Title: Clip
Abstract: A clip (10) for holding banknotes has a first clasp portion (14) and a second clasp portion (12) for holding banknotes therebetween. The first clasp portion (14) has a first magnetic portion (22) including magnetic material (30,32) and the second clasp portion has a second magnetic portion including magnetic material (18,19). The first magnetic portion (22) is moveable relative to the second magnetic portion between: a closed position whereby the interaction of the magnetic material of the first magnetic portion (30,32) and second magnetic portion (18,19) is such that there is a net force of attraction to hold the first and second clasp portions (14,12) together; and an open position whereby the first and second clasp portions (14,12) are released apart.
Patent Number: 6,971,147 Issued on 12/06/2005 to Halstead
| Inventors:
|
Halstead; Paul Anthony (607/37 McLaren Street, North Sydney, New South Wales, 2060, AU)
|
| Appl. No.:
|
656506 |
| Filed:
|
September 4, 2003 |
Foreign Application Priority Data
| Sep 05, 2002[AU] | 2002951242 |
| Current U.S. Class: |
24/303 |
| Intern'l Class: |
A44B 021/00 |
| Field of Search: |
355/285,303,304
24/303,661
248/206.5
|
References Cited [Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
| 3468576 | Sep., 1969 | Beyer et al.
| |
| 4222489 | Sep., 1980 | Hutter.
| |
| 5794767 | Aug., 1998 | Wilson.
| |
| 6282760 | Sep., 2001 | Mars.
| |
| Foreign Patent Documents |
| 29500 | Jun., 1981 | EP.
| |
Primary Examiner: Brittain; James R.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Dorsey & Whitney LLP
Claims
1. A money clip for holding banknotes having a first clasp portion and a second
clasp portion for holding banknotes therebetween, the first clasp portion having
a first magnetic portion including magnetic material and the second clasp portion
having a second magnetic portion including magnetic material, wherein the first
magnetic portion is moveable relative to the first clasp portion and the second
magnetic portion between: a closed position whereby the interaction of the magnetic
material of the first and second magnetic portions is such that there is a net
force of attraction to hold the first and second clasp portions together; and an
open position whereby the first and second clasp portions are released apart, the
first clasp portion being further provided with an actuator portion for movement
of the first magnetic portion,
wherein the first and second clasp portions are hingeably connected so as to
be pivotable relative to one another between open and closed configurations, and
wherein a floating hinge is provided between the first and second clasp portions,
the floating hinge including a hinge pin journalled in apertures of the first and
second clasp portions, one of said apertures being in the form of a slot.
2. A money clip for holding banknotes having a first clasp portion and a second
clasp portion for holding banknotes therebetween, the first clasp portion having
a first magnetic portion including magnetic material and the second clasp portion
having a second magnetic portion including magnetic material, wherein the first
magnetic portion is moveable relative to the first clasp portion and the second
magnetic portion between: a closed position whereby the interaction of the magnetic
material of the first and second magnetic portions is such that there is a net
force of attraction to hold the first and second clasp portions together; and an
open position whereby the first and second clasp portions are released apart, the
first clasp portion being further provided with an actuator portion for movement
of the first magnetic portion, wherein the first magnetic portion is arranged to
slide relative to the first clasp portion.
3. The money clip as claimed in claim 2 wherein the first magnetic portion is
in the form of a slide disposed on the inner side of the first clasp portion.
4. The money clip as claimed in claim 3 wherein the first clasp portion is provided
with a slot, with the actuator portion being disposed on the outer side of the
first clasp portion to operate the first magnetic portion within the clip.
5. The money clip as claimed in claim 2 wherein the first magnetic portion has
at least one band of magnetic material extending across the width of the first
magnetic portion with the polarity reversing through the thickness of the band
and the second magnetic portion has at least one band of magnetic material extending
across the width of the second magnetic portion with the polarity reversing through
the thickness of the band, the bands being arranged such that with the first magnetic
portion in the closed position, the band of the first magnetic portion is attracted
to the band of the second magnetic portion thereby holding the first and second
clasp portions together.
6. The money clip as claimed in claim 5 wherein the arrangement of magnetic material
is such that in the open position of the first magnetic portion, there is a net
force of repulsion tending to repel the first and second clasp portions apart.
7. The money clip as claimed in claim 6 wherein the second magnetic portion has
a plurality of bands of magnetic material extending across the width of the second
magnetic portion with the polarity reversing through the thickness of the bands,
the bands on the second portion being arranged such that with the first magnetic
portion in the closed position, the band of the first magnetic portion is attracted
to one of the bands of the second magnetic portion thereby holding the first and
second portions together and such that in the open position, the band of the first
magnetic portion is disposed adjacent to another band of the second magnetic portion
whereby the polarity is such that these two bands repel each other to repel the
two clasp portions apart.
8. The money clip as claimed in claim 5 wherein the second magnetic portion has
a plurality of bands of magnetic material extending across the width of the second
magnetic portion with the polarity reversing through the thickness of the bands,
the bands on the second portion being arranged such that with the first magnetic
portion in the closed position, the band of the first magnetic portion is attracted
to one of the bands of the second magnetic portion thereby holding the first and
second portions together and such that in the open position, the band of the first
magnetic portion is disposed adjacent to another band of the second magnetic portion
whereby the polarity is such that these two bands repel each other to repel the
two clasp portions apart.
9. The money clip as claimed in claim 8 wherein the first magnetic portion has
a series of bands of alternating polarity through the thickness of the bands and
the second magnetic portion has a series of bands with alternating polarity through
the thickness of the bands such that in the closed position of to first magnetic
portion, the adjacent bands attract and in the open position, the adjacent bands
repel each other.
10. The money clip as claimed in claim 9 wherein, the bands associated with each
magnetic portion are spaced from each other.
11. The money clip as claimed in claim 2 wherein the magnetic material comprises
rare earth magnets.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a clip. In particular although not exclusively,
the invention relates to a money clip for holding banknotes. While the invention
has been described particularly in regard to banknotes, the clip may be used in
relation to other security documents, such as passports, bonds, letters of credit etc.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
A conventional money clip typically comprises a piece of metal bent over double
to form two arms which are resiliently sprung together between which banknotes
may be positioned. The two arms are not easy to manipulate in order to insert or
withdraw the banknotes from between the arms of the money clip.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,794,767 illustrates a money clip comprised of two rubber sheets
which are foldable to overlap each other. Each sheet has rubberised magnetic material
which attract to hold banknotes therebetween. The inherent disadvantage of this
arrangement is that it is not effective as a money clip. If the magnets are weak,
then the two sheets will be easily separable in order to access the money. However
weak magnetics will result in the money clip being unable to tightly hold the money.
With a large bundle of notes the prior art money clip may be completely ineffective.
On the other hand, if the magnetics are strong then the money clip may be effective
to hold the money therebetween. However, it may difficult in such an arrangement
to prise the two sheets apart in order to access the money.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a money clip which
overcomes or at least addresses the foregoing disadvantages or at least provides
the public with a useful choice.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided
a clip for holding banknotes having: two clasp portions moveable relative to one
another for holding banknotes therebetween; a moveable portion, moveable relative
to one of the two clasp portions; and magnetic material operably associated with
the moveable portion, the moveable portion being moveable between a first closed
position whereby the operation of the magnetic material is such as to hold the
first and second clasp portions together and an open position whereby the first
and second clasp portions are released apart.
Preferably, magnetic material is disposed on the moveable portion. Furthermore
the moveable portion may be mounted on the first clasp portion and the second clasp
portion may also comprise magnetic material. Alternatively, the magnetic material
within the moveable portion may cooperate with a ferrous part or another part of
temporarily magnetisable material forming part of the second clasp portion.
In a more preferred aspect of the invention, there is provided a clip for holding
banknotes having a first clasp portion and a second clasp portion for holding banknotes
therebetween, the first clasp portion having a first magnetic portion including
magnetic material and the second clasp portion having a second magnetic portion
including magnetic material, wherein the first magnetic portion is moveable relative
to the second magnetic portion between: a closed position whereby the interaction
of the magnetic material of the first and second magnetic portions is such that
there is a net force of attraction to hold the first and second clasp portions
together; and an open position whereby the first and second clasp portions are
released apart.
The first and second clasp portions may comprise two separate pieces. These pieces
may be substantially plate-like or planar. Preferably the first and second clasp
portions are rectangular portions of preferably the same size so as to substantially
overlap in the closed configuration. However, the first and second clasp portions
are not limited to being rectangular. Any shape is possible including round, square,
depending upon the aesthetic effect required.
Preferably, the two pieces forming the first and second clasp portions
are hingeably connected so as to be pivotable relative to one another between open
and closed configurations. In a particularly preferred embodiment, a flexible hinge
may be provided to accommodate a varying thickness of banknotes. This may be achieved
by way of a floating hinge as per the preferred embodiment described below.
However, the money clip of the present invention is not limited to having
the two clasp portions pivotable relative to one another. The first and second
clasp portions may instead be slideable relative to one another and moveable between
an off-set configuration whereby the banknotes may be inserted and an overlapped
configuration whereby the banknotes may be held therebetween.
While the first and second clasp portions may be two separate pieces, they
may also be integral. For example, the first and second clasp portions may be plastic
with a living hinge provided therebetween.
The first magnetic portion may be arranged to slide relative to the first clasp
portion. Where the first clasp portion is plate-like or planar, the first magnetic
portion may be disposed to slide along the general plane of the first clasp portion.
The first magnetic portion may be in the form of a slide disposed on the inner
side of the first clasp portion which is preferably operable from the exterior
of the clip. In a most preferred form of the invention, a slot is provided in the
first clasp portion with a moveable actuator being disposed on the outer side of
the first clasp portion to operate the first magnetic portion within the clip.
Any type of magnetic material may be incorporated into the clip. In a most preferred
form of the invention, the magnetic material comprises rare earth magnets. Rare
earth magnets are magnets that are made out of the rare earth group of elements
in the atomic table. The most common rare earth magnets are Neodymium-Iron-Boron
and Samarium Cobalt types. Rare earth magnets are currently the most powerful magnets available.
The first magnetic portion and the second magnetic portion may each comprise
a single magnet arranged such that in the closed position of the first magnetic
portion, the adjacent portions of the magnetic material in the first and second
magnetic portions will have opposite poles to thereby attract. In a most preferred
form of the invention the arrangement of magnetic material is such that in the
open position of the first magnetic portion, there is a net force of repulsion
between the first magnetic portion and the second magnetic portion tending to repel
the first and second clasp portions apart. To achieve such an arrangement, it is
preferred that the first magnetic portion comprises at least one band of magnetic
material extending across the width of the first magnetic portion with the polarity
reversing through the thickness of the band. Further, in this embodiment, the second
magnetic portion may have a plurality of bands of magnetic material extending across
the width of the second magnetic portion with the polarity reversing through the
thickness of the bands. The bands on the second portion are preferably arranged
such that with the first magnetic portion in the closed position, the band of the
first magnetic portion will be attracted to one of the bands of the second magnetic
portion thereby holding the first and second portions together. Furthermore, in
the open position, the band of the first magnetic portion is disposed adjacent
to the other band of the second magnetic portion whereby the polarity is such that
these two bands repel each other to repel the two clasp portions apart.
In a most preferred form of the invention, the first magnetic portion has a series
of bands of alternating polarity through the thickness of the bands and the second
magnetic portion has a series of bands with alternating polarity through the thickness
of the bands such that in the closed position of the first magnetic portion, the
adjacent bands attract and in the open position, the adjacent bands repel each
other. Preferably, the bands are spaced from each other.
The clip may also be provided with a lock or catch to prevent unauthorised release
of the first and second portions.
This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements, and
features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually
or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts,
elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have
known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents
are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In order that the invention may be more fully understood, one embodiment will
now be described by way of example by reference to the drawings in which:
FIG. 1. is a side view of a clip according to a first preferred embodiment of
the present invention;
FIG. 2. is a plan view of the clip of FIG. 1 with a part omitted;
FIG. 3. is a plan view of the clip of FIG. 1 including a moveable first magnetic portion;
FIG. 4. is a plan view as in FIG. 3 except with the moveable first magnetic
portion shown in a different position;
FIG. 5. is a diagram illustrating the polarity of the magnets used in the clip
of FIG. 3;
FIG. 6. is a side view of the clip of FIG. 3 in the closed configuration, also
separately illustrating the form of the top clasp portion;
FIG. 7. is a plan view of the clip of FIG. 6 in the closed configuration;
FIG. 8. is a side view as in FIG. 6 except with the actuator shown in the closed position;
FIG. 9. is a cross-sectional view illustrating the alignment of the magnets;
FIG. 10. is a diagram illustrating the polarity of adjacent magnets;
FIG. 11. is a side view illustrating the open configuration of the clip;
FIG. 12. is a cross-sectional view illustrating the alignment of the magnets
in the open configuration;
FIG. 13. is a diagram illustrating the polarity of an aligned pair of magnets.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The clip
10 illustrated in FIG. 1 comprises a first clasp portion
14
and a second clasp portion
12 which are pivotably connected through pivot
16. The arrangement of the two clasp portions
12,
14 is such
that the clasp portions
12,
14 are able to be separated to form an
angle of 180 degrees and to form the closed configuration illustrated in FIG. 6.
Each of the clasp portions
12,
14 is constructed from metal and is
substantially planar and rectangular in plan as illustrated in FIG. 2. Further,
as illustrated in FIG. 2, the second clasp portion
12 is provided with a
series of spaced bands of magnetic material
18,
19. The bands
18,
19 extend across the width of the second clasp portion
12. FIG. 2
illustrates the polarity of bands
18,
19 by shading. Bands
18
have an upper surface which is positive as depicted by dark shading and a lower
surface (not shown) which is negative. On the other hand, the light shading of
the bands
19 illustrates negative polarity on the top surface with positive
polarity on the under surface (not shown). FIG. 3 is similar to FIG. 2 except that
the polarity of the bands has been reversed. This polarity is adopted in the remainder
of the Figures. The bands of magnetic material in the second clasp portion
12
form the second magnetic portion.
FIG. 3 illustrates the form of the first magnetic portion
22 which is
in the form of a slide. The slide
22 is disposed in a rectangular recess
provided on the inner face of the first clasp portion
14. The slide
22
is moveable back and forth between the position illustrated in FIG. 3 and the position
illustrated in FIG. 4. To achieve this movement of the slide
22 from the
exterior of the clip
10, the slide
22 is connected to a manually
operable actuator
25. As can be seen in FIG. 7, the manually operable actuator
25 is circular in plan. A stem (not shown) interconnects the actuator
25
with the slide
22 through a slot
28 in the first clasp portion
14
which can be seen in FIG. 2.
The slide
22 also has a series of spaced bands of magnetic material which
extend across the width of the slide
22. Like the second magnetic portion,
the bands of the first magnetic portion also have their polarity arranged through
the thickness of the bands with an alternating arrangement from one band to the
next. The bands
30 have a positive polarity on their inner surface and a
negative polarity on their outer surface. As also illustrated by the shading of
the bands, bands
32 have a negative polarity on their inner surface as shown
and a positive polarity on the outermost surface. In this context, "inner" and
"outer" are understood as being relative to the clip. The inner surfaces will come
into contact with banknotes to be contained within the clip whereas the outer surfaces
face away from the banknotes.
Given the banknotes held within the clip
10 may form a bundle of variable
thickness, the clip
10 is arranged with a floating hinge. As can be seen
from FIG. 6, the first clasp portion
14 is provided with hinge portions
34 which are slotted as shown. Each slot
36 is arranged with its
length direction running perpendicular to the general plane of the first clasp
portion
14. The pivot
16 includes a pin
38 journalled in a
circular aperture within a hinge portion
40 of the second clasp portion
12. The provision of the slots
36 enables the first clasp portion
14 to overlay the second clasp portion
12 in a parallel arrangement
at a variety of spacings determined by the length of the slots
36. The operation
of the pivot
16 is illustrated further in FIGS. 11 and 12.
As already explained, the slide
22 is moveable between a closed position
illustrated in FIG. 9 and an open position illustrated in FIG. 12. In the closed
position, it can be seen that each inner surface of the magnetic bands
30,
32 will be opposite in polarity to the inner surface of the vertically aligned
bands
18,
19 of the second magnetic portion. This arrangement is
illustrated diagrammatically in FIG. 10. Therefore, in the closed position of the
slide
22, the magnetic bands will attract and the first and second clasp
portions
14,
12 will be held together firmly, depending upon the
strength of the magnets.
In FIG. 12, the slide
22 has been moved to the open position. In this
open
position, the inner surfaces of the bands
30,
32 of the slide
22
will have the same polarity as the inner surfaces of the vertically aligned bands
18,
19 of the second magnetic portion. This arrangement of polarity
is illustrated diagrammatically in FIG. 13. With the same polarity on the inner
surfaces, the bands of magnetic material will repel one another leading to the
first and second clasp portions
14,
12 being repelled to the open
configuration illustrated in FIG. 12 thereby permitting the banknotes to be withdrawn
from the clip.
The foregoing describes only one embodiment of the present and modifications
may be made thereto within the spirit of the invention without departing from the
scope of the invention.
*
