Patent Publication Number: US-2010126242-A1

Title: Tool for Opening a Split Ring Key Holder

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to devices for opening a split ring key holder. 
     2. State of the Art 
     Split ring key holders are commonly used to carry a set of keys and other small-size personal items such as charms, USB memory sticks, micro-sized credit cards and courtesy cards for transactions, tools such as knives and clipper, etc. These items typically have a through-hole at one end that is threaded onto the split key ring. A split ring key holder is commonly realized by a tight spiral member of spring steel or equivalent plastic material, which extends through one complete helical turn and a fraction of a second helical turn. 
     In order to thread a key onto the split ring key holder (also referred to as a slit ring), the user must spread one end of the spiral member away from the intermediate portion of the spiral member and insert the free end of the spiral member through the through-hole of the key. In this configuration, the free end portion of the spiral member passes through the through-hole of the key, while the intermediate portion and other end portion of the spiral member lie outside the through-hole of the key. The key is then moved around the split ring beyond the other end of the spiral member such that the entire cross-section of the spiral member rests inside the through-hole of the key. In this configuration, the split ring supports this key along with other keys that have been threaded thereon, if any. Similar actions are carried out to thread other items onto the split ring. 
     In order to remove a key from the split ring, the user must spread one end of the spiral member away from the intermediate portion of the spiral member and remove this free end of spiral member from the through-hole of the key. In this configuration, the free end portion of the spiral member passes outside the through-hole of the key, while the intermediate portion and other end portion of the spiral member lie inside the through-hole of the key. The key is then moved around the split ring beyond the other end of the spiral member such that the entire cross-section of the spiral member rests outside the through-hole of the key. In this configuration, the key is separated from the split ring such that it is not supported by the split ring. Similar actions are carried out to remove other items from the split ring. 
     When threading a key onto (or removing a key from) a split ring, the task of spreading the respective end of the spiral member away from the intermediate portion of the spiral member in order to start the threading (or removal) process can be difficult, especially where the split ring supports a near capacity complement of keys and the like and/or where the split ring is made of especially stiffly resilient material and/or where the user has less than average strength or dexterity in his or her hands and/or where the key to be slipped onto or off the ring is a thick relative to the opening created by spreading the end of the spiral member from its intermediate portion. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a tool (and corresponding method of operation) that simplifies and eases the process of threading a key onto (or removing a key from) a split ring key holder. 
     In accord with these objects, which will be discussed in detail below, an improved tool is provided for connecting items to and from a split ring key holder. The tool includes a blade member having a distal end opposite a proximal end with an intermediate portion therebetween. The distal end has a generally wedge shape with a narrow distal tip. The intermediate portion has first and second scalloped edges on opposite sides of the intermediate portion. The first and second scalloped edges define respective sequences of peaks and valleys opposed to one another. The narrow distal tip of the distal end of the blade member and the first and second scalloped edges of the intermediate portion of the blade member are adapted to separate and spread apart the split ring key holder. In the preferred embodiment, the blade member is retractable and housed within a housing that provides for translation of the blade member along a predetermined translation axis. 
     It will be appreciated that the tool of the present invention allows the user to effectively and efficiently separate and spread apart a split ring key holder for connecting and removing items from the split key ring holder. For example, the wedge-shaped distal tip of the retractable blade member slides easily between the adjacent helical sections of the split ring key holder in order to initially separate such helical sections. The scalloped structure of the edges of the blade member allows the user to keep the blade secure while providing the ability to spread ring to any desired opening. The flat surfaces of the scalloped edges employed in the preferred embodiment keeps the blade member in place while the blade is rotated and the helical sections of the split ring key holder is spread. The retractable nature of the blade together with the cap that covers the tool housing allows the blade to be stored in a retracted position while not in use, which provides for safety and limits interference of the tool with other items. 
     Additional objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the detailed description taken in conjunction with the provided figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a tool in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 2A  is a cutaway view of the top portion of the tool housing of  FIG. 1  in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 2B  is a cutaway view of the bottom portion of the tool housing of  FIG. 1  in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of the blade member of the tool of  FIG. 1  in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 3B  is a top view of the blade member of  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 3C  is a side view of the blade member of  FIG. 3A . 
         FIGS. 4A-4E  are schematic illustrations of the methodology of using the tool of  FIG. 1  to separate and spread apart a key ring holder in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are a top view and side view, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of the blade member of  FIG. 3A , illustrating dimensions of the exemplary blade member. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Turning now to  FIG. 1 , a tool  11  for separating and spreading apart a split ring key holder in accordance with the present invention includes a generally rectangular slim hand-holdable two-part housing  13 A,  13 B (collectively, housing  13 ) that supports a retractable blade member  15  therein. In the preferred embodiment, the housing portions  13 A,  13 B are secured together by wall portions  44 A,  44 B that interface to one another in a snap-fit manner as best shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B . The blade member  15  translates along a predetermined translation axis  16  extending through an opening  18  in the housing  13  as best shown in the cutaway views of  FIG. 2A . The housing  13  is inserted into a cap  17  and secured thereto in a snap-fit manner by recesses  34 A formed in the housing  13  that receive corresponding protrusions  34 B on the inner surface of the cap  17  as shown. When secured to the housing  13 , the cap  17  covers and surrounds a desired portion of the housing  13  and the blade member  15  supported therein as shown. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3A-3C , the blade member  15  has a distal end  19  opposite a proximal end  21  with an intermediate portion  23  therebetween. The distal end  19  has a generally wedge shape with a narrow distal tip  25  extending transverse to the translation axis  16  as best shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . The intermediate portion  23  has first and second scalloped edges  27 A,  27 B on opposite sides of the intermediate portion  23 . The scalloped edges  27 A,  27 B define respective sequences of peaks  29 A,  29 B and valleys  31 A,  31 B opposed to one another. The narrow distal tip  25  of the distal end  19  and the scalloped edges  27 A,  27 B of the intermediate portion  23  of the blade member  15  are adapted to separate and spread apart the split ring ( FIGS. 4A-4E ). 
     In the preferred embodiment, the opposed peaks  29 A,  29 B and valleys  31 A,  31 B of the scalloped edges  27 A,  27 B are offset from another in magnitude that increases as a function of distance from the distal end of the blade as shown in  FIG. 3B . The scalloped edges  27 A,  27 B preferably define flat curved surfaces that are generally continuous without abrupt changes in curvature as best shown in  FIG. 3A . 
     The blade member  15  translates along the predetermined translation axis  16  between a retracted position and an extended position. In the retracted position of the blade member  15 , at least a major portion of the scalloped edges  27 A,  27 B of the intermediate portion  23  of the blade member are housed within the housing  13 . In the preferred embodiment, the blade member  15  extends through the opening  18  of the housing  13  such that distal end  19  of the blade member  15  is disposed outside the housing  13  in the retracted position ( FIG. 4A ). In the extended position, the blade member  15  extends through the opening  18  of the housing  13  such that the scalloped edges  27 A,  27 B of the intermediate portion  23  are disposed outside the housing ( FIG. 4D ). 
     The housing  13  supports means for effectuating translation of the blade member  15  in response to user input. In the preferred embodiment, such means is realized by a slot  33  extending through the housing  13  parallel to the translation axis  16  of the blade member  15  as best shown in  FIG. 1 . A button  35  is disposed on the exterior of the housing  13  for hand manipulation by the user. A connector passes through the slot  33  and connects the button  35  to the blade member  15 . In the preferred embodiment, the connector is realized by a locking post  37  that extends from the bottom surface of the button  35  and passes through and interlocks to a corresponding cut-out  39  in the proximal portion  21  of the blade member  15  by rotation of the post  37  relative to the blade member  15  as is evident from  FIG. 2A . Manipulation of the button  35  by the user&#39;s hand (preferably by the thumb of the user) slides the button  35  distally to translate the blade member  15  toward its extended position. Such hand manipulation of the user can also slide the button  35  proximally to translate the blade member  15  toward its retracted position, thereby effectuating the translation of the blade member  15 . In the preferred embodiment, the button  35  has a tear-drop shape with a tapered section pointing to the distal end  19  of the blade member  15 . The top surface  37  of the button  35  can have ridges and grooves or other suitable non-skid features to aid the user in sliding the button  35  during operation. 
     The housing  13  defines a guide channel for guiding translation of the blade member  15  along the translation axis  16 . In the preferred embodiment as best shown in  FIGS. 2A and 3A , the proximal portion  21  of the blade member  15  has two side edges  41 A,  41 B that are disposed opposite one another and extend parallel to the translation axis  16 . The guide channel of the housing is realized by two sidewalls  43 A,  43 B of the housing portion  13 B that are disposed opposite one another and extend parallel to the translation axis  16  as shown in  FIG. 2B . The sidewalls  43 A,  43 B interface to the side edges  41 A,  41 B of the proximal portion  21  of the blade member  21  to guide translation of the blade member  15  along the translation axis  16 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the cap  17  preferably includes a through-hole structure  45  for connecting the cap  17  to a split ring, if desired ( FIG. 4A ). The cap  17  includes an opening  47  for receiving the housing  13  of the tool. In the preferred embodiment, the opening  47  is adapted to avoid covering the button  35  and interfaces to the button  35  when sliding the cap  17  over the housing  13  for translating the blade member  15  proximally to its retracted position as described above. When the blade member  15  is extended, the user only needs to slide the housing  13  into the cap  17  to retract the blade member  15 . When completely retracted, the button  35  snaps securely in place. In addition, there may be additional incremental positions along the range of translation of the blade member  15  where the button  35  (or other structure) snaps into position. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the tool as described herein is assembled by inserting the locking post  37  of the button  35  through the slot  33  in the top housing portion  13 A and interlocking the post  37  to the cut-out  39  of the blade member  15 . The bottom housing portion  13 B is snap fit to the top housing portion  13 A with the blade member  15  supported in the guide channel provided by the tool housing  13 . In this manner, the button  35 , post  37 , housing  13 , and blade member  15  fit uniquely together for connecting and removing items from the split key ring holder. 
     The tool is used to separate and spread apart a split ring key holder as shown in  FIGS. 4A-4E . The user removes the housing  13  from the cap  17 , if need be as shown in  FIG. 4A . The user then inserts the distal tip  25  of the blade member  15  between the spiral member portions of the split ring as shown in  FIG. 4B . Such operations provide initial separation of the split ring. The user then adjusts the position of the blade member  15  such that the spiral member portions of the split ring overlie opposed valleys  31 A,  31 B of the scalloped edges  27 A,  27 B of the blade member as desired as shown in  FIG. 4C , and then rotates the tool such that the spiral member portions of the split ring rest in the opposed valleys  31 A,  31 B of the scalloped edges  27 A,  27 B as shown in  FIG. 4D . Such rotation spreads apart the spiral member portions of the split ring for threading a key onto the key ring as shown in  FIG. 4E . The dimensions between the opposed valleys  31 A,  31 B of the scalloped edges  27 A,  27 B graduate to provide a range of separation magnitude. The scalloped edges  27 A,  27 B of the blade member  15  are preferably flat to keep the blade member  15  in place while the spiral member portions of the split ring are spread apart. 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate exemplary dimensions of the blade member in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the blade member  15  is 38.5 mm in length. The proximal portion  21  of the blade member  15  is 14.6 mm wide. The distal portion  19  of the blade member  15  has a maximal width of 3.94 mm. The distal tip  25  of the blade member  15  has a thickness of 0.69 mm. The distal portion tapers from the distal tip thickness of 0.69 mm to 1.5 mm thickness for the intermediate and proximal portions of the blade member  15 . The offsets between the opposing peaks of the scalloped edges of the intermediate portion of the blade member  15  graduate in size with distance from the distal tip  25  with offsets of 5.33 mm, 6.95 mm, 8.6 mm and 10.2 mm for the sequence of four peak pairs as shown. The dimensions depicted in  FIGS. 5A and 5B  are illustrative in nature and can be varied by design as desired. 
     Advantageously, the tool of the present invention as described herein allows the user to effectively and efficiently separate and spread apart a split ring key holder for connecting and removing items from the split key ring holder. For example, the wedge-shaped distal tip of the retractable blade member slides easily between the adjacent helical sections of the split ring key holder in order to initially separate such helical sections. The scalloped structure of the edges of the blade member allows the user to keep the blade secure while providing the ability to spread ring to any desired opening. The flat surfaces of the scalloped edges employed in the preferred embodiment keeps the blade member in place while the blade is rotated and the helical sections of the split ring key holder is spread. The retractable nature of the blade together with the cap that covers the tool housing allows the blade to be stored in a retracted position while not in use, which provides for safety and limits interference of the tool with other items. The tool can be used to connect and remove items from the split key ring holder and avoid prying open the slit ring key holder with a fingernail, which can harm the fingernail itself or the soft tissue under the fingernail. 
     There have been described and illustrated herein several embodiments of a tool for separating and spreading apart a split ring key holder and a method of using said tool. While particular embodiments of the invention have been described, it is not intended that the invention be limited thereto, as it is intended that the invention be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Thus, while particular mechanisms for guided translation of the retractable blade member have been disclosed, it will be appreciated that other suitable mechanisms for guided translation of the retractable blade member can be used as well. In addition, while particular structural features and shapes of the housing, cap and blade member of the tool have been disclosed, it will be understood that other structures and shapes can be used to realize these elements. Moreover, while particular retractable blade configurations have been disclosed, it will be appreciated that other non-retractable blade configurations could be used as well. It will therefore be appreciated by those skilled in the art that yet other modifications could be made to the provided invention without deviating from its spirit and scope as claimed.