Key Holding Device

Abstract

A key holding device with a top cover plate, a bottom cover plate, a plurality of spacer members, a slide pin and a pair of threaded retaining fasteners. The spacers are sized to fit within the aperture of a standard key. The pair of threaded retaining fasteners are sized to fit within the spacers. The top and bottom cover plates each have matching through channels that engage the slide pin. The keys are retained within the top and bottom cover plate and the slide pin capable of moving the keys out of the perimeter of the top and bottom cover plates so that a person can have access to them. A preferred embodiment includes flat discs fixedly attached to the slide pin so that the slid pin remains substantially upright during the sliding action.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

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DESCRIPTION OF ATTACHED APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of key holding devices and more specifically to a key holding device with a sliding post to help rotate keys out from the holder.

Various types of key holders have been used by people for many years to help retain keys in an organized manner that lets users comfortably carry the keys in their pockets and lets them quickly have access to any one of the keys when needed to unlock a door or any other lockable item.

In recent years, certain types of key holders have been available for sale that use a pair of threaded retaining screws attached to a support plate to allow keys to be rotatably swing out when needed, but to compactly be stored on the support plate when not needed. For example, the “KeySmart” key holder which is expandable by enabling the user to remove and replace retaining screws which are longer or shorter depending on the number of keys to be stored on the holder.

However, there are deficiencies in the prior technology. First, a portion of the keys are left exposed which can cause abrasion of fabric in one's pockets and which may cause discomfort to the user. Second, the overall shape of the key holder is not smooth which can cause additional discomfort to the user when being worn in a tight-fitting pants pocket.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary object of the invention is to provide a key holding device that is compact and contoured in a pebble-like manner to fit easily into a person's pocket.

Another object of the invention is to provide a key holding device that uses a sliding vertically oriented post to help push keys out of the holder.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed a key holding device comprising: a top cover plate, a bottom cover plate, a plurality of spacer members, a slide pin, a pair of threaded retaining fasteners, said spacers sized to fit within the aperture of a standard key, said pair of threaded retaining fasteners sized to fit within said spacers, said top and bottom cover plates each having matching through channels, said through channels slidably engaging said slide pin, said standard keys rotatably retained within said top and bottom cover plate, and said slid pin capable of moving said keys out of the perimeter of said top and bottom cover plates so that a person can have access to them.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a top view of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the invention with keys in the stored position.

FIG. 3 is a side section view of the invention.

FIG. 4 is an end section view of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a left side view of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a right-side view of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the invention with a key partially pulled out.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the invention with a key fully pulled out.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the invention showing all components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS WITH THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.

Referring now to FIG. 1 we see a top view of the invention 100. Two retaining bolts 4, 6 hold the upper plate 2 and the lower plate 20 together. An optional key ring retaining member 14 has been rotatably attached to retaining bolt 6. A central post 12, also known as a slide pin, can slide the length of slot 16 so that when the post is slide one way, it helps push key 18 out to the point where it can be grasped by the user in location 28 and when pushed the opposite way, key 10 can be grasped by the user in location 26.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the invention 100 with keys in the stored position. Lower plate 20 can be seen supporting key 40. Post 12 can be seen in the central position, ready to help push out keys when so desired.

FIG. 3 is a side section view bisecting the invention 100. Post 12 includes a top half and a bottom half that can be screwed together to form a single post 12. The post 12 includes integrated discs 12A, 12B that act to keep the post 12 upright when being pushed to either side of the slot 16. Spacers 32, 34 can be seen which help keep the top plate 2 and bottom plate 20 in the proper position without impinging on the keys 40, 41, 18 and key ring holder 14 stored between the two panels 2, 20. The spacers 32, 34 are sized to allow them to penetrate the aperture of a standard key so that the key can rotate about the spacer. Fastening screws 4, 6 hold the entire assembly together.

FIG. 4 is an end section view of the invention 100. Post 12 can be clearly seen, as well as integrated disks 12A, 12B which act to hold the post 12 upright during sliding.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the invention 100 with the key ring holder 14 folded out.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the invention 100 with the key ring holder 14 folded in.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the invention 100 with keys 40, 41 partially pushed out by slide post 12. recessed area 26 allows the user to grasp key 40 with his or her fingers.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the invention 100 with key 40 fully deployed and ready for use.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the invention 100 showing all components.

While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A key holding device comprising: a top cover plate;a bottom cover plate;a plurality of spacer members;a slide pin;a pair of threaded retaining fasteners;said spacers sized to fit within the aperture of a standard key;said pair of threaded retaining fasteners sized to fit within said spacers;said top and bottom cover plates each having matching through channels;said through channel slidably engaging said slide pin;said standard keys rotatably retained within said top and bottom cover plate; andsaid slid pin capable of moving said keys out of the perimeter of said top and bottom cover plates so that a person can have access to them.

2. A key holding device as claimed in claim 1 further comprising flat discs fixedly attached to said slide pin so that said slid pin remains substantially upright during the said sliding action.