MONEY CLIP

Abstract

The disclosure includes a money clip comprising a chassis defining a first side and a second side located opposite the first side, a first coupling element coupled to the chassis, and a second coupling element coupled to the chassis. In some embodiments, the first coupling element is configured to retain a personal effect between the first coupling element and the first side of the chassis, and the second coupling element is configured to retain a personal effect between the second coupling element and the second side of the chassis. The first coupling element may be configured to overlap the second coupling element.

Claims

1. A money clip, comprising: a chassis defining a first side and a second side located opposite the first side, the chassis comprising a first material; a first coupling element coupled to the chassis, the first coupling element configured to retain a first personal effect selected from the group consisting of a personal card, a paper bill, and combinations thereof, between the first coupling element and the first side of the chassis, the first coupling element comprising a second material different from the first material; and a second coupling element coupled to the chassis, the second coupling element configured to retain a second personal effect selected from the group consisting of a personal card, a paper bill, and combinations thereof, between the second coupling element and the second side of the chassis, the second coupling element comprising a third material different from the first material and the second material, wherein the first coupling element is configured to overlap the second coupling element about the first side of the chassis, such that the second coupling element enables the money clip to retain the first personal effect selected from the group consisting of a personal card, a paper bill, and combinations thereof, between the first coupling element and the first side of the chassis, via friction created between the first material, the second material, and the third material.

2. The money clip of claim 1, wherein the first coupling element is coupled to the second side of the chassis and extends from the second side of the chassis to the first side of the chassis.

3. The money clip of claim 2, wherein the first coupling element comprises a curved member.

4. The money clip of claim 3, wherein the chassis extends along a first direction and the second coupling element wraps around the chassis along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein at least a portion of the curved member is offset from the chassis along a third direction that is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

5. The money clip of claim 4, wherein the curved member is configured to flex along the third direction to thereby couple the first personal effect selected from the group consisting of a personal card, a paper bill, and combinations thereof, against the first side of the chassis.

6. The money clip of claim 1, wherein the first material and the second material comprise metallic materials, and the third material comprises a stretchable material.

7. The money clip of claim 6, wherein the first material comprises aluminum, the second material comprises a titanium alloy, and the third material comprises rubber.

8. The money clip of claim 7, wherein a combination of the aluminum and the titanium alloy enables the money clip to block a radio frequency identification (RFID) signal.

9. The money clip of claim 7, wherein the first coupling element defines a curved shape and is configured to withstand repeated bending while maintaining the curved shape.

10. The money clip of claim 1, wherein the first coupling element is mechanically coupled to the first side of the chassis via at least one attaching mechanism.

11. A money clip, comprising: a chassis defining a first side and a second side located opposite the first side, a top portion, and a bottom portion located opposite the top portion; a first coupling element coupled to the chassis adjacent the top portion, the first coupling element configured to retain a first personal effect selected from the group consisting of a personal card, a paper bill, and combinations thereof, between the first coupling element and the first side of the chassis; and a second coupling element coupled to the chassis between the top portion and the bottom portion, the second coupling element configured to retain a second personal effect selected from the group consisting of a personal card, a paper bill, and combinations thereof, between the second coupling element and the second side of the chassis, wherein the first coupling element is configured to overlap the second coupling element, and wherein the first coupling element is configured to terminate adjacent the bottom portion of the chassis.

12. The money clip of claim 11, wherein the first coupling element comprises a curved member coupled to the second side of the chassis.

13. The money clip of claim 12, wherein the curved member extends over the top portion of the chassis to the first side of the chassis.

14. The money clip of claim 12, wherein the second coupling element comprises a stretchable band.

15. The money clip of claim 11, wherein the chassis further comprises: a first edge extending along a first direction; and a second edge located opposite the first edge, the second edge extending along the first direction, wherein the first edge and the second edge extend from the top portion of the chassis to the bottom portion of the chassis.

16. The money clip of claim 15, wherein the first edge comprises a first indented portion and the second edge comprises a second indented portion.

17. The money clip of claim 16, wherein the first indented portion and the second indented portion are configured to receive the second coupling element.

18. The money clip of claim 15, wherein the chassis further comprises: a top edge extending along a second direction between the first edge and the second edge, wherein the second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction; a bottom edge located opposite the top edge and adjacent the second edge, the bottom edge extending along the second direction; and a third edge extending along a first angled direction between the first edge and the bottom edge.

19. The money clip of claim 18, wherein the top edge defines a first length and the bottom edge defines a second length less than the first length.

20. The money clip of claim 18, wherein the first coupling element is configured to terminate adjacent the bottom edge of the chassis.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] These and other features, aspects, and advantages are described below with reference to the drawings, which are intended to illustrate, but not to limit, the invention. In the drawings, like reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout similar embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a money clip, according to some embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates a back perspective view of a money clip, according to some embodiments.

[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of a money clip, according to some embodiments.

[0028] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate back views of a money clip, according to some embodiments.

[0029] FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of a money clip, according to some embodiments.

[0030] FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of a money clip coupled to at least one paper bill, according to some embodiments.

[0031] FIG. 8 illustrates a back view of a money clip coupled to at least one personal card, according to some embodiments.

[0032] FIGS. 9, 10A, and 10B illustrate side views of a money clip, according to some embodiments.

[0033] FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of a money clip, according to some embodiments.

[0034] FIG. 12 illustrates a front perspective view of a money clip, according to some embodiments.

[0035] FIG. 13 illustrates a back perspective view of a money clip, according to some embodiments.

[0036] FIG. 14 illustrates a front view of a money clip, according to some embodiments.

[0037] FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of a money clip, according to some embodiments.

[0038] FIG. 16 illustrates a back view of a money clip, according to some embodiments.

[0039] FIG. 17 illustrates a front view of a money clip, according to some embodiments.

[0040] FIG. 18 illustrates a back view of a money clip coupled to a personal card, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] Although certain embodiments and examples are disclosed below, inventive subject matter extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses, and to modifications and equivalents thereof. Thus, the scope of the claims appended hereto is not limited by any of the particular embodiments described below. For example, in any method or process disclosed herein, the acts or operations of the method or process may be performed in any suitable sequence and are not necessarily limited to any particular disclosed sequence. Various operations may be described as multiple discrete operations in turn, in a manner that may be helpful in understanding certain embodiments; however, the order of description should not be construed to imply that these operations are order dependent. Additionally, the structures, systems, and/or devices described herein may be embodied as integrated components or as separate components.

[0042] For purposes of comparing various embodiments, certain aspects and advantages of these embodiments are described. Not necessarily all such aspects or advantages are achieved by any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, various embodiments may be carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other aspects or advantages as may also be taught or suggested herein.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0043] 10money clip [0044] 12chassis [0045] 14afirst side (of chassis) [0046] 14bsecond side (of chassis) [0047] 16atop portion (of chassis) [0048] 16bbottom portion (of chassis) [0049] 18curved member [0050] 20stretchable band [0051] 22afirst portion (of stretchable band) [0052] 22bsecond portion (of stretchable band) [0053] 24at least one personal card [0054] 26at least one paper bill [0055] 28afirst edge (of chassis) [0056] 28bsecond edge (of chassis) [0057] 28cthird edge (of chassis) [0058] 28dbottom edge (of chassis) [0059] 28etop edge (of chassis) [0060] 30aupper portion (of curved member) [0061] 30bmiddle portion (of curved member) [0062] 30clower portion (of curved member) [0063] 32afirst length [0064] 32bsecond length [0065] 34afirst aperture [0066] 34bsecond aperture [0067] 36bottle opener [0068] 38angled aperture [0069] 40afirst set of at least one aperture [0070] 40bsecond set of at least one aperture [0071] 40cthird set of at least one aperture [0072] 42afront face (of curved member) [0073] 42bback face (of curved member) [0074] 44at least one attaching mechanism [0075] 100money clip [0076] 102chassis [0077] 104afirst side (of chassis) [0078] 104bsecond side (of chassis) [0079] 106first coupling element [0080] 108second coupling element [0081] 110personal card [0082] 112curved member [0083] 114stretchable band [0084] 116at least one aperture [0085] 118top portion (of chassis) [0086] 120bottle opener [0087] 122apertures [0088] 124afirst width [0089] 124bsecond width

Introduction

[0090] The disclosure includes multiple embodiments of a money clip. In some embodiments, the money clip comprises a dual-piece construction with a stretchable band configured to wrap around a chassis of the money clip. The money clip may be configured to hold multiple personal cards, such as credit cards, identification cards, business cards, membership cards (e.g., grocery store rewards card, gym membership, library card), gift cards, and the like. Multiple embodiments may also be configured to hold paper currency, coupons, photographs, and other paper items.

[0091] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a money clip 10. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the money clip 10 comprises a chassis 12, a curved member 18, and a stretchable band 20. The stretchable band 20 may be configured to wrap around the chassis 12. As mentioned previously in this disclosure, traditional money clips are often comprised of a single piece of bended metal. This single piece of bended metal may fail to retain its shape over time, resulting in a loose money clip that cannot securely hold personal cards and/or paper currency. In addition, traditional money clips usually only have one usable side, like the side shown in FIG. 2 where the money clip 10 is configured to receive and retain at least one personal card and/or at least one paper bill between the curved member 18 and the chassis 12.

[0092] In contrast, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the money clip 10 comprises two separate componentsthe chassis 12 and the curved member 18. In some embodiments, as illustrated in the back perspective view of FIG. 2, the curved member 18 is coupled to a back portion of the chassis 12. Also shown in FIG. 2 is the stretchable band 20. The inclusion of the stretchable band 20 may enable a user of the money clip 10 to store at least one personal card and/or at least one paper bill on both sides of the money clip 10. For example, in some embodiments, the stretchable band 20 is configured to receive and retain at least one personal card and/or at least one paper bill between the stretchable band 20 and the chassis 12. On the other side of the chassis 12, the curved member 18 may be configured to also receive and retain at least one personal card and/or at least one paper bill between the curved member 18 and the chassis 12. FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the money clip 10 holding at least one paper bill 26 (FIG. 7) and at least one personal card 24 (FIG. 8), and will be discussed in greater detail later in the disclosure.

[0093] As previously discussed, the money clip 10 comprises a dual-piece construction, including the chassis 12 and the curved member 18. The chassis 12 and the curved member 18 may comprise metal components. In some embodiments, the chassis 12 comprises aluminum and the curved member 18 comprises a titanium alloy. At least one of the chassis 12 and the curved member 18 may comprise different materials than aluminum and titanium. The curved member 18 may comprise any material that is strong and also bendable, such that it is configured to retain a bended shape without stressing and/or cracking over time. The money clip 10 may be thought of as comprising a tri-piece construction, including the chassis 12, the curved member 18, and the stretchable band 20. The stretchable band 20 may comprise silicone. The stretchable band 20 may comprise another flexible, stretchable material, such as elastic, rubber, or a similar material.

[0094] In some embodiments, the combination of different materials comprising the money clip 10 provides friction (or grip) that facilitates more secure retention of at least one personal card and/or at least one paper bill. For example, the material of the stretchable band 20 may provide friction between the curved member 18 and the chassis 12 to enable the money clip 10 to retain at least one personal card and/or at least one paper bill between the curved member 18 and the chassis 12. In some embodiments, without the stretchable band 20, the money clip 10 comprises only metal elements and there is little to no friction between the chassis 12 and the curved member 18. In such an embodiment, the money clip 10 relies purely on the strength of the curved member 18 bending toward the chassis 12 (i.e., squeezing strength between the curved member 18 and the chassis 12) to hold at least one personal card and/or at least one paper bill between the chassis 12 and the curved member 18. The addition of the stretchable band 20 introduces a different material, and greater friction, between the chassis 12 and the curved member 18, and provides something for the at least one personal card and/or at least one paper bill to grip onto, in addition to the squeezing strength between the curved member 18 and the chassis 12.

[0095] Turning now to FIG. 3, a front view of the money clip 10 is shown. In some embodiments, the chassis 12 defines a first side 14a, as shown in FIG. 3, and a second side 14b located opposite the first side 14a, which is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The chassis 12 may also define a top portion 16a and a bottom portion 16b located opposite the top portion 16a. The top and bottom portions 16a, 16b will be discussed in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. In some embodiments, the stretchable band 20 is configured to wrap around the chassis 12. The stretchable band 20 may comprise a first portion 22a located between the first side 14a of the chassis 12 and the curved member 18. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the stretchable band 20 may also comprise a second portion 22b located on the second side 14b of the chassis 12.

[0096] FIG. 3 also illustrates that, in some embodiments, the chassis 12 defines a first edge 28a and a second edge 28b located opposite the first edge 28a. Each of the first edge 28a and the second edge 28b may be configured to extend between the top portion 16a and the bottom portion 16b. In some embodiments, the stretchable band 20 is configured to wrap around the chassis 12 such that it contacts at least one of the first side 14a, the second side 14b, the first edge 28a, and the second edge 28b. The chassis 12 may further define a third edge 28c configured to extend from a bottom portion of the first edge 28a to a bottom edge 28d of the chassis 12, as demonstrated in FIG. 3. As also demonstrated in FIG. 3, the first edge 28a may define a length less than the second edge 28b. In some embodiments, the chassis 12 also includes a top edge 28e located opposite the bottom edge 28d, wherein the top edge 28e is configured to extend between the first edge 28a and the second edge 28b, and the bottom edge 28d is configured to extend between the third edge 28c and the second edge 28b.

[0097] At least one of the first edge 28a, the second edge 28b, the third edge 28c, the bottom edge 28d, and the top edge 28e may define a beveled edge. In some embodiments, a beveled edge(s) not only elevates the aesthetic appearance of the money clip 10, but also allows the money clip 10 to be stored more easily. For example, if a user is trying to fit the money clip 10 into a tight pocket, like a clothing pocket, bag pocket, or the like, the beveled edge(s) may help facilitate easier movement of the money clip 10 than would be possible with blunt edge(s). The money clip 10 comprising beveled edge(s) on the chassis 12 may also be more comfortable to hold than a money clip comprising blunt edge(s) on a chassis.

[0098] As suggested by the directional indicator in FIG. 3, in some embodiments the first edge 28a and the second edge 28b are configured to extend along a first direction, while the bottom edge 28d and the top edge 28e are configured to extend along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The stretchable band 20 may also be configured to extend along the second direction. The direction of the third edge 28c will be discussed with reference to FIG. 6.

[0099] FIGS. 3-5 show that the money clip 10 may include a first aperture 34a located on the curved member 18 adjacent the top portion 16a of the chassis 12. The money clip 10 may also include a second aperture 34b located on the chassis 12 adjacent the bottom portion 16b. The second aperture 34b may also be referred to as a bottom aperture. In some embodiments, the first aperture 34a and the second aperture 34b are configured to receive at least one attaching member. The attaching member may comprise at least one of a keyring, a lanyard, a clip, a tether, or other similar mechanism. For example, a user may desire to attach a set of keys to the first aperture 34a and a carabiner (or other clip-type mechanism) to the second aperture 34b, in order to couple the money clip 10 to a belt loop, a bag handle, etc. The second aperture 34b may be configured to extend along the second direction, like the stretchable band 20, top edge 28e, and bottom edge 28d.

[0100] The second aperture 34b may define a first side located adjacent the first side 14a of the chassis 12 and a second side located adjacent the second side 14b of the chassis 12. As such, the first side of the second aperture 34b may be visible in FIG. 3, while the second side of the second aperture 34b may be visible in FIGS. 4 and 5. In some embodiments, the second side of the second aperture 34b comprises a beveled edge similar to the beveled edges discussed above. In contrast, the first side of the second aperture 34b may not comprise a beveled edge. In some embodiments, the difference in sides of the second aperture 34b is a result of the machining process of the chassis 12. The difference in sides may also make it easier for a user to couple a keyring, or other similar type of mechanism, to the second aperture 34b. For example, if both sides of the second aperture 34b comprised beveled edges, the second aperture 34b would have a thicker bottom portion and it would likely be more difficult to attach a keyring (or similar mechanism) to the second aperture 34b. The non-beveled first side of the second aperture 34b may provide a blunt edge to use as leverage to open a keyring, where the beveled second side may not assist a user in opening a keyring, as the beveled second side may slope downward and make it more difficult to open the keyring (or similar mechanism).

[0101] FIGS. 3-5 also illustrate that, in some embodiments, the money clip 10 comprises a bottle opener 36 located on the curved member 18 adjacent the top portion 16a of the chassis 12. The bottle opener 36 may be located adjacent the first aperture 34a, as illustrated in the Figures. In some embodiments, the bottle opener 36 defines an angled aperture configured to receive at least a portion of a bottle cap. The bottle opener 36 and the first aperture 34a are shown in greater detail in FIG. 11, and will be discussed further with reference therein.

[0102] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate back views of the money clip 10, including the second side 14b of the chassis 12. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the curved member 18 is mechanically coupled to the second side 14b of the chassis 12 adjacent the top portion 16a of the chassis 12. The curved member 18 may be mechanically coupled via at least one attaching mechanism 44, as indicated in FIG. 4. In some embodiments, the at least one attaching mechanism 44 comprises at least one screw, bolt, or similar attaching mechanism. The at least one attaching mechanism 44 may comprise four total attaching mechanisms. In some embodiments, each of the at least one attaching mechanism 44 comprises a stainless steel bolt. The at least one attaching mechanism 44 may comprise a different type of metal, or a non-metallic material of sufficient strength and durability to couple the curved member 18 to the chassis 12.

[0103] The curved member 18 may be configured to curve around the top portion 16a to the first side 14a of the chassis 12 and terminate adjacent the bottom portion 16b, as illustrated in FIGS. 9, 10A, and 10B. It should be noted that the top portion 16a and the bottom portion 16b may be defined broadly, in terms of how much of the chassis 12 defines either the top portion 16a or the bottom portion 16b. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the top portion 16a may comprise a portion of the chassis 12 located above the stretchable band 20, while the bottom portion 16b may comprise a portion of the chassis 12 located below the stretchable band 20. As shown in FIG. 5, the top portion 16a may comprise about half of an area of the chassis 12 covered by the stretchable band 20, as well as the portion of the chassis 12 located above the stretchable band 20. Similarly, the bottom portion 16b may comprise the other approximately half of the stretchable band 20 and the portion of the chassis 12 located below the stretchable band 20. As shown in FIG. 5, the top portion 16a and the bottom portion 16b may define unequal portions of the chassis 12, in terms of length and/or width. In some embodiments, the top portion 16a and the bottom portion 16b comprise substantially equal lengths of the chassis 12. Either the top portion 16a or the bottom portion 16b may include substantially an entire portion of the chassis 12 covered by the stretchable band 20.

[0104] FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of the money clip 10, according to some embodiments. As previously discussed, the money clip 10 may comprise a chassis 12, a stretchable band 20 configured to wrap around the chassis 12, and a curved member 18 configured to couple to, and curve around a top portion 16a of, the chassis 12. The money clip 10 may also comprise at least one attaching mechanism 44 configured to couple the curved member 18 to the chassis 12. The chassis 12 may comprise indented edges, for example the first edge 28a and second edge 28b, where the indents are configured to receive the stretchable band 20 and facilitate a substantially smooth and even perimeter of the chassis 12.

[0105] FIG. 6 also includes multiple sets of at least one aperture. In some embodiments, a first set of at least one aperture 40a is located on the chassis 12, as shown in FIG. 6. A second set of at least one aperture 40b may be located on a front face 42a of the curved member 18, and a third set of at least one aperture 40c may be located on a back face 42b of the curved member 18. In some embodiments, the front face 42a of the curved member 18 is located adjacent the first side 14a of the chassis 12, while the back face 42b is located opposite the front face 42a and is configured to couple to the second side 14b of the chassis 12.

[0106] As previously discussed, the chassis 12 may be configured to extend along a first direction and the stretchable band 20 may be configured to wrap around the chassis 12 along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Like the stretchable band 20, the first set of at least one aperture 40a and the third set of at least one aperture 40c may be configured to extend along the second direction. The third set of at least one aperture 40c may be substantially aligned with at least a portion of the first set of at least one aperture 40a. Specifically, in some embodiments, the portion of the first set 40a located in the top portion 16a of the chassis 12 is substantially aligned with the third set of at least one aperture 40c. In some embodiments, the third edge 28c of the chassis 12 (shown in FIG. 3), is configured to extend along a first angled direction that is not perpendicular to the first direction. The second set of at least one aperture 40b may be configured to extend along a second angled direction that is perpendicular to the first angled direction. In some embodiments, the second set of at least one aperture 40b is configured to extend along a second angled direction, rather than the second direction like the first set 40a and third set 40c, in order to offset the apertures of the first set 40a and second set 40b, and reduce the risk of a personal card(s) and/or paper bill(s) falling and/or being taken out of the money clip 10.

[0107] The first set of at least one aperture 40a may comprise a first aperture located on the bottom portion 16b of the chassis 12, a second aperture located on the bottom portion 16b, and a third aperture located on the bottom portion 16b. In some embodiments, the first aperture defines a first length, the second aperture defines a second length, and the third aperture defines a third length, wherein the third length is less than the first length and the second length, and wherein the second length is less than the first length. Stated in terms of the Figures, the first aperture may define the aperture located adjacent the stretchable band 20 while the third aperture may define the aperture located adjacent the bottom edge 28d of the chassis 12, and the second aperture may define the middle aperture between the first and third apertures. The first set of at least one aperture 40a may further comprise a fourth aperture located on the top portion 16a of the chassis 12 and a fifth aperture located on the top portion 16a, wherein the fourth aperture may define a fourth length and the fifth aperture may define a fifth length. In some embodiments, the fourth length and the fifth length are substantially equal to the first length. Each of the first aperture, second aperture, third aperture, fourth aperture, and fifth aperture may be configured to extend along the second direction.

[0108] The third set of at least one aperture 40c may comprise a first aperture extending along the second direction and a second aperture extending along the second direction. In some embodiments, the first aperture and second aperture of the third set 40c are configured to substantially align with the fourth aperture and the fifth aperture of the first set 40a. The first set of at least one aperture 40a may comprise four total apertures, with two substantially triangle-shaped apertures, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, and two other apertures extending along the second angled direction.

[0109] In some embodiments, at least one aperture of at least one of the first set 40a, the second set 40b, and the third set 40c is configured to allow a user to view at least one of at least one personal card 24 and at least one paper bill 26 coupled to the money clip 10, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of the money clip 10 coupled to at least one paper bill 26. As previously discussed, the at least one paper bill 26 may be configured to be received and secured between the curved member 18 and the first side 14a of the chassis 12. The money clip 10 may be sized and configured to hold a plurality of paper bills, as shown in FIG. 7. As mentioned throughout this disclosure, in some embodiments, the money clip 10 comprises materials arranged and configured to bend, flex, etc. to accommodate different amounts of paper bills and/or personal cards, while retaining its original shape.

[0110] FIG. 8 illustrates a back view of the money clip 10 with at least one personal card 24 coupled to the money clip 10 between the stretchable band 20 and the second side 14b of the chassis 12. Similar to the at least one paper bill 26, the money clip 10 may be configured to receive and secure a plurality of personal cards. Like the curved member 18, the stretchable band 20 may be configured to stretch to accommodate a plurality of personal cards while retaining its original shape. Accordingly, the money clip 10 may be configured to hold, for example, 10 personal cards and/or 50 paper bills with a substantially equal amount of security as a single personal card and/or a single paper bill. It should be noted that though FIG. 7 illustrates at least one paper bill 26, and FIG. 8 illustrates at least one personal card 24, the money clip 10 may be configured to hold at least one paper bill 26, at least one personal card 24, or a combination of both on either side 14a, 14b of the chassis 12. This may allow a user of the money clip 10 to organize their items in a number of ways; for example, with paper bills on one side of the chassis 12 and personal cards on the other, small bills on one side of the chassis 12 and large bills on the other, and/or more frequently used bills and/or cards on one side of the chassis 12 and less frequently used bills and/or cards on the other.

[0111] FIGS. 9, 10A, and 10B illustrate side views of the money clip 10. As previously mentioned, the chassis 12 may be configured to extend along a first direction and the stretchable band 20 may be configured to wrap around the chassis 12 along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the curved member 18 is offset from the chassis 12 along a third direction that is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, as shown in FIGS. 9, 10A, and 10B. The stretchable band 20 may be configured to extend along the third direction from the second side 14b of the chassis 12 in order to receive at least one personal card 24 and/or at least one paper bill 26, thereby retaining at least one personal card 24 and/or at least one paper bill 26 between the stretchable band 20 and the second side 14b of the chassis 12. FIGS. 9, 10A, and 10B also illustrate that the curved member 18 may comprise an upper portion 30a, a middle portion 30b, and a lower portion 30c.

[0112] It should be noted that, similar to the top portion 16a and bottom portion 16b of the chassis 12, the upper portion 30a, middle portion 30b, and lower portion 30c of the curved member 18 may be defined broadly. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 9, 10A, and 10B, the middle portion 30b defines a portion of the curved member 18 that is configured to contact (i.e., the contacting portion), or substantially close to contact (e.g., spaced only 1-2 mm away from) the chassis 12. The upper portion 30a may comprise the portion of the curved member 18 located above the middle portion 30b, adjacent the top portion 16a of the chassis 12. The lower portion 30c may comprise the portion of the curved member 18 located below the middle portion 30b, adjacent the bottom portion 16b of the chassis 12. In some embodiments, the middle portion 30b defines the contacting portion, as well as a portion of the curved member 18 extending at least one of above and below the contacting portion.

[0113] The upper portion 30a, the middle portion 30b, and the lower portion 30c may define discrete fractions of the curved member 18. For example, the upper portion 30a may comprise substantially of a total length of the curved member 18, while the middle portion 30b and the lower portion 30c may each comprise substantially of the total length of the curved member 18. In another example, the upper portion 30a may comprise substantially of the total length of the curved member 18, the middle portion 30b may comprise substantially 1/16 of the total length, and the lower portion 30c may comprise substantially 3/16 of the total length. In yet another example, the upper portion 30a may comprise substantially of the total length of the curved member 18, the middle portion 30b may comprise substantially of the total length, and the lower portion 30c may comprise substantially of the total length. A person having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that any number of possible fractions may be suitable for defining the relative lengths of each of the upper portion 30a, the middle portion 30b, and the lower portion 30c.

[0114] In some embodiments, the upper portion 30a is physically spaced from the chassis 12 by a first length 32a and the lower portion 30c is physically spaced from the chassis 12 by a second length 32b, as demonstrated in FIG. 9. The middle portion 30b may be physically spaced from the chassis 12 by a third length that is less than the first length 32a and the second length 32b. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10A and mentioned above, the middle portion 30b is configured to contact the first side 14a of the chassis 12. FIG. 9 also shows that the second length 32b may be less than the first length 32a. In some embodiments, for example when the money clip 10 is coupled to a large quantity of at least one personal card 24 and/or at least one paper bill 26, at least one of the second length 32b and the third length may be greater than the first length 32a. The first length 32a, second length 32b, and third length will be discussed further with reference to FIG. 10B.

[0115] In some embodiments, the upper portion 30a of the curved member 18 is physically spaced along the first direction from the top edge 28e of the chassis 12 and along the third direction from the first side 14a of the chassis 12. The lower portion 30c may also be physically spaced along the third direction from the first side 14a of the chassis 12. In some embodiments, as illustrated by FIGS. 10A and 10B, the middle portion 30b is configured to move along the third direction. It should be noted that the term move may be replaced with bend, flex, stretch, expand, or any other similar term to convey how the middle portion 30b changes distance from the chassis 12 in order to receive at least one of at least one personal card 24 and at least one paper bill 26, thereby retaining the at least one of at least one personal card 24 and at least one paper bill 26 between the curved member 18 and the chassis 12.

[0116] The movement of the middle portion 30b shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrates that, in some embodiments, the third length (i.e., the length between the middle portion 30b and the chassis 12) is less than the first length 32a (i.e., the length between the upper portion 30a and the chassis 12) and the second length 32b (i.e., the length between the lower portion 30c and the chassis 12). The money clip 10 may be arranged and configured such that the middle portion 30b is configured to directly contact the at least one of at least one personal card 24 and at least one paper bill 26, while at least a portion of the upper portion 30a and at least a portion of the lower portion 30c is configured to not contact the at least one of at least one personal card 24 and at least one paper bill 26. Such an arrangement may reduce wear-and-tear, prevent unnecessary bending, and generally maintain the physical quality of at least one of the at least one personal card 24 and at least one paper bill 26. The curved member 18 may be arranged and configured such that the middle portion 30b has an extensive range of motion along the third direction, in order to accommodate a single paper bill and/or personal card, or a large quantity of paper bills and/or personal cards.

[0117] Turning now to FIG. 11, a top view of the money clip 10 is shown, including the first aperture 34a and the bottle opener 36 located on the upper portion 30a of the curved member 18. As mentioned with respect to FIG. 3, the bottle opener 36 may define an angled aperture 38. The angled aperture 38 is shown in FIG. 11 as defining a shape similar to a crescent moon, with wider top and bottom portions. In some embodiments, the bottle opener 36 is configured to receive a bottle cap such that a bottom edge of the bottle cap fits under a right side (i.e., the convex portion) of the angled aperture 38, and the money clip 10 is moved away from the bottle so that the leverage of the convex portion under the bottom edge pulls off the bottle cap. In contrast to the bottle opener 36 defining an angled aperture 38, the first aperture 34a may define an even, symmetrical, elongated oval shape. In some embodiments, the first aperture 34a defines a circular shape, a rectangular shape, or any number of suitable shapes. The first aperture 34a may be sized and configured to receive at least one keyring, clip, lanyard, tether, or other similar mechanism, as discussed with reference to FIGS. 3-5. Though shown in the Figures with only the first aperture 34a and the bottle opener 36, the upper portion 30a of the curved member 18 may comprise at least one additional aperture. In some embodiments, the bottle opener 36 and the first aperture 34a are sized and configured to minimize exposure of the at least one personal card 24 and/or at least one paper bill 26 to risk of falling out of, or being removed from, the money clip 10.

[0118] In some embodiments, as previously discussed in this disclosure, the chassis 12 comprises aluminum and the curved member 18 comprises titanium. More specifically, the chassis 12 may comprise CNC-machined, 6061 aerospace aluminum, and the curved member 18 may comprise a titanium alloy heat-treated to prevent cracking while retaining flexibility and shape memory. As such, the titanium alloy may be configured so that the curved member 18 is configured to repeatedly flex (or bend, move, extend, etc.) without losing its shape. In some embodiments, the use of aluminum and titanium materials in the construction of the money clip 10 enables the money clip 10 to serve as a radio frequency identification (RFID)-blocking money clip 10. For example, if at least one personal card 24 (e.g., an RFID or chip card) is inserted with the chip located adjacent the top portion 16a of the chassis 12, then the chassis 12 and the curved member 18 may form a metal cage to substantially surround the chip and protect the at least one personal card 24 from malicious RFID reading technology.

[0119] The money clip 10 may include a level of customization to suit individual users. In some embodiments, the chassis 12 comprises different possible colors of aluminum. For example, the chassis 12 may comprise gray aluminum, black aluminum, gold aluminum, or any other color. In addition, the stretchable band 20 may comprise different colors such that a user may mix and match by choosing from several color options for both the chassis 12 and the stretchable band 20. The curved member 18 may also include different color options.

[0120] As indicated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the money clip 10 may be sized larger than at least one personal card 24 and/or at least one paper bill 26, when the at least one paper bill 26 is in a folded position. At least one personal card 24 may include a standard driver's license, other identification card, credit card, gift card, or the like, defining a width of about 3.37 inches, a height of about 2.125 inches, and a thickness of about 1 millimeter. The at least one paper bill 26 may include paper currency from any nation and/or group of nations, in addition to business cards, paper coupons, and other paper items (e.g., grocery list, event ticket, claim check, parking pay stub, etc.). In some embodiments, the money clip 10 defines a length of about 3.85 inches, a width of about 3 inches, and a variable depth/thickness, depending on a quantity of personal cards and/or paper bills coupled to the money clip 10. The money clip 10 alone, without any personal cards and/or paper bills, may define a depth/thickness of about 16.5 millimeters at an upper portion 30a of the curved member 18, a depth/thickness of about 10.5 millimeters at a lower portion 30c of the curved member 18, and a weight of about 2.8 ounces. The money clip 10 may be configured to hold up to eighty paper bills (e.g., U.S. bills of any dollar amount, folded in half), with fifty bills between the curved member 18 and the chassis 12, and thirty bills between the stretchable band 20 and the chassis 12. The money clip 10 may be configured to hold up to 26 personal cards, with 16 cards between the curved member 18 and the chassis 12, and 10 cards between the stretchable band 20 and the chassis 12. Exact quantities of personal cards and/or paper bills that may be held by the money clip 10 will depend on the individual thickness of each card and/or bill, and the quantities listed here are included as non-limiting examples. In some embodiments, the stretchable band 20 is configured to stretch up to 10 millimeters.

[0121] It should be noted that the dimensions of the money clip 10 included in this disclosure are intended to form a non-limiting example. The money clip 10 may be larger than at least one of the listed dimensions. The money clip 10 may be smaller than at least one of the listed dimensions.

[0122] FIG. 12 illustrates a front perspective view of a money clip 100. It should be noted that the money clip 100 may be substantially similar to the money clip 10 previously discussed in this disclosure and shown in FIGS. 1-11. For example, the money clip 100 may be comprised of the same materials and may be substantially the same size as the money clip 10. The money clip 100 may also include substantially the same components as the money clip 10.

[0123] As indicated in FIG. 12, in some embodiments, the money clip 100 comprises a chassis 102 defining a first side 104a, a first coupling element 106 and a second coupling element 108. The first coupling element 106 may be configured to retain a personal effect between the first coupling element 106 and the first side 104a of the chassis 102. In some embodiments, the personal effect comprises a personal card (e.g., driver's license, credit card, identification card, or the like), a paper bill (e.g., paper currency, ticket stub, receipt, business card, or the like), and combinations thereof (e.g., both a personal card and a paper bill).

[0124] The first coupling element 106 may be configured to overlap the second coupling element 108, such that the first coupling element 106 extends beyond the second coupling element 108 with respect to the chassis 102. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the first coupling element 106 extends over and beyond the second coupling element 108 along the first side 104a of the chassis 102. In some embodiments, the first coupling element 106 is configured to contact the second coupling element 108.

[0125] FIG. 13 illustrates a back perspective view of the money clip 100. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 13, the chassis 102 defines a second side 104b located opposite the first side 104a shown in FIG. 12. The second coupling element 108 may be configured to retain a personal effect between the second coupling element 108 and the second side 104b of the chassis 102. As discussed with reference to FIG. 12, the personal effect may comprise a personal card, a paper bill, and combinations thereof.

[0126] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 13, the first coupling element 106 is mechanically coupled to the second side 104b of the chassis 102. Though not specifically labeled in FIG. 13, the first coupling element 106 may be coupled via at least one attaching mechanism, as previously discussed with reference to the money clip 10 and FIG. 4. The at least one attaching mechanism may comprise at least one bolt, screw, or similar mechanism. As demonstrated in FIG. 13, the first coupling element 106 may be coupled to the second side 104b of the chassis 102 with a total of four attaching mechanisms. The first coupling element 106 may be coupled with fewer than four attaching mechanisms. In some embodiments, the first coupling element 106 is coupled with more than four attaching mechanisms. The first coupling element 106 may be coupled to the chassis 102 a different way, such as, for example, via welding, adhesive, or another method. In some embodiments, the first coupling element 106 extends from the second side 104b of the chassis 102 to the first side 104a of the chassis 102.

[0127] FIG. 14 illustrates a front view of the money clip 100. In some embodiments, as shown, the first coupling element 106 comprises a curved member 112 and the second coupling element 108 comprises a stretchable band 114. It should be noted that the curved member 112 may be substantially similar to the curved member 18 previously discussed in this disclosure. Further, the stretchable band 114 may be substantially similar to the stretchable band 20 previously discussed in this disclosure. In some embodiments, the curved member 112 extends from the first side 104a of the chassis 102 to the second side 104b of the chassis 102. The stretchable band 114 may be configured to wrap around the chassis 102. In addition, the stretchable band 114 may be configured to provide friction to enable the money clip 100 to retain the personal effect between the curved member 112 and the first side 104a of the chassis 102.

[0128] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 14, the money clip 100 includes at least one aperture 116 located on the first coupling element 106 (i.e., the curved member 112) adjacent the top portion 118 of the chassis 102. The at least one aperture 116 may comprise two apertures, as demonstrated in FIG. 14. In some embodiments, the at least one aperture 116 includes more than two apertures. The at least one aperture 116 may include a single aperture. In some embodiments, the at least one aperture 116 is configured to couple to an attaching member such as, but not limited to, a tether, lanyard, strap, carabiner, clip, keyring, or similar member to enable a user to carry the money clip 100 and/or attach the money clip 100 to an external element (e.g., a bag strap, belt loop, etc.).

[0129] FIG. 14 also includes a directional indicator showing a first direction and a second direction. In some embodiments, the chassis 102 extends along the first direction and the stretchable band 114 wraps around the chassis 102 along the second direction. The second direction may be perpendicular to the first direction, as indicated. FIG. 15 also includes a directional indicator and introduces a third direction, which may be perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the curved member 112 is offset from the chassis 102 along the third direction, as shown in FIG. 15.

[0130] Each of the curved member 112 and the stretchable band 114 may configured to flex along the third direction. For example, in some embodiments, the curved member 112 is configured to flex along the third direction to thereby couple the personal effect against the first side 104a of the chassis 102. This concept was previously discussed in this disclosure with regard to the money clip 10 and FIGS. 10A and 10B. Similarly, the stretchable band 114 may be configured to flex along the third direction to thereby couple the personal effect against the second side 104b of the chassis 102. It should be noted that the third direction may be interpreted as both right and left or east and west. Accordingly, though the curved member 112 and the stretchable band 114 may flex opposite of one another (i.e., the curved member 112 flexes to the right and the stretchable band 114 flexes to the left with respect to the page and the orientation of FIG. 15), both are flexing along the third direction. In addition, the term flex (or flexes, flexing, etc.) may also mean move, extend, stretch, expand, or any other similar term.

[0131] FIG. 16 illustrates a back view of the money clip 100, including the second side 104b of the chassis 102, the curved member 112, and the stretchable band 114. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 16, the money clip 100 includes a bottle opener 120 located on the curved member 112 adjacent a top portion 118 of the chassis 102. The bottle opener 120 may be considered one of the at least one aperture 116 shown in, and discussed with reference to, FIG. 14. In some embodiments, the bottle opener 120 defines an angled aperture configured to receive at least a portion of a bottle cap to thereby remove the bottle cap. It should be noted that the bottle opener 120 may be substantially similar to the bottle opener 36 located on the money clip 10 previously discussed in this disclosure.

[0132] In some embodiments, the curved member 112 comprises apertures 122 located adjacent the first side 104a of the chassis 102. As shown in FIG. 17, the apertures 122 may comprise four total apertures. The apertures 122 may be substantially similar to the second set of at least one aperture 40b shown in, and discussed with reference to, FIGS. 6 and 7. It should be noted that though not shown in the Figures pertaining to the money clip 100, the money clip 100 may include substantially the same apertures (e.g., the first set of at least one aperture 40a, the second set of at least one aperture 40b, and the third set of at least one aperture 40c) as the money clip 10. The apertures 122 may be configured to allow a user of the money clip 100 to view the personal effect(s) coupled between the curved member 112 and the chassis 102. Further, the money clip 100 may also include the first aperture 34a and second aperture 34b (or bottom aperture) shown in FIG. 3 and discussed with reference to the money clip 10.

[0133] FIG. 18 illustrates another back view of the money clip 100, similar to FIG. 16. However, FIG. 18 shows a personal card 110 coupled between the stretchable band 114 and the second side 104b of the chassis 102. As indicated in FIG. 18, the personal card 110 may define a first width 124a and the money clip 100 (e.g., the chassis 102) may define a second width 124b. In some embodiments, the second width is larger than the first width, such that the money clip 100 is wider than the personal card 110 (when the personal card 110 is in the portrait or vertical orientation, as shown in FIG. 18). Constructing the money clip 100 to be wider than a (standard) personal card 110 may help reduce wear and tear on the personal card 110, particularly on the edges of the personal card 110. In some embodiments, the money clip 100 is narrower than the personal card 110. The money clip 100 may define similar dimensions as those listed previously in this disclosure for the money clip 10.

[0134] In some embodiments, the chassis 102 comprises aluminum and the first coupling element 106 (i.e., the curved member 112) comprises titanium. More specifically, the chassis 102 may comprise CNC-machined, 6061 aerospace aluminum, and the curved member 112 may comprise a titanium alloy heat-treated to prevent cracking while retaining flexibility and shape memory. As such, the titanium alloy may be configured so that the curved member 112 is configured to repeatedly flex (or bend, move, extend, etc.) while retaining its curved shape.

[0135] In some embodiments, the use of aluminum and titanium materials in the construction of the money clip 100 enables the money clip 100 to serve as a radio frequency identification (RFID)-blocking money clip 100. For example, if at least one personal card 110 (e.g., an RFID or chip card) is inserted with the chip located adjacent the top portion 118 of the chassis 102, then the chassis 102 and the curved member 112 may form a metal cage to substantially surround the chip and protect the at least one personal card 110 from malicious RFID reading technology.

[0136] The money clip 100 may include a level of customization to suit individual users. In some embodiments, the chassis 102 comprises different possible colors of aluminum. For example, the chassis 102 may comprise gray aluminum, black aluminum, gold aluminum, or any other color. In addition, the stretchable band 114 may comprise different colors such that a user may mix and match by choosing from several color options for both the chassis 102 and the stretchable band 114. The curved member 112 may also include different color options. The color options for the curved member 112 may be different from the color options for the chassis 102. In some embodiments, the color options for the curved member 112 and the chassis 102 are the same, such that a user may select the same colors for both components. The color selection for the chassis 102, the stretchable band 114, and the curved member 112 may also be the same, enabling a user to customize a monochromatic money clip 100.

Interpretation

[0137] None of the steps described herein is essential or indispensable. Any of the steps can be adjusted or modified. Other or additional steps can be used. Any portion of any of the steps, processes, structures, and/or devices disclosed or illustrated in one embodiment, flowchart, or example in this specification can be combined or used with or instead of any other portion of any of the steps, processes, structures, and/or devices disclosed or illustrated in a different embodiment, flowchart, or example. The embodiments and examples provided herein are not intended to be discrete and separate from each other.

[0138] The section headings and subheadings provided herein are nonlimiting. The section headings and subheadings do not represent or limit the full scope of the embodiments described in the sections to which the headings and subheadings pertain. For example, a section titled Topic 1 may include embodiments that do not pertain to Topic 1 and embodiments described in other sections may apply to and be combined with embodiments described within the Topic 1 section.

[0139] The various features and processes described above may be used independently of one another, or may be combined in various ways. All possible combinations and subcombinations are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. In addition, certain method, event, state, or process blocks may be omitted in some implementations. The methods, steps, and processes described herein are also not limited to any particular sequence, and the blocks, steps, or states relating thereto can be performed in other sequences that are appropriate. For example, described tasks or events may be performed in an order other than the order specifically disclosed. Multiple steps may be combined in a single block or state. The example tasks or events may be performed in serial, in parallel, or in some other manner. Tasks or events may be added to or removed from the disclosed example embodiments. The example systems and components described herein may be configured differently than described. For example, elements may be added to, removed from, or rearranged compared to the disclosed example embodiments.

[0140] Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, can, could, might, may, e.g., and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. The terms comprising, including, having, and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations and so forth. Also, the term or is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term or means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase at least one of X, Y, and Z, unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present.

[0141] The term and/or means that and applies to some embodiments and or applies to some embodiments. Thus, A, B, and/or C can be replaced with A, B, and C written in one sentence and A, B, or C written in another sentence. A, B, and/or C means that some embodiments can include A and B, some embodiments can include A and C, some embodiments can include B and C, some embodiments can only include A, some embodiments can include only B, some embodiments can include only C, and some embodiments include A, B, and C. The term and/or is used to avoid unnecessary redundancy.

[0142] The term about is used to mean approximately. For example, the disclosure includes, At least one personal card 24 may include a standard driver's license, other identification card, credit card, gift card, or the like, defining . . . a thickness of about 1 millimeter. In this context, about one millimeter is used to mean approximately one millimeter. A range of 0.5 millimeters to 1.5 millimeters falls into an acceptable range and interpretation of about one millimeters, as used in this disclosure.

[0143] The term substantially is used to mean completely or nearly completely. For example, the disclosure includes, Specifically, in some embodiments, the portion of the first set 40a located in the top portion 16a of the chassis 12 is substantially aligned with the third set of at least one aperture 40c. In this context, substantially aligned is used to mean that the portion of the first set of at least one aperture 40a located in the top portion 16a may be completely aligned or nearly completely aligned with the third set of at least one aperture 40c, and fall into the understanding of substantially as used in this disclosure. The first set 40a and third set 40c may be offset from one another by up to 25%, and still be considered substantially aligned.

[0144] The term element may be used to mean a constituent part: such as a distinct part of a composite device. For example, the disclosure makes reference to both a first coupling element and a second coupling element. In this context, the term element is used to define each of the first coupling element and the second coupling element as constituent parts of the money clip.

[0145] While certain example embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions disclosed herein. Thus, nothing in the foregoing description is intended to imply that any particular feature, characteristic, step, module, or block is necessary or indispensable. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the methods and systems described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions disclosed herein.