Key holding device

Abstract

Key holding device comprising a first planar element and a second planar element, wherein: • the first planar element comprises a first keyholder configured to hold a first key; and • the first planar element and the second planar element are operatively connected, wherein: ○ the first planar element is movable with respect to the second planar element between a secured key position and an exposed key position, wherein ■ in the secured key position, a second edge of the second planar element is arranged beyond the first edge of the first planar element; ■ in the exposed key position, the second edge of the second planar element does not extend beyond the first edge of the first planar element; and ■ the first planar element is configured to move translation between the secured key position and the exposed key position, at least partly in a direction normal to the second planar element.

Description

[0001] KEY HOLDING DEVICE

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a key holding device. In particular, the present invention relates to a key holding device comprising a first planar element and a second planar element, wherein the first planar element is movable with respect to the second planar element.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] In daily routines, individuals often carry numerous keys, such as those for their apartment, bike or safety deposit box, among others. These keys are typically assembled on a key ring or chain and transported in a pocket. However, these traditional key chains, rings, or holders can become quite heavy and inconvenient to carry around. To make carrying keys more convenient many key holding devices or key wallets have been proposed that rely on various mechanisms to hold, release and / or move the key.

[0006] Various key holding devices are known that use a folding mechanism to expose and / or secure the key. For example, US2017231347A1 discloses a means for holding a plurality keys. The means comprises: a flat card rectangular in shaped, one or more fold lines in order to divide the card into a plurality of panels. The fold lines wherein allow the plurality of panels to pivot relative to each other by 180-degree angle. One or more panels of the card comprise a sleeve which has one or more openings to facilitate the insertion of keys.

[0007] Also, various key holding devices are known that use a sliding mechanism to expose and / or secure the key. For example, GB2452098A discloses a universal modular key holding device with a sliding mechanism allowing keys to be projected out of the key holding device when using keys or retracted and stored within the key holding device when not in use.

[0008] However, existing key holding devices have often one or more of the following shortcomings:

[0009] • bulky, particularly if they are configured to hold at least two keys;

[0010] • do not provide a stable position of the key with respect to the key holding device;

[0011] • not durable;

[0012] • difficult to manufacture;

[0013] • difficult to operate with one hand.

[0014] Hence, there is a need for improved key holding devices.

[0015] Summary of the invention It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved key holding device addressing one or more shortcomings of existing holding devices.

[0016] In a first aspect of the invention, a key holding device for holding at least a first key is provided, comprising a first planar element and a second planar element, wherein:

[0017] • the first planar element comprises a first keyholder configured to hold a head of the first key such that, when the first key is held by or in the first keyholder, a blade of the first key is directed in a first direction and extends beyond a first edge of the first planar element;

[0018] • the first planar element and the second planar element are operatively connected, wherein: o the first planar element is movable with respect to the second planar element between a secured key position and an exposed key position, wherein

[0019] ■ in the secured key position, as seen along the first direction, a second edge of the second planar element is arranged beyond the first edge of the first planar element at a first distance, such that when the first key is held in the first keyholder, at least a part of the blade of the first key, preferably a tip of the blade of the first key, does not extend beyond the second edge of the second planar element in the first direction;

[0020] ■ in the exposed key position, as seen in the first direction, the second edge of the second planar element does not extend beyond the first edge of the first planar element and / or is arranged at a second distance from the first edge of the first planar element, wherein preferably the second distance is smaller than the first distance; and

[0021] ■ the first planar element is configured to move, with respect to the second planar element, during a transition between the secured key position and the exposed key position, at least partly in a direction normal to the second planar element, and wherein the movement of the first planar element with respect to the second planar element is translational.

[0022] The key holding device according to the invention is particularly useful for holding a relatively small number of keys, such as one or two keys. However, a key holding device according to the invention may be coupled with another key holding device according to the invention to increase the number of keys that may be held. According to an embodiment of the invention the first and the second planar elements are configured to move with respect to each other in order to expose or secure a key that may be attached to the first planar element. Here, a planar element refers to an element that may be substantially flat. A planar element extends predominantly along two dimensions, length and width, while having a negligible or at least smaller thickness along the third dimension. The planar element may be rigid, generally maintaining its planar shape when a relatively low force is exerted thereon. In an embodiment, in order to attach the first key to the first planar element, the first planar element comprises a first keyholder. A keyholder refers to an element or arrangement that is suitable to hold a key. An example may be a sleeve or pocket. However, also a magnet, pin or elastic material may be used for or comprised by the first keyholder. The first keyholder may be substantially planar as well. Once the first key is held by the first keyholder, the blade of the first key extends, preferably completely, beyond the first edge of the first planar element. A first direction is a direction extending longitudinally along the key. The first edge may have a linear or convex shape or curvature as seen in the first direction from the inner of the first planar element. To secure the first key, the blade of the first key should preferably, in the secured key position, not extend beyond the second edge of the second planar element, such that the second edge may prevent the tip of the blade of the first key to damage other objects and / or preventing the insertion of the first key into a lock. On the other hand, in the exposed key position, the second edge of the second planar element should not prevent the blade of the first key to enter a lock. In the exposed key position, the second distance is smaller than the first distance as seen in the first direction. Here, the second distance may be a negative value which is smaller than a positive distance. The negative distance may thereby be interpreted as a distance from the first edge in an opposite direction when compared to a positive distance. In the art, the idea of covering a blade of a key with a planar element is known per se. For example, US2017231347A1 and GB2452098A may use such principle. However, the present invention differs from the state of the art in how the first planar element and the second planar element move with respect to each other between the secured and exposed key position. In contrast to US2017231347A1, the relative movement of the first planar element with respect to the second planar element during transition from secured to exposed key position is translational. By a pure translation movement, the planar elements maintain their relative orientation during the transition. As a result, the planar elements have a similar orientation with respect to each other in secured key position and in the exposed key position. This has the advantage that the orientation or direction of a key held by the first keyholder may remain the same during the transition between the secured and exposed key position making it easier to operate the key holder device with one hand. In embodiments, the first and second planar elements are moved without rotating the planar elements with respect to each other. In contrast to GB2452098A the first planar element is configured to move, with respect to the second planar element, during a transition between the secured key position and the exposed key position, at least partly in a direction normal to the second planar element. According to an embodiment of the invention, a distance, normal to the second planar element, between the first planar element and the second planar element changes during said transition. As a result, such distance may function as an indication on whether the first planar element is in the transition between the exposed and the secured key position. Such indication, associated with a thickness of the key holding device makes it easy for a user to assess whether the first planar element is in between the secured and exposed key position.

