Releasable Catches Patents (Class 70/459)
  • Patent number: 6848287
    Abstract: The present invention has a main body and a transverse annular ring being orthogonally connected with the main body for collecting and hanging keys; the main body has therein an elastic engaging latch, and has at its central position a longitudinal central hole, an upper and a lower transverse hole are communicated with the central hole; an upper and a lower section of the annular ring are extended through the upper and the lower transverse holes respectively; and the upper section has at a middle position an access with a diameter slightly larger than that of the central hole for mounting and dismounting. The engaging latch is inserted to connect the central hole, and has near the upper end thereof a control hole to select a state between offsetting from and communicating with the main body; a transverse window is provided beneath the control hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Inventor: Joseph Huang
  • Patent number: 6848288
    Abstract: A dual-ended key ring holder device that allows a key ring to be quickly released from one end. Provision is made for display of artwork or advertising and a space inside the holder is provided for storing a currency note. The device employs a strong attractive magnetic force produced by two permanent magnets to ensure that a removable key-ring portion is normally held tightly to the holder. The device is small in size, inexpensive and reliable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Inventor: Jay S. Derman
  • Patent number: 6845644
    Abstract: A locking assembly (100) consists of a pair of closable devices (110, 120) secured together in a contiguous side-by-side relationship and being displaceable, each relative to the other. Each of the closable devices (110, 120) has opposing end portions (112, 114 and 122, 124, respectively) defining a closable gap therebetween. A corresponding clasp (130, 140) is formed on the opposing end portions of each closable device (110, 120). The clasp (130, 140) is operable to selectively retain the opposing end portions in an overlapping relationship or to release the opposing end portions to define the closable gap therebetween. The clasps (130, 140) of both closable devices are simultaneously inoperable when one of the pair of closable devices is disposed in a first position relative to the other one of the closable devices and are simultaneously operable when one of the pair of closable devices is disposed in a second position relative to the other of the closable devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Inventor: James D. Buckner
  • Patent number: 6826938
    Abstract: The key collecting device being controlled on one end has a main body which is provided with a movable latch positioned normally by extending and abutting of an elastic member. A transverse hole with a specific diameter extends through the main body for connecting and mounting an annular ring having a notch for mounting and detaching of keys. The movable latch is provided with a through hole having a size same as that of the transverse hole, the through hole normally is under pressure to get out of the way of the transverse hole but get in the notch of the annular ring, so that partial length of the movable latch is exposed out of the end surface of the main body for controlling by pressing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventor: Yu-Hwei Huang
  • Patent number: 6804868
    Abstract: A locking clasp (1) has a planar clasp body (3) an aperture (13), a swivel cover (12) rivetably mounted on a top surface and an interconnecting link having a plate (8) of the same size and shape as the aperture. When the plate on the interlocking link is inserted into the aperture of the clasp body and the swivel cover is rotated over the plate, the clasp provides a secure, aesthetic, all-pleasing and easy to use clasp for jewelry and other uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Inventor: Beverly Fox
  • Patent number: 6763692
    Abstract: The key collecting device comprises an upper and a lower housing each having a central base portion extending radially outwardly to form spaced spokes mutually opposite to the corresponding ones of themselves, every two of the spaced spokes opposite to each other form an operation space with the other two. The spokes have pairs of mutually opposite curved recesses mutually connected to form clamping channels for an annular ring with a notch. These housings further have a pair of mutually opposite recesses communicating with a corresponding one of the curved recesses for placing therein a slide-controlling member to be moved from outside to control closing and opening of the annular ring being movably positioned between these housings and controlled to rotate and moved into the interior of a pair of the spaced spokes opposite to each other, or to an operation space between two pairs of the mutually opposite spaced spokes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventor: Yu-Hwei Huang
  • Patent number: 6755061
    Abstract: The individual keys in a set of keys are configured to fit together in a compact arrangement, with the heads of the keys being in alignment with one another in one direction and stacked against one another in another direction, and with the shanks extending essentially in alignment with one another but spaced apart along the heads. A set of keys may be formed using two outer key configurations or by using the two outer key configurations, together with a central key configuration. One or more of such sets of keys may be stored in a holder including pockets for their storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Inventor: Jacob Sholom Herzenberg
  • Publication number: 20040118173
    Abstract: The key collecting device being controlled on one end thereof has a main body which is provided with a movable latch positioned normally by extending and abutting of an elastic member; a transverse hole with a specific diameter extends through the main body for connecting and mounting an annular ring having a notch for mounting and detaching of keys; the movable latch is provided with a through hole having a size same as that of the transverse hole, the through hole normally is under pressure to get out of the way of the transverse hole but get in the notch of the annular ring, so that partial length of the movable latch is exposed out of the end surface of the main body for controlling by pressing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventor: Yu-Hwei Huang
  • Publication number: 20040050123
    Abstract: A quick attach and release key ring assembly for portable electronic devices is disclosed. Device housings or adaptors for use with the housing include wells in which a component of the assembly mates securely. Various mechanism for controlling the extension and/or retraction of engaging member that provides adherence between the key ring and the electronic device housing or adaptor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Stamatina Macherides, Nikolaos Faklaris
  • Patent number: 6691539
    Abstract: In a combined mechanical and electronic key, electronic components and mechanical flat keys (30) are normally housed in a common key holder (10). In order to place the flat key (30) between a lowered rest position in a holder (10) and a projecting in-use position, the flat key (30) is movably located in a container (10) and secured in at least one of the positions by a push button (40). The key contain is assembled from an upper and a lower shell. In order to avoid sealing problems between both shells, according to the invention, the upper shell (11) is provided with an outbreak in a region pertaining thereto which lies outwith the push button. The outbreak creates a void chamber which can be accessed from the outside and is located on the inside of the shell interior. The electronic components are enclosed by a housing-like capsule and form therewith a prefabricated electrocapsule (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dirk Jacob, Ulrich Müller
  • Patent number: 6681608
    Abstract: A key ring opener assembly for prying open the key ring so that keys and other objects can be placed upon the key ring. The key ring opener assembly includes a key ring having end portions overlapping ring segments thereof; and also includes a key ring opener being connectable to the key ring and being generally a thin rigid piece with flat first and second sides for spreading apart a selected end portion and a selected ring segment of the key ring to allow keys and other objects to be placed on the key ring; and further includes a connector for connecting the key ring opener to the key ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventor: Paul M. Hope, III
  • Patent number: 6672118
    Abstract: According to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus and method for retaining keys is disclosed. The present invention provides a tensioning mechanism within the body of the key-retaining apparatus for “pinching” the shaft of a key when the shaft is inserted into the body of the key-retaining apparatus. The tensioning mechanism may take the form of a spring-loaded mechanism or a tensioned piece of metal that is selectively pressured against the shaft of the key when the key is inserted into the body of the key-retaining apparatus. Additionally, a thong or strap may be provided for securing the key-retaining apparatus to a purse, backpack, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Edward E. Wright
  • Patent number: 6647752
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic key (10) for an automotive vehicle, said key being of generally flat parallelepipedal shape and comprising: a housing (12) for an electronic card, said card being adapted to control electronically a locking/unlocking device onboard the vehicle and permitting the locking/unlocking of the openings of the vehicle, and an insert compartment (11) housing an emergency insert adapted to lock/unlock mechanically the openings of a vehicle in case of malfunction of the electronic card, said electronic key being characterized in that the insert (13) is constituted solely of a key blade and is provided with recesses (16) adapted to coact with retaining means (15) provided in the insert compartment to hold firmly the insert in the compartment no matter what its position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive
    Inventor: Frederic Chaillie
  • Patent number: 6640398
    Abstract: Magnetic clasps for securing the opposed ends of chains and other jewelry. Each clasp includes an arrangement for securing separable bodies by means of magnets that have been poled to present opposed surfaces of opposite magnetic polarities. In a first embodiment, disk-like magnets are received in channels of mating elongated body members of like configuration. End flanges of the elongated body members, in addition to the disk-like magnets, provide axial resistance to separation while the resultant magnetic force prevents separation in the transverse direction. In a second embodiment, disk-like magnets of divided polarities are seated at ends of mating bodies. A pin-and-slot locking mechanism is formed in the two bodies and the magnets are oriented relative thereto so that resultant repulsive magnetic forces force the two magnets into mating alignment when in the longitudinal slot for maximum magnetic holding force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Leslie C. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 6591646
