Patent Application
20170055662
The way we carry and keep keys organized has not fundamentally changed in the last few decades. Keys are generally carried as a set, connected to a key ring through an opening in the key bows. However, this way of carrying keys presents a major disadvantage: keys have exposed sharp teeth and points that can be uncomfortable while carried in a pocket. Furthermore, the sharp teeth and points can also catch onto, rip, and perforate fabric inside a pocket or a bag. Another significant drawback of carrying keys simply threaded on a key ring is the noise created by the keys rattling against each other and the wear and tear imparted to the keys by repeated contact with hard surfaces. There is a need to consolidate, debulk, and organize keys in a way that protect both the person who carries the keys, but also the keys themselves, while alleviating the noise and the clutter associated with traditional ring systems.
According to an exemplary embodiment, a key holder may be provided. The key holder may include a first element and a second element, having at least two holes disposed therethrough, each capable of receiving a key retention post. The first element and the second element may be mounted on key retention posts that may be configured to be inserted in the first element and the second element, thereby connecting the first element to the second element. A number of washers and accessories may be rotatably mounted on the key retention posts between the first and the second element. A clip may be inserted into an opening in the at least one of first element and the second element and may be connected to one of the of key retention posts.
According to another exemplary embodiment, a method of holding keys may be provided. The method of holding keys may include obtaining a first element and placing retention posts through holes in the first element. Then inserting a clip in an opening in the second element and connecting the clip to one of the of key retention posts. This may be followed by mounting a number of washers, keys, clips, and accessories on a number of key retention posts, and securing the number of key retention posts to the first element and second element.
Advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments. The following detailed description should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures in which:
Aspects of the present invention are disclosed in the following description and related figures directed to specific embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention.
As used herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance or illustration.” The embodiments described herein are not limiting, but rather are exemplary only. It should be understood that the described embodiments are not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Moreover, the terms “embodiments of the invention”, “embodiments” or “invention” do not require that all embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature, advantage, or mode of operation.
Referring to
In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one opening in the second element 104 may optionally be threaded so as to engage a threaded portion on the at least two key retention posts 108, consequently securely connecting the first element 102 and the second element 104. Alternatively, the at least two key retention posts 108 may be passed through the opening in the second element 102 and engage a threaded fastener. The threaded fastener may engage the second element 102 and connect the second element 102 to the at least two key retention posts 108. A number of washers 106, keys 120, attachment rings 110, and any desired accessories may be rotatably mounted on the number of key retention posts 108. In another exemplary embodiment, the key retention post 108 may include, but not be limited to, screws, nuts and bolts, and screw posts. It may be appreciated that the key retention post may be constructed with any desired structural elements as would be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art.
In a further embodiment illustrated in
In an exemplary embodiment, the length of the key retention posts 108 and the number of washers 106 may be selected to accommodate the desired number of keys and accessories. The keys 120 may be mounted on a key retention posts 108 in such a way that they may be disposed between the first element 102 and second element 104, as illustrated in
In an exemplary embodiment, the first element 102 and the second element 104 may be made of a number of materials including, but not limited to carbon fiber, ceramics, polymers, metals, and alloys. It may be appreciated that the first element 102 and the second element 104 may be made of different materials as would be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art. For example, the first element may be made of carbon fiber and the second element may be made of titanium or stainless steel. Further, it may be appreciated that the first element 102 and second element 104 may have a number of decorative finishes, including but not limited to, nitride coating, anodizing, images, logos, text, pattern, and textured carving. The first element 103 and the second element 104 may be made with any desired materials and treated with any desired finishes. Further, the clip 112 may optionally be decorated and personalized, as desired.
In an exemplary embodiment, the key holder 100 may have a length from about 2 inches to about 6 inches and a weight from about 1 ounce to about 12 ounces. In another exemplary embodiment, the key holder 100 may have a weight of about 3.5 ounces. However, it may be appreciated that the key holder 100 may have any desired length and weight.
In an exemplary embodiment, the number of washers 106 may be mounted anywhere on the number of key retention posts 108. For example, the number of washers 106 may be placed where the underside of the head of a key retention posts 108 may be in contact with the first element. In a further exemplary embodiment, washers 106 may be made of any desired material including, but not limited to, metal, PTFE, rubber, silicone, metal, cork, felt, neoprene, nitrile rubber, fiberglass, and plastic polymer.
In an exemplary embodiment illustrated in
The foregoing description and accompanying figures illustrate the principles, preferred embodiments and modes of operation of the invention. However, the invention should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed above. Additional variations of the embodiments discussed above will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.
