CA1320840C - Key cover (universal plastic key head) - Google Patents
Key cover (universal plastic key head)Info
- Publication number
- CA1320840C CA1320840C CA000571905A CA571905A CA1320840C CA 1320840 C CA1320840 C CA 1320840C CA 000571905 A CA000571905 A CA 000571905A CA 571905 A CA571905 A CA 571905A CA 1320840 C CA1320840 C CA 1320840C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- depression
- snap
- cover
- key
- indicia
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Landscapes
- Supports Or Holders For Household Use (AREA)
Abstract
Abstract of the Disclosure A block of synthetic material is molded over the head of a key to surround the head whereby the key is permanently mounted in the block of synthetic material. A
depression is molded into one face of the block. A snap-in member is mounted in the depression. Indicia, containing either advertising or identification material, can be imprinted either on the outside surface of an opaque snap-in member, or on the floor of the depression, whereupon the snap-in member will be transparent.
depression is molded into one face of the block. A snap-in member is mounted in the depression. Indicia, containing either advertising or identification material, can be imprinted either on the outside surface of an opaque snap-in member, or on the floor of the depression, whereupon the snap-in member will be transparent.
Description
1 3 2 ~
The invention relates to a key cover, permanently moun-ted on the head of a keyr and means for displaying advertising and/or identification indicia. More specific-ally, the invention relates to such a key cover made of a synthetic material by a molding process, and including a depression on one face thereof into which is mounted a snap-in member.
Key covers, and especially key covers made of synthetic material, are known in the art as illustrated in U.S. Patents 3,209,479, Manzardo, Oct. 5, 1965, 4,188,741, I.evy, Feb. 19, 1980, 4,305,267 Nish et al, Dec. 15, 1981, and 4,349,975, Chubb, Sept. 21, 1982.
In the '479 patent, the plastic body 10 has a key 14 inserted therein. A message plate 19 is inserted into the slot 17 and is visible through opening 20. This arrangement does not include a snap-in member as per the inventive arrangement.
The '267 patent teaches e~changeable key covers 10. As can be seen in the drawings of the patent, keys 18 are insertable into and removable from the cover 10.
Identifying indicia 50 can be impressed on one side of the cover. This arrangement is entirely different from the arrangement as taught herein.
In the '741 patent, a groove 24 is ground into the head of the key itself. A message, inscribed on a strip 30, is inserted into the groove. The message may be covered with a covering strip 42 or with a magnifying glass 32. A
second strip 36 may be includ~d on the other side of the top surface of the key itself. Once again, this arrangement is entirely different from the inventive arrangement as taught herein.
~2~$~'10 In the '975 patent, a key is once again mounted in a cover 10, and a message is included on a piece of paper 22. A lens 68 covers the message. The message may, of course, be advertising or identifying indicia. With the latter arrangement, if the key and cover are shipped in an assembled condi-tion, then it must be disassembled by the customer to insert the message. On the other hand, if it is shipped disassembled, then special packaging arrangements must be made to mitigate against the loss of the relatively small parts.
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a key cover which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art.
It is a more specific object of the invention to provide a key cover which comprises a block of synthetic material molded over the key head.
, .
It is an even more specific object of the ; invention to provide such a key cover wherein a depression is molded into one face of the block of synthetic material, and a snap-in member is mountable into th~ depression.
In accordance with a feature of the invention, the snap-in member may be transparent, whereupon the message can be imprinted on the floor of the depression. Alternatively, the snap-in member may be opaque, whereupon the message is imprinted on the top surface of the snap-in member.
In accordance with the invention, the key cover comprises a block of synthetic material molded over the head of the key to surround the head whereby the key is permanently mounted in the block of synthetic material. A
' ~
depression is included in one face of the block of synthetic material, and a snap-in member is mountable into the depression.
The invention will be hetter understood by an examination of the following description, together with the acompanying drawings, in which:
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the novel key cover with the snap-in member in place;
FIGURE 2 is a perspective exploded view of the key cover with the snap-in member removed;
FIGURE 3 is a section through III-III of Figure l; and FIGURE 4 is a view of the snap-in member partially inserted in the depression.
Referring to the drawings, the key cover, illus-trated generally at 1 t comprises a block of synthetic material 2 which is molded over the head 13 (see Figure 3) of a key 3 having a shank 5. Molded into one face of the synthetic block 2 is a depression 7. In the illustrated embodiment, the depression is in the shape of a oval. How-ever, as will be appreciated, the depression could consist of a different shape.
The depression is surrounded by a ridge 9, and a snap-in member 11 is mounted in the depression as seen in Figures 1 and 3. The snap-in member is of the same shape and substantially the same dimensions as the depression.
Indicia 13 may be imprinted on the top surface of the snap-in member, as in Figure 1. In this case, the snap-in member can be either opaque or transparent.
1 3 2 ~
Alternatively, the indicia 15 can be imprinted on the floor of the depression as seen in Figure 2. In this case, the snap-in member 11 would have to be transparent so ; that the indicia can be read through the snap-in member.
Alternatively, the message can be imprinted on a piece of paper which can then be adhered to the top surface of the either transparent or opaque snap-in member, or it can be adhered or merely placed on the floor of the depression whereupon, once again, the snap-in member would have to be transparent.
As can be seen in Figure 3, the surrounding wall of the depression slopes inwardly in an upward directlon whereupon the depression is in the shape of a truncated ovoid. In a like manner, the side edge of -the snap-in member slopes inwardly in a downward direction so that the snap-in member is also in the shape of a truncated ovoid.
~s seen in Figure 3, the small diameter of the truncated ovoid snap-in member is disposed adjacent the large diameter of the truncated ovoid depression.
~ ~ When the snap-in member is inserted into the depression, the side edge of the snap-in member will act as a cam to force the points 17 backwardly as shown in Figure 4. When the snap-in member is completely within the , depresslon, the points 17 will snap back to cover the points~
19 of the snap-in memker. Accordingly, the snap-in member cannot be removed from the depression without damaglng the block of synthetic material so that the snap-in member is effectively, permanently mounted in the depression. In the same way, because the block of synthetic material is molded -over the head of the key, the key is permanently mounted in ~32~
the block of synthetic material. The block of synthetic material may be molded over the head of the key by injection molding.
The key mounted in the key cover can now be pre-pared for specialized customers, for example, car companies, hotels, etc. The key, mounted in the synthetic material, along with the snap-in member (not necessarily mounted in the depression), can be shipped to the customer who can then apply his own indicia either on the floor of the depression or on the top surface of the snap-in member. Alternatively, the message could be imprinted by the key maker and shipped completely assembled to the customer. ~`
Although the drawings illustrate a depression in only one face of the block of synthetic matèrial, it is of course within the scope of the invention to have depressions on both faces whereby two messages could be displayed on each key.
Although several embodiments have been above-described, this was for the purpose of illustrating, but not ~ limiting, the invention. Various modifications, which will come readily to the mind of one skilled in the art, are within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. ;
. ~
~'
The invention relates to a key cover, permanently moun-ted on the head of a keyr and means for displaying advertising and/or identification indicia. More specific-ally, the invention relates to such a key cover made of a synthetic material by a molding process, and including a depression on one face thereof into which is mounted a snap-in member.
Key covers, and especially key covers made of synthetic material, are known in the art as illustrated in U.S. Patents 3,209,479, Manzardo, Oct. 5, 1965, 4,188,741, I.evy, Feb. 19, 1980, 4,305,267 Nish et al, Dec. 15, 1981, and 4,349,975, Chubb, Sept. 21, 1982.
In the '479 patent, the plastic body 10 has a key 14 inserted therein. A message plate 19 is inserted into the slot 17 and is visible through opening 20. This arrangement does not include a snap-in member as per the inventive arrangement.
