US20230276918A1

US20230276918A1 - Accordion Style Key Pouch

Info

Publication number: US20230276918A1
Application number: US18/179,584
Authority: US
Inventors: John William Niton
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-03-07
Filing date: 2023-03-07
Publication date: 2023-09-07

Abstract

A key storage device for simultaneously organizing and retaining a plurality of keys within a lock box. The storage device is configured to store a variety of keys within pockets that accordion fold along hinging seams connecting the pockets into a compact structure that is easily retained within a lock box. The keys are further retained within the pockets via key mounting components that attach the individual key to the respective pocket. A plurality of organizing indicia are used to match a key to a pocket and a use that is immediately identifiable in the event of an emergency.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/317,379, which was filed on Mar. 7, 2022 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a key storage device, and more specifically to a storage device for retaining and organizing a plurality of keys. Accordingly, the present specification makes specific reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally amenable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

A lock box is a safety tool designed to provide convenient and secure access to a building or structure when the owner or occupant is not present. The lock box or key safe is configured to hold the keys to the home or building within the box. These devices are typically positioned near the building entrance and are protected by a security lock. Authorized individuals can open the security lock to access the property with a code or a master key. Lock boxes are generally attachable to a door handle or other objects on the exterior of a house or building. Commercial buildings often employ exteriorly mounted lockboxes to store keys, remotes, keycards, and other suitable articles associated with that commercial building. These lock boxes are configured to be accessible to employees or any other authorized personnel so that they can access these lock boxes for their aforementioned items.
Many cities have a lock box program that allows the local fire department to access a home or business during an emergency. Each fire apparatus will have a master key secured in a locked vault in the vehicle for their response area that can be used to access these dedicated lock boxes. This allows first responders and emergency workers immediate access into secure buildings, campuses, residences, and commercial properties without the delay of waiting for a key holder. This reduces injuries to responders, minimizes property damage, and allows emergency access to a building much more quickly.
In another usage, fire or emergency services departments employ apparatus or station lock boxes that contain keys for emergency vehicles, medical cabinets, garage doors, pharmaceuticals, or any other secured articles. The keys that are stored in these lock boxes are often disorganized, misplaced, and poorly labelled, causing difficulties, delays, and inconveniences, especially in stressful and emergency situations. Therefore, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a novel and effective means of storing and organizing keys within these and other lock boxes.
Accordingly, there is a great need for a device to store and organize keys that is accessible during emergencies. There is also a need for a key organizer sized to fit within existing key safes or lock boxes. Similarly, there is a need for a way to easily identify keys under stressful situations. There is also a need for a key holder device that can accommodate a variety of keys simultaneously. Further, there is a need for an organizer configured to retain a wide variety of keys, keycards, key fobs, and remotes.
In this manner, the improved key storage device of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives, thereby providing an easy solution for a compact, sleek device that compartmentalizes, stores, and organizes keys in an orderly fashion. A primary feature of the present invention is a key retaining device that easily fits within a lock box. The present invention features distinguishing labels, such that the keys are easily identified, creating a quick and convenient means of finding the right keys, especially during stressful or emergency situations. Finally, the improved key storage device of the present invention is capable of being made in multiple sizes or configurations such that the present invention accommodates a wide variety of keys, keycards, key fobs, remotes, or any other relevant article.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a key storage device for retaining and organizing a plurality of keys in a compact configuration. The key storage device is designed to retain and store a plurality of keys in a compact configuration that is easily retained within a lock box. The key storage device is configured so that the keys are easily and quickly identifiable within the key storage device.
The key storage device comprises a plurality of pockets, a plurality of hinging elements, a plurality of key mounting components, and a plurality of indicia. The plurality of pockets each comprise a back wall and a front wall. Each back wall is taller than each front wall. An exposed portion of each back wall extends beyond a top of the respective front wall. The front and back walls are joined together forming a cavity within. The cavity is configured to retain a portion of one of the plurality of keys and is accessible via an opening along a top of the front wall.
The plurality of hinging elements are seams that connect the plurality of pockets along a side of each of the pockets. The plurality of hinging elements are living hinges that are constructed to fold and unfold. The plurality of pockets are configured to accordion fold in an alternating stacked pattern along the plurality of hinging elements.
The plurality of key mounting components are configured to retain each of the plurality of keys within one of the plurality of pockets. The plurality of key mounting components may each comprise a back wall attachment element and a key attachment element. Each back wall attachment element attaches to the exposed portion of each back wall of each pocket. Each key attachment element attaches to a top of each key. Each back wall attachment element is removably attachable to the respective key attachment element to secure the respective key within the respective pocket.
The plurality of indicia are attachable to both the plurality of pockets and the plurality of keys. The plurality of indicia may be color coded labels, numeric labels, alphanumeric labels, or a combination thereof. The plurality of indicia allow a user to match a key accurately and quickly with the respective pocket. The plurality of indicia may also be used to indicate a use for each or the plurality of keys.
The key storage device may further comprise a device mounting component. The device mounting component may comprise a pocket attachment element and an external mounting element. The pocket attachment element attaches to a back side of an end pocket of the plurality of pockets. The external mounting element may be attached to a wall, such as an interior wall of a lock box. The pocket attachment element is removably attachable to the external mounting element to secure the key storage device to a wall or surface.
The key storage device may further comprise a lighting component and a strap component. The lighting component is a light or light emitting diode strip integrated into or attached to the plurality of pockets. A battery integrated into or attached to the key storage device is in electrical communication with the lighting component to illuminate the lighting component. The strap component is attachable to a back side of one of the plurality of pockets. The strap component wraps around the plurality of pockets when folded and secures them in the alternating stacked pattern.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a key storage device of the present invention for retaining and organizing a plurality of keys in a partially folded configuration in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the key storage device of the present invention for retaining and organizing a plurality of keys in a flat configuration in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the key storage device of the present invention for retaining and organizing a plurality of keys in a partially folded configuration in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the key storage device of the present invention for retaining and organizing a plurality of keys in a partially folded configuration in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 5 illustrates a rear perspective view of a key mounting component of the key storage device of the present invention for retaining and organizing a plurality of keys in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the key storage device of the present invention for retaining and organizing a plurality of keys in a compact folded configuration in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a lighting component of the key storage device of the present invention for retaining and organizing a plurality of keys in a partially folded configuration in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a pocket clip connecting an additional pocket of the key storage device of the present invention for retaining and organizing a plurality of keys in a partially folded configuration in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They do not intend as an exhaustive description of the invention or do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a compact, sleek device that compartmentalizes, stores, and organizes keys in an orderly fashion such that the present invention easily fits within a lockbox. The key retaining device is dimensioned to easily fit within a lock box when in a folded compact configuration. The key retaining device features distinguishing key identifying labels to create a quick and convenient means of finding the right keys during stressful or emergency situations. The improved key storage device of the present invention is capable of being made in multiple sizes or configurations such that the present invention accommodates a wide variety of keys, keycards, key fobs, remotes, or any other relevant article that needs to be secured.
The key retaining device may be a pouch suitable for compartmentalizing and organizing a plurality of keys. The key pouch comprises a plurality of pockets, a plurality of mounting elements, a plurality of indicium. Each pocket comprises a pocket slot, a pocket flap, and a pocket panel. The plurality of pockets is hingedly connected to each other through hinging elements. Each pocket slot is positioned between the pocket flap and the pocket panel. The plurality of mounting elements are distributed about the pocket slots. The plurality of indicium are distributed about the plurality of pockets.
In one embodiment, the plurality of pockets takes the form of hingedly connected key pockets, where each key pocket is configured to receive and store a key, key fob, remote, key card, or any other suitable article. The hinging element takes the form of a hinging seam that allows the plurality of pockets to fold on top of each other in a retracted configuration. The user can then easily unfold the plurality of pockets in a deployed configuration, exposing the articles stored within the plurality of pockets in an organized and accessible fashion. The hinging seam is configured to allow the plurality of pockets to fold in an alternating, accordion-like fashion, such that the articles stored in the plurality of pockets are efficiently stacked on top of each other, and the hinging seams are stacked in alternating fashion on opposite sides.
The key pouch may be constructed from any suitable material such as but not limited to nylon, plastic, leather, fabric, or any other suitable material. The key pouch may be constructed from a transparent material but may be made from any other suitable material. The pocket slot takes the form of the key compartment interior that facilitates and stores the key or any other article along the plurality of pockets. The pocket flap takes the form of one partition of the plurality of pockets, while the pocket panel takes the form of the other partition of the plurality of pockets. The enclosed cavity between the pocket flap and the pocket panel forms the pocket slot. Each of the plurality of pockets further comprises a pocket opening. The pocket opening traverses into the pocket slot. The pocket opening serves as the entry opening that allows the user to slip articles in or out of the pocket slot.
The plurality of mounting elements takes the form of any suitable mounting element that secures the key or any other suitable article within the pocket slot. In one embodiment, the plurality of mounting elements may be hook and loop mounting implements that secures the articles stored within the pocket slot. In another embodiment, the plurality of mounting elements takes the form of mounting clasps that secures articles stored within the pocket slot. The plurality of indicium takes the form of any suitable indicium that aids in identifying and organizing the articles stored within the plurality of pockets. The plurality of indicium may take the form of a series of color-coded indicium distributed along the plurality of pockets where each pocket of the plurality of pockets is colored a different color. In another embodiment, the plurality indicium takes the form of label annotations distributed about the plurality of pockets that denote the identification and designation of each article stored within the plurality of pockets.
Referring initially to the drawings, FIGS. 1-8 illustrate a key storage device 100. The key storage device 100 is configured for retaining and organizing a plurality of keys 10 in both open and compact configurations. The key storage device 100 is designed to store multiple keys 10 simultaneously in a compact configuration that is easily retained within a lock box. The keys 10 are easily and quickly identifiable within the key storage device 100. As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the plurality of keys 10 may include traditional keys, key fobs, key cards, remote controls, electronic keys, USB drives, and the like.
As illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 , the key storage device 100 comprises a plurality of pockets 110, a plurality of hinging elements 130, a plurality of key mounting components 150, and a plurality of indicia 160. The plurality of pockets 110 each comprise a back wall 112, a front wall 116, a pair of sides 118, and a bottom edge 120. Each back wall 112 is taller than each front wall 116. An exposed portion 114 of each back wall 112 extends beyond a top of the respective front wall 116. The front and back walls 116 and 112 are joined together along the sides 118 and the bottom edge 120 forming a cavity 124 within. The cavity 124 is accessible via an opening 122 along a top of the front wall 116. The cavity 124 is configured to retain a portion of one of the plurality of keys 10. When the narrower blade of the key 10 is in place within the pocket 110, the wider bow of the key 10 is exposed abutting the exposed portion 114 of the back wall 112 as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 .
The plurality of pockets 110 may be constructed from a thin flexible plastic material and may be transparent or opaque. Alternatively, the plurality of pockets 110 may be fluorescent, phosphorescent, or reflective to improve visualization of the keys 10 stored within the plurality of pockets 110 under low light conditions. The plurality of pockets 110 may also be customizable in size to accommodate a variety of keys 10.
The plurality of hinging elements 130 are seams that connect the plurality of pockets 110 along a side 118 of each of the pockets 110. The plurality of hinging elements 130 are typically living hinges that are constructed to fold and unfold. The plurality of pockets 110 are configured to accordion fold in an alternating stacked pattern along the plurality of hinging elements 130 as illustrated in FIG. 6 .
In an alternative embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 8 , the plurality of hinging elements 130 may be perforated to allow separation of the plurality of pockets 110. This allows the user to easily customize the number of pockets 110 needed. The key storage device 100 may further comprise a plurality of clips 140. The plurality of clips 140 are used to join a separated pocket 110 to increase the number of pockets 110. The plurality of clips 140 slide into the cavities 124 of the adjacent pockets 110.
As illustrated in FIG. 5 , the plurality of key mounting components 150 are configured to retain each of the plurality of keys 10 within one of the plurality of pockets 110. The plurality of key mounting components 150 may each comprise a back wall attachment element 152 and a key attachment element 154. Each back wall attachment element 152 attaches to the exposed portion 114 of each back wall 112 of each pocket 110. Each key attachment element 154 attaches to a top of each key 10. Each back wall attachment element 152 is removably attachable to the respective key attachment element 154 to secure the respective key 10 within the respective pocket 110. The plurality of key mounting components 150 may be hook and loop fasteners, snap fasteners, adhesive fasteners, latches, or the like. Alternatively, the plurality of key mounting components 150 may be magnets attached to the exposed portion 114 of each back wall 112 of each pocket 110 to magnetically attract the key 10.
As illustrated in FIG. 4 , the plurality of indicia 160 are attachable to both the plurality of pockets 110 and the plurality of keys 10. The plurality of indicia 160 are customizable and may be color coded labels, numeric labels, alphanumeric labels, pictorial labels, braille characters, raised markings, or a combination thereof. The plurality of indicia allow a user to match a key 10 accurately and quickly with the respective pocket 110. The plurality of indicia 160 may also be used to indicate a use for each or the plurality of keys 10. This allows the user to quickly match a key 10 to a pocket 110 and know what the key 10 is used to open.
As illustrate in FIG. 6 , the key storage device 100 may further comprise a device mounting component 170. The device mounting component 170 may comprise a pocket attachment element 172 and an external mounting element 174. The pocket attachment element 172 attaches to a back side of an end pocket of the plurality of pockets 110. The external mounting element 174 may be attached to a wall, such as an interior wall of a lock box. The pocket attachment element 172 is removably attachable to the external mounting element 174 to secure the key storage device to a wall or surface. The device mounting component 170 may be a hook and loop fastener, a snap fastener, an adhesive fastener, a latch, or the like. Alternatively, the device mounting component 170 may be a magnet attached to the back side of the end pocket of the plurality of pockets 110 to magnetically attract the wall.
The key storage device 100 may further comprise a lighting component 180 and a strap component 190. As illustrated in FIG. 7 , the lighting component 180 may be a light or light emitting diode strip integrated into or attached to the plurality of pockets 110. A battery 182 integrated into or attached to the key storage device 100 is in electrical communication with the lighting component 180 to illuminate the lighting component 180. The battery 180 may be disposable or rechargeable. As illustrated in FIG. 7 , the strap component 190 is attachable to a back side of one of the plurality of pockets 110. The strap component 190 is a band that wraps around the plurality of pockets 110 when folded and secures them in the alternating stacked pattern. The strap component 190 may attach to itself via a hook and loop fastener, a snap fastener, a button, a latch, or the like. The strap component 190 may also be an elastic band.
Notwithstanding the forgoing, the key storage device 100 can be any suitable size, shape, and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shape and size of the key storage device 100 and its various components, as show in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other shapes and sizes of the key storage device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although dimensions of the key storage device 100 and its components (i.e., length, width, and height) are important design parameters for good performance, the key storage device 100 and its various components may be any shape or size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits user need and/or preference. As such, the key storage device 100 may be comprised of sizing/shaping that is appropriate and specific in regard to whatever the key storage device 100 is designed to be applied.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A key storage device for retaining a plurality of keys, the key storage device comprising:

a plurality of pockets;

a plurality of hinging elements connecting the plurality of pockets;

a plurality of key mounting components for retaining each of the plurality of keys within one of the plurality of pockets; and

a plurality of indicia; and

wherein the plurality of pockets are configured to accordion fold in an alternating stacked pattern.

2. The key storage device of claim 1, wherein each of the pockets comprises a back wall and a front wall defining a cavity accessible via an opening.

3. The key storage device of claim 2, wherein the back wall is taller than the front wall.

4. The key storage device of claim 3, wherein the back wall has an exposed portion extending beyond a top of the front wall.

5. The key storage device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of hinging elements is a living hinge.

6. The key storage device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of key mounting components are hook and loop fasteners.

7. The key storage device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of key mounting components are snap fasteners.

8. The key storage device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of keys is magnetically retainable within one of the plurality of pockets.

9. The key storage device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of indicia are customizable.

10. The key storage device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of indicia are alphanumeric labels.

11. A key storage device for retaining a plurality of keys, the key storage device comprising:

a plurality of pockets, each pocket comprising a taller back wall and a shorter front wall defining a cavity accessible via an opening at a top of the shorter front wall;

a plurality of hinging elements connecting the plurality of pockets;

a plurality of indicia; and

12. The key storage device of claim 11, wherein the plurality of pockets are transparent.

13. The key storage device of claim 11, wherein the plurality of pockets are fluorescent.

14. The key storage device of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of pockets is configured to retain a key, a key fob, a key card, or a remote control.

15. The key storage device of claim 11, wherein the plurality of indicia are numeric labels.

16. The key storage device of claim 11, wherein the plurality of indicia are colored labels.

17. The key storage device of claim 11, wherein the plurality of indicia are a combination of alphanumeric, numeric, and colored labels.

18. The key storage device of claim 11 further comprising a device mounting component for removably securing the key storage device to a wall.

19. A key storage device for retaining a plurality of keys, the key storage device comprising:

a plurality of living hinge seams connecting the plurality of pockets;

a plurality of key mounting components for retaining each of the plurality of keys within one of the plurality of pockets;

a plurality of indicia for labeling each of the keys and each of the pockets;

a device mounting component for removably securing the key storage device to a wall; and

a lighting component integrated into the plurality of pockets; and

20. The key storage device of claim 19 further comprising a strap component attachable to a back of one of the plurality of pockets for securing the plurality of pockets in the alternating stacked pattern.