Modular key rack and key fob with shopping cart opener as an additional function.

Abstract

Modular key rack for the organized storage of keys, consisting of a wall plate (1), at least one key ring holder (2) (hereinafter referred to as "holder") and one key ring (3) per holder (2), which also functions as a shopping cart opener, characterized in that the wall plate (1), the holder (2) and the key ring (3) are connected to each other by a special plug-in system.

Description

Modular key rack with wall plate and rail system:

[0001] The key rack consists of a sturdy wall panel with a modular rail system. Matching holders, each with a slot, slide into these rails. The slots allow for the convenient snapping of corresponding key fobs, which also function as shopping cart openers. State of the art

[0002] Currently, key racks usually consist of a base plate and hooks on which the key rings are later hung. However, there are also other variations of the key rack, which I would like to briefly describe below: Standard household key rack with hooks

[0003] This design is the traditional key rack, usually mounted on a wall, which offers several hooks or holders. These allow for the convenient hanging of various sets of keys. Disadvantages / Dangers:

[0004] Firstly, there is a high risk of injury due to the mostly sharp hooks, especially if handled hastily or if children are nearby. An accidental bump can lead to puncture or cut wounds.

[0005] A particular problem is the risk of the keys getting stuck or tangled. If you hastily grab a bunch of keys in a hurry, this can not only pull individual keys off the wall, but also the entire key rack – resulting in damage to walls or furniture.

[0006] Furthermore, the attachment is usually directly on the wall, which can lead to unsightly scratches, cracks and paint abrasion on the surface behind it if one's key ring is attached quickly. Wooden block with slot

[0007] A wooden block with an integrated slot is another common household option. A board mounted horizontally against the wall with a horizontal slot allows you to easily insert a key from its ring into the slot, thus holding the entire ring securely. Disadvantages / Dangers: This method is very dangerous for the key itself, as inserting it into the slot causes it to become jammed. This greatly increases the risk that the key will bend or, in the worst case, break due to excessive weight, getting stuck, being pulled out at the wrong angle, or being pulled on by a child. Jack plug key rack

[0008] The jack plug key rack solves some of the problems mentioned above, but also brings new problems. Disadvantages / Dangers:

[0009] A significant disadvantage of this design is that the attachment must be inserted at the correct angle and with pinpoint accuracy, requiring a certain degree of dexterity. Children, in particular, may struggle to position the attachment correctly, increasing the risk of unintentional injury. Furthermore, the use of metal and a pointed shape mean the keychain could easily be misused as a weapon, posing a danger.

[0010] Additionally, the weight of the large metal trailer can damage the car lock, for example, potentially leading to long-term problems. The combination of sharp shapes, metal, and the need for precise handling makes this variant challenging, especially for children and people with limited mobility. Magnetic key rack

[0011] The magnetic key rack is another option that uses a strong magnet to hold keys. The magnet's attraction allows keys to be easily attached to or placed under the rack. Disadvantages / Dangers:

[0012] One disadvantage of this type is that the magnets are not strong enough to hold heavy sets of keys, which can lead to keys falling out. On the other hand, magnets that are too strong can also be a problem, as they can damage the electronics in car keys, electronic devices, or cards with magnetic stripes. This can lead to expensive repairs or even the failure of important devices.

[0013] The invention described here eliminates virtually all the disadvantages and dangers of the aforementioned key racks currently available on the market and additionally supplements them with advantageous functions: • The rounded shape of all parts virtually eliminates the risk of injury to oneself or others. • The problem of the key ring becoming tangled is solved by sufficient distance between the holders, and this distance can also be varied if desired. • The risk of the keys becoming jammed, bent, or broken on the key rack is eliminated, as the keys themselves are never directly attached to the key rack. • Unsightly scratches and cracks on the wall or wallpaper are avoided by ensuring sufficient distance between the key or key ring and the wall or wallpaper through the holder. • Thanks to the wide and rounded opening, the key ring slides easily into its designated position from all directions at an angle of up to 35°, thus preventing the mechanism from jamming or bending. • Thanks to a tested maximum load of 750g, pretty much any key ring will stay securely in place. • Since no magnets are used here, there is no danger to objects such as car keys, electronic devices or cards with magnetic stripes. Description: Modular key rack with wall plate and rail system

[0014] The modular key rack consists of a sturdy wall plate containing a modular rail system. This rail system allows for the installation of one or more holders, each with a slot.

[0015] The holders are designed to slide into the rails. The slot in each holder is shaped to accommodate and hold the corresponding key fob. The key fobs themselves are designed to function not only as key holders but also as shopping cart openers. This offers a practical dual purpose and makes everyday life easier. 1. Wall panel ( Fig. 1): This can be screwed or glued in place. The holes are located beneath the rail system, so they are no longer visible after the brackets are inserted. The wall plate itself doesn't have a fixed shape, as this isn't essential for mounting the bracket. The only crucial element for the modular system is the rail system, which uses two rails and a raised section for locking into place. 2. Holder ( Fig. 2): A suitable bracket with a guide rail is included. The bracket has a more defined shape, in which the rail system and the slot with its "click-in system" are positioned. The rail system here is the negative counterpart to the wall mount. The "click-in system" is a tapered section at the entrance of the slot. 3. Keyring with shopping cart opener function ( Fig. 3): The key ring itself also has a very well-thought-out design that is not only aesthetically pleasing. Perhaps its most striking feature is the two "ears," which not only act as spring-loaded latches for securely locking the key ring into its holder, keeping it organized, but also feature a clever design that allows it to open almost any shopping cart effortlessly. Its specially adapted shape allows it to be fitted to any standard shopping cart coin (e.g., €2, €1 & 50 cents).

[0016] This allows it to easily open the trolley lock in most stores without the cumbersome movements sometimes required by other shopping trolley openers. The friendly-looking "face" isn't just for show either. The "mouth" is perfectly shaped to move smoothly on a keyring without jamming.

[0017] Since the product is currently made of plastic, the lower bridge of the "mouth" can break off if handled improperly. Should this happen, the "eyes" serve their purpose doubly as replacement holes for the keyring. Reference symbol list 1 wall panel 2 key fob holders 3 keychains 3' Springy "ears" 3'' cutout for key ring 4 Positive guide rail 4' Negative guide rail 5 Raised section for snapping into place 5' Recess for snapping into place 6 slots for inserting the key fob 6' narrowing (click-in system) 7 screw holes 8 adhesive surface

Claims

[1] Modular key rack for organized storage of keys, consisting of a wall plate (1), at least one key ring holder (2) (hereinafter referred to as "holder") and one key ring (3) per holder (2), which also functions as a shopping cart opener, characterized by , that the wall plate (1), the holder (2) and the key fob (3) are connected to each other by a special plug-in system. [2] Modular key rack according to claim 1, characterized by , that the wall plate (1) has fixing holes (7) and / or an adhesive surface (8), wherein the fixing holes (7) are arranged under the rail system (4) and are concealed after insertion of the holder (2). [3] Modular key rack according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the wall plate (1) has a rail system (4) which consists of two rails per holder (2) and a raised section (5) for locking the holder (2). [4] Modular key rack according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the holder (2) has a guide rail (4') and a notch (5') each as negative counterparts to the rail system (4) and the elevation (5) of the wall plate. [5] Modular key rack according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the holder (2) has a click-in system (6') in the form of a tapered end at the entrance of the slot (6) to securely hold the key fob (3). [6] Modular key rack according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the key fob (3) has two spring-loaded “ears” (3’) which serve to snap into the slot (6) of the holder (2), and which at the same time, due to their spring-loaded design, have a shape which is suitable for all common coin sizes as a shopping cart opener without requiring any twisting movements or misalignment. [7] Modular key rack according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the key ring (3) has one or more recesses (3'') for attaching to the key ring. [8] Modular key rack according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the modularity allows for the creation of a large number of color combinations. [9] Modular key rack according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the uniquely fixed or defined shape of the rail system allows for complete freedom in the design of the base plate. [10] Modular key rack according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the uniquely defined form of the “click-in system” and the rail system allows complete freedom in the design of the holder. [11] Modular key rack according to any of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the entire key rack, except for the key fobs, can be made from a wide variety of materials such as plastic, wood, various metals (e.g. titanium, stainless steel), etc. [12] Modular key rack according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the key fob can be freely chosen in design, but in order to retain the car opener function, it must be placed behind the spring system. [13] Modular key rack according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that key racks can be produced in all possible colors.

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