Key Ring

Abstract

A key ring for holding keys is described comprising of overlying loops formed from spring wire which both ends biased against the loops to prevent accidental loss of keys. A special portion is formed near the end of one loop to offset its edge from the underlying loop. This special portion allows for easy grasping and separation of the loops for adding or removing key to the key ring.

Claims

1. A key ring formed from a single piece of spring wire to overlying loops having a small portion near the end of one loop extending slightly beyond the underlying loop to provide an area to temporarily separate the loops from one another.

2. A key ring as set forth in claim 1 wherein the spring wire has a rectangular cross section area.

3. A key ring formed from a single piece of spring wire to overlying loops having a particular portion in one loop formed in such a way that its edge is slightly separated from the edge of the underlying loop to provide an area to temporarily separate the loops from one another.

4. A key ring as set forth in claim 3 wherein the particular portion is near the end of one loop and is formed to extend radially beyond the underlying loop.

5. A key ring as set forth in claim 3 wherein the particular portion is near the end of one loop and is formed to extend axially from the underlying loop.

6. A key ring as set forth in claim 3 wherein the particular portion is formed near the end of the overlying loop such that its cross sectional area is reduced

7. A key ring as set forth in claim 3 wherein the spring wire has a rectangular cross section area.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the key ring of the invention;

[0013] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the key ring of the invention;

[0014] FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the key ring of the invention;

[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the key ring of the invention in another embodiment;

[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the key ring of the invention in yet another embodiment;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 show a key ring 10 representing a preferred embodiment of the invention. Key ring 10 is formed from a single piece of spring wire 11 to overlying loops. Spring wire 11 is formed in such a way that it requires a force to separate its end from the main loop. A small portion 12 near end 13 of spring wire 11 is formed such that it at least partially protrudes beyond the underlying loop in the radial direction. This protruding portion 12 allows a user to use a finger to lift end 13, separating it temporarily from the underlying loop so a key can be inserted or removed from key ring 10.

[0018] FIG. 4 shows a key ring in another embodiment of the invention. Key ring 20 is formed from a single piece of spring wire 21 to overlying loops. Spring wire 21 has a small cutout 22 in its body. This cutout 22 is positioned to partially expose one end of spring wire 21 and allow a user to use a finger to lift this end to insert or remove a key from key ring 20.

[0019] FIG. 5 shows a key ring in yet another embodiment of the invention. Key ring 30 is formed from a single piece of spring wire 31 to overlying loops. A small portion 32 near one end of spring wire 31 is bent so that it is spaced apart from the underlying loop. This space allows a user to grasp portion 32 and separate it from the underlying loop to insert or remove a key.

[0020] While specific examples of the invention are described in detail above to facilitate explanation of various aspects of the invention, it should be understood that the intention is not to limit the invention to the specifics of the example. Rather, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalent, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.