WO2007050442A1

WO2007050442A1 - Modified key assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2007050442A1
Application number: PCT/US2006/040972
Authority: WO
Inventors: Josh Downes
Original assignee: Josh Downes
Priority date: 2005-10-21
Filing date: 2006-10-20
Publication date: 2007-05-03
Also published as: US20060086163A1

Abstract

Key adjoining assembly, including: enclosure having screw assembly in each of two containers joined together by a hinge and configured to guide mounted key with modified head in arc into and out of the container. Key-adjoining assembly, including: enclosure having plurality of containers held together by accordion-folding hinges, each configured for holding key with modified head and for sliding key into and out of container.

Description

INVENTOR:

JOSHDOWNES

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field.

[0001] This invention generally relates to key adjoining assemblies. In particular, this invention generally relates to a key adjoining assembly that enables convenient access to multiple keys in an enclosure.

2. Background Art.

[0002] Many versions of conventional key adjoining assemblies have been designed that use rings, clips, chains, wallets, etc. to join standard keys together.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0003] In an implementation, a key adjoining assembly is provided, including: at least one key with a modified head, the key including a key blade joined with the modified head, the key blade having a length and a width, the modified head having a width no greater than the key blade width; an enclosure including two containers each configured to house a key; a screw assembly in each container adapted to mount a key, the screw assembly configured to guide the key in an arc into and out of the container; the containers being joined together by a hinge adapted to guide the containers in moving the screw assemblies in an arc toward and away from each other; each screw assembly allowing a key to be maneuvered out of a container for use when needed.

[0004] As another implementation, a key-adjoining assembly is provided, including: an enclosure including a plurality of containers each configured for holding a key having a modified head, the key including a key blade joined with the modified head, the key blade having a length and a width, the modified head having a width no greater than the key blade width; and hinges connecting together the plurality of containers, the hinges being configured PATENT Docket No. SP06001WO for accordion-folding and unfolding the containers upon each other; each container being configured for sliding a key having a modified head into and out of the container. [0005] Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

PATENT Docket No. SP06001WO

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0006] The invention can be better understood with reference to the following figures. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. [0007] FIG. IA is a typical car key with an outline of a modified head. [0008] FIG. IB shows the typical car key after the head has been modified. [0009] FIG. 2A is a typical house key with an outline of a modified head. [0010] FIG. 2B shows the typical house key after the head has been modified. [0011] FIG. 3 A is a typical lock key with an outline of a modified head. [0012] FIG. 3B shows the typical lock key after the head has been modified. [0013] FIG. 4 is a top view of an example of an enclosure 15 as flat stock. [0014] FIG. 5 is a top view of an example of an enclosure lid 16 as flat stock. [0015] FIG. 6 is a top view of an implementation of a modified key assembly with the enclosure lid closed and one key deployed for use.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a side view of the modified key assembly shown in FIG. 6 with one key deployed for use and the enclosure lid in the open position.

[0017] FIG. 8 is an axonometric view of parts for assembly to form the modified key assembly shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a front side view of an additional implementation of a modified key assembly.

[0019] FIG. 10 is a front side view of the modified key assembly shown in FIG. 9 with one section opened halfway and one key deployed for use.

[0020] FIG. 11 is a top side view of the modified key assembly shown in FIG. 9 with both sections fully opened and one key deployed for use.

[0021] FIG. 12 is a front side view of a further implementation of a modified key assembly with one key deployed for use.

[0022] FIG. 13 is a top end view of the modified key assembly shown in FIG. 12. [0023] FIG. 14 is a top end view of the modified key assembly shown in FIG. 12 with sections folding into operable key formation. PATENT Docket No. SP06001WO

[0024] FIG. 15 is a top end view of the modified key assembly shown in FIG. 12 with sections folded into operable key formation.

[0025] FIG. 16 is a side view of the modified key assembly shown in FIG. 12 with sections folded into operable key formation and one key deployed for use.

PATENT Docket No. SP06001WO

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0026] Modified key assemblies are provided that incorporate a modified key head to rid a key of its unneeded head mass. The removal of the head mass material may as an example enable all of one's keys to be similar in size thus allowing the keys to fit into a relatively small enclosure. This enclosure becomes a key head when an individual key is deployed for utilization. Hence, the burden of loose key assemblies may be alleviated, and the user may be enabled to carry numerous keys without the impeding bulkiness of a standard loose key assembly.

[0027] The modified key assembly is not a key ring or key chain but a convenient alternative. As an example, modified key assemblies may provide a simplified, minimally- sized alternative to the impeding bulkiness of standard everyday loose key assemblies. In another example, modified key assemblies may provide a light, small, easy to manipulate, organized, and comfortable way to carry keys and store them in pockets. Modified key assemblies may, as a further example, essentially provide one master key that may access all types of locks and doors including vehicle ignitions. As an additional example, modified key assemblies may consistently store keys in the same location with options for inscriptions, color coding, numbering, or other means of distinguishing individual keys. The modified key assemblies may also, in an example, provide a key that may not damage the handlebar assembly on a motorcycle, or steering columns and dashboards in automobiles. Further as an example, the modified key assemblies may provide an enclosure that may enable the incorporation of many other gadgets and technologies including those that are commonly found on a standard key ring, to be combined with the enclosure satisfying the specific needs of each individual user. In yet another example, the modified key assemblies may provide a vehicle for the surging trend to minimize and combine gadgets into one small, convenient object that may be simple to manufacture. As an additional example, the modified key assemblies may constitute a simplified solution to cumbersome loose key assemblies. The modified key assemblies may, as another example, allow the user to maintain access to his or her valuables in an efficient manner by organizing all keys into a small enclosure and conveniently allowing the user to find and quickly access each key when selected. PATENT Docket No. SP06001WO

[0028] The reference numerals shown in the figures designate the following parts: (11) typical car key; (12) typical house key; (13) typical lock key; (14) modified key; (15) enclosure; (16) enclosure lid; (17) screw assembly; (18) rivet; (19) rounded end; (20) spacer; (21) hinge; (22) slider assembly; (23) connector; and (24) open end.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a top view of an example of an enclosure 15 as flat stock with long dashed lines representing locations for making 90 degree bends, and short dashed lines representing locations for making smaller bends. As an example, the flat stock may be sheet metal. The enclosure 15 may, as examples, be manufactured by a variety of methods & materials.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a side view of an example of an enclosure lid 16 as flat stock sheet metal with long dashed lines representing locations for making 90 degree bends, and short dashed lines representing locations for making smaller bends.

[0031] FIG. IA is a typical car key with an outline of a modified head. FIG. IB shows the typical car key after the head has been modified. FIG. 2A is a typical house key with an outline of a modified head. FIG. 2B shows the typical house key after the head has been modified. FIG. 3 A is a typical lock key with an outline of a modified head. FIG. 3B shows the typical lock key after the head has been modified. FIG. 6 is a top view of an implementation of a modified key assembly with the enclosure lid closed and one key deployed for use. FIG. 7 is a side view of the modified key assembly shown in FIG. 6 with one key deployed for use and the enclosure lid in the open position. FIG. 8 is an axonometric drawing of an example of parts for assembly of the modified key assembly shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. This modified key assembly may, as an example, be fabricated for housing modified keys 14 formed by modifying heads of typical keys 11-13 to modified keys 14 having one similar head as shown in FIGS. IA - 3B. In an example, modified keys 14 may be attached in the modified key assembly shown in FIG. 8 with a screw assembly 17 acting as a hinge, and housing the modified keys 14 into the enclosure 15. Depending on the number of modified keys 14 used and the width of the enclosure 15, spacers 20 may, as an example, be included to compensate for the extra space on the screw assembly 17. As an example, spacers 20 may range in width, with a diameter less than or equal to that of the modified key 14 heads. The spacers 20 may as an example be utilized to ensure a snug fit, to comply with any modified key 14 thickness variation. The modified key assembly may, as an example, PATENT Docket No. SP06001WO hold a modified key 14 or set of modified keys 14 that may allow any unused keys 14 to be conveniently stored inside the enclosure 15. As an example, a selected key 14 may be maneuvered into position for utilization when selected by the user. The modified key assembly may, as an example, itself replace the function of the head of an example of a standard key 11-13.

