GB2047082A - Key case - Google Patents

Abstract

A combined key case and fob comprises a key holding member or key ring (2) having connected to it an openable sheath (1) for accommodating one or more keys (B) attached to the ring (2) and adapted to serve as a fob for a key (I) or keys when extending exteriorly from the ring (2), e.g. on a clip hook (20). The sheath (1) is adapted to be turned inside out and closed in such condition so as to make exteriorly available a key or keys (B) normally contained within the sheath (1) and provide a fob for such key or keys. For this purpose the ring (2) is shown passing through a pair of holes (12) adjacent an end of the sheath (1). A further key holding member or ring (2) may be similarly provided at the other end of the sheath (1). <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Combined key case and fob The object of this invention is to provide an improved key holder which provides the combined effect of a key case and fob for convenient use especially, but not exclusively, in connection with motor vehicle ignition and similar keys. Practical advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following disclosure.

According to the invention a combined key case and fob comprises a key holding member or ring for the attachment of keys thereto, said key holding member or ring having connected to it an openable sheath for accommodating one or more keys attached to the holding member or ring and adapted to serve as a fob for a key or keys when extending exteriorly from the holding member or ring.

In practice the construction and arrangement may be as follows, reference being had to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is an elevation of the combined key case and fob in one closed condition, Figure 2 is a view in the direction of the arrow II of Figure 1, Figure 3 is an elevation of the key case/fob in the open condition, and Figure 4 is an elevation of the key case/fob in an alternative closed condition.

The sheath 1 of the combined key case and fob is made of flexible sheet material preferably having some degree of stiffness such as suitable leather as shown, or plastic material. The upper end of the sheath 1 is provided with a pair of holes 12 each shown reinforced with an eyelet 120, the holes 12 being engaged with a key ring 2 so that the ring 2 passes through both holes 12.

The form of the leather material of the sheath 1 in the substantially flat condition (see Figure 3) is such that when the material is folded over into a tubular form a flap 10 having one press-stud member 13 engages a co-operating press-stud member 14 on the normally exterior part of the sheath 1 so as to retain it in the closed condition in the manner shown in Figures 1 and 2. When in the closed condition, the sheath 1 so formed is fairly rigid and is shown of taper form with open ends.

The zig-zag line 11 merely indicates ornamental stitching which may be applied especially in the case of a sheath 1 made of leather. Alternatively other suitable ornamentation may be applied such as gold-lining at 11.

In use the key ring 2 receives two or more keys secured to it, and in, for example, the use of the key case/fob in connecton with motor vehicle keys, the most used key, viz: the ignition key I is exteriorly secured to the key ring either direct or as shown by means of a spring clip hook 2, e.g. having a swivel connection at 22 with the ring 2 so that the sheath serves as a fob to this key. A further key B (or keys) is fitted direct to that part of the key ring 2 within the sheath 1 so that such key B depends or lies within the sheath 1 which thus serves as a case for it. The or each key B contained within the sheath 1 in this way is that which is less frequently used such as a car boot key, glove box key, petrol cap key, luggage key, house door and/or garage key, or several of such keys.

Under normal conditions of use of a motor vehicle, the ignition key I remains readily available for use especially as it usually also serves as a door key of the vehicle and under such conditions the sheath 1 not only serves as a fob to the ignition key I but accommodates the other key B or keys and prevents it or them rattling against that interior part of the vehicle where the ignition key hole is provided.

Furthermore, when the motor vehicle is not in use, the ignition key I can be tucked into the sheath 1 or conveniently under the flap 10, from the key ring 2 so that all the keys are housed in or on and in the sheath 1 when the case/fob is carried in the pocket and thus avoids or minimises damage to the lining of the pocket by the keys.

Where the key B or keys normally carried within the sheath 1 are directly attached to the key ring 2, the key B or any one of the keys can be turned out of the sheath 1 on opening of the flap 10 of the latter and in the manner of a pen-knife blade as indicated in chain dotted lines in Figure 1, that part of the sheath 1 adjacent the key head facilitating gripping and turning of the key B during use. In this way the ignition key I can always remain ready for use with the other key B or keys in the sheath 1 capable of being readily selected for use, as and when required.

When it is desired to more freely use the key B or keys normally contained within the sheath 1, the latter is opened in the manner shown in Figure 3 to select the key B or any one of the keys for use, or the sheath 1 may be turned inside out and secured in the corresponding closed condition (Figure 4) by the press-stud connection 13, 14 in which case the ignition keyl is then accommodated within the sheath 1 and the boot key B or similar keys or keys is or are exteriorly available for convenient use. When the sheath 1 is open the key B or keys normally within the sheath can be conveniently attached to, or removed from the ring 2. If desired, the key B or each such key can be attached to the ring by a clip hook.

Especially where a key ring 2 is employed, the complete key case/fob can be of simple and inexpensive construction and provides freedom of movement of that key or keys exteriorly available for use.

However any other suitable key holding member may be employed instead of a ring.

If desired more than one press-stud connection 13, 14 may be provided and whereas such connection provides convenient and effective securing of the sheath 1 in either of the closed conditions, other suitable connection means may be employed such as that provided by "Velcro" fastening.

Although particularly suited for use in connection with motor vehicle and related keys, the combined key holder and fob is capable of use with keys for various purposes.

If desired a further key-holding member or ring 2 may be attached to the other or lower end of the sheath 1 in the same way so that the sheath 1 is provided with a holding member or ring at each end for more conveniently holding a greater number of keys readily avalable for use. As before the same facility is provided for turning the sheath 1 inside out in the manner and for the purpose already described. When provided with two rings 2 in this way the sheath 1 is of suitable length and capacity to accommodate those keys normally contained within it.

Claims (8)

1. A combined key case and fob comprising at least one key holding member or ring for the attachment of keys thereto, said key holding member or ring having connected to it an openable sheath for accommodating one or more keys attached to the holding member or ring and adapted to serve as a fob for a key or keys when extending exteriorly from the holding member or ring.

2. A combined key case and fob according to claim 1 wherein the key holding member or ring extends exteriorly of and within the openable sheath adjacent an end thereof for holding a key or keys outside the sheath and/or within it.

3. A combined key case and fob according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the key holding member or ring passes through at least one hole such as a pair of holes in the openable sheath adjacent an end thereof.

4. A combined key case and fob according to any of the preceding claims wherein the sheath is adapted to be turned inside out and closed in such condition so as to make exteriorly available a key or keys normally contained within the sheath and to provide a fob for said key or keys.

5. A combined key case and fob according to claim 4wherein at least one press-stud or other releasable connection is adapted to secure the sheath closed in either the normal or inside out condition.

6. A combined key case and fob according to any of the preceding claims wherein the key holding member or ring is provided with at least one hook such as a clip hook connected to itforthe attachment thereto of a key or keys.

7. A combined key case and fob according to claim 6 wherein the hook has a swivel connection with the key holding member or ring.

8. A combined key case and fob substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.