US20100139049A1

US20100139049A1 - Holder assembly for currency, credit cards and like objects

Info

Publication number: US20100139049A1
Application number: US12/592,038
Authority: US
Inventors: Adam Glickfield
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-05-03
Filing date: 2009-11-18
Publication date: 2010-06-10

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 INVENTION

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

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

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

Devices specifically intended to hold and/or retain money, in particular paper currency, have been known and utilized for many years. In perhaps their most simplistic form, money holders may comprise an elastic or “rubber” band having sufficient dimension and elasticity to surround folded paper currency and the like. 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. Other common types of money holding devices include money clips typically formed from a single piece of relatively flexible material, such as metal, plastic or a variety of other appropriate materials. Moreover, conventional money clips have been known to be made from silver, gold or other precious metals. Also common to conventional money clips or like holders is the inclusion of numerous fanciful designs and decorative dress including decorative structure such as coins, jewels, scripted plates, etc. When using such conventional structures the currency is typically folded and placed into a gap defined by the overall structure of the flexible money clip. 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.
Perhaps the most commonly recognized advantage of money clips and other types of money holders is the ability to allow the user to carry the retained currency in a relatively small area such as the pants or jacket pockets or other conveniently small but readily accessible areas. Such convenient dimensioning of known money holders overcomes disadvantages and problems associated with carrying money, credit cards and like currency in wallets, pocketbooks, purses, etc. 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.
While money clips and other types of holders, of the type set forth, above are no longer as popular as in years past, the decreased use of such structures may possibly be attributable directly to the increased use of credit cards. The growth in the use of credit cards and other types of card structures, such as ATM cards, smart cards, etc, has resulted in the need for a means of conveniently and securely carrying one or more of such cards on the person of an individual. 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.
Currently, as well as in the near future, electronic or “smart” card technology will advance to the point where the amount of paper currency an individual usually carries may be significantly reduced. However, it is believed that an improved currency holder assembly would still be desired, as long as it overcomes the problems of the type set forth above. Therefore, there is a growing and significant need for an effective and efficient holder assembly structured to retain currency in the form of paper currency, credit cards, smart cards, ATM cards as well as identification cards such as a driver license and the like. Further, such a proposed currency holder assembly should have the structural and operative versatility to accommodate currency and/or credit cards of an increased size, thereby enabling a user to carry a plurality of such credit and/or identification cards currently with paper currency in an efficient and effective manner. Also, the structural reliability of a proposed and preferred currency holder assembly should be assured by forming it from a durable material, such as metal or a variety of other materials. Finally, a proposed holder assembly should also demonstrate sufficient versatility to be highly decorative and/or aesthetically pleasing in that the material of the components from which it is formed may be either expensive or inexpensive and may be produced to include highly decorative features or other adornments similar to but distinguishable from the aforementioned money clips structures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a holder assembly for paper currency, credit cards and other types of currency as well as various types of identification cards, transaction cards, business cards or other cards or card-type objects at least partially similar in structure, configuration and dimension to conventional credit cards. Accordingly, as used herein the term “currency” is meant to be broadly interpreted and include, but not be limited to, paper money, credit cards and other common negotiable instruments, as well as cards or like objects which are not directly associated with the conducting of a financial transaction.
More specifically, the holder assembly comprises an elongated band which may assume a closed, continuous configuration and be otherwise structured to surround and thereby retain the currency and/or credit cards. Such an operative, retaining position of the band is facilitated by the band being structured from a plurality of movably interconnected segments. Depending upon the specific preferred embodiments utilized, the interconnected segments may extend along at least a portion or substantially the entire length of the band.
Further, a connecting assembly is cooperatively disposed and structured to movably interconnect the plurality of segments, such that adjacent ones of the segments are movable relative to one another. This movable interconnection of the plurality of segments allows the band to be selectively disposed in either an expanded orientation or a contracted orientation. As should be apparent when in the expanded orientation, at least some of the plurality of segments are disposed in a spaced relation to one another. In contrast, the contracted orientation of the plurality of segments has them disposed in a more closely adjacent relation to one another. The contracted orientation may be further defined by the plurality of segments having their longitudinal edges or sides confronting the longitudinal edges or sides of the next adjacent segments along some or all of the length of the band.
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.
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.
Accordingly, in order to further facilitate the biasing features of the connecting assembly and thereby maintain or enhance the ability of the connecting assembly to movably interconnect the plurality of segments, at least one additional preferred embodiment comprises the connecting assembly at least partially formed from a shape-memory alloy which is also known as “smart metal”, “memory alloy” and/or “muscle wire”. As commonly recognized and understood, a shape-memory alloy is an alloy that “remembers” its shape and can be returned to that shape after being deformed. Therefore, as commonly utilized, a shape memory alloy may comprise a lightweight, solid state alternative to other, more conventional biasing structures. In addition, the shape-memory alloy from which at least one preferred embodiment of the connecting assembly is formed also demonstrates “pseudo-elasticity”. One commercial example of the use of a shape memory alloy demonstrating the aforementioned pseudo-elastic characteristics is the frames of eyeglasses. As such, eyeglass frames made from this type of material can undergo significant deformation at typical ambient temperatures and then immediately assume their original shape when the deforming stress or force is removed. Therefore, material demonstrating the aforementioned characteristics may be bent, twisted, pulled, etc. before instantly and automatically assuming its original configuration due to a biasing force inherent to the material which exists when the deforming load is being applied to the material. Further, no reasonably applied load or force will result in the permanent plastic deformation of such a smart memory alloy.
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.
An additional feature incorporated into at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention is the provision of a display structure more specifically defined by a display field having an exposed surface. The display field may be connected along the length of the band or alternatively may be connected to or otherwise associated with the coupling assembly in its various structural and operative forms. Regardless of the location or specific structural features of the display field, the included exposed surface may be disposed and structured to incorporate any of a variety of different, predetermined indicia thereon. Such indicia may include, but not limited to, a variety of artistic and/or decorative elements, logos, trade names, individual names or initials, as well as any type of personal message or the like.
The holder assembly additionally includes at least one grip member disposed at least partially on the interior of the band and structured to facilitate retaining of the currency. Moreover, in at least one embodiment, the holder assembly comprises a plurality of grip members. As such, the grip members can be arranged in any variety of patterns and/or configurations. For example, in one embodiment, two rectangular grip members are disposed in spaced relation to one another on the interior of each segment of the band.
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.
In another preferred embodiment of the holder assembly of the present invention comprises a container connected to the band and including an interior portion which is correspondingly dimensioned and configured to a card type object such as, but not limited to, a business card, credit card, debit card, identification card, driver's license or other, like card type objects. As such, the interior portion of the container may removably contain at least one but more practically a plurality of such business cards, etc. Further, the dimensions of the container as well as its interior portion may also be sized to contain one or more credit cards, debit cards, etc. independently of or in addition to one or more business cards. Due to the relatively similar dimensions between a typical business card and a credit card, the dimensions and configurations of the container is preferably such as to accommodate both or either type card, at the same time or independently of one another.
Moreover, the container may include a retainer structure disposed thereon and structured to be connected to the band at some location along the length thereof. Further, the retainer is fixedly connected to the container and is otherwise structured and/or configured to be removably connected to the band. Such a retainer structure may comprise, but is not limited to, a spring-biased clip or other appropriate structure which does not derogatorily affect the weight, size, structure or function of the container. Further, the retainer facilitates the removable connection to the band while the band is disposed in surrounding, retaining relation to the currency.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer when the drawings as well as the detailed description are taken into consideration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the holder assembly of the present invention in an operative position surrounding and retaining various forms of currency.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the holder assembly of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 disposed out of its operative position in retaining relation to currency but in a contracted orientation.

FIG. 3 is a front view in partial cutaway representing the holder assembly of the present invention in an expanded orientation.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view in partial cutaway including a coupling assembly and associated display structure and display field exposed exteriorly of the holder assembly.

FIG. 5 is an interior perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the coupling assembly.

FIG. 7 is a side view of still another embodiment of the coupling assembly.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the holder assembly having a plurality of grip members.

FIG. 9 is a front view in partial cutaway representing the holder assembly of FIG. 8 in an expanded orientation.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of the holder assembly having a plurality of grip members.

FIG. 11 is a front view in partial cutaway representing the holder assembly of FIG. 10 in an expanded orientation.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view in at least partial phantom of another preferred embodiment of the holder assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view along line 13-13 of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the holder assembly of the present invention in an operative position surrounding retained currency similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1 and also including yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention directed to a container structured to removably contain card type objects such as business cards or similar card type objects.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 14, wherein the container is oriented in a different operative position on, from that of FIG. 14, on the holder assembly.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As represented in the accompanying drawings, the present invention is directed to a holder assembly generally indicated as 10 for paper money, credit cards, other forms of currency, identification cards and the like all generally indicated as 20. Accordingly, as used herein the term “currency” is meant to be broadly interpreted and include, but not be limited to, paper money, credit cards, smart cards as well as other types of cards and commonly negotiable instruments.
More specifically, the holder assembly 10 comprises an elongated band 12 which includes or is at least partially defined by a plurality of segments 14 extending along a majority or in some preferred embodiments along substantially the entire length of the band 12. In addition, the plurality of segments 14 are movably interconnected by a connecting assembly generally indicated as 16 and comprising a plurality of connecting links or like structures 18. The connecting assembly 16 serves to selectively and movably interconnect the plurality of segments 14 in a manner which facilitates movement of each segment 14 relative to the next adjacent segment 14 as should be apparent from a review of FIGS. 4 and 5. Accordingly, the connecting assembly 16 and in particular the plurality of connecting links 18 are cooperatively structured with the plurality of movable segments 14 so as to allow movement of the plurality of segments 14 relative to one another and specifically relative to the next adjacent segments 14. As such, the band 12 is selectively disposable between an expanded orientation as represented in FIG. 3 and a contracted orientation as represented in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5. Further, the cooperative structuring between the connecting assembly 16, including the plurality of connecting links 18, and the plurality of segments 14 is such as to normally bias a plurality of segments 14 along at least a portion of the band 12 into the contracted orientation, such as represented in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5.
When it is desired to enlarge the band 12 into the expanded orientation, some or all of the plurality of segments 14 may be forced into a spaced apart at least partially separated relation to one another. Alternatively at least some of the segments 14 may be separated as demonstrated in FIG. 3 while others of the plurality of segments 14 of band 12 may still in a be substantially contracted orientation. Accordingly, when in the contracted orientation some or all of the plurality of segments 14 may be more specifically described as having their longitudinal sides or edges 14′ disposed in engagement with one another, or at least immediately adjacent and/or confronting relation to one another as clearly demonstrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5. Therefore, while some of the plurality of segments 14 may be separated into the preferred expanded orientation, others of the plurality of segments 14 may be concurrently disposed in the contracted orientation. The degree of expansion or contraction is therefore determined by the user of the holder assembly 10, as well as the “size” of the currency 20 when the band 12 is disposed about or otherwise operatively positioned in surrounding, retaining relation to the currency 20.
Yet another feature of at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention is the provision of a coupling assembly generally indicated as 24, 24′ and 24″. The coupling assembly 24, 24′ and 24″ are in the form of a buckle, fold over snap plate structure or any of a variety of appropriate coupling structures or devices. However, common to any of the possible embodiments of the coupling assembly is the ability to adjust the overall length of the band 12 such that the longitudinal dimension thereof, whether in the contracted or expanded orientation, may be increased or otherwise varied. Such an intended change in the longitudinal dimension of the band 12 facilitates the positioning of the band 12 in its operative, surrounding and retaining relation to currency 20, regardless of the bulk or overall size of the currency 20. This ability lends significantly greater versatility to the holder assembly 10 which is typically not available in money clips or other money holders of the type conventionally known.
Further, the coupling assembly 24′ and 24″, in at least one embodiment, may be secured to opposite free ends of the band 12 as at 15 and 17. Therefore, the free ends 15 and 17 in at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention, such as represented in FIGS. 2, 6 and 7 may be removably connected to one another such that the band 12 would not be disposed in a closed, continuous configuration. Of course, the coupling assembly 24 can be located at various portions along the length of the band 12 and may be fixedly connected to the band portions 15′ and 17′. By way of example, the coupling assembly 24 can be located at any point along the length of the band 12. When so positioned, the coupling assembly 24 is cooperatively structured with the plurality of segments 14 as well as the connecting assembly 16 to facilitate adjusting the length of the band 12. Moreover, a user of the coupling assembly 24 and/or 24′ may increase the overall length of the band 12 when such is necessary to operatively position the band 12 in surrounding relation to an increased quantity of currency 20.
With primary reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, yet another embodiment of the present invention comprises the coupling assembly 24 having a display field generally indicated as 26 connected thereto. The display field 26 and more specifically an outer exposed surface 28 is disposed on an outer or exterior portion of the band 12 such that it may readily observed. Further, the display field 26 and in particular the exterior or exposed surface 28 may be structured to include predetermined indicia. Such indicia may vary significantly in content and include various artistic and/or decorative elements, as well as logos, trade names, personal identification or initials, messages, inscriptions, etc. Accordingly, in the embodiment of FIG. 4 the coupling assembly 24 is primarily located on the exterior of the band 12 to facilitate viewing of the exposed surface 28 of the display field 26. However, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the coupling assembly 24′ is at least partially or primarily disposed in an unexposed position on the interior of the band 12. When the coupling assembly 24′ is relatively positioned in an unexposed position as demonstrated in FIG. 2, the display field 26 and exposed surface may be located on the band 12 other than in direct association with the coupling assembly 24.
Therefore, the various preferred embodiments of the currency holder assembly 10 of the present invention overcomes many of the disadvantages and problems associated with money holders, money clips and like structures which are conventionally known and structured. Further, the currency holder assembly 10 of the present invention may be highly decorative by having at least the plurality of segments 14 formed a variety of different materials including precious and non-precious metals, plastic, various composite or other types of synthetic materials and may also include additional decorative ornamentation which may be placed at various locations along the band 12 and/or on or in direct association with the display field 26, and/or the outer, exposed surface 28, associated therewith. However, the versatility of the currency holder assembly 10 is such that the material from which the plurality of segments 14, the connecting assembly 16 and/or the coupling assembly 24 are formed may be relatively inexpensive yet sufficiently durable to provide a long operable life of the currency holder assembly 10.
Looking specifically to the embodiments of FIGS. 6 and 7, a hook and bar adjustable clasp mechanism can be employed as the coupling assembly 24″. For example, one of the free ends 17 may include a series of retaining bars 30, as in FIG. 6, or a series of hook elements 31 as in FIG. 7, disposed at spaced intervals to define different fastening positions, and conversely concealed at an underside of the display field 26 may be corresponding mating structure such as hook element 31′ illustrated in FIG. 6, or the retaining bar 30′ illustrated in FIG. 7. In this manner the band 12 of the currency holder assembly can be effectively closed into an operative orientation, however the tightness of that closure around the articles to be secured can be easily varied to correspond to the thickness of those articles to be secured. This provides a significant advantage over more complex adjustment structures that are not intended to be varied on a routine basis. Further, it bears note that the embodiments of FIGS. 6 and 7 are intended to be illustrative, it being understood that if desired the multiple fastening points can be maintained beneath the display field 26 instead of at free end 17 as illustrated. Moreover, a variety of other easily adjustable clasp mechanisms can be employed wherein a series of fastening points are provided to facilitate a user selectively securing the band 12 to accommodate the articles being held.
Turning now to the embodiment of FIGS. 8-11, the holder assembly 10 comprises at least one grip member 41 disposed at least partially on an interior of the band 12 and structured to facilitate retaining of the currency 20.
With particular reference to the embodiment of FIG. 8, the holder assembly 10 comprises a plurality of grip members 41 arranged along the interior of the band 12. More specifically, two grip members 41 are disposed in spaced relation to one another on the interior of each segment 14 of the band 12. In this embodiment, the grip members 41 appear to form two strips when the band 12 is in disposed in the contracted orientation. However, as further seen in FIG. 9, when the band 12 is disposed in the expanded orientation, the separation of the segments 14 reveals the individual grip members 41 disposed on each segment 14.
Similarly, as seen in FIGS. 10-11, the holder assembly 10 comprises a plurality of grip members 41′ arranged along the interior of the band 12. In this embodiment, three grip members 41′ are disposed in spaced relation to one another on the interior of each segment 14 of the band 12.
In addition to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 8-11, the plurality of grip members 41 can be arranged in any variety of patterns and/or configurations. For example, the grip members 41 may be used on only one or only some of the segments 14, such as every other segment 14 or every few segments 14. As another example, different segments 14 may comprise different numbers of grip members 41. In still another embodiment, each grip member 41 substantially covers the entire inner surface of a segment 14. In yet another embodiment, the individual grip members 41 are dimensioned and configured so as to appear distinct from one another even when the band 12 is disposed in the contracted orientation.
It should also be noted that although the grip members 41, 41′ of FIGS. 8-11 each comprise rectangular configurations, it is within the scope and intent of the present invention that other configurations may be utilized for each individual grip member, such as, but not limited to, geometric shapes, letters, designs, logos, etc.
