U.S. patent application number 14/866201 was filed with the patent office on 2016-01-14 for locators and personal safety kits.
The applicant listed for this patent is Alexx, Inc.. Invention is credited to Sandra Stein.
Application Number | 20160007706 14/866201 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55066014 |
Filed Date | 2016-01-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160007706 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stein; Sandra |
January 14, 2016 |
LOCATORS AND PERSONAL SAFETY KITS
Abstract
Provided is a personal safety kit and methods for using the kit.
The kit comprises, in combination, a purse having an open edge, one
or more personal safety items inside of the purse, and a locator
comprising a first member and a second member engaged to each
other. The first member includes a first end portion, a second end
portion and a bent interior region intermediate the first end
portion and the second portion. The first end portion and the
second end portion are not urged against each other and are
configured to allow the bent interior region to hang from the open
edge. The second member includes a clasp or a ring for selectively
retaining the one or more personal safety items. The locator hangs
on the open edge and is retained in position by a removable
fastener prior to a first use of the personal safety kit.
Inventors: |
Stein; Sandra; (West Hills,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Alexx, Inc. |
West Hills |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55066014 |
Appl. No.: |
14/866201 |
Filed: |
September 25, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14460936 |
Aug 15, 2014 |
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14866201 |
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13759979 |
Feb 5, 2013 |
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14460936 |
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13073789 |
Mar 28, 2011 |
9131758 |
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13759979 |
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12468012 |
May 18, 2009 |
8672002 |
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13073789 |
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11977891 |
Oct 26, 2007 |
7537032 |
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12468012 |
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10919494 |
Aug 17, 2004 |
7308922 |
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11977891 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
150/106 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 1/024 20130101;
A45F 2200/0558 20130101; A45C 2013/306 20130101; A45F 5/00
20130101; A45F 5/022 20130101; A45C 13/02 20130101; A45C 11/321
20130101; A45C 2013/026 20130101; A45C 2011/002 20130101; A45C
13/021 20130101; A45F 2003/001 20130101; A45C 13/08 20130101; A45C
2200/10 20130101; A45C 13/001 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45C 15/00 20060101
A45C015/00; A45C 13/08 20060101 A45C013/08; A45C 13/02 20060101
A45C013/02; A45C 1/02 20060101 A45C001/02; A45C 3/00 20060101
A45C003/00; A45C 3/06 20060101 A45C003/06 |
Claims
1. A personal safety kit comprising, in combination: a first purse
having an open edge; one or more personal safety items inside of
the first purse; and a locator comprising a first member and a
second member engaged to each other, wherein the first member
includes a first end portion, a second end portion and a bent
interior region intermediate the first end portion and the second
portion; the first end portion and the second end portion are not
urged against each other and are configured to allow the bent
interior region to hang from the open edge of the first purse; and
the second member includes a clasp or a ring for selectively
retaining the one or more personal safety items, and wherein the
locator hangs on the open edge of the first purse and is retained
in position by a removable fastener prior to a first use of the
personal safety kit.
2. The personal safety kit of claim 1, wherein the removable
fastener is adhesive tape, sticker, or string.
3. The personal safety kit of claim 1, wherein the locator further
comprises a decorative ornament fixed on the second end portion of
the first member, wherein when the locator hangs from the open edge
of the first purse, the decorative ornament is placed outside of
the first purse.
4. The personal safety kit of claim 1, wherein the first purse is
transparent or semi-transparent.
5. The personal safety kit of claim 4, wherein the first purse is
made of vinyl.
6. The personal safety kit of claim 4, wherein the first purse
includes one or more straps configured for holding the first purse
by a hand, on an elbow or on a shoulder of a user, wherein the one
or more straps are made of one or more of the following: (i) metal
chain, (ii) fabric, (iii) plastic, and (iv) leather.
7. The personal safety kit of claim 1, wherein the first purse has
a width between 8 and 10 inches, a height between 7 and 9 inches,
and a thickness between 3 and 4 inches.
8. The personal safety kit of claim 1, wherein the open edge is an
upper edge.
9. The personal safety kit of claim 1, wherein the one or more
personal safety items are selected from the group consisting of (i)
a drink safety tester for testing whether a drink is safe, (ii) a
safety alarm for drawing an attention to a crisis, and (iii) a
self-defense device for warding off an attacker.
10. The personal safety kit of claim 1, wherein the one or more
personal safety items includes a drink safety tester comprising a
composition that changes to a predetermined color when contacted
with a beverage containing gamma hydroxybutyrate or ketamine.
11. The personal safety kit of claim 1, wherein the one or more
personal safety items includes a panic alarm or a medical
alarm.
12. The personal safety kit of claim 1, wherein the one or more
personal safety items includes a panic alarm and a medical alarm
integrated into a single unit.
13. The personal safety kit of claim 1, wherein the one or more
personal safety items comprises a panic alarm that includes an LED
flashlight or a keychain.
14. The personal safety kit of claim 1, wherein the one or more
personal safety items includes a pepper spray device.
15. The personal safety kit of claim 1, further comprising a second
purse configured to be placed inside of the first purse for
accommodating additional personal items.
16. The personal safety kit of claim 15, wherein the second purse
has a width between 6 and 9 inches, a height between 5 and 8
inches, and a thickness between 1 and 3 inches.
17. The personal safety kit of claim 15, wherein the second purse
is opaque to provide privacy.
18. A method of using a personal safety kit, wherein the personal
safety kit comprises a first purse having an open edge, one or more
personal safety items, and a locator configured for removably
hanging on the open edge of the first purse, and comprising a clasp
or a ring configured for selectively retaining the one or more
personal safety items, wherein the locator hangs on the open edge
of the first purse and is retained in position by a removable
fastener prior to a first use of the personal safety kit, the
method comprising: (A) removing the removable fastener to release
the locator; (B) retrieving the locator and at least one personal
safety item in the one or more personal safety items from the
personal safety kit; (C) attaching the at least one personal safety
item to the clasp or the ring of the locator; and (D) hanging the
locator on the open edge of the first purse, wherein when the
locator is hung on the open edge of the first purse, the at least
one personal safety item is placed inside of the first purse.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: (E) retrieving,
subsequent to (D), the at least one personal safety item for
use.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein the at least one personal
safety item is wrapped in a package, the method further comprising:
(E) unwrapping, subsequent to (B) and prior to (C), the at least
one personal safety item from the package.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/460,936, filed Aug. 15, 2014, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/759,979, filed Feb. 5, 2013, now abandoned, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/073,789, filed on Mar. 28, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,131,758,
which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/468,012, filed on May 18, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,672,002,
which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/977,891, filed on Oct. 26, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,537,032,
which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/919,494, filed on Aug. 17, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,308,922,
each of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure relates to locators and personal
safety kits. More particularly, this disclosure pertains to
locators and personal safety kits that are especially adapted to
facilitate the ready location of items such as personal safety
items and other additional personal items in a purse, backpack,
briefcase or like bag.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Personal safety items are usually carried around for
convenience or for use in emergencies. For example, pepper spray
containers are often carried around for warding off an attacker.
Alarms such as audio alarms are carried around so that they can be
activated to draw attention to a safety crisis or medical
emergency. Other safety and alarm items are also carried around by
many people in different occasions. For example, people carry drink
safety testers to parties, bars or nightclubs to test their
beverage so that they do not become drink spiking victims.
