Safety lock box and key organization unit

Abstract

A key storage and organization unit includes a lockbox and a set of key file cards for retaining and storing keys in an organized manner. The lockbox includes a base and a cover that are secured by two closure latching members. When the two closure latching members are applied to the base and cover, a single locking mechanism can be applied to secure the lockbox. The lockbox is designed to receive multiple locking mechanisms, each capable of securing access to the lockbox.

1 . A key storage card comprising:
 a card including a planar key mounting surface; and   one or more key retaining mechanisms disposed on the card, the key retaining mechanisms comprising a key retention tab having a key support surface that is substantially co-planar with the key mounting surface and a retaining edge that projects from the key retention tab; the key retention tab being configured to be deflected to a key installation position in which the key support surface is placed below the key mounting surface and a top surface of the retaining edge is substantially co-planar with the key mounting surface.   
     
     
         2 . The key storage card of  claim 1  wherein the key retaining mechanism comprises a sleeve that projects from the key mounting surface, the sleeve configured to maintain an installed key in a position in which the key rests upon the key mounting surface. 
     
     
         3 . The key storage card of  claim 1  wherein the retaining edge is configured to closely surround a key head of an installed key. 
     
     
         4 . The key storage card of  claim 1  comprising a handle connected to the card. 
     
     
         5 . The key storage card of  claim 4  wherein the handle comprises a pair of connected first and second handle portions disposed at an angle to one another, wherein the first handle portion is substantially co-planar with the mounting surface. 
     
     
         6 . The key storage card of  claim 1  comprising a pair of L-shaped hooks disposed at opposing top corners of the card, each L-shaped hook including a first leg projecting from the card parallel to a top edge of the card and a second leg projecting downward from a distal end of the first leg. 
     
     
         7 . A key storage card comprising:
 a card including a planar key mounting surface;   one or more key retaining mechanisms disposed on the card; and   a pair of L-shaped hooks disposed at opposing top corners of the card, each L-shaped hook including a first leg projecting from the card parallel to a top edge of the card and a second leg projecting downward from a distal end of the first leg.   
     
     
         8 . The key storage card of  claim 7  wherein the key retaining mechanisms comprise a key retention tab having a key support surface that is substantially co-planar with the key mounting surface and a retaining edge that projects from the key retention tab; the key retention tab being configured to be deflected to a key installation position in which the key support surface is placed below the key mounting surface and a top surface of the retaining edge is substantially co-planar with the key mounting surface. 
     
     
         9 . The key storage card of  claim 8  wherein the key retaining mechanism comprises a sleeve that projects from the key mounting surface, the sleeve configured to maintain an installed key in a position in which the key rests upon the key mounting surface. 
     
     
         10 . The key storage card of  claim 8  wherein the retaining edge is configured to closely surround a key head of an installed key. 
     
     
         11 . The key storage card of  claim 8  comprising a handle connected to the card. 
     
     
         12 . The key storage card of  claim 11  wherein the handle comprises a pair of connected first and second handle portions disposed at an angle to one another, wherein the first handle portion is substantially co-planar with the mounting surface. 
     
     
         13 . A method for storing keys comprising:
 providing a card that comprises a planar key mounting surface and one or more key retaining mechanisms, the key retaining mechanisms comprising a key retention tab having a key support surface that is substantially co-planar with the key mounting surface and a retaining edge that projects from the key retention tab;   deflecting the key retention tab such that the key support surface is below the key mounting surface and a top edge of the retaining edge is substantially co-planar with the key mounting surface;   sliding a key along the key mounting surface to an installation position; and   releasing the key retention tab such that the key support surface abuts the installed key.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13  comprising:
 sliding the key along the key mounting surface into a sleeve that surrounds a portion of the key.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the step of releasing the key retention tab is performed such that a side edge of the retaining edge abuts the installed key. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13  comprising suspending the card in a filing cabinet by engaging the filing cabinet with L-shaped hooks that project from opposing top corners of the card. 
     
     
         17 . A method for storing keys comprising:
 providing a card that comprises a planar key mounting surface and one or more key retaining mechanisms;   installing a key in a key retaining mechanism;   releasing the key retention tab such that the key support surface abuts the installed key; and   suspending the card in a filing cabinet by engaging the filing cabinet with L-shaped hooks that project from opposing top corners of the card.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17  wherein the key retaining mechanisms comprise a key retention tab having a key support surface that is substantially co-planar with the key mounting surface and a retaining edge that projects from the key retention tab and wherein the step of installing a key in a key retaining mechanism is performed by:
 deflecting the key retention tab such that the key support surface is below the key mounting surface and a top edge of the retaining edge is substantially co-planar with the key mounting surface;   sliding a key along the key mounting surface to an installation position; and   releasing the key retention tab such that the key support surface abuts the installed key.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17  wherein the step of installing the key further comprises:
 sliding the key along the key mounting surface into a sleeve that surrounds a portion of the key.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18  wherein the step of releasing the key retention tab is performed such that a side edge of the retaining edge abuts the installed key.