[0032] The width of the modified key assembly may, as an example, be based on the number of keys 14 included. The enclosure 15 shown in FIG. 6 may, as an example, allow assembly of up to eight modified keys 14. However, some keys 14 may be slightly wider than others, in which case only seven keys 14 may, as an example, fit on the screw assembly 17. In this situation there may be some unwanted extra space along the screw assembly 17, in which case a spacer 20 may, as an example, be placed on the screw assembly 17 to compensate.

[0033] As another example using a wider enclosure 15 with only four keys 14, there may be considerable extra space in which case additional spacers 20 or one larger spacer 20 may be utilized. If there is still unwanted movement on the screw assembly 17, then a thin spacer 20 may as an example be used to compensate. If the assembly is too tight, then a thin spacer 20 may be removed, as an example. Functioning of the screw assembly 17 may be optimum when modified keys 14 swivel freely without lateral movement.

[0034] Once the modified keys 14 have been properly adjusted within the modified key assembly and the screw assembly 17has been secured, the enclosure lid 16 may then, as an example, be installed. To install the enclosure lid 16, the rounded end 19 of the enclosure lid 16 may as an example be matched up to the rounded end 19 of the enclosure 15 and secured into place with rivets 18 on either side of the enclosure lid 16 as shown in FIG. 8. When this modified key assembly is thus assembled, it may be ready for operation as described below. [0035] The modified key assembly may minimize and simplify the burden of ordinary key assemblies. Its operation may follow suit with the modified key assembly design in terms of simplicity. To deploy a modified key 14 for utilization, the enclosure lid 16 may, as an example, simply be clicked open as shown in FIG. 7 by pulling the enclosure lid 16 away from the enclosure 15 at open end 24. The enclosure 15 may, as an example, be flicked so that the modified keys 14 may rotate on the screw assembly 17 and then all be exposed. The key 14 to be utilized may, as an example, be picked and held while rotating the modified key PATENT Docket No. SP0600 IWO assembly so the remaining keys 14 rotate back into the enclosure 15. Finally, the enclosure lid 16 may, as an example, be rotated to the original position and clicked into place. Now the selected key 14 may be ready for utilization as shown in FIG. 6.

[0036] FIG. 9 is a front side view of an additional implementation of a modified key assembly. FIG. 10 is a front side view of the modified key assembly shown in FIG. 9 with one section opened halfway and one key deployed for use. FIG. 11 is a top side view of the modified key assembly shown in FIG. 9 with both sections fully opened and one key deployed for use. FIG. 10 shows one of two enclosures 15 open and one key 14 deployed for utilization. This modified key assembly is similar to the modified key assembly shown in FIGS. 4-8. However, the modified key assembly shown in FIGS. 9-11 does not include an enclosure lid. Instead, this modified key assembly includes two separate enclosures 15 that are held together by a connector 23. To utilize the modified key assembly shown in FIGS. 9- 11, the user may, as an example, simply pull the enclosures 15 apart as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, flick the enclosure 15 holding the selected key 14 until the keys 14 are all exposed, pick the selected key 14 and hold it while rotating the modified key assembly until the other keys 14 are back in the enclosure 15, and then push the two enclosures 15 back together as shown in FIG. 9.

[0037] FIG. 12 is a front side view of a further implementation of a modified key assembly with one key deployed for use. FIG. 13 is a top end view of the modified key assembly shown in FIG. 12. FIG. 14 is a top end view of the modified key assembly shown in FIG. 12 with sections folding into operable key formation. FIG. 15 is a top end view of the modified key assembly shown in FIG. 12 with sections folded into operable key formation. FIG. 16 is a side view of the modified key assembly shown in FIG. 12 with sections folded into operable key formation and one key deployed for use. The modified key assembly, taking the form of a key card, may as an example use slider assemblies 22 to deploy each key 14, and hinges 21 to enable folding of the card so that the length of the card may not be an obstruction when utilizing the keys 14 in tight areas. This modified key assembly may as an example be similar in size as a credit card and may easily be carried inside a wallet for everyday use or as a set of spare keys. FIGS. 13-16 demonstrate examples of simple actions for utilization of the modified key assembly shown in FIG. 12. The first step may as an example be to slide the selected key 14 out of the enclosure 15 using the slider assembly 22 PATENT Docket No. SP06001WO as shown in FIG. 12. Then, as an example, the modified key assembly card may be folded as shown in FIG. 14 until each enclosure 15 is fully collapsed as shown in FIG. 15. The selected key 14 in the modified key assembly of FIG. 12 may then be ready for utilization as shown in FIG. 16.

