U.S. patent application number 12/578087 was filed with the patent office on 2010-05-20 for banknote adapted to form a magnetic money clip.
Invention is credited to Scott L. Amron.
Application Number | 20100122438 12/578087 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42106866 |
Filed Date | 2010-05-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100122438 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Amron; Scott L. |
May 20, 2010 |
BANKNOTE ADAPTED TO FORM A MAGNETIC MONEY CLIP
Abstract
A magnetic money clip is provided having a paper substrate,
which may be a real banknote, connecting two or more magnetic
components to create a low-cost, thin, soft magnetic vise-like
mechanism. The user can simply peel back the substrate to open the
magnetic vise-like mechanism to insert or remove one or more
banknotes. The user then folds the substrate back onto itself to
close and secure the remaining banknote(s).
Inventors: |
Amron; Scott L.; (Smithtown,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OSTROLENK FABER GERB & SOFFEN
1180 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
NEW YORK
NY
100368403
US
|
Family ID: |
42106866 |
Appl. No.: |
12/578087 |
Filed: |
October 13, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61196006 |
Oct 14, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
24/303 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 2001/062 20130101;
Y10T 24/32 20150115; A45C 1/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
24/303 |
International
Class: |
A44B 99/00 20100101
A44B099/00 |
Claims
1. A magnetic money clip comprising: one or more paper substrates;
a coupled set of magnetic components; and means to secure the
magnetic components to the one or more substrates.
2. The magnetic money clip according to claim 1, wherein the
securing means removably attach the magnetic components to the one
or more substrates.
3. The magnetic money clip according to claim 1, wherein the
substrate is a real paper banknote and the securing means are
removable with no harm to the substrate.
4. The magnetic money clip according to claim 2, wherein the
coupled set of magnetic components comprise two thin neodymium disc
magnets.
5. The magnetic money clip according to claim 2, wherein the
coupled set of magnetic components comprise one neodymium rare
earth disc magnet and one thin plate of carbon steel.
6. The magnetic money clip according to claim 2, wherein the
coupled set of magnetic components comprise one neodymium rare
earth disc magnet and two thin plates of carbon steel arranged in
such a way so as to have the two steel plates magnetically cap the
neodymium magnet when the clip is in the closed position.
7. The magnetic money clip according to claim 2, wherein the
coupled set of magnetic components comprise two neodymium rare
earth disc magnet and two thin plates of carbon steel arranged in
such a way so as to have the two steel plates magnetically cap the
two neodymium magnets when the clip is in the closed position.
8. A magnetic money clip comprising: a paper substrates; and a set
of magnetic components removably attached to the substrate at
spaced locations.
9. The magnetic money clip according to claim 8, wherein the
substrate is a real paper banknote.
10. The magnetic money clip according to claim 9, wherein the
coupled set of magnetic components comprise two thin neodymium disc
magnets.
11. The magnetic money clip according to claim 9, wherein the
coupled set of magnetic components comprise one neodymium rare
earth disc magnet and one thin plate of carbon steel.
12. The magnetic money clip according to claim 9, wherein the
coupled set of magnetic components comprise one neodymium rare
earth disc magnet and two thin plates of carbon steel arranged in
such a way so as to have the two steel plates magnetically cap the
neodymium magnet when the clip is in the closed position.
13. The magnetic money clip according to claim 9, wherein the
coupled set of magnetic components comprise two neodymium rare
earth disc magnet and two thin plates of carbon steel arranged in
such a way so as to have the two steel plates magnetically cap the
two neodymium magnets when the clip is in the closed position.
14. A magnetic money clip comprising: a paper substrates; a pair of
fabric carriers; a set of magnetic components held respectively by
the pair of fabric carriers; and means to secure the pair of fabric
carriers to the substrate at spaced locations.
15. A kit for forming a magnetic money clip, comprising: a set of
magnetic components; and a pair of fabric carriers for respectively
receiving and holding the set of magnetic components.
16. A kit for forming a magnetic money clip according to claim 15,
further comprising means for attaching the fabric carriers to a
paper substrate at spaced locations to form the money clip.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based on and claims priority to
Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/196,006, filed Oct. 14, 2008
and entitled "A BANKNOTE ADAPTED TO FORM A MAGNETIC MONEY CLIP",
the entire disclosure of which is incorporated hereby by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a magnetic money clip
employing a paper banknote (or other form of durable paper) as the
connective substrate linking two or more magnetic components to
provide a unique and intuitive money clipping utility.
