CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS The present application is related to Applicant's design patent application Ser. No. 29/201,670, filed Mar. 19, 2004 and assigned attorney docket no. 22238-00001-US, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The present application claims priority from U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/554,368, filed Mar. 19, 2004, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to securing items for transport and, more particularly, for securing items for transport on the person of the carrier in a convenient and accessible manner.
2. Description of Related Art
Products that aid in the transport of personal articles include wallets, purses, bags, and clips. Such transport products are frequently designed to hold paper currency in an organized folded condition and, additionally, may hold credit cards, business cards, and sometimes coins. For convenience and fashion, it is often desirable to decrease the size of transport products to facilitate carrying and adherence to style. The smaller the transport product becomes, however, the more vulnerable the product is to loss and theft. Further, storage of paper money within transport products tends to increase their bulk, particularly with the smaller transport products, such as wallets and carrying purses. And when smaller transport products are lost or stolen, any currency stored therein is often unrecoverable. Thus, many people prefer to carry paper money and important cards in a clip.
Clips provide convenient secondary storage so that money and other personal articles can be located on the person of the carrier in an area remote from a wallet or carrying purse. By separately retaining valuables, clips add a dimension of security should the primary transport product, such as wallet or carrying purse, become lost or stolen. Further, when the quantity of currency and cards being carried is small, some people prefer the use of clips alone—dispensing with other transport products altogether—because other holders, such as wallets, tend to bulge pockets.
Clips may be stored in any pocket and provide the advantage of convenient and rapid access of paper currency and important articles. Traditional clips, however, frequently possess metal ornamentation and employ metal to create spring tension to impose a clamping force to secure valuables. In the security conscious world of today, however, use of metal in personal articles is problematic because individuals must pass through secured areas having metal detection. Items containing metal must usually be separated from the person of the carrier and are subject to search and inspection. When clips retaining currency and valuables must be separated from the body of the carrier for inspection, currency and valuables retained by the clip are vulnerable to loss and theft. Accordingly, what was needed prior to the present invention was a clip for retaining valuables that is convenient to use and yet capable of remaining on the person of the carrier through areas of heightened security, such as airports and government buildings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention features a clip for currency, cards, and other valuables that is capable of securing these items without the use of any metal components, or, when metal is to be used, use of material that is substantially nonmetal. Thus, the present invention is suitable for persons such as government employees, travelers, business persons. The invention is also suitable for gamblers since gamblers often must travel to remote areas where gambling is permissible and thus encounter numerous security checkpoints. Additionally, gamblers require quick, frequent, and convenient access to the money they carry. Further, as an optional security enhancement, the present invention can be releasably attached to the carrier's clothes, bag or other appendage, to keep valuables secure. Such releasable attachment can be by button, snap, hook and loop, or other methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
Additional objects, features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Objects, features and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combination particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Herein below are descriptions of the figures provided. The figures are merely illustrative and the invention can include other aspects not depicted.
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of clip 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 illustrates a top plan view of clip 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom plan view of clip 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention showing outer seam edge 115a of band 110.
FIG. 4 illustrates a front elevation view of clip 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 illustrates a rear elevation view of clip 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 illustrates a left side elevation view of clip 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 illustrates a right side elevation view of clip 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of clip 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of clip 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention wherein sleeve 120 has a first edge 120a joined by weld or melt.
FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of clip 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention wherein sleeve 120 has a first edge 120a joined by weld or melt and a second edge 120b joined by weld or melt.
FIG. 11 illustrates a front elevation view of clip 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 illustrates a rear elevation view of clip 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13A illustrates an embodiment of band 110 featuring a removable or releasable closure mechanism such as hook and loop fastening material applied to the band.
FIG. 13B illustrates band 110 being joined by a removable closure such as by hook material 116a and loop material 116b to form seam 115.
FIG. 14A illustrates an embodiment of band 110 prior to being joined.
FIG. 14B illustrates band 110 after it is joined.
FIGS. 15A, Style A; 15B, Style A; 16A, Style B; and 16B, Style B illustrate alternate embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 17A illustrates a perspective view of clip 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17B illustrates an elevation view of clip 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17C illustrates an elevation view of clip 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17D illustrates an elevation view of clip 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Indeed, all types of nonmetal clips may be provided and are still covered by the present invention. Namely, the present invention is directed to a nonmetal or substantially nonmetal clip (that is, at least 50% nonmetal, preferably at least 65%, and even more preferably at least 95% or even higher) useful for holding money and the like, wherein the clip is capable of being carried without alarming security mechanisms such as airport metal detectors. As is known, some metals are more sensitive to security searches than others, and of course, those metals that are not as likely to trigger security alarms would be most likely to be used if one wanted to include metal for any reason. The invention is further directed to any substantially nonmetal clip that can include indicia thereon such as advertising or personalization.
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of clip 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment of clip 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 features band 110, sleeve 120, and spacer 130. Band 110 is comprised of elastic nonmetal material, such a cloth weave incorporating elastic fibers, and is joined in a circular fashion to form a region to receive and retain articles 140, such as paper currency and cards. Band 110 may be white, colored, or patterned. In one embodiment, band 110 is patterned with the American Flag. Band 110 may be joined by sewing, adhesive, hook and loop, or other suitable methods of joining elastic material known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Sleeve 120 fits over band 110 and can be advantageously formed of a polymer material, such as vinyl. Sleeve 120 helps to impart structure to band 110 to provide strength and facilitate a flat profile to ease handling and carrying of clip 100. Sleeve 120 may be opaque or transparent, colored or colorless, and is adapted to optionally receive indicia 125 imprinted directly on its surface, or contained between sleeve 120 and band 110 or applied in any desired means. Sleeve 120 is ideal for imprinting advertising or organizational names to enhance the pecuniary or promotional value of clip 100. Sleeve 120 may be formed over band 110 by heat shrink, welded at one or both ends, or other suitable method of joining polymeric materials known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Spacer 130 serves to maintain tension in elastic band 110 and, when hollow, can serve, for example, to house items 145 such as coins, tokens, gambling chips and other small articles requiring storage. Spacer 130 can be formed of any rigid or semi-rigid material, such as wood or plastic. When the number of articles 140 to be retained or supported by band 110 is relatively small (e.g., less than about ¼ inch in thickness or less), spacer 130 can optionally be inserted within the region formed by band 110 to provide tension in band 110 so that articles 140 are securely held. Further, paper or foldable items, such as paper currency, receipts or the like, can be wrapped around spacer 130 before being inserted within band 110 to provide an additional element of retention. As with band 110, spacer 130 can be outfitted if desired for any reason with a sleeve having the same properties as sleeve 120.
FIG. 2 illustrates a top plan view of clip 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Band 110 is formed of length L1 and width W1. Length L1 is sized to accommodate articles to be retained by clip 100; width W1 is sized so that band 110 has adequate mechanical strength to support retention of articles 140 (shown in FIG. 1). For example, and not meant to be limiting on this disclosure, width WI can be sized at ¼ inch, ½ inch, 3/4 inch, 1 inch, 1¼ inches, 1½ inches, 1¾ inches, 2 inches, etc.; length L1 can be sized to accommodate business cards, credit cards, paper money, etc. Sleeve 120 can be as wide and long, or short, as necessary to accommodate band width W1 and length L1. Spacer 130 is formed having width W2 and height H. Spacer width W2 is limited so as to be less than band length L1. Spacer height H can be any size as practicable, such as 1½ inches, 2 inches, 2½ inches, 3 inches, 3½ inches, 4 inches, etc.
FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom plan view of clip 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention showing outer seam edge 115a of band 110.
