Abstract: A key includes a key-shaped supporting structure, made of a metal material, which includes a stem and a head having an opening therethrough, the opening being entirely laterally delimited by inner side walls extending from one face of the head to the other; and an insert, made of a polymeric material, which includes an identification system and which is removably inserted into the opening of the head, the insert having at least one section protruding from the inner side walls of the opening and laterally projecting with respect to the opening, thus abutting against a part of the head portion provided about the opening.

Abstract: Key assist devices for enabling a user to conveniently and repeatedly attach a key to a key ring's split ring and detach it therefrom and, during its detachment, securely clamp the key to a clothing item for safely carrying the key. The key assist devices include a spring clip with the interchangeability functionality of freely and directly suspending a key from a key ring's split ring and clamping the key on a clothing item. The key assist devices are designed such that they are unable to merely slide off a split ring but rather requires a specific user manipulation.

Abstract: An apparatus and system facilitates the identification of a key and its corresponding lock by marking each key with a unique indicia element that has a unique set of indicia. The indicia is easily recognized by a computing device using an image recognition process, and can map the unique indicia into a corresponding unique identifier to create a record that correlates the key with a specific lock, indicating the lock's location and other information about the lock. A user, given a key with indicia element on it, can then determine the lock to which the key corresponds by the indicia being automatically recognized, and used to locate a record corresponding to the indicia, and presenting the information in the record to the user.

Abstract: A key cover includes a body, the body including an aperture, the aperture shaped for receiving a key. The key cover further includes a flap, the flap interconnected with the body, the flap shaped such that the flap is foldable to an interior area of the body, the interior area is larger than the aperture, and the aperture leads to the interior area.

Abstract: A pet tag holder supports from a pet collar a pet tag having a hole. The pet tag holder comprises a flexible, resilient body including a major front wall, an opposed major rear wall, side edge walls interconnecting the front and rear walls, a top edge wall, and a bottom edge wall. The top and bottom edge walls are continuous with the side edge walls and interconnect the front and rear walls. The body defines a hollow sleeve having an interior cavity adapted for receiving and enclosing at least one pet tag and a slot for inserting the tag into the sleeve.

Abstract: A lock key comprising of (3) pieces. A head, a key blade and a snap lock. These pieces are interlocked together, so that separation is not possible in normal usage. The head is made of precious metal or non precious metal set with or without stones and may consist of various esthetic and ornamental forms. The snap lock engages the head and the key blade in a way to inhibit the removal of the head from the key blade in normal use. The key blade can be easily removed from the head and exchanged with another key blade as needed.

Abstract: An advertising apparatus including a body portion adapted to be one or both of connected to or disposed on a support structure accessible for advertising purposes and, an interchangeable and/or replaceable advertising device, the advertising device being adapted to be one or both of connected to or disposed on the body portion.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein can include one or more labels, each label having an indicia receiving surface adapted to receive indicium or indicia. The indicia receiving surface can provide a permanent, durable writing surface. A key for operating a mechanical lock can include one or more labels. The key can include a key main body and at least one label coupled to the key main body. The key main body comprises a head and an elongate body coupled to the head. The elongate body is configured to physically engage and operate a lock, such as a mechanical lock. The label can define an indicia receiving surface adapted to receive indicium or indicia.

Abstract: A colored heat-shrinkable label and labeling system including a key label and a lock label having a substantially cylindrical sleeve having an inner surface and an outer surface and formed of a colored heat shrink material of a size to fit around a head end of a key and a portion of a lock and to be shrunk to substantially encase the head end of the key (12), and a portion of a lock, forming a flat surface that can be written upon. The key label and the lock label being color coded to indicate that the key and the lock are associated with each other.

Abstract: A combination padlock with a name card has a housing, a card clamp, multiple dial cores, a shackle, a locking shaft and a key core. The housing has a card surface. The card clamp is mounted detachably on the card surface and holds a name card to indicate who owns the padlock. The dial cores are mounted in the housing, have a combination and provide a combination locking capability. The shackle is U-shaped and has a mounting end and a locking end. The mounting end is mounted through the dial cores. The locking end detaches from the housing. The locking shaft is mounted in the housing and selectively meshes the shackle with the dial cores. The key core is mounted in the housing, locks and releases the shackle by a key and allows a person to unlock the padlock when the combination is forgotten.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of swiftly identifying by touch or sight (including in low light) different keys in a set. Different keys are tagged with protrusions from their surface, and identifiers for different keys may differ in the total number of protrusions (which can vary in arrangement patterns in accordance with the number of protrusions), the shapes of the protrusions, and/or the color of the protrusions. The protrusions are fluorescent to allow identification in low light or dark. The set of protrusions for each key can be adhered to the key by placing them on one side of a support strip, which is coated with adhesive on the other side.

