US2451091A - Key ring - Google Patents

Description

0d. 12, 1948. w, JOHNSON 2,451,091

KEY RING Filed March 18, 1946 Patent ed Get. 12, 1943 new RING xeml Whitaker Johnson, Arlington oeunty, Va. Application March is, mmseml No. 055,093

This invention relates to key-rings such as are commonly employed to hold a bunch of keys for greater safety and convenience in the carrying and handling thereof. More specifically, this invention relates to key-rings having means by which keys may be applied-to and withdrawn from the key-ring. I

One of the objects of this invention is to provide a key-ring wherein the keys may be applied and withdrawn from the key-ring with increased ease and facility.

Another object of this invention is to provide .a key-ring wherein the keys are secure against accidental withdrawal.

Another object of this invention is to provide a key-ring with means of identification or advertisement in connection with an opening device.

The prior art includes United States Patent 110,765,754 (issued to Siersdorfer, July 26, 19o4 in which is disclosed a circular key-ring of elastic material openable by means of a cam-faced opening plate which may be forced between opposite inner points on the ring on opposite sides of the meeting ends of the ring in order to separate the latter and thus permit the removal or application of a key. Such opening plate can also serve to carry an identification or advertisement. Such prior opening devise lacks a positive means of assuring that, when the opening device is being forced into operative position,

Claims. (o 1o'-4ss) receive operative pressure than is a relatively sharp edge. In some forms of the present 2nven-\ 7 tion, the use of a wheel for a cam serves to'de-.-

crease operational friction. The present invention essentially consists in. the combination, with a resilient ring divided at one point and having its meeting ends normallyv the opening device will not move beyond such operative position and become again in loose or inoperative position on the key-ring; If such opening device is not pressed far enough between the opposite inner points of the ring; the ring will not open sufllciently. If the opening device is pressed too far, the ring will snap closed before any key can be removed or applied to the ring. Such prior device may also be uncomfortable to the user, since it requires the user to press against the relatively sharp edge of the opening plate, and insufilcient means are provided toeither' decrease or overcome operational friction.

The present invention overcomes these disadvantages and discloses a more practical camoperated key-ring. In the present invention, a

stop is provided to prevent the opening device from being forced beyond the operative posi-' tion. The stop also provides an operative lever extending longitudinally of the opening device and appreciably beyond the cam-surface, providing greater operative leverage. Such operative lever is also .readily adapted to present or carry a flat surface, which is more suitable to pressed together by the resiliency or the mate-- rial, of an opening-device carried on the ring and having a cam and at one end of said cam a stop, which opening device may be forced between opposite inner points on the ring on opposite sides of the meeting ends thereof to 'sepa-= rate the latter, the said stop facilitating the 'mov-' ing of the operative device precisely into full, operative position on the ring, in which position. the meeting ends of the ring are at maximum separation, yet preventing the opening device from being forced beyond the operative position, thereby permitting the removal or application of a key. The stop may serve also as an operational lever to facilitate pressing the opening device into. and out of operative position. The operative lever may be provided with a flat surface to receive operational pressure. The cam may be either acam-surface of the opening device, or a wheel positioned on the opening device so as to serve as a cam. i

The invention is illustratively exemplified in the accompanying drawings, in which:

' Figure 1 is a perspetive view showing one embodiment of the key-ring with the opening device in idle or inoperative position;

Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the same embodiment of the key-ring with the opening device in operative position, wherein the ring is opened for the application or removal of a ey:

Figure 3 is a plan view of the opening device detached; i

Figure 4 is a lower edge view of the opening de vice shown in Figure 3; r

Figure 5 is a plan view of a modification of the opening device shown in Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4;

Figure 6 is a lower edge view of the opening device shown in Figure 5: Figure 7 is a plan view of another embodiment of the opening device detached: Figure 8 is a lower edge view-oi the opening device shown in Figure 7; r

Figure 9 is a plan view of amodification of' made'of any suitable material possessing the neeessary strength and resiliency, forgexample. a

good grade of steel; The ring is divided at a point therein, preferably with the meeting ends 2 and I being provided with serrated teeth adapted to inter-mesh when the meeting ends of the ring come together, thereby assuring against accidental removal of keys when the ring is closed.

Y Alternatively, one of the meeting ends may be provided with a recess or socket while the other meeting end is provided with a tapering point.

7 Or, other shapes of meeting ends may be used.

Two keys i3 and it are shown mounted on the ring in the usual manner. The opening device consists of a plate ,or strip I in one end for mounting the opening device on the ring, while the opposite end has a cam-wheel v a,4s1,oo1 1 l of metal or other suitable material, with a hole O mounted thereon, and an extension 8. The'rim of wheel 9 extends from below one longitudinal edge of the opening device and across a portion of the width thereof and protrudes also beyond the end thereof except for that portion thereof forming the extension 9 and flat surface 9. On extension 8 and adjoining said wheel 8 is a stopping surface I. Extension 8 also serves as an operative lever and carries the flat surface 9 at right angles' to the plane of the plate. The flat surface} centers over wheel 8, and is adapted wheel 6 which is at position ll engages the ring.v

whereby the opposite sides of the ring are sepa- 4 rated and held apart. In performing this operation, surface 9 and that part of the ring opposite hole 5 may be squeezed together by the thumb and fingers of one hand: The stopping surface 1 stops the motion of the opening device through the ring at a point at which the meeting ends of the ring are held sufficiently apart for the removal or application of a key. The stopping surface I also prevents the motion of the opening device too far through the ring. whereby the meeting ends of the ring would be no longer held apart.

when the meeting ends of the ring have been placed in separated position. as described above, and as shown in Figure 2, then a key. such as ll,

lying on that side of the opening device on which the meeting ends of the ring have been opened may be readily removed. Similarly, keys may be applied to the :ring. It may be desired that keys such as It should not be removed, in which case 0 4 each end. h plate opposite end from the wheel la. The two toll edges to of e extension to of the platlas la pm;

'vide a two-fo d edge surface to receive operative pressure. This modification provides a steadiermounting for the wheel. This modification prehas an aperture in at the sents no projections and so would cause less wear to the pocket of the user.

in Figures '1 and a, parts corres ondingmiwse hereinbefore described have been designated by numerals already used, with the suiiix b.

l iguresvand 8 illustrate another embodiment of the opening device, in which the cam-wheel' is replaced by a cam-surface Nb and a, straight surface lib, whereby, respectively, the ends of f the ring may be separated and may be main-.

tained apart. The stopping surface lb serves to stop the motion of the opening device relative to the ring at the point at which maximum separation of the ends of the ring has been achieved.

The flat surface Oh. for receiving operative pressure, is provided as a result of a 90-degree twist in extension 8b; this method oil-providing afiat surface assures the proper alignment of the flat 7 surface with the cam surface liib and straight surface lib. While the embodiment shown in Figures 7 and 8 lacks a wheel to decrease operational friction. this embodiment is more compact, simpler and more economical to make than v to receive operative pressure. The pendant por distinguishes this modification from that: in'lgures 'i and -8.' The pendant portion are serves to provide a blunt end to the opening device; yet

neither the stopping surface 1c nor the operative lever portionjc, with surface to, have to be omitsuch keys are .left on the other side of the openv pushed into a disengaged position, whereupon the ends 2 and 8 of the'ring will snap together. In Figures 5 and 6, parts corresponding to those hereinbefore described have been desig- Flgures 5 and 6 illustrate a modification of the hereinbefore described opening device. In Figures 5 and 6, the cam-wheel 8a is mounted between two parallel platesla, which are ioincd at nated by numerals already used. with the suffix a.

ted to provide a blunt and to the opening device. By contrast, in Figures 7 and 8, the; operative lever lb provides a relatively more pointed end. The biunter end shown in Figures 9 and 10 will cause less wear upon the pocket of the user. The modification shown in Figures 9 and 10 is also particularly suitable for carrying advertising or an identification, since a larger area is available. namely, space on both sides of the cam-notch. In the other forms of the invention, space was available on only one side of the cam.

In any of the forms of the opening device,

the surface which receives operative pressure may be of any of the hereinbefore disclosed types or of other suitable types, flat or otherwise.

The side of any of the hereinbefore disclosed metals, or a plating of precious metals may be applied, or other suitable materials may be empioyed.

While the present invention has been detion I20 beneath lever portion is what chiefly scribed by reference to specified forms thereof. it

will be understood that many changes-and modiflcations may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

WhatI claim is: I

l. The combination with a resilient key-ring, of an opening member carried thereby having a cam adapted to force apart the opposite sides of the ring, whereby the meeting ends of the ring may be separated, and a stop adjacent to said cam to prevent the movement of the opening member relative to the ring in one direction beyond the position at which the meeting ends of the ring are maintained separated.

2. The combination with a resilient key-ring,

- of an opening member carried thereby having a cam adapted to force apart the opposite sides of the ring, whereby the meeting ends of the ring may be separated, and a stop adjacent to said cam to prevent the movement of the opening member relative to the ring in one direction beyond the position at which the meeting ends of the ring are maintained separated, said stop extending longitudinally of the opening member to provide an operative lever.

3. The combination with a resilient key-ring, of an openin member carried thereby having a cam adapted to force apart the opposite sides of the ring, whereby the meeting ends of the ring may be separated, and a stop adjacent tosaid cam to prevent the movement of the opening member relative to the ring in one direction beyond the position at which the meeting ends,

of the ring are maintained separated, said stop extending longitudinally of the opening member I surface adapted to force apart the opposite sides of the ring, whereby the meeting ends of the ring may be separated, another surface of said notch being adapted to serve as a stop to prevent the movement of the opening member relative to the ring in one direction beyond the position at which the meeting ends of the ring are maintained separated.

5. The combination with a resilient key-ring, of an opening member carried thereby, said opening member having a wheel mounted thereon adapted to cam apart the opposite sides of,the ring, whereby the meeting ends of the ring may be separated, and a stop adjacent to said wheel to prevent the movement of the opening member relative to the ring in one direction beyond the position at which the meeting ends of the ring are maintained separated.

6. The combination with a resilient key-ring, of an opening member carried thereby, said opening member having a. wheel mounted. thereon adapted to cam apart the opposite sides or the ring, whereby the meeting ends of the ring may be separated, and a stop adjacent to said wheel to prevent the movement of the opening member relative to the rin in one direction beyond the position at which the meeting ends of the ring are maintained separated, said stop extending longitudinally of the opening member to provide an operative lever.

7. The combination with a resilient key-ring, of an opening member carried thereby, said opening member having a wheel mounted thereon adapted to cam apart the opposite sides of the ring, whereby the meeting ends of the ring may be separated, and a stop adjacent to said wheel to prevent the movement of the opening member relative to the ring in one direction beyond the position at which themeeting ends of the ring 6 are maintained separated, said stop extending longitudinally of the opening member to provide an operative lever and having a flat surface adapted to receive operative pressure.

8. The combination with a resilient key-ring, of an opening member apertured at one end to receive the ring and provided at its opposite end with a wheel mounted thereon, said wheel bein adapted to cam apart the opposite sides of the ring, whereby the meeting ends of the ring may be separated, and a stop adjacent to said wheel to prevent the movement of the opening member relative to the ring in one direction beyond the position at which the meeting ends of the ring are maintained separated.

9. The combination with a resilient key-ring, of an opening member apertured at one end to receive the ring and provided at its opposite end with a wheel in! mted thereon, said wheel being, adapted to cam apart the opposite sides of the ring, whereby the meeting ends of the ring may be separated, and a stop adjacent to said wheel to prevent the movement of the opening member relative to the ring in one direction beyond the position at which the meeting ends of the ring are maintained separated, said stop extending longitudinally of the opening member to provide an operative lever.

10. The combination with a circularkey-ring of resilient material, of an opening member comprising a plate mounted at one end on the ring,

a wheel mounted at the opposite end of the plate,

- sa d wheel being adapted to cam apart the opposi e sides of the ring, whereby the meeting ends of the ring may be separated, and a stop provided upon said plate adjacent to said wheel to prevent the movement of the opening member relative to the ring in one direction beyond the position at which the meeting ends of the ring are maintained separated.

11. The combination with a circular key-ring of resilient material, of an opening member comprising a plate mounted at one end on the ring, a wheel mounted at the opposite end of the plate, said wheel being adapted to cam apart the opposite sides of the ring, whereby the meetin ends of the ring may be separated, and a stop provided upon said plate adjacent to said wheel to prevent the movement of the opening member relative to the ring in one direction beyond the position at which the meeting ends-of the ring are maintained separated, said stop extending longitudinally beyond the plate to provide an operative lever.