[0004] In most cases, personal safety items are carried in a
person's purse or bag. A common and popular type of purse or bag
has a top that includes at least a region that is upwardly open in
use. Often this type of purse or bag is rather deep, permitting the
owner-user to store a variety of items. Further, such depth is
generally considered fashionable. A known drawback of the
above-described purse or like bag configuration resides in the
difficulty of readily retrieving items from its interior. This can
lead to the frustration of the owner-user, and in some cases, to
disasters. For example, the difficulty of locating an alarm at the
bottom of a purse can cause significant delay in response to a
crisis or an emergency. Thus, what are needed in the art are
improved personal safety kits that permit ready location and quick
retrieval of the safety and alarm item(s).
SUMMARY
[0005] The present disclosure addresses the preceding and other
shortcomings of the prior art by providing a personal safety kit
that includes a purse, one or more personal safety items and a
locator for selectively retaining the one or more personal safety
items.
[0006] The locator includes a first member having opposed end
portions. The first member incorporates a bent interior region
intermediate the end portions and configured to hang from an edge
of the purse. A second member includes a clasp for selectively
retaining the one or more personal safety items. The first and
second members are engaged to one another. In some aspects, a
decorative ornament is fixed on the first member.
[0007] The one or more personal safety items include one or more
drink safety testers for testing whether a drink is safe, a safety
alarm for drawing an attention to a crisis, and a self-defense
device for warding off an attacker.
[0008] To use the personal safety kit of the present invention, one
simply attach the one or more personal safety items to the locator
and hang the locator on the edge of a purse. With the locator
hanging on the edge of the purse and visible to the user, locating
and retrieving a desired personal safety item is simple, easy and
quick.
[0009] The preceding and other features of the invention will
become further apparent from the detailed description that follows.
Such description is accompanied by a set of drawing figures.
Numerals of the drawing figures correspond to numerals of the
written description with like numerals referring to like features
throughout both the written description and the drawing
figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIGS. 1A and 1B are a front elevation view of a key locator
in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure and a partial
planar view of the ornament mounting pad thereof respectively, and
FIG. 1C is a front elevation view of the key locator with the
decorative element shown attached.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the key locator of FIGS. 1A
through 1C in use.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the key locator in use
taken at line 3-3 of FIG. 2.
[0013] FIGS. 4A-4B are a front perspective view of a key locator in
accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure in which a
container is attached to the key finder.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a right side perspective view of the key locator
depicted in FIGS. 4A-4B showing the key locator hanging from an
edge of a bag-like purse with the container, where the container
comprises a hinge that attaches a first face to the container, and
where the first face is configured to be in a closed configuration
that seals an interior portion of the container.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a left side perspective view of the key locator
depicted in FIGS. 4A-4B showing the key locator hanging from an
edge of a bag-like purse with the container, where the container
comprises a hinge that attaches a first face to the container, and
where the first face is configured to be in an open configuration
that exposes an interior portion of the container.
[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates more details of a second member of a key
locator in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0017] FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 illustrate a personal safety kit in
accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure, showing a
locator hanging from an edge of a bag-like purse and some personal
safety items inside of the purse.
[0018] FIG. 11 illustrates a personal safety kit in accordance with
some embodiments of the disclosure, showing personal safety items
and/or additional personal items are attached to a locator.
[0019] FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating a method of using a
personal safety kit in accordance with some embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0020] Like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts
throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
First Embodiment
[0021] Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1A is a front elevation
view of the key locator 10 of the invention. The key locator 10
comprises interlocking first and second members 12 and 14
respectively. In some embodiments the first member 12 and the
second members 14 are each independently made of steel, or other
metal, a plastic, or other rigid elastomeric material. In some
embodiments, the first member 12 and the second member 14 each
independently comprise gold, silver, steel, nickel, aluminum, an
alloy thereof, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the
first member 12 and the second member 14 are each made of metal. In
some embodiments, the first member 12 and/or the second member 14
comprises urethane polymer, an acrylic polymer, a fluoropolymer,
polybenzamidazole, polyimide, polytetrafluoroethylene,
polyetheretherketone, polyamide-imide, glass-based phenolic,
polystyrene, cross-linked polystyrene, polyester, polycarbonate,
polyethylene, polyethylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene,
polytetrafluoro-ethylene, polymethacrylate, nylon 6,6, cellulose
acetate butyrate, cellulose acetate, rigid vinyl, plasticized
vinyl, or polypropylene. In some embodiments, all or a portion of
the bent-rod shaped first member 12 is electroplated.
[0022] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the second member 14
includes a clasp 16 that, in some embodiments, is rotatably engaged
to an inverted u-shaped element 18. It will be appreciated that
clasp 16 is an exemplary way to retain keys. For example, in some
alternative embodiments, rather than a clasp 16, a key ring is used
in the place of clasp 16. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A,
the u-shaped element 18 is arranged to engage a hook 20 at a first
end portion of the first member 12 in order to provide flexible
engagement of the members 12 and 14. One of skill in the art will
appreciate that there are numerous other methods by which members
12 and 14 can be flexibly engaged. For example, there can be a ring
(not shown in FIG. 1) at the first end portion of the first member
12 that engages both hook 20 and u-shaped element 18. In another
example, there can be a set of interlocking rings where a first
ring in the set of interlocking rings engages hook 20 whereas a
second ring in the set of interlocking rings engages u-shaped
element 18. The first and second ring may interlock or there may be
any number of interlocking rings between the first and second ring.
In still another example, there can be a closed form element (not
shown) that engages both hook 20 and u-shaped element 18. The
closed form element may indeed be the shape of a ring or some other
symmetrical shape such as an oval but the disclosure is not so
limited. Any closed form shape, such as a polygon, star-shape, or
the like can be used to interlock hook 20 to u-shaped element 18.
In still another example, there can be a set of interlocking closed
form elements where a first closed form element in the set of
interlocking closed form elements engages hook 20 whereas a second
closed form element in the set of interlocking closed form elements
engages u-shaped element 18. The first and second closed form
elements may interlock or there may be any number of interlocking
closed form elements between the first and second closed form
element. In some embodiments, a chain is used to interlock u-shaped
element 18 to hook 20.
[0023] It will be appreciated that hook 20 is just one example of a
way to flexibly engage members 12 and 14. For example, hook 20 can
be completely closed off so that it is, in of itself, in fact a
closed form shape such as a ring or oval. Similarly, it will be
appreciated that u-shaped element 18 is just one example of a way
to flexibly engage members 12 and 14. For example, rather than
having a u-shaped element 18, a pivoting element can be used to
flexibly engage members 12 and 14.
[0024] In one aspect, referring to FIG. 1C, a first end portion 12a
of the first member 12 comprises a hook 20 for substantially
permanently and flexibly engaging with the second member 14. The
second member 14 comprises a closed form clasp 16 or ring (not
shown) that is configured for selectively retaining at least one
key or other type of object. In one such embodiment, the closed
form clasp 16 or ring is rotatably fixed to a u-shaped element 18
of the second member 14, where the u-shaped element 18 is
substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the hook 20. In
another such embodiment (not illustrated), the closed form clasp 16
or ring is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the
hook 20. In another such embodiment, the closed form clasp 16 or
ring is engaged with a closed form member, where the closed form
member is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the
hook. This closed form member could be, for example, a ring, an
oval, a start shape, or any other closed form shape. In another
such embodiment (not shown), the closed form clasp 16 or ring is
engaged with a closed form member, where the closed form member is
a ring that is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with
the hook 20. In still another such embodiment (not shown), the
closed form clasp 16 or second ring is engaged with a chain, where
the chain is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with
the hook. In yet another such embodiment (not shown), the closed
form clasp 16 or second ring is engaged with first interlocking
closed form elements in a plurality of interlocking closed form
elements, where an interlocking closed form element in the
plurality of interlocking closed form elements is substantially
permanently and flexibly engaged with the hook. In some such
embodiments, a closed form element in the plurality of closed form
elements is a ring, an oval, a polygon, or a star-shape.
[0025] Referring to FIG. 7, in some embodiments the first end
portion 12a of the bent rod-shaped first member 12 comprises a hook
20 for substantially permanently and flexibly engaging with the
second member 14. The second member of the key locator 10 further
comprises a first ring 702 that is hooked onto the hook 20. The
second member of the key locator 10 further comprises a member 704
having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is
rotatable with respect to the second portion. The first portion
comprises a first eyelet through which the first ring 702 is
attached. The second portion comprises a second eyelet. The second
member 14 of the key locator 10 further comprises a second ring 706
that is attached to the second eyelet.
[0026] Similar to FIG. 7, although not depicted, in some
embodiments, the first end portion 12a of the bent rod-shaped first
member 12 comprises a first ring for substantially permanently and
flexibly engaging with the second member 14. The second member 14
of the key locator 10 further comprises a second ring that is
hooked onto the first ring. The second member 14 of the key locator
10 further comprises a member having a first portion and a second
portion. The first portion is rotatable with respect to the second
portion. The first portion comprises a first eyelet through which
the second ring is attached. The second portion comprises a second
eyelet. The second member 14 of the key locator 10 further
comprises a third ring, where the third ring is attached to the
second eyelet.
[0027] In another aspect, a first end portion 12a of the first
member 12 comprises a first ring (not shown) for substantially
permanently and flexibly engaging with the second member 14. The
second member 14 comprises a closed form clasp 16 or second ring
(not shown) that is configured for selectively retaining at least
one key or other type of object. In one such embodiment, the closed
form clasp 16 or second ring is rotatably fixed to a u-shaped
element 18 of the second member 14, where the u-shaped element 18
is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the first
ring. In another such embodiment, the closed form clasp 16 or
second ring is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with
the first ring. In another such embodiment, the closed form clasp
16 or second ring is engaged with a closed form member, where the
closed form member is substantially permanently and flexibly
engaged with the first ring. In still another such embodiment, the
closed form clasp 16 or second ring is engaged with a closed form
member, where the closed form member is a third ring that is
substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the first ring.
In still another such embodiment, the closed form clasp 16 or
second ring is engaged with a chain, where the chain is
substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the first ring.
In still another such embodiment, the closed form clasp or second
ring is engaged with a first interlocking closed form element in a
plurality of interlocking closed form elements, where a second
interlocking closed form element in the plurality of interlocking
closed form elements is substantially permanently and flexibly
engaged with the first ring.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 1C, the first member 12 includes a bent
interior region 22. In some embodiments, a second end portion 12b
of the first member 12 comprises an enlarged region 24 that serves
as an ornament mounting pad for affixation of a decorative ornament
26. In some embodiments, there is no enlarged region 24 and the
decorative ornament 26 is affixed directly onto the second end
portion 12b of the first member 12.
[0029] As illustrated in FIGS. 1C, 2 and 3, the first member 12 has
a first end portion 12a and a second end portion 12b. The first end
portion 12a of the first member 12 is configured for substantially
permanently and flexibly engaging with the second member 14. The
second end portion 12b of the first member 12 is configured for
affixation of an ornament 26 so that, when affixed to the key
locator 10, the entire ornament is 26 substantially rigidly affixed
to the key locator 10 such that any movement of the ornament 26
necessarily causes movement of the key locator 10. The first end
portion 12a and the second end portion 12b of the first member 12
are not urged against each other and are configured to allow the
bent interior region 22 to hang or clasp an edge 29. In some
embodiments, the first end portion 12a and the second end portion
12b of the first member 12 are configured so that a force of
between 1 dyne and 2000 dynes is required to remove the key locator
10 from an edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when the bent
interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29. In some
embodiments, the first end portion 12a and the second end portion
12b of the first member 12 are configured so that a force of
between 1 dyne and 1000 dynes is required to remove the key locator
10 from the edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when the bent
interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29. In some
embodiments, the first end portion 12a and the second end portion
12b of the first member 12 are configured so that a force of
between 1 dyne and 500 dynes is required to remove the key locator
10 from the edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when the bent
interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29. In some
embodiments, the first end portion 12a and the second end portion
12b of the first member 12 are configured so that a force of
between 1 dyne and 250 dynes is required to remove the key locator
10 from the edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when the bent
interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29. In some
embodiments, the first end portion 12a and the second end portion
12b of the first member 12 are configured so that a force of
between 100 dynes and 2000 dynes is required to remove the key
locator 10 from the edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when
the bent interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29. In
some embodiments, the first end portion 12a and the second end
portion 12b of the first member 12 are configured so that a force
of between 100 dynes and 1000 dynes is required to remove the key
locator 10 from the edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when
said bent interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29. In
some embodiments, the first end portion 12a and the second end
portion 12b of the first member are configured so that a force of
between 100 dynes and 500 dynes is required to remove the key
locator 10 from the edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when
the bent interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29. In
some embodiments, the first end portion 12a and the second end
portion 12b of the first member 12 are configured so that a force
of between 100 dynes and 250 dynes is required to remove the key
locator 10 from the edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when
the bent interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29.
[0030] In some embodiments, the first end portion 12a and the
second end portion 12b of the first member 12 are configured so
that a force of between 1 dyne and 2000 dynes, between 1 dyne and
1000 dynes, between 1 dyne and 500 dynes, between 1 dyne and 250
dynes, between 0.1 dynes and 2000 dynes, between 0.1 dynes and 1000
dynes, between 0.1 dynes and 500 dynes, between 0.1 dynes and 250
dynes, between 100 dynes and 2000 dynes, between 100 dynes and 1000
dynes, between 100 dynes and 500dynes, between 100 dynes and 250
dynes, between 500 dynes and 5000 dynes, between 500 dynes and
10000 dynes, between 500 dynes and 20000 dynes, between 500 dynes
and 25000 dynes, between 0.1 dynes and 200 dynes, between 0.1 dynes
and 100 dynes, between 0.1 dynes and 50 dynes, or between 0.1 dynes
and 25 dynes is required to remove the key locator 10 from the edge
29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when the bent interior region
22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29.
[0031] The ornament 26, comprising a flower-like shape as shown in
the drawings but not limited thereto, is arranged to face away from
the interior of the first member 12 with its back portion 28
preferably fixed to the enlarged region 24 of the member by solder
or the like. In some embodiments that do not have an enlarged
region 24, the back portion 28 is affixed directly onto the end
portion of the first member. As used herein, an ornament is a solid
object as opposed to a chain or a rope. In some embodiments, the
ornament comprises an artificial or a real gem.
[0032] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the key locator 10 of the
invention in use. In FIG. 2, the key locator 10 is hung from the
upper edge 29 of a side panel 30 of a bag-like purse 32 with the
bent interior region 22 overhanging the side panel 30 so that the
face of the ornament 26 is exposed. In other embodiments (not
shown), the key locator 10 clasps the upper edge 29 of a side panel
30 of a bag-like purse 32 with the bent interior region 22
overhanging the side panel 30 so that the face of the ornament 26
is exposed. The foregoing provides the user with an attractive
adjunct to the bag-like purse 32 that serves the additional
function of readily locating the key locator 10.
[0033] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the key locator 10 of
the disclosure in use taken at line 3-3 of FIG. 2. Keys or other
objects 34, secured by the clasp 16 of the second member 14, are
seen to lie near or at the bottom 36 of the bag-like purse 32,
somewhat suspended from the upper edge 29 of the side panel 30. The
bent interior region 22 of the first member 12 of the key locator
10, as mentioned with reference to the preceding figure, is draped,
hung over or clasped to the upper edge 29 to create the suspension
effect. The altitude of the bottom of the key locator 10 and keys
34 will depend upon the length of the key locator 10 relative to
the depth of the side panel 30 of the bag-like purse 32. However,
regardless of the precise altitude of the keys 34 within the
bag-like purse 32, they may be readily located due to the visible
presence of the ornament 26.
[0034] In FIG. 1, first member 12 has a rod-like appearance. That
is, first member 12 is slender so that it can be easily gripped and
removed from a bag-like container such as a purse. There is no
requirement that first member 12 have the cylindrical shape
depicted in FIG. 1. Any slender shape form that enables the easy
removal of key locator 10 from a bag-like purse is within the scope
of the present disclosure. For example, first member 12 can be a
flattened wire or other flat elements. In another example, in some
embodiments, first member 12 has a flat rod-like shape
characterized by a cross-section having first and second orthogonal
dimensions in which the first dimension defines the thickness of
the first member 12 and is between 0.01 cm and 0.5 cm and the
second dimension defines the width of the first member 12 and is
between 0.1 cm and 2 cm. In another example, in some embodiments,
first member 12 has a flat rod-like shape characterized by a
cross-section having first and second orthogonal dimensions in
which the first dimension defines the thickness of the first member
12 and is between 0.05 cm and 0.8 cm and the second dimension
defines the width of the first member 12 and is between 0.2 cm and
3 cm.
[0035] In some embodiments, the bent interior region 22 is
u-shaped. In some embodiments, the bent rod-shaped first member 12
is characterized by a cross-sectional bounding shape that is
circular. In some embodiments, the bent rod-shaped first member 12
is characterized by a cross-sectional bounding shape that is ovoid.
In some embodiments, the bent rod-shaped first member 12 is
characterized by a cross-sectional bounding shape having one or
more smooth curved surfaces or a splice of one or more smooth
curved surfaces. In some embodiments, the bent rod-shaped first
member 12 is characterized by a cross-sectional bounding shape
having an arcuate edge. In some embodiments, the bent rod-shaped
first member 12 is characterized by different cross-sectional
bounding shapes at different portions of the first member 12.
[0036] Although the figures illustrate the first member in which
end portions are parallel to each other and are straight, the
present disclosure is not so restricted. The first and second end
portions 12a and 12b of the first member 12 may bend toward or away
from each other. Moreover, the first and second end portions of the
first member 12 may internally include any number of bends.
Moreover, the first and second end portions of the first member 12
may be magnetized and the bent-shaped region may contain a
hinge.
Second Embodiment
[0037] FIGS. 4A-4B are a front perspective view of a key locator
110 in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure in
which, rather than having an ornament 26, there is a container 40.
As in the case of the key locator 10 discussed above and
illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3, the key locator 110 illustrated
in FIGS. 4 through 6 comprises interlocking first and second
members 12 and 14. In some embodiments the first member 12 and the
second members 14 are each independently made of steel, or other
metal, a plastic, or other rigid elastomeric material. In some
embodiments, the first member 12 and the second member 14 each
independently comprise gold, silver, steel, nickel, aluminum, an
alloy thereof, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the
first member 12 and the second member 14 are each made of metal. In
some embodiments, the first member 12 and/or the second member 14
comprises urethane polymer, an acrylic polymer, a fluoropolymer,
polybenzamidazole, polyimide, polytetrafluoroethylene,
polyetheretherketone, polyamide-imide, glass-based phenolic,
polystyrene, cross-linked polystyrene, polyester, polycarbonate,
polyethylene, polyethylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene,
polytetrafluoro-ethylene, polymethacrylate, nylon 6,6, cellulose
acetate butyrate, cellulose acetate, rigid vinyl, plasticized
vinyl, or polypropylene. In some embodiments, all or a portion of
the bent-rod shaped first member 12 is electroplated.
[0038] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4B, the second
member 14 includes a clasp 16 that, in some embodiments, is
rotatably engaged to an inverted u-shaped element 18. It will be
appreciated that clasp 16 is an exemplary way to retain keys. For
example, in some alternative embodiments, rather than a clasp 16, a
key ring is used in the place of clasp 16. In the embodiment
illustrated in Figure, the u-shaped element 18 is arranged to
engage a hook 20 at a first end portion of the first member 12 in
order to provide flexible engagement of the members 12 and 14. One
of skill in the art will appreciate that there are numerous other
methods by which members 12 and 14 can be flexibly engaged. For
example, there can be a ring (not shown in FIGS. 4A-4B) at the
first end portion of the first member 12 that engages both hook 20
and u-shaped element 18. In another example, there can be a set of
interlocking rings where a first ring in the set of interlocking
rings engages hook 20 whereas a second ring in the set of
interlocking rings engages u-shaped element 18. The first and
second ring may interlock or there may be any number of
interlocking rings between the first and second ring. In still
another example, there can be a closed form element (not shown)
that engages both hook 20 and u-shaped element 18. The closed form
element may indeed be the shape of a ring or some other symmetrical
shape such as an oval but the disclosure is not so limited. Any
closed form shape, such as a polygon, star-shape, or the like can
be used to interlock hook 20 to u-shaped element 18. In still
another example, there can be a set of interlocking closed form
elements where a first closed form element in the set of
interlocking closed form elements engages hook 20 whereas a second
closed form element in the set of interlocking closed form elements
engages u-shaped element 18. The first and second closed form
elements may interlock or there may be any number of interlocking
closed form elements between the first and second closed form
element. In some embodiments, a chain is used to interlock u-shaped
element 18 to hook 20.
[0039] It will be appreciated that hook 20 is just one example of a
way to flexibly engage members 12 and 14 in the embodiment of the
key locator 110 illustrated in FIGS. 4 through 6. For example, hook
20 can be completely closed off so that it is, in of itself, in
fact a closed form shape such as a ring or oval. Similarly, it will
be appreciated that u-shaped element 18 is just one example of a
way to flexibly engage members 12 and 14. For example, rather than
having a u-shaped element 18, a pivoting element can be used to
flexibly engage members 12 and 14.
[0040] In one aspect, referring to FIGS. 4A-4B, is a first end
portion 12a of the first member 12 comprises a hook 20 for
substantially permanently and flexibly engaging with the second
member 14. The second member 14 comprises a closed form clasp 16 or
ring (not shown) that is configured for selectively retaining at
least one key or other type of object. In one such embodiment, the
closed form clasp 16 or ring is rotatably fixed to a u-shaped
element 18 of the second member 14, where the u-shaped element 18
is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the hook 20.
In another such embodiment (not illustrated), the closed form clasp
16 or ring is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with
the hook 20. In another such embodiment, the closed form clasp 16
or ring is engaged with a closed form member, where the closed form
member is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the
hook. This closed form member could be, for example, a ring, an
oval, a start shape, or any other closed form shape. In another
such embodiment (not shown), the closed form clasp 16 or ring is
engaged with a closed form member, where the closed form member is
a ring that is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with
the hook 20. In still another such embodiment (not shown), the
closed form clasp 16 or second ring is engaged with a chain, where
the chain is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with
the hook. In yet another such embodiment (not shown), the closed
form clasp 16 or second ring is engaged with first interlocking
closed form elements in a plurality of interlocking closed form
elements, where an interlocking closed form element in the
plurality of interlocking closed form elements is substantially
permanently and flexibly engaged with the hook. In some such
embodiments, a closed form element in the plurality of closed form
elements is a ring, an oval, a polygon, or a star-shape.
[0041] In another aspect, a first end portion 12a of the first
member 12 comprises a first ring (not shown) for substantially
permanently and flexibly engaging with the second member 14. The
second member 14 comprises a closed form clasp 16 or second ring
(not shown) that is configured for selectively retaining at least
one key or other type of object. In one such embodiment, the closed
form clasp 16 or second ring is rotatably fixed to a u-shaped
element 18 of the second member 14, where the u-shaped element 18
is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the first
ring. In another such embodiment, the closed form clasp 16 or
second ring is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with
the first ring. In another such embodiment, the closed form clasp
16 or second ring is engaged with a closed form member, where the
closed form member is substantially permanently and flexibly
engaged with the first ring. In still another such embodiment, the
closed form clasp 16 or second ring is engaged with a closed form
member, where the closed form member is a third ring that is
substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the first ring.
In still another such embodiment, the closed form clasp 16 or
second ring is engaged with a chain, where the chain is
substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the first ring.
In still another such embodiment, the closed form clasp or second
ring is engaged with a first interlocking closed form element in a
plurality of interlocking closed form elements, where a second
interlocking closed form element in the plurality of interlocking
closed form elements is substantially permanently and flexibly
engaged with the first ring.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 7, in some embodiments the first end
portion 12a of the bent rod-shaped first member 12 comprises a hook
20 for substantially permanently and flexibly engaging with the
second member 14. The second member of the key locator further
comprises a first ring 702 that is hooked onto the hook 20. The
second member of the key locator 110 further comprises a member 704
having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is
rotatable with respect to the second portion. The first portion
comprises a first eyelet through which the first ring 702 is
attached. The second portion comprises a second eyelet. The second
member 14 of the key locator 110 further comprises a second ring
706 that is attached to the second eyelet.
[0043] Similar to FIG. 7, although not depicted, in some
embodiments, the first end portion 12a of the bent rod-shaped first
member 12 comprises a first ring for substantially permanently and
flexibly engaging with the second member 14. The second member 14
of the key locator 110 further comprises a second ring that is
hooked onto the first ring. The second member 14 of the key locator
110 further comprises a member having a first portion and a second
portion. The first portion is rotatable with respect to the second
portion. The first portion comprises a first eyelet through which
the second ring is attached. The second portion comprises a second
eyelet. The second member 14 of the key locator 110 further
comprises a third ring, where the third ring is attached to the
second eyelet.
[0044] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first member 12 has a
first end portion 12a and a second end portion 12b. The first end
portion 12a of the first member 12 is configured for substantially
permanently and flexibly engaging with the second member 14. The
second end portion 12b of the first member 12 is configured for
affixation of a container 40 . In the embodiments depicted in FIGS.
4 through 6, when affixed to the key locator 110, the entire
container 40 is substantially rigidly affixed to the key locator
110 such that any movement of the container 40 necessarily causes
movement of the key locator 110.
[0045] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, in some embodiments, the
container 40 is directly and permanently fixed to the second end
portion 12b of the bent rod-shaped first member 12 so that a first
face 42 of the container is exposed. The container 40 is arranged
so that the first face 42 of the container 40 faces away from an
interior of the bent rod-shaped first member 12. The interior of
the bent rod-shaped first member is defined by the bent interior
region between the first end portion 12a and the second end portion
12b.
[0046] In some embodiments, the container 40 comprises a hinge that
attaches the first face 42 to the container 40. The first face 42
is configured to move between (i) an open configuration that
exposes an interior portion of the container 40, as depicted in
FIG. 6, and (ii) a closed configuration that seals the interior
portion of the container 40, as depicted in FIG. 5. In some
embodiments, the container 40 comprises a swivel hinge 44 that
attaches the first face 42 to the container 50. In such
embodiments, the first face 42 is configured to slide between (i)
an open configuration that exposes an interior portion of the
container 40 and (ii) a closed configuration that seals the
interior portion of the container 40. In some embodiments, the
first face 42 is adorned with an ornament. In some embodiments, the
ornament comprises an artificial or a real gem.
[0047] In some embodiments, the container 40 comprises a material
selected from the group consisting of metal and plastic. In some
embodiments, the container comprises gold, silver, steel, nickel,
aluminum, an alloy thereof, or any combination thereof. In some
embodiments, the container 40 comprises urethane polymer, an
acrylic polymer, a fluoropolymer, polybenzamidazole, polyimide,
polytetrafluoroethylene, polyetheretherketone, polyamide-imide,
glass-based phenolic, polystyrene, cross-linked polystyrene,
polyester, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyethylene,
acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, polytetrafluoro-ethylene,
polymethacrylate, nylon 6,6, cellulose acetate butyrate, cellulose
acetate, rigid vinyl, plasticized vinyl, or polypropylene. In some
embodiments, the container 40 is configured to store a liquid. In
some embodiments, the container 40 is configured to store a gel,
such as lip balm. In some embodiments, the container 40 is
configured to store an object.
[0048] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 through 6, the first end portion
12a and the second end portion 12b of the first member 12 are not
urged against each other and are configured to allow the bent
interior region 22 to hang or clasp an edge 29. In some
embodiments, the first end portion 12a and the second end portion
12b of the first member 12 are configured so that a force of
between 1 dyne and 2000 dynes is required to remove the key locator
110 from an edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when the bent
interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29. In some
embodiments, the first end portion 12a and the second end portion
12b of the first member 12 are configured so that a force of
between 1 dyne and 1000 dynes is required to remove the key locator
110 from the edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when the bent
interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29. In some
embodiments, the first end portion 12a and the second end portion
12b of the first member 12 are configured so that a force of
between 1 dyne and 500 dynes is required to remove the key locator
110 from the edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when the bent
interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29. In some
embodiments, the first end portion 12a and the second end portion
12b of the first member 12 are configured so that a force of
between 1 dyne and 250 dynes is required to remove the key locator
110 from the edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when the bent
interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29. In some
embodiments, the first end portion 12a and the second end portion
12b of the first member 12 are configured so that a force of
between 100 dynes and 2000 dynes is required to remove the key
locator 110 from the edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when
the bent interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29. In
some embodiments, the first end portion 12a and the second end
portion 12b of the first member 12 are configured so that a force
of between 100 dynes and 1000 dynes is required to remove the key
locator 110 from the edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when
said bent interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29. In
some embodiments, the first end portion 12a and the second end
portion 12b of the first member are configured so that a force of
between 100 dynes and 500 dynes is required to remove the key
locator 110 from the edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when
the bent interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29. In
some embodiments, the first end portion 12a and the second end
portion 12b of the first member 12 are configured so that a force
of between 100 dynes and 250 dynes is required to remove the key
locator 110 from the edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when
the bent interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29.
