GB2541923A

GB2541923A - Ergonomic key fob multi-tool

Info

Publication number: GB2541923A
Application number: GB1515697.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Seymour Peta
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-09-04
Filing date: 2015-09-04
Publication date: 2017-03-08
Anticipated expiration: 2035-09-04
Also published as: GB201515697D0; GB2541923B

Abstract

An ergonomic key fob multi-tool (10) has a main body (12) with conjoined first and second body portions (14), (16) being angularly offset from one another. The first body portion (14) includes a gripping region whilst the second portion (16) includes a scraping tool (26) for use with scratch-cards, the angular offset between the first and second body portions (14), (16) giving a shape that is ergonomic suited for use of the scraping tool (26). The main body (12) may ne used as a lever, the interface (18) between the first and second body portions (14), (16) acting as a fulcrum. An aperture (22) is provided in the second body portion (16) for a key ring. The scraping tool (26) may have a curvilinear edge and a rounded upper surface. The second portion (16) may have a bevelled edge for use as a cutting tool. The first body portion (14) may also comprise a screwdriver head (46). Independent claims are also included for scraper multi-tool and for a key ring scratch-card scraper tool having a first portion with side edges that converge from the front edge to the rear edge.

Description

Ergonomic Key Fob Multi-Tool

The present invention relates to a multi-tool suitable for attachment to a key ring, and more particularly to an ergonomically-designed key fob multi-tool. The invention also relates to a scraper multi-tool, and to a key-ring scratch-card scraper tool enabling convenient access to remove an adhesive foil from a gaming card.

Key rings are necessarily used in everyday life to bind keys together such that, together, a larger and more easily portable structure is formed. As such, they are generally carried with a person, either in their pocket, handbag, or other receptacle, and tend to be close at hand, at all times. Due to their general accessibility, key rings are therefore advantageous places for the storage of objects which may be useful in many situations.

Multi-tools are therefore made to be storable on key rings, such that they may be at hand for use in any given situation. However, there are many drawbacks to common multi-tools. For instance, larger multi-tools may be unwieldy or make the key ring too bulky or awkwardly-shaped to fit in a pocket of the user. Similarly, smaller tools may be too difficult to manipulate to be genuinely useful. They may also be uncomfortable to use as sharp or angled edges may dig into hands causing discomfort and/or pain to a user.

Furthermore, many multi-tools neglect to include tools or features which may be useful in day-to-day life, whilst including tools which are rarely, if ever, used. Many multi-tools include, for example, a device for the removal of stones from horses’ hooves. Such tools tend not to be useful to a majority of the population, and instead take up precious space both on the tool and in a pocket or bag. Meanwhile, tools and features which could be considered to be more generally practical are often omitted.

Additionally, scratch card games are increasingly popular and a straightforward way for charities and governments, amongst others, to generate funds. However, once a scratch card is purchased, one or more thin laminate foils have to typically be removed to disclose a winning or losing symbol, number or indicia. Often, a user will use their finger nail, which results in foil material being lodged beneath the nail and/or damage to a cosmetically treated nail. A user may thus decide to use an object or available tool, such as a key or coin. However, a key can equally be damaged, and occasionally broken, and the user may not have access to a coin or other suitable implement.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a key ring-mountable tool which overcomes or substantially obviates the above issues.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an ergonomic key fob multi-tool comprising: a main body having conjoined first and second body portions; the first body portion having a first length, lying in a first plane, and including a gripping region for being gripped by a user; the second body portion having a second length which is less than the first length, lying in a second plane angularly offset from the first plane, and including a scraping tool having a scraping edge; the gripping region being gripable such that the angular offset of the second body portion causes the scraping tool to be ergonomically disposed, for use; the main body being usable as a lever, an interface between the first and second body portions acting as a fulcrum; an aperture being formed in the second body portion for the receipt of a key ring.

Such a tool is comfortable for use, and also generally readily available for use by a user due to being designed to be attached to a key ring. Furthermore, the scraping tool and lever have multiple uses in everyday life and a user would benefit from having these tools close at hand.

Preferably, the scraping edge may be curvilinear. Thus, no sharp corners or edges are presented to an object to be scraped, which can prevent damage to surfaces which may be sensitive.

Additionally or alternatively, the scraping tool may further comprise a rounded upper surface. This surface may be advantageous when the main body is to be used as a lever.

Furthermore, the second body portion may be bevelled to produce a cutting edge. The cutting edge can thus be used to split or cut objects, if desired, as an additional tool. It may be advantageous to include a recess between the scraping edge and cutting edge. A recess may allow at least a portion of the cutting edge, for instance, to be utilised as a letter opener or such like. A longitudinal edge of the first body portion may preferable be bevelled to create a further scraping edge. Such a scraping edge, which may therefore be linear, may be used where the scraping tool in inappropriate for use, such as in the clearing of ice from a car windscreen.

Preferably, the main body may further comprise a screwdriver head. This will give the ergonomic key fob multi-tool even greater functionality. This screwdriver head may beneficially be situated on a lateral edge of the first body portion, which may, for instance, oppose the second body portion.

More preferably, the lateral edge may additionally include two mutually-intersecting bevels forming a prising tool. Such a tool can be used to prise apart two objects. A common example may be prising the lid of a paint pot, for instance.

Beneficially, the prising tool and screwdriver head may have the same or substantially the same profile, such that they may both be used for prising, for example.

An upper surface of the main body may further include a ridge for providing additional strength and/or ergonomics to the device.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a scraper multi-tool comprising: a main body having conjoined first and second body portions; the first body portion having a first length, lying in a first plane, and including a gripping region for being gripped by a user; the second body portion having a second length which is less than the first length, lying in a second plane angularly offset from the first plane, and including a scraping tool having a scraping edge; the gripping region being gripable such that the angular offset of the second body portion causes the scraping tool to be ergonomically disposed, for use; the main body being usable as a lever, an interface between the first and second body portions acting as a fulcrum.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a key-ring scratch-card scraper tool comprising a main body having an aperture for the receipt of a key ring and conjoined first and second body portions, the first body portion having a front edge at or adjacent to the second body portion, a rear edge and two opposing side edges which interconnect the front and rear edges, the two opposing side edges extending in a converging direction from the front edge to the rear edge; the second body portion having a rear edge which is at or adjacent to the first body portion, and a leading edge at which is provided a scratch-card scraper.

The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an ergonomic key fob multi-tool in accordance with the invention;

Figure 2 and Figure 3 show opposing plan views of the ergonomic key fob multi-tool of Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows a side elevation of the ergonomic key fob of Figure 1, highlighting the bi-planar construction; and

Figure 5 shows a user’s hand holding the ergonomic key fob multi-tool of Figure 1.

Referring to Figures 1 to 5 of the drawings, there is shown an embodiment of an ergonomic key fob multi-tool 10. A main body 12 of the multi-tool 10 is preferably monolithic and comprises first and second body portions 14, 16, with an interface 18 therebetween. Formed through the first body portion 14, in this embodiment at an end 20 opposing the second body portion 16, is preferably an aperture 22. The aperture 22 is large enough to accept a key ring, such that the ergonomic key fob multi-tool 10 may be attached to said key ring, for ease of storage and transport. The first body portion 14 therefore includes a gripping region where a user may grip the device for use.

The main body 12 is preferably formed of plastics, and more particularly polyester, for instance. Such a construction may render the device cheap and simple to manufacture. However, it could also be formed of other plastics, or even metals where enhanced durability, for instance, is preferred. The production material will alter the inherent characteristics of each part of the ergonomic key fob multi-tool 10.

In the present embodiment, the aperture 22 is quasi-triangular, in this case with rounded apexes. However, the aperture 22 may also be substantially square, circular, oval, or any other shape, as long as a key ring is positionable therethrough.

The first body portion 14 is aligned with a first plane, as shown clearly in Figure 4. At an angle to the first body portion 14, the second body portion 16 may be aligned with a second plane. As such, the main body 12 is preferably bent or cranked along a longitudinal direction. Thus, the second body portion 16, which is preferably shorter than the first body portion 14, though this need not necessarily be the case, may be inserted under an object and a force may be applied to the first body portion 14 such that the totality of the main body 12 acts as a lever, with the interface 18 acting as the fulcrum. A lower edge 24 of the interface 18 may be rounded, such that the leverage may be produced more gradually.

Part of the second body portion 16 may form a scraping tool 26. This scraping tool 26 has a preferably curvilinear scraping edge 28 which is suitable for providing a scraping function. This scraping tool 26 may be useful for such tasks as removing a foil or latex covering from scratch cards, phone cards, or the like. The scraping tool 26 may also be used to remove dirt or grime from objects such as mobile phone screens. In this case, the curvilinear scraping edge 28 may be beneficial in that no sharp corners are present along the length of the scraping edge 28 which could scratch or otherwise damage the screen.

The scraping tool 26 also preferably includes a curved upper surface 30. This upper surface 30, though not necessarily beneficial for the task of scraping, may benefit when the multi-tool 10 is utilised as a lever. The curved upper surface 30 may ease the insertion of the multi-tool 10 into a gap, crevice, or similar, which can then be subjected to leverage.

The opposing part of the second body portion 16 in the present embodiment preferably includes a bevelled or chamfered portion forming a cutting tool 32. The cutting tool 32 is bevelled, chamfered, or otherwise sharpened on both sides, such that the cutting tool 32 may be maximally effective. The cutting tool 32 may be useful in any situation where cutting is required and, depending on the material from which the main body 12 is formed, may be able to cut many different objects.

Interposed between the cutting tool 32 and scraping tool 26 may be a recess 34. The recess 34 acts to separate the scraping and cutting tools 26, 32 from one another. Advantageously, the recess 34 may also enable the cutting tool 32 to be inserted under a flap, thus rendering it suitable for use in such tasks as letter opening, which may be desirable by a user. Whilst beneficial, the recess 34 may be omitted if such added functionality is not required. A longitudinal edge 36 of the first body portion 14 may also be angled, bevelled, or chamfered so as to produce a further scraping edge 38. This further scraping edge 38, having a substantially linear extent, may be more suited for larger-scale scraping, such as clearing ice from a car windscreen. Alternatively, this further scraping edge 38 could be utilised as a linear alternative to the scraping tool 26 itself. In order to make the use of the further scraping edge 38 as comfortable as possible for a user, the opposing longitudinal edge 40 may be rounded such that it is more ergonomic.

The longitudinal edge 36 and opposing longitudinal edge 40 of the present embodiment taper towards one another in a converging direction from the second body portion 16 to the first body portion 14. As such, a small form factor design is achieved, which is conducive to storing the ergonomic key fob multi-tool 10 in the pocket or bag of a user. However, such a shape is not inherently required, and other shapes may also be used.

Opposing the interface 18, at the end 20 of the first body portion 14, is a lateral edge 42 including a prising tool 44 and screwdriver head 46. The prising tool 44 comprises an elongate, flattened prising blade 48 formed by preferably two chamfered or bevelled edges. The screwdriver head 46, which may be parallel or substantially parallel to the prising tool 44, is narrower than the prising blade 48 such that it may be insertable into a screw head.

Preferably, as shown, upper faces 50a, 50b of the screwdriver head 46 and prising blade 48 may be coplanar or substantially coplanar such that the screwdriver head 46 may also be utilised as a part of the prising tool 48. However, the lower faces 52a, 52b need not necessarily be coplanar. Between the prising blade 48 and screwdriver head 46 is a notch 54 formed to separate the screwdriver head 46 and prising blade 48. Thus, the screwdriver head 46 may be easier to use with less obstruction.

The main body 12 may also include a ridge 56, preferably along its longitudinal extent, which gives the main body 12 multiple facets 58a, 58b. While two facets 58a, 58b are hereby shown, a greater number may also be provided. The facets 58a, 58b may give the key fob multi-tool 10 further ergonomic aspects by making it easier to hold. For instance, whilst gripping the multi-tool 10, a user may place their thumb on one specific facet 58a, 58b. The facets 58a, 58b may also allow the device to be more easily picked-up and held.

Figure 5 depicts how the bi-planar construction of the main body 12, having first and second body portions 14, 16 which are at an angle to each other, enhances the ergonomics of the device.

When using the scraping tool 26 of the device, the natural way that the device may be held by a user is shown, with the ergonomic key fob multi-tool 10 held between thumb 100 and forefinger 200. A key ring is not shown in Figure 5, for clarity. With the first body portion 14 held between the thumb 100 and forefinger 200, the second body portion 16 is naturally inclined to be parallel to the wrist 300 of the user, thus putting the scraping tool 26 in an ergonomic position for use. In order to achieve this position, the second body portion 16 may be preferably at an angle between 20° and 30° from the first body portion 14. More preferably, the angle may be 25°.

Whilst the device is herewith shown in preference of right-handed use, it may additionally or alternatively be provided such that the angle is in the opposing direction, for instance, in order that the device is ergonomically designed for left-handed use. Furthermore, if the multi-tool should be designed such that the cutting tool should be the main feature of the device, it may be preferable to design the multi-tool in a manner that the cutting tool is designed to be ergonomically usable in place of the scraping tool.

Though described throughout as an ergonomic key fob multi-tool including an aperture for the receipt of a key ring, it may instead be possible to omit the aperture. Thus, a scraper multi-tool may instead be provided, and may itself include each of any of the preferable features of the key fob multi-tool.

Additionally or alternatively, the lever provided by the interconnected first and second body portions may be omitted in certain instances.

It is therefore possible to provide an ergonomic key fob multi-tool containing multiple tools on a main body having first and second body portions. The first and second body portions are angled relative to one another such that the multi-tool is ergonomically shaped for being held by a user when using at least one of the tools. Furthermore, the angled main body provides additional uses of the tool, for instance as a lever. A scraper multi-tool is also conveniently provided, and furthermore a key-ring scratch-card scraper tool is provided enabling convenient access to remove an adhesive foil from a gaming card.

The words ‘comprises/comprising’ and the words ‘having/including’ when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention herein described and defined.

Claims

1. An ergonomic key fob multi-tool comprising: a main body having conjoined first and second body portions, and an aperture for the receipt of a key ring; the first body portion having a first length, lying in a first plane, and including a gripping region for being gripped by a user; the second body portion having a second length which is less than the first length, lying in a second plane angularly offset from the first plane, and including a scraping tool having a scraping edge; the gripping region being gripable such that the angular offset of the second body portion causes the scraping tool to be ergonomically disposed, for use; and the main body forming a lever, an interface between the first and second body portions acting as a fulcrum.

2. An ergonomic key fob multi-tool as claimed in claim 1, wherein the scraping edge is curvilinear.

3. An ergonomic key fob multi-tool as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the scraping tool further comprises a rounded upper surface.

4. An ergonomic key fob multi-tool as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a portion of the second body portion is bevelled to produce a cutting edge.

5. An ergonomic key fob multi-tool as claimed in claim 4, further comprising a recess between the scraping edge and the cutting edge.

6. An ergonomic key fob multi-tool as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a longitudinal edge of the first body portion is bevelled to create a further scraping edge.

7. An ergonomic key fob multi-tool as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body further comprises a screwdriver head.

8. An ergonomic key fob multi-tool as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first body portion includes a lateral edge opposing the second body portion.

9. An ergonomic key fob multi-tool as claimed in claim 8, wherein the screwdriver head is situated on a lateral edge of the first body portion.

10. An ergonomic key fob multi-tool as claimed in claim 9, wherein the lateral edge includes two mutually-intersecting bevels forming a prising tool.

11. An ergonomic key fob multi-tool as claimed in claim 10, wherein the prising tool and screwdriver head have the same or substantially the same profile.

12. An ergonomic key fob multi-tool as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein an upper surface of the main body includes a ridge for providing additional strength and/or ergonomics.

13. A scraper multi-tool comprising: a main body having conjoined first and second body portions; the first body portion having a first length, lying in a first plane, and including a gripping region for being gripped by a user; the second body portion having a second length which is less than the first length, lying in a second plane angularly offset from the first plane, and including a scraping tool having a scraping edge; the gripping region being gripable such that the angular offset of the second body portion causes the scraping tool to be ergonomically disposed, for use; and the main body forming a lever, an interface between the first and second body portions acting as a fulcrum.

14. A key-ring scratch-card scraper tool comprising a main body having an aperture for the receipt of a key ring and conjoined first and second body portions, the first body portion having a front edge at or adjacent to the second body portion, a real- edge and two opposing side edges which interconnect the front and rear edges, the two opposing side edges extending in a converging direction from the front edge to the rear edge; the second body portion having a rear edge which is at or adjacent to the first body portion, and a leading edge at which is provided a scratch-card scraper.