| WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. An openable ring for attaching an object thereto, said openable ring comprising: an open annular element having a first end and a second end defining an opening therebetween, said open annular element comprising a first cavity extending in said first end; an elongated member having a back end and a front end, said elongated member being slidably mounted in said first cavity of said open annular element such that the back end extends therein; urging means mounted in the first cavity backwardly of the elongated member for urging said elongated member towards a resting position wherein the front end of the elongated member extends against the second end of the open annular element to close the opening thereof; and gripping means mounted to the elongated member for providing a grip to a user for enabling sliding of said elongated member from said resting position to an open position wherein the elongated member is slid inwards the first cavity for unblocking the opening of the annular element, thereby enabling at least one of an insertion and a withdrawal of said object from said openable ring. 2. The openable ring according to claim 1 , wherein the open annular element has a circular shape, the elongated member having a bended shape corresponding to a portion of the circular shape of the annular element such that the openable ring has a closed circular shape when said elongated member extends in said resting position. 3. The openable ring according to anyone of claims 1 to 2, wherein said urging means comprise a resilient member. 4. The openable ring according to anyone of claims 1 to 3, wherein said urging means comprise a spring. 5. The openable ring according to anyone of claims 1 to 4, wherein the gripping means comprise a collar mounted around the elongated member proximate the front end thereof. 6. The openable ring according to claim 5, wherein the collar extends against the second end of the open annular element when said elongated member extends in said resting position. 7. The openable ring according to anyone of claims 1 to 4, wherein the gripping means comprise a notch extending proximate the front end of the elongated member. 8. The openable ring according to anyone of claims 1 to 4, wherein the gripping means comprise a plurality of corrugations. 9. The openable ring according to anyone of claims 1 to 8, wherein the gripping means has a size enabling a plurality of objects to move around the openable ring. 10. The openable ring according to anyone of claims 1 to 9, wherein the elongated member is made of a metallic material, the openable ring further comprising a magnet mounted to the second end of the open annular element for holding the front end of the elongated member against said second end when said elongated member extends in said resting position. 1 1. The openable ring according to anyone of claims 1 to 10, wherein the front end of the elongated member and the second end of the open annular element are each respectively provided with a hook and a cooperating notch for holding the front end of the elongated member against the second end of the open annular element when said elongated member extends in said resting position. 12. The openable ring according to anyone of claims 1 to 9, wherein said second end of said open annular element comprises a second cavity extending therein, said front end of said elongated member extending inside said second cavity. 13. The openable ring according to claim 12, wherein the elongated member is made of a metallic material, the openable ring further comprising a magnet mounted in the second cavity of the open annular element for holding the front end of the elongated member inside the second cavity when said elongated member extends in said resting position. 14. The openable ring according to claim 12, wherein the front end of the elongated member and the second end of the open annular element are each respectively provided with a hook and a cooperating notch for holding the front end of the elongated member inside the second cavity of the open annular element when said elongated member extends in said resting position. 15. The openable ring according to anyone of claims 1 to 14, wherein the urging means and the elongated member are integral to each other. 16. The openable ring according to anyone of claims 1 to 15, wherein the urging means and the elongated member are made of a plastic material. 17. The openable ring according to anyone of claims 1 to 15, wherein the urging means and the elongated member are made of a metallic material. 18. The openable ring according to anyone of claims 1 to 17, wherein the open annular element comprises an external surface comprising at least one ornamental element. 19. The openable ring according to claim 18, wherein said at least one ornamental element comprises at least one insert mounted on said external surface of said open annular element. 20. The openable ring according to anyone of claims 18 to 19, wherein said at least one ornamental element comprises an engraving extending on said external surface of said open annular element. 21. The openable ring according to anyone of claims 1 to 20, wherein the open annular element comprises first and second open annular members mounted face to face, each of said first and second open annular members comprising a first end having a first channel therein, the first channel of each of the first open annular member and the second open annular member defining said first cavity when said first and second open annular members are mounted together. 22. The openable ring according to claim 21 , wherein at least one of said first and second open annular members comprises a clipping element for permanently clipping said first and second open annular members together. 