Key ring tool

Abstract

An improved key ring tool for adding or removing keys or accessories. The new design will attach and detach from the key ring without spreading the key ring, remain attached to the ring and help to locate specific keys via the visual location of the device.

1 ) A key ring tool for spreading apart a key ring comprising a plurality of collapsed helical coils, said key ring tool comprising:
 a) a pointed spreader tip for insertion between two adjacent coils of the key ring,   b) a holding pad attached to and in the some plane as the spreader tip,   c) an edge strip in the same plane as the holding pad, said edge strip enclosing the spreader tip by extending from one side of the holding pad around the spreader tip to a second point on the holding pad defining a containment area, the width of said containment area is larger than a sectional dimension of the key ring, whereas the edge strip further comprises a gap defined by two opposing segments of the edge strip, the dimension between the opposed ends being less than the sectional dimension of a coil of the key ring.   
   
   
       2 ) A key ring tool according to  claim 1  wherein the gap in the edge strip is closer to one side of the holding pad forming a longer edge strip segment and a shorter edge strip segment. 
   
   
       3 ) A key ring tool according to  claim 2  wherein the longer edge strip segment is capable of deflection sufficient to allow the insertion of a key ring into the containment area. 
   
   
       4 ) A key ring tool according to  claim 3  wherein the longer edge strip segment is sufficiently stiff to prevent unintended withdrawal of the key ring from the containment area. 
   
   
       5 ) A key ring tool according to  claim 1  wherein the dimension of the gap is smaller than the sectional dimension of the key ring. 
   
   
       6 ) A key ring tool according to  claim 5  wherein the gap dimension is in the range of 0.01 inches and 0.08 inches. 
   
   
       7 ) A key ring tool according to  claim 1  comprising a thermoplastic resin. 
   
   
       8 ) A key ring tool according to  claim 7  wherein the thermoplastic resin is selected from the group consisting of nylon, ABS, polycarbonate, PA, polypropylene, and HDPE. 
   
   
       9 ) A key ring tool according to  claim 7  wherein the thermoplastic resin further comprises colorants. 
   
   
       10 ) A key ring tool according to  claim 7  wherein the thermoplastic resin further comprises fillers. 
   
   
       11 ) A key ring tool for spreading apart a key ring comprising a plurality of collapsed coils, said key ring tool comprising:
 a) a holding pad,   b) a pointed spreader comprising a tip and a base with a first side and a second side, said pointed spreader base attached to and in substantially the same plane as said holding pad,   c) a deflection arm in substantially the same plane as the holding pad and attached to the holding pad adjacent the first side of the base of the pointed spreader, said deflection arm extending around the tip of the spreader to attach to the holding pad adjacent the second side of the base of the pointed spreader, said deflection arm defining a containment area in the space between the pointed spreader and the deflection arm, and   d) the deflection arm further comprising a gap adjacent one of the first or second sides of the base of pointed spreader.   
   
   
       12 ) A key ring tool according to  claim 1  wherein the dimension of the gap is smaller than a sectional dimension of the key ring tool. 
   
   
       13 ) A key ring tool according to  claim 1  wherein the deflection arm is capable of deflection sufficient to allow the insertion of a key ring into the containment area. 
   
   
       14 ) A key ring tool according to  claim 3  wherein the deflection arm is sufficiently stiff to prevent unintended withdrawal of the key ring from the containment area. 
   
   
       15 ) A key ring tool according to  claim 2  wherein the gap is in the range of 0.01 to 0.08 inches.