to a selected key for reversibly driving said
selected key to an extended position relative to said housing
responsive to operation of said selected pivotally mounted
button.
19. The key holder according to claim 1 wherein said driving
connections comprise a clockwork spring.
Description
[0001] The present application claims priority from my Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/641,897 titled "Key Holder," filed
on Jan. 5, 2005.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of key
holders and more particularly to a key holder in which keys are
stored within a case.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Conventionally, keys are stored on a single key ring or in a
leather case or pouch which has a ring for one or more keys. When a
key is required for use, the key must be manually selected either
from a conventional key ring or from a pouch. This procedure
results in a degree of inconvenience in conditions of dim
illumination and especially for elderly users.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a key
holder which presents a single key in response to an operator
pushing a button.
[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide a key
holder which presents a single key in response to an operator
sliding a button.
[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a key
holder which stores keys within a case in a safe and convenient
manner.
[0007] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
key holder which comprises a relatively small number of component
parts which can be easily manufactured in volume resulting in a
relatively low unit cost.
[0008] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will
be made clear hereinafter.
[0009] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided
a key case which stores a plurality of keys. The keys are presented
automatically for use in response to an operator pushing a button.
The key case includes a plurality of buttons with each button
corresponding to an individual key. The present invention
eliminates the inconvenience of manually selecting a key from a
conventional key ring.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Other important advantages of the present invention will be
apparent from the following detailed description of the invention
taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a key case made in
accordance with the present invention with a selected key shown in
an extended position;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a fragmentary exploded perspective view showing
the relationship of selected internal components;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a fragmentary exploded perspective view showing
additional internal components;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a fragmentary schematic view showing the operation
of the internal components;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a fragmentary exploded view showing the attachment
of a key to the key holder;
[0016] FIG. 5A is a fragmentary exploded view showing an
alternative key holder for use with the key case of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a fragmentary elevation view taken along the line
6-6 of FIG. 3.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a fragmentary top plan view showing the
relationship of the disk and the key platform;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of the
invention;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a fragmentary exploded view of the first
embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 10 is a fragmentary schematic view of a portion of the
embodiment of FIG. 9 showing the motion of the key holder pin
relative to the sliding pin;
[0022] FIG. 11 is another fragmentary schematic view of a portion
of the embodiment of FIG. 9;
[0023] FIG. 12 is another fragmentary schematic view of a portion
of the embodiment of FIG. 9;
[0024] FIG. 13 is another fragmentary schematic view of a portion
of the embodiment of FIG. 9;
[0025] FIG. 14 is another fragmentary schematic view of a portion
of the embodiment of FIG. 9;
[0026] FIG. 15 is another fragmentary schematic view of a portion
of the embodiment of FIG. 9;
[0027] FIG. 16 is another fragmentary schematic view of a portion
of the embodiment of FIG. 9;
[0028] FIG. 17 is another fragmentary schematic view of a portion
of the embodiment of FIG. 9;
[0029] FIG. 18 is another fragmentary schematic view of a portion
of the embodiment of FIG. 9 forming a third embodiment showing the
escapement and a gear train;
[0030] FIG. 19 is a fragmentary schematic view showing the wind
system of FIG. 18;
[0031] FIG. 20 is a fragmentary schematic view of a fourth
alternative embodiment of the invention;
[0032] FIG. 21 is a fragmentary schematic view of a fifth
alternative embodiment of the invention;
[0033] FIG. 22 is an overall perspective view of a sixth embodiment
of the invention;
[0034] FIG. 23 is a schematic view of the internal components of
the embodiment of FIG. 22 showing the key in the retracted
position;
[0035] FIG. 24 is a schematic view similar to FIG. 23 showing the
key in the extended position;
[0036] FIG. 25 is a schematic view of the internal components of
the invention showing a seventh embodiment of the invention;
[0037] FIG. 26 is a top schematic view of selected internal
components of FIG. 25 taken along the line 26-26 of FIG. 25;
[0038] FIG. 27 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along
the line 27-27 of FIG. 23 showing the attachment of the button to
the plate member;
[0039] FIG. 28 is an eighth embodiment of the invention showing an
alternative button which incorporates a latch;
[0040] FIG. 29 is an exploded schematic view showing a ninth
embodiment of the invention;
[0041] FIG. 30 is a side elevational schematic view of the
components of FIG. 29;
[0042] FIG. 31 is a schematic view of a tenth embodiment of the
invention showing the key in the extended position; and
[0043] FIG. 32 is a schematic view of the components of FIG. 31
showing the key in the retracted position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0044] With reference to the drawings, there is shown in FIG. 1 a
key case 10 made in accordance with the present invention. The key
case 10 includes a housing 12 which has top 14, bottom 16, front
18, rear 20 and side panels 22, 24. The top panel 14 has a
plurality of buttons 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 disposed thereon. FIG. 1
illustrates a total of five buttons 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 each of
which corresponds to a single key 36, 38, 40, 42, 44 which is
stored in the housing. Depressing one of the buttons 26, 28, 30,
32, 34 will cause the corresponding key 36, 38, 40, 42, 44 to
project from the housing through one of the key apertures 48 in the
front panel 18 as illustrated by the key 36 in FIG. 1.