23. The openable ring according to claim 22, wherein each of said first and second open annular members is adapted for receiving therebetween an outer annular ornamental insert. 24. The openable ring according to anyone of claims 1 to 23, further comprising an identifying element for identifying said openable ring. 25. The openable ring according to anyone of claims 1 to 24, wherein said object comprises a key. 26. Use of an openable ring as defined in anyone of claims 1 to 24, for holding a plurality of keys. 27. Use of an openable ring as defined in anyone of claims 1 to 24, for identifying a personal object. 28. A method for manufacturing an openable ring used for attaching an object thereto, said method comprising: providing first and second open annular members, each of said first and second open annular members having a first end and a second end defining an opening therebetween, each of said first ends having a first channel extending therein; providing a spring loaded element; providing an elongated member having a back end and a front end; placing the spring loaded element in the first channel of a corresponding one of the first and second open annular members; placing the elongated member in the first channel of the corresponding open annular member in which the spring loaded element is placed, frontward the spring loaded element such that the front end of the elongated member protrudes from the first end of the corresponding open annular element; and securing the first and the second open annular members together to thereby provide the openable ring. 29. The method for manufacturing as claimed in claim 28, wherein at least one of said first and said second open annular members comprises a clipping element, further wherein said securing of the first and the second open annular members together comprises clipping permanently said first and said second open annular members together. 30. A kit for an openable ring useable for attaching an object thereto, said kit comprising: an open annular element having a first end and a second end defining an opening therebetween, said open annular element comprising a first cavity extending in said first end; an elongated member having a back end and a front end, said elongated member being slidably mountable in said first cavity of said open annular element such that the back end extends therein; urging means mountable in the first cavity backwardly of the elongated member for urging said elongated member towards a resting position wherein the front end of the elongated member extends against the second end of the open annular element to close the opening thereof; and gripping means mountable to the elongated member for providing a grip to a user for enabling sliding of said elongated member from said resting position to an open position wherein the elongated member is slid inwards the first cavity for unblocking the opening of the annular element, thereby enabling at least one of an insertion and a withdrawal of said object from said openable ring. 31. The kit for an openable ring according to claim 30, wherein said second end of said open annular element comprises a second cavity extending therein, said front end of said elongated member extending inside said second cavity. |
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims priority of Canadian Patent Application having serial number 2,638,795, which was filed on August 15, 2008 and entitled "ANNEAU ouvRABLE imusABLE NOTAMMENT COMME PORTE-CLE", the specification of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to rings for attaching various objects such as, for example, keys. More specifically, the present invention relates to an openable ring that is easily operatable and provides an enhanced safety. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing an openable ring.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Rings made of an elongated member spirally wound have long been used as key rings for holding together and carrying a plurality of keys.
Different designs have been proposed in the art. However, they all present a great disadvantage, that is the difficulty of adding and/or removing a key from the ring. Indeed, adding or removing a key from a ring generally asks for some dexterity and/or agility and strength. This task, even if quite simple, is unpleasant to do, more particularly for elderly, and may even lead the user to break his/her nail, which is painful.
This disadvantage has tended to worsen in recent years with the increased continuous growth of the use of keys.
For example, most car keys are now provided with a door unlocking device and/or a remote starter device, these devices having to be inserted in the key ring. These devices are generally thicker than typical keys and it is therefore more difficult to insert them on the key ring. The increased growth of the use of keys has motivated some users to mount caoutchouc identifying rings on their keys to help identification of the keys. These caoutchouc identifying rings, once mounted on the keys, increase the thickness thereof and it is therefore more difficult to insert them on the key ring. Moreover, sliding a caoutchouc element into a metallic ring may be more difficult to achieve than sliding a metallic element into the metallic ring.
Moreover, in most offices or working places, workers are now provided with a magnetic access card they have to carry with them during the working hours in order to conveniently circulate in the working place.
In order to increase the number of keys and/or related devices which can be inserted on a key ring, key rings with an increased diameter have been proposed. These key rings enable to hold together and carry more keys and related devices but they are even more difficult to operate.
