BANKNOTE ADAPTED TO FORM A MAGNETIC MONEY CLIP
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).
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 INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
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.
2. Background
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 INVENTIONIt is a general object of the present invention to provide a magnetic money clip that avoids the drawbacks of prior magnetic money clips.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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:
Referring now to the drawings and, in particular, to
Referring to
Among the advantages and features of the present invention, in addition to those already noted, are the following:
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- 1. the magnetic money clip has the same size and feel as the cash it holds;
- 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;
- 3. the banknote may be of any denomination (e.g., 5, 10, 20, 50, and $100);
- 4. subject to compliance with the laws of the EEC, can be made from Euro banknotes to hold Euro banknotes;
- 5. each bill has its own unique United States serial number;
- 6. prevents lower back pain caused by bulky wallets and bulky magnetic money clips;
- 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
- 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).
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.
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.
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.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 13, 2009
Publication Date: May 20, 2010
Inventor: Scott L. Amron (Smithtown, NY)
Application Number: 12/578,087
International Classification: A44B 99/00 (20100101);