FR2729277A1 - Key holder and case - Google Patents

Abstract

The key (1A-1C) does not have an end which can be grasped but has an end with a small diameter (2). This has a central hole (3) and an axle (4) is passed through it that is long enough to hold several keys and on which they can pivot freely. The axle and keys are held in a U-shaped part which holds the ends of the axle and allows the keys to be grasped. This part is slid into the case and compresses a spring. This is released by a press button, allowing the keys to be removed.

Description

The invention consists of a device for minimizing the weight and
the size of a bunch of keys.

Traditionally in a bunch of keys, each key is provided
of an operating device and is connected to the others by a key ring. The
multiplication of operating devices leads to an increase
unnecessary weight and volume of the keychain.

The invention proposes to solve this drawback and to provide a
simple and convenient way to build a bunch of keys.

The device according to the invention is characterized in that each key
(1) is not equipped with any operating device which can be used manually
but has a small diameter part (2) pierced with a hole (3) in
which passes an axis (4) provided at each of its ends with a stop in
fixed or removable translation, axis being of such a length that it can
receive and collect several keys, which freely rotate around him
In this simple form, a key is brought into the position of use by
pivot around the axis. The other keys can be entered by
the user to operate the selected key, thereby replacing the operating devices.

According to particular embodiments:
- a part (5) joining the two ends of the axis is added to the assembly formed by the keys (1) and the axis (4), and comes to wrap all the keys leaving them the possibility of pivoting around the axis.

This part (5) allows a better grip of the keychain and protects the roughness of the keys where it is stored.

 - the key compresses a spring (spiral spring or any other type) when it is locked in rotation in a so-called rest position (aligned with all the other keys constituting the keychain as in Figure 2) by a system provided for this effect and easily maneuverable and is brought into a so-called position of use (alone and arranged symmetrically to the other keys of the keychain relative to the axis (4)) by the release of the energy stored in the spring.

 - the part (5) as well as the axis and the keys which it brings together are driven into a box by compressing a spring. Pressing an unlocking button releases the energy from this spring by removing the part (5).

- the keys are separated by spacers of variable size which
allow to juxtapose keys of different width while keeping a part
(2) always the same.

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention:
Figure 1 shows a key according to the invention.

FIG. 2 represents a set of three keys according to the invention
(The axis which can be of any shape is simply represented by a
center line; translation stops at each end are not
represented).

Figure 3 shows a possible shape (5) for wrapping
the whole of the keychain formed by the keys (I) and the axis (4).

FIG. 4 represents an improved form (5) in that it
includes elastic tongues (6) intended to stop the key in rotation
by abutting on a lug (7).

FIG. 5 represents a key provided with a lug (7) which will stop the
key in rotation by abutting on the tongue (6).

 Figure 6 shows an improved form of the invention.

Figure (7) shows part (5) (without keys for legibility of the
drawing) partially inserted in a box (it) intended to contain it.

By way of nonlimiting example and with reference to these drawings
the invention consists of keys (1), which include a device for locking the key in rotation (lug (7) abutting on the strip (6)).

 In this particular embodiment, the part (5) on which the tongue (6) is fixed is threaded into a box (11) in which it slides while compressing a spring (not shown). An eject button brings out this part (5) of the box (11) on which a button (10) slides transversely that the user positions in front of marks marked on the box and corresponding to each key.

 By sliding this button (10) moves a tmpéz & dale shape (9) with which it is integral. This shape (9) is immobilized vertically, which means that the part (8) comes to be raised when the part (5) comes out of the box (11) which contains it under the action of the spring. By lifting this part ( 8) drives the tongue (6) upwards, which releases the key, which is brought into the position of use by the spring which it compressed.

To return the whole of the invention to its initial state,
The user turns the key until the lug (7) hooks onto the
tab (6), then push part (5) into the box until it
locking. The device is then ready for a new use. The clearance between the lower part of part (6) and the key must be sufficient to
allow the deletion of said tab downwards when the part (5)
will be returned to the box (otherwise there could be blockage of this part
(5) because of the form (9) abutting on the form (8)).

Many other known systems can be used to
stop the key in rotation and allow it to be released.

 The figure (7) represents the part (5) (without keys for the legibility of the drawing) partially inserted in the box (it).

 By way of nonlimiting example, the key according to the invention will be made of titanium alloy to reduce its weight, in the form of a blank (the teeth being machined only when a key is supplied to a customer).

The part (5) will be made of stainless steel sheet 1 mm thick, as well as the box (11) which will contain it. The axis will consist of a simple bolt of diameter 3.

 A spiral spring will be secured to one of its ends of the axis and to the other of the key, so as to be compressed when the key is in the rest position (lug (7) in abutment on the end of the coverslip (6)).

 Each key will be separated from its neighbor by a 1 mm spacer.

 The box (11) will have approximate dimensions of 50 X 30 mm.

Claims (4)

 1) Device intended to minimize the weight and size of a bunch of keys  characterized in that each key (1) is not provided with any device for  maneuver usable manually but has a small part (2)  diameter pierced with a hole (3) through which passes an axis (4) each provided with  its ends of a stop in fixed or removable translation, axis being of a  length such that it can receive and assemble several keys, which pivot  freely around him.  2) device according to claim I characterized in that the keys are separate  by spacers of variable size to allow juxtaposition of  different widths while keeping a fixed size for part (2). 3) device according to claim 1 characterized by adding to the assembly formed by the keys (1) and the axis (4) of a part (5) joining the two ends of the axis and coming to wrap the set of keys leaving them the possibility of pivoting around the axis. 4) device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the key compresses a spring when it is locked in rotation in a so-called rest position (aligned with all the other keys constituting the keychain as in FIG. 2) by a system provided for this purpose and easily maneuverable and is brought into a so-called position of use (alone and arranged symmetrically to the other keys of the keychain relative to the axis (4)) by the release of the energy stored in the spring.