Self-swinging key reminder and storage system, attached to the outside of the door and retractable when closing, with time-delayed acoustic or verbal reminder to prevent lockouts and key loss in living spaces.

Abstract

Self-swinging key reminder and storage system, consisting of a hollow body (“butler”) that is attached to the doorknob via a flexible band (10-20 cm), while the hollow body hangs on the door, wherein the hollow body seeks its stable resting position outside the door by means of gravity and a weight-reinforced section located in the lower area and swings automatically outwards when the door is opened, to bring the key outside, and is pulled inwards by the user when the door is closed, where it remains. The system operates entirely mechanically, without any electrical energy for its basic function.

Description

1. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mechanical key reminder and storage system that is attached directly to the doorknob and enables an automatic reminder to take or put away the key when a door is opened and closed by gravity movement.

[0002] The invention is intended in particular to prevent accidental lockouts and key loss within living spaces. 2. State of the art

[0003] Various systems exist that use electronic components or smart locks to remind users to take their keys. However, these require power sources, software, or complex installations.

[0004] Mechanical key holders do exist, but they do not offer active, automatic reminders through movement or signals.

[0005] None of the known systems combine a fully mechanical gravity control with a visual or optional acoustic reminder that works without electronics. 3. Object of the invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a simple, energy-independent system that prevents a person from locking themselves out or misplacing their key in the apartment.

[0007] The system is designed to automatically alert the user to the handover or removal of keys, without requiring electricity, batteries, or electronic controls.

[0008] Additionally, its design should be appealing, decorative, or usable for advertising purposes. 4. Solution to the task

[0009] The task is solved by a self-oscillating system attached to the doorknob (KEY BUTLER), consisting of a hollow body (hereinafter referred to as "Butler") which is suspended from the doorknob by a flexible band approximately 10-20 cm long and hangs from the door.

[0010] When the door is opened, the hollow body swings outwards automatically due to the action of gravity and a weight-reinforced section located at the bottom. This allows it to assume a stable outer resting position and visually reminds the user to insert or remove their key.

[0011] After a short time, an optional signal can be triggered to audibly remind the user.

[0012] This signal can • electronic (e.g. voice announcement, tone or humming), • mechanical (e.g. small bell or vibration mechanism) or • be performed silently (only through movement and visual stimuli).

[0013] When the key is inserted into or removed from the opening of the hollow body, the system detects the movement and automatically terminates the signal.

[0014] When the door is closed, the hollow body is pulled inwards by the user, where it remains and securely holds the key inside.

[0015] The next time the door is opened, e.g. when leaving the apartment, the butler swings out again to have the key ready.

[0016] Before the door is closed, the butler is pushed back inwards, thus returning the system to its initial state.

[0017] The system uses only gravity and the low center of gravity of the hollow body for movement and stabilization, and therefore functions completely without electrical energy. 5. Embodiments of the invention

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the hollow body consists of a noise-dampening material such as plastic, rubber or a composite material.

[0019] The lower part of the body is made heavier to stabilize the center of gravity and facilitate the swinging motion.

[0020] The opening for the key is located on the back, large enough to fit a hand inside.

[0021] The hollow body can be designed in different shapes, for example as a human figure, animal, abstract object or minimalist design.

[0022] It can be designed in various colors, shapes or brand motifs and thus also serve as a decorative object or advertising medium.

[0023] Optionally, a hook or small tray can be attached to the underside to hang or place items such as bags, hats or keys.

[0024] In a mechanical version, a small bell produces a gentle ringing sound as soon as the butler moves.

[0025] In an electronic version, a voice announcement ("Key please!") or a short tone can be activated.

[0026] In a silent version, the system reminds the user of the key action solely through its movement and position. 6. Advantages of the invention • Fully mechanical main function, no electricity or battery required • Optional use of signals (electronic, mechanical or silent) • Easy installation: can be attached directly to the doorknob • Reliably prevents lockouts and key loss • Maintenance-free and durable • Decorative, appealing, and customizable • Can also be used as an art or advertising object

Claims

A self-swinging key reminder and storage system consisting of a hollow body ("butler") attached to the doorknob via a flexible band (10-20 cm). The hollow body hangs from the door, and gravity, combined with a weight-reinforced section at its base, keeps it in a stable resting position outside the door. When the door is opened, the hollow body swings outwards to release the key. When the door is closed, the user pulls the key back inwards, where it remains. The system operates entirely mechanically, requiring no electrical energy for its basic function. System according to claim 1, characterized in that a motion detector or sensor is located inside which registers the door movement, wherein this can optionally be operated electrically or mechanically. System according to claim 2, characterized in that after an adjustable time a signal is triggered which reminds the user to put down or take the key with them, wherein the signal can be electronic, mechanical or noiseless. System according to one of claims 1-3, characterized in that an active signal automatically ends as soon as a movement is detected within the key opening indicating the insertion or removal of the key. System according to one of claims 1 - 4, characterized in that the hollow body has an opening on the back for inserting or removing the key. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hollow body consists of a noise-absorbing material, preferably plastic, rubber or a composite material. System according to one of the preceding claims, in which, instead of an electronic component, a mechanical sound device, for example a small bell, is integrated which generates an acoustic signal when the hollow body is opened or vibrated. System according to claim 7, characterized in that the hollow body is designed in a decorative or figurative form, for example as a human figure, animal or abstract object, in order to serve simultaneously as an aesthetic, appealing or promotional design element. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the entire hollow body is designed decoratively or for advertising purposes, for example by means of color design, shaping, imprints, figure or brand motifs. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a hook or tray is attached below the hollow body, which can be used for hanging or placing items such as bags, hats or keys. System according to one of the preceding claims, which can selectively generate electrical or mechanical signals, wherein the basic movement of the system is carried out entirely without electronics. System according to one of the preceding claims, which activates a time-delayed memory as soon as the hollow body reaches its outer rest position. System according to one of the preceding claims, which triggers a motion detection or contact reaction when the key is inserted or removed. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hollow body is permanently attached to the doorknob via the band and does not need to be removed from the door. System according to one of the preceding claims, which is pulled inwards when the door is closed and remains there until the door is opened again, wherein gravity and the center of gravity of the hollow body determine the stable position.

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