US2695511A

US2695511A - Key holder

Info

Publication number: US2695511A
Application number: US128558A
Authority: US
Inventors: Russell T Wing; Dodge E Wing
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1949-11-21
Filing date: 1949-11-21
Publication date: 1954-11-30
Anticipated expiration: 1971-11-30

Description

Nov. 30, 1954 R. T. WING ET AL KEY HOLDER Filed NOV. 21, 1949 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTORS RUSSELL T M/nvc DODGE E. I/V/NG 0L2, @MQM ATTORNEKS Nov. 30, 1954 R. T. WING ETAL 2,695,511

KEY HOLDER Filed Nov. 21; 1949 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 I A LP ,INVENTORS QUSSELL. T l Vnve D0001: E. l/Vr/vc ACTORNE vs Nov. 30, 1954 R. T. WING ETAL KEY HOLDER 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Nov. 21, 1949 M 4 U M. 3 M Z z m 4 m 6 0 Z 6 7 M 6 I O l 1 m M M I721: v. 9 9 M w Russell. T l/l uvc l 4 .n 5 3 V 7 4 v H B W n .I 61 3 1 2m 4 4 Z 9 V 4 Nov. 30, 1954 R. T. WING ET AL 2,695,511

KEY HOLDER Filed Nov. 21, 1949 I 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTORS Qusssu. T l V/N'G DODGE E. VV/NG A T TORNE YS Nov. 30, 1954 R. T. WING ETAL KEY HOLDER 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Nov. 21, 1949 INVENTORS RUSSELL 7'. l V/A/G Boos: 5.. W/NG MIQMQM ATTORNEYS United. States Patent Ofifice 2,695,511 Patented Nov. 30, 1954 KEY HOLDER Russell T. Wing, Excelsior, and Dodge E. Wing, Wayzata, Minn.

Application November 21, 1949, Serial No. 128,558

16 Claims. (Cl. 70-456) This invention relates to new and useful improvements in key holders or key packs, generally, and more particularly to a key holder adapted to contain a number of keys in a convenient, compact, and orderly manner, and an object of the invention is to provide such a device having a single key ejecting element so arranged that it may be conveniently manipulated at any time by one, to eject a selected key from thetholder into a position for use.

A further object of the invention is to provide a holder for a plurality of keys which may vary considerably in length and thickness, and said holder being so constructed that any number of keys may be supported therein from one to its full capacity, and the means for securing the keys in the holder being so constructed and arranged that any particular key within the holder may be quickly detached or removed therefrom without affecting the operations of other keys in the holder.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a key holder having means therein for supporting a plurality of keys, and a single key-ejecting element being movably supported on the holder and shiftable into position with any selected key in the holder, whereby such selected key may be quickly ejected from the holder to a position to be inserted into a keyhole.

A further and more specific object is to provide a key holder comprising a housing having a plurality of thin sheet-like resilient elements mounted therein in spaced parallel relation and extending substantially the length of the holder, said elements cooperating to provide a cellular structure adapted to pivotally support a plurality of keys, and an ejector being mounted for movement over the keys, and by manipulation of which any selected key may be ejected from the holder to a position for use.

A further object is to provide a key holder of the class described comprising a suitable frame adapted to receive and pivotally support a plurality of keys, and a selector being mounted for swinging or sliding movement over the keys and carrying a cam-like ejector having a fingerengaging element conveniently located, whereby an individual carrying the key holder may readily shift the selector over the keys into position over a desired or selected key, after which a flip of the cam by the operator's finger will eject the selected key to a position whereby it may readily be inserted into the keyhole of a lock.

A further object is to provide a key holder particularly designed for supporting a plurality of flat keys in contiguous flatwise relation, the heads'of said keys being substantially one-half inch in diameter, and each head having a centrally disposed aperture therein which apertures are axially aligned to facilitate pivotally mounting the keys in the holder, said keys normally being concealed within the holder, and means being provided for ejecting any selected key from the holder to a position for insertion into a keyhole, the key pack, as a whole, providing a very convenient grip or handle for the operators fingers, when manipulating an ejected key to lock or unlock a lock.

