Patent Publication Number: US-6901779-B2

Title: Key storage and concealment device

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
   The present invention relates generally to key storage devices, and more specifically to a key storage and concealment device. The present invention is particularly suitable for, although not strictly limited to, storing and concealing conventional household keys. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Homeowners and business owners typically utilize keyed entries to restrict access to protected valuables, personal items and/or restricted areas. Moreover, to prevent loss, misplacement, theft or unauthorized use of the keys utilized to open these keyed entries, many individuals will hide their keys in undisclosed locations, such as, clothing drawers, closets, shelves, food jars, behind picture frames, and/or on the top ledge of a door frame. Such locations, however, are inherently unsafe and indiscreet, as the keys are not concealed, but rather placed out of sight, and easily discoverable with minimal effort. When unused for an extended period of time, the owner may even be prone to forgetting where he last hid the key. 
   Additionally, homeowners and/or business owners usually possess spare keys for a variety of keyed entries and/or locks for use when the original keys have been lost or misplaced. Such spare keys are usually placed within readily accessible drawers, under mats, in plant pots, or some other familiar location, that permits a user to gain convenient access thereto when needed. Unfortunately, however, such obvious key placement locations are also susceptible to discovery by unwanted individuals, thus facilitating access, theft or unauthorized use of valuables or goods contained behind the keyed entry. 
   Although a variety of wall depositories capable of storing and concealing keys and/or other articles are available, many such devices possess inherent disadvantages that render their use highly inefficient, impractical and problematic. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 3,999,493 to Gulya discloses a wall vault/safe that utilizes an electrical outlet cover plate to conceal a vault positioned therebehind. To access and/or place items within the vault of the Gulya device, a special key must be inserted into one of the faux-sockets, wherein the faux-socket possesses an inner locking-mechanism that, once unlocked, permits the entire device to rotate or swivel outwardly and downwardly to reveal the contents of the vault. To its disadvantage, however, the special key of the Gulya device, utilized to “unlock” the vault and access the contents thereof, contributes to the complexity of the device, and further presents the obvious problem of inaccessibility to the contents of the vault should the key ever be misplaced or lost. Additionally, due to the inherently bulky structure and complexity of the Gulya device, not only is installation of the device significantly tasking and invasive, but a substantial amount of “stud-free” and “insulation-free” space behind the wall must be present in order for the device to function properly, thus precluding convenient installation over, or in cooperation with, a pre-existing wall outlet. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,083,314 to Garvin discloses a wall repository that utilizes an electrical outlet cover plate for concealment of items placed within a container, wherein the container is dimensioned to be received within a conventional outlet receptacle box. To its disadvantage, however, the Garvin device requires the removal of a screw from the cover plate to access the container and its contents stored therebehind, thus rendering the process intrinsically tedious and inconvenient. 
   Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for a key storage and concealment device that effectively and discreetly conceals any type of mechanical key therein, yet permits the key owner&#39;s expeditious access thereto, without concerns of obvious discovery by unauthorized persons. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such a device by providing a key storage and concealment device that effectively stores and conceals any type of mechanical key in an inconspicuous or unobtrusive fashion, wherein quick and convenient access thereto is permitted by only those informed of the presence and location of the device, thus appeasing any trepidation of discovery by an unauthorized person. 
   According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present invention in its preferred form is a key storage and concealment device having, in general, a light switch cover plate, light switch lever, hinged door, and key-retaining means. 
   More specifically, the present invention is a key storage and concealment device possessing a light switch cover plate having a door in hinged communication therewith, wherein a light switch lever in contact with the hinged door permits the opening and closing thereof. Positioned on the rear of the door, opposite the light switch lever, are retaining means, preferably in the form of retaining clasps, wherein the retaining clasps preferably function to receive and secure therein a variety of conventional keys for mechanical locks. 
   A feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to inconspicuously store and conceal any type of key utilized to open a mechanical lock, including, but not limited to, household keys, flat keys, tube keys, mortice keys, cylinder keys, rim keys, padlock keys and automotive keys. 
   A feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to function as an aesthetically unobvious key safe, thus avoiding attraction and/or discovery of a key retained therein. 
   A feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to be installed in place of a conventional functional light switch cover plate. 
   A feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to be installed anywhere on the interior and/or exterior of a building structure. 
   A feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to reduce or eliminate potential loss, misplacement or theft of original or spare keys. 
   A feature and advantage of the present invention is its simplicity of design. 
   These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The present invention will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Alternate Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing Figures, in which like reference numerals denote similar structures and refer to like elements throughout, and in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a front view of a key storage and concealment device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a key storage and concealment device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view along section line  3 — 3  of  FIG. 2  of a key storage and concealment device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 4  is a rear view of a key storage and concealment device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a key storage and concealment device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a key storage and concealment device according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a key storage and concealment device according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 8  is a rear view of a key storage and concealment device according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 9A  is a cross-sectional view of the hinged door of a key storage and concealment device according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 9B  is a cross-sectional view of the hinged door of a key storage and concealment device according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; and, 
       FIG. 9C  is a rear view of the hinged door of a key storage and concealment device according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
   In describing the preferred and representative alternate embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-9C , specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 1-5 , the present invention in a preferred embodiment is a key storage and concealment device  10  having, in general, light switch cover plate  20 , hinged door  80 , and key-retaining clasps  120 ,  130 . 
   Light switch cover plate  20  is preferably similar in size and shape to a dual-lever conventional light switch cover plate as known within the art, having front surface  22 , rear surface  24 , first edge  26 , second edge  28 , third edge  30  and fourth edge  32 , wherein edges  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32  are appropriately beveled and contoured such that rear surface  24  is disposed rearwardly for bearing against a wall surface, as known within the art. 
   Preferably, aperture  34  formed through cover plate  20 , proximal to fourth edge  32 , is dimensioned to adapt a conventional, fully functional and electrically coupled lever-type light switch LS. Throughholes  36 ,  38  positioned proximal to aperture  34  preferably receive screws  36 A,  38 A to assist in securing cover plate  20  to a conventional light switch receptacle (not shown) as known within the art. As best illustrated in  FIG. 1 , preferably encompassing aperture  34 , is rectangular-shaped groove  40  formed on front surface  22  of cover plate  20 , wherein groove  40  functions primarily to aesthetically compensate for the inherent surface incongruities formed between hinged door  80  sitting substantially flush with cover plate  20 , thus permitting the function/presence of hinged door  80  to remain undetected, as more fully described below. 
   Preferably, rectangular-shaped aperture  42  formed through cover plate  20 , proximal to second edge  28 , is dimensioned to adapt rectangular-shaped, preferably hinged door  80  thereto, as best illustrated in FIG.  2 . Preferably hinged door  80  possesses front surface  82 , rear surface  84 , first edge  86 , second edge  88 , third edge  90  and fourth edge  92 . Preferably centrally formed through door  80  is rectangular-shaped aperture  94  through which faux light switch  96  fixedly extends, wherein light switch  96  is preferably a non-operational and electrically uncoupled lever-type light switch. Although light switch  96  is preferably fixedly positioned within aperture  94 , it is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that light switch  96  could be pivotally secured within aperture  94  and/or electrically coupled and functionally operative therein and therethrough. Faux-screw heads  98 ,  100  positioned on front surface  82  of door  80 , proximal to aperture  94 , preferably function to give door  80  an aesthetically deceiving appearance of a conventional light switch-cover plate combination as known within the art. 
   As best seen with reference to  FIGS. 3-4 , preferably partially formed on rear surface  84  of door  80 , proximal third edge  90  and extending therepast, are flanges  102 ,  104 , wherein flanges  102 ,  104  are preferably positioned proximal to edges  88 ,  92 , respectively, of door  80 , and further preferably possess outwardly projecting, dowel-shaped protrusions  102 A,  104 A, respectively. Preferably protrusions  102 A,  104 A of flanges  102 ,  104 , respectively, are hingably or pivotally engageable with throughholes or notches  44 A,  46 A formed through door supports  44 ,  46 , wherein door supports  44 ,  46  are formed on rear surface  24  of cover plate  20 , proximal third edge  30 , and extend upwardly therefrom to third edge  42 C of aperture  42 , as best illustrated in FIG.  4 . 
   Preferably also formed proximal to third edge  42 C of aperture  42  is retaining shelf  48 , wherein retaining shelf  48  preferably enables the capture and retention of key K thereon should a user of device  10  accidentally drop key K upon attempting to place key K within retaining clasps  120 ,  130 , as more fully described below. 
   Preferably formed approximately midway through the length of edges  88 ,  92  of door  80  are frictional protuberances  106 ,  108 , respectively, wherein frictional protuberances  106 ,  108  frictionally engage hook-shaped stops  50 ,  52  formed approximately midway through the length of edges  42 B,  42 D, respectively, of aperture  42 , thus permitting door  80  to rest thereagainst when in the closed position. 
   Preferably, door supports  144 ,  146  are formed on rear surface  24  of cover plate  20 , proximal first edge  26 , and extend downwardly therefrom, to first edge  42 A of aperture  42 , as best illustrated in FIG.  4 . Protrusions  102 A,  104 A of flanges  102 ,  104 , respectively, are also preferably hingably or pivotally engageable with throughholes or notches  144 A,  146 A respectively formed through door supports  144 ,  146 . Similarly, also preferably formed proximal to first edge  42 A of aperture  42  is retaining shelf  148 , wherein retaining shelf  148  also preferably enables the capture and retention of key K thereon should a user of device  10  accidentally drop key K upon attempting to place key K within retaining clasps  120 ,  130 , as more fully described below. Such an overall configuration permits inversion of cover plate  20  for purposes of facilitating user-selectable installation of device  10 , or amenable installation of device  10 , in general, over light switch receptacles where the user desires, or installation requires, that hinged door  80  be on the left or right side of a dual-light switch receptacle, as frontally viewed. 
   As best illustrated in  FIG. 4 , preferably centrally formed on rear surface  24  of cover plate  20 , and positioned parallel with second edge  28  and fourth edge  32  of cover plate  20 , is barrier wall  110 , wherein barrier wall  110  preferably extends from first edge  26  of cover plate  20  to third edge  30 , also of cover plate  20 . Furthermore, barrier wall  110  preferably outwardly protrudes from rear surface  24  no further than edges  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 , and, thus, is disposed substantially flush therewith; although, barrier wall  110  could be any suitable height. Preferably, barrier wall  110  functions primarily to obstruct passage of key K into an adjacent and electrically-operative light switch receptacle, should a user of device  10  accidentally drop key K upon attempting to place key K within retaining clasps  120 ,  130 , as more fully described below. Barrier wall  110  further functions to prohibit ill-conceived probing of an adjacent and electrically-operative light switch receptacle, as by an unknowing child. 
   Preferably, rear surface  84  of hinged door  80  possesses retaining clasps  120 ,  130  formed thereon, positioned proximal to second edge  88  and third edge  92 , respectively, of hinged door  80 , wherein retaining clasps  120 ,  130  are preferably substantially L-shaped and bracket-like, and are preferably positioned a sufficient distance apart and in depth to facilitate the retention of key K placed therein. 
   Although retaining clasps  120 ,  130  are preferably L-shaped or bracket-like to facilitate the accommodation and retention of flat mechanical keys K therein, it is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that retaining clasps  120 ,  130  could be any shape and/or size to facilitate the accommodation and retention of any type of key, such as, for exemplary purposes only, any household keys, any flat keys, tube keys, mortice keys, cylinder keys, rim keys, padlock keys, automotive keys, or electronic key cards. Moreover, although retaining clasps  120 ,  130  are the preferred means of key retention, it is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that rear surface  84  of hinged door  80  could possess any number and type of retaining clasps, such as, for exemplary purposes only, a single retaining bar, a plurality of L-shaped brackets, adjustable clasps to accommodate keys having heads of different widths, and/or a pocket-like member for receiving the tip or a medial portion of key K. It is contemplated in still another alternate embodiment that rear surface  84  of hinged door  80  could possess any number and type of retaining clasps to facilitate the accommodation of a plurality of keys K in either a stacked fashion or in an adjacently positioned fashion. 
   Referring now more specifically to  FIG. 5 , in use, a user of device  10  preferably pivotally opens hinged door  80  via utilizing fixed light switch  96  as a handle or lever. Thereafter, the user preferably slidably engages key K within retaining clasps  120 ,  130  for retention of key K therewithin and therebetween. Following insertion of key K into retaining clasps  120 ,  130 , the user preferably closes hinged door  80 , wherein hinged door  80  is frictionally held in an upright and closed position via the frictional interaction between frictional protuberances  106 ,  108  and hook-shaped stops  50 ,  52 , respectively. To access key K, the user preferably pivotally opens hinged door  80 , slidably removes key K therefrom, and re-closes hinged door  80 . 
   Referring now more specifically to  FIG. 6 , illustrated therein is an alternate embodiment of device  10 , wherein the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 6  is substantially equivalent in form and function to that of the preferred embodiment detailed and illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5  except as hereinafter specifically referenced. Specifically, the embodiment of  FIG. 6  incorporates a cover plate  220 , wherein cover plate  220  is similar in size and shape to a multi-lever conventional light switch cover plate as known within the art. As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , cover plate  220  permits installation of device  10  over a light switch receptacle having three functional and electrically-coupled light switches extending therefrom. It is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that device  10  could manufactured to possess cover plates capable of accommodating any desired number of light switches. While illustrated in the outmost right-side position, it is further contemplated that the relative position of device  10  could be varied to accommodate placement within any alternate position in the multi-lever form. 
   Referring now more specifically to  FIG. 7 , illustrated therein is an alternate embodiment of device  10 , wherein the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 7  is substantially equivalent in form and function to that of the preferred embodiment detailed and illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5  except as hereinafter specifically referenced. Specifically, the embodiment of  FIG. 7  replaces functional light switch LS and non-operative fixed light switch  96  of the preferred embodiment with functional dimmer switch DS and non-operative/non-electrically coupled dimmer switch  196 , respectively, yet still maintains the overall functionality of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. It is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that device  10  could incorporate, or be incorporated within, any type of light activating member, such as, for exemplary purposes only, rocker switches, slide-dimmers, push-button, knobs, pressure-sensitive plates, touch-activated switches, and/or the like. 
   Referring now more specifically to  FIG. 8 , illustrated therein is an alternate embodiment of device  10 , wherein the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 8  is substantially equivalent in form and function to that of the preferred embodiment detailed and illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5  except as hereinafter specifically referenced. Specifically, the embodiment of  FIG. 8  replaces retaining clasps  120 ,  130  with a substantially V-shaped sleeve or pocket  300  formed on rear surface  84  of hinged door  80 , wherein sleeve  300  possesses a bellowed cut-away or notch  302  to facilitate the finger-grasping and removal of key K slidably engaged and retained within sleeve  300 . 
   Referring now more specifically to  FIGS. 9A-9C , illustrated therein is an alternate embodiment of device  10 , wherein the alternate embodiment of  FIGS. 9A-9C  is substantially equivalent in form and function to that of the preferred embodiment detailed and illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5  except as hereinafter specifically referenced. Specifically, the embodiment of  FIGS. 9A-9C  replaces fixed light switch  96  of the preferred embodiment, with light switch  296 , wherein light switch  296  is designed to engage aperture  94  of cover plate  20  in a snap-fit fashion. As such, light switch  296  is capable of being selectively removed and inverted to permit a user to select a desired “on” or “off” position of light switch  296  within aperture  94  of cover plate  20 , thereby further facilitating the inconspicuous nature of device  10 . 
   It is contemplated in still another alternate embodiment that light switch  96  of device  10  could be pivotally engaged with aperture  94  of cover plate  20  for a more realistic and aesthetically deceptive appearance. 
   It is contemplated in yet another alternate embodiment that light switches  96  and  296 , and dimmer  196 , could be functionally operative or electrically coupled so as to permit activation of an energized source, wherein such electrical coupling could be effectuated via any suitable means as known within the art, such as, for exemplary purposes only, electrical contacts, wires, or the like. 
   In still another alternate embodiment, it is contemplated that device  10  could be manufactured so as to possess a plurality of hinged doors  80  for the accommodation and concealment of a plurality of keys. 
   In still another alternate embodiment, it is contemplated that device  10  could be manufactured so that door  80  is drawer-like. 
   In still another alternate embodiment, door  80  may be snapped into cover plate  20 , rather than being hingedly attached thereto. 
   Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.