This issue, which mainly concerns the end users, also concerns the key ring manufacturers which sometimes like to add an ornamental element or an advertising device attached to the ring. This step of adding an additional element to the ring requires to open each ring, insert the additional element therein and move the additional element all around the ring until it is conveniently inserted therein. This is a monotonous and time-consuming task.
Another issue with conventional rings relates to the ordering of keys. Indeed, with some rings, when a user wants to remove a specific key, he sometimes has to remove several other keys before accessing the specific one he wants to remove. Then, these other keys have to be inserted again in the ring, which is cumbersome.
Moreover, when a user has a lot of keys, he generally orders his keys on the ring. With conventional key rings, it is not always possible to insert the key at a specific position; rather, the key is positioned after the others.
In order to reduce at least one of the above-mentioned disadvantages, different solutions have been proposed. For example, key rings that can be opened in two portions have been proposed. However, this type of key rings does not offer a sufficient safety since the ring can be opened inadvertently and the keys may fall out from the ring and thus get lost.
Key rings with a free end protruding from the ring have also been disclosed to facilitate the insertion of a key. However, these key rings may damage the clothing of the user or other delicate devices such as portable phones when the key ring is placed in a handbag.
Known in the art is US patent no. 3,852,982 which describes a flexible key ring comprising a flexible cord provided with a fastening clip at each end. The key ring is however not very convenient to operate. Moreover, safety concerns still remain since the clips may open inadvertently.
Also known in the art is US patent no. 5,224,366 which describes a key ring assembly intended to ease the removal or the insertion of a key thereon. This key ring is however much more heavy and cumbersome than a conventional ring, which is a great disadvantage when it is devised to be carried in the user's pocket. Moreover, each key has still to be inserted on a conventional spirally key ring first. Then, each spirally key ring is attached to the key ring assembly, which is another great disadvantage.
Also known in the art is Canadian patent no. 2,488,726 which describes a key ring provided with a special tool mounted thereto for helping the opening of the spirals of the ring. This special tool consists of a metallic nail which can be inserted between two spirals of the ring for facilitating the insertion or the withdrawal of a key. This key ring reduces the above-mentioned drawbacks related to the operability of the ring but nevertheless adds an element to the ring which is therefore more cumbersome than a conventional ring. Moreover, it does not solve the problem related to the ordering of the keys on the ring.
Therefore, it is desirable to be provided with an improved ring usable for holding together and carrying a plurality of keys or other objects that will contribute to reduce at least one of the above-mentioned drawbacks. BRIEF SUMMARY
Accordingly, there is provided an openable ring for attaching an object thereto. The openable ring comprises an open annular element having a first end and a second end defining an opening therebetween. The open annular element comprises a first cavity extending in the first end. The openable ring comprises an elongated member having a back end and a front end, the elongated member being slidably mounted in the first cavity of the open annular element such that the back end extends therein. The openable ring comprises urging means mounted in the first cavity backwardly of the elongated member for urging the elongated member towards a resting position wherein the front end of the elongated member extends against the second end of the open annular element to close the opening thereof. The openable ring also comprises gripping means mounted to the elongated member for providing a grip to a user for enabling sliding of the elongated member from the resting position to an open position wherein the elongated member is slid inwards the first cavity for unblocking the opening of the annular element, thereby enabling at least one of an insertion and a withdrawal of the object from the openable ring.
The openable ring may be easily operated while being very secured since the urging means ensure that the ring is conveniently closed in the resting position, which is of great advantage.
Moreover, the openable ring may be very compact and easily manufactured at a low cost, which is of great advantage.
In one embodiment, the open annular element has a circular shape and the elongated member has a bended shape corresponding to a portion of the circular shape of the annular element such that the openable ring has a closed circular shape when the elongated member extends in the resting position.
In one embodiment, the urging means comprise a spring.
In another embodiment, the gripping means comprise a collar mounted around the elongated member proximate the front end thereof. In a further embodiment, the collar extends against the second end of the open annular element when the elongated member extends in the resting position.
In another embodiment, the gripping means comprise a notch extending proximate the front end of the elongated member.
In still another embodiment, the gripping means comprise a plurality of corrugations.
In a further embodiment, the gripping means has a size enabling a plurality of objects to move around the openable ring, which is of great advantage since a selected key may be removed without the necessity of removing any other keys.
In one embodiment, the elongated member is made of a metallic material. The openable ring further comprises a magnet mounted to the second end of the open annular element for holding the front end of the elongated member against the second end when the elongated member extends in the resting position, which is of great advantage in order to further help to prevent an inadvertent opening of the ring.
In another embodiment, the front end of the elongated member and the second end of the open annular element are each respectively provided with a hook and a cooperating notch for holding the front end of the elongated member against the second end of the open annular element when the elongated member extends in the resting position, which is of great advantage in order to further help to prevent an inadvertent opening of the ring.
In another embodiment, the second end of the open annular element comprises a second cavity extending therein, the front end of the elongated member extending inside the second cavity.
In a further embodiment, the elongated member is made of a metallic material, the openable ring further comprising a magnet mounted in the second cavity of the open annular element for holding the front end of the elongated member inside the second cavity when the elongated member extends in the resting position. In another embodiment, the front end of the elongated member and the second end of the open annular element are each respectively provided with a hook and a cooperating notch for holding the front end of the elongated member inside the second cavity of the open annular element when said elongated member extends in the resting position.
In one embodiment, the urging means and the elongated member are integral to each other.
In another embodiment, the urging means and the elongated member are made of a plastic material.
In still another embodiment, the urging means and the elongated member are made of a metallic material.
In one embodiment, the open annular element comprises an external surface comprising at least one ornamental element.
In a further embodiment, the at least one ornamental element comprises at least one insert mounted on the external surface of the open annular element.
In another further embodiment, the at least one ornamental element comprises an engraving extending on the external surface of the open annular element.
In one embodiment, the open annular element comprises first and second open annular members mounted face to face. Each of the first and second open annular members comprises a first end having a first channel therein. The first channels of each of the first open annular member and the second open annular member define the first cavity when the first and second open annular members are mounted together.
In a further embodiment, at least one of the first and second open annular members comprises a clipping element for permanently clipping the first and the second open annular members together.
In still a further embodiment, each of the first and the second open annular members is adapted for receiving therebetween an outer annular ornamental insert.
In one embodiment, the openable ring further comprises an identifying element for identifying the openable ring.
According to another aspect, there is also disclosed a use of an openable ring as previously defined, wherein the object comprises a key.
According to another aspect, there is also disclosed a use of an openable ring as previously defined, for holding a plurality of keys.
According to another aspect, there is also disclosed a use of an openable ring as previously defined, for identifying a personal object.
According to still another aspect, there is also provided a method for manufacturing an openable ring used for attaching an object thereto, the method comprising providing first and second open annular members, each of the first and second open annular members having a first end and a second end defining an opening therebetween, each of the first ends having a first channel extending therein; providing a spring loaded element; providing an elongated member having a back end and a front end; placing the spring loaded element in the first channel of a corresponding one of the first and second open annular members; placing the elongated member in the first channel of the corresponding open annular member in which the spring loaded element is placed, frontward the spring loaded element such that the front end of the elongated member protrudes from the first end of the corresponding open annular element; and securing the first and the second open annular members together to thereby provide the openable ring.
In one embodiment, at least one of the first and the second open annular members comprises a clipping element, further wherein the securing of the first and the second open annular members together comprises clipping permanently the first and the second open annular members together.
According to yet another aspect, there is also provided a kit for an openable ring useable for attaching an object thereto. The kit comprises an open annular element having a first end and a second end defining an opening therebetween. The open annular element comprises a first cavity extending in the first end. The kit comprises an elongated member having a back end and a front end, the elongated member being slidably mountable in the first cavity of the open annular element such that the back end extends therein. The kit comprises urging means mountable in the first cavity backwardly of the elongated member for urging the elongated member towards a resting position wherein the front end of the elongated member extends against the second end of the open annular element to close the opening thereof. The kit also comprises gripping means mountable to the elongated member for providing a grip to a user for enabling sliding of the elongated member from the resting position to an open position wherein the elongated member is slid inwards the first cavity for unblocking the opening of the annular element, thereby enabling at least one of an insertion and a withdrawal of the object from the openable ring.
In one embodiment, the second end of the open annular element comprises a second cavity extending therein, the front end of the elongated member extending inside the second cavity when the elongated member extends in the resting position.
These and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the details of the invention more fully set forth below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Having thus generally described the nature of the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, showing by way of illustration of illustrative embodiments thereof, and in which:
FIGURE 1 is a front perspective view of an openable ring for attaching keys or others objects in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the openable ring being shown with a key attached thereto.
FIGURE 2 is a side view of the openable ring shown in FIGURE 1. FIGURE 3 is a partially cross-sectioned side view of the openable ring shown in FIGURE !
FIGURE 4 is another front perspective view of the openable ring shown in FIGURE 1 , the openable ring being shown in an open position.
FIGURE 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of another openable ring shown partially in cross-section in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
FIGURE 6A is an exploded front perspective view of another openable ring, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
FIGURE 6B is a cross sectional view of the openable ring shown in FIGURE 6A.
FIGURE 7 is a front perspective view of another openable ring, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
FIGURE 8 is a flow chart of a method for manufacturing an openable ring, in accordance with one embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The description which follows, and the embodiments described therein are provided by way of illustration of an example, or examples of particular embodiments of principles and aspects of the present invention. These examples are provided for the purpose of explanation and not of limitation. In the description that follows, like parts are marked throughout the specification and the drawings with the same respective reference numerals.
Referring to Figures 1 to 4, there is shown an openable ring 10 for attaching an object 12 thereto, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Throughout the present description that follows, the openable ring 10 will be described in the particular application of keys holding but the skilled addressee will appreciate that various other applications may be envisaged, as detailed thereinafter. The skilled addressee will also appreciate that the object 12 that is to be attached to the ring 10 has to have an opening 14 therethrough, as most of the keys.
As better shown in Figure 3, the openable ring 10 comprises an open annular element 16 having a first end 18 and a second end 20 defining an opening 22 therebetween. The open annular element 16 comprises a first cavity 24 extending in the first end 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the open annular element 16 also comprises a second cavity 26 extending in the second end 20 but the skilled addressee will appreciate upon reading of the present description that this second cavity 26 may be omitted in one embodiment.
The openable ring 10 comprises an elongated member 28 having a back end 30 and a front end 32. The elongated member 28 is slidably mounted in the first cavity 24 of the open annular element 16 such that the back end 30 extends therein.
In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, the open annular element 16 has a circular shape and the elongated member 28 has a bended shape corresponding to a portion of the circular shape of the open annular element 16 such that the openable ring 10 has a closed circular shape when the elongated member 28 extends in the resting position. The skilled addressee will nevertheless appreciate that various other shapes may be considered. For a non- limitative example, the open annular element 16 may have an open rectangular shape while the elongated member 28 may have a straight shape, as illustrated in Figure 7.
As better shown in Figure 3, in one embodiment, the openable ring 10 further comprises urging means mounted in the first cavity 24 backwardly of the elongated member 28 for urging the elongated member 28 towards a resting position wherein the front end 32 of the elongated member 28 extends in the second cavity 26 of the open annular element 16 to close the opening 22 thereof.
In the embodiment wherein the second end 20 of the open annular element 16 is not provided with a second cavity 26 extending therein, the front end 32 of the elongated member 28 extends against the second end 20 of the open annular element 16 to close the opening 22 thereof. In one embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 3, the urging means comprise a spring 34, but the skilled addressee will appreciate that other means for urging the elongated member 28 outwardly of the first cavity 24 may be considered. For example, a resilient member may be used.
Referring again to Figures 1 to 4, the openable ring 10 also comprises gripping means mounted to the elongated member 28 for providing a grip to a user for enabling sliding of the elongated member 28 from the resting position (shown in Figures 1 to 3 and also called a closed position) to an open position (shown in Figure 4) wherein the elongated member 28 is slid inwards the first cavity 24 for unblocking the opening 22 of the open annular element 16, thereby enabling at least one of an insertion and a withdrawal of the object 12 from the openable ring 10.
These gripping means help the user to easily manipulate the openable ring 10 from the closed position to the open position, which is of great advantage. Indeed, instead of having to temporarily separate the spirals of a conventional ring to insert or remove the object, the user just has to grip the elongated member 28 to slide it inside the first cavity 24 to provide the opening 22 in the ring 10. Then, the user may insert or remove the desired objects from the openable ring 10. Once such an insertion or removing is done, the user has just to release the elongated member 28 and the spring 34 will automatically move the elongated member 28 in the closed resting position.
This arrangement is of great advantage since the openable ring 10 may be easily and quickly manipulated. The user does not have to manually close the ring 10, he just have to release the elongated member 28 and the spring effect ensures that the ring 10 is conveniently closed.
In one embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the gripping means comprise a collar 36 mounted around the elongated member 28 proximate the front end 32 thereof. The openable ring provided with such a collar 36 may be easily manipulated with a single hand, which is of great advantage.
In a further embodiment, as illustrated, the collar 36 extends against the second end 20 of the open annular element 16 when the elongated member 28 extends in the resting position.
In another embodiment, the gripping means may comprise a notch (not shown) extending proximate the front end 32 of the elongated member 28. In still another embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 5, the gripping means comprise a plurality of corrugations 38. The openable ring 10 provided with such corrugations 38 may be easily manipulated, even with a single finger, which is of great advantage.
As shown in Figure 1 , in one embodiment, the gripping means have a size enabling a plurality of objects to move around the openable ring 10. This is a great advantage since any object may be removed from the ring 10 without requiring to temporarily remove other objects attached to the ring. Moreover, an object may be inserted in the ring 10 at any specific position, which is of great advantage in the case where the user would like to order or sort out the objects.
Referring now to Figures 3 and 5 and in one embodiment, the elongated member 28 is made of a metallic material. The openable ring 10 further comprises a magnet 40 mounted in the second cavity 26 of the open annular element 16 for holding the front end 32 of the elongated member 28 inside the second cavity 26 when the elongated member 28 extends in the resting position. This is of particular advantage for further helping to prevent an inadvertent opening of the openable ring 10.
In the embodiment wherein the second end 20 of the open annular element 16 is not provided with a second cavity 26, the magnet 40 may be mounted to the second end 20 for holding the front end 32 of the elongated member 28 against the second end 20.
In place of or in addition to a magnet 40, in another embodiment not illustrated, the front end 32 of the elongated member 28 and the second end 20 of the open annular element 16 may be each respectively provided with a hook and a cooperating notch for holding the front end 32 of the elongated member 28 against the second end 20 of the open annular element 16 or inside the second cavity 26 when the elongated member 28 extends in the resting position. This arrangement may be of particular interest in applications where safety is an important issue. Referring again to Figure 3 and in an alternative embodiment, a hook 42 may be shaped inside the second cavity 26. This hook 42 cooperates with a corresponding notch 44 provided in the elongated member 28. The skilled addressee will nevertheless understand that such an alternative embodiment may be envisaged only if a gap is provided between the outer diameter of the elongated member and the inner diameter of the second cavity 26.
In one embodiment, the spring 34, the elongated member 28 and the open annular element 16 are made of a metallic material such as hardened steel for a non limitative example. In another embodiment, the elongated member 28 and the open annular element 16 are made of stainless steel to provide an attractive appearance to the key ring 10.
In another embodiment, the elongated member 28 and the open annular element 16 may be made of a plastic material. In a further embodiment, the spring 34 may also be made of a plastic material. In this case, it could be envisaged that the spring 34 and the elongated member 28 be made integral to each other. In such a case, the spring 34 and the elongated member 28 may be molded together but the skilled addressee will appreciate that other arrangements may be considered.
As previously mentioned, in one embodiment, the openable ring 10 is devised to be used as a key ring and it may be advantageous to provide an attractive and/or customized appearance to the ring.
Referring now to Figures 6A and 6B, in one embodiment, the open annular element 16 comprises an external surface 46 comprising at least one ornamental element. This ornamental element may be an insert 48 or a plurality of inserts 48 mounted on the external surface 46. The inserts 48 may be precious as well as semi-precious stones as a non limitative example for providing a jewelry appearance to the openable ring 10.
In another embodiment, the ornamental element may comprise an engraving (not shown) extending on the external surface 46 of the open annular element 16. In one embodiment, the engraving extends on the outer surface 50 of the open annular element 16. This engraving may be an ornamental engraving but it may also be an advertising engraving in the case where the openable ring 10 is used as a promotional article.
The skilled addressee will appreciate that the specific design of the openable ring 10 is of particular interest over the rings of the prior art since those prior art rings do not permit engraving or insertion of ornamental inserts 48 on the outer 50 or inner external surface 52 of the ring. Those prior art rings may be provided with an engraving, but only on the sides of the external surface. Moreover, the skilled addressee will appreciate that those prior art rings, which are made of spirals, may not permit the insertion of ornamental inserts. Indeed, since at least two spirals are needed, those spirals have to be thin enough to allow the insertion of a key around the two spirals. In order to be able to provide inserts thereon, the spirals must be thicker. However, thicker spirals may prevent some types of key to be inserted thereon. Moreover, it may be more difficult to displace the key around the ring.
Still referring to Figures 6A and 6B, in one embodiment, the open annular element 16 may comprise first and second open annular members 54, 56 mounted face to face. In this embodiment, each of the first and second open annular members 54, 56 comprises a first end 58 having a first channel 60 therein and a second end 62 having a second channel 64 therein. The first channels 60 of each of the first open annular member 54 and the second open annular member 56 define the first cavity 24 when the first and second open annular members 54, 56 are mounted together. The second channels 64 of each of the first open annular member 54 and the second open annular element 56 define the second cavity 26 when the first and second open annular members 54, 56 are mounted together.
The skilled addressee will appreciate that, as mentioned above, the second cavity 26 may be omitted. In this case, the second end 62 of each of the first and second open annular members 54, 56 is not provided with a second channel 64.
The skilled addressee will also appreciate that any convenient means enabling a suitable mounting of the first and second open annular members 54, 56 together may be considered. For example, in one embodiment, at least one of the first and second open annular members 54, 56 comprises a clipping element 66 such as a lip for a non limitative example. In a further embodiment, the first and the second open annular members 54, 56 are permanently clipped together such that the openable ring 10 may not be disassembled.
In order to further improve the overall appearance of the openable ring 10 and in one embodiment, an outer annular ornamental ring 68 may be mounted between the first and second open annular members 54, 56. This ornamental ring 68 may be made of stainless steel but may also be made of precious metals such as gold for a non limitative example. Various colored materials may alternatively be used to further enhance the appearance of the openable ring 10.
The skilled addressee will appreciate that various ornamental elements may be combined in order to further enhance or personalize the overall appearance of the openable ring 10.
The skilled addressee will also appreciate that the openable ring 10 of the present invention is particularly advantageous since it enables various configurations and various external appearance without requiring complex manufacturing steps, which is of great advantage.
For example, in order to further enhance the appearance of the openable ring 10, the portion 70 of the open annular element 16 extending between the first cavity 24 and the second cavity 26 may be made thinner. This portion 70 may also be made of precious metal.
As previously mentioned, the openable ring 10 of the present invention may be used as a key ring for holding and carrying keys. The skilled addressee will nevertheless appreciate that the openable ring 10 may be particularly useful in various other applications.
Indeed, as previously described, the particular design of the openable ring enables to prevent an inadvertent opening thereof and therefore provides an enhanced safety to the user. Thus, it may be used as a universal secured holder in applications wherein a conventional holder was previously used for holding various objects. For example, it may be used as a holding device for various applications ranging from recreational activities to sports activities. Indeed, during fishing, the ring may be attached to the user and the artificial flies, fish hooks or other fishing accessories may be attached to the ring. Moreover, it may also be used on the various components of a fishing rod such as baits for replacing the small conventional rings similar to the spirally key rings that are generally used thereon for attaching the various components together. Indeed, in such an application, the openable ring may be of particular advantage since the small conventional rings that are generally used are very small and therefore very difficult to operate.