[0038] The modified key assemblies may as an example include at least one key 14 with a modified head, an enclosure 15 to house the modified key or keys 14, and an assembly adjoining the modified key or keys 14 to the enclosure 15. The size, shape, and fabrication materials for the modified key assemblies may be varied. As another example, physical and technological features may be added to the modified key assemblies. As examples, one or more of the following components may be included in a modified key assembly: locking mechanism that locks each key 14 into place when deployed; clip attachments such as money clip or belt clip; magnet; light; marking system to distinguish each key 14; push-button assembly to deploy each key 14 like a switch blade; any feature found in a pocket knife; ring to attach loose keys or other items; personal or commercial script, logos, and emblems; security mechanism that may prevent others from accessing keys 14; wallet; clock; hard drive; key entry cards; removable key option to loan out individual keys 14 when needed; jewelry such as a necklace or pin; designer encasements; key pager; personal digital assistant ("PDA"); alarm remote; door entry sensor (RFID); garage door opener; car door, window, and trunk lock opener; car valet; communication devices; electronic gaming; mobile phone; camera; music player; electronic security mechanism that may prevent others from accessing keys 14; voice controlled command option; bluetooth capabilities; biometrics; monetary purchasing mechanism; Global Positioning Satellite ("GPS") tracking system; computer memory device; electronic organizer; media player; personal computer; hard drive data storage; and voice recorder.

[0039] The modified key assemblies may be an alternative to standard everyday loose key assemblies. In general, any conventional keys may be modified to be compatible with the modified key assemblies. There is a surging market trend to make gadgets smaller and more compact. There have been advancements in the field of entry systems such as key card sensor locks and door entry sensors (RFID). Computers, cell phones, and music players are getting smaller as their speed and memory is increasing. Cellular phones are being combined with cameras, PDA's, and Internet applications. Meanwhile, standard key assemblies are PATENT Docket No. SP0600 IWO getting larger and increasingly bulky with key chains, alarm remotes, garage door openers, and high-end car keys increasing in size. This irony has become an unrecognized paradox especially since every consumer's most essential gadget is his or her set of keys. [0040] While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of this invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. As an example, the modified key assemblies may take on many different shapes, fabrication materials, and sizes that may enable the function of such devices to suit the needs of each individual user.

Claims

PATENT Docket No. SP06001WOCLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A key adjoining assembly, comprising: at least one key with a modified head, the key including a key blade joined with the modified head, the key blade having a length and a width, the modified head having a width no greater than the key blade width; an enclosure including two containers each configured to house a key; a screw assembly in each container adapted to mount a key, the screw assembly configured to guide the key in an arc into and out of the container; the containers being joined together by a hinge adapted to guide the containers in moving the screw assemblies in an arc toward and away from each other; each screw assembly allowing a key to be maneuvered out of a container for use when needed.

2. The key adjoining assembly of claim 1, including a mechanism locking a key with a modified head in a position for utilization.

3. The key adjoining assembly of claim 1, including a light.

4. The key adjoining assembly of claim 1 , including indicia marking a modified key.

5. A key adjoining assembly, comprising: an enclosure including a plurality of containers each configured for holding a key having a modified head, the key including a key blade joined with the modified head, the key blade having a length and a width, the modified head having a width no greater than the key blade width; and hinges connecting together the plurality of containers, the hinges being configured for accordion-folding and unfolding the containers upon each other; each container being configured for sliding a key having a modified head into and out of the container. PATENT Docket No. SP06001WO

6. The key adjoining assembly of claim 5, including a slider connected with a key with a modified head, for sliding the key into and out of a container.

7. The key adjoining assembly of claim 5, including a mechanism locking a key with a modified head in a position for utilization.

8. The key adjoining assembly of claim 5, including a light.

9. The key adjoining assembly of claim 5, including indicia marking a modified key.

10. The key adjoining assembly of claim 5, including a removable container.

11. The key adjoining assembly of claim 5, including five containers.

12. The key adjoining assembly of claim 5, in which the enclosure has credit card dimensions.