WO1999033370A1

WO1999033370A1 - Keymate - compact key with key case, holding unit

Info

Publication number: WO1999033370A1
Application number: PCT/US1998/027670
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bernard Joohyung Lee
Original assignee: Bernard Joohyung Lee
Priority date: 1997-12-30
Filing date: 1998-12-28
Publication date: 1999-07-08
Also published as: WO1999033370A8; AU2207499A

Abstract

A device which facilitates carrying and using keys comprises a key unit (12) and a main unit (10).

Description

KEYMATE—C€MPACT KEY WITH KEY CASE, HOI-DING UNIT

Cross References to Related Applications

This is an initial patent application for the invention, for which a relevant PPA (Provisional patent application) had been filed as follows:

Application Number: 60/070,049 Filing Date: 12/30/97 Applicant: Bernard Joαhyung Lee * .Small Entity *

4951 Pasβo De Vega, Irvine, CA 92612 Title: Kerymate

Background — Field of Invention

This invention relates to keys, specifically to an innovative type of keys with holding unit (carrying container) , of which overall main concept is truncating the grip part of the conventional keys and share the main unit of key holder (container case) as a grip of each key.

Background — Description of Prior Art

There has not been found any prior art with related to this invention, even a similar one that is developed under the method of same concept, to provide a convenience in both using and carrying the bunch of keys with one compact unit. Objects and Advantages

Accordingly, several objects and advantages of my invention are as follows: (1) object is to have difficulty in applying some specially designed lock and key systems, and (2) advantage is to have much convenience in handling and carrying the bunch of keys with one compact unit.

Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the enclosing description and accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Fig 1 is an overall view, Fig 1A is a perspective view of externals of the invention, and Fig IB is an anatomic perspective view of the invention.

Fig 2 is a mechanical view, which shows detail articulating connection of key unit and the main unit. Fig 2A is a perspective view of the main unit that shows single compartment with the one layer system. Fig 2B is an illustrative view of joint structure coupling axles of the key units with the notches of the main unit in detail.

Fig 3 is an overview of the invention, which shows the invention in the different direction: Fig 3A is a bird view, Fig 3B is a side view, Fig 3C is a rear view and Fig 3D is a front view. Fig 3E shows invented key unit, a newly designed key and the key units rested in the chamber of the main unit.

Fig 4 shows the same view of Fig 3 but with key adapter used. Fig 4A is a bird view of the main unit employing key adapter with additional key unit connected. Fig 4B shows a chamber, and individualized units.

Fig 5 is a side view of the main unit with the key units loaded: Fig 5A is a side view of the invention with both side projected, Fig 5B and Fig 5C are the alternate side views from each respective side.

Fig 6 shows the conventional features, hinge and latch. Fig 6A is a mechanical view, which shows an exploded detail view of the hinge and latch parts, conventional features, represented by a rectangular label "HINGE" and "LATCH" respectively, Fig 6B is close-up view of the parts, one of the possible options, circled in Fig 6A.

Fig 7 is an overall view of the single key unit for the use of individual key. Fig 7A is a view of the single unit with the key unit connected, Fig 7B shows all of the possible options of the key units, and key adapter with additional key unit connected.

Fig 8 is a magnified partial view of the key unit connected to the main unit. Fig 8A, Fig 8B shows an option 1 and option 2, which is each respective type of the key unit and the congruous type of the corresponding gum of the main unit.

Fig 9 is a magnified partial view of the key unit connected to the main unit. Fig 9A, Fig 9B shows an option 3 and option 4, which is each respective type of the key unit and the congruous type of the corresponding gum of the main unit, Fig 9C shows .an option 5 which is the additional key unit connected to the key adapter and the congruous type of the gum.

Fig 10 is an overall view of additional embodiment of the invention, which uses the alternate method of vertical fold in-and-out action. Fig 10A is perspective view of -an outlook of the invention; Fig 10B is an anatomic structure of the alternate frame of the invention, which has one compartment using the lid.

Fig 11 is an overall view of additional embodiment of the invention (Fig 10) in a different option, which has two ccarpartments constructed in an alternate side with sliding doors. Fig 11A is a perspective view of an outlook of the invention in a different option; Fig 11B and Fig 11C are the anatomic structures of the alternate frame of the invention, which is view from only one side.

Fig 12 is a mechanical view of the additional main unit, which used fold in- and-out method. Fig 12A and Fig 12C are the bird view of the unit and Fig 12B is the front view of the unit.

Fig 13 is an overall view of additional embodiment of the invention, which uses the alternate method of slip in-and-out action. Fig 13A is perspective view of an outlook of the invention; Fig 13B is an anatomic structure of alternate frame of the invention.

Fig 14 is a mechanical view of an additional main unit with slip in-and-out action from the view of different directions: up, side, front and rear.

Fig 15 is a mechanical view of the key adapter in several different types and matching additional key units, which are designed for the key adapter. Fig 15A shows the key adapter for slip in-and-out action with the additional key unit, Fig 15B is same as Fig 15A except adapter locker added, and Fig 15C shows the key adapter for fold in-and-out action with additional key unit. Fig 15D is a mechanical view of the key adapter which is designed for the main unit using articulating, fold-in and stretch-out action.

Reference Numerals

10 main unit 12 key unit 14 axles

16 notches 18 compartment 1 20 compartment 2

22 lid 24 chamber 26 upper gum

28 lower gum 30 latch 32 hinge

34 single unit 36 root 38 neck

40 rail button 1 42 rail button 2 44 rail

46 tooth 48 pivot 50 sliding cover

52 key adapter 54 convex 56 adapter axle

58 upper rail guide 60 lower rail guide 62 adapter locker

64 pivot hole 66 additional key unit 68 key hole

70 additional main unit 1 72 additional main unit 2 74 key adapter 1

76 key adapter 2 78 additional main unit 2A 80 pivot hole

Summary

An invention that implicates the means—that multiple keys share respectively one device both as a grip and as a case, a carrying box container. Preferred E-mbodi ent — Description

The main unit 10 (Fig 2A) holds the new type of the key unit 12 (Fig 2B) , which are truncated in its upper part, head of the conventional key, usually used for the grip with the thumb and index finger.

The newly designed and developed key unit 12 (Fig 2A) is composed with the only lower part of the conventional key, the stem (main body) which would be the major, essential part of the key in its role. This key unit 12 (Fig 3E) has two tiny axles 14 in its bottom end—root 36 (Fig 8A) as shown in Fig 3E, which are designed to be attached on the notches 16 of the main unit. The main unit 10 (Fig 2A) is a thin rectangular shape of container made by hard, durable material, which has one or two compartment (s) 18 (Fig 3D, compartment 1) and (or) 20 (Fig 3D, compartment 2) in both side. The compartments 18,20 (Fig 3C) in each side of the main unit have a flap lid 22 (Fig 3A, Fig 3D) , which can be opened and closed at the finger tip action. Each compartments 18,20 (Fig 3D) of the main unit 10 in Fig 3 is designed to hold several specially designed and refined key units 12 for the main unit 10 as shown in Fig 3D and Fig 3B. The compartments 18,20 consist of several chambers 24, on which the key unit 12 can dwell as shown in Fig 3A and Fig 3D, one or two key(s) at a chamber 24 (Fig 3E) with one or two layers, upper and (or) lower laid bi-directionally, cross stackable, as shown in Fig 3, which has two notches 16 at each end of the chamber 24 (Fig 3E) in a different level shown in Fig 5.

The key units can be coupled on each end of the chambers 24 in each compartment 18,20 of the main unit by clicking the axles 14 of the key units 12 into the notches 16 of the chambers 24 as illustratively shown in Fig 2B. Each key unit 12 attached to the main unit 10 is designed to be folded by articulating action shown in Fig 3A when inactivated, and rest in its chamber 24; and to be folded out (unfold) shown in Fig 3A when activated, and be used like a conventional key.

As illustrated in Fig 8, Fig 9, a shape of the neck 38 (Fig 8) of the key unit 12 can be designed in several different types congruous to the type of the lower gum 28 of the main unit 10. The lid 22 hinged to each compartment 18,20 has the upper gum 26—upper bite unit(s)—at either one end or both end, congruous to the lower gum 28—lower bite unit—of the compartment 18,20.

The method of attaching the lid 22 to the main unit 10 can be various in different options—every possible conventional features, or numerous types of hinge 32 (Fig 6B) . The locking system (Fig 6B) of the main unit 10 is also conventional features, latch 30 (Fig 6B) and varies in type, size and function.

The size of the main unit 10 can be varied depending upon the user's needs, one or two laid key(s) —stacked on each other shown in Fig 1, Overall View-at each chamber 24, three or more chambers 24 in each compartment 18,20, one or two compartment (s) 18,20 in each main unit 10. The shape and finishing material of the main unit 10 can also be various and flexible in fashion and style as user's preference.

