GB2138281A - Combined key-ring and coin holder - Google Patents

Abstract

A key-ring is combined with an elastic container for storing coins which comprises a normally closed elastic housing body (11) preferably made of a spring (12) closely coiled in the shape of a solenoid with at least a tapered portion at one end so as to define a space therein for storing coins. An ornamental article (2) is movably attached at one end of the elastic housing body (1); and a key-holding member (3) is provided at the other end. By applying a biased pressure with one's fingers against the elastic housing body (11), an opening (111) leading to the space will appear in the coiled spring (12) so that coins can be either put in or taken out. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Key-ring device with elastic accommodating spacing for storing coins This invention is related to a key-ring device, and more particularly delt with an elastic housing structure having an accommodating spacing formed therein for storing various coins with great convenience.

It is known that key-rings play an important role in our daily life. However, all conventional key rings are designed merely for holding keys with at most a subsequent purpose for ornamentation. Therefore, the conventional key rings can hardly be associated with coins which are equally important in our daily necessities as being solely required for dealing with some special services arranged for the society, such as vending machines, public telephones, etc. But, to carry various coins in one's pocket is very inconvenient, and often get one into some trouble, like spilling the coins over the ground.

It is accordingly a primary object of this invention to provide a key-ring device with an elastic accomodating spacing for storing various coins with great convenience.

Another object of this invention is to provide a key-ring device with a simple and novel structure for minimizing the cost as well as promoting the value of ornamentation.

According to the present invention, these and other objects are achieved by providing a key-ring device, which comprises: a normally closed housing body made of a spring closely coiled in a solenoidal shape so as to form a desired accommodating spacing therein for storing various coins; an ornamental article movably attached at one end of the housing body; and a key-holding member provided at the other end thereof for detachably retaining the keys therewith. By applying a biased pressure with one's fingers against the housing body, an opening of the accommodating spacing will appear in the housing body so that coins can be either put in or taken out thereat with great convenience.

These and other objects and advantages of this invention will become clear from the following description of a preferred embodiment when read in conjunction with the drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a three-dimensional view of a preferred embodiment of a key-ring device with an elastic accommodating spacing for storing coins according to this invention; and Figure 2 is an illustrative view of the preferred embodiment of Figure 1 with a biased pressure being applied on the housing body in opening the accommodating spacing thereof for the putting-in or taking-out of coins.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a preferred embodiment of a key-ring device 1 according to this invention, which device comprises: a normally closed elastic housing body 11 made of a spring 12 which is closely coiled in the shape of a solenoid with at least a tapered portion at one end so as to form a desired accommodating spacing therein for storing various coins; an ornamental article 2 movably attached to the housing body 11 at one end; and a key-holding member 3 provided at the other end thereof for detachably retaining the keys therewith.

Performance of the preferred embodiment of Figure 1 is illustrated in Figure 2. When a coin is to be stored in the accommodating spacing of the housing body 11 or to be taken out thereform, the userjust apply a biased pressure with his fingers (usually with the forefinger and the middle finger being placed at one side and the thumb at the opposite side between the two fingers as shown by the arrowheads in Figure 2) against the housing body 11 for bringing out an opening 111 so that coins can be either put in or taken out with great convenience. Upon releasing of the pressure, the opening 111 will be closed as the spring 12 of the housing body 11 recovers to its normally closed condition for keeping the coins therein.

It shall be appreciated that the accommodating spacing defined by the spring 12 of the housing body 11 is suitable for storing various kinds of coins, and that the housing body 11 can be shaped in different forms such as bottle, bowling ball, bottle gourd, olive, etc.

Having thus described the invention, it is to be understood that many embodiments thereof will suggest themselves without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the specification and drawings be interpreted as illustrative rather than in a limiting sense.

1. A key-ring device for storing coins characterized by: a housing means made of elastic material for being operated in disposing coins therewith; an ornamental article movable attached to said housing means at one end; and a key-holding member provided at the other end of said housing means for detachably retaining keys; thereby, with a biased pressure applied on said housing means, coins can be either put in or taken out with great convenience.

