US20120088587A1

US20120088587A1 - Security device and security system

Info

Publication number: US20120088587A1
Application number: US12/902,664
Authority: US
Inventors: Richard D. Zaccari; Kay G. Zaccari
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-10-12
Filing date: 2010-10-12
Publication date: 2012-04-12

Abstract

A security device and system includes a substantially flat body with an opening formed therein. The opening has a predetermined length and a predetermined height such that an elongated end of a key passes through the opening and a head end of the key does not pass through the opening. A user gripping the security device may then use the elongated end of the key extending outward therefrom as a weapon or tool for self-defense.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosure
The present disclosure relates to a security device and a security system using the security device. More specifically, the present application relates to a security device including a body with an opening therein sized to allow passage of an elongated end of a key therethrough such that the key may be used in self-defense.
2. Related Art
Self-defense is an important issue to everyone, especially those who live in an urban environment. Self-defense experts generally teach their students to use whatever means or tools available to defend themselves when attacked including everyday items such as keys, for example. While keys, such as car keys and house keys, can be used for self-defense, their relatively small size and sharp edges sometimes make it difficult to stabilize and handle them for effective use in self-defense.
Accordingly, it would be beneficial to provide a security device and system, preferably for use with a user's keys, that creatively and effectively resolves these and other problems.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present application to provide a security device and system that allows for easy, convenient and readily accessible use of a key as a self-defense weapon.
A security device in accordance with an embodiment of the present application includes a body including a front surface and a rear surface positioned opposite to the front surface, wherein an opening is formed in the body between the front surface and the rear surface, the opening having a predetermined length and a predetermined height such that an elongated end of the key is passable through the opening and a substantial portion of the elongated end extends out from the front surface of the body, and a head end of the key is not passable through the opening.
A security device in accordance with another embodiment of the present application includes a substantially flat body, the substantially flat body including an opening with a predetermined length and a predetermined height such that an elongated end of a key is passable through the opening and a head end of the key is not passable through the opening.
A security system in accordance with an embodiment of the present application includes a key including an elongated end and a head end opposite the elongated end and a security device including a body including a front surface and a rear surface positioned opposite to the front surface, wherein an opening is formed in the body between the front surface and the rear surface, the opening having a predetermined length and a predetermined height such that the elongated end of the key is passable through the opening and a substantial portion of the elongated end extends out from the front surface of the body, and the head end of the key is not passable through the opening.
A security system in accordance with an embodiment of the present application includes a key including an elongated end and a head end opposite the elongated end and a security device including a substantially flat body including an opening with a predetermined length and a predetermined height such that the elongated end of the key passes through the opening and the head end of the key does not pass through the opening.
A method of self-defense in accordance with an embodiment of the present application includes providing a key with an elongated end and a head end opposite the elongated end, providing a security device including a body with an opening formed therein, passing the elongated end of the key through the opening in the body, preventing the head end of the key from passing through the opening and gripping the body such that the substantial portion of the elongated end of the key extends outward.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention, which refers to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a security device in accordance with an embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear view of the security device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates the security device of FIGS. 1-2 attached to a user's key ring.

FIG. 4 illustrates use of the security system including the security device of FIGS. 1-3 and a key.

FIG. 5 illustrates a user holding the combination of the security device and the key.

FIG. 6 illustrates the user gripping the security device and key for use as a weapon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