    Abstract: A structure of a decorative hanging hook having a main body which is a connector with a light emitting member therein, wherein, the connector has on both ends thereof a hole for connecting respectively with a mountaineer carabine hook and an annular ring. Thereby, the entire decorative hanging hook can be directly hung on a backpack or a hanging loop on clothes or trousers with the annular ring thereof having keys or other ornaments. Above all, when being necessary, the light emitting diode on the light emitting member can be lightened by pressing a cover to provide a suitable effect of illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Inventor: Chin-Lin Huang
  • Patent number: 6553802
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic key comprising electronic components for receiving or transmitting signals. Said components are integrated in a housing (20). A mechanical emergency key (30′) is provided in case of an electronics failure. Said emergency key (30′) can be inserted into a recess (27) in the housing (20) together with its key shaft (31′). The aim of the invention is to produce a key which can be handled easily. To this end, one end of the housing is provided with a recess which is undercut at least in places and which usually prevents the inserted emergency key (30′) from being pulled out. Usually, the key is in a holding position in the housing (20) with an essentially positive fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Dirk Jacob
  • Patent number: 6536247
    Abstract: A seat device of a key ring comprises a seat. The seat has an oblong shape, and an interior of the seat having a cruciform recess. One end of the sliding groove is formed with an opening and a movable opening can be formed through a control device. A movable track is formed interior the recess and near one end thereof for being connected to key rings. Thereby, the movable opening is installed at the middle portion of the movable track so that the key rings can be taken out easily and the user may take out any key ring from the opening at the middle portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Yu-Hwei Huang
  • Publication number: 20030037581
    Abstract: A metallic multi-purpose key ring comprised of a shackle in D-shape having a gap, a cartridge with both ends pivoted to a joint and a stopper respectively provided on both ends of the gap and a can opener provided on top of the shackle to provide effective positioning and latching between said shackle and cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventor: Prost Christophe
  • Patent number: 6474123
    Abstract: An electronic key device has a housing, a substrate unit, a battery holder, a key passage, and a key. A lock pin provided on the battery holder is biased toward the key by a spring. A distal end of the pin enter the key passage for retaining or locking the key. When the key is not being used, the key is covered by the pin. When the key is being used, the pin advances into a locking aperture of the key to lock the key. The pin locks the battery holder to the housing. The use of one pin for locking the key and the battery against the housing enables miniaturization of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Shozo Kito, Hiroyuki Sugiyama, Masahiro Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 6439017
    Abstract: A belt clip assembly for use with a belt comprises a clip having first and second members defining a gap for slidably engaging the belt, a latch pivotally connected to a receptacle of the second member of the clip to pivot with respect to the second member. The latch has a flap member that has first and second flaps formed at a predetermined angle. The first flap extends toward the first member at an angle with respect to the second member to prevent the belt from disengaging from the clip. The belt clip assembly also has an actuating member extended through and slidably located in the second member of the clip. The actuating member has first and second ends, wherein the second end actuates the second flap when the first end is depressed. The latch has a pivot axle disposed at a joint formed by the first and second flaps and has a spring disposed in surrounding relation to the pivot axle to bias the latch in a closed position to prevent the belt from disengaging from the clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: Geon Woo Lee
  • Patent number: 6434983
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (10) for starting and for locking/unlocking a motor vehicle, of the type comprising: a key (11) carrying at least one control for locking/unlocking the vehicle, a support (12) designed to accommodate the key in an appropriate housing (13) and to detect the presence of this key in the housing, and an element for starting/stopping the vehicle engine, the device being characterized in that the starting/stopping element is a bistable button (15) formed on the support (12), the said button (15) furthermore constituting a structure for immobilizing the key (11) in the housing (13) when the vehicle is in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive S.A.S.
    Inventors: Bertrand Perillat, Didier Solirenne
  • Patent number: 6405572
    Abstract: A locking apparatus attaches a key to a writing instrument. The locking apparatus comprises a barrel having a top end and a bottom end. The top end has a top opening with a first diameter. The second end is attached to the writing instrument. A bore extends inwardly from the top opening. The bore has a second diameter which is larger than the first diameter. A step is formed in the barrel at top of the bore. A post has an upper section and a lower section. The lower section is slidably engaged in the bore. A plurality of tabs is pivotally connected to the lower section of the post. The tabs extend outwardly from the post so that tabs impinge the step. A ring is slidably supported in the bore. The ring has a center hole adapted to frictionally engage the tabs for removing the post from the barrel. A key is connected to the upper section of the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: A.T.X. International, Inc.