[0049] In some embodiments, the first end portion 12a and the
second end portion 12b of the first member 12 are configured so
that a force of between 1 dyne and 2000 dynes, between 1 dyne and
1000 dynes, between 1 dyne and 500 dynes, between 1 dyne and 250
dynes, between 0.1 dynes and 2000 dynes, between 0.1 dynes and 1000
dynes, between 0.1 dynes and 500 dynes, between 0.1 dynes and 250
dynes, between 100 dynes and 2000 dynes, between 100 dynes and 1000
dynes, between 100 dynes and 500 dynes, between 100 dynes and 250
dynes, between 500 dynes and 5000 dynes, between 500 dynes and
10000 dynes, between 500 dynes and 20000 dynes, between 500 dynes
and 25000 dynes, between 0.1 dynes and 200 dynes, between 0.1 dynes
and 100 dynes, between 0.1 dynes and 50 dynes, or between 0.1 dynes
and 25 dynes is required to remove the key locator 110 from the
edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when the bent interior
region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29.
[0050] Referring to FIGS. 4 through 6, in one aspect, the key
locator 110 further comprises the container 40, and the second end
portion 12b of the bent rod-shaped first member 12 comprises an
enlarged portion and a second face 48 of the container is directly
and permanently fixed to the enlarged portion. In some embodiments,
the enlarged portion comprises a solid face to which a portion of
the second face of the container is directly and permanently fixed.
In some embodiments, the enlarged portion comprises a solid face to
which a portion of the second face 48 is soldered.
[0051] In another aspect, the key locator 110 further comprises the
container 40. A second face 48 of the container is directly and
permanently fixed to the second end portion 12b of the bent
rod-shaped first member 12.
[0052] In another aspect, the key locator 110 further comprises the
container 40, and a second face 48 of the container 40 is soldered
to the second end portion 12b of the bent rod-shaped first member
40.
[0053] In still another aspect, the key locator 110 further
comprises the container 40 and the container 40 forms a part (e.g.,
an integral part) of the second end portion 12b of the bent
rod-shaped first member 12.
[0054] FIGS. 3 and 4 are side views of the key locator 110 of the
invention in use. In FIGS. 4 and 5, the key locator 110 is hung
from the upper edge 29 of a side panel of a bag-like purse with the
bent interior region 22 overhanging the upper edge 29 so that the
first face 42 of the container 40 is exposed. In other embodiments
(not shown), the key locator 110 clasps the upper edge 29 of a
bag-like purse with the bent interior region 22 overhanging the
side panel 30 so that the first face 42 of the container 40 is
exposed.
[0055] FIGS. 5 and 6 are side views of the key locator 110. Keys or
other objects, secured by the clasp 16 of the second member 14, may
lie near or at the bottom of a bag-like purse, somewhat suspended
from the upper edge 29, in the same manner as that depicted in the
key locator 10 illustrated in FIG. 3. The bent interior region 22
of the first member 12 of the key locator 110 is draped, hung over
or clasped to the upper edge 29 to create the suspension effect.
The altitude of the bottom of the key locator 110 and keys will
depend upon the length of the key locator 110 relative to the depth
of the side panel of the bag-like purse. However, regardless of the
precise altitude of the keys or other objects within the bag-like
purse, they may be readily located due to the visible presence of
the container 40.
[0056] In FIGS. 4 through 6, first member 12 has a rod-like
appearance. That is, first member 12 is slender so that it can be
easily gripped and removed from a bag-like container such as a
purse. There is no requirement that first member 12 have the
cylindrical shape depicted in FIGS. 4 through 6. Any slender shape
form that enables the easy removal of key locator 110 from a
bag-like purse is within the scope of the present disclosure. For
example, first member 12 can be a flattened wire or other flat
element. In another example, in some embodiments, the first member
12 has a flat rod-like shape characterized by a cross-section
having first and second orthogonal dimensions in which the first
dimension defines the thickness of the first member 12 and is
between 0.01 cm and 0.5 cm and the second dimension defines the
width of the first member 12 and is between 0.1 cm and 2 cm. In
another example, in some embodiments, the first member 12 has a
flat rod-like shape characterized by a cross-section having first
and second orthogonal dimensions in which the first dimension
defines the thickness of the first member 12 and is between 0.05 cm
and 0.8 cm and the second dimension defines the width of the first
member 12 and is between 0.2 cm and 3 cm.
[0057] In some embodiments, the bent interior region 22 is
u-shaped. In some embodiments, the bent rod-shaped first member 12
is characterized by a cross-sectional bounding shape that is
circular. In some embodiments, the bent rod-shaped first member 12
is characterized by a cross-sectional bounding shape that is ovoid.
In some embodiments, the bent rod-shaped first member 12 is
characterized by a cross-sectional bounding shape having one or
more smooth curved surfaces or a splice of one or more smooth
curved surfaces. In some embodiments, the bent rod-shaped first
member 12 is characterized by a cross-sectional bounding shape
having an arcuate edge. In some embodiments, the bent rod-shaped
first member 12 is characterized by different cross-sectional
bounding shapes at different portions of the first member 12.
[0058] Although the figures illustrate the first member 12 in which
end portions are parallel to each other and are straight, the
present disclosure is not so restricted. The first and second end
portions 12a and 12b of the first member 12 of the key locator 110
may bend toward or away from each other. Moreover, the first and
second end portions of the first member 12 may internally include
any number of bends. Moreover, the first and second end portions of
the first member 12 may be magnetized and the bent-shaped region
may contain a hinge.
Third Embodiment
[0059] Another embodiment provides a key locator that is similar to
the second embodiment. The key locator comprises, in combination:
a) a bent rod-shaped first member having a first end portion and a
second end portion, b) a second member configured for selectively
retaining at least one key, and c) a container that is rotatably
mounted to the second end portion of the bent rod-shaped first
member. The first end portion and the second end portion are
opposed to each other. The bent rod-shaped first member
incorporates a bent interior region between the first end portion
and the second end portion. The first end portion and the second
end portion are not urged against each other and are configured to
allow said bent interior region to hang from or clasps an edge. The
first end portion of the bent rod-shaped first member substantially
permanently and flexibly engages with the second member. The
container comprises a hinge that attaches a first face to the
container. The first face is configured to move between (i) an open
configuration that exposes an interior portion of the container,
and (ii) a closed configuration that seals the interior portion of
the container.
[0060] In some embodiments, the first end portion of the bent
rod-shaped first member comprises a hook for substantially
permanently and flexibly engaging with the second member. The
second member comprises a closed form clasp or ring that is
configured for selectively retaining at least one key. The closed
form clasp or ring is rotatably fixed to a u-shaped element of the
second member. The u-shaped element is substantially permanently
and flexibly engaged with the hook. In some embodiments, the closed
form clasp or ring is substantially permanently and flexibly
engaged with the hook. In some embodiments, the closed form clasp
or ring is engaged with a closed form member and the closed form
member is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the
hook. In some embodiments, the closed form clasp or ring is engaged
with a closed form member and the closed form member is a ring that
is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the hook. In
some embodiments, the closed form clasp or second ring is engaged
with a chain, where the chain is substantially permanently and
flexibly engaged with the hook. In some embodiments, the closed
form clasp or second ring is engaged with first interlocking ring
in a plurality of interlocking closed form elements, where an
interlocking closed form element in the plurality of interlocking
closed form elements is substantially permanently and flexibly
engaged with the hook. In some embodiments, a closed form element
in the plurality of closed form elements is a ring, an oval, a
polygon, or a star-shape.
[0061] In still other embodiments, the first end portion of said
bent rod-shaped first member comprises a first ring for
substantially permanently and flexibly engaging with the second
member and the second member comprises a closed form clasp or
second ring that is configured for selectively retaining at least
one key. In some such embodiments, the closed form clasp or second
ring is rotatably fixed to a u-shaped element of the second member,
where the u-shaped element is substantially permanently and
flexibly engaged with the first ring. In some such embodiments, the
closed form clasp or second ring is substantially permanently and
flexibly engaged with the first ring. In some such embodiments, the
closed form clasp or second ring is engaged with a closed form
member, wherein the closed form member is substantially permanently
and flexibly engaged with the first ring. In some such embodiments,
the closed form clasp or second ring is engaged with a closed form
member, where the closed form member is a third ring that is
substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the first ring.
In some such embodiments, the closed form clasp or second ring is
engaged with a chain, where the chain is substantially permanently
and flexibly engaged with the first ring. In some such embodiments,
the closed form clasp or second ring is engaged with first
interlocking closed form element in a plurality of interlocking
closed form elements, where a second interlocking closed form
elements in the plurality of interlocking closed form elements is
substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the first
ring.
Fourth Embodiment
[0062] Another aspect provides a method comprising retaining at
least one key by a second member 14 of an apparatus that comprises
at least the second member 14 and a bent rod-shaped first member
12. The second member is configured for selectively retaining at
least one key. The bent rod-shaped first member 12 of the apparatus
has a first end portion 12a and a second end portion 12b. The first
end portion 12a and the second end portion 12b are opposed to each
other. The bent rod-shaped first member 12 incorporates a bent
interior region 22 between the first end portion 12a and the second
end portion 12b. The first end portion 12a and the second end
portion 12b are not urged against each other and are configured to
allow the bent interior region 22 to hang from or clasps an upper
edge of a side panel of a bag-like purse. The first end portion 12a
of the bent rod-shaped first member 12 substantially permanently
and flexibly engages with some portion of the second member 14. The
second end portion 12b of the bent rod-shaped first member 12 is
affixed to a container 40. The method further comprises hanging the
apparatus from the upper edge 29 of the side panel of a bag-like
purse with the bent interior region 22 overhanging the side panel
so that the second end portion 12b and the container 40 are
exposed. The method further comprises retrieving the bent
rod-shaped first member of the apparatus from the upper edge such
that, when the bent rod-shaped first member is retrieved from the
upper edge, the at least one key retrained by the second member is
necessarily retrieved. In some embodiments, the container comprises
a hinge that attaches the first face to the container. The first
face is configured to move between (i) an open configuration that
exposes an interior portion of the container, and (ii) a closed
configuration that seals the interior portion of the container and
the method further comprises operating the first face so that the
face switches between the closed configuration to the open
configuration.
[0063] Thus, it can be seen that the present invention provides a
key locator especially suitable for use with a purse, backpack,
briefcase or other bag-like device. By employing the key locator of
the invention in conjunction with such a device, one may find keys
stored within without delay. Further, by providing a decorative
ornament for indicating the location of the key locator, the
appearance of the bag is enhanced.
Fifth Embodiment
[0064] Turning now to FIGS. 8-11, there depicts a personal safety
kit 800 in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure. The
personal safety kit 800 in general includes one or more personal
safety items such as drink safety testers, safety alarms or
self-defense devices. The personal safety items are typically
placed inside of a purse. To facilitate ready location of these
personal safety items, the personal safety kit 800 of the invention
also includes a means for locating these personal safety items when
they are needed.
[0065] As shown in FIGS. 8-11, in some embodiments, the personal
safety kit 800 comprises a first purse 802, a locator such as the
key locator 10, and one or more personal safety items 806 (e.g.,
806-1, 806-2, or 806-3 in FIG. 8). The first purse 802 is any
suitable purse including handheld purses, backpacks, briefcases or
other bag-like devices. The first purse 802 has an open edge 804
that is upwardly open when in use. In one embodiment, the open edge
804 is the top of the purse; in another embodiment, the open edge
804 is a portion or a region of the top of the purse. In some
embodiments, the open edge 804 is an edge in the upper portion of
the first purse.
[0066] In some embodiments, the first purse 802 is transparent or
semi-transparent. The term "transparent" or "semi-transparent" used
herein refers to a characteristic of a purse in that items inside
of the purse are visible to human eyes. Transparent or
semi-transparent purses allow end users to carry personal
belongings to most of places including some stadiums that restrict
purses or bags to see-through purses or bags. In some embodiments,
the transparency is between 10% and 50%. In some embodiments, the
transparency is above 50%. In some embodiments, the transparency is
above 80%. In some embodiments, the first purse 802 is made of a
material including vinyl or the like. In some embodiment, the first
purse 802 is made of a clear vinyl plastic or a clear vinyl
fabric.
[0067] In some embodiments, the first purse 802 includes one or
more straps 810 configured for holding the first purse 802, for
example by a hand, on an elbow or on a shoulder. The one or more
straps can be made of any suitable materials including metal chain,
fabric, plastic, leather or any combination thereof. As an example,
FIG. 10 depicts two straps made of a combination of metal chain and
plastic. The first purse 802 can be of any suitable shape and size.
In some embodiments, the first purse 802 is approximately 8 to 10
inches wide, 7 to 9 inches high, and 3 to 4 inches thick.
[0068] In some embodiments, the means for locating the personal
safety items within the first purse 802 when they are needed
constitutes a locator that is suitable for use with a purse,
backpack, briefcase or other bag-like device. In some embodiments,
the locator includes the key locator or key finder 10, 110
disclosed herein. Alternatively, the locator can be hooks, hangers,
grasps, straps or other suitable means.
[0069] By way of illustration, FIGS. 8-11 depict a key locator 10
hanging from the open edge 804 of the first purse 802. In some
embodiments, the locator (e.g., the key locator 10) is retained in
position by a removable fastener 808, such as a removable adhesive
tape, sticker or string, to prevent loss of the locator during
transportation, distribution, or display. It should be understood
that the locator does not necessarily need to be hanging from the
open edge of the first purse during transportation, distribution,
or display. For example, it can be placed separately from the first
purse or inside of the first purse.
[0070] As disclosed herein (e.g., FIGS. 1A, 1C), the key locator 10
includes a first member 12 and a second member 14, and the first
and second members are engaged to each other. The first member 12
includes a first end portion 12a, a second end portion 12b and a
bent interior region 22 intermediate the first end portion and the
second portion. The first end portion 12a and the second end
portion 12b of the first member 12 are not urged against each other
and are configured to allow the bent interior region 22 to hang or
clasp an edge 29 (or the open edge 804 in FIG. 8). The second
member 14 includes a clasp or a ring 16 for selectively retaining
the one or more personal safety items 806.
[0071] In some embodiments, the locator includes a decorative
ornament 26 fixed on the second end portion 12b of the first member
12. When the locator hangs from the open edge 804 of the first
purse 802, the decorative ornament 26 is placed outside of the
first purse 802. The decorative ornament 26 enhances the appearance
of the first purse 802. In addition, the decorative ornament 26
outside of the purse indicates the location of the locator, making
it easier to locate the locator.
[0072] The personal safety items 806 can be any type of items or
commodities and can be in any suitable configuration as long as
they can be placed inside of the first purse and/or can be attached
to the locator. For instance, in some embodiments, the personal
safety items 806 includes a drink safety tester 806-3 for testing
whether a beverage (e.g., water, wine, soda) is safe to drink. In
some embodiments, the drink safety tester 806-3 detects whether a
beverage contains gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and ketamine, the
most common drugs used in drink spiking GHB and ketamine are
difficult to notice in a drink because they are colorless, odorless
and tasteless. In some embodiments, the drink safety tester 806-3
is in the form of a coaster or a test strip. In some embodiments,
the personal safety items 806 include a number of drink safety
testers for testing the same drug or different types of drugs. In
some embodiments, the drink safety tester includes a composition
that changes to a predetermined color when contacted with a
beverage containing GHB or Ketamine.
[0073] In some embodiments, the personal safety items 806 include a
safety alarm 806-2 for drawing attention to a crisis. In an
embodiment, the safety alarm 806-2 is a panic alarm for use in a
panic situation or a medical alarm for use in a medical emergency
such as a heart attack, stroke, accident, overdose and the like. In
another embodiment, the safety alarm 806-2 is an integrated device
in which the panic alarm and the medical alarm are integrated
together into a single unit. In some embodiments, the safety alarm
806-2 has other functions, for instance, including an LED
flashlight or a keychain so that the safety alarm 806-2 can be
easily attached to the locator.
[0074] In some embodiments, the personal safety items 806 include a
self-defense device for warding off an attacker. For instance, in
an embodiment, the personal safety items 806 include a pepper spray
806-1.
[0075] In some embodiments, the personal safety items 806 include
other products or commodities that one would like to carry around
for emergency use or due to personal preferences. For instance, in
an embodiment, the personal safety items 806 include allergy
medicines.
[0076] In some embodiments, the personal safety items 806 include
one or more drink safety testers, a safety alarm, a self-defense
device or any combination of these or other additional items.
[0077] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, in some embodiments, the
personal safety kit 800 of the invention further includes a second
purse 902. The second purse 902 is configured to be placed inside
of the first purse 802 for accommodating additional items or
organizing items. The second purse 902 is generally but not
necessarily smaller than the first purse 802. In some embodiments,
the second purse 902 is 6 to 9 inches wide, 5 to 8 inches high, and
1 to 3 inches thick. In some embodiments, the second purse 902 is
opaque to provide privacy. The term "opaque" used herein refers to
a characteristic of a purse in that items inside of the purse are
not visible to human eyes.
Sixth Embodiment
[0078] Turning now to FIG. 12, there depicts a method 1200 for
using a personal safety kit of the invention in accordance with
some embodiments of the disclosure. In FIG. 12, optional steps are
enclosed in dashed boxes. To use a personal safety kit of the
present disclosure, one first removes the removable fastener to
release the locator (1202). In more detail, in some embodiments in
which the locator is retained in position by a removable fastener
such as an adhesive tape, sticker or string, one needs to remove
the removable fastener (1202) to release the locator prior to the
first use of the personal safety kit.
[0079] One then retrieves the locator and at least one personal
safety item in the one or more personal safety items from the
personal safety kit (1204). One then attaches the at least one
personal safety item to the clasp or the ring of the locator
(1210). Afterwards, one places the at least one personal safety
item in the first purse and hangs the locator on the open edge of
the first purse (1214). One can also hang the locator on the open
edge of the first purse and then place the at least one personal
safety item in the first purse.
[0080] With one or more personal safety items attached to the
locator and the locator hanging on the open edge of the first
purse, retrieval of the personal safety items for use (1216) is
simple, easy and quick. For example, one can grab the locator and
pull the locator along with the personal safety items out of the
first purse. Alternatively, since a part of the locator (e.g., the
second end portion 12b of the first member 12, or the decorative
ornament 26) is outside of the first purse and visible from the
outside, one can easily locate the locator and therefore the
personal safety items, and then take out the personal safety items.
As such, the personal safety kit of the present disclosure
eliminates the need for randomly searching the inside of the purse
and reduces the time for retrieving the desired item(s). The
personal safety kit of the present disclosure is in particular
advantageous when a safety and alarm item is needed in an emergency
or crisis situation.
[0081] After retrieval or use of the desired personal safety item,
one can place the personal safety items back to inside of the first
purse and/or re-hang the locator on the open edge of the first
purse for next use.
[0082] As shown in FIG. 10, in some embodiments, one or more
personal safety items are wrapped, packed, or embedded in
package(s). In such embodiments, the method further includes
unwrapping (1206) the personal safety item(s) from the package(s)
prior to attaching the personal safety item(s) to the clasp or the
ring of the locator. In some embodiments, instructions are provided
with respect to the personal safety item(s) or use of the personal
safety item(s). The instructions may be on the package(s) or on the
personal safety item(s). In such embodiments, the method further
includes reading the instructions (1208), which can be conducted
before or after unwrapping personal safety item(s) at step
1206.
[0083] In some embodiments, one may want to attach one or more
additional items to the clasp or the ring of the locator, such as
car keys, house keys, wallets, phone cases, or any other additional
items that can be attached to the locator. As an example, FIG. 11
shows a key 1102 and a case 1104 attached to the locator. In such
embodiments, the method includes attaching the additional item(s)
to the clasp or the ring of the locator (1212).
[0084] It should be understood that FIG. 12 is just an example
illustrating the use of the personal safety kit of the present
invention in a non-exclusive way, and the steps listed in FIG. 12
are not necessarily performed in the order presented. For instance,
retrieving the locator and the at least one personal safety item
does not need to occur concurrently or consecutively. As an
example, one can retrieve the locator and attach an additional
personal item such as a key to the locator before retrieving the at
least one personal safety item. Alternatively, one can also
retrieve the at least one personal safety item after attaching the
additional personal item to the locator and re-hang the locator on
the open edge of the purse.
REFERENCES CITED AND ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0085] All references cited herein are incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety and for all purposes to the same extent
as if each individual publication or patent or patent application
was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by
reference in its entirety for all purposes.
[0086] Many modifications and variations of this invention can be
made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be
apparent to those skilled in the art. The specific embodiments
described herein are offered by way of example only. The
embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the
principles of the invention and its practical applications, to
thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the
invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are
suited to the particular use contemplated. The invention is to be
limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the
full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
* * * * *