The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 03, 2001
Filed:
Jun. 02, 1999
Erik S. Larson, Norwood, MA (US);
Richard L. Nie, Columbus, OH (US);
Engineered Plastics Solutions Group, Inc., Norwood, MA (US);
Abstract
A key retaining device that secures the functional section of the key while leaving the non functional section exposed for easy identification. The device is able to lock individual keys on a large key chain without interference with the non locked keys. The key can only be removed with the use of a master key. The device's simple and inexpensive design includes only five components: namely a housing to enclose the key, two deformable substrates, a unique set screw, and a master key. There is a bore inside the housing that runs longitudinally within the housing. The bore has a threaded section that contains the screw and a non-threaded section that contains the two deformable substrates. There is a blind slot at the base of the housing which runs from one side of the housing to the non-threaded section of the bore. The functional section of the key is placed through the blind slot, into the non-threaded section of bore, and between the two deformable substrates. The master key then turns down the screw which clamps the deformable substrates around the functional section of the key. The unique design of the substrates will not damage the key upon clamping but will immobilize the key to prevent removal. The key is simply removed by turning back the screw using the master key and pulling key out of the blind slot.