US4571967A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Key holder
Assignee: JACOBSEN RESEARCH Corp 74 SOUTH 1200 EAST SALT LAKE CITY UT 84102 A CORP OF
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Filing: 1983-03-07
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Granted: 1986-02-25
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Expires: 2003-03-07
Abstract
Abstract A key holder includes a generally flat base element whose length is substantially the same as or greater than the length of a conventional automobile or house key. One or more arms are hingedly attached at one end to an edge of the base element to fold in overlying relationship with the element. A key may be coupled to the free end of the arm in such a manner that the key can be folded generally flat against the arm between the arm and the base element. If more than one arm is provided, alternate ones of the arms are attached to one side of the base element and the remaining arms are attached to the other side so that when the arms are folded over the base, they lie in a generally parallel relationship to one another. In an alternative arrangement, keys may be held generally flat against the base element by a series of loops disposed on the element and into which the keys may be inserted. Loops are formed on both sides of the base element so that keys may be held in place on both sides. In still another alternative arrangement, the key holder includes a case having generally parallel top and bottom walls, at least one arm hingedly attached at one end to one side of the case to pivot toward and away from the case, and a coupling element for coupling a key to the free end of the arm in such a way that the key may be folded to a position between the arm and the case to be received between the top and bottom walls when the arm is pivoted toward the case.
Inventors
- 👤 Stephen C. Jacobsen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 22:29
CPC Classifications
A; A45; A45C; A45C11/00; A45C11/32; A45C11/323; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T70/00; Y10T70/80; Y10T70/8432; Y10T70/8676; Y10T70/873
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
306 words
A key holder for holding keys comprising a base having at least one generally flat surface whose length is substantially the same as or greater than the length of the keys to be held, a plurality of arms, each of whose length is about the same as or greater than the length of the keys, hingedly attached at one end to a front or rear edge of the base to fold in overlying relationship with the flat surface and generally parallel to one another, the other end of said arms being free, wherein alternate ones of the arms are attached to one side of the base, and the remaining arms are attached to other side of the base, side walls upstanding from side edges of the base to prevent keys from moving sideways from the base, one or more divider walls upstanding from the flat surface of the base, arranged generally parallel with the side walls, and spaced from the side walls and from each other about an equal distance for keeping the keys on the different arms separated, means located at the free end of said arms for coupling the arms to respective keys so that the keys can be folded generally flat against the respective arms between the arms and the flat surface, said coupling means comprising a ring element attached at one side to the free end of an arm, said ring element formed with a break to allow placement keys on the ring element, and formed with a section which extends generally perpendicular to the plane of the ring element and which is sufficiently long to accomodate positioning a key thereon so that the plane of the key is generally parallel with the plane of the ring element, and means for releasably latching the free ends of the arms to the base.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
306 words
A key holder for holding keys comprising a base having at least one generally flat surface whose length is substantially the same as or greater than the length of the keys to be held, a plurality of arms, each of whose length is about the same as or greater than the length of the keys, hingedly attached at one end to a front or rear edge of the base to fold in overlying relationship with the flat surface and generally parallel to one another, the other end of said arms being free, wherein alternate ones of the arms are attached to one side of the base, and the remaining arms are attached to other side of the base, side walls upstanding from side edges of the base to prevent keys from moving sideways from the base, one or more divider walls upstanding from the flat surface of the base, arranged generally parallel with the side walls, and spaced from the side walls and from each other about an equal distance for keeping the keys on the different arms separated, means located at the free end of said arms for coupling the arms to respective keys so that the keys can be folded generally flat against the respective arms between the arms and the flat surface, said coupling means comprising a ring element attached at one side to the free end of an arm, said ring element formed with a break to allow placement keys on the ring element, and formed with a section which extends generally perpendicular to the plane of the ring element and which is sufficiently long to accomodate positioning a key thereon so that the plane of the key is generally parallel with the plane of the ring element, and means for releasably latching the free ends of the arms to the base.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
93 words
A key holder as in claim 1 wherein the base has two, opposite facing, generally flat surfaces, wherein there is at least one arm attached to fold in overlying relationship on a portion of one surface and at least another arm attached to fold in overlying relationship on a portion of the other surface, and wherein the portion of said one surface is recessed with respect to the one arm to receive a key and the portion of said other surface is recessed with respect to the other arm to receive a key.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
A key holder as in claim 1 wherein the base and arms are integrally formed of a flexible material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
69 words
A key holder as in claim 1 wherein the ends of said arms are each formed with a channel for receiving a ring element, and wherein said coupling means comprises a plurality of ring elements, each for placement in the channel of a respective arm and a plurality of clip means , each fittable over the end of a respective arm to secure a ring element in the channel.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
82 words
A key holder as in claim 4 wherein the end of each of said arms is formed with exterior surfaces thereof which are generally parallel with the respective channel and which flare outwardly toward the end of the arm, and wherein each of said clip means has a generally U-shaped cross-section with interior dimensions substantially the same as the exterior dimensions of the end of the respective arm to enable the clip means to receive and hold the end of the arm.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
A key holder as in claim 1 wherein each arm includes indicia on the outer surface thereof for identifying the type of key coupled thereto.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-02-24 | 1989-08-26 | 1990-02-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-02-24 | 1993-08-26 | 1994-02-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-02-24 | 1997-08-26 | 1998-02-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |