Patent Application
20200337427
The present invention relates to a retractable key case for key access and storage.
As well known in the art, building, vehicles, containers, storage compartments, and other areas are secured and access is prevented and blocked for unwanted users. Commonly, this prevention is done through the process of a key and a lock. A key is commonly an item of high importance to a user and is something that the user typically cannot afford to lose. Keychains, lanyards, strings, and many more commonly available devices are traditionally used to secure a key or a plurality of keys to a fixed location or the user's clothing. Problems arise when storing a key or keys in between use. Commonly, keys snag and bump into surrounding objects if left hanging from the body of the user. Secondly, if not connected to the user, keys are often lost when left in pockets of clothing or in locks. Traditionally, owners of keys have had to choose between easy access and enclosure storage. A solution is needed for easy access to at least one key that is connected to a fixed location and at the same time allows the user to enclose the key or plurality of keys within a case.
The present invention relates to a retractable key case enclosure for allowing access to a key and secured storage of a key within an enclosed environment. The retractable key enclosure of the present invention provides the user quick access to at least one key and provides a connection member for securing at least one key to the retractable key enclosure, wherein the at least one key of the user cannot be lost by dropping the key or leaving the key within a lock. Next, a first opening and a cover member provide the user with a safe enclosed cavity to store at least one key when not in use. When retracted and not extended the retractable key enclosure provides a sleek and low-profile design for easy placement in areas with limited available space. The sleek and low-profile design also allow for the user to easily move the retractable key enclosure with minimal snagging on environmental objects.
In order to do so, a retractable key enclosure is provided having a main housing, and a first opening extending into the top surface of the main housing. The first opening is arranged to hold at least one key. Next, the retractable key enclosure includes a circular opening extending into the bottom surface of the main housing and a second opening extending through and connecting to the first opening and the circular opening. In some embodiments, a cover member is joined to the primary perimeter edge of the main housing. At least one key is returned to the first opening through the use of a connection assembly arranged within the circular opening.
The detailed description of some embodiments of the invention is made below with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals represent corresponding parts of the figures.
The novel features of the disclosure are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present disclosure will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the disclosure are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:
While preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the disclosure. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the disclosure described herein may be employed in practicing the disclosure.
As shown in
In one embodiment, the retractable key enclosure further comprises a circular opening 200 (as shown in
The retractable key enclosure further includes the connection assembly arranged within the circular opening. The connection assembly is used for assisting a user in returning the at least one key to the first opening. The user does so by pulling on at least one key away from a resting position within the first opening. The connection assembly includes the connection member which is joined to the connection assembly and joined to the at least one key. Next, a circular post 205 (as shown in
In some embodiments, a second cover plate 180 is joined to the bottom surface of the main housing by a second plurality of fasteners 185, wherein the second cover plate holds the connection assembly within the circular opening. In some embodiments, the retractable key enclosure further comprises a ring member 120 having a hinge 121, wherein the ring member is joined to the top surface of the main housing. The ring member is free to rotate about the circular opening and articulate about the hinge. In some embodiments, a first cover plate 115 is joined to the top surface of the main housing by a first plurality of fasteners 155.
In some embodiments, a cover member 110 is joined to the primary perimeter edge of the main housing. In some embodiments, the cover member slides on and off the main housing and holds at least one key within the first opening. In some embodiments, the primary perimeter edge of the main housing further comprises a pair of receiving slots 140 and the cover member further comprises a first finger and a second finger, wherein each finger extends away from the cover member. In some embodiments, at least one finger of the cover member further comprises a “L-shaped” cross-sectional area. The “L-shaped” cross-sectional area of at least one finger of the cover member is configured to partially wrap around at least one of the pair of receiving slots. In other embodiments, the cover member is a permanent cover covering at least 10% of the first opening (As shown in
In some embodiments, the cover member is slide in a direction parallel to the pair of receiving slots. In some embodiments, the cover member is slide in a direction perpendicular to the pair of receiving slots. In some embodiments, the cover member is slide in a direction in any direction parallel to the plane of the top surface of the main body of the retractable key case.
In some embodiments, the connection member is at least one member of a connection set consisting of: a string, a cable, an elastic material, a chain, a rope, and a ribbon. In some embodiments, the connection member is further secured to at least one key by a connection point 150. In some embodiments, the connection point is at least one member of a securing set consisting of: a knot, a bead, a crimp, a weld, an adhesive, a hook and loop fastener, a clamp, a spring, a split ring or any other known means of securing a key known to one skilled in the art.
In some embodiments, the retractable key enclosure further comprises at least one member of an identification set consisting of: an alphanumeric identification, a human user's name, a symbolic shape, a company brand, a numeric identification number, a QR code, a barcode, and an RFID tag. In some embodiments, the retractable key enclosure is adapted for use with at least one key that is chosen from a key set consisting of: a lock key, a RFID tag, a plastic card, a tool and an identification article of the user.
As used in this application, the term “a” or “an” means “at least one” or “one or more.”
As used in this application, the term “about” or “approximately” refers to a range of values within plus or minus 10% of the specified number.
As used in this application, the term “substantially” means that the actual value is within about 10% of the actual desired value, particularly within about 5% of the actual desired value and especially within about 1% of the actual desired value of any variable, element or limit set forth herein.
All references throughout this application, for example patent documents including issued or granted patents or equivalents, patent application publications, and non-patent literature documents or other source material, are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties, as though individually incorporated by reference, to the extent each reference is at least partially not inconsistent with the disclosure in the present application (for example, a reference that is partially inconsistent is incorporated by reference except for the partially inconsistent portion of the reference).
Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.
As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Any reference to “or” herein is intended to encompass “and/or” unless otherwise stated.
As used herein, the term “about” refers to an amount that is near the stated amount by about 0%, 5%, or 10%, including increments therein.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.
A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specified function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶ 6. In particular, any use of “step of” in the claims is not intended to invoke the provision of 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶ 6.
Persons of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate that numerous design configurations may be possible to enjoy the functional benefits of the inventive systems. Thus, given the wide variety of configurations and arrangements of embodiments of the present invention the scope of the invention is reflected by the breadth of the claims below rather than narrowed by the embodiments described above.