12. The combination with a resilient key-ring, of an opening member apertured at one end to receive the ring, and provided on its opposite end with a cam-surface whereby the opposite apart, and a stop adjacent to one end of the cam-surface to prevent movement of theopening member relative to the ring in. one direction beyond the position at which the meeting ends of the ring are maintained separated.

13. The combination with a resilient key-ring, of an opening member apertured at one end to receive the ring. and provided on its opposite end with a cam-surface whereby the opposite sides and meeting ends of the ring may be forced apart, and a stop adjacent to one end .of the cam-surface to prevent movement of the opening member relative to the ring in one direction beyond the position at which the meeting ends of the ring are maintained separated, said stop extending longitudinally of the opening member of a plate apertured at one end to receive the ring and provided on its opposite end with a came-surface. whereby the opposite sides and meeting ends of the ring may be forced apart, adjoining said cam-surface a straight surface at right angles to the longitudinal axi of the plate, whereby the forced apart ends of the ring may be maintained separated, and adjoining said straight surface a stop to prevent movement of the plate .relative to the ring in one direction beyond the position at which the ends of the rin are maintained separated.

15. The combination with a resilient key-ring, of a plate apertured at one end to receive the rin and provided on its opposite end with a cam-surface, whereby the opposite sides and meeting ends of the ring may be forced apart, adjoining said cam-surface a straight surface at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the plate, whereby the forced apart ends of the ring may be maintained separated, and adjoinin said straight surface a stop to prevent movement of the plate relative to the ring in one direction beyond the position at which theends of the ring are maintained separated, said stop extending longitudinally beyond the plate to provide an operative lever.

16. The combination with a circular key-ring of resilient material, of an opening member in the form of a plate of slightly greater length than the diameter of the ring, said plate being mounted on the ring at one end and at its opposite end having a cam-face extending inwardly from a longitudinal edge of the plate, whereby the opposite sides and meeting ends of the ring may be forced apart, said cam-face terminating in a straight face at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the plate, whereby the meeting ends of the ring may be held apart, said straight face terminatingin a stop, whereby is prevented any motion of the opening member relative to the rin in one direction beyond the position at which the meeting ends of the ring are held apart.

17. The combination with a circular key-ring of resilient material, of an opening member in the form of a plate of slightly greater length than the diameter of the ring, said plate being mounted on the ring at one end and at its opposite end 7 having a cam-face extending inwardly from a longitudinal edge of the plate, whereby the opposite sides and meeting ends of the ring may be forced apart, said cam-face terminating in a straight face at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the plate, whereby the meeting ends of motion of the opening member relative to the ring in one direction beyond the position at which the meeting ends of the ring are held apart, said stop extending longitudinally beyond the plate to provide an operative lever.

18. The combination with a resilient key -ring, of an opening member aperatured at one end to receive the ring, and provided with a notch, one surface of said notchbeing adapted to serve as a cam to force apart the opposite sides of the ring, whereby the meeting ends of the ring may be separated, another surface of said notch being adapted to serve as a stop to prevent the movement of the opening member relative to the ring in one direction beyond the position at which the meeting ends of the ring are maintained separated.

19. The combination with a resilient key-ring, of an opening member mounted on the ring at one end, and provided with a notch having a camsurface extending inwardly from a longitudinal edge of the opening member and adapted to force apart the opposite sides of the ring, whereby the meeting ends of the ring may be separated, ad-

.joining said cam-surface a straight surface at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the open.

ing member, the straight surface being adapted to maintain the meetin ends of the ring in separated position, and-adjoining said straight surface a stop-surface adapted to prevent the movement of the opening member relative to the ring in one direction beyond the position at which the meeting ends of the ring are maintained separated.

20. The combination with a circular key-ring of resilient material, of an opening member in the form of a plate, said plate having an aperture to receive the ring and a notch spaced apart REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the I ,flie of this patent:

the ring may be held apart, saidstraight face terminating in a stop whereby is prevented any UNITED STATES PATENTS Number

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