Key ring opener and method of use
US5722277A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 5, 1997 |
| Grant date | Mar 3, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 5, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T70/873
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A key ring opener for spreading apart the adjacent end and intermediate portions of a split key ring that are spring-urged against each but are spreadable to allow a key to be placed on or taken off the ring. The opener includes an annular band having sharp circumferential wedging edges and is adapted to encircle such a key ring in the same way as a key, and along with keys on the ring, and a wedging bar extending diametrically of the band and having sharp wedging edges. The opener is slipped on and off the key ring like a key but is easier to do because of the sharp circumferential edges. While on the key ring, the bar can be wedged, again because of its sharp edges, between adjacent segments of the ring, ahead of a key, thereby to spread the segments apart. Thereafter, the band is rolled between the thumb and forefinger causing the bar to leverage the segments of the key ring farther apart thereby to facilitate entry and removal of a key to and from the ring. In addition to being small and lightweight, another valuable feature is that the opener will not come off the ring while the opener is facilitating key entry and removal although it can easily be removed if desired.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.