Other objects of the invention reside in the unique arrangement of the separators within the supporting frame whereby the keys are normally substantially concealed from view when not in use; in the construction of the locking bar for pivotally supporting the keys within the holder, and whereby any key may readily be removed from the holder and another one substituted therefor at any time without interfering with the operation of other keys contained therein, and without requiring the holder to be disassembled; in the provision of means for aiding the operator to shift the selector and ejector to a selected key, and whereby the operator may be assured that when he actuates the ejector, the desired key will be ejected from the holder and placed in proper position for use; in the provision of such a device which readily lends itself for supporting conventional flat keys, after the heads of such keys have been trimmed to uniform size by suitable die means; and in the provision of such a novel key holder which is extremely simple and inexpensive in construction, and is economical to manufacture, whereby the holder readily lends itself for manufacture in quantity production at low cost.

These and other objects of the invention and the means for their attainment will be more apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

In the accompanying drawings there has been disclosed a structure designed to carry out the various objects of the invention, but it is to be understood that the invention is not confined to the exact features shown, as various changes may be made within the scope of the claims which follow.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a bottom view of the holder showing the selector and ejector in their normal positions;

Figure 2 is a top plan view partially in section, show ing the means for detachably securing the keys in the holder;

Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view substantially on the line 3-3 of Figure 1, showing the centrally disposed locking bar for locking the separators in their normal key supporting positions; V

Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3, but showing the ejector actuated to eject a key from the holder;

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 3, showing the centrally disposed locking bar swung out of the holder to permit lateral movement of the separators and thereby permit shifting of the keys within the holder, or the removal or insertion of a key therein;

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view on the line 66 of Figure 3, showing the keys in their normal positions within the holder;

Figure 7 is a detail sectional view on the line 7-7 of Figure 3, showing the preferred form and arrangement of the separators whereby they cooperate to frictionally retain the free ends of the keys in their normal positions within the holder;

Figure 8 is a view simllar to Figure 2 showing the locking bar swung outwardly, as shown in Figure 5, whereby the separators may be shifted laterally to permit the removal of keys from the holder or the insertion of keys thereinto, the holder being shown empty of keys; t

Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 1, showing a holder of slightly modified construction;

Figure 10 is a longitudinal sectional view substantially on the line 1010 of Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a detail sectional view on the line 1111 of Figure 10, showing the top and bottom edges of the keys aligned with the top and bottom edges of the separators;

Figure 12 is a view similar to Figure 9, showing a simpler form of key ejector;

Figure 13 is a longitudinal sectional view on the line 1313 of Figure 12, showing the key ejector in its normal position; and

Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view substantially on the line 1414 of Figure 13, partially in end elevation.

The novel key holder herein disclosed is shown comprising a supporting frame or casing, generally designated by the numeral 2, having a bottom wall 3, opposed

side walls

4 and 5, and an end wall 6. The end wall 6 is preferably semi-cylindrical in cross section, as shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5, and finishing bars or plates 7 and 8 are secured to the

side walls

4 and 5, re-

spectively, and cooperate with the end wall 6 to. so

fashion the contour of the holder that it may be readand 8 may be secured to their

respective frame walls

4 and 5 by transversely disposed rivets or

screws

9 and 11, clearly shown in the application drawings.

An important feature of the present invention resides in the construction of the means provided for detachably supporting the keys within the holder, whereby one or more of the keys may be removed from the holder at any time without effecting the operation of the remaining keys, and also whereby the keys within the holder may be interchanged or shifted about therein to place those keys which are most frequently used, where they may be ejected from the holder with a minimum shifting of the key ejector, subsequently to be described.

While the wall 3 of the supporting frame 2 is herein referred to as the bottom wall of the holder, it is to be understood that this is merely for explanatory reasons, as obviously the wall 3 might in some instances be considered the top wall of the holder.

The means provided for thus supporting the keys Within the holder is shown comprising two groups of separators, generally designated by the

reference characters

12 and 13. Each of said groups comprises a plurality of thin, flexible plate elements which will herein be referred to as

separators

14 and 15, disposed in alternate relation, as clearly illustrated in Figure 8. A centrally disposed locking member 16 is shown having one end pivotally mounted on the rod or rivet 11, and divides the separators into the two groups above referred to. The opposite end of the member 16 is shaped to conform to the configuration of the heads 18 of the keys 19, as clearly illustrated in Figures 3, 4 and 5.

The bottom edge of the pivoted locking member 16 is preferably provided with a depending portion 21 adapted to engage the rod or rivet 9, when the member 16 is in its normal position, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, thereby to align its free end with the adjacent ends of the

separators

14 and 15, and also whereby the member 16 will normally be aligned with the heads 18 of the keys 19, as hereinbefore stated.

As best illustrated in Figure 2, all of the separators 14 of the two groups of

separators

12 and 13 are provided at one end with opposed diametrically disposed

semi-spherical elements

22 and 23, shown secured to their respective separators 14 by suitable rivets 24, having their opposed ends headed over and flattened to provide opposed flat faces 25 on each spherical element 2223. The other separators serve merely as spacers between adjacent keys, while the spherical elements 2223, in addition to serving as pivots for the keys 19, also serve as spacers for the

separators

14 and 15, as will be noted by reference to Figures 2, 4 and 5. The head of each key has a suitable aperture 26 therein for receiving the spherical elements 22-23 of the separators 14, as illustrated in Figure 2.

Means is provided for frictionally retaining the keys in their normal positions within the key holder, as shown in dotted lines in Figures 3, 4 and 10, and full lines in Figure 5. To thus frictionally retain the keys in their normal inoperative positions, each separator is shown having its upper marginal edge portion 27 adjacent to the rod or rivet 11, laterally offset, whereby when the keys are positioned in the holder between the separators, the offset portions 27 of the separators are partially flexed and placed under sufficient tension to frictionally retain the keys in the holder, as will be understood by reference to Figure 7.

In other words, by offsetting portions of the separators as above described, a lateral pressure is exerted against the separators which in turn is exerted against the keys, whereby the keys are not likely to accidentally swing out of the holder, when the holder is carried in a pocket or handbag. To enhance the appearance of the holder, the two

groupsof separators

12 and 13 are preferably offset in opposite directions, as shown in Figures 2, 7 and 8, whereby the holder is symmetric about its longitudinal center line. This also assures adequate spring action against all keys with less separators than other wise would be required.

Means is provided for readily and quickly ejecting a selected key from the holder in position for use, and is shown comprising an ejector, generally designated by the numeral 28, having an open sided aperture therein adapted to receive a spherical element or ball 29.

The ball 29 is received in a socket 31 provided in a key selector plate 32, bestillustrated in Figure 6 The selector plate 32 is shown pivotally supported on the swingable ends of a pair of parallel arms 33 by

suitable rivets

34 and 35, whereby the selector plate and its ejector 28 may readily be swung laterally over the keys, as will be understood by reference to the full and dotted lines in Figure 1.

The selector plate 32 has a slot 36 therein for receivin" the ejector 28, the latter being provided with a finger grip 37 which is so fashioned that it may readily be grasped by the operators thumb or finger, when holding the key holder or pack in the palm of the hand. The slot 36 is closed at its forward end by an integral tie bar 38 against which the finger grip 37 of the ejector 28 seats, when the ejector is in its normal inoperative position, as shown in Figures 3' and 5. The finger grip 37 is shown having a recessed face 39 adapted to seat against the curved face of the tie bar 38. The opposite end of the slot 36 is closed by a bridge 41, clearly illustrated in Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5. The swingable ends of the parallel arms 33 extend outwardly from over the bottom wall 3 of the holder supporting frame 2, said wall 3 being spaced downwardly from the rivet 9 to provide oscillating clearance for the arms 33, as clearly illustrated in Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5.

