Quick release key ring assembly for portable electronic device housings and adaptors thereto

Abstract

A quick attach and release key ring assembly for portable electronic devices is disclosed. Device housings or adaptors for use with the housing include wells in which a component of the assembly mates securely. Various mechanism for controlling the extension and/or retraction of engaging member that provides adherence between the key ring and the electronic device housing or adaptor.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A quick release key ring assembly for portable electronic devices, comprising: 
 a rigid circular member adapted to receive keys;    a base member connected to the circular member comprised of a first part and a second part, said first part including an engaging member in a normally engaged position, and said second part including a control for retracting the engaging member from its normally engaged position; and    a portable electronic device housing including a well, said well dimensioned to securely mate with said first part of the base member and having an inner surface adapted to receive the engaging member.    
     
     
         2 . The quick release key ring assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said base member is permanently connected to said rigid circular member.  
     
     
         3 . The quick release key ring assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said base member is removeably connected to said rigid circular member.  
     
     
         4 . The quick release key ring assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said engaging member comprises one or more locking knobs.  
     
     
         5 . The quick release key ring assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said engaging member control comprises a compressive member.  
     
     
         6 . The quick release key ring assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said engaging member control comprises a rotatable member.  
     
     
         7 . The quick release key ring assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said engaging member control comprises a slidable switch.  
     
     
         8 . The quick release key ring assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said first part and said well are cylindrically shaped.  
     
     
         9 . The quick release key ring assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said inner surface of said well includes a recess for receiving said engaging member.  
     
     
         10 . The quick release key ring assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said housing further comprises a stem within which said well is formed.  
     
     
         11 . The quick release key ring assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said housing further comprises: 
 a permanently affixed eye;    a second rigid circular member threaded through said eye;    a well member connected to said second rigid circular member within which said well is formed    
     
     
         12 . A quick release key ring assembly, comprising: 
 a rigid circular member adapted to receive keys;    a base member connected to the circular member comprised of a first part and a second part, said first part including an engaging member in a normally engaged position, and said second part including a control for retracting the engaging member from its normally engaged position; and    an adaptor including a well, said well dimensioned to securely mate with said first part of the base of the key ring assembly and having an inner surface adapted to receive the engaging member, said adaptor being securely attachable to a portable electronic device housing.    
     
     
         13 . The quick release key ring assembly of  claim 12 , wherein said adaptor includes a surface conforming to a portion of said portable electronic device housing.  
     
     
         14 . The quick release key ring assembly of  claim 12 , wherein said base member is permanently connected to said rigid circular member.  
     
     
         15 . The quick release key ring assembly of  claim 12 , wherein said base member is removeably connected to said rigid circular member.  
     
     
         16 . The quick release key ring assembly of  claim 12 , wherein said engaging member comprises one or more locking knobs.  
     
     
         17 . The quick release key ring assembly of  claim 12 , wherein said engaging member control comprises a compressive member.  
     
     
         18 . The quick release key ring assembly of  claim 12 , wherein said engaging member control comprises a rotatable member.  
     
     
         19 . The quick release key ring assembly of  claim 12 , wherein said engaging member control comprises a slidable switch.  
     
     
         20 . The quick release key ring assembly of  claim 12 , wherein said first part and said well are cylindrically shaped.  
     
     
         21 . The quick release key ring assembly of  claim 12 , wherein said inner surface of said well includes a recess for receiving said engaging member.  
     
     
         22 . The quick release key ring assembly of  claim 12 , wherein said adaptor further comprises a stem within which said well is formed.