The '267 patent teaches e~changeable key covers 10. As can be seen in the drawings of the patent, keys 18 are insertable into and removable from the cover 10.
Identifying indicia 50 can be impressed on one side of the cover. This arrangement is entirely different from the arrangement as taught herein.
In the '741 patent, a groove 24 is ground into the head of the key itself. A message, inscribed on a strip 30, is inserted into the groove. The message may be covered with a covering strip 42 or with a magnifying glass 32. A
second strip 36 may be includ~d on the other side of the top surface of the key itself. Once again, this arrangement is entirely different from the inventive arrangement as taught herein.
~2~$~'10 In the '975 patent, a key is once again mounted in a cover 10, and a message is included on a piece of paper 22. A lens 68 covers the message. The message may, of course, be advertising or identifying indicia. With the latter arrangement, if the key and cover are shipped in an assembled condi-tion, then it must be disassembled by the customer to insert the message. On the other hand, if it is shipped disassembled, then special packaging arrangements must be made to mitigate against the loss of the relatively small parts.
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a key cover which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art.
It is a more specific object of the invention to provide a key cover which comprises a block of synthetic material molded over the key head.
, .
It is an even more specific object of the ; invention to provide such a key cover wherein a depression is molded into one face of the block of synthetic material, and a snap-in member is mountable into th~ depression.
In accordance with a feature of the invention, the snap-in member may be transparent, whereupon the message can be imprinted on the floor of the depression. Alternatively, the snap-in member may be opaque, whereupon the message is imprinted on the top surface of the snap-in member.
In accordance with the invention, the key cover comprises a block of synthetic material molded over the head of the key to surround the head whereby the key is permanently mounted in the block of synthetic material. A
' ~
depression is included in one face of the block of synthetic material, and a snap-in member is mountable into the depression.
The invention will be hetter understood by an examination of the following description, together with the acompanying drawings, in which:
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the novel key cover with the snap-in member in place;
FIGURE 2 is a perspective exploded view of the key cover with the snap-in member removed;
FIGURE 3 is a section through III-III of Figure l; and FIGURE 4 is a view of the snap-in member partially inserted in the depression.
Referring to the drawings, the key cover, illus-trated generally at 1 t comprises a block of synthetic material 2 which is molded over the head 13 (see Figure 3) of a key 3 having a shank 5. Molded into one face of the synthetic block 2 is a depression 7. In the illustrated embodiment, the depression is in the shape of a oval. How-ever, as will be appreciated, the depression could consist of a different shape.
The depression is surrounded by a ridge 9, and a snap-in member 11 is mounted in the depression as seen in Figures 1 and 3. The snap-in member is of the same shape and substantially the same dimensions as the depression.
Indicia 13 may be imprinted on the top surface of the snap-in member, as in Figure 1. In this case, the snap-in member can be either opaque or transparent.
1 3 2 ~
Alternatively, the indicia 15 can be imprinted on the floor of the depression as seen in Figure 2. In this case, the snap-in member 11 would have to be transparent so ; that the indicia can be read through the snap-in member.
Alternatively, the message can be imprinted on a piece of paper which can then be adhered to the top surface of the either transparent or opaque snap-in member, or it can be adhered or merely placed on the floor of the depression whereupon, once again, the snap-in member would have to be transparent.
As can be seen in Figure 3, the surrounding wall of the depression slopes inwardly in an upward directlon whereupon the depression is in the shape of a truncated ovoid. In a like manner, the side edge of -the snap-in member slopes inwardly in a downward direction so that the snap-in member is also in the shape of a truncated ovoid.
~s seen in Figure 3, the small diameter of the truncated ovoid snap-in member is disposed adjacent the large diameter of the truncated ovoid depression.
