Abstract:
The invention provides an apparatus to retractably store multiple keys. The apparatus is designed to permit a user to install up to eight (8) custom keys in a compact “key wallet.” Individual keys are pivotally deployed by pressing a designated button on the apparatus and are returned to a stowed position by rotating the key back into the apparatus until it locks into position. The apparatus uses a spring-loaded key release mechanism to release and retract the keys.

Description:
STATEMENT OF PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application is being filed as a nonprovisional application under 35 U.S.C. §111(a) and 37 CFR §1.53(b) claiming priority to provisional application No. 61/561,033 filed on Nov. 17, 2011 and provisional application No. 61/564,625 filed on Nov. 29, 2011. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates generally to key storage devices and in particular to an apparatus to retractably store multiple keys. The apparatus is designed to permit a user to install up to eight (8) custom keys in a compact “key wallet.” Individual keys are deployed by pressing a designated button on the apparatus and are returned to a stowed position by rotating the key back into the apparatus until it locks into position. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Key storage devices are known. Some known key storage apparatus include keys that are retractable or that pivot out of a case. However, typically these key storage apparatus are bulky and only contain one key. Generally, these keys are for automobiles and include several other buttons and mechanisms on the key fob, resulting in a bulky storage apparatus which only stores one designated key. 
         [0004]    Some key storage devices store multiple keys. Some key storage devices even incorporate a pivoting key, however, none of these key storage devices utilize a retaining pin/spring arrangement. Moreover, none of the known key storage devices use an adapter that enables the installation of multiple standard or original keys in the storage apparatus. 
         [0005]    Therefore, there is a need in the art for a compact, convenient, easy to use and attractive key storage device that is capable of being loaded by its user with standard keys for easy use and organization of same. There is also a need for a compact, flat device that will not damage fabric, such as a person&#39;s pants or purse as will happen when loose keys are carried on a regular key chain. 
         [0006]    There is a further need in the art for an apparatus that allows users to conveniently store, carry and use household and other common keys (e.g. keys for locks, auto, safe boxes, and the like) in a device that organizes the keys and can conveniently deploy a specific, user-selected key at the push of a button. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The apparatus of the present invention is a multi-key storage and individual key spring ejection case hereinafter referred to as the “JJETT KEY”. The JJETT KEY is a two-sided multi-key storage and individual key spring ejection apparatus equipped with a flashlight capable of illuminating each end of the JJETT KEY. In a smaller, slimmer version, the JJETT KEY is capable of housing up to four (4) individual keys and in a larger version the JJETT KEY stores up to eight (8) keys. In the eight key apparatus, each side contains four (4) keys. 
         [0008]    The JJETT KEY includes customized industry-standard key “blanks” that are capable of being easily removed in order to have each cut to a desired existing key and then inserted back into the JJETT KEY for easy access and use. Each JJETT KEY customized key is individually released from a locked position by depressing a release button spring mechanism built into the JJETT KEY. The released individual JJETT KEY customized key automatically swivels 180 degrees with aid of an internal spring mechanism into a locked horizontal position for use. 
         [0009]    Once deployed, a key is retracted into the case by depressing the “key release” button and manually folding the key into the JJETT KEY case until it locks into the closed position. 
         [0010]    The JJETT KEY&#39;s flashlight can be activated by depressing the flashlight button located in the center of each side of the JJETT KEY and the individual connected industry manufactured bulb or LED located at each center end of the JJETT KEY will illuminate as powered by an industry-standard compact battery (e.g. CR 2025). The JJETT KEY case may be manufactured from custom molded plastic and metal parts, and constructed and assembled from industry standard materials such as plastic, rubber, metal, alloys, washers, screws, nuts, springs, wiring (copper, aluminum, etc.). 
         [0011]    The JJETT KEY apparatus is assembled from multiple “plate” components, including two external “cover plates”, two internal “key plates” and one internal “middle plate”. The cover plates are located on the outside of the apparatus and generally form the housing. Each cover plate has openings for deployment buttons for up to four (4) keys. Each cover plate also includes a central button used to activate an LED flashlight located in the middle plate. The inner portion of each cover plate also includes a semi-circular groove and pin lock orifice for guiding and locking the rotation of a key release button (also referred to hereinafter as a retaining pin) which holds each of the keys in place. The key release buttons include a protruding guide pin which rides on the groove. The key release button is also equipped with an inner spring that rotates the attached key into the deployed position when the guide pin is depressed to release it front the pin lock orifice. The key release button and inner spring are anchored in openings located on the middle plate. The key release buttons are inserted through opening in the key plates where the keys themselves are also installed. In some embodiments, the apparatus is adapted to equip only specially designed keys that have the correct geometry to permit insertion of the key release buttons and guide pins. In other embodiments, an adapter is included that permits a standard key to be inserted in the apparatus. 
         [0012]    Although the invention is illustrated and described herein in reference to a specific embodiment, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to only the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. The construction of the invention, however, together with additional objects, features, and advantages thereof will be best understood and appreciated from the following detailed description of the embodiments thereof, selected for purposes of illustration and shown in the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is an overall top and side perspective plan view of the JJETT KEY. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is an overall bottom and side perspective plan view of the JJETT KEY. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a side perspective view of the JJETT KEY. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of the JJETT KEY. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is an exploded view of the JJETT KEY. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a top plan view of the top cover plate A of the JJETT KEY. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is an angle perspective plan view of the top cover plate A of the JJETT KEY. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a conceptual “see through” plan view of the top cover plate A to key plate A and keys. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a underside plan view of the underside of the cover plate A. 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a top plan view of the topside of key plate A. 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a top plan view of the topside of key plate B. 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is an underside plan view of key plate A. 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is an underside plan view of key plate B. 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  is a top plan view of the topside of the mid plate. 
           [0027]      FIG. 15  is a perspective plan view of the mid plate. 
           [0028]      FIG. 16  is a side view plan of the mid plate. 
           [0029]      FIG. 17  is a side view plan of the front of the mid plate. 
           [0030]      FIG. 18  is an underside plan view of the underside of the mid plate. 
           [0031]      FIG. 19  is a top plan view of cover plate B. 
           [0032]      FIG. 20  is a perspective top plan view of cover plate B. 
           [0033]      FIG. 21  is an underside plan view of the underside of cover plate B. 
           [0034]      FIG. 22  is a perspective underside plan view of cover plate B. 
           [0035]      FIG. 23  is a conceptual “see through” plan view of the top cover plate B to key plate B and keys. 
           [0036]      FIG. 24  is an exploded plan showing the key release mechanism. 
           [0037]      FIG. 25  is a detailed view of the key release mechanism. 
           [0038]      FIG. 26  is a step by step view of the key release motion detail. 
           [0039]      FIG. 27  is an exploded plan depicting the placement and assembly of the release button within the JJETT KEY plates. 
           [0040]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view plan of the mid plate showing the lighting assembly. 
           [0041]      FIG. 29  is a side view of the mid plate showing the lighting assembly. 
           [0042]      FIG. 30  is a top plan view of the topside of the mid plate with the lighting assembly. 
           [0043]      FIG. 31  is an underside plan view of the underside of the mid plate with the lighting assembly. 
           [0044]      FIG. 32  is a detailed side view of the lighting assembly. 
           [0045]      FIG. 33  is an exploded view of JJETT KEY, lighting assembly and bulb housing. 
           [0046]      FIG. 34  is an exploded view of the JJETT KEY and the fasteners. 
           [0047]      FIG. 35  is a left and right side view of the key adapter. 
           [0048]      FIG. 36  is an exploded view of the key pin. 
           [0049]      FIG. 37  is a step by step view of use of the adapter with an original key. 
           [0050]      FIG. 38  is a picture of an embodiment of the JJETT KEY. 
           [0051]      FIG. 39  is a picture of the side of an embodiment of the JJETT KEY. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0052]    Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The present invention can be best understood by referring to the enclosed drawings and the following explanation. 
         [0053]    The JJETT KEY casing or housing is assembled primarily and basically from five (5) individual proprietary custom designed molded manufactured plastic plates referred to and illustrated in the attached drawing sheets. 
         [0054]      FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3  and  4  depict the top, bottom, side, frontal perspective plan views of the JJETT KEY. The JJETT KEY  1  apparatus is assembled from multiple “plate” components, including two external cover plates  2  and  4 , two internal key plates and one internal middle plate  5 . The cover plates  2  and  4  are located on the outside of the apparatus  1  and generally form the housing. Each cover plate  2  and  4  has openings for four (4) spring-loaded key release mechanism buttons  6  (also known herein as key release buttons) for up to four (4) keys. Each cover plate  2  and  4  also includes a central button  7  and  7   d  respectively used to activate an LED flashlight  8  located in the middle plate  5 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 5  depicts an exploded view of the JJETT KEY  1  illustrating how all the main JJETT KEY plates fit together. First is the cover plate A  2 . Directly below cover plate A  2  is key plate A  9 . In the middle is the middle plate  5 , followed by key plate B  10 , then cover plate B  4 . Detailed illustrations and descriptions of each plate are as follows:
       Cover plate A—See  FIGS. 6-9  for details.   Key plate A—See  FIGS. 10 and 12  for details.   Middle plate—See  FIGS. 14-18  for details.   Key plate B—See  FIGS. 11 and 13  for details.   Cover plate B—See  FIGS. 19-23  for details.       
 
         [0061]      FIGS. 6-9  depict the cover plate A  2  of the JJETT KEY  1 . These figures detail the topside and underside plan views, angle perspective and conceptual “see through” plan views of cover plate A  2 . Cover plate A  2  is shown as a plastic domed molded case cover. Two attachment hex screw openings  11   a  are located in cover plate A  2  to allow for removal and fastening of the cover plate A  2  so as to access keys placed on key plate A  9 . Located in the center of cover plate A  2  is one flashlight on and off button contact switch opening  7   a.  The cover plate A  2  also includes four spring key release mechanism button openings  6   a.  On one end of the cover plate A  2 , there is a molded key ring fastener (for key chain, etc.) loop  12 . Cover plate A  2  contains an edge piece  15  on each of its longer sides, which serves to overlap, encase and seal internal plates.  FIG. 9  shows the underside of cover plate A  2  with a view of openings and grooves found thereon. There are four guide ½ circle curve grooves  13  for the key release button  6 . There is one small hole  14   a  and  14   b  at each end of each ½ circle guide groove  13  to lock key release guide pin  6   c  and thereby the key  3 . 
         [0062]    As shown in  FIG. 8 , when released from its locked position within the JJETT KEY  1  housing, by depressing the release mechanism button  6 , the customized key  3  ejects and swivels 180° to its open and locked position for use. In order to return the key  3  into its original locked position within the JJETT KEY  1  housing, the release mechanism button  6  must be depressed and the key  3  manually folded back into the JJETT KEY  1  housing until it locks into the closed position. 
         [0063]      FIGS. 10-13  depict the two key plates—key plates “A” and “B”, unto which the keys are set.  FIGS. 10 and 12  illustrate the top and underside plan views of key plate A  9  and  FIGS. 11 and 13  illustrate the top and underside plan views of key plate B  10 . Key plate A  9  and key plate B  10  can be plastic molded casing key plates. On both key plates A  9  and B  10 , there are four (4) molded raised spacers  16  to allow free movement of key release mechanism button  6  and customized JJETT keys  3 . There are four (4) holes or openings  6   b  for key release mechanism buttons  6 . There are four (4) curved ½ circle openings  13   a  for key release mechanism button guide pin  6   c.  There are four (4) pass through screw holes  17  to fasten key plate A  9  and key plate B  10  onto the middle plate  5  top and underside respectively. Key plates A  9  and B  10  also include one (1) central hole  7   b  to secure and pass through flashlight on and off button  7  and wiring/contact. There are also two (2) pass through holes  11   b  for cover plates A  2  and B  4  hex screw fastening. 
         [0064]      FIGS. 14-18  depict the top and underside of the middle plate  5 . The middle plate  5  is the center of the JJETT KEY assembly  1  and contains the flashlight wiring, bulb bases, screw anchor mounts, as well as, the release mechanism coil spring molded anchors. The middle plate  5  is shown as having a topside and underside, and they differ from each other. The top side and angled perspective plan views are illustrated in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the middle plate&#39;s  5  frontal and side plan views are illustrated in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , and the middle plate&#39;s  5  underside plan view is shown in  FIG. 18 . The middle plate  5  is shown as a plastic molded plate. There are four identical plastic molded coil spring anchors  18  on each the top and underside of the middle plate  5 . There is one molded light bulb saddle  19  at each end of the middle plate  5 . There are two threaded screw mounts lie for hex screw fasteners for both cover plates A  2  and B  4  to middle plate  5  topside and underside. There are four (4) threaded screw mounts  17   a  for fasteners of both key plates A  9  and B  10  to the middle plate  5  topside and underside. 
         [0065]    On the topside of middle plate  5 , there is one battery housing  22 . The battery housing  22  is not an opening. The battery sets into the molded “saddle” containing the contact wiring grooves  23  to the bulbs. The light bulb power wiring is seated in a contact groove  23  to each bulb. The middle plate  5  also includes one opening  24  for flashlight wiring/contact to pass through to the cover plate B  4 . There are eight (8) identical key release buttons  6  with guide and release pin  6   c,  internal coiled and tensioned springs  6   d  anchored  6   e  within the release button assembly.  FIG. 18  illustrates the underside of the middle plate  5 . The lighting battery saddle  22 , wiring grooves  23  and bulb saddles  19  are not on the underside of the middle plate  5 , rather they are only found on the top side of the middle plate  5 . 
         [0066]      FIGS. 19-23  depict the top, underside, angled perspective, and see through plan views of cover plate B  4 . There are two (2) attachment hex screw openings  11   c  to remove and fasten the cover plate B  4  so as to access keys  3  placed on key plate B  10 . There is one flashlight on and off button contact switch opening  7   c.  There are four (4) spring key release button openings of for keys on key plate B  10 . Cover plate B  4  also includes four (4) guide ½ circle curve grooves  13   b  for key release guide pin  6   c.  There is one (1) small hole  32   a  and  32   b  at each end of each guide ½ circle groove  13   b  to lock key release guide pin  6   c  and thereby the key  3 . 
         [0067]      FIGS. 24 ,  25  and  26  depict the key release button  6  assembly and motion concept. This mechanism is a custom molded item that when depressed releases and automatically swivels a key  3  into the open and locked position for use. The key release button  6  is secured and guided through the guide pin  6   c  which is fitted into the cover plate A  2  and cover plate B  4  ½ circle guide grooves  13  and  13   b.  The key release button  6  (also referred to as retaining pin) is hollow so that it houses a coiled and tensioned spring  6   d  anchored  18  within so that the spring  6   d  is tensioned when turned up to 180° and swivels to its original positioned (open) when released. The coiled spring also causes the release button  6  to move vertically and automatically springs back into position after it has been manually depressed. 
         [0068]    The key release button  6  is designed for manual depression to unlock it from its closed position. Once depressed, the tensioned spring  6   d  forces the key release button  6  and thus the attached key  3  to swivel up to 180°. The key release button guide pin  6   c  swivels within the restraints of the ½ circle (180°) guide grooves  13  and  13   b  until it reaches the end of the grooves  13  and  13   b  where pin holes (i.e.  14   a  and  14   b ) are present to allow the pin  6   c  to spring  6   d  into the hole  14   a  thus locking the mechanism and attached key  3  in place. To release the key  3  from its open and locked position the key release button  6  is depressed and the key  3  manually folded back into the JJETT KEY case  1  until the guide pin  6   c  springs into the opposite pin hole (i.e.  14   b ) and locks the key  3  into its original the closed position. 
         [0069]      FIG. 27  depicts the placement and assembly of the key release button  6  within the JJETT KEY plates. Each key release button  6  assembly is placed on the middle plate  5 , on both the topside and underside directly over the molded spring anchors  18 . Once in place then they are overlain by key plate A  9  and key plate B  10 . The key plates A  9  and B  10  are then secured with screws  45  (see  FIG. 34 ) onto middle plate  5 . After the key plates A  9  and B  10  are secured in place then the keys  3  are placed over and onto the key release button  6  and guide pin  6   c.  Once the keys  3  have been placed into position then they are overlain with cover plates A  2  and B  4 . The cover plate A  2  and cover plate B  4  are secured to the middle plate  5  with hex screws  44  (see  FIG. 34 ) that pass through key plate A  9  and key plate B  10 . 
         [0070]      FIGS. 28-32  depict the JJETT KEY  1  lighting or flashlight contact assembly.  FIG. 32  shows the lighting contact in detail. The on and off button  7  activates the light and is located on cover plate A  2 . Located on the topside is a top coil spring  34 . The lighting contact assembly also includes metal strip contacts for the topside  35   a  and for the underside  35   b.  Shown in  FIG. 30  is battery housing metal contacts  36 . As shown in  FIG. 32 , the lighting contact assembly uses a typical button battery  37 , for example, a CR 2025-3V battery. Located on the underside is a underside coil spring  39 . The coil springs  34  and  39  are seated in a coil spring housing  38  on both the topside and the underside. The underside lighting on and off button  7   d  is located within cover plate B  4 . 
         [0071]      FIG. 33  is an exploded view of JJETT KEY  1 , lighting assembly and bulb housing.  FIG. 33  depicts the lighting on and off button  7  and  7   d  assemblies, as well as the battery  37  placement, wiring  41  and bulbs  43  within and throughout the JJETT KEY  1  case. LED bulbs  43  are seated at each end of the JJETT KEY  1  case and they are turned on by depressing the lighting on and off buttons  7  and  7   d  located in the centers of both cover plate A  2  and cover plate B  4 . When depressed and held in place, the lighting on and off buttons  7  and  7   d  cause the metal strips  35   a  and  35   b  to contact and create power continuity to the bulbs  43  and they illuminate. When the lighting on and off buttons  7  and  7   d  are no longer depressed the coil springs  34  and  39  cause the metal strips  35   a  and  35   b  to disengage, thereby disrupting the power flow to the bulbs  43  and the light turns off. Also shown is the wiring  41  from the battery saddle  22  to the bulb saddle  19 . Seated within the bulb housings  42  are LED bulbs  43 . Optionally, the lighting assembly could include a timer, such that the light would automatically turn off after a set amount of time. 
         [0072]      FIG. 34  depicts the JJETT KEY  1  plates and fasteners. There are eight (8) flush fitting Philip screws  45 . Four Philip screws  45  fasten key plate A  9  into threaded holes  17   a  located in the middle plate  5  topside; and four Philip screws  45  that fasten key plate B  10  into threaded holes  17   a  located in the middle plate  5  underside. There are four hex screws  44 . Two hex screws  44  fasten cover plate A  2  into threaded holes  11   c  located on the topside of the middle plate  5 . The other two hex screws  44  fasten cover plate B  4  into threaded holes  11   c  located on the underside of the middle plate  5 . Also shown in the JJETT KEY  1  apparatus are eight (8) frictionless industry standard washers  46 . A washer  46  is used at each key location, to assist the keys  3  to swivel freely as necessary for ejection when deployed. 
         [0073]      FIGS. 35 ,  36  and  37  depict an optional original key adaptor which allows the apparatus of the present invention to utilize existing keys  52  without the necessity of using a customized key blank. The original key adaptor  47  is a clam shell shaped key clamp. It is constructed of a tin or other suitable metal outer shell  49  with a rubberized inner lining  48  that contacts both key sides. The original key adaptor  47  can also be constructed of a hard plastic with a rubber washer or surround which creates enough friction to stop the key and hold it in place when deployed. The original key adaptor  47  is ridged yet flexible enough to clamp down when fastened and hold the key  52  in place restricting free movement or rotation of the key. The original key adaptor  47  is made so that an original key  52  can be easily squeezed into the clamp&#39;s jaws so that the clamp hole  50  and the key&#39;s ring hole  51  line up. 
         [0074]    Once an original key  52  is inserted into the original key adaptor  47  it will be secured by screwing down the anchor nut  53 . The original key adaptor  47  will sit on a protruding circular ridge  55  of the key pin  56  so that it cannot slide down. The tighter the anchor nut  53  is made the harder it is to rotate the key  52 . A set of washers  54  on either side of the key  52  will assist to secure the key  52  in place. 
         [0075]    An optional original key adaptor  47  set is available in order to use an original key  52  in the JJETT KEY  1  case and utilize as described above. Most typical keys  52  can be utilized without the need of the customized JJETT KEY  1 . The JJETT KEY  1  case and original key adaptor  47  set are primarily constructed from molded plastic(s) and metal(s), and constructed and assembled from industry standard materials such as plastic(s), rubber(s), metal(s), alloys, washers screws, nuts, springs, wiring (copper, aluminum, etc.). 
         [0076]      FIG. 37  provides a step by step illustration of the installation of an existing original key  52  in the original key adapter  47 . In step  1 , the anchor nut  53  is removed. In step  2 , the adaptor clamp  47  is slid off of the key pin  56 . In step  3 , the original key  52  is slid into the adaptor clamp  47  and the key ring hole  51  is aligned with the adaptor hole  50 . In step  4 , the aligned key  52  and the adaptor clamp  47  are slid onto the key pin  56  until seated. In step  5 , the anchor nut  53  is replaced back onto the key pin  56  and securely tightened. 
         [0077]      FIGS. 38 and 39  are pictures of an embodiment of the JJETT KEY  1  device.  FIG. 38  shows the topside of cover plate A  2 . Two keys  3  have been deployed. The JJETT KEY  1  device is composed of a black cover plate A  2  and the four key release buttons  6   a  are different colors (i.e. yellow, red, blue and green). The user can designate a particular color to a specific key  3 , so that the user knows which key  3  he is deploying. Also shown are two hex screws  44  and the lighting on and off button  7 .  FIG. 39  is a picture of the side of an embodiment of the JJETT KEY  1 . This embodiment is able to contain eight (8) keys  3 . The sides of four (4) of the keys  3  are visible. The keys  3  are not deployed. This embodiment is designed to be approximately 30 mm in width. Visible in the upper cover plate A  2  are the lighting on and off button  7 , the key release buttons  6 , and the key ring fastener loop  12 . The keys  3  surround the middle plate  5 . Visible in the lower cover plate  4  are the key release buttons  6  and the lighting on and off button  7   d.    
         [0078]    In an alternate embodiment, other accessories may be utilized in the storage device in addition to or in place of the keys. Accessories may include a USB drive, files, openers, screwdrivers, etc. Accessories may include any desired implement that would fit in place of a key. The accessories would be deployed according to the mechanism used by the keys. 
         [0079]    Although described above in connection with a specific embodiment, this is not meant to be limiting, as other retractable key storage apparatus and various plates can be made in accordance with the description herein. As such, although the invention is illustrated and described herein, various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.