Athletic key clasp system and method

Abstract

Disclosed is an apparatus and method for retaining and securing such physical objects to a person participating in athletic activities and the like. The apparatus for retaining a key having a head portion and a shank portion coupled to the head portion includes a body having a wall defining a cavity including a length dimension and a width dimension greater than a proximate length dimension and width dimension of the shank portion when in a storage mode; and a key coupler for operatively retaining the key relative to the cavity in at least two modes, the key moveably proximated to the body to define the storage mode wherein the shank portion is retained within the cavity and an operational mode in which the shank portion extends beyond the body. The method of storing a key having a head portion and shank portion coupled to the head portion includes securing the key within a body having a wall defining a cavity including a length dimension and a width dimension greater than a proximate length dimension and width dimension of the shank portion when in a storage mode; and retaining operatively the key relative to the cavity in at least two modes, the key moveably proximated to the body to define the storage mode wherein the shank portion is retained within the cavity and an operational mode in which the shank portion extends beyond the body.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to key holders, and more specifically to a key clasp for use during athletic activities and the like. [0002] It is well known for persons to employ one or more physical objects used for securing a residence portal (e.g., a key for a lock in a front door) in many different instances. Many of these persons are often confronted with a dilemma when they desire to participate in activities outside of the residence, particularly running and other athletic activities. The dilemma is to forego the use of the physical object to secure the portal and thereby not require its use when returning to the residence or to use the physical object and thereafter carry it during such activities so it is available for reentry. [0003] The former option is not always available for multiperson residence structures (e.g., apartment complexes) and when available the option may be undesirable in many circumstances due to real or percei...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] The present invention is an efficient and simple solution to retaining and securing physical objects, such as keys, to a person participating in athletic activities and the like. The key clasp of the preferred embodiment is adapted to easily attach to an article of clothing, for example by the use of one hand, and to thereby secure the keys to the clothing while reducing potential drawbacks and irritations commonly associated with clipping a key ring to clothing.

Problems solved by technology

Many of these persons are often confronted with a dilemma when they desire to participate in activities outside of the residence, particularly running and other athletic activities.

The former option is not always available for multiperson residence structures (e.g., apartment complexes) and when available the option may be undesirable in many circumstances due to real or perceived compromised security scenarios.

The latter option is not ideal as the person either has to secret the object where it may stored and recovered without detection by others, or the object must be carried during the activity.

Besides the inconvenience of carrying the object, the object may be especially prone to loss because the person often does not participate in such activities with clothing and accessories that normally and conventionally accommodate such objects during non-athletic activities.

In some instances, multiple objects may be required for entrance, such as one for a lobby door and one for the specific residence, further taxing limited storage resources.

Other solutions include simply tying a rubber band to the key and attaching it to one's wrist—an inconvenient and often uncomfortable solution.

Unfortunately, these solutions are not always ideal.

Some layering arrangements inhibit the accessibility and any ease-of-use for such pockets.

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