Key Holders Patents (Class 70/456R)
  • Patent number: 6164102
    Abstract: A bulbous hand grip facilitates the turning of a key within a lock by increasing the turning radius through which the key is turned, as well as providing finger and hand surfaces which may be utilized during turning. The hand grip may include a substantially arcuate or spheroidal surface contour. The key may be secured within the hand grip by elastic deformation forces and/or by conventional fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventor: Brian E. Gapco
  • Patent number: 6141999
    Abstract: A combination key chain, lottery ticket scratcher and brush and has fastener at one end to attach the scratcher to a key chain and a brush at the other end to brush away the scrapings from a lottery ticket. In addition, there is a second fastener which can be used to attach the scratcher to a vertical surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Inventors: Charles H. Whittaker, Kevin E. Jorgensen
  • Patent number: 6109492
    Abstract: A tray assembly for supporting a bundle of keys dangling from a vehicle ignition switch includes a substantially planar tray member having a pair of side walls vertically extending from its upper surface. The top edge of each side wall includes an arcuate indention configured to interengage a lower portion of the vehicle steering column. A separable strap is mounted to each side wall immediately beneath the indention for securing the tray member to the steering column. When mounted, a portion of the tray member is immediately beneath the ignition switch allowing the keys to rest thereon to minimize damage to the ignition switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Inventor: Karen M. Eastwood
  • Patent number: 6092405
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a keyring tool 1 suitable for storage on an expandable coil-type keyring 2 and disconnection therefrom which is used in connecting and disconnecting keys to and from the keyring 2. The keyring tool 1 comprises a bow portion 3 for connection of the tool 1 to the keyring 2 wherein the bow portion 3 has at least one circumferentially extending portion 5 having a generally wedge shaped-section extending from one side of the circumferentially extending portion 5 towards an opposite side thereof for insertion between one end 13, 19 of the coiled strip 14 of the keyring coil 2 and an axially adjacent part 15 of the coiled strip 14 for threading of the strip 14 through the bow portion 3 for connection or disconnection of the keyring tool 1 thereto or therefrom, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: Melville Berwick
  • Patent number: 6089060
    Abstract: An identification system utilizes a plastic housing which is appropriately sized to hold either a key or a coin as well as an information sheet on which the user may place selected indicia referring to the key or to himself. Each embodiment utilizes a living hinge closure attachment to secure the key or coin and information sheet within the housing. Utilizing the housing and indicia for identifying the key minimizes the excess material and connections thereby simplifying the identification and storage problem, yet because the use of the housing with the key slightly increases the size of the key head, it provides a slightly greater moment arm for turning the key in a lock and gives a slightly larger gripping surface to be employed when so turning the key. These factors are significant when dealing with children and with elderly people who may not have the physical strength and dexterity required for some small headed keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: Larry Joe Steeley
  • Patent number: 6050119
    Abstract: A universal key ring assembly having an attachment band of thin flat material with a self-adhesive on its inner engagement surface. An engagement loop is secured to the adhesive surface on the attachment band and extends therefrom defining a central engagement point for key ring elements. The attachment band is secured about any shaped element that then becomes the key ring base of support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventor: Fran Potts
  • Patent number: 6050118
    Abstract: A key body (14) is inserted into a recess (16) to be held on a card key support (12). When a spare key (10) is used, the key body (14) is removed from the recess (16) and inserted into the recess (26). Accordingly, a lock insertion portion (14B) protrudes from the card key support (12) for manipulation of the key. A transmitter element (18) is mounted to the card key support (12) near a base portion (14A) of the key body (14) which is mounted to the recess (26) so that an ID signal is transmitted from the transmitter element (18) in the direction of the key cylinder in the same manner as in an original key. An operating condition of an engine is thereby maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventor: Shozo Kito
  • Patent number: 6016676
    Abstract: A universal key fob includes a housing to which is mountable one of a plurality of accessories. A key shank is mountable to the housing in order to provide a key head fob. A key ring is mountable to the housing in order to provide a key ring fob. Preferably, the accessories are connected to the housing via inserts which snap fit into a recess in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Lear Automotive Dearborn, Inc.
