CARD HOLDER

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a card holder according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Such card holders are used to transport credit cards and similar cards, such as business cards, debit cards, insurance cards and membership cards, in a space-saving manner, without having to use bulky wallets and the like.

[0003] For example, a card case in which the cards are inserted into a housing is already known from DE 20 2012 010 412 U1. Additionally, banknotes can be clamped under a clip, with a flap serving to cover the banknotes during transport.

[0004] German patent DE 20 2018 106 998 U1 discloses a card case which also includes a housing for the cards. However, instead of a clip and a cover for the banknotes, it has a foldable pocket for storing banknotes.

[0005] However, in practice, this design of the card arrangement has proven to be a disadvantage, as the cards are subject to high wear and tear from insertion and removal, which can cause the coatings of the cards to partially peel off.

[0006] German patent DE 20 2018 106 998 U1 discloses a card holder with a U-shaped frame that is essentially closed on one side over a section of its surface. A slot is provided in one of the surface elements to increase the flexibility of the holding arms. The holding arms have insertion ramps or projections for securing the inserted cards. The holder also includes a storage compartment for money, which is fixed in corresponding slots (not shown). The money pocket is designed so that banknotes are completely concealed when the pocket is closed.

[0007] KR 101 951 827 B1 shows numerous card holders, each featuring magnetic elements, coupling pins, and coupling openings. This allows several card holders to be connected to form a single card holder, which can also be covered with cover sheets. Shielding inserts can also be used.

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to propose a card holder that is easy to load with credit cards and from which the cards can be easily removed without the cards being subject to excessive wear and tear.

[0009] This problem is solved with the card holder according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims and in the following description together with the figures.

[0010] The inventors recognized that this task could be solved in a surprisingly simple way by using a U-shaped frame instead of a housing to hold the cards, because this reduces the contact between the cards and the frame to a minimum, thus significantly reducing wear and tear.

[0011] The card holder for credit cards according to the invention, comprising a frame in which the credit cards can be stored, wherein the frame is U-shaped, further comprising at least one money storage element, which is designed as a banknote compartment with two superimposed layers enclosing an opening for inserting the banknotes, wherein one layer only partially overhangs the other layer, and wherein the banknote compartment has a central area, an inner cover and an outer cover, is characterized in that in the area of ​​the inner cover there is partially no overhang between the two layers and an overhang of the first layer over the second layer in the area of ​​the inner cover is only partially provided.

[0012] In a further development, the frame is designed as a single piece. This allows for particularly cost-effective production of the holder, while simultaneously enabling a very aesthetically pleasing and high-quality appearance. Additionally, the card holder boasts a long lifespan.

[0013] In a more advantageous design, the frame is made of a material that includes metal and / or plastic. This allows the card holder to be manufactured very cost-effectively and with a long lifespan.

[0014] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the frame is provided with a base and two arms positioned at opposite ends of the base. Preferably, the arms extend further forward from the base than the cards to be held in the frame. This results in a minimalist frame design and ensures very secure card placement within the frame.

[0015] In a further advantageous embodiment, the arms are provided with sliding surfaces for the credit cards to be held, with at least one arm having a projection opposite the respective sliding surface, the projection being located at the far end of the arm relative to the base. This ensures that the cards are gripped by the projection on at least one side, thus securing them very securely in the card holder.

[0016] In a further development, it is provided that the frame is designed to be elastic, allowing the ends of the arms furthest from the base to be offset from each other. This makes it very easy to insert the cards into the frame and remove them again as needed.

[0017] In an advantageous further development, the frame is designed to only grip the inserted credit cards at the edges. This makes the card holder very lightweight and minimizes wear and tear on the cards during use.

[0018] In an advantageous further development, the frame is provided with a receiving groove for at least partially gripping the inserted credit cards. Preferably, the receiving groove extends beyond the large sides of the inserted cards. This also makes the card holder very lightweight and minimizes wear and tear on the cards during use. The receiving groove can extend completely along the frame, but this is not necessary. It can also be present only in sections, for example, in the area of ​​the ends of the arms furthest from the base and at the base itself.

[0019] An advantageous further development provides for the inclusion of at least one money storage device designed as a coin compartment. This allows for the storage of coins alongside cards and banknotes. If the money storage device is designed as a coin compartment, it can preferably be closed with a zipper or with a folding closure similar to a folding box. This ensures that the coins are kept very securely and yet easily accessible.

[0020] In an advantageous further training, it is stipulated that the money storage device consists of flexible textile, plant, animal and / or plastic products.

[0021] In a further advantageous embodiment, the money storage device is provided with a fold-out access opening, preferably in the form of an openable flap, wherein the money that can be arranged in the money storage device is locked away from the access opening when the opening is in its folded state. The card holder can then be easily attached to and worn on a user's belt or the like without any risk of money being lost.