[0004] 2. Background
[0005] Magnetic money clips are used to keep paper money organized
within a magnetic vise-like mechanism, offering a greater carrying
capacity than that of a stiff and unforgiving metal money clip.
Conventional money clips are generally comprised of one or more
bulky leather substrates sized substantially smaller than the
banknotes it is designed to hold. Magnetic components are placed at
opposing ends of the substrate(s). The substrate is then folded at
its center to create a vise-like clipping mechanism thereby
doubling the device's profile. Small bulky magnetic money clips are
awkward to handle and do not fit well in tight pockets. Current
magnetic money clip assemblies fail to provide the user with an
inexpensive, thin, soft, pliable, low-profile, easy-to-grab, and
forgiving means of keeping paper money organized on-the-go.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It is a general object of the present invention to provide a
magnetic money clip that avoids the drawbacks of prior magnetic
money clips.
[0007] More, specifically, it is an object of the present invention
to provide a magnetic money clip that is an inexpensive, thin,
soft, pliable, low-profile, easy-to-grab, and forgiving means of
keeping paper money on-the-go.
[0008] These and other objects of the invention are achieved by a
magnetic money clip comprising one or more paper substrates and a
coupled set of magnetic components. Means are provided to secure
the magnetic components to the one or more substrates.
[0009] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a magnetic
money clip is provided having a connective paper substrate
possessing the same size, shape and feel of a real banknote to
provide a unique and intuitive money clipping utility. Two
magnetically paired stickers are affixed to the paper
substrate.
[0010] Employing a real banknote as a connective paper substrate
adds to the minimalist appeal. That is, the idea of clipping money
with money and disguising the money clip as a banknote offers
additional value as a novelty. The money clipping mechanism
essentially disappears into the wad of cash, creating a bankroll
that appears well-behaved without additional apparatus. The use of
a real banknote as the paper substrate also provides the device
with improved durability and mechanical performance over current
magnetic money clips. Banknote paper is known to for its strength
and durability. Its formula is considered a governmental secret.
Although, banknote paper is more durable than paper found in the
public domain, the current invention can be realized by employing
alternative paper with mechanical characteristics similar to that
of banknote paper.
[0011] As used herein, the term "magnetic components" shall refer
to any and all materials that possess magnetic properties including
carbon steel, all materials that contain iron and non-metallic
magnets made from organic polymers such as PANiCNQ, which is a
combination of emeraldine-based polyaniline (PANi) and
tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The various features, functions and advantages
characterizing the invention will be better understood by reference
to the detailed description which follows, taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the
drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and that, unless
otherwise indicated, they are merely intended to conceptually
illustrate the structures and procedures described herein. In the
drawings, wherein like reference characters denote similar elements
throughout the several views:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a front plan view of one of two magnetically
paired stickers constructed in accordance with an illustrative
embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a side view of the magnetic sticker of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal lavational view of the magnetic
sticker of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a plan view of two magnetically paired stickers
affixed to a ONE dollar bill;
[0017] FIG. 5 is perspective view of the top of one of two
magnetically paired stickers constructed in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the bottom of one
of two magnetically paired stickers constructed in accordance with
an illustrative embodiment of the present invention
[0019] FIG. 7 is a plan view of the ONE dollar bill with magnetic
stickers of FIG. 4 folded to create a magnetic money clip; and
[0020] FIGS. 8-11 are elevation views of magnetically paired
stickers attached to a paper substrate illustrating various
configurations of magnetic components.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] Referring now to the drawings and, in particular, to FIGS.
1-5, there is shown one of two magnetically paired stickers 10
constructed in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the
present invention. The magnetic sticker 10 contains a neodymium
disc magnet 12 measuring 0.8 mm thick and 12 mm in diameter
embedded in a fabric reinforced label 14 having a pressure
sensitive adhesive backing 16. The label 14 has been die-cut to
shape and embossed to create a corporate logo 18 and cavity 20 in
which the magnet 12 sits.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 6, two of the magnetically paired stickers
10 are attached to a substrate, which, in a preferred embodiment,
is a real paper banknote, such as a ONE dollar bill 22. In the case
where the substrate is a banknote, such as the bill 22, the
adhesive backing 16 is of a type such that the stickers 10 may be
removed from the bill 22 without any damage thereto. An appropriate
adhesive is duct tape. An appropriate epoxy may also be used.
