Universal key holder with light

• US 6,164,795 A
• Filed: 05/21/1999
• Issued: 12/26/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 05/21/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Alliance New Products Enterprises, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Fidel Lopez
• Inventors: Lopez, Fidel
• Primary Examiner(s): Sember, Thomas M.
• Application Number:
  US09/316,765
• Time in Patent Office: 585 Days
• Field of Search: 362/116, 362/253, 362/200, 362/208, 362/157
• US Class Current: 362/116
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 17/103 on keys E05B17/106 takes precedence; attached to key rings A44B15/005; on key bags or wallets A45C11/32

Abstract

A universal holder for keys with an illuminated member that projects a beam of light substantially parallel to the direction of the key being housed by the holder. One end of the key protrudes outside the holder while the other end is housed within the holder sandwiched by two pad members. Two substantially similar sections joined together by an integral hinge with opposing cavities that receive the pad members. The pad members are deformable and conform to the dimensions of the cavities providing a firm grip on the key avoiding any internal play. Keys with different configurations can be thus accommodated. A battery operated circuit is closed with membrane switches that cause the light element to produce a light beam.

Claims

1. A holder for keys, comprising:

A) housing means comprising first and second sections peripherally joined together at one portion defining an integral hinge, and said first and second sections including, respectively, first and second symmetrical cavities, having each a cut-out for receiving a key with two ends and housing one end while permitting the other end to protrude through said cut-outs outside said housing means;

B) padding means conforming to said first and second cavities sandwiching one of the ends of a key on both sites thereby providing a firm grip thereon; and

C) illuminating means peripherally mounted to said housing means including battery means for powering said illuminating means and further including switch means for selectively interrupting the electrical circuit powering said illuminating means.

2. The holder set forth in claim 1 wherein said switch means including a flexible membrane switch member.

3. The holder set forth in claim 2 wherein said switch means includes at least one spring loaded actuator for activating said switch means.

4. The holder set forth in claim 3 wherein said first section includes a third cavity for housing said battery means.

5. The holder set forth in claim 4 wherein said first section includes a fourth cavity for housing said switch means.

6. The holder set forth in claim 5 further including:

D) fastening means for keeping said first and second sections joined together.