US20020194711A1

US20020194711A1 - Cash band

Info

Publication number: US20020194711A1
Application number: US09/887,058
Authority: US
Inventors: Craig Stampler
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-06-25
Filing date: 2001-06-25
Publication date: 2002-12-26

Abstract

A cash band that can be used to hold cash, credit cards and identification. The cash band is made of a cloth material that is weaved with thin elastic bands throughout and is sewn together at each end with sturdy thread. The cash band is easily stretched to accommodate an indefinite number of cash, credit cards and identification to be held by an adult. The cash band can also be used by children to hold childrens' items such as playing cards. A second embodiment is provided that utilizes a hook and loop fastener for easy adjustment.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a cloth and elastic band used to hold cash, credit cards, identification cards and other types of items typically stored in a wallet.

2. Description of Related Art

Money clips and wallets are common items used to carry money, credit cards and other valuable items. The related art describes the use of such items and distinguishes between what is a money clip and what is a wallet. The related art also describes lesser known devices such as retaining bands for important papers such as leases, financial papers and other documents. Many of these devices have multiple features and functions as well as creative designs.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,761,809, issued to Ancla, outlines a bill holder that allows a user to remove an outer bill without disturbing other held bills. The device outlined in the Ancla patent utilizes an elastic band used together with a strip of stiff material that gives structure to the invention and allows the elastic band to hold folded paper money securely in place against the strip of material. The strip of material is typically thin metal and can be easily adjusted to accommodate bills of different lengths, widths and quantities.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,960,690, issued to Blair, outlines the use of an elastic retaining band device, which is used to hold together bundles of important papers such as insurance policies, leases and legal documents. These papers are clearly identified by a label that is associated with the device. This device may either have slots formed by cutting slits in the band, or a window cut into a double thickness of material, for holding the label.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,077,869, issued to Haase, outlines the use of a combination credit card and money clip device. A clip and elastic band are provided to comfortably and separately hold credit cards and folded paper money at the same time. The clip serves as a holding means and backing for the elastic band. The device is a new and improved version of a simple money clip. The device can be made of rubber, plastic or metal material.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,279,019, issued to Knickle, also outlines the use of a combination credit card and money clip device. The “endless elastic band” is able to stretch as much as is necessary to accommodate any size credit card or folding money. The endless elastic band also returns to its original small and convenient size when not in use. The device is designed to be compact and inconspicuous and can more easily be used with casual clothing and accessories. The device includes an elastic band made of a material having a combination of rubber and polyester, or alternatively from elastic fabric such as spandex or lycra, and having two ends sewn together to form an endless loop with a metal cover plate crimped over the band to cover the stitching.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,367,752, issued to Petty, outlines the use of expandable wrapping ribbon for simply and quickly wrapping packages or securing bundles of material. In the first embodiment, a single continuous ribbon with an enveloping sheath is provided to cover and protect an elastic band that encircles the desired package or bundle. There is also a second embodiment that utilizes spring clips provided at the each end of the elastic band to serve as an attaching means for attaching the ribbon sections to a wrapping material.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,944,080, issued to Podwika, outlines the use of a money clip and an elastic band. There is a rectangular planar base which is used in conjunction with a money clip that is integral to the base. An elastic band is also utilized and is formed into a continuous loop that encircles the base and can hold any folded money or plastic cards against the base. The elastic band is permanently attached to the base and can also be used to hold folding money or plastic cards.

Although all of the patents describe useful devices that hold and organize plastic cards and money, some of these devices, like other similar devices in the related art, can be fairly sophisticated to use. This could actually be a disadvantage, since these devices can be bulky and cumbersome. What is really needed is a simple device that conveniently organizes and holds folding money, credit cards and identification that is easy to use and can be easily adjustable.

None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a cash band that can be used to hold cash, credit cards and identification. The cash band is made of a cloth material that is weaved with thin elastic bands throughout and is sewn together at each end with sturdy thread. The cash band is easily stretched to accommodate an indefinite number of cash, credit cards and identification cards normally held by an adult. The cash band can also be used by children to hold childrens' items such as playing cards. A second embodiment is provided that utilizes hook and loop fastening material to releasably attach the ends of the elastic material.

