Patent ID: 8572813

Claim:
A fixed loop key ring for loosely retaining pieced objects, comprising: a filament having a first end and a second end; a locking element engaged to said first end, said locking element comprising an elongate member having a bifurcated tip, each of said bifurcations separated by a medial channel and joined at their distal ends by a bridge element, said bifurcations further having a tapered portion of increasing width extending from said bridge element and toward said first end of said filament and ending abruptly to form a pair of opposing first steps; and a head engaged to said second end, said head comprising a barrel coaxially engaged to said filament and having a circular bore in its distal end, said circular bore being interrupted on two opposing sides by flat walls extending alongside an axis of said circular bore and converging inward toward each other as distance increases from said distal end to a pair of opposing second steps on either side of the circular bore, the inwardly tapering walls being spaced by a a minimum dimension at said step, a lateral rectilinear channel entering said barrel from a top surface and intersecting said bore perpendicular to its said axis, a width of said rectilinear channel measured perpendicular to the axis of said circular bore being greater than said minimum width of said tapered walls, the intersection of said bore and said channel forming said pair of opposing second steps, whereby said bifurcations are compressed into said medial channel when said locking element is inserted into said head so as to permit said tapered portion to enter said lateral channel via said bore, thereafter resuming their prior shape such that said pair of opposing first steps engage said pair of opposing second steps thereby inhibiting withdrawal of said locking element from said barrel.