Key Holder With Key Ejecting Means

Heretofore, key holders have been of the retaining loop type or the like, so that when one key is in use, the remaining keys dangle and rattle, which may cause distraction while driving and which may scratch the automobile dashboard, door or trunk lid or a house door. In most key holders, selecting the desired key requires sorting through a number of keys, which can be difficult in the absence of adequate light and may be impossible if only one hand is free. Existing key holders are bulky and tend to wear out pockets, gouge the body and become unsightly when worn. In other enclosed key holders, usually made of leather and having multiple loops, only storage is provided; hence the user must snap the holder open, select the desired key, place it in a position of utilization and snap the holder closed, thereby requiring several separate and independent steps and the use of both hands. This type of holder dangles when one key is in use and often touches the knee annoyingly when dangling from the automobile ignition. In this type of holder, loops tend to wear out and become detached, while the case deteriorates and becomes unsightly. Prior art key holders which provide for key ejection have an undesirably large number of moving parts and require two-hand operation, as well as a light, with the ejector acting on the body of the key, thereby causing wear and eventual malfunctioning of the key. Also, these key holders are not compact and thus tend to present an unattractive appearance.

The invention is concerned primarily with an attractive and compact key holder for retaining and ejecting a multiplicity of flat keys of various lengths, selection of any one key being obtained by mere thumb pressure on a cover mounted actuator.

The principal object of the invention is the provision of a key holder adapted to isolate a key in a position of utilization while unwanted keys are restrained inside the holder, thereby preventing swinging, rattling or scratching of adjacent surfaces.

An important object of the invention is the provision of key restraining means, such as a layer of fabric pile material, for retaining keys not in use and a divider for separating stored keys and for guiding and forcing a key into engagement with the fibers of pile material.

Another important object of the invention is the provision of spacers to maintain proper distances between members.

Another object of the invention is the provision of brass washers for key bearing surfaces.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of a non-corrosive metal shaft having a flange and threaded ends.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of a key holder utilizing either special, standardized, flat keys or modified, conventional, flat keys to attain compactness, standardization of holder dimensions and consistency of operation.

A more specific object of the invention is the provision of a key holder having an ejector comprised of discs of different diameters to provide selectivity in key ejection.

Another object of the invention is the provision of various key holders adapted to hold a number of keys ranging anywhere from a single key to a large plurality of keys.

Another specific object of the invention is the provision of a cover mounted actuator which is connected to an ejector by means of a shaft.

Another specific object of the invention is the provision of a V-shaped slot strategically located in the key holder top cover.

Another specific object of the invention is the provision of a helical spring attached on one end to a spring mounting tab separating the ejector discs and attached on the opposite end to a top cover spring anchor.

Another specific object of the invention is the provision of cylindrical posts for maintaining the covers in a spaced relationship and giving support for mounting the keys.

Another specific object of the invention is the provision of a key isolator to separate keys on the left from keys on the right.

Another specific object of the invention is the provision of a plurality of machine screws for securing the bottom cover to a like number of mounting posts.

Another specific object of the invention is the utilization of either a standardized key having a circular eye and a standard head length and configuration or a conventional key which has been modified to these standardized dimensions.

Still a further specific object of the invention is the provision of shim washers and spacers.

Still a further specific object of the invention is the provision of post extenders.

This invention overcomes most of the shortcomings of existing key holders in that it confines all of the keys in an attractive, compact case that selectively exposes the key to be utilized, thereby eliminating dangling, rattling and scratching of valued adjacent surfaces and permitting key selection and utilization with only one hand, without actually having to see the desired key. The key holder utilizes a spring biased actuator moving through a V-shaped slot in the top cover to pivot the keys outwardly from the holder. Keys are retained inside the holder by the utilization of a pressure plate which forces the keys into a holding engagement with the prickly sides of the Velcro strips embedded in the underside of both top and bottom covers which are positioned opposite each key. Ultimate compactness is achieved through the utilization of specially manufactured flat keys which are trimmed of unnecessary metal and have standardized head dimensions and a configuration to match the contour of the actuator. Conventional flat keys can also be utilized by trimming the heads accordingly. Provisions are made for key replacement by removal of the bottom cover machine screws.

Other features and objects of the invention will be apparent from the accompanying specification, claims and drawing.

Other and more specific objects of the invention may be obtained from the key holder construction and features which are illustrated in the accompanying drawing, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the key holder with all keys in storage.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the key holder.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, longitudinal, cross-sectioned view on the line 3--3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the inside of the top cover with ejector, bottom keys and bottom spacers removed.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the actuator and ejector assembly, including an attached spring.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the inside of the bottom cover.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a three-tiered ejector.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the standardized key.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing how a coventional key may be modified, as shown by the broken lines, to approximate the standardized key configuration of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of a single key post extender.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of a two-key post extender.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a set of shim washers.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a modified key holder comprising a set of three keys along each side.

Referring to the drawing, FIG. 1 shows a key holder 1 contemplated by this invention as having unbreakable covers 2 and 3, preferably made of Formica, Micarta or other hard plastic. These covers may also be made of thin, non-corrosive metal. Covers 2 and 3 may be decorative and may carry advertising. The holder 1 of FIG. 1 has a capability of storing a maximum of four keys 4 of various lengths. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the outside edge of the head of each key is trimmed at 5 so that each key is approximately parallel to the cover edge and is located just inside the holder 1 when stored. The ends of covers 2 and 3 are rounded to a radius equal to approximately one-half the width thereof, thus creating an attractive, compact holder which reduces the pocket bulge and the wear normally associated with other types of key holders.

Referring to FIG. 2, the holder may be easily disassembled by removing four, standard, flat-head machine screws 6. Posts 7 and 8 may be made from any of the same materials as used in making the covers 2 and 3. These posts 7 and 8 are drilled and tapped at 9 to receive standard machine screws 6. Keys 4 are mounted on posts 8 through circular openings 10 which are of a sufficient size to permit each key to turn freely without excessive play, thus inhibiting undue shifting of the keys. Keys 4 rotate on washers 11, preferably made of brass, which provide a bearing surface and also serve to space the body of each key from the inner surface of covers 2 and 3, thereby minimizing sliding resistance.

Spacers 12, which may be made of plastic material, are mounted over the posts 7 on opposite sides of a divider 13 and support this divider 13 in a position generally parallel to and midway between the cover members 2 and 3. These spacers 12 thus establish the distance between each cover member and the divider at one end of the holder. This space is set to be just slightly greater than the thickness of a key 4. The divider 13 serves to separate top and bottom keys 4 and to provide a smooth, sliding surface for the keys when being either ejected or returned to the holder 1. The divider 13 should be very thin and may be made of plastic or non-corrosive metal.

Strips 14 of a fabric pile material having a base layer and a plurality of protruding prickly fibers are embedded in each cover member 2 and 3 to a depth so that the prickly fibers protrude beyond the inner surface thereof by a distance sufficient to engage and retain the key. This pile material 14 may be obtained by cutting to a desired size, either layer of a Velcro fastening member or any other pile material whose fibers are flexible and resilient. Thus unwanted key movement is prevented while the keys 4 are stored, but is not excessive to the point of restricting the sliding action of the keys when being ejected or returned for storage. The resiliency of these fibers also aids in the initial movement of the key during its ejection. These strips 14 need only be of a minimum area sufficient to restrict unwanted key movement.

Keys 4 are ejected from the holder 1 by an angular movement of an actuator 15 which is integrally connected with an ejector assembly 16 via a common shaft 17 extending through a V-shaped slot 18 in cover member 2. The ejector assembly 16 comprises two stacked discs 19 and 20 and may be made of Formica, Micarta or non-corrosive metal. Ejector disc 19 has a thickness equal to the thicker top level key plus the thickness of the bearing washers 11. Ejector disc 20 has a thickness equal to the thickness of the thicker bottom layer key plus the thickness of the adjacent bearing washers 11. With ejector discs 19 and 20 secured on shaft 17, the end of the shaft 17 extends into the grouted area 21 of the bottom cover 3. The ejector disc 20 is attached to one end of shaft 17 by a threaded connection. The disc 20 may be welded or soldered to the end of shaft 17 after final adjustment.

The initial one-third movement of the actuator 15 along one side of the V-shaped slot 18 causes only the larger disc 19 to engage and move its key out of the holder 1. Continued movement of the actuator 15 causes disc 20 to engage and move its key 4 out of the holder while further moving the key associated with the disc 19. Thus the two keys 4 are offset from each other at all times during movement of the actuator 15. Similarly, movement of the actuator 15 through the other side of V-shaped slot 18 will move the other keys 4 in the same manner. Top keys adjacent to the cover 2 should always be the most actively used keys, such as for the house or for the car door and the ignition. If a bottom key is desired to be used, then the actuator 15 should be moved through the full length of the V-shaped slot 18. The outermost projecting top key 4 may then be manually rotated back into the holder 1, thereby isolating the desired bottom key in its exposed position.

Ejector shaft 17 should be made of non-corrosive metal or the like with the end 40 threaded to engage actuator 15. As shown in FIG. 5, these threads extend to a flange 22 which thus provides a stop for connecting the shaft 17 to the actuator 15. Flange 22 should be flat and present a smooth surface in order to provide a good engagement with the inner face of actuator 15, as well as to provide a good bearing engagement with the outer surface of the cover member 2.

Actuator 15 may be dome shaped and of a diameter similar to the width of one's thumb so that a slight thumb pressure on the actuator 15 will produce the required forward movement of the ejector assembly 16. The base 23 of the actuator 15 should be flat to match the surface of the flange 22. The actuator 15 should be made of any material sufficiently strong so as to withstand a large number of repeated operations. Actuator 15 may be permanently attached to shaft 17 in a suitable manner, thereby eliminating any need for a threaded connection. Also, the actuator 15 and the shaft 17 may be integrally cast or molded as a single, one-piece unit, thus eliminating any separate connection between these two members. While the inner face of the flange 22 acts as a bearing surface upon the outer surface of the cover member 2, it is also possible to have the inner surface of the actuator 15 in direct engagement with the cover member 2, thus eliminating the flange altogether. The actuator 15 may obviously be made in an assortment of different designs and colors.

The apex of the V-shaped slot 18 is positioned near the key retaining posts 8 so that ejector assembly 16 will always contact only the head portion 5 of a key 4; hence, the teeth 41 of the keys are not adversely affected by any member of the holder 1. The sides of the V-shaped slot 18 are positioned at an angle of approximately 50.degree. with respect to the elongated center line of the holder. This acute angle is critical in permitting the helical spring 24 to return the ejector assembly 16 easily to its initial position. In other words, it is desirable to have the line of movement for the spring close to the line of movement for the actuating mechanism, thereby minimizing wear on these moving parts. The width of the slot should only be sufficient to allow free movement of shaft 17 therein. The length of the slot 18 should provide for only that forward movement of the ejector assembly 16 which is needed to eject both the top and bottom keys properly. At rest, the ejector assembly is maintained at the apex of V-shaped slot 18 by a helical spring 24. One end of spring 24 is connected to tab 25 which is carried by the shaft 17, while the other end of spring 24 is attached to an anchor post 26. The spring 24 should be sufficiently strong to return the ejector assembly 16 adequately to its initial position after a key has been ejected, as well as to withdraw the assembly 16 from the path of any key being returned to the holder 1. Tension in the spring 24 should also be sufficiently adequate to prevent any rattling of the ejector assembly 16. Spring anchor post 26 is attached to the bottom inner side of top cover 2 and may be made from the materials used in making the covers 2 and 3. The end of anchor pin 26 is positioned in hole 27 (FIG. 6) in the inner surface of the bottom cover member 3. Since hole 27 is only slightly larger than the diameter of anchor pin 26, a tight fit is obtained, thus adding to the rigidity of the pin. The anchor pin 26 is located as close to the end of the holder as possible. This will maximize the length of the spring 24 being used and will thus permit the use of a relatively strong spring.

Member 28 further isolates one key from another of those keys which are located on the same level, whereby each key 4 is carried in a separate compartment. Member 28 may also be made of the same material used to make the covers 2 and 3 and should extend to a point just beneath the top posts 7 and 8.

The foregoing description describes a key holder having a total of four keys, wherein each post 8 carries two keys. A holder having only one key per post may be made by providing shorter posts 7 and 8, a shorter shaft 17 and a shorter isolating member 28, plus only a single ejector disc. In this instance, the divider 13 and one set of spacers 12 are eliminated. Similarly, three keys per post may be accommodated by providing posts 7 and 8 to match the height of the three keys, along with a longer shaft 17, a wider isolating member 28 and a three-tiered ejector assembly 16, comprising discs 19, 20 and 29, as shown in FIG. 7. A second divider 13 and one additional spacer 12 for each post are required. FIG. 13 shows a holder 1 capable of carrying six keys.

FIG. 8 shows a standardized key 4 for my key holder. The head 5 is relatively narrow so as to be easily packaged in the holder and is provided with a circular opening 30. This opening should be only slightly larger than the diameter of posts 8, thereby minimizing undue shifting within the holder. The inner edge of the head of the key 4 is arcuately shaped at 31 to receive the disc of the ejector assembly 16 during ejection of the key from the holder. The radius of curvature of the arcuate surface 31 gradually decreases toward the end 32 thereof. This will maximize the distance that a key is ejected from the holder and will thus minimize the distance traveled by the actuator 15, the ejector assembly 16 and the spring 24.

FIG. 9 depicts how the head of a conventional key may be cut to shape the end thereof properly so as to be usable in my holder. That position 33 of the key which is shown by the dotted lines in FIG. 9 is removed. This shaping operation may be accomplished at a key supply outlet for a minimal cost. Thus it is readily apparent that conventional keys may be used in my holder, provided that the opening 30 of the conventional key is not too large for the post 8 of my holder.

Extenders 34 and 35 are shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 respectively. When a set of four extenders 34 are fastened to posts 7 and 8, the holder will then be able to carry two additional keys. Extenders 35 will increase the length of the posts by a distance sufficient to carry four additional keys. This same result may also be accomplished by using two additional extenders for each post. It is, therefore, apparent that an abundant supply of extenders 34 may be stocked at a key supply outlet so that posts of any desired length may be made up at the same time that the key holder 1 is assembled. Thus the supply outlet would be able to stock a smaller number of different posts, but would still be able to supply key holders carrying two, four or six keys.

A "dummy" key is required if an odd number of keys are to be carried by my holder 1. This will result in the stack of keys on each side of the holder having the same number of keys. Therefore, each key in each stack will be assured of being maintained in proper engagement with its retainer member 14. If desired, other accessories such as a knife blade, a screwdriver, a fingernail file, etc. may be used instead of a "dummy" key. Likewise, an adequate number of these accessory members may be readily stocked at a key supply outlet. An example of an accessory member is shown in FIG. 2 by the knife blade 39.

Keys whose combined thickness is less than the standardized key thickness may require the use of shim washers to match the height of posts 7 and 8. Examples of these washers are shown in FIG. 12 at 36 and 37 and would be carried by the posts 8 to increase the key thickness effectively.

As indicated in FIG. 4, the space 38 between the posts 7 at the far end of the holder may be utilized to carry a battery operated light (not shown) or a battery operated sound emitting device (also not shown). Alternatively, the sound emitter may be carried within the body of the actuator 15 and, of course, would be miniaturized along with its battery. The sound emitter would be responsive to a given plurality of sharp sounds, such as clapping one's hands three times or snapping one's fingers three times. The sound emitter would thus be useful in locating a "lost" or misplaced holder.

Due to the utilization of keys having a special head portion or of conventional keys modified to have a special head portion, it is preferred that the present key holder be stocked at key shops which are capable of performing the necessary cutting or shaping operation.

It is evident that I have provided an extremely practical key holder having a low manufacturing cost and a minimum of parts, thus assuring ease of operation in a device which is not only compact but also very attractive.

Since various changes may be made in the construction of this key holder without departing from the scope of my invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawing shall be interpreted as illustrative only.