Integral latch key ring

Abstract

A key ring comprising a ring portion having a first end and a second end where the first end includes a first channel and a catch and the second end includes a second channel and a latch disposed within the second channel of the second end. The latch is moveable between an open position such that the latch is withdrawn into the second channel exposing a gap between the first end and the second end of the ring portion and a closed position such that the latch is moved outward from the second channel to close the gap and engage the first channel and the catch of the first end of the ring portion.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus, comprising:
 a ring portion having a first end including a first channel and a catch and a second end including a second channel and a gap between the first end and the second end; and   a latch disposed within the second channel of the second end for opening and closing the gap;   wherein the latch is moveable between an open position such that the latch is withdrawn into the second channel opening the gap between the first end and the second end of the ring portion and a closed position such that the latch is moved outward from the second channel to close the gap and engage the first channel and the catch of the first end of the ring portion.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the ring portion is bounded within a circular envelope and the latch includes a contact area which extends outside the circular envelope. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the latch comprises a cantilever spring for engaging the catch of the first end of the ring portion when the latch is in the closed position. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the cantilever spring comprises a latch end turned back on itself. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the latch further comprises an open stop latch and the ring portion further comprises an open stop and the open stop latch engages the open stop in the open position. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the latch further comprises a closed stop latch and the ring portion further comprises a closed stop and the closed stop latch engages the closed stop in the closed position. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the closed stop latch comprises a second cantilever spring. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the second cantilever spring of the closed stop latch comprises a slotted back end of the latch. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the ring portion further comprises an opening in an outer circumference of the ring portion to the second channel for receiving the latch during assembly. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at least the ring portion comprises titanium. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the latch and the ring portion comprise castings. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the ring portion and the latch are cut using wire electro discharge machining (EDM).