[0023] FIG. 7 shows the dollar bill 22 (and stickers) of FIG. 4
folded at its center to create a magnetic money clip 24 with
magnetic vise-like mechanism. Banknotes can be placed between the
folded magnetic ends. The user can easily peel back the dollar bill
substrate 22 when removing the secured banknotes. The user can
handle the magnetic clip 24 as if it were any other dollar bill in
the wad of cash.
[0024] FIG. 8 shows two magnetically paired stickers 26 and 28
attached to a paper substrate 30. The stickers 26 and 28 contain
magnets 32 and 34, respectively. The magnets 32 and 34 are oriented
with opposite poles facing inward (NS or SN) to create the
attractive vise-like magnetic mechanism. This configuration offers
a self centering feature as the two magnets 32 and 34 center
themselves on each other to give a perfectly symmetric close every
time even when carelessly flipped.
[0025] FIG. 9 shows one magnet 36 that can be oriented with either
its North or South face exposed to a steel plate 38 of the opposing
end of the paper substrate 40. This configuration offers the lowest
cost to manufacture. It does not provide the self centering feature
offered by the configuration in FIG. 8. It does however
substantially cap the magnet's magnetic field as the magnetic field
of the magnet 36 does not penetrate through the steel plate 38 in
the closed position.
[0026] FIG. 10 shows two (2) steel plates 42 and 44 arranged to cap
the magnetic field of a magnet 46 when the device is in the closed
position. The magnet 46 is attracted to the steel plate 42 attached
to the opposite end of the paper substrate 48. The steel plate 44
effectively strengthens magnet 46 by focusing its magnetic field in
the direction of steel plate 42 on the opposite end of the paper
substrate 48. This configuration offers a magnetic field capping
function in both directions when in the closed position. But, it
does not feature the self-centering effect had by the configuration
shown in FIG. 8.
[0027] FIG. 11 shows two (2) steel plates 50 and 52 arranged to cap
the magnetic fields of two magnets 54 and 56 when in the closed
position. The magnets 54 and 56 are oriented with opposite poles
facing inward (either NS or SN). This configuration offers both the
bi-directional magnetic field capping feature had by the
configuration of FIG. 10 and the self-centering feature had by FIG.
8.
[0028] Among the advantages and features of the present invention,
in addition to those already noted, are the following: [0029] 1.
the magnetic money clip has the same size and feel as the cash it
holds; [0030] 2. one could potentially use the money clip as
currency when low on cash as the stickers are removable with no
harm to the banknote; [0031] 3. the banknote may be of any
denomination (e.g., 5, 10, 20, 50, and $100); [0032] 4. subject to
compliance with the laws of the EEC, can be made from Euro
banknotes to hold Euro banknotes; [0033] 5. each bill has its own
unique United States serial number; [0034] 6. prevents lower back
pain caused by bulky wallets and bulky magnetic money clips; [0035]
7. subject to compliance with the laws of the issuing country,
obsolete paper currency such as the lire can be used as the paper
substrate; and [0036] 8. can be sold as a DIY (Do It Yourself) kit
(with two magnetically paired stickers) or as an assembled magnetic
money clip (a dollar bill with the two stickers already
attached).
[0037] It should be noted that the use of banknotes as substrates
in accordance with the present invention, is subject to the laws of
the country issuing the currency. For example, in the United States
according to present law, it is illegal to deface currency in such
a way that it is made unfit for circulation (Title 18, Section 333
of the United States Code). Since the present invention uses an
adhesive that allows the bill to be removed without any damage, the
bill is fit for circulation and, therefore, use of the invention
with a U.S banknote fully complies with U.S. law.
[0038] While this invention has been illustrated and described in
accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, it
is recognized that variations and changes may be made therein.
Thus, for example, while the illustrative embodiments shown and
described herein have employed a real one-dollar bill as the paper
substrate, a substrate made of ordinary paper is within the scope
of the present invention. It is also possible to attach the
magnetic components between two sheets of paper (two paper
substrates) or two banknotes.
* * * * *