US20200329854A1

US20200329854A1 - Key fob holder device

Info

Publication number: US20200329854A1
Application number: US16/845,965
Authority: US
Inventors: Randy Chartrand
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-04-17
Filing date: 2020-04-10
Publication date: 2020-10-22

Abstract

A key fob holder device. The device includes a housing. The housing has an interior cavity inside with an opening that allows for access to the interior cavity. The interior cavity is designed to hold a key fob. A first strap extends from the housing, and a second strap extends from the opposite side of the housing. The first strap and the second strap include a fastener. The fastener is designed such that the key fob holder device is movable between an open position and a closed position. The closed position is defined as the state where the faster on the first strap is engaged with the fastener on the second strap.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/835,305 filed on Apr. 17, 2019. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a key fob holder device. More specifically, the present invention provides a solution to the problem of conveniently storing a key fob, while also providing some level of protection to the key fob.
Motor vehicles, such as motorcycles and automobiles, are commonly utilized to allow motor vehicle operators to lock and unlock doors, start the ignition of the vehicle, and engage many other functions of the vehicle. These key fobs may be stored in a pocket or bag while operating the vehicle. This can be risky and potentially damaging to the key fob. For example, a key fob stored in a pocket or a bag could be scratched or otherwise damaged by items such as keys, coins, pens and the like. Particularly when considering motorcycles, there is a risk of the key fob falling out of the pocket of the operator and onto the road. If the key fob falls onto the road, it can be damaged by the fall, or can be run over by other vehicles.
Therefore, there is a defined need amongst the known prior art for a device that provides a safe and effective securement for a key fob. The device should have sufficient stability and strength to prevent the key fob from falling off of the vehicle operator.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of key fob securement devices and apparatuses now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a key fob holder device wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when securing a key fob for a motor vehicle operator.
The present system comprises a housing. The housing defines an interior cavity. Furthermore, an opening is defined on the housing, such that access to the interior cavity is provided through said opening. A first strap extends outward from a first end of the housing. Additionally, a second strap extends outward from a second end of the housing, the second end of the housing defined on an opposing edge of the housing from the first end of the housing. A fastener is disposed on each of the first strap and the second strap. The fastener is configured to allow the key fob holder device to be movable between a closed position and an open position.
In a further embodiment, the key fob holder device includes a loop disposed on the rear face of the second strap, such that the key fob holder device can be secured to a belt of the motor vehicle operator.
In another embodiment, the key fob holder device includes a housing specifically dimensioned to receive a key fob in the interior cavity of the housing.
In yet a further embodiment, the key fob holder device includes a key chain ring disposed on a distal end of the second strap, such as to allow the motor vehicle operator to store keys thereon.
In yet another embodiment, the key fob holder device includes a plurality of flaps extending inward around the opening, over the interior cavity, such as to define space between the second strap and a key fob stored in the interior cavity.
In another embodiment, an indicium is disposed on the rear face of the housing, opposite the opening, such that the key fob holder device can be identified without placing the key fob holder device into an open position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the key fob holder device in the open position.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the key fob holder device in the closed position.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the key fob holder device in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the key fob holder device. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.
Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the key fob holder device in the open position. The key fob holder device 10 comprises a housing 11. The housing 11 defines an interior cavity. The interior cavity may be defined by any suitable means. For example, in some embodiments, the interior cavity may be defined by a molding process. The interior cavity is dimensioned for any suitable purpose, such as to hold a key fob 17. The housing 11 defines an opening 12. The opening 12 is configured to provide access to a plurality of actuators of the key fob 17 stored within the interior cavity of the housing 11. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the opening 12 of the housing 11 comprises a plurality of flaps 20 extending inward from the perimeter of the opening 12.
A first strap 13 extends upward from a first end of the housing 11. The first strap 13 is configured to provide for the placement of a fastener 15 thereon. The fastener 15 is designed to correspond to the fastener 15 of a second strap 14 that extends downwardly from a second end of the housing 11. As illustrated, the first strap 13 and the second strap 14 are disposed on exactly opposing sides of the housing 11, such that the first strap 13 and the second strap 14 are parallel to each other. The fastener 15 is disposed on the front face of the first strap 13 and the front face of the second strap 14 such that the first strap 13 and the second strap 14 can be folded over each other to engage the fastener 15. The housing 11, the first strap 13 and the second strap 14 may be made of any suitable material for the desired purpose. In some embodiments, the housing 11, the first strap 13 and the second strap 14 are made of leather.
Because of the action of the fastener 15, the key fob holder device 10 is movable between an open position (as shown in FIG. 1) and a closed position (as demonstrated in FIG. 2). The open position is defined where the fastener 15 is not engaged and the first strap 13 and the second strap 14 are not in an overlapping position. As such, access is provided to the opening 12 of the interior cavity of the housing 11 and any key fob 17 stored therein. The plurality of flaps 20 extends partially inward from the circumference of the opening 12, such as to define space between the key fob 17 and the second strap 14 when the key fob holder 10 is in the closed position.
In the illustrated embodiment, the key fob holder device 10 further comprises a loop 16. As shown, the loop 16 is placed on the rear face of the second strap 14. As such the loop 16 can be engaged with a belt of a user (as shown in FIG. 3) or a similar article. In the specific demonstration, the loop 16 is formed between a pair of fabric layers that define the second strap 14. The loop 16 is placed on the rear face of the key fob holder device 10 such that the opening 12, being placed on the front face of the housing 11, will be accessible when the key fob holder device is in the open position.
Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the key fob holder device in the closed position. The closed position, as shown, is defined where the first strap 13 and the second strap 14 are placed together and the fastener 15 is engaged. When the key fob holder device 10 is placed in the closed position, the key fob stored in the housing 11 is protected from dirt, dust and other debris.
In the illustrated embodiment, the second strap 14 comprises a key chain ring 18 disposed on a distal end thereof. The key chain ring 18 is configured to provide a secure location for keys or key chains on the key fob holder device 10. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the key chain ring 18 is disposed upon a clip 19. The clip 19 is secured to the distal end of the second strap 14 such that the key chain ring 18 is easily removable from the second strap 14 for the user.
Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, an indicium 21 may be inserted into the rear face of the housing 11. As such, when the key fob holder device 10 is placed in the closed position, the indicium 21 will be represented upon the external surface of the key fob holder device. As such, the owner or user of the key fob holder device 10 will be able to identify the contents of the internal cavity of the housing 11 without placing the key fob holder device 10 into the open position. This can be useful for individuals who have multiple key fob holder devices and need to differentiate between them.
Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the key fob holder device in use. In use, the key fob holder device 10 may be secured to the user 22 in some manner. In the illustrated embodiment, the key fob holder device 10 is attached to the user 22 via engagement of the loop with the belt 23 of the user. Alternatively, the key fob holder device 10 may comprise a clip or other means for attaching to the user 22. In some embodiments, the user 22 may further be able to attach his or her keys 24 to the key fob holder device 10 via the key chain ring 18 disposed on the second strap 14 thereof. As such, the keys 24 will be easily accessible. From the secured position, the user 22 will be able to place the key fob holder device 10 into an open position to engage the key fob stored therein.
It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in various embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