    Inventor: John E. McConnell
  • Patent number: 6006562
    Abstract: A collective holder, in particular for keys, having a holder housing (1) of flat configuration with a cornerless outline whose circumferential narrow side wall forms a running rail (2) with a removal opening, operable by a grip from a broad side wall, for runners (3) captured in the running rail (2). The collective holder provides an outline contour deviating from the circular and has two opposite, approximately semicircular arc segments (A, B) whose apexes (A', B') are spaced apart by approximately the width of two fingers, and whose broad side wall opposite the grip accommodates a luminaire (incandescent lamp 17) which points in the direction of the apex (A'), shines over the movement path of the runners (3) and can be activated by a pushbutton (24) arranged on the broad side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Inventor: Heinz Wolter
  • Patent number: 6003352
    Abstract: A key ring assembly includes first and second half bodies which are coupled together, a pivot member pivotably received between the first and second half bodies and having a retainer movably received therein, a biasing member having a first pressing end abutting against the retaining arm and a second pressing end adjustably engaged with an arcuate rib formed on the first half body. With such an arrangement, the retainer extends through a channel in the pivot member and a trough in the arcuate rib and selectively extends into a sliding groove between the first and second half bodies, so that key fasteners are able to be confined in the sliding groove and freely leave the confinement of the key ring assembly only when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: San-Chih Yu
  • Patent number: 5983686
    Abstract: A key holder and belt attachment device having a body with two legs and a push button in the second leg of the body. The push button is mounted and slidable within the second leg to abut a swinging catch member which allows removal of the belt from a U-shaped slot created by the legs of the body. The swinging catch member is pivotally attached to the second leg and may be biased to the closed position where the belt is held within the slot of the body. The spring-biased push button may close off a second opening of the body which retains keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: Geon W. Lee
  • Patent number: 5979339
    Abstract: A lock box assembly is mountable to a vehicle to receive an item to be protected and to affix a license plate thereto. The lock box apparatus comprises an elongated housing formed by an anchoring plate and a door and having an interior sized to receive the protected item. The anchoring plate has a pair of anchoring holes that are alignable with installation holes on the vehicle so that the anchoring plate may be mounted to the vehicle. The door is pivotally mounted to the anchoring plate between a closed position enclosing the interior and preventing access to the protected item and an opened position exposing the interior and permitting access to the protected item. The door is provided with a pair of door holes registerable with cooperative holes in the license plate so that the license plate may be affixed thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: Jerry R. Smith
  • Patent number: 5974845
    Abstract: A key ring includes a casing with complementary casing walls. The casing walls have stem halves which project from surrounding wall portions thereof and which have semi-circular outer threaded surfaces that mate with each other so as to form a tubular stem with a spirally winding continuous threaded line thereon surrounding an axis. A nut member has an internal threaded surface at a proximate end portion thereof to screw on the tubular stem so as to clamp the stem halves together, and a retaining protrusion at a distal end portion thereof. A cap member has an enlarged head portion, and an engaging end portion with an elongated guiding groove to receive and guide the retaining protrusion when the engaging end portion is inserted into the nut member. A retaining recess is formed between the enlarged head portion and the engaging end portion, and extends angularly about the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Ceramate Technical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert Wang, Jack Wang
  • Patent number: 5966972
    Abstract: A key ring assembly containing a laser indication and various cutters includes a body, an upper cover, a metal plate, and a base. The upper cover is disposed on the body, and a battery unit, a press button, a laser generator, and a replaceable lens frame are disposed in a space defined between the upper cover and the body, whereby laser beams conveying different meanings are emitted. One side of the base is provided with a plurality of insert grooves adapted to receive a plurality of different lens frames. Four elastic curved arms, a file, a pen blade, and scissors are pivotally provided on the metal plate. Each of the file, the pen blade, and scissors is provided with a retaining slot at a rear end thereof to be positioned and retained on the elastic curved arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: Kun-Hu Chuang
  • Patent number: 5956985
    Abstract: The casing of a multi-function key holder has a front casing portion which includes parallel top and bottom parts that extend forwardly and that are spaced apart vertically to define a lens receiving space therebetween, and a rear casing portion which extends rearwardly from the front casing portion and which confines an air chamber. The rear casing portion is formed with an air inlet adapted to permit blowing of air into the air chamber, and an air outlet adapted to permit releasing of the air that was blown into the air chamber, thereby permitting generation of a whistling sound output. A planar magnifying lens piece is disposed in the lens receiving space, and has an edge section mounted pivotally on the front casing portion. The lens piece is movable between a concealed position, where the lens piece is confined between the top and bottom parts of the front casing portion, and an extended position, where the lens piece is exposed from the top and bottom parts of the front casing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Gin-Sung Chang
  • Patent number: 5954288
    Abstract: An extensible hanging device includes a casing holding a winding mechanism controlled reversible cord member, a clip fixedly secured to the casinig at a back side for fastening, a ring for holding personal items, and a connector connected between the ring and the cord member outside the casing, the connector having a spherical knob fixedly connected to the cord member, the clip having a location frame at a bottom side of a fixed end thereof for holding the spherical knob of the connector in place, the locating frame having a longitudinal narrow slot, which allows the neck of the spherical knob to pass, and an expanded front opening, which allows the spherical knob to pass and to be rested on the inside of the location frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Inventor: Yung-Le Shih
  • Patent number: 5943889
    Abstract: A collapsible key assembly includes a housing including a positioning member, a first cover fixedly mounted on one side of the positioning member, a second cover fixedly mounted on another side of the positioning member, a pin fixedly fitted in a circular through hole of the positioning member and having two ends extending therethrough, a U-shaped spring having two coiled arms each having two straight ends, two keys pivotally mounted on two ends of the pin and bearing against the two coiled arms of the spring, two packing rings fitted on two ends of the pin, and two buttons fitted on two ends of the pin and bearing against the packing rings, whereby the keys can be easily folded into the housing when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Inventor: Kuang-Yen Chiu
  • Patent number: 5937680
    Abstract: A device for concealing, storing and permitting ready access to and use of a handcuff key which is not readily identifiable as a key holder but is easily retrieved and utilized by law enforcement personnel. The handcuff key is camouflaged and concealed in a variety of devices, such as a ball point pen enclosure, a pocket knife holder and a rectangular case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Armament Systems and Procedures, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin L. Parsons
  • Patent number: 5937681
    Abstract: A key chain with magnifying glass is provided including a housing having a key ring mounted thereon. Also included is a magnifying glass situated on the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Inventors: Nancy Myhr, Kent Myhr
  • Patent number: 5934123
    Abstract: In a key holder (10), a first flexible member (12) includes a first free end (14) and a second end (42). A second flexible member (12) has a first free end (16) and a second end (42). A third flexible member (30) has a first free end and a second end (42). A first key ring (20) is connected to the free end (14) of the first flexible (12). A second key ring (20) is connected to the free end (16) of the second flexible member (12). A handle (28) is connected to the free end of the first flexible member (30). The second ends (42) of the first, second and third flexible members are connected together at a hub (52). A third key ring (32) is connected to the flexible members generally at the hub (52). In use, the key holder (10) may be suspended from the third key ring (32) and the first, second and third flexible members (12, 12, 30) will hang from the hub (52) adjacent each other (FIG. 4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventor: Eleanore C. Eldredge
  • Patent number: 5927116
    Abstract: A key holder comprises a pair of key rings each connected to a fob, and the fobs can be releasably secured to one another. The fobs are configured as conventional male and female electrical connector plugs, such as conventional blade-type electrical connector plugs. The plugs are miniaturized to prevent connection to an actual current-carrying outlet or plug. In a second embodiment, the fobs are configured as fractional portions of a sport's game piece, such as a baseball, and create the appearance of the sport's game piece when secured together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventor: Michael J. Emoff
  • Patent number: 5916283
    Abstract: An improved key ring lock assembly including a lock mechanism having an open position and a locked position which is formed by at least a lock barrel, a lock cylinder fitted within the lock barrel, the lock cylinder having a front key way and a lock mechanism contained within the lock cylinder operable by an appropriate key. The lock cylinder terminates in a lock shaft at the back end which is rotatable in response to the manipulation of the lock mechanism via the key. A lock collar is contained within the lock barrel immediately rearward of the lock cylinder and includes a lock shaft receiving aperture to receive the lock shaft and be operable in response to the rotatable movement of the lock mechanism. The lock collar includes an elongate stud mounted on the back end which includes a pair of opposed pin receiving channels formed therein. The lock barrel includes a locking ledge circumferentially positioned along the inner wall and adjacent the back end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Chicago Lock Company
    Inventor: Robert Steinbach
  • Patent number: 5887468
    Abstract: A compact assembly for retaining keys or other domestic articles permits retention, rapid identification, and selection of an appropriate object by single-hand operation without the necessity of visual observation. The assembly comprises a tubular housing which can be grasped by the hand of the user, and a key retaining mechanism, a key advancing mechanism and a driving mechanism mounted within the housing. The key retaining mechanism can carry a plurality of keys, disposed in a plurality of storing stations provided with key receiving grooves. A selected key can be driven along the groove by the key advancing mechanism after the storing station corresponding to the particular key is brought into alignment with a key exit opening of the housing. The assembly can be provided with a remote control mechanism and/or alarm mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventor: Noam Hasan
  • Patent number: 5884513
    Abstract: A combination coin and key holder includes a coin holder housing which has an outline shaped as a vehicle. A closed loop is attached to the coin holder housing, preferably in the front end of the vehicle outline, for connection of a key ring, chain, or other key holding device thereto. A pair of coin slots are provided in the coin holder housing on the bottom side of the vehicle outline, with each slot being dimensioned to hold a specific coin. The coin slots are positioned and configured such that coins inserted thereon are reliably, yet removably retained in place, but such that they protrude sufficiently to have the appearance of a wheel or wheels on the vehicle outline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventor: Donald E. Norris
  • Patent number: 5884514
    Abstract: A new key and alarm remote stabilizing device for helping prevent keys and auto remote control devices from banging against a steering column when a key is in the ignition. The inventive device includes a main panel with a ring panel coupled to the top end of the main panel. The back surface of the ring panel is designed for mounting to a vehicular surface such that a locking ignition switch on the vehicular surface extends through the central hole of the ring panel. The outer perimeter of a top panel is coupled to the lower portion outer perimeter of the lower portion of the main panel to form a pocket between the top panel and the main panel. The top edge of the top panel defines an opening into the pocket so that objects may be inserted therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventor: Earnest Willis
  • Patent number: 5850754
    Abstract: A car alarm controller holder system that includes a main holder assembly into which the alarm controller is positioned, a key ring attachable insertion opening cover for use with alarm controllers without a key ring attachment structure and a controller key ring insertion opening cover for use with alarm controllers that are provided with a key ring attachment structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Inventor: Kirk G. Dobbins
  • Patent number: 5842362
    Abstract: A key management device, comprising a housing member; an access key; a mechanism for locking a key ring to the housing member and releasing the access key when the locking mechanism is in a first position, and for locking the access key to the housing member and releasing the key ring when the locking mechanism is in a second position; wherein the locking mechanism comprises a first member which is movable between the first position in which the key ring is locked to the housing by the first member and the second position in which the key ring is unlocked therefrom, and a second member which is connected to the first member, wherein when the locking mechanism is in the first position the second member releases the access key from the housing member and when the first member is in the second position the second member locks the access key to the housing; and wherein the access key is slidingly received by the housing member and engages with the first member such that insertion of the access key within the hous
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventors: Ernest DePonty, David Sherwin
  • Patent number: 5842365