[0023] In an embodiment,

[0024] • the second planar element comprises a second keyholder configured to hold a head of the second key such that, when a second key is held by or in the second keyholder, a blade of the second key is directed in a second direction and extends beyond a first edge of the second planar element;

[0025] • in the secured key position, as seen along the second direction, a second edge of the first planar element is arranged beyond the first edge of the second planar element at a third distance, such that when the second key is held in the second keyholder, at least a part of the blade of the second key, preferably a tip of the blade of the second key, does not extend beyond the second edge of the first planar element in the second direction; and

[0026] • in the exposed key position, as seen in the second direction, the second edge of the first planar element does not extend beyond the first edge of the second planar element and / or is arranged at a fourth distance from the first edge of the second planar element, wherein preferably the fourth distance is smaller than the third distance.

[0027] A particular advantage of the present invention is that the key holding device can be extended with the second key holding device arranged at the second planar element. Holding, securing and exposing of the second key works essentially the same as for the first key. If the first planar element is in the secured key position, also the second planar element is in the secured key position. Similarly, if the first planar element is in the exposed key position, also the second planar element is in the exposed key position. Therefore, during a transition from the secured key position to the exposed key position, if both the first and second key are held by the first and second keyholder respectively, both blades get exposed so that both keys may be used for unlocking a lock. The key holding device may therefore be configured to expose the first key and the second key at the same time. The key holding device may be configured to secure the first key and the second key at the same time.

[0028] In an embodiment, a first connecting element connects the first planar element with the second planar element. The first connecting element can be pivotably connected at a first pivot point to the first planar element and can be pivotably connected to the second planar element at a second pivot point. In some embodiments, the pivot point is a pivot line. In some embodiments, the first connecting element has a predetermined length that is maintained, and the kept same, in the at least two and preferably in the three states of exposed key position, secured key position and transition. In embodiments the first connecting element comprises an orientation device for maintaining the orientation of the first planar element with respect to the second planar element during the at least two and preferably in the three states of exposed key position, secured key position and transition.

[0029] In an embodiment, the first planar element and the second planar element are in a predetermined orientation, preferably parallel, to each other in the secured key position, and preferably remain in that predetermined orientation, preferably parallel, to each other during the transition between the secured key position and the exposed key position.

[0030] In the secured position the first planar element and the second planar element preferably are parallel to each other. Parallel means here that the two planes defined by the length and width of respectively the first and second planar element have the same orientation or tilt, and do not intersect. Within the setting of the present invention, parallel planes may also refer to two planes that intersect each other at a small inner angle, for example smaller than 10 degrees, preferably smaller than 5 degrees, as minor adjustments may not negatively impact the performance of the key holding device. If the first planar element and the second planar element are parallel to each other also the first direction may be parallel to the second direction, the keys extending in opposite directions. The first planar element being parallel to the second planar element allows for a particular compact design of the key holding device.

[0031] In an embodiment, a movement of the first planar element with respect to the second planar element has one independent degree of freedom. In an embodiment, the key holding device has a guiding system that guides the first and second planar element in predetermined positions with respect to each other between exposed and secured key position. In other words, a movement or motion of the first planar element with respect to the second planar element may be described by only one independent parameter. For example, if a distance between the first edge of the first planar element and the second edge of the second planar element are constant, the first edge of the first planar element may rotate around the second edge of the second planar element, or similarly, the second edge of the second planar element may rotate around the first edge of the first planar element. In such case, an angle of rotation, for example an angle of rotation of the first edge of the first planar element with respect to the second edge of the second planar element may be said independent parameter. By having that the movement of the first planar element with respect to the second planar element may be described by only one independent parameter, the key holding device according to the invention provides a clear guideline on how to move the first planar element and / or second planar element during a transition between the secured key position and the exposed key position. The transition between the secured key position and the exposed key position may therefore be associated with a unique or single movement of the first planar element with respect to the second planar element.

[0032] The first connecting element may be a planar element. The planar element may comprise one or more openings or recesses. The first connecting element may comprise one, preferably two, or more, beams, bars or members, preferably elongated, extending from the first planar element to the second planar element. The first connecting element may have a length between 30 and 50 mm, preferably around or exactly 40 mm. The length of the first connecting element may be defined as a distance, preferably the shortest distance, between a connection point with the first planar element and a connection point with the second planar element. By having the first connecting element pivotable connected with the first planar element and the second planar element, the first planar element and the second planar element may be move with respect to each other, while a certain distance may be kept constant due to a preferably constant length of the first connecting element. The first connecting element may comprise an opening and / or a recess in which, in the secured key position, the blade of the first key may be, at least partly, arranged. By doing so, the key holding device may be more flat in the exposed key position.

[0033] In an embodiment, the key holding device further comprises a second connecting element, wherein the second connecting element is pivotably connected with the first planar element and is pivotably connected with the second planar element.

