Key hiding device

Abstract

A key hiding device having a facade that resembles a typical sprinkler is provided. The device includes a housing having a cavity therein and a cap that detachably engages with the housing. Keys and other small items can be hidden inside the cavity in the housing. The device can be installed underground with the cap disposed substantially flush with the surface of the soil. The cap has a facade that is substantially identical to a typical pop-up sprinkler cap so that a person who is not familiar with the exact location of the device would be unable to make a quick determination as to which one of the numerous sprinkler caps is actually the key hiding device even if the person is aware of sprinkler shaped key hiding devices.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A device for hiding keys or other small device outdoors, comprising: 
 a housing having a base and a sidewall extending upwardly from the base to define a cavity therein, wherein the cavity is configured to store keys and other items; and    a cap detachably engages with the housing, wherein the cap is configured to substantially resembles a sprinkler cap.    
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein an upper surface of the cap comprises features and markings that are present on a sprinkler cap.  
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the cap comprises a conventional sprinkler cap.  
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the housing is substantially cylindrical.  
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the cap has a diameter of about 2 inches.  
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the cap engages with the housing via a set of interengaging threads.  
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising an anchor extending downwardly from the base and adapted to anchor the device in soil.  
     
     
         8 . A key hiding device, comprising: 
 a compartment for hiding keys; and    a facade that resembles at least a portion of a pop-up sprinkler.    
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein the facade resembles a pop-up sprinkler cap.  
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 8 , further comprising a removable cover positioned over an opening formed in the compartment.  
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein the facade of an upper portion of the device resembles an upper portion of a pop-up sprinkler.  
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein the compartment resembles a pop-up sprinkler housing.  
     
     
         13 . A method of forming a key hiding device, comprising: 
 providing a conventional pop-up sprinkler having a cap and a housing;    removing the cap from the housing; and    removing sprinkler parts from inside the housing so as to form a cavity therein adapted to receive a key.    
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the sprinkler stem inside the housing is removed.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising re-attaching the cap to the housing and affixing the device to the ground with the cap disposed substantially flush with the upper surface of the ground.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising positioning the device adjacent to a plurality of other conventional pop-up sprinklers.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising positioning a plurality of the devices in the ground such that the devices are spaced apart in a similar manner as conventional pop-up sprinklers.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the device is positioned in the front yard of a dwelling.