Locks – Parts – attachments – accessories and adjuncts – For key-operated mechanism
Patent
1994-10-12
1996-08-13
Meyers, Steven N.
Locks
Parts, attachments, accessories and adjuncts
For key-operated mechanism
70459, A47G 2910
Patent
active
055445101
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a key and holder combination.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Metal keys inserted into plastic holders in the standard form of credit cards are known. For this purpose the holder comprises an impression corresponding to the form of the key, which can be completely housed in said impression and be either permanently or releasably connected to it.
Generally if the key is of the releasable type a part of the impression which houses it is shaped in such a manner as to interfere with the head of the key in order to retain it, but to also enable it to be removed. This method is valid in terms of maneuverability of the key when separated from the card, but is less valid from the reliability aspect, as the key can be lost.
If however the key is permanently connected to the card this problem does not arise, but the key is then of poor maneuverability because when turned it also inevitably rotates the card or in any event is hindered by this latter in its movement.
DISCUSSION OF THE PRIOR ART
U.S. Pat. No. 5,046,343 discloses a key holder combination, comprising a holder shaped as a card and provided with an impression for housing the key. There are means for connecting the holder to the key, which consist of an articulated joint element, having three degrees of freedom, permanently connected to the holder and to the key and formed in at least two parts to provide the connection when the key is spaced from the holder.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of the invention is to provide a key with a holder in which on the one hand the key is permanently connected to the relative holder, and on the other hand can be operated without being in any way hindered by the holder.
This and further objects are achieved according to the invention through a key and holder combination, comprising a holder shaped as a card and provided with an impression for housing the key, and with an articulated joint element for connecting said holder to said key, said joint having three degrees of freedom and being formed in at least two parts to provide said connection both when the key is housed in said impression and when the key is completely spaced from said holder, characterised by the following features: corner of the holder, and having, when superposed, the sizes of a usual credit card (85.times.54 mm), snap-engageable, applied corresponds to the overall thickness of the base plus the cover, the corresponding corner part of the cover being lacking.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Some preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in greater detail hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a combination according to the invention with the holder closed and the key housed therein;
FIG. 2 is a plan view thereof with the holder open and the key housed therein;
FIG. 3 is a plan view thereof with the holder open and the key extracted therefrom;
FIG. 4 is a plan view thereof with the holder closed and the key extracted therefrom;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged longitudinal section through the element connecting the key to the holder;
FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of the combination according to the invention in the same view as FIG. 3;
FIG. 7 shows a third embodiment thereof in the same view as FIG. 3;
FIG. 8 shows the enlarged particular of a further embodiment of the element connecting the key to the holder;
FIG. 9 shows the engagement of the key with the holder; and
FIG. 10 shows a further embodiment of the element connecting the key to the holder.
FIG. 11 is a plan view of another embodiment of a combination according to the invention with the holder open and the keys extracted therefrom;
FIG. 12 is a plan view of another embodiment of the combination according to the invention with the holder open, the key extracted therefrom and a transmitter mounted thereon;
FIG. 13 is a plan view of a double-adhesive tape element used with the combination.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
As can be seen from the figures, the
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Botteon Renato
Chies Ezio
Meyers Steven N.
Pham Tuyet-Phllong
Silca S.P.A.
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