Everyday Carry Item

Abstract

A key organizer capable of organizing traditional physical keys (i.e., a piece of metal that fits inside a lock and turns to open it) and/or tools or accessories that may optionally organize one or more non-physical keys (e.g., key fobs). To the extent optionally added, the non-physical key(s) may be built into, attached onto, or contained within the key organizer. The key organizer may be optionally designed to attach to (in a readily detachable manner or a not readily detachable manner) (i) another key organizer and/or (ii) one or more other everyday carry items. The key organizer may also comprise (built into, attached onto, or contained within (e.g., as if it were a traditional physical key) the key organizer) features to allow for escaping a car in the event of an emergency such as, without limitation, a window breaker, a window punch, and/or a seat belt cutter.

Claims

1. A key organizer comprising: a plate; a key post; and a fastener.

2. The key organizer of claim 1 wherein the plate comprises a key fob that is built into the plate.

3. The key organizer of claim 1 wherein the plate comprises a means for attaching a key fob to the plate.

4. The key organizer of claim 1 wherein the plate comprises a window punch and a seat belt cutter.

5. The key organizer of claim 1 wherein the plate comprises a window breaker and a seat belt cutter.

6. The key organizer of claim 2 wherein the plate further comprises a means for attaching or receiving an attachment from an other everyday carry item.

7. The key organizer of claim 4 wherein the plate further comprises a means for attaching or receiving an attachment from an other everyday carry item.

8. The key organizer of claim 5 wherein the plate further comprises a means for attaching or receiving an attachment from an other everyday carry item.

9. A key organizer comprising: a longitudinal top plate; a longitudinal bottom plate; and a fastener.

10. The key organizer of claim 9 wherein the longitudinal top plate comprises a key fob that is built into the longitudinal top plate.

11. The key organizer of claim 9 wherein the longitudinal top plate comprises a means for attaching a key fob to the longitudinal top plate.

12. The key organizer of claim 9 wherein the longitudinal bottom plate comprises a window punch and a seat belt cutter.

13. The key organizer of claim 9 wherein the longitudinal bottom plate comprises a window breaker and a seat belt cutter.

14. The key organizer of claim 10 wherein the longitudinal bottom plate further comprises a means for attaching or receiving an attachment from an other everyday carry item.

15. The key organizer of claim 12 wherein the longitudinal bottom plate further comprises a means for attaching or receiving an attachment from an other everyday carry item.

16. The key organizer of claim 13 wherein the longitudinal bottom plate further comprises a means for attaching or receiving an attachment from an other everyday carry item.

17. A key organizer comprising a longitudinal top plate; a longitudinal bottom plate; a means for accessing traditional physical keys contained within the key organizer; and a fastener; wherein the longitudinal top plate comprises a key fob and wherein the longitudinal bottom plate comprises a seat belt cutter.

18. The key organizer of claim 17 wherein the longitudinal bottom plate further comprises a window punch.

19. The key organizer of claim 17 wherein the longitudinal bottom plate further comprises a window breaker.

20. The key organizer of claim 19 wherein the longitudinal bottom plate further comprises a clip to attach to a pocket or overhead visor of an automobile.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] This disclosure generally relates to a key organizer capable of organizing traditional physical keys (i.e., a piece of metal that fits inside a lock and turns to open it) and/or tools or accessories that may optionally organize one or more non-physical keys (e.g., key fobs). To the extent optionally added, the non-physical key(s) may be built into, attached onto, or contained within the key organizer. The key organizer may be optionally designed to attach to (in a readily detachable manner or a not readily detachable manner) (i) another key organizer and/or (ii) one or more other everyday carry items. The key organizer may also comprise (built into, attached onto, or contained within (e.g., as if it were a traditional physical key) the key organizer) features to allow for escaping a car in the event of an emergency such as, without limitation, a window breaker, a window punch, and/or a seat belt cutter.

[0018] In some embodiments, the key organizer is made as one piece, but in other embodiments, it is modular. A modular embodiment has the advantage of allowing easier customization and replacement of parts.

[0019] One or more traditional physical keys can be organized by embodiments of the present disclosure. As would be understood by a person skilled in the art, keys (and other tools and accessories) can be stored on the key posts or certain fasteners disclosed in the present disclosure (i.e., the holes at the top of a traditional key go around the key post or fastener). Throughout this disclosure, the key posts or fasteners where keys may be stored may be referred to as a (i) focal area or (ii) location where traditional physical keys are stored or something similar.

[0020] Embodiments of the present disclosure: (i) may not be attached to another key organizer or other everyday carry item; (ii) may be attached (in a readily detachable manner or a not readily detachable manner) to another key organizer or other everyday carry item; or (iii) may be attached to one or more of (a) another key organizer and/or (b) an other everyday carry item.

[0021] A key organizer in the present disclosure may comprise, without limitation, one or more of the following components: (i) one or more plates (e.g., a longitudinal top plate, a longitudinal bottom plate, a longitudinal side plate, or other plate); (ii) one or more connector pieces (e.g., (A) to connect the longitudinal top plate and the longitudinal bottom plate (e.g., on the top, bottom, or side) or (B) to create a loop between two points on the same plate); (iii) one or more fasteners; (iv) one or more key posts; and/or (v) one or more means for pushing traditional physical keys to a plate (e.g., a spring on the key post/fastener creating a focal area for traditional physical keys or tools/accessories, a mechanical apparatus attached to one plate a floating portion floating near another plate, or one or more washer(s) and/or spacer(s)). Accessories such as clips (e.g., clips for a pocket, belt loop, or overhead visor in an automobile), carabiners, rings (e.g., split key rings, O rings, or D rings), or a means for attaching the key organizer to another object or attaching another object to the key organizer are expressly contemplated as part of the components described in the first sentence of this paragraph (i.e., they can be added to such components). The means for attaching the key organizer to another object or attaching another object to the key organizer include using a readily detachable means (e.g., snap fit/snap joint, press fit connection, slide joint, split joint/t-slot joint, tongue and groove joint, mortise and tenon joint, magnet, clamp, hinge, molded thread, or buckle) or a not readily detachable means (e.g., manufactured as one piece, molded together, welded, soldered, chemically adhered, glued, riveted, or fastened). The means for attaching the key organizer referenced in this paragraph are all known in the art, and any means for attaching known by a person of skill in the art are included in this disclosure.

[0022] For the avoidance of doubt, and without limiting the generality of the paragraph above, which makes clear that the components can be mixed and matched (or even include all components together) to form various embodiments, various exemplary embodiments are provided below.

[0023] For embodiments comprising non-physical keys (e.g., key fobs), such non-physical keys may be built into, attached onto, or contained within (e.g., as if it were a traditional physical key) the key organizer. In certain embodiments where the non-physical keys are attached onto or contained within the key organizer, it may be advantageous to allow for easy changing of such non-physical keys to allow for situations where the owner of the key organizer has multiple key fobs or when the owner of the key organizer needs to exchange one key fob for another (e.g., getting a new automobile key fob). For embodiments where the non-physical key is built into the key organizer, embodiments built in a modular way allow for replacement of only some components without the necessity of replacing the entire key organizer.

[0024] Embodiments of the present disclosure comprising key fobs (i) may use key fobs known in the art as-is but modified to attach to the embodiment using any attachment methods described in this disclosure or (ii) use a custom-designed key fob specifically designed to fit the size and shape of the key organizer. Circuit boards in key fobs known in the art are substantially on one plane (i.e., flat), but the present disclosure contemplates embodiments where the circuit boards are: (i) on one plane (i.e., flat); (ii) on two planes (a preferred embodiment has the two planes on a substantially right angle to one another); or (iii) are on three planes (a preferred embodiment has one plane running in one direction and the other two planes running parallel to each other but perpendicular to the first plane (i.e., like a U shape that has corners instead of rounded edges). For embodiments wherein the circuit board utilizes more than one plane, the buttons utilized by the operator may be on more than one side as the buttons typically are pressed down to directly interact with the circuit board. Custom-designed key fobs may be attached to the key organizer using any attachment means described in this disclosure or be built within it (for example, without limitation, the electrical components of the key fob are contained in the longitudinal top plate).