    Inventor: Mitchell E. Seamans
  • Patent number: 6332345
    Abstract: A key ring structure comprises an assembled disk, a ring, and a button. The assembled disk is formed by a lower piece and an upper piece. An annular groove is formed between the upper piece and the lower piece. The opening of the groove faces toward a circumference of the disk. The lower piece and upper piece are installed with a first recess and a second recess. The first recess and the second recess are installed with respect to one another and are installed at two sides of the groove so that the groove is formed with a movable opening; and the movable opening faces outwards. The head of the ring body is slidably installed to the groove of the disk. The head is capable of being moved out or placed in the groove through the disk. A button has a button body. The button body is installed in the disk. A restoring spring is disposed between the button body and the disk. The button is movable along the disk. One side of the button body extends outwards so as to be formed as a stopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Inventor: Yu-Hwei Huang
  • Patent number: 6279362
    Abstract: A belt clip assembly for use with a belt comprises a clip having first and second members defining a gap for slidably engaging the belt, a latch pivotally connected to a receptacle of the second member of the clip to pivot with respect to the second member. The latch has a flap member that has first and second flaps formed at a predetermined angle. The first flap extends toward the first member at an angle with respect to the second member to prevent the belt from disengaging from the clip. The belt clip assembly also has an actuating member extended through and slidably located in the second member of the clip. The actuating member has first and second ends, wherein the second end actuates the second flap when the first end is depressed. The latch has a pivot axle disposed at a joint formed by the first and second flaps and has a spring disposed in surrounding relation to the pivot axle to bias the latch in a closed position to prevent the belt from disengaging from the clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: Geon Woo Lee
  • Patent number: 6243929
    Abstract: The present invention provides a joiner for attaching items together, said joiner including a ring-like member having first and second ends to be linked to one another, said first end having a tubular section for reception therein of said second end, and a latching means to lock said first and second ends together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Christopher James Curwood
  • Patent number: 6216501
    Abstract: An electronic key for actuating a lock, in particular for use in locking systems in automobiles, is described. The housing of the electronic key has the shape of a thin wedge, the narrow end of the wedge being designed for insertion into the lock. The parts active for the actuation of the lock are also accommodated here. Moreover, the housing has a receptacle for a key bit for a mechanical lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Marquardt GmbH
    Inventors: Jakob Marquardt, Karl Mueller, Ekkehard Sachs
  • Patent number: 6132058
    Abstract: An illuminating casing for receiving a handle of a key includes a lower shell and an upper shell wherein a top extends laterally from the peripheral wall of the lower shell so as to define a chamber for receiving the handle. A light is disposed beside the top and a battery is disposed between the top and the upper shell which has a button disposed thereto. The top has a tongue extending therefrom and has an inclined surface forward of the bottom of the lower shell. The handle of the key has an aperture defined therethrough so that when the handle is inserted into the chamber, the tongue is pushed slightly by the handle, and when the handle slides over the tongue, the distal end of the tongue is securely engaged with the aperture of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventor: Lambert Kuo
  • Patent number: 6106131
    Abstract: A key light holder for key organization has a key organizer device for organizing keys in key chain and a light device for illumination when the key is used in dark. The holder is a thin hard box having a round shape in top and square shape in bottom. The light device contained in the holder can be turned on and off. The key organizer device contained in the holder has a drawing back force when a pull out force applies to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Da L Hao
  • 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 5899501
    Abstract: A key holding system including a binder. A pair of retention brackets are each secured on opposing cover members of the binder. The brackets are longitudinally disposed inwardly of free edges of the cover members. Each bracket defines a plurality of holding spaces. A plurality of tags are dimensioned for positioning in the plurality of holding spaces. The tags are used to hold keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Inventor: James C. Maxwell
  • 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: 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: 5809814
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Inventor: David A. Cons
  • 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 5551269
    Abstract: A keyring and attachment device, the key ring body being circular and having a gap closed by two bars, the attachment portion being a circular ring with a projecting hook. The two main components are joined with a small ring, the whole intended to hang within a pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Inventors: Archie Lewinstein, Stefan Goya
  • Patent number: 5544511
    Abstract: The ring is composed of three arc of a circle-like portions which are hinged connected between them so as to allow their mutual pivoting movement in the plane of the ring. The first portion (1) extends on an arc of about 270.degree. and each one of the two other portions extend on an arc of about 45.degree., providing a full ring. Male locking member (9) and female locking member (10) allow to close the ring between the first portion (1) and the third portion (5). To open the ring, it is enough to push inwardly the hinged connection (7) between the second and third portions (4, 5) of the ring, against the resilient force exerted by the first portion (1). The closure of the ring takes place in engaging the male locking member (9) into the female member (10) and by displacing outwardly the hinged connection (7) also against the resilient force of the first portion (1). Once the ring is closed, it is no longer possible to cause its opening under the action of an outwardly directed force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Inventor: Joseph Cavaleri
  • Patent number: 5544510
    Abstract: A key and holder combination includes a holder provided with an impression for housing a key and with an articulated joint element for connecting the holder to the key. The joint is formed in two parts to provide the connection both when the key is housed in the impression and when the key is completely spaced therefrom. The articulated joint connects a corner of the head of the key with a corner of the holder, which has a base and a cover. The hinged and the base are provided with a device which is mutually snap enageable and the thickness of the corner part of the base to which the articulated joint element is applied corresponds to the overall thickness of the base plus the cover, the corresponding corner part of the cover being lacking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Silca S.P.A.
    Inventors: Renato Botteon, Ezio Chies