U.S. patent number 3,574,248 [Application Number 04/783,331] was granted by the patent office on 1971-04-13 for clip for currency and other papers.
Invention is credited to Armand J. Gaglia.
United States Patent |
3,574,248 |
Gaglia |
April 13, 1971 |
CLIP FOR CURRENCY AND OTHER PAPERS
Abstract
A clip for currency or papers is formed of two leaves hinged
together near one end having finger grip portions beyond the hinge
in one direction and paper grips in the opposite direction. The
leaves may be made in various shapes and emblems, logos, monograms
etc. may be formed integrally with or applied to the leaves.
Associated with the hinge is a resilient means for biasing the
paper grip portions together. Such means may be a torsion spring
imbedded in the hinge eyes, a leaf spring having opposite edges
imbedded in protuberances on the leaves, or the hinge members may
be of deformable plastic which is distorted during assembly to bias
the leaves together.
Inventors: |
Gaglia; Armand J. (Alameda,
CA) |
Family
ID: |
25128902 |
Appl.
No.: |
04/783,331 |
Filed: |
December 12, 1968 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
24/508;
24/511 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B42F
1/006 (20130101); Y10T 24/44453 (20150115); Y10T
24/44479 (20150115) |
Current International
Class: |
B42F
1/00 (20060101); A44b 021/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;24/252,255,49 (P)/
;24/49 (R)/ ;24/137,137.5,67.3,67.5,67.7,252 (PC)/ ;24/255
(GP)/ |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
651,186 |
|
Mar 1951 |
|
GB |
|
951,176 |
|
Mar 1964 |
|
GB |
|
277,625 |
|
Dec 1951 |
|
CH |
|
448,953 |
|
Apr 1968 |
|
CH |
|
Primary Examiner: Griffin; Donald A.
Claims
I claim:
1. A clip for papers comprising a first leaf, a second leaf,
cooperating transverse hinge means on said leaves adjacent but
spaced inward from first ends thereof to define finger grip
portions of said leaves between said first ends and said hinge
means, the second ends of said leaves opposite said first ends
normally coming together in gripping relationship, and resilient
means entirely received within the longitudinal limits of said
hinge means normally biasing said second ends together, said hinge
means comprising a pair of closely spaced transverse ribs, said
resilient means comprising a transversely extending leaf spring
formed with apertures adjacent said marginal edges of said spring,
the marginal edges of said spring fitting between pairs of said
ribs, depressions in at least one rib of each said pair fitting
into said apertures locking said spring between said ribs.
2. A clip for papers comprising a first leaf, a second leaf,
cooperating transverse hinge means on said leaves adjacent but
spaced inward from first ends thereof to define finger grip
portions of said leaves between said first ends and said hinge
means, the second ends of said leaves opposite said first ends
normally coming together in gripping relationship, and resilient
means entirely received within the longitudinal limits of said
hinge means normally biasing said second ends together, said hinge
means comprising spaced transverse inward projections formed with
slots, said projections interfitting to form a substantially
continuous cylinder, said slots aligned, said resilient means
comprising a torsion spring received in said slots and which
further comprises lateral extensions on said spring and anchoring
means on the outermost of said projections of both said leaves
gripping said lateral extensions to cause resilient distortion of
said spring when said clip is opened and closed.
3. A clip according to claim 2 in which said spring is a leaf and
said extensions are transverse to the length of said leaf.
4. A clip according to claim 2 in which said spring is a wire and
said extensions are bent ends of said wire.
5. A clip for papers comprising a first leaf, a second leaf,
cooperating transverse hinge means on said leaves adjacent but
spaced inward from first ends thereof to define finger grip
portions of said leaves between said first ends and said hinge
means, the second ends of said leaves opposite said first ends
normally coming together in gripping relationship, and resilient
means entirely received within the longitudinal limits of said
hinge means normally biasing said second ends together, said hinge
means comprising a first projection on one side of said leaf and a
second projection on the other side of said leaf, said second
projection formed with a socket to receive the outer edge of said
first projection of the opposite leaf, said first projection
slanted outwardly toward said second end and said socket extending
substantially straight inward, said first projection formed of
resiliently flexible material, the portion of said first projection
inward of its said outer edge comprising said resilient means.
