User:Knmo

KEY FOB
A keychain or key chain is a small chain, usually made from metal or plastic, that connects a small item to a keyring. The length of a keychain allows an item to be used more easily than if connected directly to a keyring. Some keychains allow one or both ends the ability to rotate, keeping the keychain from becoming twisted, while the item is being used. A keychain can also be a connecting link between a keyring and the belt of an individual. It is usually employed by personnel whose job demands frequent use of keys, such as a security guard, prison officer, janitor, or retail store manager. The chain is often retractable, and therefore may be a nylon rope, instead of an actual metal chain. The chain ensures that the keys remain attached to the individual using them, makes accidental loss less likely, and saves on wear and tear on the pockets of the user.

Key fob
A key fob is a generally decorative and at times useful item many people often carry with their keys, on a ring or a chain, for ease of tactile identification, to provide a better grip, or to make a personal statement. The word fob may be linked to the low German dialect for the word Fuppe, meaning "pocket", however, the real origin of the word is uncertain. Fob pockets (meaning 'sneak proof' from the German word Foppen) were pockets meant to deter thieves and a chain was used (called a Fob Chain) to attach to items, like a pocket watch, that you would place in them.

Fobs vary considerably in size, style and functionality. Most commonly they are simple discs of smooth metal or plastic, typically with a message or symbol such as that of a logo (as with conference tchotchkes) or a sign of an important group affiliation. A fob may be symbolic or strictly aesthetic, but it can also be a small tool. Many fobs are small flashlights, compasses, calculators, penknives, discount cards, bottle openers, security tokens and USB flash drives. As electronic technology continues to become smaller and cheaper, miniature key-fob versions of (previously) larger devices are becoming common, such as digital photo frames, remote control units for garage door openers, barcode scanners and simple video games (e.g. Tamagotchi) or other gadgets such as breathalyzers.

Some retail establishments such as gasoline stations keep their bathrooms locked and customers must ask for the key from the attendant. In such cases, the keychain has a very large fob to make it difficult for customers to walk off with the key.

how key fobs are used
Keychains are one of the most common souvenir and advertising items. Keychains are commonly used to promote businesses. A standard advertising key chain will carry the businesses name and contact information and often a logo.

In the 1950s and 1960s, with the improvement of plastic manufacturing techniques, promotional items including keychains became unique. Businesses could place their names on promotional keychains that were three-dimensional for less expensive than the standard metal keychains.

Keychains are small and inexpensive enough to become promotional items for larger national companies that might give them out by the millions. For example, with the launch of a new movie or television show, those companies might partner with food companies to provide a character keychain in each box of cereal etc.

A souvenir sandal keychain from the Philippines Keychains that currently hold keys are an item that is never long misplaced by the owner. Many keychains also offer functions that the owner wants easily accessible as well. These include an army knife, bottle opener, an electronic organizer, scissors, address book, family photos, nail clipper, pill case and even pepper spray. Modern cars often include a keychain that serves as a remote to lock/unlock the car or even start the engine. An electronic key finder is also a useful item found on many keys that will beep when summoned for quick finding when misplaced.[1]

Keychain items


Items commonly attached via a keychain or keyring include:


 * Bottle openers
 * Carabiners
 * Compasses
 * Credit cards
 * Digital sound recorders
 * Electronic games
 * Flashlights
 * Gym membership cards
 * Keyrings
 * Kubotans
 * Lanyards
 * Laser pointers
 * Library cards
 * Lighters
 * Logos, slogans, or phrases
 * Loyalty program cards
 * Magnet
 * Memo pads
 * Nail clippers
 * Ornamental or decorative items
 * Personal sirens
 * Pill boxes
 * Photos (photo holders)
 * Pocketknives and Penknives
 * Rabbit's feet
 * Religious items (e.g., crosses, Traveller's Prayers, or hamsas)
 * Security tokens
 * Tape measures
 * Text labels
 * Thermometers (analog and digital)
 * Tools (e.g., Swiss Army knives)
 * USB flash drives
 * Vehicle remote keyless system fobs
 * Watches and stopwatches
 * Whistles