WO2020039211A1 - Dispositif d'ouverture de porte-clés - Google Patents

Dispositif d'ouverture de porte-clés Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2020039211A1
WO2020039211A1 PCT/GB2019/052380 GB2019052380W WO2020039211A1 WO 2020039211 A1 WO2020039211 A1 WO 2020039211A1 GB 2019052380 W GB2019052380 W GB 2019052380W WO 2020039211 A1 WO2020039211 A1 WO 2020039211A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
key ring
opener
slot
aperture
key
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2019/052380
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Gregor EADIE
Original Assignee
Eadie Bros & Co Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Eadie Bros & Co Limited filed Critical Eadie Bros & Co Limited
Priority to GB2100247.2A priority Critical patent/GB2590215B/en
Publication of WO2020039211A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020039211A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
    • A44B—BUTTONS, PINS, BUCKLES, SLIDE FASTENERS, OR THE LIKE
    • A44B15/00—Key-rings
    • A44B15/007—Openers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
    • A44B—BUTTONS, PINS, BUCKLES, SLIDE FASTENERS, OR THE LIKE
    • A44B15/00—Key-rings
    • A44B15/005—Fobs

Definitions

  • This invention relates to key rings, and more specifically to a device for opening key rings to allow keys to be more easily added and removed.
  • the KeyZee key ring opener includes a protruding portion, which is inserted into the key ring to wedge the key ring open.
  • the protruding portion tapers inwardly to a leading edge.
  • the KeRring Magic key ring opener includes a planar leading edge which is inserted into the key ring and then rotated to open the key ring.
  • Each of the aforementioned openers is not held steadily in position when it holds the key ring open, meaning the opener can migrate out of position and the key ring can close before the user has attached a key to the key ring. This can be frustrating and time consuming for the user.
  • a key ring opener comprising:
  • a neck portion is defined between the body and the protruding portion
  • the neck portion has a width which is less than the width of the leading edge and the body, and the neck portion has a second thickness which is greater than the first thickness so as to define a key ring abutment surface facing towards the leading edge.
  • the protruding portion may taper outwardly from the neck portion to the leading edge.
  • the body may be provided with a raised portion which projects from a surface of the body, the raised portion comprising a contact face for abutting a user’s thumb in use.
  • the neck portion and the raised portion may be formed as one component and have substantially the same thickness, the thumb contact face and key ring abutment surface facing in opposite directions.
  • the neck portion and the body may have substantially the same thickness.
  • the body may comprise an aperture for a key ring; and a slot extending from the aperture to a peripheral edge of the body.
  • the body may further comprise: a first body portion; and a second body portion which projects from the first body portion.
  • the first body portion and the second body portion may cooperate to define the aperture and the slot.
  • the second body portion may be resiliently deformable such that it is movable from a first position where it does not permit a key ring located in the aperture to be removed from the aperture through the slot, to a second position where the second body portion permits the key ring to be removed through the slot.
  • the slot may comprise a mouth located at the peripheral edge, the width of the mouth being greater than the width of the narrowest part of the slot as defined by the second body portion when the second body portion is in the first position.
  • the slot may be substantially L-shaped.
  • the opener may further comprise an annular member extending from the body, the annular member comprising:
  • the annular member further comprises a first annular portion and a second annular portion, wherein the first annular portion and the second annular portion cooperate to define the aperture and the slot, wherein at least one of the first and second annular portions is resiliently deformable such that it is movable from a first position where it does not permit a key ring located in the aperture to be removed from the aperture through the slot, to a second position where the second annular portion permits the key ring to be removed through the slot.
  • the annular member may have a diameter of 23-23.5mm.
  • the leading edge may be curved.
  • a multi-tool comprising a main body portion, and an opener according to the first aspect pivotally attached to the main body portion.
  • a cap which is attachable to a head portion of a key, the cap comprising:
  • the cap further comprises: a first cap portion; and a second cap portion which projects from the first cap portion, wherein the first cap portion and second cap portion cooperate to define the aperture and the slot, wherein the second cap portion is resiliently deformable such that it is movable from a first position where it does not permit a key ring located in the aperture to be removed from the aperture through the slot, to a second position where the second cap portion permits the key ring to be removed through the slot.
  • the slot may comprise a mouth located at the peripheral edge, the width of the mouth being greater than the width of the narrowest part of the slot as defined by the second cap portion when the second cap portion is in the first position.