FIG. 4 illustrates a front elevation view of clip 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 illustrates a rear elevation view of clip 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Seam 115 is formed by joining band 115 in a circular fashion. Seam 115 may be formed by sewing, adhesive, hook and loop, or other suitable methods of joining known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Seam 115 causes two seam edges to be formed: outer seam edge 115a and inner seam edge 115b. On the outer surface of band 110 is outer seam edge 115a; on the inner surface of band 110 is inner seam edge 115b. The distance between outer seam edge 115a and inner seam edge 115b influences the strength of seam 115 to join band 110 and can be optimized in terms of strength and material cost.
FIG. 6 illustrates a left side elevation view of clip 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 illustrates a right side elevation view of clip 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of clip 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of clip 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention wherein sleeve 120 has a first edge 120a joined by weld or melt.
FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of clip 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention wherein sleeve 120 has a first edge 120a joined by weld or melt and a second edge 120b joined by weld or melt.
FIG. 11 illustrates a front elevation view of clip 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 illustrates a rear elevation view of clip 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Spacer 130 is shown having one end 130a which is open, and a second end 130b which is closed. Open end 130a may be resealably sealable such as to be able to be closed and then opened to facilitate storage of such as coins, tokens, gambling chips and other small articles requiring storage. Band 110 is shown having outer end 110a and inner end 110b as folded over. Ends of band 110 are typically sealed so as to prevent the fibers of band 110 from unwinding. Band 110 ends may be melted by applying localized heat, sewn, of folded over as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. When ends are folded over as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the end of the folds may be affixed by sewing, melting, gluing, or other methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
FIG. 13A illustrates an embodiment of band 110 featuring a removable or releasable closure mechanism such as hook and loop fastening material applied to the band. For example, hook material 116a is applied on one side of band 110, and loop material 116b is applied to the opposite side of band 110. The hook material 116a and loop material 116b may be sewn, glued, or adhered to band 110 using methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Hook material 116a and loop material 116b may be partially transparent wherein indicia, such as names, or symbols, such as flags or icons, can be retained between the material and band 110 so as to be visible through the material. In one embodiment the American Flag is located underneath either or both hook material 116a and loop material 116b.
FIG. 13B illustrates band 110 being joined by a removable closure such as by hook material 116a and loop material 116b to form seam 115. Band 110 is shown having outer end 110a and inner end 110b as folded over.
FIG. 14A illustrates an embodiment of band 110 prior to being joined.
FIG. 14B illustrates band 110 after it is joined. Band ends are not shown as being folded over in this embodiment, but alternatively band 110 ends can be folded over if desired for any reason.
FIGS. 15A, Style A; 15B, Style A; 16A, Style B; and 16B, Style B illustrate alternate embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 17A illustrates a perspective view of clip 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Spacer 130 is sealed on three sides, open on the fourth, and configured to retain flat articles 131, such as credit cards, business cards, hotel door access keys, etc. Spacer 130 can be constructed of polymeric material, such as vinyl, cardboard, stiff cloth, or other materials capable of receiving flat articles 131 and supporting band 110.
FIG. 17B illustrates an elevation view of clip 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Band 110 is outfitted with loop 111 affixed to its interior surface to slidably receive and retain spacer 130.
FIG. 17C illustrates an elevation view of clip 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Pocket 135 is shown coupled to spacer 130. Pocket 135 is sealed on three sides, open on the fourth, and configured to retain flat articles 131 (shown in FIG. 17A), such as credit cards, business cards, hotel door access keys, etc. Pocket 135 can be constructed of polymeric material, such as vinyl, cardboard, stiff cloth, or other materials capable of receiving flat articles 131 (shown in FIG. 17A). Pocket 135 is coupled to spacer 130 through material such as adhesive, hook and loop, or frictionally retained between spacer 130 and sleeve 110.
FIG. 17D illustrates an elevation view of clip 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Pocket 135 is sized to slidably receive spacer 130.
Numerous characteristics and advantages have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of structure and function. This disclosure, however, is illustrative only and changes may be made in detail within the principle of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms expressed herein.
Additional advantages, features and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, and representative devices, shown and described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
As used herein and in the following claims, articles such as “the”, “a” and “an” can connote the singular or plural.
All documents referred to herein are specifically incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
