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, which may be formed of a shape memory alloy of the type demonstrating pseudo-elastic properties, 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. In addition, a container may be connected to the band and structured to removably contain one or more card type objects.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONCLAIM OF PRIORITY[0001]The present application is a continuation-in-part application of previously filed, now pending application having Ser. No. 12 / 154,444, filed on May 22, 2008, which is a continuation-in-part application of previously filed, now abandoned application having Ser. No. 11 / 416,965, filed on May 3, 2006 incorporated herein by reference.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.DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART[0003]Devices specifically intended to hold and / or retain money, in particular paper currency, have been known and...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]It should be apparent that when in the expanded orientation, the overall size of the band is enlarged to accommodate the placement of the band in surrounding, retaining relation with the currency to be retained. As such the currency would typically have a greater bulk or dimension than the band when it is in its closed or contracted orientation absent any currency therein. Accordingly when in the contracted orientation surrounding the currency, the overall dimension of the band is biased into a reduced size and orientation so as to provide a snug, close fitting, surrounding engagement of the retained currency. Therefore, the connecting assembly is cooperatively structured with the plurality of movable interconnected segments so as to normally bias the band into the contracted orientation. Moreover, 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.

[0011]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, enables the ability of the plurality of segments to be movable relative to one another in terms of separation. As a result the 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.

[0016]In addition, the grip members may comprise a gripping material of construction which provides an amount of grip such that contact with the currency will reduce or prevent slippage of the currency when the holder assembly is operatively positioned in surrounding, retaining relation to the currency. The surface of the grip members can also be textured to provide additional grip.

Problems solved by technology

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.

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.

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.

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.

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