  • the slot may be substantially L-shaped.
  • the cap may comprise a recess for receiving the head portion of the key.
  • the cap may be attachable to the head portion of the key by way of the recess.
  • a key comprising a head portion and a cap according to the second aspect attached to the head portion.
  • Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a key ring opener according to a first embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 2 shows a plan view of the key ring opener of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 shows a side view of the key ring opener of Figure 1 ;
  • Figures 4A, 4B and 4C show sequential steps of a method of use of the key ring opener of Figure 1 ;
  • Figures 5A, 5B and 5C shows sequential steps of a method of use of the key ring opener according to a second embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 6 shows the key ring opener of Figure 5A attached to a key ring
  • Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a key comprising a cap
  • Figure 8 shows a plan view of the key of Figure 7
  • Figure 9 shows a cross section taken through line A-A in Figure 8.
  • the key ring opener 10 may optionally be formed from plastic and by an injection moulding process.
  • the key ring opener 10 comprises a body 12 and a protruding portion 14, which extends from the body 12 to a leading edge 16.
  • the body 12 is substantially circular.
  • the body 12 may be shaped differently, for example, the body 12 may be rectangular or elliptical.
  • the body 12 is the portion of the key ring opener 10 which is gripped by the user in use.
  • the leading edge 16 is the edge of the protruding portion 14 which is the first edge of the protruding portion 14 to be inserted into the key ring in use.
  • the leading edge 16 may be chamfered, as best shown in Figure 3.
  • a neck portion 18 is defined between the body 12 and the protruding portion 14.
  • the protruding portion 14 tapers outwardly from the neck portion 18 to the leading edge 16.
  • the neck portion 18 has a width which is less than the width of the leading edge 16 and the body.
  • Figure 2 shows a plan view of the key ring opener 10.
  • the width of the neck N is less than both the width of the body B and the width of the leading edge L.
  • a valley portion 56 formed by the neck, protruding and body portions 18, 14, 12 is provided on each side of the neck portion.
  • the leading edge 16 may be curved when viewed in plan.
  • the protruding portion 14 has a first thickness T1 and the neck portion 18 has a second thickness T2.
  • the second thickness T2 is greater than the first thickness T 1.
  • the difference in thicknesses of the protruding portion 14 and neck portion 18 results in a key ring abutment surface 15 which faces towards the leading edge 16.
  • the key ring abutment surface 15 abuts the key ring once the protruding portion 14 has been fully inserted into the key ring in use.
  • the abutment surface 15 limits the extent to which the key ring opener 10 can enter the key ring in use, thereby avoiding contact between the user’s thumb/finger and the key ring.
  • the body 12 includes a first raised portion 21 which projects from a surface 23 of the body 12 and comprises the abutment surface 15.
  • the raised portion 21 also comprises a contact face 25 for abutting a user’s thumb in use.
  • the raised portion 21 and neck portion 18 are provided as one component, and the contact face 25 and abutment face 15 face in opposite directions.
  • the first raised portion 21 extends to the neck portion 18.
  • the body 12 also comprises an aperture 32 for a key ring and a slot 34 which extends from the aperture to a peripheral edge 36 of the body.
  • a second raised portion 31 extends partially around the aperture 32. The second raised portion 31 serves to reinforce the aperture 32. This is best shown at Figure 3, which shows a side view of the key ring opener 10.
  • the body 12 comprises a first body portion 38 and a second body portion 40 which projects from the first body portion 38.
  • the second body portion 40 is formed such that it is resiliently deformable with respect to the first body portion 38. In other words, if the second body portion 40 is moved from its rest position it will act to return to its rest position.
  • the first and second body portions 38, 40 are integrally formed with each other. The ability of the second body portion 40 to be resiliently deformable with respect to the first body portion 38 arises from a reduced width web portion 41 , which connects the first and second body portions 38, 40.
  • the first and second body portions 38, 40 cooperate to define the aperture 32 and the slot 34.
  • the second body portion 40 is movable from a first position where it does not permit a key ring located in the aperture 32 to be removed through the slot 34, to a second position where it permits the key ring to be removed through the slot.
  • the slot 34 is substantially L-shaped and extends from a mouth 50 located at the peripheral edge 36 to the aperture.
  • the width of the mouth 50 is greater than the narrowest part of the slot 34 when the second body portion 40 is in the first position.
  • Figures 1 to 3 show the second body portion 40 in the first position.