In at least one embodiment, the grip members 41 comprise a gripping material of construction which provides an amount of grip such that contact with the currency 20 will reduce or prevent slippage of the currency 20 when the holder assembly 10 is operatively positioned in surrounding, retaining relation to the currency 20. As such, a variety of different materials including various composite or other types of synthetic materials can be utilized as a gripping material of construction. For example, in at least one embodiment, at least one grip member comprises a rubber material of construction. In another embodiment, the gripping material of construction possesses a degree of tackiness or stickiness which facilitates retaining of the currency 20.
In a still further embodiment, the surface of at least one grip member 41 is textured to provide additional grip. For instance, the textured surface of the grip member 41 can include, but is not limited to, a roughened texture, grooves, ridges, bumps, etc. The textured surface can also include surface relief patterns such as, but not limited to, cross hatching, geometric shapes, designs, lettering, logos, etc.
The grip members 41 can be attached to the rest of the holder assembly 10 in a variety of ways. In at least one embodiment, the grip members 41 are attached to the surface of the interior of the band 12. In one such embodiment, the grip members 41 are bonded to the interior surface of the segments 14 using an adhesive. Other attachment mechanisms may also be utilized, including, but not limited to, fasteners. In another embodiment, the grip members 41 are at least partially embedded into the segments 14. Accordingly, the embedded grip members 41 can, in some embodiments, comprise a greater thickness than the surface mounted grip members 41.
Yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention is directed primarily to the structural and operative features of the connecting links 18 associated with the connecting assembly 16. More specifically, each of the connecting links 18 in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 through 11 may be formed from a shape memory alloy which is recognized as an alloy material that “remembers” its shape and can be returned to that shape after forces or loads causing the deformation are removed. Accordingly, a shape memory alloy comprises a lightweight, solid state material which may serve as an alternative to more conventional biasing structures. When such shape memory alloy material is incorporated into the structure of the connecting links 18 and/or other portions of the connecting assembly 16 it will serve as a biasing structure(s) to movably interconnect the segments 14 and facilitate their disposition between the aforementioned expanded orientation and contracted orientation represented in FIGS. 3 and 11 and FIGS. 2, 4, 5, and 10. In addition, the shape memory alloy from which the connecting links 18 and/or other portions of the connecting assembly 16 are formed also preferably include “pseudo-elasticity”. More specifically, shape memory alloy materials demonstrating pseudo-elastic characteristics or properties are capable of undergoing significant deformation at room temperature or other normal ambient temperatures and then automatically revert back to their original shape when the deforming stress or load is removed. As a result, shape memory alloys which includes the aforementioned pseudo-elastic properties or characteristics may be bent, twisted, pulled, etc. and subsequently automatically assume its original shape when the forming force or load is removed. As set forth above, known commercially available products incorporating material of this type include eyeglass frames. As such, these frames may be significantly deformed and subsequently revert back to their original, intended shape without damage or permanent deformation.
With primary reference to FIGS. 12 through 15, the holder assembly of the present invention comprises yet another preferred embodiment directed to a container generally indicated as 50. More specifically, the container includes an access opening 52 and an interior portion 54 defined by front and rear faces or panels 56 and 58 respectively. The container 50 is primarily, but not exclusively, dimensioned and configured to contain at least one but more practically a plurality of “card type objects” such as business cards, credit cards, debit cards, etc. It is, of course, recognized that the conventional credit or debit card may be somewhat larger than the typical business card. However, the overall dimensions of the container 50, as well as, the interior portion 54 can be such as to securely but removably retain one or more business cards and/or one or more credit cards independently or in combination with one another.
With primary reference to FIGS. 13 and 15, the container 50 also includes a retainer 60 fixedly secured to the container 50 such as by being attached to a rear face or panel 58 thereof. The retainer 60 may take a variety of different forms and overall dimensions such as being defined by a spring biased clip or like structure. As such, the retainer 60 is structured to be removably and movably connected to the band 12, as clearly demonstrated in FIG. 15.
The versatility of the container 50 and the retainer 60 is such that the container 50 may assume a plurality of different operative positions when connected to the band 12 of the holder assembly 10. Such positions are represented in FIGS. 14 and 15, wherein the container 50 is respectively disposed on the exterior of the band 12 and on the interior of the band 12. When in either operative position represented in FIGS. 14 and 15, the container 50 may be disposed in overlying relation to the currency 20. Moreover, when in the operative position of FIG. 14 the retainer 60 is primarily disposed on the interior of the band 12 and in confronting relation to the currency 20. In contrast, the operative position represented in FIG. 15 discloses the container 50 disposed on the interior of the band 12 in confronting relation to the currency 20, wherein the retainer 60 is primarily or at least partially disposed on the exterior of the band 12.
At least one structural modification of the container 50 is the inclusion of a window 62 dimensioned and configured to define a viewing area, represented in phantom lines. Such a window 62 may comprise an at least partially transparent, flexible, rigid or semi-rigid material panel segment and be included on one of the front or rear faces or panels 56 and 58. The window 62 thereby allows a user to clearly observe and determine the contents of the interior portion 54 of the container 50. Such viewing or observation facilitates selective removal of one of the cards or card type objects maintained within the interior portion 54.
Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
Now that the invention has been described,

Claims

1. A holder assembly for currency comprising:

an elongated band at least partially formed of a flexible material,

said band comprising a plurality of segments movable relative to one another to facilitate disposition of said band between an expanded orientation and a contracted orientation,

said band comprising a connecting assembly including at least a portion of said flexible material and disposed in movably interconnecting to adjacent ones of said plurality of segments, said connecting assembly structured to normally bias said plurality of segments into said contracted orientation,

said plurality of segments and said connecting assembly cooperatively structured to dispose said band in surrounding, retaining relation to the currency, and

a container connected to said band and including an interior portion correspondingly configured to predetermined card type objects, said interior portion dimensioned to contain at least one of the predetermined card type objects therein.

2. A holder assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said container is structured to removably contain the predetermined card type object within said interior portion.

3. A holder assembly as recited in claim 2 further comprising an access opening formed on said container in communicating relation with said interior portion; said access opening dimensioned to facilitate passage of the predetermined card type objects there through, into and out of said interior portion.

4. A holder assembly as recited in claim 1 further comprising a retainer disposed on said container and structured to be connected to said band along the length thereof.

5. A holder assembly as recited in claim 4 wherein said retainer is fixedly secured to said container and removably connected to said band.

6. A holder assembly as recited in claim 4 wherein said retainer comprises a spring biased clip fixedly secured to said container and removably secured to said band.

7. A holder assembly as recited in claim 4 wherein said container is disposed on an interior of said band in overlying relation to the currency.

8. A holder assembly as recited in claim 7 wherein said retainer is disposed exteriorly of said band.

9. A holder assembly as recited in claim 4 wherein said container is disposed on an exterior of said band, said retainer being at least partially disposed on an interior of said band in confronting relation with the currency.

10. A holder assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein at least a portion of said flexible material comprises a shape memory alloy structured to demonstrate pseudo-plastic properties.

11. A holder assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said connecting assembly comprises a shape memory alloy structured to demonstrate pseudo-plastic elastic properties.

12. A holder assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said band further comprises a continuous, closed configuration.

13. A holder assembly as recited in claim 1 further comprising a coupling assembly connected to said band and structured to vary the length of said closed, continuous configuration when said band is in either said expanded orientation or said contracted orientation.

14. A holder assembly as recited in claim 13 wherein said coupling assembly comprises a display field disposed on an outer exposed surface thereof.

15. A holder assembly for currency comprising:

an elongated band comprising a plurality of segments extending continuously along at least a portion of the length thereof,

a connecting assembly interconnecting assembly interconnecting said plurality of segments in movable relation to one another,

said connecting assembly comprising a shape memory alloy structured to demonstrate pseudo-elastic properties,

at least some of said plurality of segments concurrently movable between an expanded orientation and a contracted orientation of said band,

said connecting assembly structured to normally bias said plurality of segments into said contracted orientation of said band,

a container connected to said band and including an interior portion correspondingly configured to predetermined card type objects, said interior portion dimensioned to contain at least one predetermined card type object therein, and

said band structured to assume a closed configuration in surrounding, retaining relation to the currency.

16. A holder assembly as recited in claim 15 further comprising a coupling assembly connected to said band and structured to vary the length thereof when said band is in either said expanded orientation or said contracted orientation.

17. A holder assembly as recited in claim 16 wherein said coupling assembly includes a plurality of fastening points structured to vary the length thereof, said coupling assembly further comprising a display field structured to conceal said plurality of fastening points when said coupling assembly is in a closed orientation.

18. A holder assembly as recited in claim 15 comprising a plurality of grip members, at least one of said plurality of grip members being disposed on each of at least some of said plurality of segments, said plurality of grip members disposed and structured to facilitate retention of the currency by said band.

19. A holder assembly as recited in claim 19 wherein at least a majority of said plurality of segments includes at least one of said plurality of grip members.

20. A holder assembly as recited in claim 19 wherein said plurality of grip members are formed to include a textured surface.