[0034] Similarly to the first connecting element, the key holding device may comprise the second connecting element. Features of the first connecting element may also be applicable to or comprised by the second connecting element. The second connecting element may even be identical to the first connecting element, except that the second connecting element may be arranged at a different location than the first connecting element. The second connecting element may have a length identical to the length of the first connecting element. Also, the second connecting element may comprise an opening and / or a recess in which, in the secured key position, the blade of the second key may be, at least partly, arranged. By doing so, the key holding device may be more flat in the exposed key position.

[0035] In an embodiment, the first planar element, the second planar element, the first connecting element and the second connecting element form, at least during the transition, a parallelogram structure, or in other words, a four-bar linkage structure, wherein

[0036] • the first planar element and the second planar element are parallel to each other; and / or

[0037] • the first connecting element and the second connecting element are parallel to each other.

[0038] Said parallelogram or four-bar linkage structure, is an example of a guiding system for guiding the relative movement of first and second planar elements, and may make it easy to move the first planar element with respect to the second planar element, while keeping the first planar element parallel to the second planar element, while also providing sufficient structural stability to the key holding device. The first edge of the first planar element may rotate around an axis defined on the second planar element. Similarly, the first edge of the second planar element may rotate around an axis defined on the first planar element to which the second connecting element connects. Said rotations may be a circular movement wherein the radius of the circle is determined by the length of the first connecting element and / or the length of the second connecting element. Said rotations may be limited to 180 degrees, i.e. the circular movement may be at most a movement along half a circle. In case of a four-bar linkage structure, the 'four-bar' refer to at least parts of the first planar element, the second planar element, the first connecting element and the second connecting element.

[0039] In an embodiment, the first connecting means and / or second connecting means is pivotably connected with the first planar element and / or second planar element, preferably by means of a flexible material and / or a mechanical pivoting mechanism.

[0040] A pivotable connecting may be realized by different means. By using a flexible material, such as leather, artificial leather, fabric etc. pivoting means may be fabricated from the same material as at least part of the connecting elements and / or the planar elements, making a manufacturing of the key holding device easier. A mechanical pivoting mechanism may be a hinge. Said hinge may comprise plastic or metal.

[0041] In an embodiment, the key holding device further comprises activation means configured to transfer, if the first planar element is in the secured key position, a squeezing force on the activation means by a hand of a user into a force on the first planar element in a direction normal to the first planar element and away from the second planar element, and / or a force on the second planar element in the direction normal to the second planar element and away from the first planar element, causing at least part of an initial movement from the secured key position towards the exposed key position.

[0042] If the first planar element is in the secured key position the activation means may make it easier for a user to move the first planar element and the second planar element away from each other.

[0043] In an embodiment, the first planar element, the second planar element, the first connecting element and the second connecting element are integrally formed from a single piece.

[0044] Here, formed by one piece refers to said elements being connected with each other by a single material, for example a single fabric. Each element may comprise other components not attached or connected to any other element.

[0045] In an embodiment,

[0046] • the first distance is between 30 and 50 mm, preferably between 35 and 45 mm, more preferable between 38 and 42 mm;

[0047] • the second distance is between -30 and -50 mm, preferably between -35 and -45 mm, more preferable between -38 and -42 mm;

[0048] • the third distance is between 30 and 50 mm, preferably between 35 and 45 mm, more preferable between 38 and 42 mm;

[0049] • the fourth distance is between -30 and -50 mm, preferably between -35 and -45 mm, more preferable between -38 and -42 mm;

[0050] • a distance between the first edge of the first planar element and the second edge of the first planar element is between 20 and 40 mm, preferably between 25 and 35 mm, more preferable between 28 and 32 mm; and / or

[0051] • a distance between the first edge of the second planar element and the second edge of the second planar element is between 20 and 40 mm, preferably between 25 and 35 mm, more preferable between 28 and 32 mm.

[0052] The first until the fourth distance foremost relate to the potential length of a blade of a key held by the keyholder. The distance between the first edge and the second edge is associated with the size of the head of the key.

[0053] In an embodiment, the key holding device further comprises a securing locking mechanism configured to selectively lock or unlock the first planar element in the secured key position. It may be beneficial to keep, secure or lock the first planar element in a certain position, such as the secured key position. This prevents, or at least reduces the possibility, that the first planar element unwantedly transitions or moves towards the exposed key position. The locking mechanism may comprise one or more magnets comprised by the first and / or second planar element, and / or by the first and / or second connecting element. In particular, a magnet on an element, such as the first planar element and / or the first connecting element may be arranged such that it aligns with a magnetic part, such as another magnet on the second planar element and / or the second connecting element when the first planar element is in the secured key position.

[0054] In an embodiment, the key holding device further comprises an exposing locking mechanism configured to selectively lock or unlock the first planar element in the exposed key position.

[0055] Instead or additionally to lock the first planar element in the secured key position, it may also be beneficial to be able to lock the first planar element in the exposed key position. Such exposing locking mechanism may be designed similarly to the securing locking mechanism. In particular, a magnet on an element, such as the first planar element and / or the first connecting element may be arranged such that it aligns with a magnetic part, such as another magnet on the second planar element and / or the second connecting element when the first planar element is in the exposed key position. Whether the first planar element may be locked in the secured key position and / or in the exposed key position therefore foremost depend on an arrangement of magnets and magnetic materials. A magnet and / or magnetic part may be arranged such that they cooperate in both the secured and exposed key position, thereby allowing to lock the first planar element in the secured and exposed key position using only one magnet and / or magnetic part per first and second planar element.

[0056] In an embodiment, the key holding device further comprises biasing means and wherein the first planar element is biased towards the secured key position or the exposed key position.

