US3867823A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Key case
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1973-10-09
•
Granted: 1975-02-25
•
Expires: 1993-10-09
Abstract
Abstract A key case including structure for securing keys to the key case so that they extend alternatively outside or inside the key case, which key case has a multiple-digit combination lock, and the method of use of the key case whereby when a person in control of an automobile, the keys to which are secured to the key case, decides that his facilties may become impaired, he places the automobile keys so that they extend into the key case and locks the key case with the combination lock, whereby if the faculties of the person become impaired to the point where he is unable to dial the combination of the combination lock and should, therefore, not be driving an automobile, he will be unable to get to the automobile keys and therefore be unable to drive the automobile in his impaired condition.
Inventors
- 👤 Napoleon Waltower
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 08:59
CPC Classifications
E; E05; E05B; E05B19/00; E05B19/0005; A; A45; A45C; A45C11/00; A45C11/32; A45C11/323; E05B37/00; E05B37/02; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T70/00; Y10T70/50; Y10T70/5009; Y10T70/5031; Y10T70/80; Y10T70/8432; Y10T70/8676; Y10T70/8784
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
275 words
A key case comprising an enclosure including a cover and a body, means for securing at least one key to the key case in alternative positions extending into or out of the enclosure, and a multiple-digit combination lock on the enclosure for locking the enclosure closed with the key on the inside of the enclosure including a locking cylinder having a longitudinally extending slot therein and a plurality of circumferentially extending grooves in spaced relation along the length thereof and a plurality of annular discs supported on the body of the enclosure positioned in side by side relation over the length of the cylinder having finger portions extending into a slot in the locking cylinder and movable in predetermined grooves in the locking cylinder when the discs are in predetermined longitudinal positions on the locking cylinder to permit rotation of the discs on the locking cylinder, whereby the locking cylinder is movable longitudinally of the discs with all of the discs in only one predetermined angular position on the locking cylinder, means for locking the cover of the enclosure with the locking cylinder in one predetermined position operable between the locking cylinder and the cover, and means for urging the locking cylinder into the one predetermined position operable between the body of the enclosure and the locking cylinder whereby with an automobile key positioned within the enclosure on the key securing means and the enclosure closed and locked, use of the key to start an automobile by a person whose faculties are impaired to the point where they are unable to open the combination lock and should therefore not be driving an automobile, is prevented.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
275 words
A key case comprising an enclosure including a cover and a body, means for securing at least one key to the key case in alternative positions extending into or out of the enclosure, and a multiple-digit combination lock on the enclosure for locking the enclosure closed with the key on the inside of the enclosure including a locking cylinder having a longitudinally extending slot therein and a plurality of circumferentially extending grooves in spaced relation along the length thereof and a plurality of annular discs supported on the body of the enclosure positioned in side by side relation over the length of the cylinder having finger portions extending into a slot in the locking cylinder and movable in predetermined grooves in the locking cylinder when the discs are in predetermined longitudinal positions on the locking cylinder to permit rotation of the discs on the locking cylinder, whereby the locking cylinder is movable longitudinally of the discs with all of the discs in only one predetermined angular position on the locking cylinder, means for locking the cover of the enclosure with the locking cylinder in one predetermined position operable between the locking cylinder and the cover, and means for urging the locking cylinder into the one predetermined position operable between the body of the enclosure and the locking cylinder whereby with an automobile key positioned within the enclosure on the key securing means and the enclosure closed and locked, use of the key to start an automobile by a person whose faculties are impaired to the point where they are unable to open the combination lock and should therefore not be driving an automobile, is prevented.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
194 words
A key case, means for retaining at least one key within the key case and a multiple-digit combination lock on the case for locking the case with the key in the case including a locking cylinder having a longitudinally extending slot therein and a plurality of circumferentially extending grooves in spaced relation along the length thereof and a plurality of annular discs supported on the body of the enclosure positioned in side by side relation over the length of the cylinder having finger portions extending into a slot in the locking cylinder and movable in predetermined grooves in the locking cylinder when the discs are in predetermined longitudinal positions on the locking cylinder to permit rotation of the discs on the locking cylinder, whereby the locking cylinder is movable longitudinally of the discs with all of the discs in only one predetermined angular position on the locking cylinder whereby with an automobile key positioned within the case use of the key to start an automobile by a person whose faculties are impaired to the point where they are unable to open the combination lock and should therefore not be driving an automobile, is prevented.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
194 words
A key case, means for retaining at least one key within the key case and a multiple-digit combination lock on the case for locking the case with the key in the case including a locking cylinder having a longitudinally extending slot therein and a plurality of circumferentially extending grooves in spaced relation along the length thereof and a plurality of annular discs supported on the body of the enclosure positioned in side by side relation over the length of the cylinder having finger portions extending into a slot in the locking cylinder and movable in predetermined grooves in the locking cylinder when the discs are in predetermined longitudinal positions on the locking cylinder to permit rotation of the discs on the locking cylinder, whereby the locking cylinder is movable longitudinally of the discs with all of the discs in only one predetermined angular position on the locking cylinder whereby with an automobile key positioned within the case use of the key to start an automobile by a person whose faculties are impaired to the point where they are unable to open the combination lock and should therefore not be driving an automobile, is prevented.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
Structure as set forth in claim 2 and further including means for locking the case closed with the locking cylinder in one predetermined position.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
Structure as set forth in claim 3 and further including means for urging the locking cylinder into the one predetermined position operable between the case and the locking cylinder.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
36 words
Structure as set forth in claim 1 wherein the plurality of discs include axially extending mating annular ribs and recesses whereby the discs are guided in rotation in side by side relation on the locking cylinder.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
89 words
Structure as set forth in claim 1 wherein the means for locking the cover with the locking cylinder in one predetermined position comprises a rigid U-shaped member secured to the cover and a hook secured to the locking cylinder having an inclined plane surface thereon, which inclined plane suRface is engaged by the U-shaped member on the cover on closing of the cover to cam the hook into locking engagement with the U-shaped member in opposition to the means for urging the locking cylinder into the one predetermined position.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
69 words
Structure as set forth in claim 1 wherein the means for urging the locking cylinder into the one predetermined position comprises resilient means secured to the body portion of the enclosure at one end and to the locking cylinder at the other end, and abutment means secured to the body of the enclosure for limiting the movement of the locking cylinder due to the urging of the resilient means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-02-24 | 1978-08-26 | 1979-02-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-02-24 | 1982-08-26 | 1983-02-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-02-24 | 1986-08-26 | 1987-02-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |