US20070012077A1

US20070012077A1 - Apparatus for holding keys in a ladies purse

Info

Publication number: US20070012077A1
Application number: US11/485,151
Authority: US
Inventors: Steven Remell; Katherine Remell
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-07-12
Filing date: 2006-07-12
Publication date: 2007-01-18

Abstract

An apparatus for holding keys in a ladies purse includes a first leg portion disposed in a substantially vertical direction when such purse is being carried. A first arcuate portion is one of formed integrally with and connected to an upper end of the first leg portion. A second leg portion is one of formed integrally with and connected to a second end of the first arcuate portion which provides a friction fit in combination the first leg portion over a side wall such purse. A second arcuate portion is one of formed integrally with and connected to a second end of the second leg portion. A third leg portion is one of formed integrally with and connected to a second end of said second arcuate portion which provides a friction fit in combination the second leg portion for retaining a set of keys there between.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is related to and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/698,066 filed Jul. 12, 2005.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to keys and purses and, more particularly, the instant invention relates to an apparatus capable of holding keys in a convenient location in a ladies purse and, still more specifically, this invention relates to a method of preventing a set of keys from falling to the bottom of a ladies purse.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Prior to the conception and development of the present invention, as is well known in the prior art, most ladies carry a purse for holding a number of different articles therein which they feel that they will need at some time. One particular item most frequently carried by most women in their purse is the keys to their car and home. Normally, these keys find their way to the bottom of the purse and are, therefore, often times difficult to locate.
In some situations, this can not only be quite frustrating but it can also be dangerous, for example, if the car is parked in a rather dimly lit public parking lot late at night and there is no one around except a potential rapist, mugger and/or robber.
Another disadvantage to these keys being loose in a purse is that they usually have rather sharp points which can damage some other items being carried in such purse. For example, they may scratch and/or cut certain eye glasses being carried therein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides, in a first aspect, an apparatus for holding a set of keys in a ladies purse to prevent them from falling to the bottom thereof. Such apparatus can be formed from a variety of materials and includes a first leg portion disposed downwardly in a substantially vertical direction when such purse is being carried. This first leg portion exhibits a first predetermined shape and has a first predetermined length. A first arcuate portion has a first end thereof one of formed integrally with and connected to an upper end of the first leg portion. Such first arcuate portion is disposed substantially in a horizontal direction when such purse is being carried. There is a second leg portion which has a first end thereof one of formed integrally with and connected to a second end of the first arcuate portion and which is also disposed in a substantially vertical direction when such purse is being carried. An inner surface of the second leg portion provides a friction fit in combination with an inner surface of such first leg portion over a side wall portion of such purse. The second leg portion has each of a second predetermined shape and a second predetermined length. A second arcuate portion has a first end thereof one of formed integrally with and connected to a second end of such second leg portion. The second arcuate portion is disposed substantially in a horizontal direction when such purse is being carried. The final essential element of the apparatus is a third leg portion which has a first end thereof one of formed integrally with and connected to a second end of such second arcuate portion and which is also disposed in a substantially vertical direction when such purse is being carried. An inner surface of the third leg portion provides a friction fit in combination with an outer surface of such second leg portion for retaining a set of keys there between. The third leg portion also has each of a third predetermined shape and a third predetermined length.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of preventing a set of keys from reaching a bottom of a ladies purse. The method includes the steps of first providing an apparatus having a pair of side by side slot like portions. Then attaching a first one of such pair of side by side slot like portions to a side wall portion of such purse. Then attaching a set of keys in a second one of such pair of slot like portions disposed within an interior portion of such purse.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention to provide an apparatus for holding a set of keys in a ladies purse which will make it easier to find the keys when needed.