The main units 10 (Fig 1A) and the key unit 12 (Fig IB) can be designed to work with slip-in-and-out or fold-in-and-out action (Fig 13) described later as an additional embodiment of the invention, or retractable pop-out action alternatively. The main unit 10 (Fig 1A) is also available to have another extra compartment (not claimed, not shown—optional feature) to hold, associate with conventional ordinary key(s) . The main unit 10 can be designed in an expanded size for the association with the only conventional type of keys. The main unit can be combined with electronic remote keyless entry or alarm systems; it also can be equipped with illuminated, lit or back lit, flash light or light beam system, for being used in the dark.

Labels for the name abbreviated, symbols or color codes can be available to be attached, affixed on the proper position of either main unit 10 or key unit 12 for identifying and distinguishing among the key units 12. The key unit 12 can be made by alloy metal with various colors or any other durable, solid material. The key unit 12 can also be replaceable with the other small minor tool(s) or convenient accessories .

The total unit, which is the main unit 10 with the key unit 12, can be carried By placing into the pocket, pouch, handbag, or attached to the belt, shoulder strap (brace) using specially designed (not claimed) or conventional clip action.

For individually one or couple key(s) being needed or used, a single unit 34 (Fig 7) is also designed for the grip role of key unit(s) 12. The key unit is designed to work with key adapter 52 that has a role of applicator connecting the additional key unit 66 (Fig 4, Fig 9C)to the main unit 10. The key adapter 52 (Fig 9C) has two adapter axles 56 in its end, which can be coupled into notches 16 of the main unit 10. The additional key unit 66 is easily connected to the key adapter 52 by pushing into the socket, disconnected from the key adapter 52 by pulling out of the socket. The convex 54 located inside of the key adapter can be snapped into the key hole 68 of the additional key unit 66, and grip the additional key unit securely.

Additional embodiments of the invention, which are slip-in-and-out (Fig 13) , and fold-in-and-out method (Fig 10, Fig 11) , are specified as follow:

(1) Slip-in-and-out method: The additional main unit 1 70 is designed to hold the additional key unit(s) 66 vertically in stack side by side (Fig 13B) . The additional key unit 66 is laid in an alternate direction one by one allowing the teeth 46 (Fig 13B) to be located alternately between the additional key unit(s) 66, so that the teeth 46 can bite the additional key unit(s) 66 firmly, securely when being used. The key adapter 1 74 is attached to the additional main unit 1 70; and connected to the rail button 1 40 and (or) rail button 2 42. The rail button 1 40 and rail button 2 42 can be slipped by pushing and pulling with a finger tip action, and works in a glide action back and forth through the guide of the rail 44, carrying the additional key unit(s) 66 in a slip-in and slip-out position. The additional key unit 66 is easily connected to the key adapter 1 74 by pushing into the socket, disconnected from the key adapter 1 74 by pulling out of the socket. The convex 54 located inside of the key adapter can be snapped into the key hole 68 of the additional key unit 66, and grip the additional key unit 66 securely. (2) Fold-in-and-out method: The additional main unit 2 72 has two compartment (s) , which is designed to hold additional key unit 66 stacked side by side, vertically; unlike the one in slip-in-and-out method, its pointing direction is same—not alternate. It is same concept of the conventional pocket knife. The additional main unit 2 72 holds—the compartments at each of its end in an alternate side shown in Fig 16—the key adapter 2 76 fastening with the pivot, so that the key adapter 2 76 can be fold-in and fold-out (stretch out) by articulating action (Fig 10) . The additional main unit 2 72 has two sliding covers 50 at each side alternately to open and close the corresponding compartment by sliding action. Like the one in slip-in-and out method, the additional key unit 66 is easily connected to the key adapter2 76 by pushing into the socket, disconnected from the key adapter 2 76 by pulling out of the socket. The convex 54 located inside of the key adapter can be snapped into the key hole 68 of the additional key unit 66, and grip the additional key unit securely. The additional main unit 2A 78 in Fig 15 has one compartment with hinged flap lid.

Preferred Embodiment — Operation

The key units 12 are folded into the compartment 18,20, rest in the chamber 22 of the compartment 18,20 with the lid 22 closed when not in use or being carried. The key units 12 are folded out, stretched from the main unit 10 with the lid 22 closed when being used. Whenever the user needs a key, he can sirrply take the operation as follows:

(1) open the lid 22 at a finger tip action by pressing the button of latch 30, the lid pop up automatically at a spring reaction (conventional feature) , (2) select the needed key unit 12, and unfold—stretchy—the key unit 12 from the compartment 18,20, of the main unit 10. (3) and close the lid 22 firmly by pressing with thumb and index finger, and use it as a conventional key.

The main unit 10 is to be used as a grip when the key unit 12 is being used, and as a holding unit—carrying case—when the key unit 12 is not in use. While the lid 22 of the main unit 10 remains closed, the main unit 10 bites the key unit 12 firmly enough to be used securely like a conventional key.

The additional embodiment of the invention: (1) in the slip-in-and-out method, the key unit 66 can be easily slip-in and slip-out by pushing back and forth with finger tip action. (2) in the fold-in-and-out method, the key unit can be stretch out of the additional main unit 2 72 after open and before close the sliding cover 50 when being used; and fold-in after open the sliding cover 50, then close it, by sliding back and forth action when being carried—not in use. For another option in fold in-and-out method shown in Fig 15, the hinged flap lid can be opened and closed by finger-tip action and rest operation is exactly same as the option in Fig 16.

Conclusions, Ramifications, and Scope

Accordingly, it can be seen that, through the invention, it is compact, more convenient much easier—in using, carrying and handling—than conventional keys. Although the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limi ting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Various other embodiments and ramifications are possible within it's scope. For exarrple, the material used for main unit and key unit and total dimension of the unit, and its detail constructions or designs in both (or either) internal and external structures and (or) out-looking shapes and colors. The method applied in functioning its major role can be available from a lot of different and possible technical supports. Other embodiments and ramifications are not limited to those fore described. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.

Claims

Claims: I claim:

1. An invention, Keymate, which implicates the meansΓÇöthat multiple keys share respectively one device as a grip and a carrying box containerΓÇö comprising: a main unit and a key unit, and said main unit is to be shared with one or more said key unit(s) as a grip and a case, carrying box container.

2. The Keymate of claim 1 wherein said main unit comprises one or two compartment (s) in its one or both side(s), and lid(s) hinged on each side of said compartment (s) .

3. The Keymate of claim 2 wherein said compartment is divided into multiple chambers.

4. The Keymate of claim 2 wherein said lid has an upper bite unitΓÇöan upper gum, when said lid closed with said key unit folded out, both said lower bite unit of said chamber and corresponding said upper bite unit of said lid bite the said key unit stretched out of the said main unit firmly.

5. The Keymate of claim 3 wherein said chambers can be used in two level so that said key unit can be laid bi-directionally by cross- stacking, lower and upper, and has the lower bite unit at each end.

6. The Keymate of claim 3 wherein said chamber is divided into three part: one main room, one or two notch unit(s) , one or two lower bite unit(s) ΓÇöa lower gum.

7. The Keymate of claim 6 wherein said notch unit has respectively two notches in which two tiny axles of said key unit fit precisely by clicking in-and-out action.

8. The Keymate of claim 6 wherein said lower bite unit of each said chamber has a tiny square or round bump in which a respective hole located at the neck of said key unit can fit, or shapes in unparalleled (dovetailed) ΓÇöoutward is relatively narrower than inwardΓÇöin which respective coincided shapes of said key unit can fit, to secure whenever said main unit is in use.

9. The Keymate of claim 1 wherein said key unit is reconstructed by deforming the conventional keyΓÇötruncation of its grip part.

10. The Keymate of claim 9 wherein said key unit that consists of the only column partΓÇöwithout the grip partΓÇöis divided into three part: a main body part, a neck, and a root.

11. The Keymate of claim 10 wherein said root of the key unit comprises two axles.

12. The Keymate of claim 10 wherein said neck of said key unit either has square or round hole; is shaped in unparalleledΓÇö the root side of said neck is relatively more wide than the other side.

13. The Keymate of claim 1 wherein said key unit -can be located in a single biting unit for the role of a key-grip when a individual key is needed in use. The single biting unit can be various in size, shape and functional structureΓÇöconventional.

14. A key adapter that is fixture of an additional main unit or said main unit in claim 1 is to clutch and release an additional key unit. A device that holds said additional key unit(s) employs said key adapter for an applicator, which introduces said additional key unit(s) to said device.

15. The key adapter of claim 14 wherein said additional key unit is reconstructed by deforming the conventional keyΓÇötruncation of its grip part, and has a hole in its lower part.

16. The key adapter of claim 14 wherein said key adapter comprises two convex in its inside with two axles or rail .guides .

17. The key adapter of claim 14 wherein said additional main unit is divided into two types; which are an additional main unit 1 using slip-in-and-out method, and an additional main unit 2 using fold-in-and-out method.

18. The key adapter of claim 17 wherein said additional main unit 1 comprises teeth at each end, and the teeth is positioned alternately one by one at each end of said additional main unit.

19. The key adapter of claim 17 wherein said additional main unit 2 has two sliding cover at each of its side in an alternate sliding direction when being opened and closed.