Assembly for retaining of keys or similar objects
First Claim
1. A key assembly comprising:
- an elongated housing having a front, a back, an inner surface, and a longitudinal axis;
a key retaining means inserted within said housing and rotatable with said housing, said key retaining means having storing stations for housing keys;
and a key advancing and retracting means mounted within and connected to said housing for advancing said keys through an opening defined in said front of said housing;
wherein said key advancing and retracting means comprises a rear member secured to said back of said housing by a securing means for allowing rotation of said rear member relative to said housing, an axle rotatably mounted within said housing and extending from said rear member toward said front of said housing, a retractor mounted on said axle for linear and pivotal movement with respect thereto, and a gear mechanism positioned in said rear member between said axle and an inner surface of said rear member for rotating said axle when said rear member is rotated.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A compact assembly for retaining keys or other domestic articles permits retention, rapid identification, and selection of an appropriate object by single-hand operation without the necessity of visual observation. The assembly comprises a tubular housing which can be grasped by the hand of the user, and a key retaining mechanism, a key advancing mechanism and a driving mechanism mounted within the housing. The key retaining mechanism can carry a plurality of keys, disposed in a plurality of storing stations provided with key receiving grooves. A selected key can be driven along the groove by the key advancing mechanism after the storing station corresponding to the particular key is brought into alignment with a key exit opening of the housing. The assembly can be provided with a remote control mechanism and/or alarm mechanism.
29 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A key assembly comprising:
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an elongated housing having a front, a back, an inner surface, and a longitudinal axis; a key retaining means inserted within said housing and rotatable with said housing, said key retaining means having storing stations for housing keys; and a key advancing and retracting means mounted within and connected to said housing for advancing said keys through an opening defined in said front of said housing; wherein said key advancing and retracting means comprises a rear member secured to said back of said housing by a securing means for allowing rotation of said rear member relative to said housing, an axle rotatably mounted within said housing and extending from said rear member toward said front of said housing, a retractor mounted on said axle for linear and pivotal movement with respect thereto, and a gear mechanism positioned in said rear member between said axle and an inner surface of said rear member for rotating said axle when said rear member is rotated. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification