GB2366513A

GB2366513A - Keyring reversibly attachable to a surface

Info

Publication number: GB2366513A
Application number: GB0025186A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Dominic King
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-09-10
Filing date: 2000-09-08
Publication date: 2002-03-13
Also published as: FR2798265A1; GB0021933D0; GB0025186D0; GB0021793D0

Abstract

A key-ring comprises a key 4 attached to a fob or tab 6 which has fastening means 8, 18 for reversibly attaching the key-ring to a surface, e.g. a motor vehicle dashboard. In use, the tab 6 is fastened to the surface whilst the key 4 is engaged in the lock (16, figure 5) such that the key-ring is held in a steady position whilst the vehicle is in motion. The fastening means 8, 18 may have electrically conductive properties, such that the key-ring forms part of an anti-theft device, and may consist of hook and loop fasteners, suction pads, male and female connectors, adhesives, and/or magnetic materials, with one part 8 of the fastener provided on the tab 6, and, if required, a complementary part 18 of the fastener provided on the surface to which the key-ring is to be attached. The tab 6 may be provided with a thermometer and/or clock/timer 10, and the fastening means 8 may be situated on the tab 6, or remote from the tab 6 but joined to it by, for example, a chain, string, elastic band or other flexible link (82, figure 7).

Description

2366513 KEYRING DEVICE E.G. FOR MOTOR VEHICLE IGNITION LOCK The present

invention relates to a keyring device 5 for use e.g. on an ignition lock switch of a motorised vehicle, and more particularly on vehicles where the keyring would be exposed to turbulence or movements, as in motorcycles or scooters, open-roofed cars and sea craft, etc.

10 In the case of a motorised two-wheeled vehicle, a key is generally required to switch on the engine and possibly to operate a steering lock. The lock for the key is then generally located on or near the handlebar unit.

is As shown in figure 1, a keyring 1 normally used for such an ignition key- comprises a ring 2 adapted to receive and hold one or several keys 4 (ignition, anti theft device, luggage, etc.) and a tab 6. The term "tab" used in the context of the present invention is 20 understood to designate any appendix or object, other than a key itself, attached indirectly or directly to the ring 2 or directly to the key 4.

When the key 4 is inserted in the ignition lock, the associated keyring is often submitted to 25 considerable turbulence and displacements as the vehicle moves along. The turbulence tends to make the tab 6 and the ring 2 flutter or vibrate against the handlebar section. This effect is troublesome as it can cause scratching on vehicle trimmings, or can hide 30 parts of the vehicle instrumentation. It can also happen that the tab moves and becomes blocked at an awkward position.

To avoid risks of scratching, keyring tabs intended for motorised twowheeled vehicles are 35 generally made of soft and light material, such as I plastics or foam. While the softness of these materials certainly reduces the risk of scratching, the attendant lightness means that the keyring moves a lot more under turbulence. This therefore increases the 5 risk of the keyring sporadically covering parts of the vehicle which must remain visible at all times, such as the instrumentation.

It has also been observed that uncontrolled movements of the keyring tend to distract the rider and 10 thus reduce concentration on road safety.

In view of these problems, the present invention proposes a keyring device comprising a tab to be linked to a key, either directly or via a ring, characterised in that it further comprises fastening means for 15 reversibly fastening the tab onto a portion of surface around a lock receiving the key.

Thus, in the case of a two-wheeled vehicle, the tab according to the invention would be adapted to fasten reversibly on a portion of surface at or close 20 to the handlebar, or any other surface around where the ignition lock happens to be, for instance at the top of the petrol tank.

By virtue of the invention, the tab can remain substantially static with respect to the lock fixture, 25 even in the presence of turbulence or vibrations. Accordingly,. it cannot risk damaging the trimmings or affect safety.

It will also be appreciated that because the tab can thus be immobilised, it is no longer imperative to 30 make it soft and light, so allowing a broader scope in design and choice of materials.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the tab incorporates clock means for displaying the time of day and/or elapsed time, or thermometer means for 35 displaying temperature on at least one of its faces.