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a cash band that is lighter and easier to use than other more sophisticated wallets and money clips and is easily adjustable.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a cash band with a desired logo or indicia of a professional sports team, college team, high school team or brand name.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a less bulky way of carrying cash, credit cards, identification and other wallet related items.

It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.

These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a cash band according to the present invention. [0019]
FIG. 2 is a perspective side view of a cash band according to the present invention. [0020]
FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of FIG. 1 along line [0021] 3-3.
FIG. 4 is an environmental perspective view of a second embodiment of a cash band according to the present invention.[0022]
Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings. [0023]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is a [0024] cash band 10 used to hold cash, credit cards, identification cards, and other flat materials C, as depicted in FIG. 1.
The [0025] cash band 10 is comprised of a cloth strip of a predetermined width and length with strands of elastic weaved together with the cloth strip and a fastening means for attaching each end of the cloth strip together, forming a loop 20 that can be placed around a plurality of cash, credit cards and identification cards C to secure these items within the formed loop 20. The loop 20 can easily stretch to accommodate an indefinite number of plastic cards and folded bills because of the elastic weaved within the cash band 10, which also returns the cash band 10 to its original shape after being used.
This is also shown in FIG. 2, where the [0026] cash band 10 displays a user's arbitrary choice of logo or indicia 30. This logo or indicia 30 can take the form of a professional sports team, a college or high school team or even a brand name such as “Cashband”. The attaching means for the first embodiment of the invention, for each end of the cloth strip is sewn heavy thread 40, that permanently secures each end of the cloth strip together, forming an endless loop 20.
As depicted in FIG. 3, the [0027] cash band 10 surrounds the cash, credit cards and identification cards C. The loop 20 does not utilize any clips, base or backing to further support the cash, credit cards and identification cards C. Because of this, the cash band 10 can easily and inexpensively be made by a manufacturer. The cash band 10 also gives a less formal aesthetic appearance than it would otherwise with these other accessories. The absence of these accessories also makes it easier for a user to carry his cash, credit cards and identification cards C.
Children can also use the [0028] cash band 10 for carrying childrens' items such as playing cards. It is not expected that a typical child will use the cash band 10 for holding credit cards and identification cards. The cash band 10 can be referred to as “a fun band” when used by a child to hold such childrens' items. The cash band 10 will hold other adult related items such as cash, credit cards and identification cards C.
A second embodiment of the [0029] cash band 10 is depicted in FIG. 4. This second embodiment of the cash band 10 utilizes a different fastening means for attaching each end of the cloth strip forming the loop, viz., hook and loop fastening material 50. A first strip 60 of either hook or loop fastening material is provided on one end of the cash band 10, and is wrapped around the width of some cash, credit cards or identification cards C, and then attached to a second, mating strip 70 of hook and loop fastening material provided on the other end of the cash band 10.
This attachment can be done easily by hand and allows the user to better adjust to a variety of widths and thicknesses of cash, credit cards and identification cards C. It can also keep the [0030] cash band 10 from stretching out and allowing a user to better adjust for a very small or very large stack of cash, credit cards and identification cards C.
Operation of both embodiments is very simple. Cash, credit cards and identification cards C are simply placed within the [0031] cash band 10 manually by the user. The width of the cash band 10 is approximately 1″, the length is approximately 3″ and can be stretched approximately to 6″. Both embodiments are easily washable and can be used repeatedly for long periods of time.
It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the sole embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims. [0032]

Claims

I claim:

1. A band used to hold cash, credit cards and identification cards, comprising:

a cloth strip of a predetermined width and length having strands of elastic weaved together within the cloth strip and having a first end and an opposing second end; and

an fastening means for attaching the first and second ends of the cloth strip together to form a loop adapted for being placed around a plurality of paper currency, credit cards and identification cards to secure the same within the loop.

2. A band according to claim 1, further comprising indicia disposed on said cloth strip.

3. The band according to claim 1, wherein said fastening means comprises a plurality of stitches attaching the first and second ends together to form an endless loop.

4. The band according to claim 1, wherein said fastening means for attaching the first and second ends of said cloth strip together comprises hook and loop fastening material.