Another significant object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for holding a set of keys in a ladies purse which will shorten the time required to locate the keys to unlock the car and thereby substantially minimize the potential danger from any undesirable persons who may be lurking around the parking lot.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for holding a set of keys in a ladies purse which is easy to use.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for holding a set of keys in a ladies purse which in its crudest form is relatively inexpensive to manufacture.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for holding a set of keys in a ladies purse which can be manufactured from a variety of different materials and in a number of different predetermined shapes, colors and sizes.
An additional object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for holding a set of keys in a ladies purse which is relatively light weight.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a method of preventing a set of keys from reaching a bottom of a ladies purse.
In addition to the several objects and advantages of the present invention which have been described in considerable detail above, it should be noted that various additional objects and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent to those persons who are skilled in the relevant art from the following more detailed description, particularly, when such description is taken in conjunction with the attached drawing figures and with the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a key holding device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the key holding device illustrated in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a front view of a key holding device showing a cut-out design having embossed circles surrounding such cut-outs;
FIG. 4 is a front view of a key holding device showing only a cut-out design;
FIG. 5 is a front view of a key holding device showing a diamond design having hearts disposed therein;
FIG. 6 is a front view of a key holding device showing a cut-out design having hearts and flowers disposed therein;
FIG. 7 is a front view of a key holding device showing a scroll disposed on a recessed area of the apparatus;
FIG. 8 is a front view of a key holding device showing a cut-out design including a scroll;
FIG. 9 is a front view of a key holding device showing a cut-out design having including a scroll with a jewel stone attached thereto;
FIG. 10 is a front view of a key holding device showing a cut-out design having including a scroll with a flower attached thereto;
FIG. 11 is a front view of a key holding device showing a cut-out design including a scroll with a diamond attached thereto;
FIG. 12 is a front view of a key holding device showing a cut-out design including a scroll with a heart attached thereto;
FIG. 13 is a front view of a key holding device showing an alternative embodiment of a scroll design;
FIG. 14 is a front view of a key holding device showing an alternative embodiment of a cut-out design;
FIG. 15 is a front view of a key holding device showing an alternative embodiment of a diamond design;
FIG. 16 is a front view of a key holding device showing a single hole design;
FIG. 17 is a front view of a key holding device showing a multiple hole design;
FIG. 18 is a front view of a key holding device showing a textured crocodile design;
FIG. 19 is a front view of a key holding device showing a textured ostrich design; and
FIG. 20 is a front view of a key holding device showing a textured linen/burlap design.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF A PRESENTLY PREFERRED AND A NUMBER OF ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Prior to proceeding to the more detailed description of the invention, it should be noted, that for the sake of clarity and understanding, identical components which have identical functions have been identified with identical reference numerals throughout the several views which have been illustrated in the drawing Figures.
Now refer more particularly to FIGS. 1-2. Illustrated therein is an apparatus, generally designated 10, for holding a set of keys (not shown) in a readily accessible place in a ladies purse (not shown). Such apparatus 10 includes a first leg portion 12 disposed downwardly in a substantially vertical direction when such ladies purse is being carried. This first leg portion 12 includes each of a first predetermined shape and a first predetermined length.
As best seen in FIG. 2, apparatus 10 further includes a first arcuate portion 14 having a first end thereof one of formed integrally with and connected to an upper end of such first leg portion 12. The first arcuate portion 14 is disposed substantially in a horizontal direction when such ladies purse is being carried.
There is a second leg portion 16 having a first end thereof one of formed integrally with and connected to a second end of such first arcuate portion 14 and disposed in a substantially vertical direction when such ladies purse is being carried. An inner surface 18 of such second leg portion 16 provides a friction fit in combination with an inner surface 20 of such first leg portion 12 over a side wall portion (not shown) of the ladies purse. Such second leg portion 16 includes each of a second predetermined shape and a second predetermined length.
Further, there is a second arcuate portion 22 having a first end thereof one of formed integrally with and connected to a second end of such second leg portion 16. This second arcuate portion 22 is disposed substantially in a horizontal direction when such ladies purse is being used.
The final essential element of the apparatus 10 of the present invention is a third leg portion 24 having a first end thereof one of formed integrally with and connected to a second end of such second arcuate portion 22 and is disposed in a substantially vertical direction when such ladies purse is being one of carried and worn. An inner surface 26 of such third leg portion 24 provides a friction fit in combination with an outer surface 28 of such second leg portion 16 for retaining the set of keys there between. Such third leg portion 24 includes each of a third predetermined shape and a third predetermined length.
In the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, as is also best shown in FIG. 2, the first predetermined length of such first leg portion 12 is longer than such second predetermined length of the second leg portion 16 and such third predetermined length of the third leg portion 24 is shorter than the second predetermined length of such second leg portion 16.
Likewise, it is presently preferred that the apparatus 10 for holding a set of keys will be formed as an integral single piece unit. Further, such apparatus 10 can be manufactured from a material selected from a group consisting of plastic and metal. Preferably, the apparatus 10 will be manufactured from a metal selected from aluminum, steel, brass and copper. The preferred metal is steel and the most preferred metal is a spring steel.
Now reference is made, more particularly, to FIGS. 3-16. Illustrated therein is a number of alternative embodiments of the apparatus 10 as manufactured according to the present invention. For example, the first predetermined shape of such first leg portion 12 will include at least one of an embossed area 32 disposed on an exposed surface 30 thereof, at least one depression (not shown) disposed in such exposed surface 30 thereof, an enlarged area 34 disposed adjacent a lower end thereof and at least one cut-out 36.
Preferably, according to the present invention, such at least one cut-out 36 will be selected from a group consisting of at least one of a generally round aperture 38, a diamond 40, and a scroll 42.
In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 16 such first leg portion further 12 includes a pin 40 disposed in such at least one generally round aperture 38.
Another alternative embodiment is shown in FIG. 17 wherein such first leg portion 12 includes a plurality of such generally round apertures 38 spaced in a predetermined pattern. Lacing (not shown) can be positioned in such apertures 38 for providing enhanced attractiveness to such apparatus 10.
As has been illustrated in a number of the Figures, the predetermined shape of such first leg portion 12 can include a scroll 42 at least one of formed on and in an exposed surface 30 of the first leg portion 12 and as a cut-out (see FIG. 8) depending from such first leg portion 12.
Preferably such scroll 42 includes at least one of a jewel stone 44, a flower 46, a diamond 48 and a heart 50 attached thereto.
In FIG. 15 there is illustrated such predetermined shape of such first leg portion 12 having a plurality of diamonds 40 one of formed on and in such exposed surface 30 thereof.
FIG. 3 illustrates apparatus 10 including a plurality of cut-outs 36 in such first leg portion 12 and a plurality of embossed circles 32 surrounding such plurality of cut-outs 36.
Reference is now directed to FIGS. 18-20. As shown therein such apparatus 10 can further include a preselected texture disposed on an exposed surface 30 of such first leg portion 12. Such preselected texture disposed on such exposed surface 30 of the first leg portion 12 is selected from a group consisting of crocodile 52, ostrich 54, linen and burlap 56 which can also be illustrated on a cover for such first leg portion 12. Such cover can also include other preselected decorations disposed thereon.
Finally, the present invention provides a method of preventing a set of keys from reaching a bottom of a ladies purse comprising the steps of first providing an apparatus having a pair of side by side slot like portions. Attaching a first one of such pair of side by side slot like portions to a side wall portion of the ladies purse and thereafter attaching a set of keys in a second one of such pair of slot like portions disposed within an interior portion of such purse.
While in accordance with the patent statutes both a presently preferred and a number of alternative embodiments of the invention have been described in sufficient detail above to enable any person skilled in the relevant art to make and use the same it should be obvious that various other modifications and adaptations of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for holding a set of keys in a readily accessible place in a ladies purse, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a first leg portion disposed downwardly in a substantially vertical direction when such purse is being carried, said first leg portion having each of a first predetermined shape and a first predetermined length;

