Key holder without screws

Abstract

The present invention provides a key holder (1) whose housing (2) can simultaneously accommodate several keys (10, 11). These keys (10, 11) are secured in the housing (2) by their key shafts (13) via a locking rod (25) guided in longitudinal slots (23, 24), by pressing them against a transverse bar (8). To pivot one of the keys (10, 11) from its rest position to its working position, the locking rod (25) simply needs to be moved to the other end of the longitudinal slots (23, 24), allowing the key shaft (13) to be freely pivoted out of the "locking chamber". Since the fork (30) holding the clamping pin (21) with the keys (10, 11) always provides the same clamping force, it is always easy to swing out of and insert the keys (10, 11) into the locking chamber of the key holder (1) or the holder housing (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a key holder with a holder housing, the overall length of which exceeds that of the keys stored therein and which is designed to accommodate one or more keys with a profiled key shaft and a key head having one or more fastening holes, wherein the holder housing has side walls between which a long holder is mounted which penetrates the fastening holes of the keys and wherein, especially when the keys are not fully loaded, displaceable spacer discs are provided between several key heads on the long holder.

[0002] Such keys assigned to a key holder are usually made of metal and are used to lock and unlock front doors, lockers, and the like. They have an individually designed key shaft and key head, which in Germany is usually 2.8 mm thick. These keys have holes in the key head through which they can be connected, for example, to a key ring. If several keys are then attached to the key ring, they form a so-called key ring, which many people, especially men, carry in their trouser pockets. Such key rings are impractical and bulky, and can even ultimately damage clothing. For this reason, people have switched to, for example,two metal plates are connected to one another using long brackets, i.e. basically screws, and keys are placed between the plates and the heads of the long brackets, which can then be swung out so that the two plates form a kind of handle. If you look online, you can see that a single company alone offers a large number of such key holders. All of them have the two plates and the long brackets, i.e. the long screws onto which the keys are placed via their key heads. In order to arrange the keys securely between the plates during transport and to prevent them from accidentally swinging out, the screws must be tightened accordingly. Then, when individual keys are used, they can be loosened again so that the keys can be swung out of their transport position.The whole thing is very complex and also problematic because the screw connection is usually not optimal, which can ultimately lead to the arrangement of the key groups between the plates being lost and all the keys falling out of place.

[0003] DE 20 2020 000 271 U1 discloses a key holder which has only a plate-shaped carrier on which one or two keys can be arranged in such a way that they can be moved from a rest position, in which the key rests on the carrier, into a working position in which, as usual, the carrier and key together represent the "tool". The disadvantages here are that, firstly, only one or two keys can be used with such a carrier as a key holder and, secondly, the keys are fastened to the plate via a screw connection, which must be precisely adjusted in each case so that the key can be easily pivoted, but is also fixed to the plate in its rest position. This is complex and generally not satisfactory to produce. Several keys can be accommodated in the key holder according to DE 20 2017 000 023 U1.Here, too, two side walls are provided which are connected to one another by screws with screw heads. The keys are arranged and simultaneously stored on the shafts of the screws between the side walls. One of the two plates is also intended to have a threaded hole in which the screw can be turned, moving the two plates towards or against each other. Aside from the fact that such a key holder is quite complex, there is also the problem that the user's dexterity plays a major role in whether or not they have selected the correct screw setting. The attempt to prevent the connection between the two plates from coming loose by using a lock nut accepts the fact that this reduces the space between the plates so that the key holder can accommodate fewer keys.DE 10 2018 118 723 A1 discloses a key holder that requires two differently designed screwable parts for each key group. These two different screw connections are intended to prevent the key holder from opening accidentally or changing the tension between the two plates on the keys. However, the screw connections must be changed to move the keys into the working position, just as they are required when moving them into the rest position. Since this key holder is also designed to accommodate two key groups, the screw connections must be correspondingly complex at both longitudinal ends of the side walls.In summary, it can be stated that, given the state of the art, an easily adjustable screw connection is generally necessary to operate the key, although there is always the risk that the “fixing force” is incorrectly adjusted or remains incorrectly adjusted by the screw connection, resulting in problems such as the destruction or damage of a trouser pocket or similar.

