# US 8,672,002 B2 · Key locator > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 8,672,002 B2 - Document ID: US8672002B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 12/468,012 - Filed: 2009-05-18 - Published: 2010-03-25 - Granted: 2014-03-18 - Earliest claimed: 2004-08-17 - Assignees: The Finding IP Holding Company LLC - Applicants: Sandra Stein - Inventors: Sandra Stein - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8672002B2 ## CPC - A45C 13/001: {Accessories} - A45C 13/023: {Means for holding keys} - A45C 13/08: Decorative devices for handbags or purses - A45F 5/022: {within pockets} - A45F 5/1558: {Holders or carriers for keys} - Y10T 24/1379: Key ring holder - Y10T 24/1385: Eyeglass or spectacle case - Y10T 24/3439: Plural clasps - Y10T 70/8676: Key holders - Y10T 70/8757: Releasable catches - A45C: PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS - A45F: TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY - Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION ## Abstract A key locator includes first and second members. The first member has opposed ends and an intermediate u-shaped region. One of the ends of the first member comprises a hook for engaging the second member which includes a clasp while the other end comprises an enlarged portion for fixing an ornament thereto. The arrangement is suitable for hanging at the open top of a bag-like device such as a purse, backpack or briefcase whereby the ornament is displayed at the same time that the keys are readily accessible without undue fishing efforts. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A key locator comprising, in combination: a) a bent rod-shaped first member having a bent first end portion and a second end portion; and b) a second member configured for selectively retaining at least one key; wherein said bent first end portion and said second end portion are opposed to each other; said bent rod-shaped first member incorporates a planar bent center region intermediate said bent first end portion and said second end portion thereby forming an interior of the key locator; said bent first end portion and said second end portion are not urged against each other and are configured to allow said bent center region to hang from an edge; said bent first end portion of said bent rod-shaped first member substantially permanently and flexibly interlocks with the second member; and said second end portion of said bent rod-shaped first member comprises an ornament mounting pad that is configured for affixation of an ornament so that the ornament faces away from the interior of the key locator. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The key locator of claim 1, wherein said bent rod-shaped first member and said second member are each made of a material selected from the group consisting of metal, steel, and plastic. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The key locator of claim 2, wherein said bent rod-shaped first member and said second member are each made of metal. ### Claim 4 (depends on 2) The key locator of claim 2, wherein said bent rod-shaped first member and said second member are each made of plastic. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The key locator of claim 1, wherein the edge is an upper edge of a side panel of a bag-like purse. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The key locator of claim 5, wherein the bag-like purse is a purse, a backpack, or a briefcase. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The key locator of claim 1, wherein said bent rod-shaped first member and said second member are configured so that when the bent rod-shaped first member is retrieved from the edge, the second member is necessarily retrieved. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The key locator of claim 1, wherein the key locator further comprises said ornament. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The key locator of claim 1, wherein the planar bent center region is u-shaped. ### Claim 10 A key locator comprising, in combination: a) a bent rod-shaped first member having a first end portion and a second end portion; and b) a second member comprising a closed form clasp that is configured for selectively retaining at least one key; wherein said first end portion and said second end portion are opposed to each other; said bent rod-shaped first member incorporates a planar bent center region intermediate said first end portion and said second end portion thereby forming an interior of the key locator; said first end portion and said second end portion are not urged against each other and are configured to allow said planar bent center region to hang from an edge; said first end portion of said bent rod-shaped first member is configured for substantially permanently and flexibly engaging with the second member; and said second end portion of said bent rod-shaped first member comprises an ornament mounting pad that is configured for affixation of an ornament so that the ornament faces away from the interior of the key locator. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The key locator of claim 10, wherein said closed form clasp is rotatably fixed to a bent-shaped element of said second member, wherein the bent-shaped element of said second member substantially permanently and flexibly interlocks with said first end portion of said bent rod-shaped first member. ### Claim 12 (depends on 10) The key locator of claim 10, wherein the key locator further comprises said ornament. ### Claim 13 A method comprising: a) retaining at least one key by a second member of an apparatus that comprises at least said second member and a bent rod-shaped first member, wherein the second member is configured for selectively retaining at least one key, wherein (i) said bent rod-shaped first member of said apparatus has a bent first end portion and a second end portion, wherein said bent first end portion and said second end portion are opposed to each other, (ii) said bent rod-shaped first member incorporates a planar bent center region intermediate said bent first end portion and said second end portion thereby forming an interior of the apparatus, wherein said bent first end portion and said second end portion are not urged against each other and are configured to allow said bent center region to hang from an upper edge of a side panel of a bag-like purse, (iii) said bent first end portion of said bent rod-shaped first member substantially permanently and flexibly interlocks with said second member, and (iv) said second end portion of said bent rod-shaped first member comprises an ornament mounting pad that is configured for affixation of an ornament so that the ornament faces away from the interior of the key locator; b) hanging the apparatus from said upper edge of said side panel of said bag-like purse with the bent center region overhanging the side panel so that said second end portion is exposed; and c) retrieving said bent rod-shaped first member of said apparatus from said upper edge such that, when said bent rod-shaped first member is retrieved from the upper edge, the at least one key retained by the second member is necessarily retrieved.