Abstract: A key sheath has a casing, an attracting element and a connector. The casing is hollow and has an inserting groove, a chamber, an opening and two mounting holes. The inserting groove is defined in the front end of the casing. The chamber is defined inside the casing and is communicated with the inserting groove. The opening is defined in the rear end of the casing and is communicated with the chamber. The mounting holes are respectively formed through the top and the bottom of the casing near the rear end and are communicated with the chamber. The attracting element is magnetic, is mounted in the chamber of the casing and has a through hole aligned with the mounting holes. The connector is tubular, is connected securely to the casing and the attracting element, and extends through the mounting holes and the through hole.

Abstract: The invention is for a memory assist device with an indicia field to indicate a number. The memory assist device includes at least two filaments extending between internal walls of the memory assist device to form an indicia field. The memory assist device also includes clips selectively clamped on the filaments to indicate the number. In one embodiment, the memory assist device has a loop portion for attachment to a key chain when using the memory assist device to indicate a floor on which a user has parked his car in a parking garage. In other embodiments, the memory assist device has a first numerical label to associate a numerical expression with a particular clip. In still other embodiments, the memory assist device has a second numerical label to indicate the position of the clips within the indicia field.

Abstract: A key includes a blade, a bow formed on an end of the blade, and an ornamental member mounted in a hole of the bow. A transparent casing accommodates the bow and thus retain the ornamental member in the hole of the bow. In another embodiment, the hole is delimited by a bottom wall, and a transparent lid is force-fitted in the hole that receives the ornamental member and thus retains the ornamental member in the hole. The key may be used as an ornament in addition to its original utility. The ornamental member can be replaced by the user with a desired one at any time when desired.

Abstract: A colored based lock and key, wherein the key includes a color indication incorporated thereon, and the lock includes a color sensor for identifying the color indication, so as to open the lock. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the key includes a blank or blanks on which at least one, and preferably a plurality of colors are incorporated. The blank or blanks can be formed of metal, plastic, or any other material on which colors or color emitting or color reflecting materials can be incorporated by various methods. According to other preferred embodiments of the present invention, the lock includes at least one color sensor arranged to sense the color incorporated on the key or on a predefined sequence of keys, when the key or keys are inserted in the lock, or put across the lock or rotated in the lock, and further includes a decision mechanism activated by an electric signal generated upon identification of the color incorporated on the key, to permit opening of the lock.

Abstract: A key holder pendant, constituted by a head which is connected, by means of connecting elements, to rings which are adapted to hold keys, comprising a bent rod-like element whose mutually opposite ends form teeth which can be detachably engaged in seats provided in the head.

Abstract: A novel kit, method, and system for the identification of a key and a corresponding lock. The kit, method, and system involve use of a first sticker and a second sticker, each sticker having an identical identification aspect. The first sticker is placed on a key and the second sticker is placed on a lock. By virtue of the identical identification aspects of the two stickers, a user can identify the key and the corresponding lock.

Abstract: A method of using an apparatus for identifying keys of a type that has a plurality of tags with adhesive on one side thereof for permitting attachment to a key. The tags are distinguishable from each other by a combination of color and shape. A reference sheet is also provided which has a plurality of indicia thereon, each respective indicia being of a color and shape to match the color and shape of the tags. The reference sheet has a space beside each one of the colored indicia for permitting an identification of an object to be placed in this respective space. This permits the respective colored indicia to be matched to a respective tag attached to a key thereby matching the key with the object to be locked or unlocked.

Abstract: A key holder pendant, constituted by a head (2) which is connected, by means of connecting elements (4), to rings (3) which are adapted to hold keys, characterized in that it comprises a bent rod-like element (9) whose mutually opposite ends form teeth (8) which can be detachably engaged in seats (7) provided in the head (2).

Abstract: A lock device having a rotatable identification brand includes a lock body defining a receiving space and formed with at least one view window, a rotatable member rotatably mounted in the receiving space of the lock body and provided with identification information that may be seen through the view window of the lock body, and a drive mechanism mounted on the rotatable member for rotating the rotatable member. The rotatable member may be driven and rotated by the drive mechanism, so that the user may watch the information printed on the rotatable member through the view window, thereby facilitating other people identifying the owner of the lock device, and thereby enhancing the aesthetic quality of the lock device.

Abstract: A key includes a stem connected to a head and an identification system positioned within the head. The head has two opposing surfaces and an aperture that forms a visible area. The aperture extends along the opposing surfaces and interior walls of the aperture connect the opposing surfaces. The identification system is configured to be positioned within the aperture and includes a cover and an identification card that carries a key identification. When inserted, the cover extends across the visible area within the aperture so that the key identification is visible.

Abstract: A keyhole barrier system for use with tumbler locks containing a keyway and a plurality of tumblers. The system contains a keyhole block having both retention and signaling portions. The retention portion prevents removal of the keyhole block from the lock by providing a locking surface for the lock tumblers. The signaling portion extends outwardly from the keyway preferably substantially parallel to the retention portion. The system can further include an extractor having both insertion and handle portions. The extractor facilitates removal of the installed keyhole block by raising the tumblers locked against the keyhole block. Further, the handle portion and the signaling portion can form a retraction aid to facilitate removal of the system from a keyway.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a key locator (10) having a tag (12). A key attachment means (14) is securely attached to the tag (12) and at least one key (16) is securely attached to the key attachment means (14). At least one set of instructions (18) are inscribed on the tag (12). The tag (12) includes a mailing address (20) having mailing address postage indicia (20A) inscribed on the tag (12). A microchip (22) which comprises an user's personal identifier therein embedded with the tag (12). A bar code (24) which comprises an user's personal identifier therein inscribed on the tag (12), along with a magnetic strip (26) which also has an user's personal identifier therein recorded. A method is included describing the method to record the user's personal identifier onto the tag (12).

Abstract: A key and insert assembly is designed for the identification of keys or key blanks. The key is provided with a slot through the key head which is oriented in a plane parallel with the face of the key head. A window through the key head intersects the slot. The slot is designed to receive a thin insert made of synthetic resin and the window area allows a portion of the insert to be displayed. Information regarding the key or other codes may be printed on the insert region which is displayed. In a preferred embodiment, the insert is retained in the slot by a snap-fit arrangement.

Abstract: The key has a head (2) provided with a window (3) enabling to see a portion (5) of the surface of the cylinder of the body (4) of the key. Two grooves (16) extend each one over one half of the circumference of the body (4), they are mutually offset by 180 degrees and ended by bores (7). In the service position, pins (12) are urged towards the bottom of the bores (7) by a resilient member (13). When the torque applied to the head (2) of the key increases, the pins (12) are expelled from the bores (7) and the head of the key can rotate by 180 degrees relatively to its shank (1), thus showing the opposite portion of the body (4) through the window (3).

Abstract: A keyholder is described having a soft nylon cord, looped to hold keys, with both ends of the nylon loop capturable in a cord capture device. The cord capture is of the type which permits passing of the cord through aligned holes in a casing and in a button in the casing, where the button compresses a spring to align the holes. When the button/spring is released, any cord segment in the cord capture is prevented from movement through the holes. One end of the nylon cord has a clip on it to prevent that end from passing through the cord capture; and advertising indicia may be put on a surface attached to the clip. A preferred method for making the keyholder is described, including protecting the cord ends from fraying.

Abstract: In a data carrier (10) suitable for always taking along with oneself, personal data of the user such as name, date of birth, blood group, size, particular traits such as permanent medication needs, allergies or the like, are recorded on a spring steel strip (11) that may be wound into a flat, can-like case (12) like that of a measuring tape. The letters and numbers of which the information (14) recorded on the spring steel strip (11) is composed are cut into the strip as recesses with the contour of the letters and numbers by a laser cutting process. The case (12) may be designed as the head of the ignition key of a vehicle, the key bit (23) being fixedly inserted into a block-like extension (22) of the case (12).

Abstract: A removable keyboard cap extension apparatus for a data processing system entry keyboard having a number of data entry keys which are constructed to electronically convey data. The removable keyboard cap extension apparatus includes a keyboard cap adapted to fit onto a key among a plurality of keys for use by a user of a particular data processing application among a number of data processing applications. The removable keyboard cap extension apparatus has a body that includes an upper planar surface, wherein the body and its upper planar surface are elevated above the data entry keys such that the upper planar surface is enhanced larger than the data entry key. The removable keyboard cap extension apparatus can be connected to an individual data entry key, or can replace the data entry key. A depression at any point on the upper planar surface will actuate only the individual data entry key which the removable keyboard cap extension apparatus is connected or replaces.

Abstract: A magnetic key holding plaque comprised of a plaque having an inner surface and an outer surface. A plurality of magnets are secured within the inner surface of the plaque. A plurality of magnetic pendants are secured within the outer surface of the plaque opposed from the plurality of magnets.

Abstract: An improved recovery system utilizing a two-piece detachable card. A base (10) and tag (12) are snapped apart at groove (16) into two separate pieces. Tag (12) is attached to an article such as a standard key ring via through-hole (14). Base (10) is retained in a secure place. If the article is lost a finder is asked to follow a specific course of action. Listed on the back of tag (12) is finder call number (22). The finder is prompted by the written words "If found, please call . . . " and a toll-free telephone number is listed. Upon calling the number from a touch-tone telephone, the finder is instructed to punch in tag number (20). The tones generated by punching in an activated tag number (20) cause a specific voice mail box to be created within computer (30). The finder is further instructed to leave a brief voice message providing a phone number or location where the "found" article can be recovered.

Abstract: A medallion article comprising a base member having a planar inner surface and a substantially planar lens mounted on the base member, said lens having an indicia-bearing inner surface spaced from the inner surface of the base member, whereby the indicia on the inner surface of the lens appear as shadows on the inner surface of the base.

Abstract: A key locking indicator device usable with a key of conventional design for tactile and visual indication of whether the device was last used to look or unlock the look operated by the key. The device is of simple construction, embodies a minimum number of moving parts, and is easy to use.

Abstract: A key and clip combination useful for securing a spare key in a wallet or purse and for key identification. The clip is low profile and prevents the wallet or purse from becoming bulky. The clip may also include apertures for exposing the hole within the key used for placing the key on a key chain or key peg.

Abstract: A leather surround for decorative articles of the type which could be used with key rings or luggage tags, golf bag tags, and the like includes a pair of leather sheets, one of which includes an opening A decorative article, such as a pictorial work or logo, is inserted between the leather sheets so that the portion to be displayed is visible at the opening. Preferably the article is made from a non-ferrous metal, such as pewter. The article includes a flange surrounding at least a portion of its outer boundary adapted to be received between the two sheets of leather In the preferred embodiment, the leather sheets are stitched together around the outside of the article and flange and an adhesive is applied to the rear surface of the article to assist in bonding the article to the leather sheet and maintaining a desired orientation.

Abstract: Various methods are disclosed for securing a label, such as a bar code label, to a key blank. A first layer, preferably formed from any clear or solid plastic, includes indicia defining the bar code information. The first layer is welded, fused, or rivet connection to a second layer, again preferably formed from plastic, through a key opening. Alternatively, a rivet extends through the key opening and mechanically retains the first layer to the key blank.

Abstract: A double ended key holder includes a first body portion, a second body portion, and joining and biasing mechanisms for engaging the first and second body portions together to form a key holder having openings on at least one end. The first body portion is configured to form one of the openings and has a gap which is hidden when the first and second body portions are biased together in an engaged position. The first and second body portions are joined for relative slidably movement between the engaged position and the open position. A transmitter may be included as part of the key holder for remote control of an automobile, garage door opener, security system or the like. Additional configurations of key holders are disclosed including a key holder having only a single body portion. The transmitter may be included as part of the single body portion.

Abstract: A key cover comprises a hinged frame and two removably insertable insignia plates for bearing an identifying mark or logo. The frame has a recess for accommodating the head of the key and a locking means which retains the cover on the key head when the frame is folded over onto itself. The insignia plates include bosses which extend through the key ring hole of the key, for preventing the key from pivoting within the cover. The plates are inserted into openings in the frame, the key blade is inserted between the hinges and the frame is folded over onto itself. Pressure on the frame engages the locking means, which retains the cover on the key head.

Abstract: An accessory for attaching characters (letters or symbols) to pens, key holders and the like. Each individual character has an aperture and a toothed member. The characters are assembled by inserting an elongated body through the apertures. The toothed member mates with a slot in the elongated body to orient the characters perpendicular to the elongated body. Complementary interlocking teeth in the slot securely fasten the characters to the body and insure proper spacing between the characters.

Abstract: An identification tag for handwritten imprinting of information is disclosed. In such an application, a hole is provided for attachment to the identified item by a variety of conventional means. A transparent protective sheet is attached to the tag in the area of the hole by a pressure sensitive adhesive. The balance of the protective sheet is coated with the adhesive but isolated from the tag by a releasable backing. Following information imprinting, the backing is removed to allow the adhesive to completely attach the protective sheet to the tag. The imprinted tag may be temporarily attached to another object by an extension of the protective sheet, adhesive, and backing beyond an edge of the tag. Subsequent removal of the tag is accomplished by bending and tearing along perforations or scoring in the protective sheet at the edge of the tag. Various embodiments and applications of the tag are disclosed.

Abstract: Key head that constitutes a piece of jewelry designed to be fitted, successively, with various keys and that comprises a case consisting of two parts to be assembled (9,32) at least, one of which (9) is fitted on the inner side with locking means (10-12, 14-16) that prevent any displacement of the cut section (6) of the key and of the bit (8) in relation to the aforesaid part of the case, in their plane, as well as, also on the inner side, with removable means of fixation (17 and/or 22,23) for the cut section in the locked position so as to prevent any rotary movement of this section and of the bit in relation to this part of the case, with these locking means and means of fixation not visible from the outside, subsequent to assembling.

Abstract: A device for producing variable moire patterns including a housing maintaining transparent sheets in face-to-face relationship, said sheets movable relative to one another and each carrying a pattern of lines.

Abstract: A portable pocket-size card holding device includes a holder capable of holding a plurality of cards. The holder comprises a pair of spaced floor and top members, laterally spaced side members extending between the floor and top members, and an end member extending between a first set of ends of the floor, top and side members so that the one end of the holder is closed off and its other end is open, with the members defining between them a cavity. Spaced channels are provided along the top and floor members. The channels are located inside the cavity and extend substantially parallel to one another, with the channels of the top member being aligned with those of the bottom members so that, in use, cards in the holder will extend substantially parallel to the side members. Each pair of channels in the top and floor members provides a card receiving zone capable of accommodating a single card.

Abstract: An ornamental holder for objects such as disposable lighters, cosmetics and the like having a body with front and sides configured to engage the contained object. The front side defines a transparent viewing window having an interior and exterior surface. A suitable design or ornamentation is placed at the interior surface and the transparent window and provides a lens effect to enhance the visual effect of the ornamentation.

Abstract: The tag for attachment to hotel keys and the like is disclosed herein. The tag includes a base panel and an aperture frame portion defined by upwardly extending sidewall portions and inwardly extending peripheral flange disposed in spaced opposed relation to the outer edge portions of the base panel. A slot is provided through one of the sidewall portions of the flange for insertion and removal of a resiliently flexible card bearing advertising indicia and the like for display within the frame portion of said tag. The undersurface of said flange adjacent to the slot includes a shoulder adapted to engage the outer edge of said card for retaining the card within the frame. The upper surface of the base panel is of stepped construction having a lower lever disposed adjacent to and communicating with the slot and an upper surface level along the portion of the tag opposite the said slot.

Abstract: A casing for holding a key in one of two pivoted positions. The key pivots about an axis extending along one edge thereof when a lock is turned by the user of the key. An indicator may be attached to the key for extension through a small opening in the casing or housing when the key is in one position and for retraction below the level of the casing periphery when the key is in the opposite position. In a second embodiment, a portion of the casing may be pierced along three edges and arranged so that, when the key is in one position, the pierced portion is pushed above the casing periphery and, when the key is pivoted to the second position, the pierced portion is coextensive with or below the casing periphery. In a third embodiment, an indicator may be pivotally fastened in position between halves of the casing for movement (a) above and (b) even with or below the periphery of the casing when the key is pivoted.

Abstract: An identifying tag affixed to a key wherein the identifying tag has a surface area which receives the identifying indicia. The identifying tag has opposite ends with locking or latching members so that the opposite ends can be fastened together. The identifying tag is dimensioned so that it can pass through at least two receiving holes in the key and then have the latching members engaged so that the identifying tag is securely retained to the key. The identifying tag is generally made from a flexible material so that the tag can be easily manipulated by the user to pass through the receiving holes and then latched.

Abstract: A key attachment for affixing identifying information to a key in which a handle has a recess therein and the head of the key is retained in the recess, with the shank of the key projecting outwardly from the handle. A sheet with the identifying information is disposed on the top of the key in the handle, and a clear cover is disposed on top of the sheet and is locked to the handle. The means for retaining the key head in the handle may be a filler piece in the recess having a cutout conforming to the shape of the head of the key, a post or rivet interconnecting the key and the bottom of the recess, a layer of malleable material in the recess in which the head of the key is embedded, or a layer of material in the recess having a high coefficient of friction against which the head of the key is held under pressure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a key capable of being rapidly and efficiently identified by the user, whether in a lighted or dark environment. In a number of preferred embodiments of this invention, the key carries a panel or strip on which the user, at his or her option, may apply indicia in the form of a name, identification of the cooperative cylinder lock with which the key is associated, or, by way of example only, a decorative symbol which may catch the user's fancy or political persuasion. Magnifying, duplicate viewing and phosphorescent-type members are contemplated as coming within the scope of this invention, as are small tactile projections which are capable of being used and/or changed by the user to identify the key without actually viewing it.