[0004] The invention is therefore based on the object of creating a key holder in which an unintentional loosening or detaching of the assembled holder housing is excluded and in which an easy pivoting of the key from the rest to the working position and vice versa is always guaranteed.

[0005] The object is achieved according to the invention in that the side walls are detachably connected to one another at one longitudinal end via a clamping pin forming the long holder and, on the other hand, are firmly connected to one another at the other longitudinal end via a housing head wall, wherein a longitudinal slot is formed in each of the two side walls in which a fixing rod is arranged displaceably in the longitudinal direction of the side walls, preventing the key shanks from swinging out or releasing them again on a crosspiece connecting the side walls in the middle.

[0006] A key holder designed in this way ensures that a group of keys is stored in a key holder that is easy to transport and protects your pockets. At the same time, the individual keys can be easily moved into the working position as required, so that the holder housing then advantageously serves as a handle for operating the respective key. No screw connection is necessary or provided that must be actuated when pivoting the key. Rather, the clamping pin, which is clamped between the two longitudinal ends of the side walls, ensures that the individual keys always have the necessary freedom of movement when the easy-to-use and movable fixing rod has been moved lengthwise in the longitudinal slots of the side walls.In one position of the fixing rod, the fixing rod releases the keys, while in the other position the fixing rod ensures that the keys are held securely between the crossbar that connects the two side walls and the fixing rod in the key holder.

[0007] According to a practical embodiment of the invention, the longitudinal slots are formed so that they run close (preferably 1-2 mm) to the upper edge of the side walls, while the transverse web, which preferably has a width of 6-10 mm, connects the two lower edges. By assigning the fixing rod to the upper edge of the side walls and arranging the transverse web to the lower edge, space remains in which or over which the key shanks can be effectively secured by moving the fixing rod into the corresponding position in the longitudinal slots.

[0008] The clamping pin can be used as a clamping pin between the side walls in a simple and practical way by connecting the side walls via the connecting housing head wall and, above all, the crossbar, to form an expandable fork. The side walls and the housing head wall therefore form a single component, with the crossbar ensuring that a type of box is created in which the keys are stored. The box is open at the spring-loaded longitudinal ends of the side walls so that the clamping pin and keys are fixed in place or can be removed from the spring-loaded holder and replaced. This creates a relatively short, but secure and easy-to-operate fork, between which the clamping pin can be easily inserted or arranged, as explained further below.

[0009] This expandable fork can be conveniently and particularly effectively implemented by manufacturing the holder housing, including the side walls, the housing head wall, and the crosspiece, from a limitedly flexible or filled plastic. This plastic is combined to provide the free ends of the side walls with a spring force that causes the clamping pin to spring open on the one hand and spring back and lock in place on the other. This makes it possible to easily remove the clamping pin from its clamping position, fit it with new or different keys, and then reinsert it into its working position. Such plastics are well known and are used for various purposes, with the type of plastic or the filling ensuring limited flexibility.

[0010] The installation and removal of the clamping pin is facilitated and ensured by the fact that the clamping pin has a diameter that is larger than the mounting holes for the clamping pin in the side walls at the end of the fork, while its pin ends have a smaller diameter, less than that of the mounting holes. These pin ends make it possible to achieve secure mounting of the clamping pin not only through the spring force of the free ends of the side walls, but also simultaneously ensure the necessary insertion depth in the side walls.

[0011] According to the invention, the pin ends slide into the receiving holes in the free ends of the side walls more easily by providing a conical countersink for the clamping pin on the inside or outside of the side walls. At the same time, it is advantageous to also provide these conical countersinks on the outside, as this makes it easier to manipulate the pin ends if they somehow become caught or jammed in the receiving hole.

[0012] Key holders are also often used to store more complex car keys. This is achieved by attaching key rings to one of the long ends of the side walls, into which the car key can then be inserted. Connecting the car key to the key holder is quite complex, but this is avoided according to the invention by the housing head wall having arched clamps protruding beyond its outer wall, the free ends of which are designed to leave a passage opening for key ring keys. This passage opening can be closed via a spring-loaded pivoting clamp. Thus, only the pivoting clamp needs to be operated to arrange the key ring, whereby the arrangement of the other keys in the key holder remains completely unaffected. This also makes exchanging car keys easier.

[0013] It was already mentioned above that the longitudinal slots, in which the fixing rod can be slid back and forth, are located at the upper edge of the side walls. To facilitate the replacement of the fixing rod, which can be moved in these longitudinal slots, the invention provides for the longitudinal slots to be formed along the upper edge of the side walls, extending from the crosspiece to the housing head wall. This allows the ends of the fixing rod to be inserted approximately centrally into the longitudinal slots, because the "thin" web formed by the upper edge of the side walls allows movement or "opening" of the longitudinal slot.

[0014] The sliding of the fixing rod in the longitudinal slots is facilitated and, at the same time, the ends are prevented from slipping out of the longitudinal slots by the grooves on both ends of the fixing rod, which can be moved along the longitudinal slots along the side walls. This prevents the fixing rod from falling out of its position, but can always be actively moved back and forth.

[0015] The grooves also have the advantage of facilitating back-and-forth sliding in the longitudinal slots. This is achieved by the grooves having a width that corresponds to the width of the guide rails formed inside the longitudinal slots. This limits the width of the grooves and ensures the stability of the fixing rod.

[0016] According to a practical embodiment of the invention, the guide rails are further provided with a retaining lug in front of each slot end, which is dimensioned and arranged to block the fixing rod in the respective end position. At the same time, this also predetermines the end position and prevents unintentional displacement of the fixing rod. The shape of these retaining lugs is not really important; it should simply be easy for the operator to recognize that the end position has been reached when moving the fixing rod.

[0017] It was pointed out earlier that the key shanks should be positioned between the side walls when stored in the key holder so that they cannot move accidentally. The invention ensures optimal positioning of the key shanks by providing a flexible coating on the fixing rod in the contact area with the key shanks. This ensures that even when the key shanks are positioned with their notches facing toward the fixing rod, the keys remain securely seated even when positioned in the notches.

[0018] Such a key holder is also particularly suitable as a gift. Furthermore, it is frequently picked up and viewed more or less automatically, so it is advantageous if it also serves as an advertising medium. The invention achieves this by designing and marking the outer surfaces of the side walls to create an advertising space.

[0019] The advertising space on such a key holder can also be expanded by covering the area between the crossbar, the housing head wall and the two side walls with a rectangular plate, which also serves as an advertising space.

[0020] It was mentioned earlier that the longitudinal slots and the upper guide wall should have a certain degree of flexibility so that the fixing rod can be inserted without screwing or similar. This design can be advantageously utilized by sizing the longitudinal slots in the side walls to accommodate a shopping cart token and simultaneously secure the fixing rod.

[0021] The invention is characterized by the creation of a key holder that does not require any screw connections and yet provides a "container" that can be used optimally to hold keys, specifically an entire group of keys. The number of keys inserted can be varied and adapted to requirements by changing the length of the housing head wall and the clamping pin, and of course the same applies to the crossbar. As a rule, however, it is sufficient if one longitudinal end of the key holder with the clamping pin is dimensioned such that five or six keys can be arranged between them, with spacers provided to ensure even rotation of the key heads on the clamping pin.

[0022] Further details and advantages of the subject matter of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the accompanying drawings, which illustrate a preferred embodiment with the necessary details and individual parts. They show: Fig. 1 a “closed” key holder in plan view, Fig. 2 a key in side view with triangular mounting hole, Fig. 3 a key with a circular mounting hole, Fig. 4 a spacer disc, Fig. 5 a key holder in an “open” representation, Fig. 6 a key holder in side view, Fig. 7 a clamping pin, Fig. 8 an empty key holder in bottom view with rectangular plate or shopping trolley chip, Fig. 9 Housing head wall with terminals, Fig. 10 mounting holes with countersink, Fig. 11 empty key holder with longitudinal slot, Fig. 11a Rectangular plate (top view) and Fig. 12 Fixing rod with flexible coating.

[0023] Fig. Figure 1 shows a key holder 1, the holder housing 2 of which has two side walls 4, 5, which are firmly connected to one another at one longitudinal end 22 via a housing head wall 7, while at the other longitudinal end 20 a long holder 6 in the form of a clamping pin 21 is arranged. The side walls 4, 5 and the housing head wall 7 thus form a holder housing 2, in which several keys 10, 11 can be accommodated. Such keys 10, 11 are in Fig. 2 and in Fig. 3 as individual pieces, the actual difference being only that different fastening holes 14 are provided, ie the holes through which the keys 10, 11 can be pushed onto the clamping pin 21 in order to then, as in Fig. 1, to be housed in the "box" formed by the side walls 4, 5. The side walls 4, 5 define the overall length 3 of the key holder 1, with clamps 46, 47 projecting from the housing head wall 7, the through-opening 50 of which is spring-loaded and closed by a pivoting clamp 52. This allows the key ring 51 to be easily inserted into or removed from the key holder 1. A car key 16 is attached to the key ring 51, so that the key holder 1 can be used together with the car key 16.

[0024] Between the side walls 4, 5 the keys 10, 11 are arranged in the rest position, which in Fig. 1. Here, the fixing rod 25, which fixes the keys 10, 11 in the rest position, has already been moved into the working position, which is predetermined by the retaining lug 62, while the rest position is predetermined by the retaining lugs 63. Fig. Figure 1 shows that the fixing rod 25 can be easily moved in the longitudinal slots 23, 24 between the slot ends 26, 27. Further explanation will be given below about how this is facilitated by guide rails 60 and similar auxiliary means. These guide rails 60 are formed in the longitudinal slots 23, 24.

[0025] Between the key heads 12, which together with the key shafts 13 form the individual keys 10, 11, spacer discs 15 are arranged ( Fig. 1), whereby a single spacer disc 15 in Fig. 4, it also has a mounting hole 14.

[0026] The key shafts 13 lie on a Fig. 5 and can then be secured via the fixing rod 25 when it is displaced beyond the retaining lugs 63 to the slot end 27. Such retaining lugs 62 are also provided at the opposite slot end 26.

[0027] As already explained, the clamping pin 21 can be pushed back and forth between the slot ends 26, 27 of the longitudinal slots 23, 24, whereby its length is dimensioned such that the fixing rod 25 can be bent out of the longitudinal slots 23, 24 without additional screwing or the like. For this purpose, the longitudinal slots 23, 24 run, as shown in particular in Fig. 11, between the transverse web 8 and in the longitudinal direction 9 up to the housing head wall 7 and just below the upper edge 28 of the side walls 4, 5.

[0028] While the terminals 46, 47 are attached to the housing head wall 7, i.e., at the longitudinal end 22, the clamping pin 21 is arranged at the opposite longitudinal end 20, which will be described further below.

[0029] Fig. Figure 2 shows an unfolded key holder 1, with a pivoted-out key shaft 13 visible. It is also apparent that the associated key head 12 is associated with the clamping pin 21, which is arranged between the two end regions of the side walls 4, 5, which form a fork 30. Fig. 5 further shows that between the clamps 46, 47, the passage opening 50 formed by the two free ends 48, 49 is closed by a pivoting clamp 52. The pivoting clamp 52 has two holes 53, 53' (see Fig. 9) so that it applies the necessary spring force to close the passage opening 50.

[0030] While Fig. 5 shows a bottom view of the key holder 1, Fig. 6 a side view. Fig. 5, the arrangement and the mode of operation of the crosspiece 8 is clarified once again, because it is shown that here a key shaft 13 is pivoted away into the working position, while the other key shaft 13' is still in the rest position, ie rests on the crosspiece 8. Fig. 6, all keys 10, 11 with their key shafts 13, 13' are now pivoted out of the rest position between the two side walls 4, 5, so that the one that is to be used can now be brought into the working position. This is illustrated in Fig. 6 also shows once again that the upper wall 33 of the longitudinal slot 24 is designed so “thin” that the fixing rod 25, which is located here in the middle position, can be removed from the longitudinal slot 23, 24 by transverse positioning if it has to be replaced for any reason.

[0031] Fig. 7 shows a clamping pin 21 which fits into the fork 30, which consists of Fig. 8, can be inserted, whereby the end pieces 31, 32 have holes 35, 36 into which these pin ends 37, 38 slide when congruence is achieved. To facilitate this sliding in, Fig. 8 and Fig. 10 a special design of these receiving holes 35, 36 is possible. Firstly, it is provided that a conical countersink 40 is formed on the inner side 39, so that the sliding in of the pin ends 37, 38 is facilitated, while the further representation according to Fig. 10 shows that both on the inside 39 and on the outside 41 the receiving bore 36 has countersinks 40, 42. In the Fig. 8 also shows the special design of the holes 35, 36. This also shows Fig. 8, that there is a sufficiently large distance between the outer wall 45 of the housing head wall 7 in order to Fig. 1, and then secure it with the swivel clamp 52. The holes provided for receiving this swivel clamp are designated 53, 53'.

[0032] Fig. Figure 8 clearly illustrates the clamp 30, whereby it is additionally indicated here that a rectangular plate 70 is arranged between the crosspiece 8 and the housing head wall 7, filling the remaining area. However, a shopping cart chip 71 can also be used here, which is then inserted into the longitudinal slots 23, 24, as in Fig. 1. These longitudinal slots 23, 24 each have guide rails 60 on the inside 61, which in width correspond to the Fig. 12 correspond to the running grooves 59, 58 shown.

[0033] The fixing rod 25, which advantageously fixes the key shanks 13 within the key holder 1, has a flexible outer coating 67 in the contact area 66 so that it can press the key shanks 13 against the crosspiece 8.

[0034] The grooves 58, 59 at the rod ends 56, 57 serve to guide the fixing rod 25 precisely in the longitudinal slots 23, 24. However, the fixing rod 25 can still be removed from these longitudinal slots 23, 24 because, as already mentioned several times, the upper wall 33 of the longitudinal slots 23, 24 is designed to permit this.

[0035] In Fig. 8 shows the rectangular plate 70 as it is placed on the existing open space. Fig. 11, it can be inserted into the longitudinal slot 23, 24, as can the shopping cart chip 71. The outer surfaces 68 as well as the rectangular plate 70 can simultaneously be used as advertising space 69. The locking rod 25 can only be activated once the rectangular plate 70 or the shopping cart chip 71 has been removed.

[0036] To illustrate once again how advantageous, simple and safe the key holder 1 according to the invention can be operated, the Fig. 1, Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 again. Fig. Figure 1 shows the position in which the keys 10, 11 are stored between the two side walls 4, 5, with the fixing rod 25 securing them already located just before the working position. The keys 10, 11 can now be swung out of this rest position, which both Fig. 5 and 6. Since the same spring force always acts on the fixing rod 25, the keys 10, 11 can always be moved equally well from one position to the other. The respective end positions of the clamping pin 21 are determined by the fork 30, which is formed by the side walls 4, 5. If the keys 10, 11 are now to be returned to the rest position ( Fig.1), they can be pivoted back between the side walls 4, 5, with the crossbar 8 ensuring that they arrive and remain in this rest position, then secured by the fixing rod 25 moved in the corresponding direction. If the fixing rod 25 is to be replaced, for example, this is easily possible because the upper wall 33 of the longitudinal slots 23, 24 allows a slight bending so that the fixing rod 25 with its grooves 58, 59 can be exposed. Replacing keys 10, 11 is similarly easy, with the free end pieces 31, 32 of the side walls 4, 5 being bent slightly so that one of the two pin ends 37, 38 and thus the entire clamping pin 21 can be removed from the fork 30.After replacing or adding keys 10, 11, the entire assembly with clamping pin 21 is pushed back between the fork 30, which is slightly widened so that the clamping pin 21 engages with its pin ends 37, 38 in the receiving bores 35, 36. The clamping force or spring force provided by the fork 30 then ensures that the keys 10, 11 are securely seated and thus also that the keys 10, 11 can always be pivoted evenly. For all of these individual tasks, screwing or loosening screws is not necessary.

[0037] All features mentioned, including those which can be gathered from the drawings alone, are considered essential to the invention, both individually and in combination. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 20 2020 000 271 U1

[0003] DE 20 2017 000 023 U1

[0003] DE 10 2018 118 723 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Key holder (1) with a holder housing (2), the overall length (3) of which exceeds that of the keys (10, 11) stored therein and which is designed to accommodate one or more keys (10, 11) with a profiled key shank (13) and a key head (12) having one or more fastening holes (14), wherein the holder housing (2) has side walls (4, 5) between which a long holder (6) is mounted, which penetrates the fastening holes (14) of the keys (10, 11), and wherein, especially when the keys are not fully loaded, displaceable spacer discs (15) are provided on the long holder (6) between several key heads (12), characterized byin that the side walls (4, 5) are detachably connected to one another at one longitudinal end (20) by means of a clamping pin (21) forming the long holder (6), and are firmly connected to one another at the other longitudinal end (22) by means of a housing head wall (7), a longitudinal slot (23, 24) being formed in each of the two side walls (4, 5), in which slot a fixing rod (25) is arranged so as to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction (9) of the side walls (4, 5), said fixing rod preventing the key shanks (13) from pivoting out or releasing them again on a transverse web (8) centrally connecting the side walls (4, 5). [2] Key holder according to claim 1, characterized by that the longitudinal slots (23, 24) are designed to run close (preferably 1-2 mm) to the upper edge (28) of the side walls (4, 5), while the transverse web (8), which preferably has a width of 6-10 mm, connects the two lower edges (29). [3] Key holder according to claim 1, characterized bythat the side walls (4, 5) are connected to one another via the connecting housing head wall (7) and, above all, the crosspiece (8), forming an expandable fork (30). [4] Key holder according to claim 1, characterized by , the holder housing (2) with the side walls (4, 5), the housing head wall (7) and the crossbar (8) is made of a limitedly flexible or filled plastic, which is composed of a spring force which, on the one hand, causes the free ends (31, 32) of the side walls (4, 5) to spring up and, on the other hand, causes the clamping pin (21) to spring back and fix it. [5] Key holder according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by, the clamping pin (21) has a diameter which is larger than that of the receiving bores (35, 36) for the clamping pin (21) in the side walls (4, 5) at the end of the fork (30), wherein its pin ends (37, 38) have a smaller diameter, which is below that of the receiving bores (35, 36). [6] Key holder according to claim 5, characterized by that the receiving bores (35, 36) for the clamping pin (21) have a conical countersink (40) on the inside (39) or also on the outside (41) of the side walls (4, 5). [7] Key holder according to claim 1, characterized by , the housing head wall (7) has two arcuate clamps (46, 47) projecting beyond its outer wall (45), the free ends (48, 49) of which are designed to leave a passage opening (50) for key chain rings (51), this passage opening (50) being closable by means of a spring-loaded pivoting clamp (52). [8] Key holder according to claim 1, characterized bythat the longitudinal slots (23, 24) on the upper edge (28) of the side walls (4, 5) are formed extending from the crossbar (8) to the housing head wall (7). [9] Key holder according to claim 1 or any of the following claims, characterized by that the fixing rod (25) which can be displaced in the longitudinal slots (23, 24) in the longitudinal direction (9) of the side walls (4, 5) has running grooves (58, 59) at the ends of both rod ends (56, 57). [10] Key holder according to claim 9, characterized by that the running grooves (58, 59) have a width which corresponds to the width of the running rails (60) which are formed on the inside of the longitudinal slots (23, 24). [11] Key holder according to claim 10, characterized by that the guide rails (60) have a retaining lug (62, 63) in front of the respective slot end (26, 27), which is dimensioned and arranged to block the fixing rod (25) in the respective end position. [12] Key holder according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the fixing rod (25) has a flexible coating (67) in the contact area (66) with the key shafts (13). [13] Key holder according to claim 1, characterized by that the outer surfaces (68) of the side walls (4, 5) are designed and marked to form an advertising surface (69). [14] Key holder according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by that the area between the crossbar (8), the housing head wall (7) and the two side walls (4, 5) is covered by a rectangular plate (70), which also serves as an advertising area (69'). [15] Key holder according to claim 1, characterized by that the longitudinal slots (23, 24) in the side walls (4, 5) are dimensioned to receive a shopping trolley chip (71) and at the same time to fix the fixing rod (25).

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