  • FIG 5B there is shown a key ring opener 100 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • the protruding portion 114 extends from the body 112 to a leading edge 116 such that a neck portion 118 is defined between the protruding portion and the body in the same way as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the thickness of the neck portion 118 is greater than the thickness of the protruding portion 114 so as to define a key ring abutment surface 115, like in the first embodiment. However, in contrast to the first embodiment the key ring abutment surface 115 is curved. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the body 112 has the same thickness as the neck portion 118.
  • the opener 100 comprises an annular member 170 which extends from the body 112, preferably on the opposite side of the body from the protruding portion.
  • the annular member 170 comprises an aperture 172 for a key ring 174 and a slot 176 extending from the peripheral edge 178 of the annular member to the aperture 172.
  • the annular member 170 comprises a first annular portion 180 and a second annular portion 182. The first annular portion 180 and the second annular portion 182 cooperate to define the aperture 172 and the slot 176.
  • At least one of the first and second annular portions 180, 182 is resiliently deformable such that it is movable from a first position where it does not permit a key ring 174 located in the aperture to be removed from the aperture 172 through the slot 176, to a second position where the second annular portion 182 permits the key ring to be removed through the slot 176.
  • the entrance and exit of the slot 176 are not aligned. In other words, the path of the slot 176 between its entrance and exit is convoluted or indirect. This specific construction makes it harder for the key ring to accidentally become loose from the annular member 170.
  • the diameter of the annular member 170 may be selected to correspond to the diameter of a one pound or one euro piece.
  • the annular member 170 may therefore have a diameter in the range of 23 to 23.5mm. In this way, the annular member 170 can be used as a substitute for one of the coins mentioned above when it is required to release a trolley from a chain of trolleys at a supermarket.
  • Figures 4A, 4B and 4C in use of the opener of the first
  • the user inserts the protruding portion 14 into the key ring 51 between upper and lower portions 52, 54 of the key ring to form a gap between the upper and lower portions 52, 54. This is shown in Figure 4A. At this point the user’s thumb is pressed against the contact face 25 and the abutment surface 15 abuts the key ring 51.
  • the upper and lower portions 52, 54 of the key ring are encouraged into the valley portions 56 formed by the neck, protruding and body portions.
  • the key ring is locked in an open position. Whilst the key ring 51 is in the open position, the user may attach a key to the key ring. The user does this by inserting an end portion 53 of the key ring 51 into a key aperture provided in the key.
  • the user may rotate the key ring opener back to its starting position between the upper and lower portions 52, 54 of the key ring. The user may then withdraw the key ring opener 10. The key is then pushed around the key ring 51 away from the end portion 53 of the key ring by the user until the key ring closes and the key is held by the key ring 51.
  • the user If the user wishes to attach the key ring opener 10 to the key ring 51 , as shown in Figure 4C, the user simply inserts the key ring into the mouth 50 of the slot 34 and through the slot to the aperture 32. As the user does this, the second body portion 40 moves from the first position to the second position to allow the key ring to enter the aperture 32. Once the key ring is located inside the aperture 32, the second body portion 40 returns to the first position, meaning the key ring is retained within the slot and the key ring is attached to the opener.
  • Figs. 5A, 5B and 5C substantially the same method steps are employed by the user as in the first embodiment when the user uses the key opener 100 of the second embodiment to open a key ring. They shall therefore be described in no further detail here.
  • the user when the user wishes to attach a key ring 174 to the opener 100, the user simply inserts the key ring 174 into the aperture 172 by passing the key ring through the slot 176. As the user does this, the second annular portion 182 moves from the first position to the second position to allow the key ring 174 to enter the aperture 172. Once the key ring 174 is located inside the aperture 172, the second annular portion 182 returns to the first position, meaning the key ring 174 is retained within the slot 176 and the key is attached to the key ring.
  • the width of the neck portion of the protruding portion is less than both the leading edge and the body means that the key ring is held in position in the valley portion, when the opener is in a position locking the key ring open. This means that the key ring opener cannot be forced out of the key ring when the opener is in the position locking the key ring open, thereby preventing the key ring from closing before the user has attached or detached a key from the key ring.
  • neck portion and the raised portion are formed as one component and have substantially the same thickness with the thumb contact face and key ring abutment surface facing in opposite directions, a user may get more purchase when the user inserts the opener into a key ring.
  • the aperture and slot arrangement of the key ring opener allows a user to easily attach the key ring opener to a key ring by“snapping” the second body portion over the key ring. This allows easy attachment of the key ring opener to the key ring. This advantage is also associated with the aperture and slot arrangement of the second embodiment of a key ring opener described herein. However, the second
  • embodiment has the further advantage of providing a helpful substitute for a coin when it is required to insert a coin into a super market trolley to release the trolley from a chain of supermarket trolleys.
  • the slot is substantially L-shaped means that it is harder for the key ring to be unintentionally removed from the aperture.
  • the leading edge may be planar when viewed in plan, rather than curved.
  • the body may not comprise the second raised portion, and instead be formed from metal.
  • the shape of the body is not limited to the specific shapes described herein.
  • the body may comprise a third raised portion which extends around the perimeter of the first body portion.
  • the third raised portion serves to reinforce the outer perimeter of the body.
  • the key ring opener described above may not exclusively be used for opening key rings.
  • the key ring opener may be used to open a drink can, for example.
  • the key ring opener may be provided as part of a penknife or multi-tool.
  • the opener may be pivotally attached to the penknife or multi-tool.
  • the body of the key ring opener may comprise a bottle opener.
  • the key ring opener in accordance with the invention has a longitudinal axis, and the protruding portion extends from the body to the leading edge along the longitudinal axis.
  • the width of the opener is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, and is measured in a first plane which comprises the longitudinal axis. In other words, the width is the transverse direction when the opener is viewed in plan.
  • The“thickness” of the opener is measured in a second plane which is orthogonal to the first plane, and the thickness is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and width. In other words, the “thickness” of the opener is the vertical direction when the opener is viewed from the side, like in Fig. 3.
  • a cap 110 which is attachable to a key 101.
  • the key 101 comprises a head portion 103, and an insertable portion 105, which extends from the head portion of the key.
  • the insertable portion 105 is insertable into a lock, and comprises a lip 106, which abuts a surface of the lock when the insertable portion is inserted into a lock.
  • the head portion 103 of the key comprises a substantially C-shaped cut-out portion 107.
  • the cap 110 is shown attached to the key 101.
  • the cap 110 may optionally be formed by injection moulding, and be formed of a plastics material.
  • the cap 100 comprises a recess 113 which is arranged to receive the head portion 103 of the key 101 , as best shown in Figure 7.
  • the cap 110 comprises an aperture 112 for a key ring and a slot 114 which extends from the aperture to a peripheral edge 116 of the cap.
  • the cap 100 comprises a first cap portion 120 and a second cap portion 122 which projects from the first cap portion 120.
  • the second cap portion 122 is formed such that it is resiliently deformable with respect to the first cap portion 120. In other words, if the second cap portion 122 is moved from its rest position it will act to return to its rest position.
  • the first and second cap portions 120, 122 are integrally formed with each other.
  • the ability of the second cap portion 122 to be resiliently deformable with respect to the first cap portion 120 arises from a reduced width web portion 141 , which connects the first and second cap portions 120, 122.
  • the first and second cap portions 120, 122 cooperate to define the aperture 112 and the slot 114.
  • the second cap portion 122 is movable from a first position where it does not permit a key ring located in the aperture to be removed through the slot 114, to a second position where it permits the key ring to be removed through the slot. In Figure 7 the second cap portion 122 is shown in the first position.
  • the slot 114 is substantially L-shaped and extends from a mouth 118 located at the peripheral edge 116 to the aperture 112.
  • the width of the mouth 118 is greater than the narrowest part of the slot 114 when the second cap portion 122 is in the first position.
  • the cap 110 is shown attached to the key 101 such that the aperture and slot are located inside the C-shaped cut-out portion 107.
  • the user simply inserts the key ring into the mouth of the slot 114 and through the slot to the aperture 112. As the user does this, the second cap portion 122 moves from the first position to the second position to allow the key ring to enter the aperture 112. Once the key ring is located inside the aperture 112, the second cap portion 122 returns to the first position, meaning the key ring is retained within the aperture and the key is attached to the key ring.
  • the aperture and slot arrangement of the key allows a user to easily attach a key to a key ring by“snapping” the second cap portion over the key ring. This means that the user does not need to open the key ring to attach the key to the key ring.
  • the fact that the mouth of the slot is wider than the narrowest part of the slot as defined by the second cap portion in the first position means that the key ring maybe easily inserted into the slot.
  • the fact that the slot is substantially L-shaped means that it is harder for the key ring to be unintentionally removed from the aperture.

Landscapes

  • Devices For Opening Bottles Or Cans (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un dispositif d'ouverture de porte-clés (10). Le dispositif d'ouverture (10) comprend un corps (12) et une partie en saillie (14) qui s'étend du corps (12) à un bord d'attaque (16). La partie en saillie (14) a une première épaisseur. Une partie de col (18) est définie entre le corps (12) et la partie en saillie (14). La partie de col (18) a une largeur qui est inférieure à la largeur du bord d'attaque (16) et du corps (12). La partie de col (18) a également une seconde épaisseur qui est supérieure à la première épaisseur de façon à définir une surface de butée de porte-clés (15) faisant face au bord d'attaque (16).
PCT/GB2019/052380 2018-08-24 2019-08-23 Dispositif d'ouverture de porte-clés WO2020039211A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2100247.2A GB2590215B (en) 2018-08-24 2019-08-23 A key ring opener

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1813879.2 2018-08-24
GBGB1813879.2A GB201813879D0 (en) 2018-08-24 2018-08-24 A key ring opener

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2020039211A1 true WO2020039211A1 (fr) 2020-02-27

Family

ID=63715152

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2019/052380 WO2020039211A1 (fr) 2018-08-24 2019-08-23 Dispositif d'ouverture de porte-clés

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (2) GB201813879D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO2020039211A1 (fr)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2175532A (en) * 1982-09-29 1986-12-03 Meter James Adams Van Key ring attachment
US4719778A (en) * 1986-02-24 1988-01-19 Murphy Hildegarde J Key ring separator
GB2350579A (en) * 1999-02-25 2000-12-06 Alfred Edward Briggs Key ring splitter for the opening of a split key ring
US20040118174A1 (en) * 2002-06-18 2004-06-24 Nicolas Brantschem Easy-to-maneuver key-ring
ES2373285A1 (es) * 2010-06-01 2012-02-02 Juan Manuel Romero Monrabal Abre anillas para llaveros.

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2175532A (en) * 1982-09-29 1986-12-03 Meter James Adams Van Key ring attachment
US4719778A (en) * 1986-02-24 1988-01-19 Murphy Hildegarde J Key ring separator
GB2350579A (en) * 1999-02-25 2000-12-06 Alfred Edward Briggs Key ring splitter for the opening of a split key ring
US20040118174A1 (en) * 2002-06-18 2004-06-24 Nicolas Brantschem Easy-to-maneuver key-ring
ES2373285A1 (es) * 2010-06-01 2012-02-02 Juan Manuel Romero Monrabal Abre anillas para llaveros.

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
PINNACLE PROMOTIONS: "KeyZee Nail Saving Key Ring Video", YOUTUBE, 4 June 2012 (2012-06-04), pages 1 pp., XP054979802, Retrieved from the Internet <URL:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xl4eAN9fzCQ> [retrieved on 20191015] *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2590215B (en) 2022-06-01
GB2590215A (en) 2021-06-23
GB202100247D0 (en) 2021-02-24
GB201813879D0 (en) 2018-10-10

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20140364804A1 (en) Tamper evident lock iv needle cap
US7992579B2 (en) Hair clip with latch mechanism
JP4449725B2 (ja) 片開きボトル
US9206836B2 (en) Magnetic snap latch
US6672118B1 (en) Apparatus and method for retaining keys
US2916786A (en) Buckle
US6460719B1 (en) Cover for a tab top can and method of use
JP2015516589A (ja) 安全封緘具
US12077999B1 (en) Oblique slide latch apparatus
US3465543A (en) Openable finger ring with pivoted locking element
JP2016006342A (ja) カラビナ
WO2020039211A1 (fr) Dispositif d&#39;ouverture de porte-clés
JP2017007742A5 (fr)
EP1970105A1 (fr) Poignée de bâton de ski
US20140250632A1 (en) Snap-lock handle for straps
US11147362B2 (en) Retention device
US2633733A (en) Key container holder plate and retaining loop
US1568312A (en) Can opener
JP2009227281A (ja) 飲料用容器のキャップ装置
GB2175532A (en) Key ring attachment
KR101019017B1 (ko) 병따개
GB2218463A (en) Improvements in or relating to keys
WO2019049759A1 (fr) Dispositif de fixation pour accessoire personnel, etc.
JP4138815B2 (ja) 手提げ鞄などの携帯用容器における蓋ロック構造
US20090255377A1 (en) Opener for bottles and the like

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 19759718

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 202100247

Country of ref document: GB

Kind code of ref document: A

Free format text: PCT FILING DATE = 20190823

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 19759718

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1