[0025] The plates described in the present disclosure can be made of any material or combination of materials. Various metals, including lightweight metals such as aluminum, may be used in certain embodiments. Wood and various plastics are also other exemplary materials that can be used in embodiments. Various finishes (e.g., paint, plating, etc.) may be applied to the plates. Additionally, aesthetic plates/covers may also be applied through means known in the art (e.g., fasteners, adhesives, etc.). Silicone and leather (or leather alternatives such as vegan leathers) may be used on top of the plates. The plates may be any shape or size. In certain embodiments, the plates have a notch or indent to allow a user to more easily push traditional physical keys. The plates may also include indents to receive various inserts, including simple key fobs (e.g., door access key fobs) and glow-in-the-dark strips or sticks. Stated differently, the key fobs and/or glow-in-the dark strips or sticks may be pressed into the plates by the user. For more solid objects (e.g., simple key fobs), holding them in with a snap fit joint or press fit joint are expressly contemplated. Plates can be solid or hollow. Embodiments that have hollow plates may utilize the hollow space to store key fobs, circuit boards, batteries, or other accessories described in the instant disclosure. Without limiting the disclosure set forth elsewhere, plates of the present disclosure may include (i) a glass breaker or window breaker; (ii) a window punch; and/or (iii) and a seat belt cutter or web cutter. Seat belt cutters or web cutters may have covers to prevent accidental injury.

[0026] The present disclosure contemplates certain embodiments with one or more longitudinal side plates. Certain embodiments with both a longitudinal top plate and a longitudinal bottom plate may comprise a longitudinal side plate, which may be particularly advantageous for attaching the key organizer to another key organizer or other everyday carry item if the means for attachment of the key organizer is on the longitudinal side plate because the longitudinal top plate and the longitudinal bottom plate remain exposed and accessible. Use of a longitudinal side plate may also help internalize a key fob by combining the hollow area (if a hollow plates are used) of the plates to be shared.

[0027] The connector pieces described in the present disclosure may be flexible, rigid, or semi-rigid. Examples of flexible connector pieces include, without limitation, silicone and leather (or leather alternatives such as vegan leathers). Examples of rigid materials include, without limitation, various metals, including lightweight metals, and plastics. Connector pieces may be made using a combination of materials. Connector pieces including a D ring, split key ring, O ring, or carabiner may be a particularly useful in certain embodiments.

[0028] The key posts described in the present disclosure may be made of any material or combination of materials. Key posts may be different heights to allow for different thicknesses of embodiments, which would allow for different numbers of keys or accessories to be stored on the key post. Use of a key post with threading throughout to receive a male screw or bolt is expressly contemplated.

[0029] The fasteners described in the present disclosure can be made of any material or combination of materials. Fasteners made of various metals, including lightweight metals, are used in certain embodiments. Different types of fasteners are known in the art, and this disclosure includes all known fasteners. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this disclosure expressly includes screws, nails, bolts, mating fasteners (a combination of a female bolt/barrel and male screw or make bolt; may also be known as sex bolts with mating screws, connector bolts, architectural screws, binding screws, binding bolts, binding posts, Chicago screws, male and female bolts, post and screw, and/or threaded rivets), nuts, washers, rivets, anchors (including sleeve anchors), pins, studs, and threaded rods.

[0030] The present disclosure contemplates at least one focal area where traditional physical keys can be stored. As described above, key posts or certain fasteners may serve as such focal areas. Embodiments with more focal areas (e.g., two, three, and four) are expressly included in this disclosure. An embodiment with two or four focal areas may be particularly useful when attached (via any means described in this disclosure, but magnetic attachment and snap fit joints are expressly contemplated) to a cell phone case or wallet. As can be seen from the rest of this disclosure, objects other than traditional physical keys can be stored on such focal area(s). It is also understood that certain key fobs with an opening can be inserted onto the same focal area(s).

[0031] To the extent an embodiment has an internal battery, such battery may be replaceable or rechargeable.

[0032] Embodiments may include tracking devices, which may be built into, attached onto, or contained within (e.g., as if it were a traditional physical key) the key organizer. Tracking devices are known in the art, and embodiments of the present disclosure may utilize features of tracking devices such as making noise/playing a sound when searching for the key organizer, location of the key organizer appearing on a map on a smart phone or other electronic device, and being notified if your key organizer is more than a pre-specified distance from your smart phone or other electronic device.