    Abstract: A key-retaining system is provided which includes a key holder and a key holder retainer. The key holder is a substantially continuous member having ends and sides, for example one continuous wire, and provides an interior space between the sides and ends of the member. The ends are separated by a predetermined distance substantially greater than the length of a key. One of the sides or ends includes a device to permit fastening of keys upon the member. The key holder retainer includes a hollow extending substantially from end to end of the key holder retainer and adapted to receive the key holder in use. Keys may be fastened on the key holder and positioned in a flat position within the interior space of the key holder. The key holder retainer is then friction fit onto the key holder remote the key heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventor: Corrado Bordonaro
  • Patent number: 5816458
    Abstract: A holder is provided for arrangement of small goods which includes: at least one pipe member with open opposite ends; at least one expandable/contractible curled cord which is substantially equal in length to the pipe member when the curled cord is in a contracted state, wherein the curled cord is received in the inside of the pipe member; holding rings for holding small goods, wherein the holding rings are attached at both ends of the curled cord so that the holding rings are located at both ends of the pipe member, respectively, and each of the holding rings have an outer diameter which is larger than an inner diameter of the pipe member; and an attachment member for attachment of the holder to external matter, wherein the attachment member is fixed to the pipe member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Yonenoi Design Ltd.
    Inventor: Kimio Yonenoi
  • Patent number: 5806356
    Abstract: An improved key holder includes a seat with curved edges and three corners, a plurality of key-rings, and a push button at the center of the seat. The key-rings have notches and indentations. The push button has insert plates that may engage the notches of the key-rings. A reset spring is disposed below the push button. Chambers accommodating balls and springs are disposed in the corners of the seat for positioning the indentations of the key-rings. The key-rings may hold more keys and allow easy insertion or removal of keys. Besides, the key holder may be attached to the user's clothing or accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Inventor: Chih-Tsun Lee
  • Patent number: 5799522
    Abstract: A key holder is provided for holding, for example, a pair of keys and associating them with the corresponding lock during transport of an article incorporating the lock. The key holder comprises a shank portion insertable into the lock, and a key-carrier portion connected to one end of the shank portion and preferably adapted to hold the pair of keys in a plane substantially perpendicular to the direction of extent of the shank portion. The key holder is, for example, of one-piece construction and made of a resilient plastics material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventor: Seiya Ohta
  • Patent number: 5794471
    Abstract: A keyholder and tumer haw a body in which a key is held for turning in a lock. The holder has deployable wings and a chain for holding additional keys. The key is held in a central compartment of the holder by the urging of a key stop projection. The projection assists in holding the key head during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Frank Rizzo
  • Patent number: 5787745
    Abstract: A key-chain with a perpetual calendar constructed in accordance with the present invention includes a body having a central recess, a plate securely mated with the body within the central recess and having at least two substantially "L" shaped openings, a first numbered area provided between the two opposing openings, a second area with numbers of months, a third area with a number of a specific year, and a frame slidably received within the openings with a pair of legs provided on respective sides corresponding to the openings. Furthermore, a specific picture may be inserted into the space between the body and the plate, before the plate is put into the central recess of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventor: Kun-sheng Chang
  • Patent number: 5752401
    Abstract: A key ring assembly with two ring-holding bodies each carried in a housing for rotatable movement relative to each other and to the housing and for axial movement of one body to expose for removal one ring pursuant to selective movement of the other body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Inventor: Sumner MacDonald
  • Patent number: 5737951
    Abstract: A device facilitating turning a key in a keyhole of a lock consists of an elongated housing having distal and proximal ends. A receiving, unrestricted opening is formed within a housing and extends between the distal and proximal ends substantially along a longitudinal axis of the housing. At least one key is pivotally arranged at the proximal end of the housing. In operation, the key is transverse to the housing and the key is turned in the keyhole of the lock by a force applied to the housing. An area of application of this turning force is distributed along and restricted by the receiving opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Bel-Art Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Adam E. Krass
  • Patent number: 5730015
    Abstract: An explosive device for making noise combined with a keychain comprises a barrel having a bore formed therein accommodating a blank. The device also has a pin disposed in the bore of the barrel and a spring surrounding the periphery of the pin. A ring member connects with the pin. The device makes noise by manually moving the ring member between a first and a second position. The ring member rests against a stop in the barrel remote from the blank in the first position. The ring member releases from the stop, permitting the pin to strike the blank in the barrel under force of the spring, in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Inventor: Dove Leumi
  • Patent number: 5722277
    Abstract: A key ring opener for spreading apart the adjacent end and intermediate portions of a split key ring that are spring-urged against each but are spreadable to allow a key to be placed on or taken off the ring. The opener includes an annular band having sharp circumferential wedging edges and is adapted to encircle such a key ring in the same way as a key, and along with keys on the ring, and a wedging bar extending diametrically of the band and having sharp wedging edges. The opener is slipped on and off the key ring like a key but is easier to do because of the sharp circumferential edges. While on the key ring, the bar can be wedged, again because of its sharp edges, between adjacent segments of the ring, ahead of a key, thereby to spread the segments apart. Thereafter, the band is rolled between the thumb and forefinger causing the bar to leverage the segments of the key ring farther apart thereby to facilitate entry and removal of a key to and from the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Inventor: James M. Williams
  • Patent number: 5713232
    Abstract: A combined key fob scraper device including a reversible scraper blade member having a first beveled scraping edge formed along a first entire width side edge thereof, a second beveled scraping edge formed along a central section of a second width side edge having a length of less than one half the width, and at least one retraction button engagement aperture formed therein; a blade member housing having a blade member receiving cavity formed therein of a size sufficient to receive therein the entire scraper blade member, a key ring receiving aperture formed through an end section thereof, and a retraction channel, having a first and second channel end, formed through an outer surface of the blade member housing and into connection with the blade member receiving cavity, having a first plurality of ratchet teeth running along a first retraction channel sidewall; and a retraction button having a ridged bottom surface adapted to engage the ratchet teeth and a blade member engagement protrusion adapted to engage
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Inventor: Bessie G. Hodge
  • Patent number: 5704236
    Abstract: A device for concealing, storing and permitting ready access to and use of a handcuff key which is not readily identifiable as a key holder but is easily retrieved and utilized by law enforcement personnel. The handcuff key is camouflaged and concealed in a variety of devices, such as a ball point pen enclosure, a pocket knife holder and a rectangular case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Armament Systems and Procedures, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin L. Parsons
  • Patent number: 5704235
    Abstract: A key case for holding a key, the key having a head portion via which the key may be gripped by a user and a blade portion which is insertable into a lock, the key case comprising: a body portion having a wall which surrounds an interior space, a longitudinal axis and an open end traversed by the longitudinal axis; a holder plate having a recess for retaining the key in a manner to prevent relative rotation between the key and the holder plate; and a pivot assembly supporting the holder plate on the body for movement between a first position in which the holder plate covers the open end and the key blade extends parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a second position in which the open end is uncovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Inventor: Kurt Stahle
  • Patent number: 5691025
    Abstract: A hollow single die, of a pair of dice for carrying an object and having a ring attached to one corner, to which ring is connected, one end of a flexible carrying chain, the other end of the chain being attached to a key carrying ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventor: James D. Hardin
  • Patent number: 5685185
    Abstract: A key holder for detachably holding a plurality of key rings with a member movable relative to a body to selectively uncover openings to key ring zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Inventor: Sumner B. MacDonald
  • Patent number: 5678436
    Abstract: A remote control door lock system connectable to a door about a deadbolt lock for remotely unlocking or locking the deadbolt is provided. The remote control door lock system comprises: a housing mountable to a door about a deadbolt lock; an electric motor having a motor shaft mounted within the housing, the motor shaft being directed toward the deadbolt lock; a key frame rigidly connected to the motor shaft, the key frame is adapted for holding a deadbolt key, the key is operationally insertable into the deadbolt lock; a receiver switch mechanism in connection with the electric motor for selectively operating the electric motor; a power source in connection with the switching mechanism and the electric motor; and a remote transmitter adapted to send a signal to the receiver switch for selectively operating the motor in a direction turning the key frame and the key in a direction to operate the deadbolt lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Curtis Earl Alexander
  • Patent number: 5667441
    Abstract: A concealable, expandable baton having the appearance of a belt key ring is adapted to be concealed and carried in the waistband of undercover law enforcement personnel for use as an intermediate force weapon. The concealable baton includes a smooth handle and a detachable mechanism which may include a key ring and keys, and hangs over the waistband to prevent the concealed baton from falling into the clothing. The key ring and keys providing a readily accessible means for grasping and quickly drawing the baton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Armament Systems and Procedures, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin L. Parsons
  • Patent number: 5620089
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventor: Glenn A. Mills
  • Patent number: 5619875
    Abstract: A flexible ring device, such as a key ring for example, is formed of a section of flexible material, such as metal cable or plastic anchored at one end to a coupling sleeve. The free end of the flexible section carries a coupling plug which can be inserted axially to an open end of the coupling sleeve. The coupling sleeve is formed with a locking notch, preferably a through opening, facing radially inwardly with respect to the closed ring. When the coupling plug is inserted into the open end of the coupling sleeve, and past the locking notch, a locking portion, formed by the back end of the coupling plug, is resiliently displaced into locking engagement with a shoulder formed by the locking notch. The device is thus locked in a closed configuration against being opened by tension forces. The device can be easily opened by manually re-aligning the coupling plug with the axis of the coupling sleeve and withdrawing the plug axially from the open end of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventor: Pierre Lahaussois
  • Patent number: 5617751
    Abstract: A key fob includes at least one dome with a display surface and a flange secured in a fob. The fob is sewn in a pattern around or through the flange or openings therethrough. The fob may also be formed by placing display domes within an outer rim and sealing the combination within a u-shaped ring. Designs and slogans may be placed on the display surfaces. The fob may then be attached to a key ring using a clip configured to accommodate crimping. The clip attachment allows the fob to rotate freely around the key ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Inventor: Chang J. Song
  • Patent number: 5592839
    Abstract: Compact assembly for retaining of keys or other domestic articles, constituting plurality of similar objects. The assembly allows retaining, rapid identification and selection of the appropriate object by one hand operation without necessity of visual observation. The assembly comprises tubular housing, which can be grasped by a hand and mounted within the housing a key retaining means, key advancing means and a driving means. A key retaining means carries plurality of keys, situated in plurality of storing stations, provided with key receiving grooves. A selected key can be driven outside along the groove by a key advancing means after the storing station, corresponding to this key is brought into alignment with the key exit opening of the housing. The assembly can be provided as well with a remote control means and/or alarm means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventor: Noam Hasan
  • Patent number: 5577403
    Abstract: An identification system utilizes a plastic housing which is appropriately sized to hold either a key or a coin as well as an information sheet on which the user may place selected indicia referring to the key or to himself. Each embodiment utilizes a living hinge closure attachment to secure the key or coin and information sheet within the housing. Utilizing the housing as the indicia for identifying the key minimizes the excess material and connections thereby simplifying the identification and storage problem, yet because the use of the housing with the key slightly increases the size of the key head, it provides a slightly greater moment arm for turning the key in a lock and gives a slightly larger gripping surface to be employed when so turning the key. These factors are significant when dealing with children and with elderly people who may not have the physical strength and dexterity required for some small headed keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Inventor: Larry J. Steeley
  • Patent number: D404621
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Inventor: Grover J. Liese