U.S. patent application number 11/481577 was filed with the patent office on 2007-01-11 for portable key assembly.
Invention is credited to Dan Luo.
Application Number | 20070006622 11/481577 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36846696 |
Filed Date | 2007-01-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070006622 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Luo; Dan |
January 11, 2007 |
Portable key assembly
Abstract
A portable key assembly occupies less space and is attachable to
certain attachment structures for providing a key-turning moment
arm. The portable key assembly is set with a key body, a lock
fastener, and an abbreviated key handle on one end of the key body.
The portable key assembly can be connected and overlapped in
face-to-face relation with other keys or key accessories so that
the same may be well combined, easily located, and convenient to
carry. A moment arm extension can be formed by connecting the
portable key assembly with other keys or key accessories. The
turning torque of the key handle may thus be enlarged so that the
portable key assembly can function properly even if the key handle
is shortened and the volume of the whole key is reduced.
Inventors: |
Luo; Dan; (Oak Lawn,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Meroni & Meroni, P.C.
P.O. Box 309
Barrington
IL
60011
US
|
Family ID: |
36846696 |
Appl. No.: |
11/481577 |
Filed: |
July 6, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
70/456R |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 11/324 20130101;
A45C 15/08 20130101; A45C 2001/026 20130101; A45C 11/321 20130101;
A45F 5/02 20130101; Y10T 70/8676 20150401; A45C 1/04 20130101 |
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 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 8, 2005 |
CN |
2005 2011 2382.3 |
Claims
1. A portable key assembly, the portable key assembly comprising a
primary key body, a primary key-borne lock fastener, and a primary,
two-sided, abbreviated key handle, the primary key-borne lock
fastener being set on the primary key handle at one end of the
primary key body.
2. The portable key assembly of claim 1 pivotally fastenable to
select key-attachment structure, the select key-attachment
structure for providing a torque arm relative to the key body for
increasing torque for locking/unlocking key movement.
3. The portable key assembly of claim 2 wherein the select
key-attachment structure is defined by at least one second portable
key assembly, the second key assembly being substantially identical
to the portable key assembly and matable thereto via the key-borne
lock fasteners.
4. The portable key assembly of claim 2 wherein the select
key-attachment structure is defined by a select key accessory, the
select key accessory being outfitted with an accessory-borne lock
fastener, the accessory-borne lock fastener being matable with the
key-borne lock fastener for attaching the key assembly to the
select key accessory.
5. The portable key assembly of claim 7 wherein the select key
accessory is selected from the group consisting of a key card, a
key strap, a key clip, and a key case.
6. The portable key assembly of claim 1 wherein the key-borne lock
fastener is an elastic snap fastener.
7. The portable key assembly of claim 6 wherein the elastic snap
fastener comprises two fastener ends, the fastener ends being
exposed on opposite sides of the key handle
8. The portable key assembly of claim 8 wherein the two fastener
ends are defined by a male fastener and a female fastener.
9. The portable key assembly of claim 1 wherein the lock fastener
is a magnetic member attached to the key handle.
10. The portable key assembly of claim 1 wherein the key handle
comprises a handle width and the key body has a body width, the
handle width being substantially equal in magnitude to the body
width.
11. A portable key assembly, the portable key assembly comprising a
key body, a key-borne lock fastener, and a two-sided key handle,
the key-borne lock fastener being set on the key handle at one end
of the key body.
12. The portable key assembly of claim 11 pivotally fastenable to
select key-attachment structure, the select key-attachment
structure for providing a moment arm relative to the key body for
increasing torque for locking/unlocking key movement.
13. The portable key assembly of claim 12 wherein the select
key-attachment structure is defined by at least one second portable
key assembly, the second key assembly being substantially identical
to the portable key assembly and matable thereto via the key-borne
lock fasteners.
14. The portable key assembly of claim 12 wherein the select
key-attachment structure is defined by a select key accessory, the
select key accessory being outfitted with an accessory-borne lock
fastener, the accessory-borne lock fastener being matable with the
key-borne lock fastener for attaching the key assembly to the
select key accessory.
15. The portable key assembly of claim 14 wherein the select key
accessory is selected from the group consisting of a key card, a
key strap, a key clip, and a key case.
16. The portable key assembly of claim 11 wherein the key-borne
lock fastener is an elastic snap fastener.
17. The portable key assembly of claim 16 wherein the elastic snap
fastener comprises two fastener ends, the fastener ends being
exposed on opposite sides of the key handle
18. The portable key assembly of claim 17 wherein the two fastener
ends are defined by a male fastener and a female fastener.
19. The portable key assembly of claim 1 wherein the lock fastener
is a magnetic member attached to the key handle.
20. The portable key assembly of claim 1 wherein the key handle
comprises a handle width and the key body has a body width, the
handle width being substantially equal in magnitude to the body
width.
Description
PRIOR HISTORY
[0001] This application is a non-provisional patent application
claiming priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 200520112382.3,
filed in the Chinese Patent Office on Jun. 8, 2005.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to an apparatus used
to open a lock. More particularly, the present invention relates to
a portable key and method of its use.
DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART
[0003] A key is a frequently used article in daily life. Generally,
a key comprises a key body and a key handle. The key body is used
to lock and unlock a lock. The width of the key handle is typically
greater in magnitude than the width of the key body. Thus, the key
handle functions, in part, to increase the turning torque of the
key body during unlocking movement. The key handle may further
function to provide certain convenient carrying means as may be
taught or defined by certain key accessories such as a key ring, a
key chain, or a key case as connected or coupled to the key handle
by way of a punched hole on the key handle. A disadvantage of the
enlarged key handle is that the enlarged key handle simultaneously
expands the volume of the key thereby occupying a relatively larger
space and often results in a key bunch that is out of order, and/or
inconvenient to carry after connecting with other key
accessories.
[0004] The prior art thus perceives a need for a key assembly
having locking/unlocking key structure with otherwise bulky handle
structure removed. A key having an abbreviated handle may thus
function to occupy a relatively smaller space and provide for or
enable a relatively compact and tidy key bunch and/or key-carrying
means
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] It is thus an object of the present invention to overcome
the above-mentioned shortcomings, in part, by reducing the volume
of a single key and thus enabling compact key bunch storage and
transport. For example, when the key is connected with or coupled
to other key accessories, the resulting assemblage may provide a
convenient-to-carry and easy-to-use set of keys.
[0006] The invention thus essentially provides a key body
comprising a lock fastener set at one end of the abbreviated key
handle of the key body. It is contemplated that the lock fastener
may be defined by an elastic snap fastener set on the abbreviated
key handle. It is further contemplated that when used in
combination with other keys of the same sort, the resulting key set
may be carried with certain key-carrying means having certain
cooperative lock fastening means. Certain key carrying accessories
may be defined by a plate key card, a flexible key strap, an
elastic key clip and any number of key cases.
[0007] The method of using the key contemplated by the present
invention is contemplated to comprise the steps of connecting
and/or fastening the key via certain lock fastening means
incorporated into the construction of key itself or certain key
accessories for the convenience of using and carrying.
[0008] A further usage may be defined by methodology after
connecting the key with other keys or key accessories. In this
regard, it is contemplated that the post-connect methodology may be
defined by turning the key utilizing the connected keys and or key
accessories as torque arms, thereby enhancing or easing unlocking
movement of the key.
[0009] Thus, this portable key can be connected and overlapped in
face-to-face or side-by-side adjacency with other keys or key
accessories so that they are compactly combined, not easily lost,
and convenient to carry. In addition, with the moment arm extension
formed by connecting this portable key with other keys or key
accessories, the turning torque of the key handle is enlarged so
that the portable key can function properly even if the key handle
is shortened and the volume of the whole key is reduced.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Other features of my invention will become more evident from
a consideration of the following brief description of patent
drawings:
[0011] FIG. No. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment
of the key of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. No. 2 is a perspective view of a first assemblage of a
plurality of keys of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. No. 3 is a perspective view of a key-carrying key plate
connecting a plurality of keys to the key plate.
[0014] FIG. No. 4 is a perspective view of a key-carrying flexible
key strap for connecting and fastening a portable key of the
present invention.
[0015] FIG. No. 5 is a perspective view of a key-carrying elastic
key strap for connecting and fastening a portable key of the
present invention.
[0016] FIG. No. 6 is a combination perspective type depiction of a
first key-carrying case and a plan view type depiction of a case
connection strap for cooperable attachment to the key-carrying
case.
[0017] FIG. No. 7 is a perspective view of a key-carrying tie clip
type accessory attached to two keys of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. No. 8 is a perspective view of a key-carrying shirt
pocket clip type accessory attached to two keys of the present
invention.
[0019] FIG. No. 9 is a perspective view of a second key-carrying
case connecting a plurality of keys to the second key-carrying
case.
[0020] FIG. No. 10 is a perspective view of a third key-carrying
case connecting for receiving a plurality of keys in key-receiving
compartments.
[0021] FIG. No. 11 is a perspective view of the first key-carrying
case cooperatively attached to a case connection strap showing a
time piece mounted to the key-carrying case.
[0022] FIG. No. 12 is a perspective view of a fourth key-carrying
case in the form of a billfold for receiving a plurality of keys in
key-receiving compartments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0023] Referring now to the drawings, the preferred embodiment of
the present invention generally concerns a key A1 as illustrated
and referenced in FIG. Nos. 1-3 and 7-9. In a first implementation
as illustrated or depicted in FIG. No. 1, key A1 comprises an
elastic snap fasteners 1 fixed on the flake key handle 2 at one end
of the key body 3. Preferably, the elastic snap fasteners 1 may
comprise cooperative male and female mating structure, which are
convenient to connect and fasten with other portable keys A2 and
key accessories outfitted with cooperable elastic snap fastener(s)
1. Other portable keys A2 cooperable with key A1 are illustrated
and referenced in FIG. Nos. 2, 7, and 8. From an inspection of the
noted figures, it will be seen that the width of the abbreviated
key handle 2 is approximate to that of the key body 3. As compared
to state of the art keys of the general sort, it should be
understood that the width and length of the key handle 2 is greatly
reduced.
[0024] In a second implementation of the present invention as
generally depicted in FIG. No. 2, several portable keys A1 and A2
may be connected or overlapped together for the convenience of
using or carrying the same. The portable keys A1 and A2 maybe
connected via the lock fastener 1 on the flake key ring or key
handle. It is contemplated that an alternative lock fastener 1 of
the present invention may comprise a magnetic member, via which,
several portable keys may be connected or overlapped in
face-to-face or side-by-side relation so as to form a compact
integration, for the convenience of using or carrying.
[0025] It is contemplated that when using a certain key A1 to
unlock a lock, key A1 may be turned with the key body 3 separated
from the key bodies 3 of other keys A2 to a certain angle, and the
key A1 may then be inserted into the lock. To key body 3 of key A1,
other keys A2 may be connected, which keys A2 then become moment or
torque arm extension(s) of the key handle 2 of key A1. When key A1
is turned, its moment torque can thus be enlarged or increased by
way of keys A2, making the unlocking and locking more
convenient.
[0026] In a third implementation as illustrated and referenced in
FIG. No. 3, the portable key A1 may be connected and fastened with
the lock fastener 5 fixed on a plate key card 4 in face-to-face
relation to use or carry together. Key plate 4 is preferably
rectangular, with a line of lock fasteners 5 fixed on opposite
edges of the portable key, which may effectively function to
connect a key A1 or keys A1 with the corresponding lock fasteners 5
for the purpose of using and carrying. When wanting to turn a
selected key A1 (i.e. for example, when unlocking a lock), one need
only turn or pivot the key body 3 of the portable key A1 to the
outside of the key plate 4 as generally depicted in FIG. No. 3 at
10. Once pivoted to such an orientation, the key plate 4 may thus
function as a moment or torque arm extension of the key handle 3,
thereby enlarging the moment torque of the selected portable key
A1. The lock fastener 1 on this portable key A1 and the lock
fastener 5 on the key plate 4 may be cooperable female and male
snap fasteners.
[0027] In a fourth implementation of the present invention, as
generally depicted in FIG. No. 4, key A1 may be connected and/or
fastened with the lock fastener(s) 5 on either end of the flexible
key strap 6 in face-to-face relation for the purpose of using and
carrying. When so coupled or connected, the flexible key strap 6
may be used to hang and carry the keys A1. When the user is
desirous of utilizing the key for unlocking and/or locking
operations, the user may turn or pivot the portable key A1 so that
a certain angle extends intermediate the key strap 6 and the key
body 3 of the key A1. Thus, the key strap 6 may be used as a moment
or torque arm extension of the key handle 2 of the portable key A1,
enlarging the moment torque of the portable key.
[0028] In a fifth implementation of the present invention as
generally depicted in FIG. No. 5, it is contemplated that the key
A1 may be connected and/or fastened to either of certain lock
fastener(s) 5 formed on both ends of a V-shaped elastic key clip 7
in face-to-face relation for the purpose of using or carrying. It
is contemplated that the elastic key clip 7 may be clamped on a
carrying object. When the user is desirous of utilizing the key for
unlocking and/or locking operations, the user may turn or pivot the
portable key A1 so that a certain angle extends intermediate the
key clip 7 and the key body 3 of the key A1. The elastic clip 7 may
then be used as the moment or torque arm extension of the key
handle 2 of the portable key A1 thereby enlarging the moment torque
of the key A1.
[0029] In a sixth implementation of the present invention as
generally depicted in FIG. No. 6, it is contemplated that a key A1
or keys A1 may be connected and/or fastened via the key handle(s) 2
with lock fastener (s) 5 on a first key case 8 in face-to-face
relation. The key case 8 is connected with lock fastener(s) 5 on a
fastener strap 9 via its lock fastener 5. Via the fastener strap 9,
the key case 8 may be attached to the human body, such as around a
user's wrist (in much the same manner as a wristwatch). When the
user is desirous of utilizing the key A1 for unlocking and/or
locking operations, the user may turn or pivot the portable key A1
so that a certain angle extends intermediate the longitudinal axis
of the key case 8 and the key body 3 of the key A1. The key case 8
may thus be used as the moment or torque arm extension of the
portable key A1 for enlarging or increasing the moment torque of
the portable key A1.
[0030] In a seventh implementation of the present invention as
generally depicted in FIG. No. 7, it is contemplated that a key A1
and/or key A2 may be connected and/or fastened to a tie clip type
structure 11, which tie clip structure 11 may then be
simultaneously worn as a tie clip and function as a key-carrying
device or assembly. It is contemplated that the tie clip structure
11 may be connected to a key A1 or key A2 with certain lock
fastener(s). Via the tie clip structure 11, the key A1 or A2 may be
attached in adjacency to a human body, such as at or around a
user's tie. When the user is desirous of utilizing the selected key
for unlocking and/or locking operations, the user may turn or pivot
the portable key so that a certain angle extends intermediate the
longitudinal axis of the tie clip structure 11 and the key body 3
of the key A1 or key A2. The tie clip structure 11 may thus be used
as the moment or torque arm extension of the portable key A1 or key
A2 for enlarging or increasing the moment torque of the selected
portable key.
[0031] In an eighth implementation of the present invention as
generally depicted in FIG. No. 8, it is contemplated that a key A1
and/or key A2 may be connected and/or fastened to a pocket clip
type structure 12, which pocket clip structure 12 may then be
simultaneously worn as a pocket clip and function as a key-carrying
device or assembly. It is contemplated that the pocket clip
structure 12 may be connected to a key A1 or key A2 with certain
lock fastener(s). Via the pocket clip structure 12, the key A1 or
A2 may be attached in adjacency to a human body, such as at or
around a user's shirt pocket. When the user is desirous of
utilizing the selected key for unlocking and/or locking operations,
the user may turn or pivot the portable key so that a certain angle
extends intermediate the longitudinal axis of the pocket clip
structure 12 and the key body 3 of the key A1 or key A2. The pocket
clip structure 12 may thus be used as the moment or torque arm
extension of the portable key A1 or key A2 for enlarging or
increasing the moment torque of the selected portable key.
[0032] In a ninth implementation of the present invention as
generally depicted in FIG. No. 9, it is contemplated that a number
of keys A1 may be connected and/or fastened to a second key case 13
(akin to a business card carrying case), which key case 13 may be
used to house and carry keys A1 as generally depicted. It is
contemplated that the key case 13 may be connected to a plurality
of keys A1 with certain lock fastener(s). When the user is desirous
of utilizing the selected key for unlocking and/or locking
operations, the user may turn or pivot the portable key so that a
certain angle extends intermediate the key case 13 and the key body
3 of the selected key A1. The key case 13 may thus be used as the
moment or torque arm extension of the portable keys A1 for
enlarging or increasing the moment torque of the selected portable
key.
[0033] Other types of proprietary key-carrying devices are
contemplated that do not necessarily function as a moment or torque
arm extension, but instead function to simply and conveniently
store or house a plurality of keys A1. In this regard, it is
contemplated that certain key-housing means usable in combination
with a key or keys A1 may be defined by a third key-carrying case
or key pouch 14 as generally depicted in FIG. No. 10; a fourth
key-carrying case or wrist-mountable case 15 as generally depicted
in FIG. No. 11; or a fifth key-carrying case or billfold type case
16 as generally depicted in FIG. No. 12.
[0034] While the above description contains much specificity, this
specificity should not be construed as limitations on the scope of
the invention, but rather as an exemplification of the invention.
For example, it is contemplated that the essence of the present
invention teaches a portable key assembly (such as key A1)
comprising a primary key body (such as key body 3), a primary
key-borne lock fastener (such as lock fastener 1), and a primary,
two-sided, abbreviated key handle (such as key handle 2). The lock
fastener is essentially set on the key handle at one end of the key
body.
[0035] The portable key assembly is pivotally fastenable to select
key-attachment structure (such as at least one second key assembly
or key A2 identical to the first key assembly or key A1 or any
number of key accessories). It is contemplated that the select
key-attachment structure functions to provide a torque arm relative
to the key body for increasing torque for locking and/or unlocking
key movement. The select key-attachment structure may thus be
defined by at least one second portable key assembly identical to
the portable key assembly and matable thereto via the key-borne
lock fasteners, or the select key-attachment structure may be a
select key accessory, in which case the select key accessory is
outfitted with an accessory-borne lock fastener (such as lock
fastener 5). The accessory-borne lock fastener is matable with the
key-borne lock fastener for attaching the key assembly to the
select key accessory. The select key accessory may be selected from
the group consisting of a key card (such as key card 4), a key
strap (such as a key strap 6), a key clip (such as clip 7, or
structure(s) 11, 12) and a key case (such as cases 8, 13 14, 15, or
16).
[0036] The key-borne lock fastener may be defined by an elastic
snap fastener or a magnetic member with opposing matable fastener
ends. If the lock fastener is an elastic snap fastener, the
fastener ends are exposed on opposite sides of the two-sided key
handle and may be defined by a male fastener and a female fastener.
It should be further understood that the key handle has a certain
handle width and the key body has a certain body width, the handle
width being substantially equal in magnitude to the body width.
[0037] Accordingly, although the invention has been described by
reference to certain preferred and alternative embodiments, it is
not intended that the novel disclosures herein presented be limited
thereby, but that modifications thereof are intended to be included
as falling within the broad scope and spirit of the foregoing
disclosure, the following claims and the appended drawings.
* * * * *