The ring may also be particularly useful for a worker for holding an authorization card as a non limitative example. It may also be particularly useful for a car valet who has to manage a plurality of client keys or client key rings. Indeed, the client may provide the valet with the car key only or may provide him with a key ring on which the car key is mounted. The openable ring may be particularly advantageous since the valet may only have to insert the user car key or the user key ring on its own openable ring.
Still in the field of key management, the openable ring may be particularly useful for storing keys in a key box. Indeed, with the design of the conventional key rings, the key box is generally provided with open hooks on which the conventional rings may be hanged up. Since the hooks are not closed, the conventional key rings may fall out of the hooks if the key box accidentally falls down. Moreover, such a key box has to be transported with care in order to keep the ring on the corresponding hook. The openable ring of the present invention may alleviate these problems since the key box may be provided with closed hooks, also called screw eyes, instead of open ones. In this case, the openable ring may be inserted in a corresponding screw eye, thanks to its opening, and an accidental fall from the hook is prevented, which is of great advantage.
According to another embodiment, the openable ring may be used as an identification device for identifying a personal object. In this case, the openable ring further comprises an identifying element (not shown) mounted thereto for identifying the openable ring. The identification element may be an engraving, an insert or another element attached or temporally inserted to the ring for differentiating the ring from other similar rings. Colored elements may be used. This identification device may be particularly useful for children at school or in a sport field house. It may also be useful in cocktail wherein the openable ring may be attached to the stem of the glass for identification purposes.
A method for manufacturing an openable ring 10 used for attaching an object thereto will now be described in accordance with one embodiment, with reference to Figure 8 and also to Figures 3 and 6A.
According to step 802, first and second open annular members 54, 56 are provided. Each of the first and second open annular members 54, 56 comprises a first end 58 and a second end 62 defining an opening 22 therebetween. Each of the first ends 58 has a first channel 60 extending therein. As previously mentioned, in a further embodiment, each of the second ends 62 may be provided with a second channel 64 extending therein.
According to step 804, a spring loaded element is provided. In one embodiment, the spring loaded element comprises a spring 34.
According to step 806, an elongated member 28 having a back end 30 and a front end 32 is provided.
According to step 808, the spring loaded element is placed in the first channel 60 of a corresponding one of the first and second open annular members 54, 56.
According to step 810, the elongated member 28 is placed in the first channel 60 of the corresponding open annular member 54, 56 in which the spring loaded element is placed, frontward the spring loaded element such that the front end 32 of the elongated member 28 protrudes from the first end 58 of the corresponding open annular member 54, 56.
According to step 812, the first and the second open annular members 54, 56 are secured together to thereby provide the openable ring 10.
In one embodiment, at least one of the first and the second open annular members 54, 56 comprises a clipping element 66. In this embodiment, the first and the second open annular members 54, 56 are permanently clipped together in order to prevent disassembly of the openable ring 10.
According to another aspect, there is also provided a kit for an openable ring useable for attaching an object thereto.
The kit comprises an open annular element 16 having a first end 18 and a second end 20 defining an opening 22 therebetween. The open annular element 16 comprises a first cavity 24 extending in the first end 18. As previously mentioned, in one embodiment, the open annular element 16 also comprises a second cavity 26 extending in the second end 20.
The kit also comprises an elongated member 28 having a back end 30 and a front end 32, the elongated member 28 being slidably mountable in the first cavity 24 of the open annular element 16 such that the back end 30 extends therein.
The kit also comprises urging means, such as a spring 34 as a non limitative example. The urging means is mountable in the first cavity 24 backwardly of the elongated member 28 for urging the elongated member 28 towards a resting position wherein the front end 32 of the elongated member 28 extends against the second end 20 of the open annular element 16 or inside the second cavity 26 thereof to close the opening 22 thereof.
The kit also comprises gripping means mountable to the elongated member 28 for providing a grip to a user for enabling sliding of the elongated member 28 from the resting position to an open position wherein the elongated member 28 is slid inwards the first cavity 24 for unblocking the opening 22 of the open annular element 16, thereby enabling at least one of an insertion and a withdrawal of the object from the openable ring 10.
Although the foregoing description and accompanying drawings relate to specific preferred embodiments of the present invention as presently contemplated by the inventor, it will be understood that various changes, modifications and adaptations, may be made.
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