U.S. patent application number 11/416965 was filed with the patent office on 2007-11-08 for holder assembly for currency, credit cards and like objects.
Invention is credited to Adam Glickfield.
Application Number | 20070256279 11/416965 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37685012 |
Filed Date | 2007-11-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070256279 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Glickfield; Adam |
November 8, 2007 |
Holder assembly for currency, credit cards and like objects
Abstract
A holder assembly for paper currency, credit cards and other
type of currency including an elongated band comprising a plurality
of movably interconnected segments extending along a length
thereof. A connecting assembly interconnects the plurality of
segments and is structured to facilitate expansion or contraction
of the band as well as to normally bias the band, as well as the
plurality of segments, into a contracted orientation. In at least
one embodiment a coupling assembly is connected to the band and is
disposed and structured to vary the length of the band such that
the longitudinal dimension thereof is adjustable whether the band
is in the expanded or contracted orientation.
Inventors: |
Glickfield; Adam; (Miami
Beach, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MALLOY & MALLOY, P.A.
2800 S.W. Third Avenue
Historic Coral Way
Miami
FL
33129
US
|
Family ID: |
37685012 |
Appl. No.: |
11/416965 |
Filed: |
May 3, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
24/17B |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44C 5/08 20130101; A44C
5/003 20130101; A45C 2001/062 20130101; Y10T 24/1408 20150115; A45C
1/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
024/017.00B |
International
Class: |
B65D 63/00 20060101
B65D063/00 |
Claims
1. A holder assembly for currency comprising: a) a band having an
elongated configuration and including a plurality of interconnected
segments extending along the length thereof, b) said plurality of
segments movable relative to one another to facilitate disposition
of said band between an expanded orientation and a contracted
orientation, c) a connecting assembly movably interconnecting
adjacent ones of said plurality of segments and structured to
normally bias said plurality of segments into said contracted
orientation, and d) said plurality of segments and said connecting
assembly cooperatively structured to dispose said band in
surrounding, retaining relation to the currency.
2. A holder assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said band
further comprises a closed configuration.
3. A holder assembly as recited in claim 2 wherein said plurality
of segments collectively extend continuously along the length of
said band.
4. A holder assembly as recited in claim 2 further comprising a
coupling assembly connected to said band and structured to vary the
length of said closed configuration when said band is in either
said expanded or contracted orientation.
5. A holder assembly as recited in claim 4 wherein said coupling
assembly is disposed and structured to partially define said closed
configuration.
6. A holder assembly as recited in claim 5 wherein said coupling
assembly is primarily disposed on an interior of said band in a
primarily unexposed position.
7. A holder assembly as recited in claim 5 wherein said coupling
assembly is primarily disposed on an exterior of said band in an
exposed position.
8. A holder assembly as recited in claim 7 wherein said coupling
assembly comprises a display field disposed on an outer exposed
surface thereof.
9. A holder assembly as recited in claim 1 further comprising a
display field connected to said band and including an outer,
exposed surface disposed and structured to display predetermined
indicia thereon.
10. A holder assembly as recited in claim 9 wherein said display
field is disposed on an exterior of said band.
11. A holder assembly for currency comprising: a) a flexible band
having an elongated configuration, b) a plurality of interconnected
segments collectively extending continuously along a length of said
band, c) said plurality of segments movable relative to one another
to facilitate said band being disposable between an expanded
orientation and a contacted orientation, d) a coupling assembly
connected to opposite ends of said band and structured to
selectively vary the length of said band when in either said
expanded or contracted orientations, e) a connecting assembly
movably interconnecting at least adjacent ones of said plurality of
segments and structured to normally bias at least some of said
plurality of segments into said contracted orientation, and f) said
plurality of segments and said connecting assembly cooperatively
structured to dispose said band in surrounding, retaining relation
to the currency.
12. A holder assembly as recited in claim 11 wherein said coupling
assembly is further structured to removably connect said opposite
ends of said band.
13. A holder assembly as recited in claim 11 wherein said coupling
assembly is primarily disposed on an exterior of said band in an
exposed position.
14. A holder assembly as recited in claim 13 wherein said coupling
assembly comprises a display field disposed on an outer exposed
surface thereof.
15. A holder assembly as recited in claim 11 further comprising a
display field connected to said band and including an outer,
exposed surface disposed and structured to display predetermined
indicia thereon.
16. A holder assembly as recited in claim 15 wherein said coupling
assembly is primarily disposed on an interior of said band in a
substantially unexposed position.
17. A holder assembly as recited in claim 11 wherein said coupling
assembly is primarily disposed on an interior of said band in a
substantially unexposed position.
18. A holder assembly for currency comprising: a) an elongated band
comprising a plurality of segments extending continuously along the
length thereof, b) a connecting assembly interconnecting said
plurality of segments in movable relation to one another, c) at
least some of said plurality of segments concurrently movable
between an expanded orientation and a contracted orientation of
said band, d) said connecting assembly structured to normally
biased said plurality of segments into said contracted orientation
of said band, e) a coupling assembly connected to said band and
structured to vary the length thereof when said band is in either
of said expanded or contracted orientations, and f) said band
structured to assume a closed configuration in surrounding,
retaining relation to the currency.
19. A holder assembly as recited in claim 18 wherein said band
further comprises oppositely disposed free ends; said coupling
assembly removably interconnecting said free ends to at least
partially define said closed configuration.
20. A holder assembly as recited in claim 18 wherein said coupling
assembly is primarily disposed on an interior of said band in a
relatively unexposed position.
21. A holder assembly as recited in claim 18 wherein said coupling
assembly is primarily disposed on an exterior of said band in a
relatively exposed position.
22. A holder assembly as recited in claim 21 further comprising a
display field disposed on said coupling assembly, said display
field including an exposed surface disposed and structured to
display predetermined indicia thereon.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] A holder assembly comprising an elongated band formed of a
plurality of segments movably interconnected and selectively
disposable from a normally contracted orientation into an expanded
orientation, wherein the overall size and structure of the band is
such as to surround and retain paper money, other types of currency
and a variety of cards including, but not limited to, credit,
identification and business cards, as well as other objects.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Devices specifically intended to hold and/or retain money,
in particular paper currency, have been known and utilized for many
years. In perhaps their most simplistic form, money holders may
comprise an elastic or "rubber" band having sufficient dimension
and elasticity to surround folded paper currency and the like.
Besides the relatively unappealing aesthetic properties of such an
elastic band type of money holder, the reliability of such
structures is questionable, especially when access to the retained
currency is a frequent occurrence throughout the day. Other common
types of money holding devices include money clips typically formed
from a single piece of relatively flexible material, such as metal,
plastic or a variety of other appropriate materials. Moreover,
conventional money clips have been known to be made from silver,
gold or other precious metals. Also common to conventional money
clips or like holders is the inclusion of numerous fanciful designs
and decorative dress including decorative structure such as coins,
jewels, scripted plates, etc. When using such conventional
structures the currency is typically folded and placed into a gap
defined by the overall structure of the flexible money clip. One
frequently recognized disadvantage of known money clips is the
relative small quantity of currency and/or credit cards which may
be inserted within the retaining gap without permanently deforming
it. Such deformation of the money clip would of course render it
unreliable or at worst, useless for the express purpose of
containing folded currency, in the manner described above.
[0005] Perhaps the most commonly recognized advantage of money
clips and other types of money holders is the ability to allow the
user to carry the retained currency in a relatively small area such
as the pants or jacket pockets or other conveniently small but
readily accessible areas. Such convenient dimensioning of known
money holders overcomes disadvantages and problems associated with
carrying money, credit cards and like currency in wallets,
pocketbooks, purses, etc. While wallets or pocketbooks are still in
common use, the ability to easily and quickly access folded
currency and/or credit cards contained therein becomes
problematic.
[0006] While money clips and other types of holders, of the type
set forth, above are no longer as popular as in years past, the
decreased use of such structures may possibly be attributable
directly to the increased use of credit cards. The growth in the
use of credit cards and other types of card structures, such as ATM
cards, smart cards, etc, has resulted in the need for a means of
conveniently and securely carrying one or more of such cards on the
person of an individual. Further, the popularity of money clips is
more specifically attributable to the fact that both currency and a
plurality of credit cards can not be effectively and/or reliably
retained by conventional money clips of the types described above.
In addition, while money clips may have been considered a
convenient and efficient way to retain paper currency, they are not
as effective for the purpose in carrying credit cards, driver
licenses of other identification cards of the type set forth
above.
[0007] Currently, as well as in the near future, electronic or
"smart" card technology will advance to the point where the amount
of paper currency an individual usually carries may be
significantly reduced. However, it is believed that an improved
currency holder assembly would still be desired, as long as it
overcomes the problems of the type set forth above. Therefore,
there is a growing and significant need for an effective and
efficient holder assembly structured to retain currency in the form
of paper currency, credit cards, smart cards, ATM cards as well as
identification cards such as a driver license and the like.
Further, such a proposed currency holder assembly should have the
structural and operative versatility to accommodate currency and/or
credit cards of an increased size, thereby enabling a user to carry
a plurality of such credit and/or identification cards currently
with paper currency in an efficient and effective manner. Also, the
structural reliability of a proposed and preferred currency holder
assembly should be assured by forming it from a durable material,
such as metal or a variety of other materials. Finally, a proposed
holder assembly should also demonstrate sufficient versatility to
be highly decorative and/or aesthetically pleasing in that the
material of the components from which it is formed may be either
expensive or inexpensive and may be produced to include highly
decorative features or other adornments similar to but
distinguishable from the aforementioned money clips structures.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention is directed to a holder assembly for
paper currency, credit cards and other types of currency as well as
various types of identification cards, transaction cards or like
purpose cards similar in structure, configuration and dimension to
conventional credit cards. Accordingly, as used herein the term
"currency" is meant to be broadly interpreted and include, but not
be limited to, paper money, credit cards and other commonly
negotiable instruments, as well as cards or like devices which are
not directly associated with the conducting of a financial
transaction.
[0009] More specifically, the holder assembly comprises an
elongated band which may assume a closed, continuous configuration
and be otherwise structured to surround and thereby retain the
currency and/or credit cards. Such an operative, retaining position
of the band is facilitated by the band being structured from a
plurality of movably interconnected segments. Depending upon the
specific preferred embodiments utilized, the interconnected
segments may extend along at least a portion or substantially the
entire length of the band.
[0010] Further, a connecting assembly is cooperatively disposed and
structured to movably interconnect the plurality of segments, such
that adjacent ones of the segments are movable relative to one
another. This movable interconnection of the plurality of segments
allows the band to be selectively disposed in either an expanded
orientation or a contracted orientation. As should be apparent when
in the expanded orientation, at least some of the plurality of
segments are disposed in a spaced relation to one another. In
contrast, the contracted orientation of the plurality of segments
has them disposed in a more closely adjacent relation to one
another. The contracted orientation may be further defined by the
plurality of segments having their longitudinal edges or sides
confronting the longitudinal edges or sides of the next adjacent
segments along some or all of the length of the band.
[0011] It should be apparent that when in the expanded position,
the overall size of the band, such as when it assumes its normally
continuous, closed configuration, is enlarged to accommodate the
surrounding, retaining engagement with currency having greater bulk
or dimension. When in the contracted orientation, the overall
dimension of the band is reduced so as to provide a snug, close
fitting, surrounding engagement of the retained currency.
Accordingly, the connecting assembly is cooperatively structured
with the plurality of movable interconnected segments so as to
normally bias the band into the contracted orientation. Therefore,
when the band is first or repeatedly applied in its operative,
surrounding relation to the currency being retained, it is
purposely enlarged into its expanded orientation. In so doing, the
band is efficiently positioned about the currency in retaining
relation thereto. Thereafter, the normal biasing of the plurality
of movably interconnected segments into the contracted orientation
will serve to automatically reduce the size of the band, typically
to the size of the currency being retained, such that a snug,
retaining engagement of the band relative to the currency is
established.
[0012] It is emphasized that the connecting assembly may comprise a
variety of different structures each of which are operative to
movably interconnect the plurality of segments. Further, such
movable interconnection, thus enable the ability of the plurality
of segments to be selectively movable relative to one another in
terms of separation such that disposition of the band between the
expanded orientation and the contracted orientation may be easily
and quickly accomplished. However, regardless of the specific
embodiment of the connecting assembly, its structural and operative
features should be such as to accomplish a normal biasing of the
band into the aforementioned contracted orientation so as to
automatically establish the intended surrounding, retaining
engagement of the band about the paper money, credit cards and
other types of currency, identification cards or like objects being
retained by the band of the holder assembly.
[0013] At least one preferred embodiment of the holder assembly of
the present invention further comprises a coupling assembly
connected to the band. Moreover the structure of the coupling
assembly should be such as to allow a variance in the overall
length of the band. Moreover, the closed configuration assumed by
the band may be increased or otherwise adjusted to accommodate
retention of different quantities and/or sizes of currency, credit
cards, etc. As such, the coupling assembly may assume a buckle,
snap plate or other appropriate type of closure structured to
facilitate adjustment of the overall length of the band. Such an
adjustment may include an increase or decrease in the length
thereof, when the coupling assembly is selectively disposed in a
first operative position or in a second operative position.
Therefore, appropriate manipulation of the coupling assembly will
facilitate adjustment of the length of the band whether in its
expanded orientation or its contracted orientation.
[0014] An additional feature incorporated into at least one
preferred embodiment of the present invention is the provision of a
display structure more specifically defined by a display field
having an exposed surface. The display field may be connected along
the length of the band or alternatively may be connected to or
otherwise associated with the coupling assembly in its various
structural and operative forms. Regardless of the location or
specific structural features of the display field, the included
exposed surface may be disposed and structured to incorporate any
of a variety of different, predetermined indicia thereon. Such
indicia may include, but not limited to, a variety of artistic
and/or decorative elements, logos, trade names, individual names or
initials, as well as any type of personal message or the like.
[0015] These and other objects, features and advantages of the
present invention will become clearer when the drawings as well as
the detailed description are taken into consideration.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present
invention, reference should be had to the following detailed
description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the holder assembly of the
present invention in an operative position surrounding and
retaining various forms of currency.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the holder assembly of the
embodiment of FIG. 1 disposed out of its operative position in
retaining relation to currency but in a contracted orientation.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a front view in partial cutaway representing the
holder assembly of the present invention in an expanded
orientation.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view in partial cutaway
including a coupling assembly and associated display structure and
display field exposed exteriorly of the holder assembly.
[0021] FIG. 5 is an interior perspective view of the embodiment of
FIG. 4.
[0022] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the
several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0023] As represented in the accompanying drawings, the present
invention is directed to a holder assembly generally indicated as
10 for paper money, credit cards, other forms of currency,
identification cards and the like all generally indicated as 20.
Accordingly, as used herein the term "currency" is meant to be
broadly interpreted and include, but not be limited to, paper
money, credit cards, smart cards as well as other types of cards
and commonly negotiable instruments.
[0024] More specifically, the holder assembly 10 comprises an
elongated band 12 which includes or is at least partially defined
by a plurality of segments 14 extending along a majority or in some
preferred embodiments along substantially the entire length of the
band 12. In addition, the plurality of segments 14 are movably
interconnected by a connecting assembly generally indicated as 16
and comprising a plurality of connecting links or like structures
18. The connecting assembly 16 serves to selectively and movably
interconnect the plurality of segments 14 in a manner which
facilitates movement of each segment 14 relative to the next
adjacent segment 14 as should be apparent form a review of FIGS. 4
and 6. Accordingly, the connecting assembly 16 and in particular
the plurality of connecting links 18 are cooperatively structured
with the plurality of movable segments 14 so as to allow movement
of the plurality of segments 14 relative to one another and
specifically relative to the next adjacent segments 14. As such,
the band 12 is selectively disposable between an expanded position
as represented in FIG. 3 and a contracted position as represented
in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5. Further, the cooperative structuring between
the connecting assembly 16, including the plurality of connecting
links 18, and the plurality of segments 14 is such as to normally
bias a plurality of segments 14 along at least a portion of the
band 12 into the contracted orientation, such as represented in
FIGS. 1 and 2 4 and 5.
[0025] When it is desired to enlarge the band 12 into the expanded
orientation, some or all of the plurality of segments 14 may be
spaced apart in at least partially separated relation to one
another. Alternatively at least some of the segments 14 may be
separated as demonstrated in FIG. 3 while others of the plurality
of segments 14 of band 12 may still in a be substantially
contracted orientation. Accordingly, when in the contracted
orientation some or all of the plurality of segments 14 may be more
specifically described as having their longitudinal sides or edges
14' disposed in engagement with one another, or at least
immediately adjacent and/or confronting relation to one another as
clearly demonstrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5. Therefore, while some of
the plurality of segments 14 may be separated into the preferred
expanded orientation, others of the plurality of segments 14 may be
concurrently disposed in the contracted orientation. The degree of
expansion or contraction is therefore determined by the user of the
holder assembly 10, when it is disposed about or otherwise
operatively positioned in surrounding, retaining relation to the
currency 20.
[0026] Yet another feature of at least one preferred embodiment of
the present invention is the provision of a coupling assembly
generally indicated as 24 and 24'. The coupling assembly 24 and 24'
are in the form of a buckle, fold over snap plate structure or any
of a variety of appropriate coupling structures or devices.
However, common to any of the possible embodiments of the coupling
assembly is the ability to adjust the overall length of the band 12
such that the longitudinal dimension thereof, whether in the
contracted or expanded orientation, may be increased or otherwise
varied. Such an intended change in the longitudinal dimension of
the band 12 facilitates the positioning of the band 12 in its
operative, surrounding and retaining relation to currency 20,
regardless of the bulk or overall size of the currency 20. This
ability lends significantly greater versatility to the holder
assembly 10 which is typically not available in money clips or
other money holders of the type conventionally known.
[0027] Further, the coupling assembly 24', in at least one
embodiment, may be secured to opposite free ends of the band 12 as
at 15 and 17. Therefore, the free ends 15 and 17 in at least one
preferred embodiment of the present invention, such as represented
in FIG. 2 may be removably connected to one another such that the
band 12 would not be disposed in a closed, continuous configuration
as best demonstrated in FIG. 2. However, the coupling assembly 24
can be located at various portions along the length of the band 12
and may be fixedly connected to the band portions 15' and 17'. By
way of example, the coupling assembly 24 can be located at any
point along the length of the band 12. When so positioned, the
coupling assembly 24 is cooperatively structured with the plurality
of segments 14 as well as the connecting assembly 16 to facilitate
adjusting the length of the band 12. Moreover, a user of the
coupling assembly 20 and/or 20' may increase the overall length of
the band 12 when such is necessary to operatively position the band
12 in surrounding relation to an increased quantity of currency
20.
[0028] With primary reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, yet another
embodiment of the present invention comprises the coupling assembly
24 having a display field generally indicated as 26 connected
thereto. The display field 26 and more specifically an outer
exposed surface 28 is disposed on an outer or exterior portion of
the band 12 such that it may readily observed. Further, the display
field 26 and in particular the exterior or exposed surface 28 may
be structured to include predetermined indicia. Such indicia may
vary significantly in content and include various artistic and/or
decorative elements, as well as logos, trade names, personal
identification or initials, messages, inscriptions, etc.
Accordingly, in the embodiment of FIG. 4 the coupling assembly 24
is primarily located on the exterior of the band 12 to facilitate
viewing of the exposed surface 28 of the display field 26. However,
in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the coupling assembly 24' is at least
partially or primarily disposed in an unexposed position on the
interior of the band 12. When the coupling assembly 24' is
relatively positioned in an unexposed position as demonstrated in
FIG. 2, the display field 26 and exposed surface may be located on
the band 12 other than in direct association with the coupling
assembly 24.
[0029] Therefore, the various preferred embodiments of the currency
holder assembly 10 of the present invention overcomes many of the
disadvantages and problems associated with money holders, money
clips and like structures which are conventionally known and
structured. Further, the currency holder assembly 10 of the present
invention may be highly decorative by having at least the plurality
of segments 14 formed a variety of different materials including
precious and non-precious metals, plastic, various composite or
other types of synthetic materials and may also include additional
decorative ornamentation which may be placed at various locations
along the band 12 and/or on or in direct association with the
display field 26, and/or the outer, exposed surface 28, associated
therewith. However, the versatility of the currency holder assembly
10 is such that the material from which the plurality of segments
14, the connecting assembly 16 and/or the coupling assembly 24 are
formed may be relatively inexpensive yet sufficiently durable to
provide a long operable life of the currency holder assembly
10.
[0030] Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail
can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention,
it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and
shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative
and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention
should be determined by the appended claims and their legal
equivalents.
[0031] Now that the invention has been described,
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