Compact key retaining system

A key-retaining system comprising a key holder and a key holder retainer, said key holder comprising a quadrilateral-shaped member having two sides and two ends defined by a substantially continuous member and providing an interior space between the sides and ends of the member, said ends being separated by a predetermined distance substantially greater than the length of a key, one of said sides including an overlap joint to allow fastening of keys upon said member, said overlap joint being formed by a discontinuity in said side and including two portions having butt ends which overlap, said key holder retainer including a second member having two ends and two sides and having a hollow disposed therewith, said second member having an exterior surface, and an interior surface adjacent said hollow, the sides of the interior surface of said second member being separated by a predetermined distance substantially equal to or slightly greater than the distance between the sides of the key holder, the hollow extending substantially from end to end of the key holder retainer, wherein keys are fastened on said key holder and positioned in a flat position within the interior space between the sides of said key holder, and said key holder retainer is friction fit onto the end of the key holder remote the key heads until one of said butt ends of said overlap joint engage one end of said key holder retainer, which end acts as a stop to limit further insertion of said key holder, whereat the tail end of the keys may be contained within the hollow of said key holder retainer within the space between the sides of said key holder in a flat package which may be comfortably stored by the user.