An exemplary embodiment of a security device 10 according to an embodiment of the present application is illustrated in FIG. 1. The device 10 is preferably attached to a key ring 30 (See FIG. 3, for example) such that it is easily portable. The device 10 is preferably used in conjunction with one of the keys K (See FIG. 3, for example) on the key ring 30 to provide a useful weapon for self-defense, or any other desired purpose. In a preferred embodiment, the keys K include the kind of keys that are typically carried around in a user's pocket, purse, bag or the like, including car keys, house keys and office keys, for example. The key K includes an elongated end K1 and a head end K2 (See FIG. 3).
The device 10 preferably includes a body, or panel, 12 including an opening 14 through which a key K passes. The body has a front surface 12 a and a rear surface 12 b (See FIG. 2). In the present application, and for reference purposes only, front refers to the side of the device 10 that faces away from a user when the device is used as a weapon while rear refers to the side of the device facing the user.
Preferably, the opening 14 is sized and arranged so that at least a substantial portion of the elongated end K1 (See FIG. 3) of the key K extends out from a front surface 12 a of the body 12 after passing through the opening 14, while preventing the head end K2 from passing therethrough.
Preferably, the body 12 is relatively thin, preferably between 0.065 and 0.075 inches such that substantially all of the elongated end K1 of the key K extends out therefrom. That is, it is preferred that the head end K2 of the key K abuts right next to the rear surface 12 b, such that almost all of the elongated end K1 extends through the opening 14 and out from the front surface 12 a. The amount of the elongated end K1 that extends outward from the front surface 10 a should at least be sufficient to allow the elongated end to be used as a weapon or in self-defense.
The body 12 is preferably made of a durable and relatively non-flexible material. In one embodiment, the body 12 is made of a metal, such as stainless steel, for example. The body 12, however, may be made of any substantially hard and durable material, such as hardened plastics or aluminum, for example.
In a preferred embodiment, the body 12 is substantially flat in order to maximize the amount of the elongated end K1 of the key K that extends from the front surface 12 a. The substantially flat body 12, however, may be slightly curved to complement the curve of users fingers as they grip the body 12. That is, the slight curvature of the otherwise substantially flat body 12 aids the user in gripping the device 10. This curvature is visible in the rear view of the device 10 illustrated in FIG. 2, for example. The front surface 12 a of the body 12 thus may be slightly convex while the rear surface 12 b may be slightly concave as illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, for example.
The body 12 is preferably substantially rectangular in shape and includes the opening, or slot, 14 formed therein. While the rectangular shape is preferred, the body 12 may be any suitable shape that allows for easy gripping by a user. The body 12 has a body length, in the longitudinal direction, of approximately 2.5 inches and has a body height of about 0.75-1 inches. It is noted that the body 12 may be larger or smaller, as desired by the user. For example, the length of the body is preferably in the range of between 2.5 and 3.25 inches. The length and height of the body 12 should be conducive to the user gripping the device 10.
The opening 14 preferably has a predetermined length L in the longitudinal direction of the body 12 and a predetermined height H perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, for example. The length L of the opening 14 is preferably approximately 0.85 inches. The height H of the opening 14 is preferably between about 0.125 inches and about 0.380 inches. More specifically, as can be seen in FIG. 1, for example, the opening 14 varies in height from a minimum height (MH) of about 0.125 inches at the ends to a maximum height (H) of about 0.380 inches near the middle. These values may vary provided that the length L and height H of the opening 14 are set to allow an elongated end K1 of the key K to pass through the body 12 while preventing the generally larger head end K2 of the key K to pass therethrough. That is, the length L of the opening 12 should be set such that it is less than a maximum height of the head end K2 of a typical key that would be carried in a user's pocket. The height H of the opening 14 should be less than the maximum width of the head end K2 of such a key. The absolute minimum height MH of the opening 14, however, should be slightly larger than the maximum width of the elongated end K1 of such a key such that it can pass through the opening. This allows the key K to be securely mounted in the body 12.
It is preferred that both the height H and width W of the opening 14 are set to prevent the head end K2 of the key from passing therethrough, however, this is not necessary. The height H of the opening 14 may be set greater than the maximum width of the key provided that the length L of the opening 14 is set at less than the maximum height of the head end of the key. Similarly, the length L of the opening 14 may be set larger than the maximum height of the elongated end of the key provided that the height H of the opening 14 is set at less than the maximum with of the head end of the key.
The device 10 is preferably connected to the key ring 30, which may hold a plurality of keys K. A connector 18 is preferably provided between the body 12 and the key ring 30 to secure the two together. The connector 18 may be a chain, a rope, or any other similar flexible element. In one embodiment, the length of the connector 18 may be adjusted as desired by the user.
Since the connector 18 is flexible, it allows the device 10 to be manipulated with respect to the key ring 30. Thus, in use, the user may slide the elongated end K1 of a key K through the opening 14 of the body 12, as illustrated in FIGS. 4-5, for example. The opening 14 is preferably positioned off-center in the body 12 closer to an end opposite the connector 18. This off-center positioning makes it easier for the key K to be inserted into the opening 14. The head end K2 of the key K, however, does not fit in the opening 14, as noted above, and thus, remains on the rear side of the body 12. In this manner, the user may grip the device 10 such that the elongated end K1 of the key K extends outward from the fist surface 12 a like a weapon, as is illustrated in FIG. 6, for example. The device 10 thus serves as a sort of handle to allow the user to thrust the key K like a weapon at a potential attacker. That is, the key K and the device 10 together form a security system that allows users to quickly assemble a weapon for defense.
The connector 18 is illustrated as connected to the body 12 via a second opening in the body formed at an end of the body opposite the opening 14, however, any suitable fastener may be used to connect the connector 18 to the body 12. The connector 18 may be secured to the body 12 with a screw, for example. Alternatively, the connector may be welded or soldered into place. If desired, an adhesive may be used to secure the connector 18 to the body 12. Where the body 12 is made if a hard plastic, the connector 18 may be molded with the body 12, if desired.
Generally, car ignition keys are the longest keys on a key ring, and thus, FIGS. 3-6 illustrate the device 10 in use with such a car ignition key. The device 10, however, may be used with virtually any key. While the device 10 is preferably connected to the key ring 30, for convenience, it is not necessary that the device and key ring be connected together. In this case, the connector 18 may not be necessary.
Although the present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A security device for use with a key, comprising:

a body, the body including,

a front surface; and

a rear surface positioned opposite to the front surface, wherein

an opening is formed in the body between the front surface and the rear surface, the opening having a predetermined length and a predetermined height such that an elongated end of the key is passable through the opening and a substantial portion of the elongated end extends out from the front surface of the body, and a head end of the key is not passable through the opening.

2. The security device of claim 1, wherein substantially the entire elongated end of the key extends out from the front surface of the body.

3. The security device of claim 1, wherein the front surface and the rear surface of the body are curved for ease in gripping.

4. The security device of claim 1, further comprising a connector secured to the body and configured to connect the body to a key ring including at least the key.

5. The security device of claim 4, wherein the connector is made of a flexible material such that the body is movable relative to the key ring to allow the elongated end of the key on the key ring to pass through the opening in the body.

6. A security device for use with a key, comprising:

a substantially flat body, the substantially flat body including an opening with a predetermined length and a predetermined height such that an elongated end of a key is passable through the opening and a head end of the key is not passable through the opening.

7. The security device of claim 6, wherein the substantially flat body further comprises:

a front surface; and

a rear surface positioned opposite the front surface, wherein a substantial portion of the elongated end of the key extends out from the front surface after passing through the opening.

8. The security device of claim 7, wherein the front surface and the rear surface are curved for ease in gripping.

9. The security device of claim 7, wherein the substantially flat body is rectangular in shape.

10. The security device of claim 7, wherein the predetermined length of the opening is substantially 0.850 inches.

11. The security device of claim 7, wherein the predetermined height of the opening is a maximum of 0.380 inches.

12. The security device of claim 7, further comprising a connector secured to the substantially flat body and configured to connect the substantially flat body to a key ring including at least the key.

13. The security device of claim 12, wherein the connector is made of a flexible material such that the substantially flat body is movable relative to the key ring to allow the elongated end of the key on the key ring to pass through the opening in the substantially flat body.

14. A security system comprising:

a key including,

an elongated end; and

a head end opposite the elongated end; and

a security device including a body, the body including,

a front surface; and

a rear surface positioned opposite to the front surface, wherein

an opening is formed in the body between the front surface and the rear surface, the opening having a predetermined length and a predetermined height such that the elongated end of the key is passable through the opening and a substantial portion of the elongated end extends out from the front surface of the body, and the head end of the key is not passable through the opening.

15. The security system of claim 14, wherein substantially the entire elongated end of the key extends out from the front surface of the body.

16. The security system of claim 15, wherein the front surface and the rear surface of the body are curved for ease in gripping.

17. The security system of claim 15, further comprising

a key ring configured to carry the key; and

a connector secured to the body and configured to connect the body to the key ring.

18. The security system of claim 17, wherein the connector is made of a flexible material such that the body is movable relative to the key ring to allow the elongated end of the key on the key ring to pass through the opening in the body.

19. A security system comprising:

a key including,

an elongated end; and

a head end opposite the elongated end; and

a security device having a substantially flat body, the substantially flat body including an opening with a predetermined length and a predetermined height such that the elongated end of the key is passable through the opening and the head end of the key is not passable through the opening.

20. The security system of claim 19, wherein the substantially flat body further comprises:

a front surface; and

21. The security system of claim 20, wherein substantially the entire elongated end of the key extends out from the front surface of the body.

22. The security system of claim 20, wherein the front surface and the rear surface of the substantially flat body are curved for ease in gripping.

23. The system device of claim 20, further comprising:

a key ring configured to carry the key; and

a connector secured to the substantially flat body and configured to connect the substantially flat body to the key ring.

24. The security system of claim 23, wherein the connector is made of a flexible material such that the substantially flat body is movable relative to the key ring to allow the elongated end of the key on the key ring to pass through the opening in the substantially flat body.

25. A method of self defense comprising steps of:

providing a key with an elongated end and a head end opposite the elongated end;

providing a security device including a body with an opening formed therein;

passing the elongated end of the key through the opening in the substantially flat body such that a substantial portion of the elongated end extends out from the body;

preventing the head end of the key from passing through the opening; and

gripping the substantially flat body such that the substantial portion of the elongated end of the key extends outward.

26. The method of self defense of claim 18, wherein the step of providing the security device further comprises forming the opening in the body with a predetermined length and a predetermined height such that the substantial portion of the elongated end of the key passes through the opening and the head end of the key does not pass through the opening.