Indeed, since the tab in accordance with the invention can be immobilised, it is possible to establish on that tab a reference plane which is itself fixed so as to display time and/or temperature, or 5 other displayable parameters in a stable and readable manner.

It is observed that many two-wheeled vehicles do not possess a clock or an outside temperature gauge. However, it is always useful to know the time or the 10 outside temperature (especially in icy conditions) when on a journey.

Preferably, the clock means and/or thermometer means is/are enerqised by a solar cell.

Advantageously, the clock means and/or thermometer 15 means has/have its/their periphery entirely surrounded by the tab so as to be sealed by the latter.

The fastening means may be arranged on a face of the tab opposite the face on which the clock means or thermometer means are visible.

In the preferred embodiment, the fastening means are arranged at or near an edge of the tab substantially opposite to an end or edge by which a key is attachable.

The fastening means can be:

- of the "Velcro" type (Registered trade mark), - at least one suction pad, - of a male-female type, a male or female part being present on the tab for fixing on a complementary female or male part.of the surface around a lock, - based on an adhesive, or - comprised of a magnetic material so as to enable the tab to be fastened magnetically to the surface around a lock.

The attachment means can be mounted directly on the tab, or may be attached to the tab by means of a flexible or articulated link.

The keyring may also comprise a microcircuit 5 adapted to communicate with a circuit dependent on the surface around a lock by ohmic contact or by wireless link. In this way, it can form a part of an antitheft device, for instance. The contact can be established through pads by which the tab is reversibly fastened, 10 these pads then having electrically conductive portions adapted to cooperate with corresponding contacts on the attachment surf ace. In the case of a wireless link, the tab can include a LED sending a modulated signal to a photodiode at the attachment surface, or an RF 15 tran smitter cooperating with an antenna or induction loop at the attachment surface. In either case, the microcircuit can be powered externally, e.g. through specific electrically conductive portions at the attachment surface, or by inductive coupling. The 20 specific techniques to use for such applications can be found e.g. in the field of smart cards.

For ease of installation and positioning, the keyring preferably also comprises a flexible link connecting at respective ends the tab and a key, either 25 via a ring or directly.

The invention also relates to a kit comprising a keyring device as defined above and complementary fastening means adapted for fixing on the abovementioned surface in proximity to a lock and presenting 30 a surface on which the attachment means can be fastened reversibly.

The invention also relates to a vehicle specially adapted to receive the present keyring when a key associated thereto is inserted in an ignition lock.

Finally, the invention relates to a keyring having a tab reversibly attached on a surface around an ignition lock of a vehicle, notably a twowheeled vehicle, such that a face of the tab is visible to the 5 vehicle operator.

Other advantages and characteristics of the invention shall become apparent from reading the following description of preferred embodiments in conjunction with the appended drawings in which:

10 - figure 1, already described, shows a classical keyring, - f igure 2 shows a keyring in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, figure 3 is a plan view of a keyring in 15 accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, - figure 4 is a general view of the keyring shown in figure 3, on a two-wheeled vehicle, with an associated key inserted in the ignition lock of the vehicle, 20 - figure 5 is an enlarged view of the vehicle dashboard without the presence of the ignition key.

- figure 6a is a plan view of the keyring device according to a third embodiment, - figure 6b is a cross-sectional view of the tab 25 according to the third embodiment, showing the fixing of suction pads thereon, and figure 7 is a partial view of the keyring device according to a fourth embodiment, where the attachment means are joined to the tab by a flexible link.

The keyring of figure 2 incorporates the same elements as the one in figure 1. These common elements are designated by the same reference numerals and shall not be described again for conciseness.

In accordance with a first embodiment, the tab 6 35 further comprises a series of pads 8 close to a free edge 6a opposite to an end 6b where the ring 2 passes through.

These pads 8 form reversible fastening means for the tab 6. They are made of loop material such as to 5 form one of the two components of a loop-and-pile fastener, of the type known under the name "Vecro" (registered trade mark). The other component (18, figure 5) of this fastener is fixed to the vehicle at a location close to the lock (16), where the pads are to 10 be applied.

Preferably, the component of the "Velcro" structure formed of semi-rigid loops, which is less vulnerable to dampness, is the one fixed to the vehicle.

15 Figure 3 is a plan view of the a face 6c of the tab 6 according.to a second embodiment. This face 6c comprises a time display device 10 which, in the example, is entirely surrounded by the tab 6 to offer maximum protection from shocks. The display device 10 20 is in the form of a quartz clock module embedded in the body of the tab 6, with only the display face apparent. The module may be made reversibly detachable from the tab 6. The hours and minutes are adjustable by respective pushbuttons 12a and 12b on the display face.

25 The module can be powered from a battery and/or a solar cell 14. A solar cell can be an advantage in the present application, given that the keyring shall be exposed to outdoor light when positioned on the vehicle.

The external face of the display module 10 can be flush or slightly retracted from the face 6c of the tab, so that the body of the tab can provide a weatherproof seal for the module.

The attachment pads 8 are present on the face of 35 tab 6 opposite to the face 6c containing the time display 10 and solar cell 14.

The alignment of the time display module's axis with respect to that of the tab 6 is arbitrary, so long as the user can attach the tab on the vehicle in a way 5 that makes the time display readable, using the positional adjustment made possible by the attachment device 8.

To give more freedom in positioning the attachment device of the tab 6 on the vehicle, a length of 10 flexible cord or chain 3 can be provided between the tab and the ring 2 holding the key.

The pads 8 can be positioned to enable the tab 6 to be kept flat and in a plane parallel to a contact surface of the dashboard or other mounting surface, to 15 ensure good viewing conditions for the displayed functions. This may be achieved by placing more pads round the edges of the tab 6, if necessary.

Figure 4 shows the dashboard of a motorcycle or scooter adapted for the keyring of the invention.

20 There is provided an ignition lock 16 in which is inserted a key 4 attached to the keyring of figure 3. The tab 6 is attached to complementary "Velcro" type attachment elements 18 arranged round the lock 16, so as to expose the face 6c comprising the time display 25 module 10. These elements 18 can be glued or welded on the surface of the dashboard. Note that the tab in this attached position is substantially coplanar with the surface portion around the lock.

As figure 5 shows more specifically, the 30 complementary I'Velcro" attachment elements 18 on the vehicle form a semicircle around the ignition lock 16 so as to allow the user to select on which side the tab 6 should be fixed.

Note that the conf iguration of the tab 6 and its 35 positioning on the dashboard are such that the instrument dials (speedometer, tachometer) 20 or signalling lights 22 are not hidden.

Figures 6a and 6b shown a third embodiment of the invention, according to which the attachment pads are 5 in the form of suction pads 80. A number of suction pads are placed at or near the f ree end 6a of the tab 6, as in the previously-described embodiments.

As shown in the cross-sectional view of figure 6b, each suction pad 80 has a fixture passing through the 10 thickness of the tab 6, and. terminating with a head 80a. The head is on the face 6c of the tab opposite the active portion of the suction pad 80, and serves to hold the latter in position.

The number of suction pads 80 provided, and their is positioning on the tab 6, can be adapted to suit requirements. For instance, it is possible to use just one suction pad 80, which may be placed either near an edge, or at a more central position with respect to the body of the tab 6.

20 The diameter of the suction pad(s) is large enough to ensure adequate adhesion, whilst remaining sufficiently small to allow fixing on relatively restricted surfaces. Typical diameter values for the active portion of the suction pad(s) 80 would be 5 mm 25 to 15 MM.

Figure 7 shows a fourth embodiment of the invention, where the attachment means are not fixed directly to the tab 6 itself, but rather depend from the latter by a small length of flexible link 82, e.g.

30 an elastic band, string, chain or the like. The link 82 has one end 82a attached to the body of the tab 6, e.g. at or near the free end 6a, and another end 82b attached to one (or possibly several) attachment means. In the illustrated example, the attachment means is in 35 the form of a suction pad 80 described with reference to figures 6a and 6b. However, it will be appreciated that it can take on any other form (Velcro element, male or female connector, magnet, etc.) as explained above.

The link 82 allows additional freedom to select a point of attachment around or in the general vicinity of the ignition lock. It can be implemented in conjunction with the flexible link 3 shown in figure 3.

Naturally, the teachings of the invention are in 10 no way limited to the embodiments described. It will be understood that many other ways of reversibly attaching the free end of the tab 6 to the vehicle can be envisaged, such as: male-female contact systems, where one element is fixed to the vehicle and the other 15 to the tab 6, adhesives that allow multiple sticking contacts, magnet- based devices, etc. Jf magnets are envisaged, it is possible to make the tab partially or completely of material containing magnetic a substance.

Other shapes and a variety of materials (plastics, 20 metal, resin) can be envisaged for the tab.

The time display can also be analogue.

Moreover, the tab can incorporate other forms of displays or devices, such as a digital thermometer, a smart card (for commercial transactions or for 25 cooperating with an anti-theft device while in position), in addition to or instead of the time display.

The keyring can be presented in the form of a kit containing the keyring itself and the complementary 30 fastening devices 18 that are to be fixed to- the vehicle. The kit can also include the appropriate adhesive to fix these complementary fastening devices to the vehicle.

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Claims

Keyring device comprising a tab (6) to be linked to a key (4), characterised in that it further 5 comprises fastening means (8;80) for reversibly fastening the tab (6) onto a portion of surface (18) around a lock (16) receiving said key (4).
2. Keyring device according to claim 1, 10 characterised in that the tab (6) incorporates clock means (10) for displaying the time of day and/or elapsed time on at least one of its faces (6c).
3. Keyring device according to claim 1 or 2, is characterised in that the tab (6) incorporates thermometer means for displaying temperature on at least one of its faces (6c).
4. Keyring device according to claim 2 or 3, 20 characterised in that the clock means (10) and/or thermometer means is/are energised by a solar cell (14)
5. Keyring device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the clock means (10) 25 and/or thermometer means has/have its/their periphery entirely surrounded by said tab (6) so as to be sealed by the latter.
6. Keyring device according to any one of claims 2 30 to 5, characterised in that the fastening means (8) is arranged on a face of the tab (6) opposite the face (6c) on which the clock means (10) or thermometer means are visible.

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7. Keyring device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the fastening means (8) are arranged at or near an edge (6a) of the tab (6) substantially opposite to and end or edge (6b) by which 5 a key (4) is attachable.
8. Keyring device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the fastening means (8) are of the "Velcro" type (Registered trade mark).
9. Keyring device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the fastening means comprise at least one suction pad (80).

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10. Keyring device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the fastening means (8) are of a male-female type, a male or female part being present on the tab (6) for fixing on a complementary female or male part of said surface (18) in proximity to a lock (16).
11. Keyring device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the fastening means (8) are based on an adhesive.
12. Keyring device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the fastening means (8) comprise a magnetic material so as to enable the tab (6) to be fastened magnetically to said surface (18) in 30 proximity to a lock (16).
13. Keyring device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the attachment means (8;80) are mounted directly on the tab (6).

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14. Keyring device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the attachment means (8;80) are attached to the tab (6) by means of a flexible or articulated link (82).
15. Keyring device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that it comprises a microcircuit adapted to communicate with a circuit dependent on said surface (16) in proximity to a lock 10 by ohmic contact or by wireless link.
16. Keyring device according to any of claims 1 to 1S, characterised in that it further comprises a flexible link (3) connecting at respective ends the tab 15 (6) and a key (4), either via a ring (2) or directly.
17. A kit comprising a keyring device according to any one of claims 1 to 16 and complementary fastening means (18) adapted for fixing on said surface 20 in proximity to a lock (16) and presenting a surface on which the said means (8) can be fastened reversibly.
18. Vehicle specially adapted to receive the keyring device according to any one of the preceding 25 claims when a key (4) associated thereto is inserted in an ignition lock (16).
19. The keyring device according to any preceding claim reversibly attached on a surface (18) in 30 proximity to an ignition lock of a vehicle, notably a two-wheeled vehicle, such that a face (6c) of said tab (6) is visible to the vehicle operator.
20. A keyring device substantially as shown in 35 any one of the accompanying figures.

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21. A keyring device substantially as described in the present specification.

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