US1885957A - Automatic key case - Google Patents

Description

NOV. 1, 1932. v s g gfo 1,885,957

AUTOMATIC KEY CASE Filed Aug. 15. 1929 luu 3 "WIMP": *1 g -....2...:.,... 1 .14- J U "Ti g;

Patented Nov. 1, 1932 UNITED STATES ROSCOE ELWOOD SINGLETON, OF- CHICAGO, ILLINOIS AUTOMATIC KEY case Application filed August 15, 1929. Serial n 386,031.

This invention relates to improvements-in automatic key cases and its object primarily is to provide means for releasably encasing keys in sets, the sets being capable of release selectively.

A further object is to provide a key case that may be conveniently carried in a pocket without danger of damage to the garment or to the pocket. A still further object is to provide a key case of novel construction and few parts that is inexpensive to manufacture, that cannot easily get out of order and that is durable and efficient in use.

With the foregoing and other objects in view the invention consists in the combination and arrangement of parts to be hereinafter fully described, pointed out in the claims and illustrated in the accompanying drawing which forms a part of this application for patent and in which- Fig. 1 is a face view of the key case partly in section and partly in elevation with one set of keys in extended or released position.

Fig. 2 is an edge view of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary View of Fig. 1 turned half way around.

Fig. 4 is a cross sectional View taken on the line 14 of Fig. 1'.

Like reference characters denote corresponding parts throughout the several views.

This key case is of the flat-box type that can be conveniently carried in the hand, readily operated with one hand and easily slipped into or removed from the pocket. The box or case is formed with runways over which key holders travel, in the present instance there are two setsof runways, parallel and spaced apart. The case is formed with a large opening at .each end, these openings being obliquely opposite each other so that the sets of keys are discharged from opposite ends of the casing.

'The casing comprises the face walls 1, 2

connected by the edge walls 3. i which are separated by the open end portions 5, 6 of the casing. said open end portions being disposed obliquely opposite each other. One end of the edge Wall 3 is bent inwardly to form the short partition wall 7 and the relatively remote end of the wall 4 is bent inwardly to form the short partition wall 8, said walls 7, 8 being parallel and serving as guide walls for the keys in the encased position of the key holders.

Extending longitudinally of the casing from the walls 3. 4 to the open portions 5. 6 of the casing are the runways 9. 10. each runway comprising a pair of parallel ridges and within or between the ridges of each runway and secured to one edge wall is an expansion coil spring 11. Inverted U-shaped key holders 12 are slidably received in the runways 9, 10. each key holder being formed along one side with a longitudinally extending slot 13 that receives a guide and stop pin 14 secured to the face wall and when this pin rides against the inner end of the slot 13. as shown in Fig. 3, it prevents a further outward movement of the key holder which would otherwise result in its detachment from the casing.

Pivotally secured to the key holders by screws 15 that extend through perforations in the same and through like perforations in the keys are the keys 16, preferably three or more keys comprising a set. \Vhen the shanks of the keys lie substantially parallel to the sides of the holder frame the-latter together with its keys may be moved longitudinally of a runway. In the extended position of a. key holder any and all of its keys are supported ready for use. When it is desired to again encase them the key holder is manually moved inwardly until it encounters and compresses the spring 11. In compressing the spring 11 the key holder engages the dog 17 fulcrunied to pin 18 carried by one casing face wall, said dog having the upturned end 19 engaged by the leaf spring 20 and thereby yieldin'gly retained the maximum distance from the edge wall to which said spring is terminally secured.

Pivotally secured to the dog 17 is one end of the pitman 21a connected by pin 22 to the arm 21 of the bell-crank- lever 21, 23 fulcrumed upon pin 22a, carried by the casing, one arm 23 of said bell-crank-lever being connected to the plunger button 24 mounted to an edge wall and extending through the same and through the guard bracket 25, a spring 26 encircling said plunger button and abutting the guard bracket yieldingly retaining the button in normal or retracted position. \Vh en the key holder is manually forced entirely within the casing the dog 17 will ride into releasable locking engagement with the end of one side thereof and normally hold it in such encased position.

To extend the key holder and keys for use again the plunger button 24 is manually pressed into the casing move the bellcrank-lever upon its fulcrum and retract the dog thus releasing the key lioldc'r and permitting the spring 11 to expand and eject the key holder again. The key holders and their locking and releasing means are arranged in sets as described. One complete set herein shown and described and part of a second set is shown in the drawing As the sets are identical in their construction and operation,

v2 regardless of their number, a description of one set is thought sufiicent.

\Vhat is claimed is 1. In automatic key cases, a casing having openings in its ends, said openings being 25 obliquely opposite each other, runways extending lengthwise of said casing and each having one terminal in one of said openings, springs at the closed ends of said runways, key holders slidably arranged in said runways for contact with and movement by said springs, and manually operable means for releasably locking said key holders in said casing in engagement with said springs.

2. In automatic key cases, a casing having openings in its ends, said openings being disposed obliquely opposite each other, runways extending lengthwise of said casing and each having one terminus in one of said openings, springs at the. closed ends of said runways,

key holders slidably arranged in said runways for contact and movement by said sprin s, said key holders moving into and out o opposite ends of said casing, and manually operable means for locking and selec tively releasing said key holders within said casing.

3. In automatic key cases, a casing having openings in its ends, two of the walls of said casing being bent inwardly to form guide artitions for the keys, runways vextending engthwise of said casing and each having one terminus in one of said openings,-springs at the closed ends of said runways, key holders slidably arranged in said runways for contact with and movement by said rings and manually operable means for lee" g an selectively releasing said key holders within said casing.

ROSCOE ELWOOD SINGLliiTGN,

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