Slotted key storage device and method

Abstract

A key storage device for storing a key outside is disclosed. The device has a body comprising a piece of landscaping material such as natural stone. A slot is formed in a bottom side of the material and is adapted to accommodate a key therein. A cover strip is sized to fit and substantially enclose the slot.

1 . A method of retrievably storing an article, comprising: 
 providing an article storage device comprising a body comprising a substantially hard material suitable for use in an exposed position in an outdoor landscape, the body having an undersurface with an elongate slot formed therein, the slot being between about 1/16-⅜ inch in width and having first and second ends, an opening, and a terminal side generally opposite the opening, the terminal side having arcuate portions adjacent the first and second ends;    fitting an article into the elongate slot;    providing a closing strip adapted to substantially close the opening of the elongate slot;    releasably applying the closing strip to substantially close the opening of the elongate slot; and    arranging the body so that the slot opening is generally downward facing.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the arcuate portions of the terminal side have generally the same radius of curvature.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the terminal side is arcuate from the first end to the second end and has a generally constant radius of curvature.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the depth of the slot is between about ½-2 inches.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the length of the slot is between about 2-6 inches.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the body is sized and adapted so that it can be readily turned over by a user.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the article comprises an elongate key, and fitting an article in the slot comprises arranging the elongate key to generally align with the elongate slot, and inserting the key in the slot.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the body comprises natural stone.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the body comprises man-made material.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein arranging the body comprises placing the body so that it is visible in a landscape, but the slot opening is hidden from view.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10  further comprising locating the body, turning it over, removing the strip, and retrieving the storage article.