[0045] It should be understood that the illustration of five keys
36, 38, 40, 42, 44 and five buttons 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 has been for
purposes of clarity of illustration and not as a limitation on the
present invention. A larger or a smaller number of buttons and keys
may be utilized in the present invention.
[0046] The operation of the key holder 10 may be described as
follows with reference to the various figures.
[0047] In the initial condition, all of the keys 36, 38, 40, 42, 44
are retracted within the housing 12. The stop 46 is pushed upward
in the direction shown by the arrow 120 in FIG. 3 by the springs
50, 52 and is held in the path of rotation of the disk 54 and the
disk 54 is prevented from rotating as a result of contact between
the stop 46 and the projecting finger 56 on the disk 54.
[0048] As is shown in FIG. 4, when a selected button 26, 28, 30,
32, 34 is depressed, downward motion of the button 26, 28, 30, 32,
34 causes horizontal motion of the sliding pin 58 as a result of
the forces on the inclined surfaces 60, 62 on the button 26 and the
first end 64 of the sliding pin 58. The second end 66 of the
sliding pin 58 is inclined and bears against the inclined surface
on the upper end 70 of the key holder 72.
[0049] It should be understood that each of the buttons 24, 26, 28,
30, 32 has a corresponding sliding pin 58 which is identical to the
sliding pin 58 which has been illustrated.
[0050] The bottom end 74 of the key holder 72 has a pin 76 which
enters a hole 78 in the key platform 80.
[0051] When the button 26 is depressed, a projecting pin 82 on the
bottom 84 of the button 26 bears against the top plate 86. The top
plate 86 bears on the vertical side plates 88, 90 and the vertical
side plates 88, 90 bear against the bottom plate 92. The bottom
plate 92 overcomes the upward force of the helical springs 94, 96
and the bottom plate 92 moves in a downward direction shown by the
arrow 98 in FIG. 4. As a result, the stop 46 on the bottom plate 92
is pushed downward and out of the path of the finger 56 on the disk
54. Stop 102 is higher than stop 46 and the disk 54 rotates so that
finger 56 hits stop 102 on the bottom plate 92.
[0052] When the selected button 26 is released, stop 102 is pushed
upward out of the path of finger 56 and the disk 54 rotates and a
projecting pin 104 on the disk 54 which rides in the slot 106 in
the key platform 80 drives the selected key 36 forward out of the
housing 12 as is shown schematically in FIG. 7. The disk 54 rotates
until finger 108 bears against stop 46 which is held in the path of
rotation of the disk 54 by the helical springs 50, 52.
[0053] As long as the key 36 is in the extended position, the
finger 108 bears against the stop 46. To retract the key 26, the
operator pushes any button 28, 30, 32, 34 other than the button 26.
The pin 82 on whichever button 28, 30, 32, 34 is pushed presses
against the top plate 86 as previously described and the top plate
86 pushes downward on the vertical side plates 88, 90 and the
bottom plate 92 is pushed downward.
[0054] As a result, stop 46 is pushed downward and the disk 54
rotates until stop 102 is engaged. Continued downward pressure on
the button 28, 30, 32, 34 pushes stop 102 downward and the disk 54
rotates past stop 102. The rotation of the disk 54 and the action
of the pin 104 and the slot 106 causes the key 36 to retract into
the housing 12. The disk 54 continues to rotate until stop 46 bears
against finger 56 and the key holder 10 returns to the initial
condition as described above with all of the keys 36, 38, 40, 42,
44 retracted and ready for extension.
[0055] FIG. 2 is an exploded schematic view indicating that the
disc 54 is driven by a clock spring 120.
[0056] FIG. 5 shows the typical attachment of a key 36 to the key
holder 72. The key 36 has a pair of slots 122, 124 formed on the
end 126 each having an enlarged portion 128, 130. The key holder 72
has a pair of projecting members 132, 134 each with an enlarged end
portion 136, 138. The projecting members 132, 134 are received in
the slots 122, 124 as is shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5.
[0057] The slots 122, 124 and the projecting members 132, 134
retain the key 36 while providing a degree of vertical motion.
[0058] FIG. 5A shows an alternative key holder 140 in which a pair
of projecting members 142, 144 project from the key holder 140 and
are connected to a member 146 having a slot 148. The slot 148
accommodates the end 150 of a key 152 which may be retained in the
slot 148 by an adhesive layer 154.
[0059] A second embodiment of the invention 200 is illustrated
schematically in FIG. 8. As shown in FIG. 8, the button 202 is
biased in an upward direction relative to the housing 204 by the
compression spring 206. Downward pressure on the button 202
overcomes the force of the compression spring 206 and moves the
link 208 in a downward direction as shown by the arrow 210. This
downward movement of the link 208 shown by the arrow 210 rotates
the gear 212 in the direction shown by the arrow 214. The gear 212
which is in mesh with the first rack 216 causes the rack 216 to
move in the direction shown by the arrow 218 overcoming the force
of the spring 220. The first rack 216 is connected to a second rack
222 and the motion of the second rack 222 causes rotation of the
gear 224. The rotation of the gear 224 causes the links 226, 228 to
drive the key 230 in the direction shown by the arrow 232 thereby
causing the key 230 to project outwardly relative to the housing
204 which includes a plurality of panels as previously
described.
[0060] While the action of a single button 202 has been described,
it should be understood as previously described that the apparatus
200 includes a button and the associated components described above
for each key.
[0061] The operation of the first embodiment of the invention 10
shown in FIGS. 9-17 may be described as follows.
[0062] In the initial condition, all of the keys, which are
illustrated typically by the key 302, are retracted within the
housing 12. As shown in FIG. 9, when a selected button, which is
illustrated typically by the button 304, is depressed, downward
motion of the button 304 causes horizontal motion of the sliding
pin 306 as a result of the forces on the inclined surfaces 308, 310
on the button 304 and on the sliding pin 306 as shown in FIGS. 9
and 10.
[0063] The button 304 pushes the vertical bar 312 in a downward
direction overcoming the spring 313. The corners 314 of the
aperture 316 in the vertical bar 312 bears against the catch 318
and the catch 318 pivots and releases the gear wheel 320. The gear
320 is driven by the spring 322 and, in turn, drives the gear 324.
The gear 324 drives the screw 326 and the screw 326 is in mesh with
threads 328 formed in the tilting block 330.
[0064] The tilting block 330 is driven by the screw shaft 326 until
the tilting block 330 moves the catches 336, 338 and the catches
336, 338 pivot to engage the vertical bar 312 and to lock the gear
wheel as indicated schematically in FIGS. 9 and 11.
[0065] The motion of the key holder pin 334 in the direction shown
by the arrow 332 drives the key 302 out of the case 12. The locking
of the gear 320 locks the mechanism and allows the key 302 to be
used to unlock or lock a lock.
[0066] The movement of the tilting block 330 drives the triangular
members 336, 338 shown in FIGS. 9 and 11 so that the end of the
triangular member contacts the vertical bar 312.
