EP3906803A1 - Mini protective key - Google Patents
Mini protective key Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3906803A1 EP3906803A1 EP20189236.1A EP20189236A EP3906803A1 EP 3906803 A1 EP3906803 A1 EP 3906803A1 EP 20189236 A EP20189236 A EP 20189236A EP 3906803 A1 EP3906803 A1 EP 3906803A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- protective key
- elongated shaft
- top surface
- key
- protective
- 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.)
- Withdrawn
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
- A44B—BUTTONS, PINS, BUCKLES, SLIDE FASTENERS, OR THE LIKE
- A44B15/00—Key-rings
- A44B15/005—Fobs
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C22—METALLURGY; FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS ALLOYS; TREATMENT OF ALLOYS OR NON-FERROUS METALS
- C22C—ALLOYS
- C22C9/00—Alloys based on copper
- C22C9/04—Alloys based on copper with zinc as the next major constituent
Definitions
- the present invention is directed to a small protective key that is useful for protecting a user from a contact surface such as a doorbell, keypad or touch pad, thus avoiding direct contact between the user's skin and bacteria or viruses that may be present on the contact surface.
- the coronavirus pandemic has generated a need or desire for gloves, masks and other protective equipment that prevent direct contact between consumers and various articles that form part of their daily environment.
- This need or desire is based on concerns that viruses may live for measurable, often extended periods of time on various surfaces. Surfaces that have typically required direct contact with a user's skin include keypads on ATM machines, electronic signature pads, touch pads used for credit card processing, doorbells, and various objects. Many of these items require only a pointed touch or pressing.
- protective gloves are commonly used, the gloves themselves may accumulate viruses and bacteria that can be transferred to the user's skin or clothing when the gloves are removed or manipulated.
- a protective device that not only avoids direct skin contact between the user and various surfaces but is formed of an antimicrobial material that resists the accumulation of viruses and bacteria.
- the present invention is directed to a small protective key that can be used to protect a user from direct skin exposure to a contact surface.
- the contact surface can be a keypad, touch pad, doorbell, button or other surface that requires only a touch or lightly applied pressure from the user.
- the protective key not only places distance between its user and the contact surfaces of interest but can be formed of an antimicrobial material that resists accumulation of viruses and bacteria on the protective key surfaces.
- the protective key includes:
- the protective key includes:
- the protective key includes:
- a protective key that maintains distance and avoids skin contact between a user and a surface such as a keypad, credit card processing pad, doorbell, button, and other touch surfaces.
- Figs. 1-8 illustrate of one embodiment of a small protective key of the invention, which is designed to protect a user from direct exposure to a contact surface.
- the protective key 10 can be fitted to a keychain ring 52 as shown in Fig. 8 , or to another suitable carrier, and can be small enough so that it does not occupy significant space in the user's pocket.
- the protective key 10 includes an elongated shaft 12 having a first end 14, a second end 16, a first side 18, a second side 20, a top surface 22 and a bottom surface 24.
- a carrier opening 26 is located at the first end 14 of the elongated shaft 12.
- the carrier opening 26 can receive a keychain as shown in Fig. 8 , a string or elastic band attached to a belt, or another suitable carrier.
- a touch surface 28 is located at the second end 16 of the elongated shaft 12.
- the touch surface 28 is shown as a flat surface that is perpendicular to the nearest flat portion 30 of the top surface 22 and the nearest flat portion 32 of the bottom surface 24.
- the touch surface 28 is joined to the top surface 22 by a beveled corner 34 and is joined to the bottom surface 24 by a beveled corner 36.
- the touch surface 28 can be curved, pointed, angled, or can have any suitable configuration.
- the elongated shaft 12 has a length extending from the outermost point 44 of the first end 14 to a corresponding outermost point 46 on the second end 16, a height extending from the outermost planar portion 30 on the upper surface 22 to the outermost planar portion 32 on the lower surface 24, and a ratio of length to height of about 1.25:1 to about 2.75:1, suitably about 1.5:1 to about 2.5:1, or about 2:1.
- This relatively small length to height ratio enables the protective key 10 to fit easily and comfortably into pockets and small purses, while allowing enough length to place some distance between the user and the contact surface that is being engaged by the touch surface 28.
- the carrier opening 26 need only be large enough to receive a key ring, string, elastic band or other suitable carrier and can be circular (as shown), elliptical, oval, square, rectangular or any suitable shape.
- the protective key 10 of the invention is sized to fit comfortably on a key ring 52 with or without a plurality of additional keys 54.
- the protective key 10 can be sized to fit on a string or rope, suitably an elastic band that can be attached to a user's belt or belt loop.
- the protective key 10 can be sized and designed to fit in a Keysmart® pocket key organizer, such as shown in U.S. Design Patent D705,533 to Tunney, U.S.
- the protective key 10 of the invention can be sized and designed for a wide variety of uses ranging from small to large, ranging from light touch to heavy pressure, and requiring any degree of strength and integrity.
- a first abrasive region 38 covers at least a portion of the top surface 22 and a second abrasive region 40 covers at least a portion of the bottom surface 24 of the elongated shaft 12.
- the first and second abrasive regions 38 and 40 can be formed of a plurality of corrugations 50 in the top and bottom surfaces as shown, or can be formed using any rough, serrated, or textured surface design.
- the abrasive region 38 can cover up to 100% of the top surface 22, or about 25% to about 75% of the top surface 22, or about 40% to about 60% of the top surface 22.
- the abrasive region 40 can cover up to 100% of the bottom surface 24, or about 25% to about 75% of the bottom surface 24, or about 40% to about 60% of the bottom surface 24.
- the abrasive regions 38 and 40 are used as gripping regions for a user to grip the protective key 10 and urge the touch surface 28 toward the contact surface of a doorbell, keypad, touch pad or other object.
- the corrugations 50 may extend from the first side 18 to the second side 20 of the elongated shaft 12 and can be perpendicular to the first side 18 and the second side 20.
- the top surface 22 can be designed such that one or more flat portions 30 and 31 of the top surface 22 define a plane and the first abrasive region 38 is located inward from the plane.
- the bottom surface 24 can be similarly designed such that one or more flat portions 32 and 33 of the bottom surface 24 define a plane and the second abrasive region 40 is located inward from the plane.
- the protective key 10 of the invention is suitably formed using an antimicrobial alloy that resists or prevents accumulation of virus and bacteria on the protective key surfaces.
- One suitable antimicrobial material is an alloy of copper and zinc.
- the antimicrobial alloy can include about 50% to about 80% by weight copper and about 20% to about 50% by weight zinc, suitably about 60% to about 70% copper and about 30% to about 40% by weight zinc.
- Other antimicrobial materials can also be used to form the protective key of the invention.
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Materials Engineering (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Metallurgy (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Push-Button Switches (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
Abstract
A small protective key (10) is provided for placing distance between a user and a touch surface, thereby avoiding direct contact between the user's skin and the touch surface. The protective key (10) helps protect the user from exposure to viruses or bacteria that may be present on the touch surface. The protective key (10) can be formed of an antimicrobial material that resists accumulation of viruses and bacteria. The protective key (10) comprises an elongated shaft (12) having a first end (14), a second end (16), a first side (18), a second side (20), a top surface (22) and a bottom surface (24). The protective key further comprises an opening (26) at the first end (14) of the elongated shaft (12) for receiving a carrier, a touch surface (28) at the second end (16) of the elongated shaft (12), a first abrasive region (38) covering at least a portion of the top surface (22) and a second abrasive region (40) covering at least a portion of the bottom surface (24).
Description
- The present invention is directed to a small protective key that is useful for protecting a user from a contact surface such as a doorbell, keypad or touch pad, thus avoiding direct contact between the user's skin and bacteria or viruses that may be present on the contact surface.
- The coronavirus pandemic has generated a need or desire for gloves, masks and other protective equipment that prevent direct contact between consumers and various articles that form part of their daily environment. This need or desire is based on concerns that viruses may live for measurable, often extended periods of time on various surfaces. Surfaces that have typically required direct contact with a user's skin include keypads on ATM machines, electronic signature pads, touch pads used for credit card processing, doorbells, and various objects. Many of these items require only a pointed touch or pressing. While protective gloves are commonly used, the gloves themselves may accumulate viruses and bacteria that can be transferred to the user's skin or clothing when the gloves are removed or manipulated. There is a need or desire for a protective device that not only avoids direct skin contact between the user and various surfaces but is formed of an antimicrobial material that resists the accumulation of viruses and bacteria.
- The present invention is directed to a small protective key that can be used to protect a user from direct skin exposure to a contact surface. The contact surface can be a keypad, touch pad, doorbell, button or other surface that requires only a touch or lightly applied pressure from the user. The protective key not only places distance between its user and the contact surfaces of interest but can be formed of an antimicrobial material that resists accumulation of viruses and bacteria on the protective key surfaces.
- In one embodiment, the protective key includes:
- an elongated shaft having a first end, a second end, a first side, a second side, a top surface and a bottom surface;
- an opening at the first end of the elongated shaft for receiving a carrier;
- a touch surface at the second end of the elongated shaft;
- a first abrasive region covering at least a portion of the top surface; and
- a second abrasive region covering at least a portion of the bottom surface.
- In another embodiment, the protective key includes:
- an elongated shaft having a first end, a second end, a first side, a second side, a top surface and a bottom surface;
- a carrier opening at the first end of the elongated shaft;
- a touch surface at the second end of the elongated shaft;
- a first corrugated region covering at least a portion of the top surface; and
- a second corrugated region covering at least a portion of the bottom surface.
- wherein the protective key comprises an antimicrobial alloy.
- In another embodiment, the protective key includes:
- an elongated shaft having a first end, a second end, a first side, a second side, a top surface and a bottom surface;
- a carrier opening at the first end of the elongated shaft;
- a touch surface at the second end of the elongated shaft;
- a first abrasive region covering about 25% to about 75% of the top surface; and
- a second abrasive region covering about 25% to about 75% of the bottom surface;
- wherein the protective key is formed using an antimicrobial alloy comprising about 50% to about 80% by weight copper and about 20% to about 50% by weight zinc.
- With the foregoing in mind, it is a feature and advantage of the invention to provide a protective key that maintains distance and avoids skin contact between a user and a surface such as a keypad, credit card processing pad, doorbell, button, and other touch surfaces.
- It is also a feature and advantage of the invention to provide a protective key that is formed using an antimicrobial material that resists accumulation of viruses and bacteria.
-
-
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the protective key according to one embodiment of the invention. -
Fig. 2 is a first side view of the protective key ofFig. 1 . -
Fig. 3 is a second side view of the protective key ofFig. 1 . -
Fig. 4 is a top view of the protective key ofFig. 1 . -
Fig. 5 is a bottom view of the protective key ofFig. 1 . -
Fig. 6 is a left end view of the protective key ofFig. 1 . -
Fig. 7 is a right end view of the protective key ofFig. 1 . -
Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the protective key showing one use environment, in which the protective key is attached to a keychain (shown in dotted lines). -
Figs. 1-8 illustrate of one embodiment of a small protective key of the invention, which is designed to protect a user from direct exposure to a contact surface. Theprotective key 10 can be fitted to akeychain ring 52 as shown inFig. 8 , or to another suitable carrier, and can be small enough so that it does not occupy significant space in the user's pocket. Theprotective key 10 includes anelongated shaft 12 having afirst end 14, asecond end 16, afirst side 18, asecond side 20, atop surface 22 and abottom surface 24. Acarrier opening 26 is located at thefirst end 14 of theelongated shaft 12. Thecarrier opening 26 can receive a keychain as shown inFig. 8 , a string or elastic band attached to a belt, or another suitable carrier. Atouch surface 28 is located at thesecond end 16 of theelongated shaft 12. Thetouch surface 28 is shown as a flat surface that is perpendicular to the nearestflat portion 30 of thetop surface 22 and the nearestflat portion 32 of thebottom surface 24. In the embodiment shown, thetouch surface 28 is joined to thetop surface 22 by abeveled corner 34 and is joined to thebottom surface 24 by abeveled corner 36. In addition to being flat as shown, thetouch surface 28 can be curved, pointed, angled, or can have any suitable configuration. - Referring to
Figs. 2 and 3 , theelongated shaft 12 has a length extending from theoutermost point 44 of thefirst end 14 to a correspondingoutermost point 46 on thesecond end 16, a height extending from the outermostplanar portion 30 on theupper surface 22 to the outermostplanar portion 32 on thelower surface 24, and a ratio of length to height of about 1.25:1 to about 2.75:1, suitably about 1.5:1 to about 2.5:1, or about 2:1. This relatively small length to height ratio enables theprotective key 10 to fit easily and comfortably into pockets and small purses, while allowing enough length to place some distance between the user and the contact surface that is being engaged by thetouch surface 28. - The carrier opening 26 need only be large enough to receive a key ring, string, elastic band or other suitable carrier and can be circular (as shown), elliptical, oval, square, rectangular or any suitable shape. In one embodiment, shown in
Fig. 8 , theprotective key 10 of the invention is sized to fit comfortably on akey ring 52 with or without a plurality ofadditional keys 54. In another embodiment, theprotective key 10 can be sized to fit on a string or rope, suitably an elastic band that can be attached to a user's belt or belt loop. In another embodiment, theprotective key 10 can be sized and designed to fit in a Keysmart® pocket key organizer, such as shown in U.S. Design Patent D705,533 to Tunney, U.S. Design Patent D754,427 to Tunney,U.S. Patent D754,428 to Tunney, and/orU.S. Patent D705,533 to Tunney, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Theprotective key 10 of the invention can be sized and designed for a wide variety of uses ranging from small to large, ranging from light touch to heavy pressure, and requiring any degree of strength and integrity. - As shown in
Figs. 1-5 , a firstabrasive region 38 covers at least a portion of thetop surface 22 and a secondabrasive region 40 covers at least a portion of thebottom surface 24 of theelongated shaft 12. The first and secondabrasive regions corrugations 50 in the top and bottom surfaces as shown, or can be formed using any rough, serrated, or textured surface design. Theabrasive region 38 can cover up to 100% of thetop surface 22, or about 25% to about 75% of thetop surface 22, or about 40% to about 60% of thetop surface 22. Theabrasive region 40 can cover up to 100% of thebottom surface 24, or about 25% to about 75% of thebottom surface 24, or about 40% to about 60% of thebottom surface 24. - The
abrasive regions protective key 10 and urge thetouch surface 28 toward the contact surface of a doorbell, keypad, touch pad or other object. To this end, when the first and secondabrasive regions corrugations 50 may extend from thefirst side 18 to thesecond side 20 of theelongated shaft 12 and can be perpendicular to thefirst side 18 and thesecond side 20. Further to this end, thetop surface 22 can be designed such that one or moreflat portions top surface 22 define a plane and the firstabrasive region 38 is located inward from the plane. Thebottom surface 24 can be similarly designed such that one or moreflat portions bottom surface 24 define a plane and the secondabrasive region 40 is located inward from the plane. - The
protective key 10 of the invention is suitably formed using an antimicrobial alloy that resists or prevents accumulation of virus and bacteria on the protective key surfaces. One suitable antimicrobial material is an alloy of copper and zinc. The antimicrobial alloy can include about 50% to about 80% by weight copper and about 20% to about 50% by weight zinc, suitably about 60% to about 70% copper and about 30% to about 40% by weight zinc. Other antimicrobial materials can also be used to form the protective key of the invention. - The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary. Various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims, and all changes that fall within the meaning and range of equivalents are intended to be embraced therein.
Claims (14)
- A protective key for protecting a user from direct exposure to a contact surface, comprising:an elongated shaft having a first end, a second end, a first side, a second side, a top surface and a bottom surface;an opening at the first end of the elongated shaft for receiving a carrier;a touch surface at the second end of the elongated shaft;a first abrasive region covering at least a portion of the top surface; anda second abrasive region covering at least a portion of the bottom surface.
- The protective key of Claim 1, comprising an antimicrobial alloy.
- The protective key of Claim 2, wherein the antimicrobial alloy comprises about 50% to about 80% by weight copper and about 20% to about 50% by weight zinc, preferably about 60% to about 70% by weight copper and about 30% to about 40% by weight zinc.
- The protective key of any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein portions the top surface define a plane between the first end and the second end of the elongated shaft and the first abrasive region is indented relative to the plane.
- The protective key of any of Claims 1 to 4, wherein portions the bottom surface define a plane between the first end and the second end of the elongated shaft and the second abrasive region is indented relative to the plane.
- The protective key of any of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the first abrasive region comprises corrugations in the at least a portion of the top surface.
- The protective key of Claim 6, wherein the corrugations extend from the first side to the second side of the elongated shaft.
- The protective key of any of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the second abrasive region comprises corrugations in the at least a portion of the bottom surface.
- The protective key of Claim 8, wherein the corrugations extend from the first side to the second side of the elongated shaft.
- The protective key of Claim any of Claims 1 to 9, wherein the touch surface is generally perpendicular to adjacent portions of the top surface and the bottom surface.
- The protective key of any of Claims 1 to 10, further comprising a first beveled portion joining the touch surface to the top surface and a second beveled portion joining the touch surface to the bottom surface.
- The protective key of any of Claims 1 to 11, wherein the elongated shaft has a length extending from the first end to the second end and a height extending from the top surface to the bottom surface, and wherein a ratio of the length to the height is about 1.5:1 to about 2.5:1, preferably about 2:1.
- The protective key of any of Claims 1 to 12, wherein the first abrasive region covers about 25% to about 75% of the top surface.
- The protective key of any of Claims 1 to 13, wherein the second abrasive region covers about 25% to about 75% of the bottom surface.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/868,790 US20210348417A1 (en) | 2020-05-07 | 2020-05-07 | Mini Protective Key |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3906803A1 true EP3906803A1 (en) | 2021-11-10 |
Family
ID=71944010
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP20189236.1A Withdrawn EP3906803A1 (en) | 2020-05-07 | 2020-08-03 | Mini protective key |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20210348417A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3906803A1 (en) |
Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US705533A (en) | 1901-03-09 | 1902-07-22 | Steam Carriage Boiler Company | Steam-generator. |
US754427A (en) | 1903-05-04 | 1904-03-15 | Tom W Brooke | Ladder and scaffold support. |
WO1999014548A1 (en) * | 1997-09-17 | 1999-03-25 | Roy John Taylor | Defensive device |
GB2474717A (en) * | 2009-10-26 | 2011-04-27 | James Harry Trott | Rod-like device for operating Chip and PIN terminals |
USD705533S1 (en) | 2013-06-20 | 2014-05-27 | KeySmart, LLC | Pocket key organizer |
USD754428S1 (en) | 2015-06-25 | 2016-04-26 | KeySmart, LLC | Pocket key organizer |
DE202018005544U1 (en) * | 2018-11-29 | 2019-05-07 | Kobukido UG (haftungsbeschränkt) | Signal generator with self-rescue and self-assertion function |
ES1245846U (en) * | 2020-02-20 | 2020-05-06 | Monroy Laia Garcia | BUTTON PUSH BUTTON (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) |
-
2020
- 2020-05-07 US US16/868,790 patent/US20210348417A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2020-08-03 EP EP20189236.1A patent/EP3906803A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US705533A (en) | 1901-03-09 | 1902-07-22 | Steam Carriage Boiler Company | Steam-generator. |
US754427A (en) | 1903-05-04 | 1904-03-15 | Tom W Brooke | Ladder and scaffold support. |
WO1999014548A1 (en) * | 1997-09-17 | 1999-03-25 | Roy John Taylor | Defensive device |
GB2474717A (en) * | 2009-10-26 | 2011-04-27 | James Harry Trott | Rod-like device for operating Chip and PIN terminals |
USD705533S1 (en) | 2013-06-20 | 2014-05-27 | KeySmart, LLC | Pocket key organizer |
USD754428S1 (en) | 2015-06-25 | 2016-04-26 | KeySmart, LLC | Pocket key organizer |
DE202018005544U1 (en) * | 2018-11-29 | 2019-05-07 | Kobukido UG (haftungsbeschränkt) | Signal generator with self-rescue and self-assertion function |
ES1245846U (en) * | 2020-02-20 | 2020-05-06 | Monroy Laia Garcia | BUTTON PUSH BUTTON (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20210348417A1 (en) | 2021-11-11 |
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