[0057] The biasing means may comprise one or more springs, for example torsion springs. The biasing means may be configured to bring the first planar element back to the secured key position or to the exposed key position, depending in which direction the biasing means may lose a stored biasing or spring energy. For example, the biasing means may be loaded by moving, using an external force by a user, towards the exposed key position. When a user may remove its force, the first planar element may move back due to a force applied by the biasing means into the secured key position. Similarly, the biasing means may be loaded by moving, using an external force by a user, towards the secured key position. When a user may remove its force, the first planar element may move back due to a force applied by the biasing means into the exposed key position. In an embodiment, inner angle between the first direction and the second direction is larger than 90 degrees, preferably larger than 160 degrees, more preferably equal to 180 degrees.

[0058] The first key and the second key may extend in substantially opposite directions when held by the first and second keyholder, respectively. As a result, both keys may be exposed at the same. Furthermore, in the exposed key position the key holding device including held keys may be elongated.

[0059] In an embodiment, the first planar element comprises a first feature element and the second planar element comprises a second feature element, wherein the first feature element differs from the second feature element, enabling a distinguishing of the first planar element from the second planar element.

[0060] From only the blade it may be difficult to distinguish the first key from the second key if they are held by the first and second keyholder respectively. To facilitate an easier distinguishing between both keys, the first planar element by comprise a different feature element than the second planar element.

[0061] In an embodiment, the first feature element and the second feature element are selected from a group consisting of: color, shape, structure, material, reflection, text, texture, image and illumination.

[0062] Said listing are typically useful and easy to manufacture to differentiate or distinguish the first planar element from the second planar element. Different colors may be obtained by using different paint or materials.

[0063] In an embodiment, in the secured key position, a length of the key holding device is less than 85.6 mm and / or a width of the key holding device is less than 53.98 mm, wherein the length is defined in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the width is defined.

[0064] Said dimensions are associated with a typical size of a credit card, such that the key holding device may be put in a wallet or card holder which may hold or keep credit cards.

[0065] In an embodiment, a distance, or absolute value of a distance, between the first planar element and the second planar element along a direction normal to the second planar element is in the secured key position and / or in the exposed key position less than 5 mm, preferably less than 1 mm, and more preferably equal to 0 mm.

[0066] In order to store the key holding device in e.g. a wallet or a pocket it is beneficial to have a key holding device with a small thickness. Typically, a thickness of the first key and / or the second key are each around 3 mm. The thickness of the key holding device may be between 5 and 10 mm, preferably around or equal to 8mm.

[0067] Unless specifically indicated a reference to a transition from secured key position to exposed key position also is a reference to a (part of a) transition from exposition key position to secured key position and vice versa. Unless specifically indicated herein a reference to a translation movement is a reference to a movement wherein a relative orientation is maintained.

[0068] These and other aspects of the invention will be more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description and considered in connection with the accompanying drawings in which like reference symbols designate like parts.

[0069] Brief description of the drawings

[0070] Figures la - lb schematically show a first embodiment of a key holding device according to the invention. Figure la shows a perspective view of the first embodiment in which a 3D appearance of the first embodiment is illustrated. Figure lb shows a side view of the first embodiment in which an appearance of the first embodiment from a side is illustrated.

[0071] Figures 2a - 2d schematically show a second embodiment of the invention with an emphasize on a secured key position and an exposed key position.

[0072] Figures 3a - 3d schematically show the second embodiment of the invention, wherein the key holding device is shown from different views with respect to the views in Figures 2a - 2d, further emphasizing holding of a second key.

[0073] Figures 4 - 5 illustrate, in various schematic views, a transition between a secured key position and an exposed key position of an embodiment according to the invention.

[0074] Figure 6a - 6b schematically shows an embodiment of a key holding device according to the invention, comprising a locking mechanism.

[0075] Figure 7a - 7c schematically show an embodiment of a key holding device according to the invention, comprising activation means.

[0076] Figure 8 schematically shows an embodiment of a key holding device according to the invention, comprising biasing means.

[0077] Figure 9 schematically shows an embodiment of a key holding device according to the invention, wherein the connecting elements differ from the connecting elements shown in e.g. Figures 4a- 4e.

[0078] Figure 10 schematically shows an embodiment of a key holding device according to the invention, comprising only one connecting element. Detailed description of embodiments

[0079] Figures la and lb depict a first embodiment of a key holding device 1 according to the invention. The key holding device 1 is suitable to hold one key 5. However, the first embodiment can be adapted to hold a second key as is detailed further below. In Figure la the direction of the side view in Figure lb is indicated by the dashed arrow 3.

[0080] Key 5, also referred to as the first key 5, is not part of the invention per se, as the key 5 generally is attached to and / or detached from the key holding device 5 by a user. Here, a key 5 means a typically metal article or object, usually elongated, to be inserted in a keyhole for locking or unlocking the inserted key by turning the key 5 clockwise or counterclockwise. The key 5 comprises a head 7 and a blade 9. A key may further comprise a shoulder arranged between the head 7 and the blade 9. The present invention is not limited to a particular shape or size of a key. However, a size or dimensions of the key holding device 1 may be adapted to the size and / or type of key 5 it should hold.

[0081] The first key 5 is attached to a first planar element 13. A planar element refers to an element, article or object that exhibits predominantly flat characteristics. The planar element, such as the first planar element 13, extends predominantly along two dimensions, length 17 and width 15, while having a negligible or at least smaller thickness along the third dimension. Said third dimension or thickness may be perpendicular to the length and the width. The width 15 of the first planar element 13 is also the width of the key holding device 1. The width of the key holding device 1 is 40 mm. In other embodiments key holding devices according to the invention may have different widths. Preferably, the width of the first planar element 13 is wider than a typical household key. On the other hand, the width 15 of the first planar element is not much greater than a typical household key to keep the width 15 of the key holding device 1 small enough to fit in a wallet or pocket. Preferably the width of the key holding device 1 and / or the planar element 13 is less than 50 mm. The length 17 of the first planar element is 30 mm. Preferably the length 17 is the first planar element 13 is between 20 mm and 40 mm. The first planar element 13 has a rectangular shape, which is easy to manufacture. In other embodiments the first planar element 13 may have a different shapes. The first edge 35 of the first planar 13 element is arranged opposite of the second edge 39 of the first planar element 13.

[0082] The first planar element 13 comprises as a first keyholder a sleeve 19 or alternatively called pocket. The sleeve 19 is configured to hold the first key 5. The sleeve 19 comprises two openings, a first opening 21 and a second opening 23. To insert the first key 5 into the sleeve 19 the blade 9 of the key 5 is first inserted into the sleeve through the first opening 21. Then, the key 5 may be pushed by a user such that the head 7 of the key is at least partly within the sleeve 19, and the blade 9 extends through the second opening 23. The second opening 23 may be aligned with part of the first edge 35 of the first planar element 13. The blade 9 of the first key 5 is directed in the first direction 25, indicated by the dashed arrow. Instead or additionally to a sleeve 19, the first keyholder may comprise a magnet, an elastic wire, a pin or any other means to connect the first key 5 to the first planar element 13.

[0083] Opposite of the first planar element 13 is a second planar element 27. The first planar element 13 and the second planar element 27 are operatively connected via a first connecting element 29 and via a second connecting element 31. The first connecting element 29 is a planar element and comprises an opening 33. The second connecting element 31 is another planar element and comprises another opening 35. The first connecting element 29 is pivotably connected with the first planar element 13 and is pivotably connected with the second planar element 27. Similarly, the second connecting element 31 is pivotably connected with the first planar element 13 and is pivotably connected with the second planar element 27. The pivotable connections are obtained by using a flexible material between the various planar elements 13, 27 and connecting elements 29, 31. However, in other embodiments such pivotable connections may be obtained by different means such as mechanical pivoting mechanisms which may comprise distinct hinges. An inner side of the first planar element 13 faces, in the secured key position and in the exposed key position, towards an inner side of the second planar element 27. The first keyholder may be arranged on the outer side of the first planar element 13. Here, the outer side of the first planar element 13 faces away from the second planar element 27. The distance between the first edge 37 of the first planar element 13 and the second edge 39 of the first planar element 13 is 30 mm. Also, the distance between the first edge 41 of the second planar element 27 and the second edge 43 of the second planar element 27 is 30 mm. The width of the second planar element 27 may be defined in the same direction as the width of the first planar element 13. Similarly, the length of the second planar element 27 may be defined in the same direction as the width of the first planar element 13.

[0084] In the present embodiment, the first planar element 13, the second planar element 27, the first connecting element 29 and the second connecting element 31 are integrally formed from a single piece. In another embodiment, the key holding device 1 comprises a connector (not shown) to attach or connect further keys which may not be suitable to be held by the key holder. The connecter may comprise a keyring to which e.g. a car key may be connected. Also, other devices such as keychains may be connected to the connector. Figures 2a - 2d schematically show a second embodiment of the invention with an emphasize on a secured key position and an exposed key position. Figures 2a and 2b show the secured key position from two different views. Figures 2c and 2d show the exposed key position from different views. The respective views are similar to the views in Figure la and lb.

[0085] Referring to Figures 2a and 2b, in the secured key position, as seen along the first direction 25, a second edge 43 of the second planar element 27 is arranged beyond the first edge 37 of the first planar element 13 at a first distance. The first distance is 40 mm. The first key is held by the first keyholder 19. The blade 9 of the first key, including the tip of the blade 9, does not extend beyond the second edge 43 of the second planar element 27 in the first direction 25.

[0086] Referring to Figures 2c and 2d, in the exposed key position, as seen in the first direction 25, the second edge 43 of the second planar element 27 does not extend beyond the first edge 37 of the first planar element 13. Furthermore, the second edge 43 of the second planar element 27 is arranged at a second distance from the first edge 37 of the first planar element 13. Here, the second distance is smaller than the first distance. The second distance is -40 mm, which is smaller than 40 mm. The absolute value of the first distance is equal to the absolute value of the second distance.

[0087] Additionally, a second keyholder 219 holding a second key 205 is present. Holding of a second key 205 is further described in the description of Figures 3a - 3d, which may be considered as the embodiment shown in the Figures 2a - 2d in a 'turned around' view.

[0088] Referring to Figures 2a and 2b, in the secured key position, as seen along the second direction 225, which is parallel and opposite with respect to the first direction 25, the second edge 39 of the first planar element 13 is arranged beyond the first edge 41 of the second planar element 27 at a third distance, such that when the second key 205 is held in the second keyholder 219, at least a part of the blade of the second key 205, preferably a tip of the blade 209 of the second key 205, does not extend beyond the second edge 39 of the first planar element 13 in the second direction 225. The third distance is 40 mm. The first connecting element 29 is planar and covers at least part of the first key 5, preferably the blade 9 of the first key 5. In the secured key position, the first connecting element 29 may, at least partly, be arranged between the blade 9 and the second planar element 27, if the first key 5 is held by the key holding device 1.

[0089] Referring to Figures 2c and 2d, in the exposed key position, as seen in the second direction 225, the second edge 39 of the first planar element 13 does not extend beyond the first edge 41 of the second planar element 27 and / or is arranged at a fourth distance from the first edge 41 of the second planar element 27, wherein preferably the fourth distance is smaller than the third distance. The fourth distance is -40 mm. The absolute value of the third distance is equal to the absolute value of the fourth distance. Furthermore, the first distance is equal to the third distance, and the second distance is equal to the fourth distance.

[0090] In the secured key position, a length of the key holding device 1 is less than 85.6 mm and / or a width 15 of the key holding device 1 is less than 53.98 mm, wherein the length is defined in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the width is defined. Furthermore, a distance between the first planar element 13 and the second planar element 27 along a direction normal to the second planar element 27 is in the secured key position and / or in the exposed key position less than 5 mm, preferably less than 1 mm, and more preferably equal to 0 mm.

[0091] Figures 3a - 3d schematically show the second embodiment of the invention, wherein the key holding device is viewed from different views with respect to the views in Figures 2a - 2d, further emphasizing holding of a second key 205. The second embodiment of the invention has a form of symmetry such that, if the key holding device as shown in Figure 2a-2d is turned 180 degrees around axis, defined e.g. by the first edge 37 of the first planar element 17, the key holding device 1 looks similar. In particular, the shape of the first planar element 13 is identical to the shape of the second planar element 27, besides a different texture. Also, the shape of the first connecting element 29 is identical to the shape of the second connecting element 31. The second planar element 27 comprises a second keyholder 219 configured to hold a head of the second key 205 such that, when a second key 205 is held in the second keyholder, a blade of the second key is directed in a second direction 225 and extends beyond a first edge 41 of the second planar element 27. Similar to the first keyholder, the second keyholder 219 comprises two openings. An inner angle between the first direction 25 and the second direction 225 is 180 degrees. However, in other embodiments different angles may be used. Preferably the inner angle is larger than 160 degrees. The first edge 41 of the second planar element is arranged opposite of the second edge 43 of the second planar element 27. The second connecting element 27 is planar and covers at least part of the second key 205, preferably the blade 209 of the second key 205. In the secured key position, the second connecting element 31 may, at least partly, be arranged between the blade 209 and the first planar element 13, if the second key 205 is held by the key holding device 1.

[0092] Although in general the blade of the first key differs from the blade of the second key, it may be difficult to use such difference alone to see immediately which key is the first key and which key is the second key. To make it easier to distinguish the first key from the second key, or similarly to distinguish the first planar element 13 from the second planar element 27, the first planar element 13 comprises a first feature element and the second planar 27 element comprises a second feature element, wherein the first feature element differs from the second feature element. In the present embodiment, the texture of the first planar element 13 differs from the texture of the second planar element 27, enabling a distinguishing also at low light conditions. The different texture of the second planar element 27 is schematically illustrated by the dashed lines. It is however straightforward to provide additional or alternative feature elements, such as color, shape, structure, material, reflection, text, image and illumination.

[0093] Figures 4 - 5 illustrate a transition between a secured key position and an exposed key position of various embodiments according to the invention. Figures 4 and 5 depict the same embodiment from different views. The first planar element 13 is movable with respect to the second planar element 27 between a secured key position and an exposed key position. Figure 4a shows the first planar element 13 being in the secured key position. Figure 4e shows the first planar element 13 being in the exposed key position. Figures 4b-4d show intermediate positions during a transition between the secured and exposed key position. It is clear that at the intermediate positions a thickness of the key holding device 1 , i.e. a distance normal to the first planar element 13 between a plane defined between the first planar element 13 and the second planar element 27, is larger than at the secured and in the exposed key position. Therefore, the first planar element 13 moves with respect to the second planar element 27, during a transition between the secured key position and the exposed key position, at least partly in a direction normal to the second planar element 27. In particular, the first planar element 13 moves from the secured key position first away from the second planar element 27, and then moves towards the second planar element 27 to reach the exposed key position. The movement of the first planar element 13 with respect to the second planar element 27 is translational. In other words, the first planar element 13 does not rotate around an axis defined on the second planar element 27. As seen, the planar elements 13, 27 maintain their relative orientation during the transition, as the first planar element 13 and the second planar element 27 move without rotating with respect to each other. In Figures 4a-4e, the first planar element 13 and the second planar element 27 are parallel to each other in the secured key position. During the transition between the secured key position and the exposed key position, the first planar element 13 and the second planar element 27 remain parallel to each other. The movement of the first planar element 13 with respect to the second planar element 27 has one independent degree of freedom. The first connecting element 29 and the second connecting element 29, together with their respective connections to the planar elements may form at least part of a guiding system that guides the first and second planar element in predetermined positions with respect to each other between exposed and secured key position, such that a relative orientation between the first planar element 13 and the second planar element 27 is maintained. The first planar element 13, the second planar element 27, the first connecting element 29 and the second connecting element 31 form a parallelogram structure, wherein the first planar element 13 and the second planar element 27 are parallel to each other and wherein the first connecting element 29 and the second connecting element 31 are parallel to each other. This can be clearly seen in Figures 5a-5e. In the secured and exposed key position, the parallelogram has a zero or almost zero inner volume. The inner area of the parallelogram is the largest when the parallelogram structure is a rectangular structure. The length of the first connecting element 29 is equal to the length of the second connecting element 31. The parallelogram structure of the key holding device 1 in Figures 4 and 5 is immediate to see. This is because the first connecting element 29 connects at or close to the first edge of the first planar element 13 and the second edge of the second planar element 27. And, because the second connecting element 31 connects at or close to the second edge of the first planar element 13 and the first edge of the second planar element 27. If in other embodiments the connecting elements 29, 31 connect at different positions to the planar elements 13, 27, the parallelogram structure may be better described as a four-bar linkage structure. The four-bar linkage structure may comprise (i.e. form) a parallelogram structure, at least during a part of the transition. The first connecting element 29 is configured to rotate over at most 180 degrees with respect to the first edge of first planar element 13 and with respect to the second edge of the second planar element 27. Similarly, the second connecting element 31 is configured to rotate over at most 180 degrees with respect to the second edge of first planar element 13 and with respect to the first edge of the second planar element 27. The first and second edges of the first and second planar elements may define a rotation axis. However, in other embodiments, a rotation axis around which the first or second connecting element rotates may be defined between the first and second edge of the first, respective second, planar element.

[0094] Figure 6a schematically shows an embodiment of a key holding device 1 according to the invention, comprising a securing locking mechanism 51, 53. The first connecting element 29 comprises magnets 51 and the second planar element 27 comprises magnets 53. In the secured key position magnets 51 and 53 are aligned with each other such that there is an attractive force between them keeping the first planar element 13 in the secured key position. The locking of the first planar element 13 in the secured key position may be overcome by providing a sufficiently large force by a user, opposite to the attractive forces associated with the magnets. In other embodiments, the key holding device 1 may comprise an exposing locking mechanism configured to selectively lock or unlock the first planar element 13 in the exposed key position. An example of such an embodiment is provided in Figure 6b. Here, the second connecting element 31 comprises magnets 601, 603. In the exposed key position, magnet 601 is aligned with another magnet 605 comprised by the second planar element 27. Magnet 603 is then aligned with magnet 607 comprised by the first connecting element 29. In different embodiments, the number of magnets may vary as well as their respective locations. Instead of, or additionally to, magnets, other locking mechanisms may be used as well. If the first planar element 13 is locked in the secured or exposed key position, also the second planar element, the first connecting element and the second connecting element are locked in their respective secured or exposed key positions.

[0095] Figure 7a - 7c schematically show an embodiment of a key holding device according to the invention, comprising activation means 701. The activation means 701 are configured to transfer, if the first planar element 13 is in the secured key position, a squeezing force on the activation means by a hand of a user into a force on the first planar element 13 in a direction normal to the first planar element 13 and away from the second planar element 27, and a force on the second planar element 27 in the direction normal to the second planar element 27 and away from the first planar element 13, causing at least part of an initial movement from the secured key position towards the exposed key position. A handle 703, comprised by the activation means 701, is formed by a protruding section that extends outwardly from the first planar element 13, in particular from the second edge thereof, is provided for the user to provide a force thereto, in particular by pressing said handle, using for instance a finger or thumb, in direction towards, and outwardly from, the keyholding section of said planar element. The handle 703 may be rigidly connected with the first planar element 13. The user may press with one finger on the handle 703 towards the second edge 43 of the second planar element 27, and with another finger on the second edge 43 of the second planar element 27 towards the handle. The second edge 43 may be comprised by the activation means 701. The pressing causes a rotation force indicated by the dashed arrow 707 of the handle 703 around the second edge 43. As a result, the pressing action leads to introducing a lifting force on the first planar element 13, whereby the first planar 13 element is pushed upwards from the second planar element 27, thereby activating a movement from the secured to the exposed key position. The handle 703 preferably extends at least partly in a direction away from the second planar element, i.e. the handle 703 extends in a direction which is at least partly normal to the second planar element. In other embodiments, a handle or protruding section may be arranged differently, without changing the working principle. It may be beneficial to arrange additional handles or protruding sections at the first and / or second edge of the first planar element, and / or at the first and / or second edge of the second planar element. Figure 8 schematically show an embodiment of a key holding device 1 according to the invention, comprising biasing means 71. In the present embodiment, a torsion spring 71 is used as the biasing means. Other embodiment may comprise different biasing means. The torsion spring 71 is connected with the second planar element 27 and with the second connecting element 31. Other embodiments may have biasing means, such as a torsion spring, connecting the second planar element 27 with the first connecting element 29. Also, other biasing means may connect the first planar element 13 with the first connecting element 29 and / or with the second connecting element 31. Due to the torsion spring 71, the first planar element 31 is biased towards the secured key position in which an inner angle, as indicated with the dashed line 73, between the second planar element 27 and the second connecting element 31 is substantially 180 degrees. Depending on the arrangement of the biasing means or springs it is straightforward to adapt the shown configuration in Figure 7 to realize an embodiment wherein the first planar element 13 is biased towards an exposed key position, associated with the inner angle between the second planar element 27 and the second connecting element 31 of substantially 0 degrees. It is particularly useful to combine a securing locking mechanism with biasing means configured such that the first planar element is biased towards the exposed key position. Alternatively, it is particularly useful to combine a exposing locking mechanism with biasing means configured such that the first planar element is biased towards the secured key position.

[0096] Figure 9 schematically shows an embodiment of a key holding device according to the invention. Part of the first planar element 13, part of the second planar element 27, the first connecting element 29 and the second connecting element 31 form a four-bar linkage structure. The connecting elements 29, 31 connect not at an edge of the planar elements 13, 27. The width of the connecting elements 29, 31 is less than the width of the planar elements 13, 27.

[0097] Figure 10 schematically shows an embodiment of a key holding device according to the invention wherein only the first connecting element 29 between the first planar element 13 and the second planar element 27 is present. To enable that the movement of the first planar element 13 with respect to the second planar element 27 is translational, a first angle 1001 defined between the first planar element 13 and the first connecting element 29 can to be controlled with respect to a second angle 1003 between the second planar element 27 and the first connecting element 27. In case the first planar element 13 and the second planar element 27 are parallel, the first angle 1001 has an identical value as the second angle 1003. During a transition between the secured key position and the exposed key position the first 1001 and the second 1003 angles change, but remain identical to each other. In the secured key positing both angles are substantially zero, whereas in the exposed key position both angles are substantially 180 degrees. The first 1001 and / or the second angle 1003 may be controlled by an actuator present in the key holding device. For example, one or more gears may be used to adjust the first and / or second angle. The values of the first and the second angles may be determined using a sensor or sensor arrangement. In an embodiment, a user may move the first planar 13 element with respect to the first connecting element 29 such that the first angle 1001 changes. A sensor determines the value of the first angle 1001 or its change and communicates said value or change to an actuator which may comprise a control unit. The actuator then controls, based on the determined value of the first angle 1001 or change thereof, the second angle 1003 using a gear system operatively connected to the first connecting element 29 and the second planar element 27 such that the value of the second angle 1003 remains identical to the value of the first angle 1001. To power the actuator and sensors a battery may be present in the key holding device.

[0098] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as basis for the claims and as representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention.

[0099] The terms "a" or "an", as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term plurality, as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least second or more. The terms including and / or having, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language, not excluding other elements or steps). Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims or the invention.

[0100] The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

Claims1. Key holding device for holding at least a first key, comprising a first planar element and a second planar element, wherein:• the first planar element comprises a first keyholder configured to hold a head of the first key such that, when the first key is held by the first keyholder, a blade of the first key is directed in a first direction and extends beyond a first edge of the first planar element;• the first planar element and the second planar element are operatively connected, wherein: o the first planar element is movable with respect to the second planar element between a secured key position and an exposed key position, wherein■ in the secured key position, as seen along the first direction, a second edge of the second planar element is arranged beyond the first edge of the first planar element at a first distance, such that when the first key is held in the first keyholder, at least a part of the blade of the first key, preferably a tip of the blade of the first key, does not extend beyond the second edge of the second planar element in the first direction;■ in the exposed key position, as seen in the first direction, the second edge of the second planar element does not extend beyond the first edge of the first planar element and / or is arranged at a second distance from the first edge of the first planar element, wherein preferably the second distance is smaller than the first distance; and■ the first planar element is configured to move, with respect to the second planar element, during a transition between the secured key position and the exposed key position, at least partly in a direction normal to the second planar element, and wherein the movement of the first planar element with respect to the second planar element is translational; and wherein the key holding device comprises a first connecting element, wherein the first connecting element is pivotably connected with the first planar element and is pivotably connected with the second planar element.

2. Key holding device according to claim 1, wherein:• the second planar element comprises a second keyholder configured to hold a head of a second key such that, when a second key is held by the second keyholder, a blade of the second key is directed in a second direction and extends beyond a first edge of the second planar element;• in the secured key position, as seen along the second direction, a second edge of the first planar element is arranged beyond the first edge of the second planar element at a third distance, such that when the second key is held in the second keyholder, at least a part of the blade of the second key, preferably a tip of the blade of the second key, does not extend beyond the second edge of the first planar element in the second direction; and• in the exposed key position, as seen in the second direction, the second edge of the first planar element does not extend beyond the first edge of the second planar element and / or is arranged at a fourth distance from the first edge of the second planar element, wherein preferably the fourth distance is smaller than the third distance.

3. Key holding device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first planar element and the second planar element are parallel to each other in the secured key position, and preferably remain parallel to each other during the transition between the secured key position and the exposed key position.

4. Key holding device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a movement of the first planar element with respect to the second planar element has one independent degree of freedom.

5. Key holding device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a second connecting element, wherein the second connecting element is pivotably connected with the first planar element and is pivotably connected with the second planar element.

6. Key holding device according to claim 5, wherein the first planar element, the second planar element, the first connecting element and the second connecting element form a parallelogram structure and / or four-bar linkage structure, wherein• the first planar element and the second planar element are parallel to each other; and / or• the first connecting element and the second connecting element are parallel to each other.

7. Key holding device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first connecting means and / or second connecting means is pivotably connected with the first planar element and / or second planar element by means of a flexible material and / or a mechanical pivoting mechanism.

8. Key holding device according to any of the claims 2 - 7, comprising activation means configured to transfer, if the first planar element is in the secured key position, a squeezing force on the activationmeans by a hand of a user into a force on the first planar element in a direction normal to the first planar element and away from the second planar element, and / or a force on the second planar element in the direction normal to the second planar element and away from the first planar element, causing at least part of an initial movement from the secured key position towards the exposed key position.

9. Key holding device according to any of the claims 5 - 8, wherein the first planar element, the second planar element, the first connecting element and the second connecting element are integrally formed from a single piece.

10. Key holding device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein:• the first distance is between 30 and 50 mm, preferably between 35 and 45 mm, more preferable between 38 and 42 mm;• the second distance is between -30 and -50 mm, preferably between -35 and -45 mm, more preferable between -38 and -42 mm;• the third distance is between 30 and 50 mm, preferably between 35 and 45 mm, more preferable between 38 and 42 mm;• the fourth distance is between -30 and -50 mm, preferably between -35 and -45 mm, more preferable between -38 and -42 mm;• a distance between the first edge of the first planar element and the second edge of the first planar element is between 20 and 40 mm, preferably between 25 and 35 mm, more preferable between 28 and 32 mm; and / or• a distance between the first edge of the second planar element and the second edge of the second planar element is between 20 and 40 mm, preferably between 25 and 35 mm, more preferable between 28 and 32 mm.

11. Key holding device according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a securing locking mechanism configured to selectively lock or unlock the first planar element in the secured key position.

12. Key holding device according to any of the preceding claims, comprising an exposing locking mechanism configured to selectively lock or unlock the first planar element in the exposed key position.

13. Key holding device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the key holding device comprises biasing means and wherein the first planar element is biased towards the secured key position or the exposed key position.

14. Key holding device according to any of the claims 2 - 13, wherein an inner angle between the first direction and the second direction is larger than 90 degrees, preferably larger than 160 degrees, more preferably equal to 180 degrees.

15. Key holding device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first planar element comprises a first feature element and the second planar element comprises a second feature element, wherein the first feature element differs from the second feature element, enabling a distinguishing of the first planar element from the second planar element.

16. Key holding device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first feature element and the second feature element are selected from a group consisting of: color, shape, structure, material, reflection, text, texture, image and illumination.

17. Key holding device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, in the secured key position, a length of the key holding device is less than 85.6 mm and / or a width of the key holding device is less than 53.98 mm, wherein the length is defined in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the width is defined.

18. Key holding device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a distance between the first planar element and the second planar element along a direction normal to the second planar element is in the secured key position and / or in the exposed key position less than 5 mm, preferably less than 1 mm, and more preferably equal to 0 mm.

Images