[0067] Pressing the button slightly allows the leaf springs 340 to
ride over and lift the ends 342 of the triangular catch members
336, 338. This rotation of the triangular catch members 336, 338
rotates the tilting block 330 and disengages the threaded portion
328 of the tilting block 330 from the screw shaft 326. When the
tilting block 326 is disengaged from the screw shaft 326, springs
340 drive the tilting block 330 and the block 342 to the right
thereby retracting the key 302 into the housing. During the slight
pressing of the button 304, the catch 332 continues to lock the
gear wheel 320. The block 342 does not have any threads and is thus
free to slide.
[0068] Pressing the button 304 fully causes the catch 332 to
release the gear wheel 320 as described above. A conventional
escapement mechanism may be used to control the pressing of the
button and alternates a full pressing and a slight pressing action
as shown in FIG. 18.
[0069] A spring 350 mounted on the block 342 presses against the
tilting block 330 into engagement with the screw shaft as shown in
FIG. 15. The catch members 336, 338 slide within guide walls 352,
354 formed in the housing 12 and which are shaped to control the
orientation of the catch members 336, 338 as is shown in FIG.
16.
[0070] The embodiment of the invention 10 may be powered by a clock
spring 332 as shown schematically in FIG. 9. Alternatively, the
embodiment of the invention 10 may be powered by a clockwork
mechanism 360 as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 forming a third
embodiment 300 of the invention. The clockwork mechanism 360
incorporates a clock spring 362, a drum 364, and a clutch 366 which
allows the clock spring 362 to rotate the gear wheel 320. The
clutch 366 allows motion in only a single direction as indicated by
the arrows 368, 370.
[0071] FIG. 18 shows the alternative incorporation of a drum cam
372 having a groove 374 which cooperates with a projecting pin 376
connected to the vertical bars 312 to control the vertical motion
of the vertical bars 312.
[0072] FIG. 18 also shows the alternative incorporation of a gear
set 378 connecting the drum cam 372 and the gear wheel 320.
[0073] FIG. 20 shows a schematic view of a fourth alternative
embodiment of the invention 400. In the embodiment 400, the button
402 slides relative to the housing 404. The button 402 is part of
an elongated rack member 406 which is in mesh with a gear 408. The
gear 408 is connected to a drum 410. A flexible cable 412 is
connected to the drum 410 and runs over a pulley 420 which is
mounted in the housing 404. Sliding motion of the button 402
relative to the housing 404 causes the drum 410 to rotate and drive
the key 412 toward an extended position projecting out of the
housing 404. A spring 414 urges the key 412 toward a retracted
position.
[0074] FIG. 21 shows a schematic view of a fifth alternative
embodiment of the invention 500. In the embodiment 500, the button
502 is connected to the housing 504 by a pivot 506. Pressure on the
first arm 508 of the button 502 causes the button 502 to rotate in
the direction shown by the arrow 510 in FIG. 20 and causes the foot
portion 512 of the button 502 to bear against the inclined surface
514 of the first rack member 516. The first rack member 516 is
forced to move in the direction shown by the arrow 518 in FIG. 20.
The smaller gear 520 is in mesh with the first rack member 516 and
the larger gear 550 is connected to each other so that both rotate
in the direction shown by the arrow 522. The larger gear 550 is in
mesh with a second rack member 524 which is flexible in nature
thereby causing the second rack member 524 to move in the direction
shown by the arrow 526 and causing the key 528 which is connected
to the second rack member 524 to extend outwardly relative to the
housing 504. The extension of the key 528 overcomes the force of
the spring 552. Pressure on the second arm 534 of the button 502
allows the spring 532 to drive the key 528 back into the housing
504.
[0075] FIG. 22 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention
600 which includes a housing 602 which has top 604, bottom 606,
front 608, rear 610 and side panels 612, 614. The top panel 604 has
a plurality of buttons 616, 618, 620, 622, 624 each of which is
capable of sliding relative to the housing 602 in the directions
shown by the arrows 626 in FIG. 22. In a manner similar to that
which has been described above, each button 616, 618, 620, 622, 624
corresponds to and operates a single key. The keys are normally
stored in the housing 602, while only a single key 628 has been
illustrated for purposes of clarity of illustration, it should be
understood that sliding any one of the buttons 616, 618, 620, 622,
624 shown will cause a corresponding key to extend outwardly
relative to the housing 602 in the manner illustrated for key
628.
[0076] It should also be understood that the illustration of five
buttons 616, 618, 620, 622, 624 has been for clarity of
illustration and not as a limitation on the present invention. A
larger or a smaller number of buttons and keys may be utilized in
the present invention.
[0077] As is shown in FIG. 23, the button 624 is connected to a
support plate 630 which slides on a guide 632 and is capable of
motion relative to the housing 602. The gear 634 is connected to
the support plate 630 by a pivot 636. A link arm 638 is rigidly
connected to the gear 634. The link arm 638 has a pin 640 which
rides in a slot 642 formed in the key 628. The gear 634 is in mesh
with a rack 644 which is connected to the housing 602.
[0078] When the button 624 is pushed in the forward direction shown
by the arrow 646 in FIG. 24, the gear 634 which is in mesh, the
rack 644 rotates thereby rotating the link arm 638, overcoming the
force of the compression spring 648 and driving the key 628 to the
extended position which is shown in FIGS. 22 and 24.
[0079] FIGS. 25 and 26 show a seventh embodiment of the invention
700 which is similar in operation to the embodiment 600 of FIG. 22.
As shown in FIG. 25, the gear 702 and the link arm 704 form a
unitary member. The gear 702 is in mesh with a rack 706 which is
connected to the housing 708. The gear 702 rides in an aperture 710
which is formed in the support plate 712. The aperture 710 is
curved to fit the gear 702 so that motion of the support plate 712
causes rotation of the gear 702.
[0080] The support plate 712 includes guide grooves 714, 716, which
ride on guides 718, 720 formed on the housing 708. The support
plate 712 includes an integrally formed spring 722 which biases the
support plate 712 to the retracted position. The link arm 704
includes an integrally formed spring 724. As indicated previously,
sliding the button 726 and the support plate 712 in a forward
direction, as shown by the arrow 728 in FIG. 25, causes the gear
702 to rotate and causes the pin 730 on the link arm 704 to drive
the key 628 to an extended position. The support plate 712 has a
recess area 734 which accepts the link arm 704. The recess area 734
has a tapered portion 736 which is best shown in FIG. 26 and which
ensures that the link arm 704 rides into the recessed area 734.
[0081] FIG. 27 shows the attachment of the button cap 738 to the
support plate 712 via a snap fit portion 736 formed on the support
plate 712 and a complementary recess 738 formed in the button cap
738.
[0082] FIG. 28 shows an eighth embodiment of the invention 800 in
which the button cap 802, which is generally similar to the button
cap 738 of FIG. 27, incorporates a latch member 804 having an end
806 which engages the lip 808 of housing 810. The button cap 802
also incorporates a pair of integrally formed springs 812, 814
which allows the button cap 802 to be depressed relative to the
support plate 816, in the direction shown by the arrow 818 in FIG.
28 thereby releasing the latch member 804 from the housing 810.
[0083] FIGS. 29 and 30 show a ninth embodiment of the invention 900
in which the link arm 704, the gear 702 and the rack 706 of FIG. 25
are replaced by a pivot arm 902. The pivot arm 902 is connected to
the housing 904 via a pivot shaft 906 and is connected to the
button 908 via a pin 910. The lower end 912 of the pivot arm 902
has a pin 914 which rides in a slot 916 formed in the key 918.
[0084] As shown in FIG. 30, sliding the button 908 in the direction
shown by the arrow 920 overcomes the force of the spring 922 and
drives the key 918 to an extended position relative to the housing
904.
[0085] FIGS. 31 and 32 show a tenth embodiment of the invention
1000 in which an operating lever 1002 is connected to the housing
1004 by a pivot 1006. The inner end 1008 of the lever 1002 is
connected to the key 1012 by a wire spring 1014. In the normal
position of the spring 1014 shown in FIG. 32, the key 1012 is in
the retracted position relative to the housing 1004. When the lever
1002 is moved to the position shown in FIG. 31, the spring 1014
forces the key 1012 to an extended position relative to the housing
1004.
[0086] The foregoing specific embodiments of the present invention
as set forth in the specification herein are for illustrative
purposes only. Various deviations and modifications may be made
within the spirit and scope of the invention without departing from
the main theme thereof.
* * * * *