Key case with elasticized cord

Abstract

The present invention broadly comprises a key case with a body having a compartment where one end of the compartment has an opening. The key case body is preferably composed of two covers detachably connected in a clamshell style which can include a lens in one cover for displaying objects. A lid is pivotally attached to the body and is operatively arranged to cover the compartment opening when the lid is closed. A clasp, with two components that magnetically interact, is disposed on the key case to lock the lid closed. An elasticized cord connected to the key case enables the use and then later retraction of keys into the compartment. Distal to the lid is a swivel attached to the key case body that can hold a secondary key holder.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to key holders, more particularly to a key case having a compartment to hold keys wherein the case has an elasticized cord that functions as a tethering and retraction means.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Key holders are known in the art. The field has expanded beyond conventional key rings. For example, some key holders have been patented that have compartments to store keys that have magnetized lids (e.g., such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. D401,054) or pivoting lids (e.g., such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,092,244), but such key holders fail to provide an element for retaining keys once the lid on the compartment is open. Other patents disclose key compartments having a retractable key mechanism that employs either a coiled spring that is attached to a key, or a cord that is wound around a spring loaded wheel (e.g., such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,421,349 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,422,316).

Some traditional key cases have no retaining means to prevent the loss of keys that are placed in the key compartment. Keys that are placed in this type of key case can be lost if the lid on the compartment should be inadvertently opened. Additionally, the difficulty of sorting through numerous keys is exacerbated with such a device since any keys placed in such a case are loose and untethered to the compartment and must be slowly and carefully removed to avoid dropping or losing keys. Other key cases that provide a spring as a tethering element or a retraction means (e.g., such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,421,349) are incapable of holding multiple keys because such cases only have capacity to hold one key, and require a mechanism such as a pin and track system to remove the key from the holder.

Another disadvantage of previous compartment style key holders, is that such key holders have sacrificed form over function. One-dimensional key holders that provide nothing other than one feature, key holding, offer consumers little variety or aesthetic appeal. Spartan key case designs fail to provide consumers with options that enable the key case to be personalized.

Therefore there is a long felt need for a compartment style key case that holds keys with a retaining means that is sufficient to hold keys securely and yet flexible enough to enable a user to withdraw the keys easily from the compartment when they are needed. Such a compartment should also include an opening with a lid that can be pivotally closed upon the opening when the keys are not needed. To make certain that the keys are securely stowed in the compartment a magnetic closure on the lid can be provided that locks the lid closed. Alternatively, a key case can provide a feature that would give a user the capability of personalizing their key case.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention broadly comprises a key case with a body having a compartment where one end of the compartment has an opening. The key case body is preferably composed of two covers detachably connected in a clamshell style which can include a lens in one cover for displaying objects. A lid is pivotally attached to the body and is operatively arranged to cover the compartment opening when the lid is closed. A clasp, with two components that magnetically interact, is disposed on the key case to lock the lid closed. An elasticized cord connected to the key case enables the use and then later retraction of keys into the compartment. Distal to the lid is a swivel attached to the key case body that can hold a secondary key holder.

It is a general object of the invention to provide a key case with a hollow compartment capable of holding keys or other objects.

It is another object of the invention to provide a key case with an elasticized cord emanating from a compartment of the case, which enables the keys to be stretched away from the compartment, and then retracted back into the compartment when they are released.

It is another object of the invention to provide a key case that has a lid pivotally attached to the key case that enables the closing of the compartment in order to secure the keys when not in use.

It is another object of the invention to provide a key case with a lid with a clasp that has two components that magnetically interact.

It is another object of the invention to provide a key case that has an alternative key holding device on the exterior of the key case that is attached to a swivel that is rotationally attached to the key case.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a key case with a lens disposed on the key case body that is operatively arranged to display an object, such as a photograph.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the invention in view of the several drawings of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The nature and mode of operation of the present invention will now be more fully described in the following detailed description of the invention taken with the accompanying drawing figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the key case;

FIG. 2 is an elevational front view of the key case shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an elevational rear view of the key case shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an elevational right side view of the key case shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the key case of the invention with the lid open and a key attached to the key clip;

FIG. 6 is a partially exploded view of the key case shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a view of the key case with the back cover removed and selected parts of the invention removed to show storage and attachment of the elasticized cord;

