key ring

Abstract

This keychain allows for easy replacement of decorative panels without having to disassemble the case that houses the panels. [Solution] The case body 3 comprises a transparent window member 1 having a first through hole 16 and a frame member 2 having a second through hole 26, wherein the window member 1 is fixed to the frame member 2, forming a storage space and an opening leading to the storage space between the window member 1 and the frame member 2; a lid 4 rotatably attached to the case body 3 and having a third through hole 43; a decorative plate 5 shaped to pass through the opening and be stored in the storage space; and a metal fitting 6. When the lid 4 is closed, the first through hole 16, the second through hole 26 and the third through hole 43 are aligned in a straight line, and the lid 4 maintains a state where it closes the opening by passing the metal fitting 6 through the first through hole 16, the second through hole 26 and the third through hole 43 with the lid 4 closed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a key fob capable of storing a decorative plate therein.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, acrylic plates printed with images of animation or game characters or photographs of people have been commercially available as acrylic stands and the like. For such acrylic plates printed with characters or people, there is a demand among fans of the printed characters or people to carry the acrylic plates while keeping the characters or people visible when going out. As a means to meet such demand, a key fob that accommodates an acrylic plate printed with characters or people inside can be considered.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a key fob that includes a front plate having a transparent window portion, a back plate, and a square frame-shaped intermediate plate formed with an opening penetrating the central portion thereof, and can store a decorative plate on which a character or the like is drawn, using the opening of the intermediate plate sandwiched between the front plate and the back plate as a storage space. In this key fob, the state where the intermediate plate is sandwiched between the front plate and the back plate is maintained by passing a split ring through through-holes respectively formed in the front plate, the intermediate plate and the back plate.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the key holder disclosed in Patent Document 1 is not designed to allow for the replacement of the decorative plate stored inside. Therefore, in order to replace the decorative plate stored inside the key holder disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to cut the split ring and disassemble it. When disassembled in this way, the front plate, middle plate, back plate, and decorative plate become separate, making it easy to lose parts, and reassembling the key holder after replacing the decorative plate is also time-consuming.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a key holder that allows for easy replacement of the decorative plate without disassembling the case that houses the decorative plate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The key holder according to the present invention comprises a case body having a transparent window member provided with a first through hole and a frame member provided with a second through hole, wherein the window member is fixed to the frame member, thereby forming a storage space and an opening leading to the storage space between the window member and the frame member; a lid rotatably attached to the case body and provided with a third through hole; a decorative plate shaped to pass through the opening and be stored in the storage space; and a metal fitting that can pass through the first through hole, the second through hole and the third through hole, wherein when the lid is closed, the first through hole, the second through hole and the third through hole are aligned in a straight line, and the lid maintains a state in which it closes the opening by passing the metal fitting through the first through hole, the second through hole and the third through hole while the lid is closed.

[0008] The keychain according to the present invention allows for easy replacement of the decorative plate without disassembling the case that houses the decorative plate.

[0009] In one embodiment of the key holder according to the present invention, the resin window member may be fixed to the resin frame member by fitting.

[0010] According to this embodiment, the window member can be fixed to the frame member without any extra effort.

[0011] In one embodiment of the keychain according to the present invention, the metal fitting may be a ball chain.

[0012] According to this embodiment, it can be directly attached to the shoulder strap of a shoulder bag or the handle of a handbag. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] This invention provides a key holder that allows for easy replacement of decorative plates without disassembling the case that houses the decorative plates. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the keychain according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the keychain of the first embodiment with the ball chain removed and the lid opened. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the window member of the key holder according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a rear view of the window member of the key holder according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the frame member of the key holder according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a front view of the frame member of the key holder according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of the lid of the keychain according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a rear view of the lid of the keychain according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a top view of the lid of the keychain according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view of the decorative plate of the keychain according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a front view showing the keychain of the second embodiment with the lid opened and the decorative plate removed. [Description of Embodiments]

[0015] <First Embodiment> Hereinafter, the key holder 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10. The key holder 10 can be used not only as a tool for bundling keys, but also as a hanging ornament attached to a bag, a mobile phone, or the like. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the key holder 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the key holder 10 includes a case main body 3 composed of a window member 1 and a frame member 2, a lid 4 rotatably attached to the case main body 3, four decorative plates 5 housed inside the case main body 3, and a ball chain 6. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state where the ball chain 6 is removed from the key holder 10 and the lid 4 is opened. The lid 4 can be brought into the open state shown in FIG. 2 by rotating from the closed state shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, by opening the lid 4, the key holder 10 allows the decorative plate 5 housed inside the case main body 3 to be replaced.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the window member 1. FIG. 4 is a rear view of the window member 1. The window member 1 is a substantially flat plate-shaped transparent resin member. The window member 1 does not need to be completely transparent over the entire surface, and a pattern or the like may be drawn on a part thereof as long as the decorative plate 5 housed in the case main body 3 can be seen through the window member 1. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 4, the window member 1 includes a central portion 11 and an edge portion 12 having a smaller plate thickness than the central portion 11. The edge portion 12 continuously extends in a U-shape along the right end, the lower end, and the left end of the window member 1 in FIG. 4. In the central portion 11, one recess 13 is formed at each of the upper right portion and the upper left portion in FIG. 4. At the portion where the recess 13 is formed, the plate thickness is the same as that of the edge portion 12. Further, in the central portion 11, a cylindrical recess 14 is formed at the left upper end portion in FIG. 4. Furthermore, the window member 1 includes a protruding portion 15 protruding upward in FIG. 4. The tip of the protruding portion 15 has a semicircular shape when viewed from the front. The protruding portion 15 is provided with a circular first through hole 16 at the center position of the semicircle. The plate thickness of the protruding portion 15 is the same as that of the central portion 11.

[0017] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the frame member 2. Figure 6 is a front view of the frame member 2. As shown in Figures 5 to 6, the resin-made frame member 2 includes a flat plate portion 21 and a side wall portion 22. The side wall portion 22 continuously extends in a U-shape along the right end, the lower end and the left end of the frame member 2 in Figure 6. The side wall portion 22 includes an outer portion 221 and an inner portion 222 whose height in the plate thickness direction of the flat plate portion 21 is lower than that of the outer portion 221. Both the outer portion 221 and the inner portion 222 continuously extend in a U-shape on the right side, the lower side and the left side in Figure 6. The outer portion 221 is provided with protrusions 23 protruding inward respectively at the right upper portion and the left upper portion in Figure 6. Further, a cylindrical recess 24 is formed at the right upper end portion of the flat plate portion 21 in Figure 6. Furthermore, the frame member 2 includes a protruding portion 25 protruding upward in Figure 6. The tip of the protruding portion 25 has a semicircular shape when viewed from the front. The protruding portion 25 is provided with a circular second through hole 26 at the center position of this semicircle. The plate thickness of the protruding portion 25 is the same as that of the flat plate portion 21. Note that the frame member 2 may be transparent. When the frame member 2 is transparent, the decorative plate 5 accommodated in the case body 3 can be viewed through the frame member 2.

[0018] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the lid 4. Figure 8 is a rear view of the lid 4. Figure 9 is a top view of the lid 4. As shown in Figures 7 to 9, the resin-made lid 4 includes a lid body 41 in a substantially quadrangular prism shape processed such that both ends are semicircular when viewed from the front, and a protruding portion 42 protruding from the central portion of the lid body 41. The tip of the protruding portion 42 has a semicircular shape when viewed from the front. The protruding portion 42 is provided with a circular third through hole 43 at the center position of this semicircle. The lid body 41 is provided with a rotation shaft 44 at one end and a protrusion 45 at the other end. The rotation shaft 44 is a substantially columnar protrusion protruding to both sides from one end of the lid body 41 as shown in Figure 9.

[0019] The case for housing the decorative panel 5 can be assembled by fitting the window member 1 onto the frame member 2 with the rotation axis 44 of the lid 4 inserted into the cylindrical recess 14 of the window member 1 and the cylindrical recess 24 of the frame member 2. The window member 1 is fitted onto the frame member 2 by positioning the frame member 2 so that the protrusion 23 of the frame member 2 fits into the recess 13 of the window member 1, and then pushing the central part 11 of the window member 1 into the inside of the outer part 221 of the side wall 22 of the frame member 2. Then, by fitting the window member 1 onto the frame member 2 with the rotation axis 44 of the lid 4 inserted into the cylindrical recess 14 of the window member 1 and the cylindrical recess 24 of the frame member 2 in this way, a case body 3 is formed with the window member 1 fixed to the frame member 2, and the lid 4 is rotatably attached to the case body 3. Since the key holder 10 secures the window member 1 to the frame member 2 by fitting together in this manner, it is possible to secure the window member 1 to the frame member 2 with less effort compared to the case where the window member 1 is secured to the frame member 2 using screws or the like.

[0020] When the window member 1 is fitted and fixed to the frame member 2, a storage space for storing the decorative panel 5 and an opening leading to the storage space are formed between the window member 1 and the frame member 2. In this state, with the window member 1 fixed to the frame member 2, the first through hole 16 of the window member 1 and the second through hole 26 of the frame member 2 are aligned in a straight line, as shown in Figure 2. When the lid 4, which is rotatably attached to the case body 3, is closed, the protrusion 45 of the lid 4 contacts the inner part 222 of the side wall 22 of the frame member 2, thereby closing the opening leading to the storage space. When the lid 4 is closed in this state, the first through hole 16 of the window member 1, the second through hole 26 of the frame member 2, and the third through hole 43 of the lid 4 are aligned in a straight line. Furthermore, by passing the ball chain 6 through the first through-hole 16, second through-hole 26, and third through-hole 43, which are aligned in a straight line as shown in Figure 1, the lid 4 becomes unable to rotate, keeping the lid 4 closed over the opening leading to the storage space, and preventing the stored decorative plate 5 from coming out of the case body 3.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, the ball chain 6 has a structure in which multiple metal balls 61 are linked together and is equipped with a connector 62 that can connect the balls 61 at both ends. The diameter of the balls 61 is set to a size that allows them to pass through the first through hole 16, the second through hole 26, and the third through hole 43. By connecting the balls 61 at both ends of the ball chain 6 with the connector 62, the balls 61 are linked in a ring shape. The ball chain 6 can then be changed to a state in which the balls 61 are linked in a linear shape by removing one of the balls 61 from the connector 62. The connector 62 can be attached and detached by hand without the use of tools.

[0022] The key holder 10 can be used to bundle keys by passing the ball chain 6 through the first through hole 16, the second through hole 26, and the third through hole 43 with the lid 4 closed, bundling keys (not shown) with the ball chain 6, and then connecting the balls 61 at both ends with the connector 62. The key holder 10 can also be used as a hanging ornament for a bag or mobile phone by passing the ball chain 6 through the first through hole 16, the second through hole 26, and the third through hole 43 with the lid 4 closed, attaching the ball chain 6 to a bag or mobile phone (not shown), and then connecting the balls 61 at both ends with the connector 62. The ball chain 6 is just one example of a fitting to pass through the first through hole 16, the second through hole 26, and the third through hole 43. The key holder 10 can also use fittings of a different shape from the ball chain 6, such as a double ring, as fittings to pass through the first through hole 16, the second through hole 26, and the third through hole 43. However, unlike when using a double ring or the like, the keychain 10 can be directly attached to the shoulder strap of a shoulder bag or the handle of a handbag by using the ball chain 6.

[0023] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the decorative plate 5 made of acrylic resin. As shown in Figure 10, the decorative plate 5 has a roughly square, flat shape with rounded corners. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, four decorative plates 5 can be stored simultaneously in the storage space of the case body 3. The shape and size of the decorative plates to be stored in the case body 3 do not have to be the same as the decorative plate 5 shown in Figure 10, as long as they can fit into the storage space of the case body 3 and pass through the opening leading to the storage space. For example, it is also possible to store only one decorative plate that has a roughly square, flat shape with an area equivalent to four decorative plates 5.

[0024] Although not shown in Figure 10, the decorative panel 5 is decorated with images such as animation or game characters. When the decorative panel 5 is stored in the case body 3, it can be seen through the transparent window member 1. Therefore, by attaching the keychain 10 to a bag or the like, the user can carry it with them while going out, with the characters visible. The decorative panel 5 may also be decorated with images of real people other than characters, or with patterns other than characters or people.

[0025] The keychain 10 allows for the replacement of the decorative plate 5 by removing the ball chain 6, opening the lid 4, replacing the decorative plate 5, closing the lid 4, and passing the ball chain 6 through the first through hole 16, the second through hole 26, and the third through hole 43. In this way, the keychain 10 allows for the easy replacement of the decorative plate 5 without disassembling the case that houses the decorative plate 5.

[0026] <Second Embodiment> The key holder 20 of the second embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 11. Similar to the key holder 10 of the first embodiment, the key holder 20 can be used not only as a tool for bundling keys, but also as a hanging ornament to be attached to a bag, mobile phone, etc. Figure 11 is a front view showing the key holder 20 with the lid 4a opened and the decorative plate 5a removed. As shown in Figure 11, the key holder 20 comprises a case body 3a composed of a window member 1a and a frame member 2a, a lid 4a rotatably attached to the case body 3a, two decorative plates 5a housed inside the case body 3a, and a ball chain (not shown).

[0027] The window member 1a is a transparent resin member with a substantially flat shape that is substantially heart-shaped when viewed from the front. A first through-hole 16a is formed in the window member 1a. The frame member 2a comprises a flat plate portion having a substantially heart-shaped shape similar to that of the window member 1a, and a side wall portion 22a provided on a part of the outer edge of the flat plate portion. In Figure 11, the side wall portion 22a of the frame member 2a is drawn with a dashed line. A second through-hole (not shown) is formed in the flat plate portion of the frame member 2a. The second through-hole of the frame member 2a is formed in a position that is in a straight line with the first through-hole 16a of the window member 1a when the window member 1a is fixed to the frame member 2a. Since both the window member 1a and the frame member 2a have a substantially heart-shaped shape when viewed from the front, the case body 3a also has a substantially heart-shaped shape when viewed from the front.

[0028] The window member 1a is fixed to the frame member 2a by fitting. By fitting and fixing the window member 1a to the frame member 2a, a storage space for storing the decorative plate 5a and an opening leading to the storage space are formed between the window member 1a and the frame member 2a. When the lid 4a is closed, the end of the lid 4a contacts the side wall portion 22a of the frame member 2a, thereby blocking the opening leading to the storage space. When the lid 4a is closed in this way, the first through hole 16a of the window member 1a, the second through hole of the frame member 2a, and the third through hole 43a of the lid 4a are aligned in a straight line. By passing a ball chain through the first through hole 16a, the second through hole, and the third through hole 43a which are aligned in a straight line in this way, the lid 4a cannot rotate, and the lid 4a is kept in a state where the opening leading to the storage space is blocked, so that the stored decorative plate 5a does not come out of the case body 3a.

[0029] Both decorative plates 5a are flat plates shaped like a heart cut in half. The storage space of the case body 3a can accommodate both decorative plates 5a simultaneously. The shape and size of the decorative plates stored in the case body 3a do not have to be the same as the decorative plates 5a shown in Figure 11, as long as they can fit into the storage space of the case body 3a and pass through the opening leading to the storage space. For example, it is also possible to store only one decorative plate, which is a flat plate shaped like a heart formed by combining the two decorative plates 5a.

[0030] Although not shown in Figure 11, the decorative plate 5a has images of, for example, characters from animations or games. When the decorative plate 5a is stored in the case body 3a, the decorative plate 5a can be seen through the transparent window member 1a. The keychain 20 can replace the decorative plate 5a by removing the ball chain, opening the lid 4a, replacing the decorative plate 5a, closing the lid 4a, and passing the ball chain through the first through hole 16a in the window member 1a, the second through hole in the frame member 2a, and the third through hole 43a in the lid 4a. In this way, the keychain 20 can easily replace the decorative plate 5a without disassembling the case that stores the decorative plate 5a. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0031] 1,1a Window member, 2,2a Frame member, 3,3a Case body, 4,4a Lid, 5,5a Decorative plate, 6 Ball chain, 10,20 Key holder, 11 Center part, 12 Edge part, 13 Recess, 14 Cylindrical recess, 15 Protrusion, 16,16a First through hole, 21 Flat plate part, 22,22a Side wall part, 23 Convex part, 24 Cylindrical recess, 25 Protrusion, 26 Second through hole, 41 Lid body, 42 Protrusion, 43,43a Third through hole, 44 Rotating shaft, 45 Convex part, 61 Ball, 62 Connector, 221 Outer part, 222 Inner part.

Claims

1. A case body having a transparent window member provided with a first through-hole and a frame member provided with a second through-hole, wherein the window member is fixed to the frame member, thereby forming a storage space and an opening leading to the storage space between the window member and the frame member. A lid is rotatably attached to the case body and has a third through-hole, A decorative panel shaped to pass through the opening and be stored in the storage space, The system comprises fittings that can pass through the first through hole, the second through hole, and the third through hole, When the lid is closed, the first through hole, the second through hole, and the third through hole are aligned in a straight line. A key holder characterized in that the lid maintains a state in which it closes the opening by passing the metal fittings through the first through hole, the second through hole, and the third through hole while the lid is closed.

2. A key holder according to claim 1, A key holder characterized in that the resin window member is fixed to the resin frame member by fitting.

3. A key holder according to claim 1 or 2, A key holder characterized in that the aforementioned metal fitting is a ball chain.

Images