2. A key-ring device according to Claim 1 wherein said housing means is characterized by a spring material closely coiled in the shape of a solenoid with at least a tupered portion at one end so as to form a desired accommodating spacing therein for storing various coins therewith.

3. A key-ring device substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in the drawings.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (3)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Key-ring device with elastic accommodating spacing for storing coins This invention is related to a key-ring device, and more particularly delt with an elastic housing structure having an accommodating spacing formed therein for storing various coins with great convenience. It is known that key-rings play an important role in our daily life. However, all conventional key rings are designed merely for holding keys with at most a subsequent purpose for ornamentation. Therefore, the conventional key rings can hardly be associated with coins which are equally important in our daily necessities as being solely required for dealing with some special services arranged for the society, such as vending machines, public telephones, etc. But, to carry various coins in one's pocket is very inconvenient, and often get one into some trouble, like spilling the coins over the ground. It is accordingly a primary object of this invention to provide a key-ring device with an elastic accomodating spacing for storing various coins with great convenience. Another object of this invention is to provide a key-ring device with a simple and novel structure for minimizing the cost as well as promoting the value of ornamentation. According to the present invention, these and other objects are achieved by providing a key-ring device, which comprises: a normally closed housing body made of a spring closely coiled in a solenoidal shape so as to form a desired accommodating spacing therein for storing various coins; an ornamental article movably attached at one end of the housing body; and a key-holding member provided at the other end thereof for detachably retaining the keys therewith. By applying a biased pressure with one's fingers against the housing body, an opening of the accommodating spacing will appear in the housing body so that coins can be either put in or taken out thereat with great convenience. These and other objects and advantages of this invention will become clear from the following description of a preferred embodiment when read in conjunction with the drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a three-dimensional view of a preferred embodiment of a key-ring device with an elastic accommodating spacing for storing coins according to this invention; and Figure 2 is an illustrative view of the preferred embodiment of Figure 1 with a biased pressure being applied on the housing body in opening the accommodating spacing thereof for the putting-in or taking-out of coins. Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a preferred embodiment of a key-ring device 1 according to this invention, which device comprises: a normally closed elastic housing body 11 made of a spring 12 which is closely coiled in the shape of a solenoid with at least a tapered portion at one end so as to form a desired accommodating spacing therein for storing various coins; an ornamental article 2 movably attached to the housing body 11 at one end; and a key-holding member 3 provided at the other end thereof for detachably retaining the keys therewith. Performance of the preferred embodiment of Figure 1 is illustrated in Figure 2. When a coin is to be stored in the accommodating spacing of the housing body 11 or to be taken out thereform, the userjust apply a biased pressure with his fingers (usually with the forefinger and the middle finger being placed at one side and the thumb at the opposite side between the two fingers as shown by the arrowheads in Figure 2) against the housing body 11 for bringing out an opening 111 so that coins can be either put in or taken out with great convenience. Upon releasing of the pressure, the opening 111 will be closed as the spring 12 of the housing body 11 recovers to its normally closed condition for keeping the coins therein. It shall be appreciated that the accommodating spacing defined by the spring 12 of the housing body 11 is suitable for storing various kinds of coins, and that the housing body 11 can be shaped in different forms such as bottle, bowling ball, bottle gourd, olive, etc. Having thus described the invention, it is to be understood that many embodiments thereof will suggest themselves without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the specification and drawings be interpreted as illustrative rather than in a limiting sense. CLAIMS

1. A key-ring device for storing coins characterized by: a housing means made of elastic material for being operated in disposing coins therewith; an ornamental article movable attached to said housing means at one end; and a key-holding member provided at the other end of said housing means for detachably retaining keys; thereby, with a biased pressure applied on said housing means, coins can be either put in or taken out with great convenience.

2. A key-ring device according to Claim 1 wherein said housing means is characterized by a spring material closely coiled in the shape of a solenoid with at least a tupered portion at one end so as to form a desired accommodating spacing therein for storing various coins therewith.

3. A key-ring device substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in the drawings.