Apparatus and method for retaining keys
OwnerEdward E. Wrightinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
According to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus and method for retaining keys is disclosed. The present invention provides a tensioning mechanism within the body of the key-retaining apparatus for “pinching” the shaft of a key when the shaft is inserted into the body of the key-retaining apparatus. The tensioning mechanism may take the form of a spring-loaded mechanism or a tensioned piece of metal that is selectively pressured against the shaft of the key when the key is inserted into the body of the key-retaining apparatus. Additionally, a thong or strap may be provided for securing the key-retaining apparatus to a purse, backpack, etc.
Claims19
An apparatus comprising:
- a strap, said strap comprising a first end and a second end;
- a body portion, said body portion sad defining a key-receiving aperture, said body portion comprising at least a first sidewall and a second sidewall;
- a tensioning mechanism contained within said body portion, said tensioning mechanism comprising a strap-retaining portion, said strap-retaining portion being configured to receive said first end and said second end of said strap;
- and
- wherein said first end and said second end of said strap are inserted into said strap-retaining portion and fixed in position within said body portion, with said first end being positioned between said strap-retaining portion and said first sidewall and said second end being positioned between said strap-retaining portion and said second sidewall.
A method comprising the steps of:
- inserting a key into a key-retaining apparatus, said key comprising a shaft,
- said key-retaining apparatus comprising:
- a strap, said strap comprising a first end and a second end;
- a body portion, said body portion comprising at least a first sidewall and a second sidewall;
- an insert portion, said insert portion comprising a strap-retaining portion, said strap-retaining portion being configured to receive said first end and a second end of said strap, said first end and said second end of said strap being inserted into said strap-retaining portion and being fixed in position within said body portion, with said first end being positioned between said strap-retaining portion and said first sidewall and said second end being positioned between said strap-retaining portion and said second sidewall;
- and
- engaging a tensioning mechanism housed contained within said key-retaining apparatus with at least a portion of said shaft.
A key-retaining apparatus, said key-retaining apparatus comprising:
- a body portion, said body portion comprising:
- at least a first sidewall contained within said body portion;
- at least a second sidewall contained within said body portion;
- a floor portion contained within said body portion;
- and
- a tensioning mechanism contained within said body portion, said tensioning mechanism comprising a thin, flat, blade-like arm, wherein at least a portion of said tensioning mechanism presses against said floor portion;
- a strap-retaining portion contained within said body portion;
- a strap, said strap comprising a first end and a second end, wherein said first end and said second end of said strap are inserted into said strap-retaining portion and fixed in position within said body portion, with said first end being positioned between said strap-retaining portion and said first sidewall and said second end being positioned between said strap-retaining portion and said second sidewall;
- a key-receiving aperture defined by said body portion;
- a key blocking portion, said key blocking portion blocking at least a portion of said key-receiving aperture;
- and
- a key inserted into said key-receiving aperture, said key comprising a shaft wherein said shaft engages said tensioning mechanism and said shaft is fixed in position between said floor portion and said at least a portion of said tensioning mechanism.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.