Modified key enclosure

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS:

This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/621,289, filed 2004 Oct. 22 by the present inventor.

FEDERALLY SPONSERED RESEARCH

N/A

SEQUENCE OR PROGRAM LISTING

N/A

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates to key adjoining assemblies, specifically to a new minimal key adjoining system that enables access to multiple keys in a convenient enclosure.

2. Prior Art

To my knowledge, there Is no prior art. There are many versions of key adjoining assemblies that use rings, clips, chains, wallets, etc. to Join standard keys together. But to my knowledge there is no invention that Incorporates a modified head to rid the key of its unneeded head mass. The removal of the head mass material enables all ones keys to be similar in size thus allowing the keys to fit into a relatively small enclosure. This enclosure becomes a key head when an individual key is employed for use alleviating the burden of loose key assemblies & allowing the user to carry numerous keys without the impeding bulkiness of a standard loose key assembly.

OBJECTS & ADVANTAGES

To clarify, this invention is not a key ring or key chain but a convenient alternative. Accordingly, the objects and advantages of my invention are:

• • (a) to provide a simplified & minimal alternative to the impeding bulkiness of standard everyday loose key assemblies;
  • (b) to provide a lighter, smaller, easier to manipulate, more organized, & more comfortable way to carry keys & store them in pockets;
  • (c) to essentially provide one master key that will access all locks & doors including vehicle ignitions;
  • (d) to provide an assembly that consistently stores keys in the same location with an option for inscriptions, color coding, numbering, or other means of distinguishing individual keys if desired;
  • (e) to provide a key that will not damage the handlebar assembly on a motorcycle or steering columns & dashboards in automobiles;
  • (f) to provide an enclosure that enables the incorporation of many other gadgets & technologies including those that are commonly found on a standard key ring to be combined with the enclosure satisfying the specific needs of each individual user;

Further objects & advantages of this invention are to provide a vehicle for the surging trend to minimize & combine gadgets into one smaller & convenient object that is simple to manufacture. Still further objects & advantages will become obvious from the following drawings & description.

SUMMARY

This invention is a simplified solution to cumbersome loose key assemblies. It allows the user to maintain access to his or her valuables in an efficient manner. It organizes all keys into a relatively small enclosure & conveniently allows the user to find & quickly access each key when desired.

DRAWINGS—FIGURES

SHEET A—Modified Head Samples

FIG. 1A is a typical car key with an outline of a modified head in accordance with the Invention.

FIG. 1B shows the typical car key after the head has been modified.

FIG. 2A is a typical house key with an outline of a modified head in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 2B shows the typical house key after the head has been modified.

FIG. 3A is a typical lock key with an outline of a modified head in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 3B shows the typical lock key after the head has been modified.

SHEET B—Preferred Embodiment

FIG. 4 is a top view of the enclosure 15 as flat stock

FIG. 5 is a top view of the enclosure lid 16 as flat stock

FIG. 6 is a top view of THIS INVENTION with enclosure lid closed & one key employed for use.

FIG. 7 is a side view of this invention with one key employed for use & the enclosure lid in the open position.

SHEET C—Axonometric View of Preferred Embodiment

FIG. 8 is an axonometric view of this invention with parts required for assembly.

SHEET D—Additional Embodiment 1

FIG. 9 is a front side view of additional embodiment 1.

FIG. 10 is a front side view of additional embodiment 1 with one section opened halfway & one key employed for use.

FIG. 11 is a top side view of additional embodiment 1 with both sections fully opened & one key employed for use.

SHEET E—Additional Embodiment 2

FIG. 12 is a front side view of additional embodiment 2 with one key employed for use.

FIG. 13 is a top end view of additional embodiment 2.

FIG. 14 is a top end view of additional embodiment 2 with sections folding into operable key formation.

FIG. 15 is a top end view of additional embodiment 2 with sections folded Into operable key formation.

FIG. 16 is a side view of additional embodiment 2 with sections folded into operable key formation & one key employed for use.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

11. typical car key

12. typical house key

13. typical lock key

14. modified key

15. enclosure

16. enclosure lid

17. screw assembly

18. rivet

19. rounded end

20. spacer

21. hinge

22. slider assembly

23. connector

24. open end

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 4 is a top view of the enclosure as flat stock sheet metal with long dashed lines representing 90 degree bends, & short dashed lines representing smaller bends. Note: sheet metal is used as an example only. The enclosure can be manufactured by a variety of methods & materials.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the enclosure lid as flat stock sheet metal with long dashed lines representing 90 degree bends, & short dashed lines representing smaller bends.

FIG. 8 is an axonometric drawing of the preferred embodiment of this invention showing all parts required for assembly. This invention is made by modifying heads of typical keys 11-13 to one similar head 14, attaching the keys with a screw assembly 17 acting as a hinge, & housing the keys Into the enclosure 15 as shown in FIG. 8. Depending on the number of keys used & the width of the enclosure, spacers 20 may be required to compensate for the extra space on the screw assembly. Spacers can range in width with a diameter less than or equal modified key heads. The spacers are used to ensure a snug fit to comply with any key variation.

Scenario 1—the preferred embodiment width is based on the number of keys. The enclosure FIG. 6 will allow up to eight modified keys. However, some keys are slightly wider than others In which only seven keys might fit on the screw assembly. In this situation there is likely to be some unwanted extra space In which a spacer could be placed on the screw assembly to compensate.

Scenario 2—using a wider enclosure with only four keys, there is considerable extra space in which additional spacers or one larger spacer could be used. If there is still unwanted movement on the screw assembly, a thin spacer could be used to compensate. If the assembly is too tight, a thin spacer can be removed. The screw assembly is optimum when modified keys swivel freely without lateral movement.

Once the modified keys have been properly adjusted within the assembly & the screw has been secured, the enclosure lid 16 can then be installed. To install the enclosure lid simply match up the rounded end of the enclosure lid to the rounded end of the enclosure & secure into place with rivets 18 on either side of the enclosure lid as shown in FIG. 8. When this invention is assembled it Is ready for operation as described below.

Operation

This Invention is designed to minimize & simplify the burden of ordinary key assemblies. Its operation follows suit with its design in terms of simplicity. To employ a key for use in the preferred embodiment shown in this application, simply click the enclosure lid 16 open as shown in FIG. 7 by pulling enclosure lid away from enclosure 15 at open end 24. Flick the enclosure 15 so the modified keys 14 rotate on the screw assembly & are all exposed, pick the key to be used & hold while rotating the assembly so the remaining keys rotate back into the enclosure. Finally, rotate the enclosure lid to the original position & click into place. Now the required key is ready for use as shown in FIG. 6.

ADDITIONAL EMBODIMENT 1—DESCRIPTION

Additional embodiment 1 is very similar to the preferred embodiment. The main difference is that there is no enclosure lid. Instead it has two separate enclosures 15 that are held together by a connector 23. FIG. 10 shows additional embodiment 1 with one of the enclosures open & one key employed for use.

Operation

To use additional embodiment 1 simply pull the enclosures apart, flick the enclosure with the desired keys until they are all exposed, pick the desired key & hold while rotating the assembly until the other keys are back in the enclosure, then push the two enclosures back together.

ADDITIONAL EMBODIMENT 2—DESCRIPTION

Additional embodiment 2 is an alternate form of this invention. It can be similar in size as a credit card & can easily be carried inside a wallet for everyday use or as a set of spare keys.

FIG. 12 shows a front view of additional embodiment 2 with one modified key 14 employed for use. The key card uses sliders 22 to employ each key & hinges 21 to fold the card so the length of the card won't be an obstruction when using the keys In tight areas.

Operation

Use of additional embodiment 2 is very simple. FIG. 9-FIG. 13 demonstrate the actions required for use. The first step is to slide the desired key out of the enclosure using the slider assembly as shown In FIG. 12. Then fold the card as shown in FIG. 14 until each enclosure Is fully collapsed as shown in FIG. 15. Now additional embodiment 2 is ready for use.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, & SCOPE

To my knowledge, there are no keys currently available that are unable to be modified to be compatible with this invention. There are many possibilities for this invention, but as stated in claim 1 there are only three simple parts to the device.

at least one key with a modified head

an enclosure to house said modified key or keys

an assembly adjoining said modified key or keys to said enclosure

There are limitless alternatives in regards to size, shape, & material of these three simple guidelines. There Is also an option of adding physical & technological features to the key. The following lists some examples:

locking mechanism that locks each key Into place when employed

clip attachments such as money clip or belt clip

magnet

light

marking system to distinguish each key

push-button assembly to employ each key In like a switch blade

any feature found in a pocket knife

ring to attach loose keys or other items

personal or commercial script, logos, & emblems

security mechanism that won't allow others to access keys

wallet

clock

hard drive

key entry cards

removable key option to loan out Individual keys when needed

jewelry such as a necklace or pin.

designer encasements

key pager

PDA

alarm remote

door entry sensor (RFID)

garage door opener

car door, window, & trunk lock opener

car valet

communication devices

electronic gaming

mobile phone

camera

music player

electronic security mechanism that won't allow others to access keys

voice controlled command option

bluetooth capabilities

biometrics

monetary purchasing mechanism

GPS tracking system

computer memory device

electronic organizer

media player

personal computer

hard drive data storage

voice recorder

etc.

This Invention is a logically superior alternative to standard everyday loose key assemblies. It follows suit with the surging market trend to make gadgets smaller & more compact. There have been advancements in the field of entry systems such as key card sensor locks & door entry sensors (RFID). Computers, cell phones, & music players are getting increasingly smaller as their speed & memory is increasing while cellular phones are combining with cameras, PDA's, & internet applications. Meanwhile, standard key assemblies are getting larger and Increasingly bulky with unnecessary key chains, alarm remotes, garage door openers, & high-end car keys increasing in size. This irony can has become an unrecognized paradox especially since every consumer's most essential gadget is his or her set of keys.

There are numerous specificities, including various embodiments, optional physical enhancements, & technological upgrades that are Illustrated in this application. The descriptions herein should not limit the scope of any component of this Invention but illustrate some of its preferred embodiments. For example, the enclosure & related mechanisms could take on many different shapes, materials, & sizes that will enable unlimited function of this Invention to suit the needs of each individual user.

Therefore, the scope should be determined by the appended claims & their legal equivalents, & not by the examples given in this application.