I claim:

1) A key fob holder device, comprising:

a housing defining an interior cavity;

the housing defining an opening;

a first strap extending from a first end of the housing;

a second strap extending from a second end of the housing, opposite of the first strap;

a fastener disposed on the front face of the first strap and on the front face of the second strap;

the key fob holder movable between an open position and a closed position;

wherein the closed position is defined where the fastener of the first strap and the fastener of the second strap are engaged with each other.

2) The key fob holder device of claim 1, wherein a loop is disposed on the rear face of the second strap.

3) The key fob holder device of claim 1, wherein the housing is dimensioned to receive a key fob in the interior cavity.

4) The key fob holder device of claim 1, wherein the second strap comprises a key chain ring disposed on the distal end thereof.

5) The key fob holder device of claim 1, wherein the opening of the housing comprises a plurality of flaps extending partially thereover.

6) The key fob holder device of claim 1, wherein the housing is composed of molded leather.

7) The key fob holder device of claim 1, wherein the first strap and the second strap are composed of leather.

8) The key fob holder device of claim 1, wherein an indicium is disposed on the rear face of the housing, opposite the opening.

9) A key fob holder device, comprising:

a housing defining an interior cavity;

the housing defining an opening;

the housing being oval-shaped;

a first strap extending from a first end of the housing;

the second strap defining a greater length than the first strap;

the first strap and the second strap being of a lesser width than the housing;

a loop disposed on the rear face of the second strap;

a key chain ring disposed on a distal end of the second strap;

the key fob holder movable between an open position and a closed position;

10) The key fob holder device of claim 9, wherein the housing is composed of molded leather.

11) The key fob holder device of claim 9, wherein the first strap and the second strap are composed of leather.

12) The key fob holder device of claim 9, wherein an indicium is disposed on the rear face of the housing, opposite the opening.

13) The key fob holder device of claim 9, wherein the opening of the housing comprises a plurality of flaps extending partially thereover.