Means is provided for constantly exerting a light pressure against the spherical element or ball 29 of the ejector to hold said ball in clicking engagement with the bottom edges of the separators, and is shown comprising a spring 42 having an offset end anchored in a small rc-entrant recess provided in the wall of the aperture in the ejector 28, in which the ball 29 is seated. The opposite end of the spring 42 may be secured in an aperture 43 by a suitable securing element such as a set screw, indicated at 44 in Figures 1, 6, and 8, whereby the tension of the spring may be varied to impart the desired action to the ejector 28.

The end wall 6 of the supporting frame of the holder is shown cut away at 45 to provide in effect an eye 46 for receiving one end of a chain, hook, or other device for securing the key holder to one end of a key ring, or the like.

In the form illustrated in Figures 1 to 8, inclusive, the keys 19 are preferably constructed as shown in Figure 4, the shanks of all of the keys adjacent to the heads thereof being identical in configuration and the head of each key having an enlarged aperture therein adapted to receive one of the spherical elements 2223, illustrated in Figure 2. The holder herein disclosed is shown capable of containing twelve keys, the head ends of which are alike in contour.

The width, or vertical dimension of the shank of each key is slightly less than the corresponding dimension of the locking member 16 and separators 15, whereby the lower edges of the keys are spaced upwardly from the corresponding edges of the separators, as best shown in Figure 6. By thus staggering the bottom edges of the keys and separators, a clicking action is imparted to the key ejector 28, as it is shifted laterally over the keys from one to another, as indicated by the full and dotted lines in Figure 1. Such clicking action of the ejector constitutes an important feature of the present invention in that it makes it possible for the operator to shift the ejector to any desired key by touch, or, in other words, by the clicking action imparted to the ejector.

The ejector may normally be positioned in its central or neutral position over the locking bar or member 16, as shown in Figures 1 and 6, wherein the spherical element 29 will partially enter the space between the separators 15 disposed adjacent to the bar 16. As the spring 42 constantly urges the spherical element or ball 29 towards the locking bar 16, it will readily be understood that as the selector plate 32 and ejector 28 are laterally shifted from their neutral position over the keys, the ball 29 will successively be pressed into the sockets or recesses 31 and released therefrom as the ball 29 successively passes over the bottom edges of the separators in the operation of shifting the ejector to the desired key. Such relative up and down movement of the ball 29 in its socket is what causes the clicking action imparted-to the ejector which may readily be felt by the operators finger so that in a comparatively short time he will learn to shift the ejector to a selected key by feel, or by the number of impulses imparted to the ejector as it passes over the lower edges of the separators when shifting the ejector from one key to another.

The parallel arms 33 cooperate to maintain the ejector 28 in parallel relation to the keys, regardless of the particular key over which the ejector may be positioned.

In the operation of the novel key holder herein disclosed, the keys to be carried therein are inserted into their repective places between the

separators

14 and 15 when the locking member 16 is swung outwardly to an inoperative position, as shown in Figure 5. When the member 16 is thus positioned, the opposite or forward ends of the separators may readily be swung laterally within the holder, as indicated in Figure 8, whereby the keys may readily be inserted therebetween and pivotally secured in the holder by the spherical pivot elements.

The thickness of the locking member 16, it will be noted by reference to Figure 6, is equal to the normal spacing between adjacent separators, whereby when swung outwardly, as shown in Figures 5 and 8, ample room or space is provided between one of the

pivot elements

22 or 23 and an adjacent separator to permit a key to be inserted therebetween. See Figure 8.

When the desired number of keys have been inserted in the holder, the locking member 16 is swung downwardly into its normal position between the two centrally disposed separators, whereby all of the semispherical key supporting elements 22-23 and the intervening separators 15 are pressed into firm engagement with one another crosswise of the holder, as will be understood by reference to Figure 2. When the locking member 16 has been returned to its normal key securing position, shown in Figures 3 and 5, the keys will be securely locked in the holder so that they cannot accidentally become detached therefrom.

To eject a selected key from the holder, the operator simply places his thumb or finger on the key ejecting member 28 and slides it over the separatorsand keys until the ejector 29 is positioned over the selected key. The ejector is then actuated from the position shown in Figure 3 to that shown in Figure 4, whereby its cam end will engage the bottom edge of the selected key and outwardly eject said key from the holder to a position whereby it may readily be inserted into its complemental lock, as will be understood by reference to Figure 4. The spring 42 returns the ejector to its normal inoperative position, shown in Figures 3 and 5, when the selected key has been ejected from the holder. The key may readily be returned to its position Within the holder by simply swinging it back into position between the separators, as shown in Figure 5. Suitable identification numerals may be provided along the forward curved edge 47 of the bottom wall 3 of the key holder frame, as indicated in Figure 1, adapted to cooperate with a mark 50 on the selector plate 32 to facilitate accurately spottingthe ejector 28 over the selected key.

7 Figures 9, 10 and ll illustrate a slightly modified construction wherein the shanks of the keys are preferably made substantially the same width as the separators so that their bottom edges are disposed in the plane of the bottom edges of the separators, therebyto provide a smooth unbroken surface over which the ball 29 may travel, as the ejector is moved from one key to another, as may be understood by reference to Figure 11.

When the shanks of the keys are thus enlarged, the sphericalelement 29 will move smoothly over the keys and separators without any tendency to impart a clicking action to selector 28 as it is shifted from onekey to another. To facilitate positioning the ejector over a selected key in the form of holder shown in Figures 9, 10 and 11, a spring pressed arm 48 is shown integrally formed with an arm 49 mounted adjacent to a similar arm 51. The arms 49 and 51 are disposed in parallel relation and cooperate to support the selector plate 32 and ejector 28, as in the previous figures.

Instead of enlarging the key shanks, as above described, the ball 29 could be immovably secured in the socket 31 by peening over the edge of the socket with a suitable instrument such as a hammer, as is well known in the art, thereby preventing the ball from dropping into vacant spaces between adjacent separators, in the event the key holder were not completely filled with keys.

To warn the carrier of the key holder as to the position of the ejector relative to the keys, the forward end of arm 48.may be bent upon itself and has an aperture 54 therein in which is mounted a small spherical element 52. The spherical element 52 is adapted to register with key holder may be considered negligible, when considerequally spaced apertures 53 provided in the bottom wall 3 of the key holder frame 2, as best illustrated in Figure 9, whereby the spherical element 52 will slide over .the spaced apertures 53 and impart a clicking or stopping action to the ejector, whereby the operator may, at all times, readily sense the position of the ejector 32 with respect to the keys.

The novel holder herein disclosed povides a compact unit for supporting a plurality of keys in such a manner that selected keys in the holder may quickly be ejected therefrom to a position for use. The unique construction of the separators provides means for frictionally retaining the keys within the holder, whereby they are not likely to swing out of the holder when the latter is carried in a pocket or purse. The device may be quickly manipulated with one hand to eject a selected key therefrom which is of extreme advantage, particularly when it becomes necessary to manipulate the device in the dark. Also, as hereinbefore stated, the keys are readily removable from the holder to permit others to be substituted therefor, when desired. All of the parts embodied therein are of simple and inexpensive construction, whereby the entire device readily lends itself for manufacture inquantity production at low cost.

In Figures l2, l3 and 14 there is illustrated a key ejecting means of simplified construction, comprising a push button, generally designated by the numeral 56, secured in one end of a resilient arm 57 mounted for pivotal movement about a pivot pin 58 fixed to one end of the bottom wall 3, as shown in Figures 12 and 13. The push button 56 has an elongated terminal 59, the diameter of which is slightly less than the spacing between adjacent separators, whereby the terminal may readily enter between the separators and thereby engage the shank of a key and eject it from the holder, as indicated by the dotted lines in Figure 13.

To facilitate positioning the push button over a se lected key, a series of apertures 61 are provided in ,the bottom wall 3 over which a small spherical element 62 travels. The element 62 is supported in a resilient arm 63 which constantly presses the element 62 into contact with the bottom plate3. The spacing between the apertures 61 is determined by the spacing between the keys, as in the previous figures, the number of apertures corresponding to the number of spaces between adjacent separators. The arm 63 may, for convenience, be integrally formed with the arm 57. 1

The operator may quickly determine the position of the ejector button 56 by simply swinging it outwardly to one side whereby the spherical element may engage a suitable stop. Knowing the positions of the keys within the holder, the operator may then quickly swing the ejector button to a position over the specific key to be ejected, being guided in such movement by the spherical element 62 successively moving into and out of the apertures 61, as the ejector arm 57 is swung laterally over the keys.