[0033] This disclosure includes embodiments with other useful tools or accessories such as a flashlight, laser pointer, beacon light, flash drive, power bank, whistle, toothpick, pen, stylus, and/or hand tools (e.g., bottle opener, knife, scissors, cutters (e.g., seat belt cutter or web cutter), shears, screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, wire cutters, multi-tool, saws (including, without limitation, glass saws and wood saws), blades, ruler, level, wine opener, corkscrew, can opener, awl, combo tool, cigar cutter, divot repair tool, file, fish scaler, magnifying glass, bit driver, chisel, hook, spatula, needle, window breaker, glass breaker, carbide tool, box cutter, reamer, marlinspike, shackle-opener, sight adjustment tool, watch case opener, cuticle pusher, hoof cleaner, orange peeler, lemon zester, grater, carabiner, clip, tweezers, hammer (including emergency hammers), window punch, center punch pry bar, etc.) that may either be built into, attached onto, or contained within (e.g., as if it were a traditional physical key) the key organizer. The tools described in this paragraph may be built into, attached onto, or contained within (e.g., as if it were a traditional physical key) the key organizer.

[0034] For the sake of complete disclosure and clarity, when this disclosure uses the term window breaker, it is referring to a piece of metal (certain embodiments enhanced with a carbide, tungsten carbide, heavy carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, or other comparable material tip) that is used to break glass manually (as opposed to using a spring-loaded force). When this disclosure uses the term window punch,, it is referring to a tool used to break glass in a window that is spring-loaded. The glass breaking tip of a window punch may be made of the same materials as a window breaker described in the first sentence of this paragraph (carbide, tungsten carbide, heavy carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, or other comparable metal). A seat belt cutter is a sharp blade (certain embodiments made of stainless steel, but other comparable blade materials may be used) to allow a user to cut a seat belt quickly, which is particularly useful in the event of an emergency.

[0035] Key organizers of the present disclosure may include RFID blocking technologies known in the art. This may include using RFID blocking materials (e.g., as part of one or more plates) or an RFID-blocking insert (e.g., as if it were a traditional physical key on a focal area for traditional physical keys). Certain embodiments may include a self-contained faraday bag.

[0036] The traditional physical keys and/or tools or accessories stored in the same location as the traditional physical keys may optionally be accessed by operating a means for accessing them such as a switch button, lever, or switch located on the key organizer. The keys may come out of the side or end (e.g., top or bottom). In some embodiments the means for accessing (e.g., a button, lever, or switch) is connected to a bar so that all keys are pushed out at the same time. The bar and/or other keys impacted by releasing the mechanism may be put back into place one at a time or all together. The means for accessing the keys out includes any means known in the art. Without limiting the foregoing, the use of a spring is used in certain embodiments.

[0037] The Examples provided below are provided as exemplary embodiments only and are not intended to limit the scope of disclosure above. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, it is understood that the Examples below may include, without limitation: (i) modification of the components (e.g., plate(s) and connector piece(s)) to include accessories such as clips, carabiners, rings, or a means for attaching the key organizer to another object or attaching another object to the key organizer; (ii) non-physical key(s) that may be built into, attached onto, or contained within the key organizer; (iii) tools or accessories that may be built into, attached onto, or contained within the key organizer; and/or (iv) the use of a means for accessing the traditional physical keys and/or other objects stored in the same location such as a button, lever, or switch. As a non-limiting example, if one example includes the use of a button, lever, or switch to access the physical keys and/or other objects stored with the physical keys, it does not mean that the disclosure does not contemplate the use of a button, lever, or switch to access the physical keys and/or other objects stored with the physical keys in other examples or embodiments.

EXAMPLE 1

[0038] A key organizer comprising: (i) a longitudinal top plate; (ii) a key post; (iii) a fastener; and (iv) a means for pushing traditional physical keys to the longitudinal top plate. This embodiment does not rely on the use of a connector piece. The key post is attached to bottom side of the longitudinal top plate leaving the bottom of the key post open to receiving a male screw or male bolt up from the bottom. The attachment may be by any means described above, but for this example, it is molded as one piece with the longitudinal top plate. Using a mating fastener system (instead of molding as one piece) wherein the female bolt portion of the mating fastener system runs down through a hole in the longitudinal top plate is expressly contemplated. Use of a mating fastener system would allow for the use of different lengths of bolt to accommodate a different number of keys or tools. The means for pushing traditional physical keys to a plate used in this example is a spring on the key post. Washers or spacers on the key post may also be used in addition to or in replacement of the spring.

[0039] As would be understood by a person in the art, a notch in the longitudinal top plate is not needed because a user can access the keys from the bottom.

[0040] For purely exemplary purposes, and without any limitations, further embodiments related to this Example 1 may include: (1) where a key fob is built into or attached onto the longitudinal top plate; (2) where a window breaker is built into or attached onto the longitudinal top plate; or (3) where a window punch is built into or attached onto, or contained within the longitudinal top plate. The features of embodiment (1) of this paragraph may be combined with the features of embodiment (2) of this paragraph or embodiment (3) of this paragraph to make two additional exemplary, non-limiting embodiments.

EXAMPLE 2

[0041] The text of Example 1 is incorporated herein by reference (including the different embodiments disclosed at the end of Example 1). In addition to what is disclosed in Example 1, this Example 2 contemplates the use of an additional plate running perpendicular to the longitudinal top plate. The additional plate may be attached by any means described above, but for this example, it is molded as one piece with the longitudinal top plate. Using a fastener (instead of molding as one piece) would allow for changing the height of the plate.

[0042] The additional plate described in this Example 2 should be placed far enough from the key post to allow for organization of traditional physical keys. As compared to an embodiment without this additional plate, the embodiment of this Example 2 stores more easily in a pocket or bag because the keys are more enclosed.

EXAMPLE 3

[0043] A key organizer comprising: (i) a longitudinal top plate; (ii) a longitudinal bottom plate; (iii) two fasteners; and (iv) a means for pushing traditional physical keys to the longitudinal top plate.

[0044] The longitudinal top plate is connected to a longitudinal bottom plate using two mating fasteners. The screw portion of the mating fastener goes down through the longitudinal top plate and into the bolt portion, which ran up through the longitudinal bottom plate. This embodiment does not rely on the use of a connector piece. The means for pushing traditional physical keys to the longitudinal top plate is a mechanical apparatus affixed to the longitudinal bottom plate on one end and a floating portion floating near the longitudinal top plate next to the focal area for keys (one of the fasteners). Any other means for pushing the traditional physical keys to the longitudinal top plate disclosed in the present disclosure (e.g., spring or washers/spacers on the bolt portion of the fastener) could be used instead of the mechanical apparatus described in this Example 3. Using springs would allow both fasteners to be used as a focal area for traditional physical keys and/or tools/accessories because the apparatus would not be in the way of the keys.

[0045] One or more notches (depending on the length of the key organizer) may be included in one or both of the longitudinal top plate and longitudinal bottom plate for ease of access to the traditional physical keys. As would be understood by a person of skill in the art, an embodiment could be made using a means for accessing the traditional physical keys and/or other objects stored in the same location such as a button, lever, or switch.

[0046] For purely exemplary purposes, and without any limitations, further embodiments related to this Example 3 may include: (1) where a key fob is built into or attached onto the longitudinal top plate; (2) where a window breaker is built into or attached onto the longitudinal bottom plate or the longitudinal top plate; or (3) where a window punch is built into or attached onto the longitudinal bottom plate or the longitudinal top plate. The features of embodiment (1) of this paragraph may be combined with the features of embodiment (2) of this paragraph or embodiment (3) of this paragraph to make two additional exemplary, non-limiting embodiments.

EXAMPLE 4

[0047] A key organizer comprising: (i) a longitudinal top plate; (ii) a connector piece; (iii) a key post; (iv) two fasteners; and (iv) a means for pushing traditional physical keys to the longitudinal top plate. The longitudinal top plate is attached to a flexible connector piece (e.g., silicone) with a fastener at one end, and at the other end, it has a key post attached to it. The key post is open to receiving a male screw or male bolt up from the bottom that goes through the other end of the connector piece to create a loop underneath the longitudinal top plate. Traditional physical keys are inserted on the key post, and the size of the loop created by the connector piece should be long enough to fit the traditional physical keys or other tools or accessories stored on the key post between the key post and the other end of the connector piece. The means for pushing traditional physical keys to the top longitudinal plate used in this example is a spring that is placed on the key post. Washers or spacers may also be used in addition to or in replacement of the spring.

[0048] A notch in the longitudinal top plate is made to assist the user in accessing the traditional physical keys.

[0049] For purely exemplary purposes, and without any limitations, further embodiments related to this Example 4 may include: (1) where a key fob is built into, attached onto, or contained within the longitudinal top plate; (2) where a window breaker is built into, attached onto, or contained within the longitudinal top plate; or (3) where a window punch is built into, attached onto, or contained within the longitudinal top plate. The features of embodiment (1) of this paragraph may be combined with the features of embodiment (2) of this paragraph or embodiment (3) of this paragraph to make two additional exemplary, non-limiting embodiments.