~ ~ When the snap-in member is inserted into the depression, the side edge of the snap-in member will act as a cam to force the points 17 backwardly as shown in Figure 4. When the snap-in member is completely within the , depresslon, the points 17 will snap back to cover the points~
19 of the snap-in memker. Accordingly, the snap-in member cannot be removed from the depression without damaglng the block of synthetic material so that the snap-in member is effectively, permanently mounted in the depression. In the same way, because the block of synthetic material is molded -over the head of the key, the key is permanently mounted in ~32~
the block of synthetic material. The block of synthetic material may be molded over the head of the key by injection molding.
The key mounted in the key cover can now be pre-pared for specialized customers, for example, car companies, hotels, etc. The key, mounted in the synthetic material, along with the snap-in member (not necessarily mounted in the depression), can be shipped to the customer who can then apply his own indicia either on the floor of the depression or on the top surface of the snap-in member. Alternatively, the message could be imprinted by the key maker and shipped completely assembled to the customer. ~`
Although the drawings illustrate a depression in only one face of the block of synthetic matèrial, it is of course within the scope of the invention to have depressions on both faces whereby two messages could be displayed on each key.
Although several embodiments have been above-described, this was for the purpose of illustrating, but not ~ limiting, the invention. Various modifications, which will come readily to the mind of one skilled in the art, are within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. ;
. ~
~'
Claims (9)
1. A key cover permanently mounted on the head of a key, comprising:
a block of synthetic material molded over the head of said key to surround said head, whereby said key is permanently mounted in said block of synthetic material, said block of synthetic material having two faces;
a depression in one of said faces;
a snap-in member, having substantially the same shape and dimensions as said depression, mountable in said depression;
said depression and snap-in member comprising means for displaying indicia for advertising and/or identification purposes.
a block of synthetic material molded over the head of said key to surround said head, whereby said key is permanently mounted in said block of synthetic material, said block of synthetic material having two faces;
a depression in one of said faces;
a snap-in member, having substantially the same shape and dimensions as said depression, mountable in said depression;
said depression and snap-in member comprising means for displaying indicia for advertising and/or identification purposes.
2. A cover as defined in claim 1 wherein said block of synthetic material is molded over said head by injection molding.
3. A cover as defined in claim 1 wherein said indicia are disposed on the floor of said depression;
said snap-in member comprising a transparent material.
said snap-in member comprising a transparent material.
4. A cover as defined in claim 3 wherein said indicia are imprinted on the floor of said depression.
5. A cover as defined in claim 3 wherein said indicia are imprinted on a piece of paper disposed on the floor of said depression.
6. A cover as defined in claim 1 wherein said indicia are imprinted on the top surface of said snap-in member.
7. A cover as defined in claim 1 wherein said indicia are imprinted on a piece of paper adhered to the top surface of said snap-in member.
8. A cover as defined in claim 1 wherein said depression is oval-shaped and wherein said snap-in member is similarly oval-shaped;
the surrounding wall of said depression sloping inwardly in an upward direction so that the depression is in the shape of a truncated ovoid;
the side edge of the snap-in member slanting inwardly in a downward direction whereby the snap-in member is in the shape of a truncated ovoid;
the snap-in member being mounted in said depression with the small diameter of the snap-in member being adjacent the large diameter of the depression.
the surrounding wall of said depression sloping inwardly in an upward direction so that the depression is in the shape of a truncated ovoid;
the side edge of the snap-in member slanting inwardly in a downward direction whereby the snap-in member is in the shape of a truncated ovoid;
the snap-in member being mounted in said depression with the small diameter of the snap-in member being adjacent the large diameter of the depression.
9. A cover as defined in claim 1 and including a ridge surrounding said depression.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US21042988A | 1988-06-23 | 1988-06-23 | |
| US210,429 | 1988-06-23 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1320840C true CA1320840C (en) | 1993-08-03 |
Family
ID=22782877
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000571905A Expired - Fee Related CA1320840C (en) | 1988-06-23 | 1988-07-13 | Key cover (universal plastic key head) |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1320840C (en) |
-
1988
- 1988-07-13 CA CA000571905A patent/CA1320840C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |