Abstract:
An improved key ring tool for adding or removing keys or accessories. The new design will attach and detach from the key ring without spreading the key ring, remain attached to the ring and help to locate specific keys via the visual location of the device.

Description:
REFERENCE TO A PRIOR APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/069,738 filed Mar. 18, 2008 with the title Improved Key Ring Tool. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention pertains to split key rings and more particularly to a device for spreading apart the adjacent segments of a split key ring that are spring-urged together. This is to facilitate moving a key or accessory onto or off of the split key ring. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The split key ring is commonly used by many and is a great device because of its reliability for storing keys or small accessories in a convenient manner. The typical key ring is of a conventional construction and comprises a single length of spring wire of steel or the like which may be of a somewhat concave-convex cross section. The wire is shaped on known machinery to form a pair of substantially congruent circles or coils that are abutting throughout and are coaxial. The circles or coils are joined by a crossover section of the spring material, this crossover section being offset from each circle. The crossover section defines in cooperation with the opposite ends of the wire, a pair of access openings at which a key may be inserted or removed from the key ring. But it can be difficult to add or remove keys or accessories or even find specific keys or accessories quickly when one has many keys or accessories on their key ring(s). The most common method of adding or removing keys or accessories is using your fingernail or thumbnail to lift one of the ends of the wire, which can be painful at times. Others resort to using a knife or other sharp objects to lift an end, which can be dangerous. 
         [0004]    Numerous key ring devices have been described, for example in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,681,608; 5,722,277; 4,719,778; 4,790,161; 4,706,477; 4,543,860; and 4,325,273. These patents describe devices to add or remove keys from a key ring. A need still exists for a device which may be easily inserted or removed from a key ring without separating the coils in the manner of adding or removing a key. It is also desired to have a device that does not utilize a chain or other means to attach to the key ring, but is securely stored on the same key ring ready for use. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    This invention described in the following text and illustrations is multi-functional and easier to use than previous devices. In one aspect of the invention, a key ring tool is described for spreading apart the collapsed helical coils of a key ring, said key ring tool comprising: a) a pointed spreader tip for insertion between two adjacent coils of the key ring, b) a holding pad attached to and in the same plane as the spreader tip, and c) an edge strip in the same plane as the holding pad, said edge strip enclosing the spreader tip by extending from one side of the holding pad around the spreader tip to a second point on the holding pad defining a containment area, the width of said containment area is larger than a sectional dimension of the key ring, whereas the edge strip further comprises a gap defined by two opposing segments of the edge strip. The dimension of the gap in the edge strip is preferably less than the sectional dimension of the key ring particularly in crossover area. 
         [0006]    In a second aspect of the invention, the gap in the edge strip is closer to one side of the holding pad forming a longer edge strip segment and a shorter edge strip segment. Preferably, this longer length edge strip allows a key ring to be inserted into the containment area by temporarily deflecting when a key ring is pushed through the gap. 
         [0007]    In a further aspect of the invention, a key ring tool is-described for spreading apart a key ring comprising a plurality of collapsed coils, said key ring tool comprising: a) a holding pad, b) a pointed spreader comprising a tip and a base with a first side and a second side, wherein the pointed spreader base is attached to and in substantially the same plane as the holding pad, c) a deflection arm in substantially the same plane as the holding pad and attached to the holding pad adjacent the first side of the base of the pointed spreader, said deflection arm extending around the tip of the spreader to attach to the holding pad adjacent the second side of the base of the pointed spreader, said deflection arm defining a containment area in the space between the pointed spreader and the deflection arm, and d) the deflection arm further comprising a gap adjacent one of the first or second sides of the base of pointed spreader. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  is a front view of the key ring tool T showing the features of the device. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view showing positioning of the key ring tool T for installing it on a split key ring R. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a side or edge view of a key ring R with the key ring tool T in the proper position prior to spreading the key ring R. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  shows the key ring tool T pushed into position, spreading the key ring R and in preparation for a key K or accessory to be slid on the key ring R. 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  shows the key ring tool T in position with a key K partially slid onto the spread key ring R. 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  shows the key ring tool T and a key K on a key ring R in the normal storage position. 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  is a front view of the key ring tool T showing optional features of the device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0015]    This invention is multifaceted as it addresses: insertion and removal of the tool, storage, positioning, ease of use, low cost manufacturability and can serve as reference to quickly find specific keys or devices. In addition, other features may be added by modifying the holding pad design. An LED light with a small coin cell battery could be incorporated into an expanded holding area, which would make it easy to position a key into a lock in the dark. Also by modifying the holding area to receive printing or mold impressions, the key ring tool could be imprinted or molded with advertising or company logos the way key fobs are used as promotional or advertising articles. This type of advertising article is commonly utilized by car dealerships, real estate people, and other companies as give away devices away to advertise their organization. 
         [0016]    This new key ring tool has numerous features. In addition to the basic function of spreading the helical coils on a conventional circular key ring, it can easily be moved between keys without spreading the key ring thus marking the location of certain keys on the ring. It is substantially self-centering as it hangs on the key ring prior to spreading the helical rings. Thus, it is very easy to align the spreader tip with the mating surface of the helical rings of a key ring. When the tool is inserted and the helical rings are spread, the key ring tool virtually snaps into place as the coils of the rings move into the recessed areas of the spreader  5 . This allows the user to use one hand for holding the key ring and the other hand for holding the key or accessory when adding or removing keys or accessories. To accommodate insertion or removal of large keys or accessories, a second recessed area may be provided on the spreader allowing a larger separation of the coils of the ring by engaging the spreader tip deeper into the opening between the coils of the ring. 
         [0017]    Preferably, the device is a plastic molded part that is very cost effective to manufacture. It can easily be molded of different colors. This allows it to be used as a key or device locator when placed on the key ring next to a key or accessory that has frequent or special use. Furthermore it is self-storing on the key ring, ready to use on an adjacent key or accessory. 
         [0018]      FIG. 1  shows the front view of the key ring tool T depicting each of the specific areas of functionality: the access portal or gap  1 , the quick locator area  2 , the pointed spreader tip  3 , the spreader wedge (can be straight or stepped)  4 , the recessed area of the spreader  5 , the holding pad  6 , the deflection arm  7 , the containment area  8 . The recessed area of the spreader is actually a pair of recesses, one on each side of the spreader. 
         [0019]      FIG. 2  shows the key ring tool T, partially installed on a typical expandable key ring R. Conventional key rings are generally comprised of two collapsed coils that can be drawn apart along a direction parallel to the axis of the collapsed coils as shown in  FIG. 4 . A crossover area is usually present on a conventional key ring where the two ends of the collapsed coils nearly meet to complete a second complete turn. The crossover area is a section of a single coil thickness offset to accommodate the transition from the first coil to the second coil. The installation of the key ring tool is achieved by pushing down on the tool T, while holding the key ring tool T with the thumb and forefinger on the holding pad  6  with the access portal or gap  1  positioned such that only the longer end of the deflection arm  7  is in contact with the key ring R, preferably in the cross over section  9  of the key ring R. Once sufficient pressure is applied, the deflection arm  7  will deflect enough to enlarge the gap in the access portal  1 , such that the section of the key ring R can slide through the access portal  1 . Prior to deflection, the gap in the arm should be smaller than a section of a single coil. This deflection arm gap dimension is preferably in the range of 0.025 to 0.2 cm (0.01 to 0.08 inches). With the gap smaller than a section of the key ring, inadvertent removal is substantially eliminated. 
         [0020]    Once a section of the key ring R has completely passed through the access portal  1  of the key ring tool T, the key ring tool T will be installed on the key ring R. Retention of the tool on the ring is substantially secure as a positive effort is required for removal. The key ring tool, when released, will now hang from the key ring as shown in  FIG. 3  or  FIG. 6  contacting the key ring at the quick locator area  2  in the containment area  8  of the key ring tool T. Removal is easily accomplished by reversing the procedure. This feature of easy insertion and removal combined with secure retention on the ring is an improvement over earlier described devices. 
         [0021]    The location of the access portal  1  is preferably close to the holding pad  6  on one side of the containment area. This creates a long deflection arm  7  in the edge strip around the pointed spreader tip. A longer deflection arm is desirable to minimize the force needed to enlarge the gap sufficiently to install or remove the tool from a key ring. A gap or access portal in the quick locator area  2  is to be avoided to minimize the chance for inadvertent removal of the key ring tool from the key ring as it hangs on the ring. A longer deflection arm also creates the hook shape of the quick locator area  2 . The tool hangs from this hook when stored on a ring. 
         [0022]    The shape of the deflection arm generally follows that of the pointed spreader around its tip as shown in  FIG. 1 . The separation between the deflection arm and the pointed spreader forms the containment area  8 . The distance from the deflection arm to the spreader should be sufficient to accommodate the sectional area of both coils of a key ring as shown in  FIG. 3 . This dimension may be as small as 0.2 cm (0.08 inches) and as large as 0.32 cm (0.125 inches). 
         [0023]      FIG. 3  shows the key ring tool T, installed on the key ring R, positioned with the quick locator area  2  (see  FIG. 1 ) against key ring R with the pointed spreader tip  3  of the key ring tool T directly below the mating surfaces of the two helical rings  10  of the key ring R. The dimension of the quick locator area of the key ring tool is preferably sufficient to accommodate the two coils of the key ring as shown in  FIG. 3 . This also is the correct position of the key ring R and key ring tool T prior to spreading the coil for installing or removing keys K or accessories from the key ring R. 
         [0024]      FIG. 4  shows the key ring R after the pointed spreader tip  3  and spreader wedge  4  of the key ring tool T has been pushed through the mating surfaces of the two coils  10  forcing them apart such that a separation between the coils  11  is created. The spread helical coils then rest in the recessed area of the spreader  5  holding the key ring tool T in place. The user can then hold the key K in one hand and the key ring R in the other hand, while placing the key K on the expanded key ring end  13  by aligning the hole in the key  12  with the expanded key ring end  13 . 
         [0025]      FIG. 5  shows the key ring R expanded with a key K started onto the expanded key ring end  13 . Once the key K is on the expanded key ring end  13  it is easily slid around the Key ring R until it is fully positioned onto the key ring R where it cannot come off without once again spreading the coils of the key ring R. 
         [0026]      FIG. 6  shows a key K and a key ring tool T on a typical key ring R in the normal position, as it would be when fully installed. In addition to being used for adding or removing keys or accessories to or from the key ring R, the key ring tool T, which may be molded of plastic, can easily be made of different colors by adding a colorant to in the injection molding process. Thus, several of the key ring tools T made of different colors can be positioned on the same key ring next to different keys or accessories for quick identification. 
         [0027]      FIG. 7  shows the front view of a variation of the key ring tool depicting optional features of the key ring tool. The pointed spreader tip has two recesses  14  on each side of the spreader. Key ring tools containing more than one pair of recessed areas  14  may be inserted further into the helical coils resulting in greater separation between the coils. This is useful when installing or removing a larger key or accessory from the key ring. A beveled pry  15  is present on the bottom edge of the holding pad. This beveled pry is useful for lifting tabs on soda, beer, food, and similar cans. The larger size of the body of the tool, the holding area, provides a larger space for printing or molding a company&#39;s logo or other advertising information. 
         [0028]    The shape and size of the holding pad area may vary as shown in FIGS. I and  7 . This is normally done to accommodate printing or molding impressions related to indicia or advertising of a commercial nature. This holding pad portion of the tool may also be shaped to represent a particular industry or occupation desiring a marketing device. Examples include, but are not limited to, a holding pad in the shape of a house for the real estate or construction industry or a holding pad in the shape of a truck or car for the transportation or vehicle sales industry. 
         [0029]    The key ring tools may be made using conventional molding processes and dies and techniques as are well know in the industry. Suitable materials for molding the key ring tool may be selected from any of a number of thermoplastic materials, such nylons or polyamides, polycarbonates, ABS, polypropylene and HDPE. Moldability is a manufacturing requirement, but materials should also be selected to provide durability and flexibility in the finished article. Additives for color and other physical properties may be used as is common in the molding industry. Suitable nylons for use in molding the key ring tool include glass-filled nylons, such as RTP 207 available from RTP Company in Winona, Minn. 
         [0030]    The thickness of the key ring tool should be sufficient to resist deformation, but be thin enough to allow deflection of the deflection arm. This thickness may vary based on the materials selected. Useful thicknesses when using Nylon RTP 207 will be in the range of 0.13 to 0.38 cm (0.05 to 0.15 inches). A preferred thickness is about 0.23 cm (0.09 inches). The useful width of the deflection arm will be in the range of 0.13 to 0.5 cm (0.05 to 0.2 inches). A preferred width is 0.25 cm (0.1 inches). 
         [0031]    Key ring tools described above may also be stamped from light sheet metal stock. Due to the flexing inherent during the use of the device, shorter useful life is to be expected of devices made from metal.