6. A clip according to claim 5 which further comprises adjacent but
spaced inward of the second ends of each said leaf a pair of inward
extending protuberances, one said protuberance closer to said
second end than the other.
7. A clip according to claim 5 in which said first projection in
cross section is generally cylindrical.
Description
This invention relates to a new and improved clip for paper money
or other papers. More particularly the invention relates to a clip
which has as its preferred use holding currency in a pocket, purse
or the like.
A principle feature of the present invention is the simple hinged
leaf construction of the clip. The clip is readily opened by
pressing ends of the leaves together. One advantage of such
construction is that only one hand of the user is needed to open
the clip and to insert the papers between the jaws or leaves.
A principle feature of the invention is the fact that the parts are
readily manufactured and are few in number. In a preferred form of
the invention, a single shape accommodates both leaves thereby
reducing manufacturing costs. At the same time, the leaves are
readily assembled.
Another feature of the invention is the fact that the clip does not
subject itself to breakage or other damage.
Preferably the clip is made of plastic or die cast metal. In
fabricating the clip various emblems or decoration may be formed
integrally or fitted into appropriate sockets in the leaves of the
clip. Hence, the device is suitable as a premium for customers
incorporating advertising material. The device is also suitable as
an award or prize for employees and for many other uses.
Other objects of the present invention will become apparent upon
reading the following specification and referring to the
accompanying drawings in which similar characters of reference
represent corresponding parts in each of the several views.
In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the slip assembled.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the clip.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view through the hinge
structure.
FIGS. 4 and 5 are views similar to FIGS. 1 and 2 of a
modification.
FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view through a portion
of the hinge structure shown in assembled position.
FIG. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view through one of the leaves
showing the hinged portion prior to assembly.
FIGS. 8 and 9 are views similar to FIGS. 1 and 2 of still another
modification.
FIG. 10 is perspective view of the modification of FIGS. 8 and 9
showing the clip open.
FIG. 10A is a cross section through projection 41 shown in FIG.
9.
FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 9 of a still further
modification.
FIG. 12 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along
line 12-12 of FIG. 11.
Directing attention first to the form of the invention shown in
FIGS. 1--3, the clip consists of two leaves designated 21T and 21B.
Each leaf consists of a major portion 22 and a finger grip portion
23 of lesser dimensions slanted upwardly outwardly relative to
portion 22. In the accompanying drawings the portions 22 are shown
as rectangles with rounded corners. However it will be understood
that many different shapes may be employed, depending upon the
designer. Further, the exterior of each portion 22 is shown flat.
However, a multitude of decorations may be applied by way of
ornamentation, identification or to carry an advertising message.
Such decorations may be formed integrally during the molding or
casting of the leaves or may be applied by adhesives, by inserting
into appropriately formed sockets, by etching or similar
processing. Monograms, advertising logos, trademark emblems and
many other devices may be applied.
A hinge construction 24 joins the leaves 21T and 21B together
approximately at the transverse junctures of portions 22 and 23. In
the form of hinge 24 best shown in FIG. 3, transverse spaced ribs
26 are formed on the inside surfaces of both leaves. A metallic
spring 27 consisting of a narrow leaf is received between the ribs.
Preferably spring 27 is formed with holes 28 which are imbedded
between the ribs 26. Indentations 29 may be formed in the ribs 26
causing a distortion of the ribs which enter into the holes 28
thereby locking the spring 27 and the leaves 21T and 21B together.
Preferably the spring 27 is given a curvature such as to bias the
remote ends of the leaves together. To facilitate gripping the
currency, projections 31,32 are formed on the inner surfaces of
both leaves and are preferably staggered with the projection 31
being spaced slightly ahead of and to one side of the projection
32.
A feature of the construction of FIGS. 1-- 3 (as well as the other
modifications hereinafter described) is the fact that the two
leaves 21T and 21B are identical so that a single mold or die may
be used in the fabrication of both parts. To assemble the clip,
spring 27 is inserted between the ribs 26 on each half and the
spring is locked between the ribs as by indentations 29, adhesives
or other means. The spring 27 is curved to bring the remote edges
of the leaves together. When the user wishes to open the clip, his
finger and thumb lifts the slanted portions 23 of the two leaves
forcing the opposite ends apart. Currency or other papers may be
inserted between the open leaves with the same hand which grips the
portions 23. When the portions 23 are released, the projections 31
and 32 of the two leaves come together and hold the papers securely
therebetween.
The form of the invention shown in FIGS. 4--7 resembles that of the
preceding modification except for the hinge construction. Because
many of the parts are substantially the same, the same reference
numerals followed by the subscript a are used to designate similar
or corresponding parts. In the form of the invention shown in FIGS.
4--7, the hinge structure 24a consists of a left-hand and a
right-hand portion divided by the centerline of the leaf. The
left-hand portion shown in the bottom of FIG. 5 has a transverse
rib 36 which slants forwardly and terminates in a rounded bead 37.
The forward slant of the rib 36 is best shown in FIG. 7. The
right-hand side of the hinge structure consists of two transverse
projections 38 which are spaced apart and which are rounded out in
a socket 39 which is generally complementary to the bead 37. The
opening between projections 38 slants rearwardly whereas the rib 36
slants forward. Hence, when the bead 37 is inserted in the opening
39 the rib 36 is distorted as is best shown in FIG. 6. Since the
parts are preferably formed of a resilient plastic material,
distortion of rib 36 causes it to function as a spring to bias the
remote ends of the clip together. When the gripping portions 23a
are pressed together, the rib 36 is further distorted. Distortion
of the rib 36 therefore accomplishes two results: first, it causes
the two leaves to be secured together so that once the parts are
forced into assembled position they are not detached, and second,
it biases the clip into closed position.
Directing attention now to the form of the invention shown in FIG.
8--10, again many of the elements of the clip are similar or
identical to those shown in the preceding modifications and the
same reference numerals followed by the subscript b are used to
designate corresponding parts. Here again, the hinge construction
24b is different from that of the preceding modifications. On each
leaf there are transverse, inward facing projections 41,42.
Projection 41 extends out to one edge of the leaf and has a length
equal to one-quarter of the width of the leaf. Projection 42 is
spaced from projection 41 a distance equal to one-fourth of the
width of the leaf and it too has a length equal to one-fourth of
said width. Hence, the projections of the two companion leaves 21Tb
and 21Bb interfit. Projection 42 is formed with a narrow, vertical
slot 43 which is narrower at the bottom than at the top. The inner
end of projection 41 is formed with a similar slot 44 which extends
to about the midpoint of projection 41 and then is formed with
lateral extensions 46. The hinge 24b employs a flat-leaf spring 47
with outward extending ears 48 at either end. Leaf 47 fits into the
slots 43 and 44 and the ears 48 fit into the lateral extensions 46.
Because the slots 43 and 44 are less wide at their tops, the spring
47 snaps into the slots and is held therein and functions as a
hinge pin. When the end portions 23b are pinched together, spring
47 is distorted by twisting about its longitudinal axis and
functions as a torsion spring biasing the leaves together.
In the form of the invention shown in FIG. 11 the hinge
construction 24c is similar to that of the preceding modification.
However, spring 47c is of wire rather than of leaf construction and
has ends 51 turned at 90.degree. angles at either end. The slots
43c, 44c accommodate the wire spring and hold it in place by reason
of their narrower construction at their tops. The ends 51 fit into
inward extensions 52 of slots 44c. Here again when the rib portions
23c are pinched together the ends 51 are twisted in opposite
directions and the wire 47c functions as a torsion spring biasing
the clip into closed position. Further, the wire 47c acts as a
hinge pin securing the spring in assembled position.
* * * * *