(b) a first arcuate portion having a first end thereof one of formed integrally with and connected to an upper end of said first leg portion, said first arcuate portion disposed substantially in a horizontal direction when such purse is being carried;

(c) a second leg portion having a first end thereof one of formed integrally with and connected to a second end of said first arcuate portion and disposed in a substantially vertical direction when such purse is being carried, an inner surface of said second leg portion providing a friction fit in combination with an inner surface of said first leg portion over a side wall portion of such purse, said second leg portion having each of a second predetermined shape and a second predetermined length;

(d) a second arcuate portion having a first end thereof one of formed integrally with and connected to a second end of said second leg portion, said second arcuate portion disposed substantially in a horizontal direction when such purse is being carried; and

(e) a third leg portion having a first end thereof one of formed integrally with and connected to a second end of said second arcuate portion and disposed in a substantially vertical direction when such purse is being carried, an inner surface of said third leg portion providing a friction fit in combination with an outer surface of said second leg portion for retaining a set of keys there between, said third leg portion having each of a third predetermined shape and a third predetermined length.

2. An apparatus for holding a set of keys, according to claim 1, wherein said first predetermined shape of said first leg portion includes at least one of an embossed area on an exposed surface thereof, at least one depression in said exposed surface thereof, an enlarged area adjacent a lower end thereof and at least one cut out.

3. An apparatus for holding a set of keys, according to claim 2, wherein said at least one cut out is selected from a group consisting of at least one of a generally round aperture, a diamond, and a scroll.

4. An apparatus for holding a set of keys, according to claim 3, wherein said first leg portion further includes a pin disposed in said at least one generally round aperture.

5. An apparatus for holding a set of keys, according to claim 3, wherein said first leg portion includes a plurality of said generally round apertures spaced in a predetermined pattern.

6. An apparatus for holding a set of keys, according to claim 5, wherein said first leg portion further includes lacing material disposed through said plurality of said generally round apertures.

7. An apparatus for holding a set of keys, according to claim 2, wherein said predetermined shape of said first leg portion includes a scroll at least one of formed on and in an exposed surface of said first leg portion and as a cut out depending from said first leg portion.

8. An apparatus for holding a set of keys, according to claim 7, wherein said scroll includes at least one of a jewel stone, a flower, a diamond and a heart attached thereto.

9. An apparatus for holding a set of keys, according to claim 2, wherein said predetermined shape of said first leg portion includes a plurality of diamonds one of formed on and in said exposed surface thereof and having at least one of a jewel stone, a flower and a heart centered therein.

10. An apparatus for holding a set of keys, according to claim 2, wherein said apparatus includes a plurality of cut outs in said first leg portion and a plurality of embossed circles surrounding said plurality of cut outs.

11. An apparatus for holding a set of keys, according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus further includes a preselected texture disposed on an exposed surface of said first leg portion.

12. An apparatus for holding a set of keys, according to claim 11, wherein said preselected texture disposed on said exposed surface of said first leg portion is selected from a group consisting of crocodile, ostrich, linen and burlap.

13. An apparatus for holding a set of keys, according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus further includes a preselected fabric cover disposed over said first leg portion.

14. An apparatus for holding a set of keys, according to claim 13, wherein said preselected fabric cover disposed over said first leg portion includes preselected decorations disposed thereon.

15. An apparatus for holding a set of keys, according to claim 1, wherein said first predetermined length of said first leg portion is longer than said second predetermined length of said second leg portion and said third predetermined length of said third leg is shorter than said second predetermined length of said second leg portion.

16. An apparatus for holding a set of keys, according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus is formed as a single piece unit.

17. An apparatus for holding a set of keys, according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus is manufactured from a material selected from a group consisting of plastic and metal.

18. An apparatus for holding a set of keys, according to claim 17, wherein said apparatus is manufactured from metal.

19. An apparatus for holding a set of keys, according to claim 18, wherein said metal is spring steel.

20. A method of preventing a set of keys from reaching a bottom of a ladies purse, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing an apparatus having a pair of side by side slot like portions;

(b) attaching a first one of said pair of side by side slot like portions to a side wall portion of said purse; and

(c) attaching a set of keys in a second one of said pair of slot like portions disposed within an interior portion of said purse.