FIG. 8 is an elevational rear view of the key case with the back cover removed;

FIG. 9 is a partially exploded rear view of the key case;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the key clip connected to the elasticized cord; and,

FIG. 11 is an elevational view of the interior of the back cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical structural elements of the invention. While the present invention is described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred embodiments, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of key case 10 with a clamshell design where the two halves of key case 10, front cover 12 and back cover 14, are detachably connected. Front cover 12 is shown having a lens 16 disposed on the middle of front cover 12. It is preferable that lens 16 is disposed on the front of key case 10, but locating lens 16 on back cover 14 is also a viable alternative. The size and shape of lens 16 is variable and will likely need to be adjusted based on the size of front cover 12 or back cover 14, which are both equally variable in size. Lens 16 is preferably transparent or translucent, however, lens 16 can also be colored or have patterns molded or imprinted thereon. Lens 16 is not limited to just one lens. Alternatively, multiple transparent or translucent lenses can be positioned on front cover 12 or back cover 14. This would allow a user to display multiple objects at once on key case 10. Preferably, lens 16 is constructed of clear plastic molded to the desired shape. Alternatively, other polymers can be used, or the desired lens shape can be cut from sheets of glass or plastic.

Swivel 24 and attached key holding device 22 are located on the top portion of key case 10, and this combination supplies an extra key holding device that supplements the primary key holding means disposed within key case 10, namely elasticized cord 32 (shown in FIG. 5). It is contemplated that key holding device 22 could be used as a holding means for keys that are used frequently, such as automotive keys. Using key holding device 22 in this manner enables one to isolate one or two keys on key holding device 22. This enables swift and easy access to the frequently used keys since they are not obscured by numerous infrequently used keys. Swivel 24 accentuates the ease and accessibility of keys retained on key holding device 22 by permitting the free rotation of keys attached to key holding device 22 on a 360 degree arc perpendicular to covers 12 and 14. In the preferred embodiment key case 10 and all major components of the invention, like front cover 12, back cover 14, and swivel 24 are constructed of zinc with a nickel plated finish. However, other metals, metallic alloys, or various solid and resilient polymers could also be substituted.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, elevational front and rear views respectively, key holding device 22 is a conventional key ring comprised of a metallic wire that has bent into an overlapping ring configuration. In FIG. 2, a profile of lid 18 is visible demonstrating its position distal to swivel 24 on key case 10. Lid 18, shown in the closed position, is disposed on what will be designated as the bottom of key case 10. Brackets 20, which are integral to front cover 12 and back cover 14, pivotally secure lid 18 to key case 10, as will be further elucidated in later drawings. To facilitate effortless opening of lid 18, lip 26 has been molded into lid 18, which is an appendage of lid 18 that extends beyond the profile of front cover 12 and back cover 14. Lip 26 should provide enough of an overhang to give a user a handle sufficient to facilitate opening of lid 18. In the preferred embodiment, lid 18 is constructed of zinc with a nickel plated finish, but other metals, a metallic alloy, or various solid and resilient polymers could also be substituted.

In FIG. 3, it is further demonstrated that back cover 14 can be detachably connected to front cover 12 (shown in FIG. 2) by a releasable fastening means such as a screw. Other releasable fastening means can include clips, pins, brads, magnets, or equivalent fasteners could be substituted. In the preferred embodiment the screws are nickel plated die-cast zinc screws with a finish that matches the finish of covers 12 and 14. Due to the preferred construction of key case 10 that enables covers 12 and 14 to be detachable, the fastening means ought to be releasable. With a releasable fastening means, covers 12 and 14 can be detached to enable the changing of objects, such as but not limited to photographs, displayed behind lens 16.

FIG. 4 is an elevational side view of key case 10 where the clamshell design of key case 10 is further illustrated. It is clearly demonstrated that front cover 12 is detachably connected to back cover 14 wherein the width of back cover 14 is a fraction of the width of front cover 12. Two brackets 20 are shown securing lid 18 to key case 10. Each bracket 20 is integral to the cover portions with one bracket 20 molded into each cover portion. This entails casting the cover portions in a mold with a bracket appendage, but brackets 20 could also be spot welded, or attached in a similar way to covers 12 and 14.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of key case 10 with lid 18 open. Key 28 is attached to key clip 30 which is secured to elasticized cord 32 by crimping ring 58. Elasticized cord 32 can be merely wrapped around key clip 30. However, in a preferred embodiment key clip 30 also includes an attachment point for elasticized cord 32 that comprises a tubular piece with a smooth edged aperture through which elasticized cord 32 is threaded. After elasticized cord 32 is threaded through the aperture, the free end of the cord is secured to the rest of the cord by crimping ring 58. In the preferred embodiment, key clip 30 is manufactured from a stainless steel tab that has been bent into a general u-shape. Resiliency and flexibility in the stainless steel tab provides the properties necessary to retain keys on key clip 30 while still enabling the quick and easy removal or addition of keys to the clip. It should be understood that the preferred key clip 30 that has thus far been described and shown in FIG. 5 is only one variation on many clip types that could perform the key holding function that key clip 30 performs. Variations in shape, including using a circular or triangular shaped clip, or using a conventional key ring are all considered equivalents of key clip 30. Changes in the material used to manufacture key clip 30, which could include using a metal other than stainless steel, or a flexible polymer instead of a metallic clip, are variations that still encompass the scope of the claimed invention. It is ideal that no matter the shape of key clip 30, or material used to construct it, that it be devoid of any rough or jagged edges that may fray or compromise the integrity of elasticized cord 32. It should also be appreciated that, although clip 30 can be used to hold keys, the clip could also be used to secure the key holder to a belt loop.

It is advantageous that key case 10 have a hollow compartment 34 that provides space sufficient to store at least one key. Preferably, the space in compartment 34 is large enough to accommodate a plurality of keys that can be retained on key clip 30. When the keys retained on key clip 30 are not in use they can be securely stored within compartment 34. Lid 18 is provided as added security that the keys in compartment 34 will not somehow jostle free from key clip 30 and elasticized cord 32. Lid 18 can be pivoted over the opening of compartment 34 due to hinge brackets 20 that retain pins 50 (shown in FIG. 6) of lid 18. Locking lid 18 in the closed position is preferably accomplished by the interaction of first clasp member 38, positioned on the underside of lid 18, with second clasp member 36, position on font cover 12. Clasp member 36 and 38 can both be permanent magnets or just one can be a permanent magnet. In the preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, clasp member 36 is shown imbedded in the case and clasp member 38 is shown imbedded in lid 18. It is not essential that clasp member 36 and 38 both be permanent magnets. Lid 18 can be sufficiently locked closed if only one of clasp members 36 or 38 were a permanent magnet, and the related surface that the magnet is in contact with, when lid 18 is closed, was attracted to magnets, i.e., a ferromagnetic material. Thus, if only one magnet is used in the position of 38, then the surface that would replace clasp member 36 would be required to be attracted to magnets, i.e., ferromagnetic, and vice versa if only one magnet was used in the position of 36.

Elasticized cord 32 provides the flexibility needed to stretch the keys retained on key clip 30 away from key case 10 a sufficient distance to prevent the inhibition or hindering of a user's ability to employ the retained keys. Elasticized cord 32 is preferably constructed of a cord material that has sufficient flexibility to permit the expansion of the cord when it is subjected to a pulling force. Material such as a bungee type cord constructed of durable elastic threads intertwined is optimal, but other flexible materials that would be apparent to one skilled in the art would also be sufficient. In its optimal configuration elasticized cord 32 will have sufficient length to allow key clip 30, which is attached to elasticized cord 32, to be slightly emerged from compartment 34 when cord 32 is unstretched. By applying a pulling force to the end of elasticized cord 32, keys retained on clip 30 can be moved to the desired position to unlock a door or other security device. Sufficient flexibility in elasticized cord 32 is necessary to enable a user to comfortably and easily insert keys in the intended keyhole. Although a great deal of clearance is not necessary there is a minimal distance, at least the length of a key, which is needed to provide enough room to effectively employ the keys that are attached. Flexibility in elasticized cord 32 is also intended to add a key retraction function. Optionally, after the keys have been used and are no longer needed the potential energy stored in a fully stretched elasticized cord 32 can be exploited to cause the keys to snap back to the original position after they are released. The keys may fully retract into compartment 34 depending on the strength and length of the elasticized cord used.

Keys attached to key clip 30 can also be permitted to hang from compartment 34 from elasticized cord 32 which emanates from compartment 34. Damage to elasticized cord 32 can be avoided or at least lessened due to channel 68, in compartment 34, which is formed near clasp member 36. Channel 68 reduces fraying that would otherwise occur if channel 68 was not available. Channel 68 also enables elasticized cord 32 to hang more freely from compartment 34 even with lid 18 closed. Channel 68 also enables a user to retract and dangle key clip 30 from compartment 34 without obstructing lid 18.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of key case 10 with elasticized cord 32 and key clip 30 not shown. The clamshell design of key case 10 is better demonstrated in this exploded view with back cover 14 suspended over front cover 12. In the embodiment shown, the fastening means shown are threaded screws 28 that are inserted through aperture 48 and then threaded into threaded receiving aperture 46 in front cover 12. Countersink recesses around aperture 48 enable screws 28 to rest flush with the surface of back cover 14. If an alternative attachment means is substituted for screws 28 it is advantageous that the attachment means lay flush with back cover 14 in order to create a key case that is smooth. Wall 60 extends from back cover 14 and serves the function of securing object 42 with back plate 40 into recess 54 when the back cover 14 is connected to front cover 12. Object 42, such as an image, a photo or artwork, is sandwiched between back plate 40 and front cover 12 in recess 54. The choice of object 42 is only limited by the imagination and taste of the user and the depth of recess 54. The object chosen can be viewed through lens 16 (shown in FIG. 5).

It is advantageous that pins 50 be molded into notches at the end of lid 18 as shown in FIG. 6. Pins 50 insert into detents in brackets 20 and serve as the means that secure lid 18 to covers 12 and 14. Assembling key case 10 requires that pins 50 be aligned with detents in brackets 20 as the front cover 12 is attached to back cover 14. This arrangement enables lid 18 to pivot on the axis created by the interaction between pin 50 and bracket 20, thereby facilitating access and protection for the contents of compartment 34 (shown in FIG. 5).

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of key case 10 with back cover 14 removed and suspended over front cover 12 to reveal the layout and attachment point of elasticized cord 32. Notably, back plate 40 is in its designated position over object 42 (covered by back plate 40) in recess 54 (shown in FIG. 8). Wall 44 has been partially broken away to reveal the positioning of elasticized cord 32 in the channel created between wall 64 and the exterior wall of front cover 12. Wall 64 has a curved portion 44 at an end distal to lid 18 of key case 10, i.e., curved portion 44 is proximate to swivel 24. It is advantageous that curved portion 44 of wall 64 have a large radius to inhibit the fraying of elasticized cord 32. Preferably, the curved portion 44 and other areas that elasticized cord comes into contact with are free of rough or sharp edges that can damage elasticized cord 32.

FIG. 8 is an elevational view of the inside of front cover 10. Back plate 40 and object 42 have been removed to show recess 54 and lens 16. The channel provided by wall 64 provides space for extra length of elasticized cord 32 to reside. The additional length that resides within the channel along wall 64 furnishes the stretching capacity needed to withdraw and retract keys without an excessive amount of slack in elasticized cord 32. At the end of wall 64, proximate to the opening of compartment 34, a thicker portion of wall 64 and the exterior wall of front cover 14 jut out and form clip 52. A knot or a thicker section at the end of elasticized cord 32 is held by clip 52 which anchors that end of elasticized cord 32 inside key case 10. To make certain that elasticized cord 32 remains anchored in clip 52 it would beneficial to apply an epoxy or adhesive at or near clip 52. A shorter length of elasticized cord may not provide the clearance needed to employ the attached keys. Also, attaching an elasticized cord, which has a comparable length as the preferred embodiment, at a different attachment point would result in slack that would defeat the retraction feature of key case 10.

Swivel 24 is placed in notch 66 which gives ample space for swivel 24 to rotate 360 degrees. Collar 56 prevents swivel 24 from being removed from key case 10 when covers 12 and 14 are joined. In the preferred embodiment swivel 24 has an aperture that can receive a conventional key ring or another key holding device. It is envisioned that swivel 24 can hold frequently used keys, like automotive keys, so that those keys are at the ready. Keys that are used less frequently can be attached to elasticized cord 32 upon key clip 30 and then stored in compartment 34. This dual key holding capacity enables a user to hide unsightly key collections without hindering accessibility of those keys. Keys to a rarely used lock or door can be safely stowed away and quickly accessed by simply opening lid 18 and stretching elasticized cord 32. Frequently used keys are not hidden on a key ring with numerous other keys, making them easier to locate and employ. The problems caused by bulky key rings snagging the fabric of a pocket or the interior of a purse can be avoided since the majority of the keys the typical user owns can be neatly stored away inside compartment 34.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of front cover 12 that has back plate 40 and object 42 suspended above font cover 12. Lid 18 is shown with one pin 50 inserted into the detent in bracket 20 of front cover 12. In the fully assembled version of key case 10 the exposed pin 50 would also be inserted into the corresponding detent of bracket 20 on back cover 14.

FIG. 10 is a close-up perspective view of key clip 30 connected to elasticized cord 32. As shown, crimping ring 58 is a metallic ring that has been bent around a free end of cord 32 and another section of cord 32, after being threaded through key clip 30. Key clip 30 is shown in an open position ready to receive keys. The metal used to construct key clip 30, preferably stainless steel, should be flexible enough to permit the flexing open of the joint in clip 30, but tensile enough to regain the original closed position when the clip is not being pulled open.

FIG. 11 is an elevational view of the interior of back cover 14. Walls 60 and 62, though on opposite sides of back cover 14, serve a similar function. Both walls 60 and 62 prevent object 42 and back plate 40, which are advantageously sized to fit flush within recess 54, from falling out of place or shifting. After object 42 is selected, it is placed in recess 54 face down against lens 16. Back plate 40 can then be placed on top of object 42. Covers 12 and 14 can then be detachably connected and walls 60 and 62, which are operatively arranged to rest on back plate 40 when back cover 14 is secured to front cover 12, hold each side of back plate 40 within recess 54. Apertures 48 enable screws 28, or a similar fastening means, to secure back cover 14 to front cover 12.

Thus, it is seen that the objects of the present invention are efficiently obtained, although modifications and changes to the invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, and these modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.

Claims

1. A key case comprising:

a body having a compartment; wherein one end of said compartment has an opening;

a lid pivotally attached to said body; wherein said lid can pivot to cover said opening; and,

an elasticized cord secured to said body interior of said compartment;

2. The key case of claim 1, further comprising at least one lens located on said body and arranged to hold and display an object.

3. The key case of claim 2, wherein said lens is transparent.

4. The key case of claim 1, wherein said body comprises a front cover and a back cover that are detachably connected.

5. The key case of claim 4, wherein said front and back covers are detachably connected using a releasable fastening means.

6. The key case of claim 1, wherein said lid further comprises a clasp; wherein said clasp comprises a first clasp member located on the door that is operatively arranged to magnetically interact with a second clasp member located on said body.

7. The key case of claim 6, wherein said first clasp member is a permanent magnet.

8. The key case of claim 6, wherein said first clasp member is ferromagnetic.

9. The key case of claim 6, wherein said second clasp member is a permanent magnet.

10. The key case of claim 6, wherein said second clasp member is ferromagnetic.

11. The key case of claim 1, wherein said lid has a lip at one end that extends beyond the profile of said body when said lid is closed.

12. The key case of claim 1, wherein said elasticized cord can be stretched at least 30% of the original length of said elasticized cord.

13. The key case of claim 1, further comprising a clip attached to a free end of said elasticized cord, wherein said clip is operatively arranged to hold at least one key.

14. The key case of claim 1, further comprising a clip attached to a free end of said elasticized cord, wherein said clip is operatively arranged to be detachably secured to a belt loop of a pair of pants.

15. The key case of claim 13, wherein said elasticized cord is operatively arranged to position said key clip at said opening in said key case when in the unstretched position.

16. The key case of claim 1, further comprising a swivel attached to said body.

17. The key case of claim 16, wherein at least one key holding device is removably attached to said swivel.

18. The key case of claim 1, further comprising a channel in said compartment that is operatively arranged to hold said elasticized cord in place and partially external to said compartment when said lid is in a closed position.