The operation of the device shown in Figures l2, l3 and 14 is substantially identical to the operation of the devices shown in Figures 1 and 9, so far as manipulating the ejector button 56. The novel key holder herein disclosed is designed more particularly for supporting flat keys. The heads of conventional keys may be slightly larger in diameter than the size of the key heads herein disclosed, but this is of minor importance, because with the aid of a simple forming die, the heads of conventional.

keys may be quickly reduced in size to fit the key holder herein disclosed. Thus when equipped with the necessary forming die, any conventional key of the flat type may be quickly shaped to adapt it for use in the key holder herein disclosed, thereby extending the usefulness of the holder, as will be understood.

By reducing the size of conventional keys to adapt them for use in the present holder, the weight of such keys is substantially reduced, whereby the added weight of the ing the combined weights of the keys and key holder. The head ends of the keys are substantially anchored between the

separators

14 and 15, whereby the particular key to be used may be readily and conveniently rotated to manipulate a lock by simply grasping the body of the key holder and using it as a handle for the key.

The foregoing detailed description has been given for clearness of understanding only, and no unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom, but the appended claims should be construed as broadly as permissible in view of the prior art.

We claim as our invention:

1. A key holder comprising a supporting structure having a plurality of resilient key separators secured therein in spaced relation and adapted for limited lateral movement, a locking bar pivoted at one end in the supporting structure, and when in operative position, locking the separators in relatively fixed position within the holder, certain of said separators having pivot elements secured thereto for pivotally supporting keys therebetween, an arm mounted on said supporting structure for swinging movement crosswise of the keys, and a key ejecting member mounted for pivotal movement about a spherical element carried by said arm, said spherical element being engageable with the edges of the separators when shifted from one key to another, whereby said spherical pivot element wil serve to align the ejector with a selected key to be ejected from the holder.

2. A key holder comprising a body having means therein for pivotally supporting a plurality of keys in spaced relation, an arm having one end pivoted to said body and having its opposite end mounted for swinging movement crosswise of the keys, and a key ejecting member carried by the free end of said arm and operable by pressure of a finger thereon to cause a selected key over which it is positioned to be ejected from the key holder.

3. A key holder comprising a casing, a plurality of pivot elements in said casing adjacent one end thereof for pivotally supporting a plurality of keys within the casing, an arm pivoted at one end to the opposite end of the casing and having its opposite end adapted for swinging movement cross-wise of the keys, and a single key ejecting member pivoted to the swingable end of said arm whereby the key ejecting member may be moved into registration with a selected key in the casing to eject said selected key therefrom to a position of use.

4. A key holder according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of resilient elements elements are disposed within the casing for engaging and frictionally retaining the keys therein when not in use.

5. A key holder according to claim 3, wherein the keyejecting member co-acts with means within the casing to facilitate aligning the key-ejecting member with the selected key to be ejected.

6. A key holder according to claim 3, wherein the key ejecting member has a cam at one end for engaging an edge of the selected key to eject it from the casing, when the key ejecting member is actuated.

7. A key holder comprising a body having spaced separators therein forming a plurality of key receiving chambers each adapted to receive a key, pivot elements carried by said separators for pivotally retaining the keys in their respective chambers, a key ejecting member, a movable support for the key ejecting member whereby said member may be moved to a position over a selected key in one of said chambers, and means whereby the key ejecting member may be manually actuated to eject the selected key from the body.

8. A key holder according to claim 7 wherein the key ejecting member is pivotally mounted on the movable support and has a cam adapted upon actuation of said memben'to enter a selected key containing chamber and eject its key therefrom.

9. A key holder according to claim 7, wherein means is provided for imparting a clicking action to the key ejecting member, as it is passed over the keys, thereby to facilitate positioning the key ejecting member over the selected key to be ejected from the body.

10. A key holder comprising a frame having rigid side members, a plurality of separators mounted in said frame between said side members and disposed in spaced parallel relation and cooperating to provide a plurality of narrow elongated spaces each adapted to receive a key having an aperture in one end thereof, means for inseparably securing said separators in the frame and permitting limited lateral movement thereof relative to one another, pivot elements secured to said separators at one end thereof and axially aligned transversely of the holder and each receivable in a key aperture to detachably secure a key in each key-receiving space, and a locking member movably mounted in said frame and normally positioned therein to cause said separators and pivot elements to cooperate and inseparably pivotally secure the keys in their respective key-receiving spaces within the holder,

and permitting said keys to be selectively swung outwardly from their respective key-receiving spaces to positions for insertion into their respective locks, the body of ithekholder serving. as a handle for rotating each key in its 11. A key holder according to claim 10, wherein the axial lengths of said pivot elements determines the effective widths of their respective key-receiving spaces.

12. A key holder according to claim 11, wherein the locking member, when in locking position, serves as a spacer to take up free play between said separators and pivot elements, and when swung outwardly to an inoperative position allows said separators to be laterally moved relative to one another to permit insertion of additional keys into the holder, or the removal of keys therefrom.

13. A key holder according to claim 11, wherein means is provided for normally frictionally retaining the keys in their respective key-receiving spaces when not in use.

14. A key holder according to claim 11, wherein a keyejecting member is pivotally mounted on said frame and is adapted for movement crosswise of the keys and has a manually operable finger adapted to engage a selected key and eject it from its key-retaining space in the holder.

15. A unitary key holder comprising a frame having a plurality of sheet-like elements mounted therein in spaced parallel relation to provide a plurality of closely spaced key-receiving chambers, laterally projecting pivot means on the corresponding ends of certain of said sheet-like elements, said laterally projecting pivot means spacing apart said sheet-like elements, keys supported in said chambers and having their heads apertured to receive the pivot means on said sheet-like elements thereby to pivotally support the keys in the holder, the key-supporting ends of'said sheet-like elements being mounted for relative lateral movement to permit the insertion of keys into the chambers between said elements or the removal of keys therefrom, a locking bar normally positioned between adjacent sheet-like elements to take up lateral play between the laterally movable ends thereof and said pivot means, thereby to retain the keys in operative position in the holder, a selector plate mounted for move-.

ment crosswise of the keys, and a key-ejecting member mounted for pivotal movement on said selector plate and manually operable to eject a selected key from the holder to a position for use.

16. A key holder comprising a fiat body having a plurality of thin sheet-like separators mounted therein in laterally spaced relation and cooperating to provide a plurality of key-supporting chambers, laterally projecting pivot elements secured to certain of said separators at opposite sides thereof and at only one end of each of said separators, and said pivot elements being aligned transversely of the holder and being insertable into the apertured heads of a plurality of keys, thereby to pivotally'support said keys in said chambers, an elongated member movably supported in the holder and normally positioned between adjacent separators to take up lateral play between the key-engaging ends of all of said separators and thereby secure the keys in operative positions in the holder, said member when in another position, permitting free limited lateral movement of the key-engaging ends of said separators, with respect to one another to effect separation of the pivot elements of a pair of adjacent separators, thereby to permit the insertion of a key into the key-supporting chamber disposed between said pair of separators, or the removal of a key from said chamber, and an ejector inseparably mounted on said holder and movable transversely over the keys and manually operable to eject any selected key from the holder to a position of use.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,493,689 Marcus May 13, 1924 1,573,723 Lon Feb 16, 1926 1,886,110 Lippstadt Nov. 1, 1932 1,903,375 apell Apr. 4, 1933 2,070,546 Gits Feb. 9, 1937 2,300,979 Simpkins Nov. 3, 1942 2,348,947 Zarowin May 16, 1944 2,402,347 Rotheraine June 18, 1946 2,540,819 Glass Feb. 6, 1951 2,560,595 Poncar July 17; 1951