Key assembly

• US 20060032279A1
• Filed: 08/11/2004
• Published: 02/16/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 08/11/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Michael T. Andersen
• Original Assignee: Michael T. Andersen
• Inventors: Andersen, Michael T.
• Granted Patent: US 7,181,939 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 70/395
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 11/32 Bags or wallets for holding keys key-holding inserts A45C13/023
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 19/00 Keys; Accessories therefor key modifications or attachments preventing removal from the lock E05B11/005; key rings A44B15/00; key cases A45C11/32; key holders A47G29/10; making keys, see the relevant places, e.g. B21D53/42; milling grooves in keys B23C3/35
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 19/04 Construction of the bow or head of the key; Attaching the bow to the shank
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7802 Multi-part structures
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7853 Tubular
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7876 Bow or head
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7904 Magnetic features
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/8757 Releasable catches

Abstract

A key assembly includes a key, a cap and a fastener to selectively secure the cap to the key. The cap may include an opening for receiving a key ring, or other structure, therethrough. In one embodiment, the key includes a grip, and the cap and grip cooperate to enclose the key when the cap is secured in place.

Claims

1. A key assembly comprising:

a) a key having a longitudinal axis extending between first and second ends, said first end of the key comprising a grip and said second end of the key comprising a key body;

b) a cap having an opening to receive the second end of the key; and

c) a fastener to selectively secure the cap to at least one of the first and second ends.

2. The key assembly of claim 1, wherein the cap further comprises an opening for receiving a key ring therethrough.

3. The key assembly of claim 1, wherein the cap and grip are formed to enclose the key body when said cap is secured to one of the first and second ends.

5. The key assembly of claim 1, wherein the fastener comprises first and second magnets;

and

wherein the cap has the first magnet disposed therein and the key has the second magnet disposed therein to selectively secure the cap to one of the first and second ends.

4. (canceled)

6. (canceled)

7. (canceled)

8. A key assembly comprising:

a) a key having a first portion which includes a grip, and a second portion which extends outwardly from the first portion;

b) a cap adapted to receive the second portion; and

c) means for selectively fastening the cap to the key.

9. The key assembly of claim 8, wherein the cap further comprises an opening adapted to receive the second portion of the key.

10. The key assembly of claim 8, wherein the cap and first portion are formed to enclose the second portion when said cap and key are selectively secured together.

11. A key assembly comprising:

a) a key body having a circular cross-section and a first magnet located therein;

b) a grip integrally formed with the key body, said key body extending outwardly therefrom; and

c) a cap having a first opening disposed therein and a second opening formed to receive the key body, said second opening having a second magnet disposed therein;

d) wherein, the cap and grip enclose the key body when said key body is received by the second opening, and wherein the cap and grip are fastened together through interaction of the first and second magnets.