Key Frictionally Retained In Container Patents (Class 206/37.3)
  • Patent number: 8915356
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a key management system and organizer for storing a plurality of keys. The key management system and organizer may include a first component and a second component, which together form a case. The first component may have a first clearance opening, a first magnet proximate to the first clearance opening, and a second magnet distal from the first clearance opening. The second component may have a second clearance opening, a first compatible magnet proximate to the second clearance opening, and a second compatible magnet distal from the second clearance opening. Each of the first component and the second component may have a pad adhered to an interior surface thereof. The first magnet and the second magnet may engage with the first compatible magnet and the second compatible magnet, creating a case having an interior configured to accommodate a plurality of keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventors: Sungwhan Cha, Yoonjung Kim
  • Patent number: 8648693
    Abstract: A key slot capable of accommodating an auxiliary key, which is a vehicle key other than a master key. A key lock mechanism locks or unlocks movement of the auxiliary key in the key slot, thereby allowing the auxiliary key to be taken out of the key slot in accordance with a lending condition of the auxiliary key. An invalid key return prevention unit permits the auxiliary key to be returned to the key slot in accordance with a return condition of the auxiliary key. If the return condition is met, the invalid key return prevention unit causes the key lock mechanism to lock the auxiliary key in the key slot. If the return condition is not met, the invalid key return prevention unit does not allow the auxiliary key to be returned to the key slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Hiroshi Tsuruta
  • Patent number: 8485008
    Abstract: An automotive key fob includes a leaf-style spring positioned within the key fob so that, while a removable key is inserted into the key fob, the removable key engages, and at least partially collapses, the spring thereby reducing movement of the key within the key fob and thereby reducing noise associated with movement of the key within the key fob. The leaf-style spring may be positioned in a spring-surrounding pocket within an external housing of the key fob. The spring-surrounding pocket may be at least partially defined by a wall having a height that is less than a height of the leaf-style spring while the spring is installed within the key fob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott A. Hall
  • Patent number: 8479547
    Abstract: A vehicle portable device that locks and unlocks a door of a vehicle by remote control has a case that accommodates a mechanical key operable to lock and unlock the door of the vehicle therein, and having an accommodation part in which the mechanical key is inserted in a predetermined insertion direction, a first engagement part that engages with a second engagement part of the mechanical key, and a retaining member in which the first engagement part is formed. The retaining member is supported in the case while being rotatable about a first support point. An external force is provided on the retaining member so as to rotate the retaining member in a first rotating direction. When the mechanical key is accommodated in the accommodation part, an exposed portion of the mechanical key is partially exposed from the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Omron Automotive Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Norihisa Kataya, Takayuki Suzuki, Akihiro Fujimoto, Hirofumi Ohata
  • Patent number: 8096412
    Abstract: A key remote control cover for covering the remote control portion of a remote control key to prevent inadvertent pressing of remote control buttons while handling the key includes a rigid main body portion having an interior, a closed first end, and an open second end. The main body portion is designed for surrounding the bow of a key. A slot is positioned in the closed first end of the main body portion such that the slot is designed for receiving a blade of the key therethrough while the main body portion surrounds the bow of the key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Inventor: Willis L. Britt
  • Patent number: 6672118
    Abstract: According to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus and method for retaining keys is disclosed. The present invention provides a tensioning mechanism within the body of the key-retaining apparatus for “pinching” the shaft of a key when the shaft is inserted into the body of the key-retaining apparatus. The tensioning mechanism may take the form of a spring-loaded mechanism or a tensioned piece of metal that is selectively pressured against the shaft of the key when the key is inserted into the body of the key-retaining apparatus. Additionally, a thong or strap may be provided for securing the key-retaining apparatus to a purse, backpack, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Edward E. Wright
  • Patent number: 6371286
    Abstract: A device for holding a plurality of toothed blades of flanked keys that may be selected and pulled out one by one. Each key has a groove with a preferably triangular section along the whole length of the edge resting against the bottom of the device for sliding along ribs of equal sections on the bottom of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventor: Pierluigi Montanari
  • Patent number: 6273245
    Abstract: An article holding assembly for a purse for conveniently storing a plurality of keys within a purse or other bag with the keys positioned in an easily accessed area within the purse. The inventive device includes a support case having a pocket member, a clip member attached to a rear portion of the support case for engaging one of several pockets within a handbag, and a shaft having a loop pivotally attached to an upper end for securing at least one key thereto. The shaft is slidably positionable within the pocket member of the support case thereby maintaining the key in a convenient location within the handbag. A capturing member such as a detent ball structure may be utilized to maintain the shaft within the pocket member during extreme movements of the handbag. A sleeve member may also be positioned within the pocket member for increasing the strength of the pocket member during extended usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: Douglas Mickelson