[0022] In an advantageous further development, it is provided that the access space can be created by at least one flap, which is attached to one side of the frame and lockable on the opposite side. This makes carrying particularly easy. If there is a second flap, attached to the opposite side of the frame and foldable beneath the first flap, the locking mechanism of the first flap cannot disengage, and the card holder cannot tilt relative to the belt, thus ensuring a very secure attachment.

[0023] In a further advantageous design, the frame is provided with at least one holder for attaching a money storage device. This allows the money storage device to be made of a different material than the frame, resulting in a very aesthetically pleasing and high-quality design for the card holder.

[0024] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, one of the elements (banknote compartment and coin compartment) is arranged, preferably detachably, on the other element (banknote compartment and coin compartment). For example, a Velcro connection could be used. This allows the user of the cardholder to decide, as needed, whether to use both money storage options or to forgo one at a time. Furthermore, the user could optionally use differently designed money storage options.

[0025] In an advantageous further development, it is provided that the money storage device is detachably attached to the frame. This allows the user to equip the holder with suitable money storage devices as needed.

[0026] According to the invention, the money storage means is designed as a banknote compartment with two layers arranged one above the other, which enclose an opening for inserting the banknotes, with one layer only partially projecting over the other layer. Banknotes can then be easily removed from the banknote compartment. Especially if the banknote compartment has a central section, an inner lid, and an outer lid, and in the area of ​​the inner lid there is no projection between the two layers in some areas, money can be easily removed even if only the outer lid has been opened. The projection, at least in some areas, is preferably located along the opening.

[0027] In an advantageous further development, the money storage device is designed as a banknote compartment with two superimposed layers enclosing an opening for inserting banknotes. The layer that conceals a banknote when the card holder is closed has at least one recess along its length for gripping the banknote. Even then, the banknotes can be easily removed simply by opening the outer cover, thus providing very convenient access.

[0028] The features and further advantages of the present invention will become clear below with reference to the description of two preferred embodiments in conjunction with the figures. These figures show, purely schematically: Fig. 1 shows the card holder according to the invention in a first preferred embodiment in a top view, Fig. 2 shows the card holder according to the invention. Fig. 1 in a top view from below, Fig. 3 the card holder according to the invention Fig. 1 in a top view from below, with cards inserted, Fig. 4 the card holder according to the invention. Fig. 1 in a top view with the coin compartment open and coins inserted, Fig. 5 the frame of the card holder according to the invention. Fig. 1 in a top view of the non-visible side, Fig. 6 the frame of the card holder according to the invention Fig. 1 in a top view of the insertion side, Fig. 7 the banknote compartment of the card holder according to the invention Fig. 1 in a top view from below in the open state, Fig. 8 the banknote compartment of the card holder according to the invention. Fig. 1 in a top view from above in the open state, Fig. 9 the coin compartment of the card holder according to the invention Fig. 1 in a top view from below and Fig. 10 the card holder according to the invention according to a second preferred embodiment in a top view from above with the coin compartment open and coins inserted.

[0029] In the Fig. 1 bis 9 The card holder 10 according to the invention is shown in various views according to a first preferred embodiment.

[0030] It can be seen that the card holder 10 consists of a frame 12, a banknote compartment 14 and a coin compartment 16, wherein the card holder 12 has a tab 18 which is arranged on an outer cover 20 of the banknote compartment 14. This tab 18 has a snap fastener upper part 22 which interacts with a snap fastener lower part 24 which is arranged on the frame 12.

[0031] The frame 12 is U-shaped with a base 26 and two legs 28, 30, which run parallel to each other and are each arranged at the lateral ends 32, 34 of the base 26. The snap fastener base 24 is fixedly arranged on one leg 28.

[0032] Furthermore, there are three slots 36, 38, 40 in the base 26 and the two legs 28, 30, which, however, do not extend completely through the height H of the frame 12, but are designed in the manner of a blind hole (cf. Fig. 6 ).

[0033] The legs 28, 30 each have receiving grooves 42, 44 into which cards 46, for example credit cards, debit cards, business cards and the like, can be inserted. (In Fig. 3 (For better visibility of your full dimension, the maps show all areas, including those hidden by the frame (48 areas shown with dashed lines).)

[0034] The visible side 50 of the frame 12 is closed and formed without interruptions (cf. Fig. 6 (In this figure, leg 30 is shown in section, while leg 28 is shown in a top view.) The non-visible side 52 of the frame 12 has interruptions 54, 56 in the area of ​​the transitions of legs 28, 30 to the base 26. Here, the receiving grooves 42, 44 are only laterally limited on one side at the visible side 50. These interruptions 54, 56 provide greater elasticity to legs 28, 30, such that the outer ends 58, 60 can be moved slightly apart at least enough to allow the cards 46 to be inserted into the receiving grooves 42, 44.

[0035] The receiving grooves 42, 44 extend only within the legs 28, 30, but could also be extended into the base 26. To secure the received cards 46, inwardly extending chamfers 62 or projections are arranged at the outer ends 58, 60 of the legs 28, 30, which at least partially enclose the curves 66 of the received cards.

[0036] The banknote compartment 14 has, in addition to the outer cover 20, an inner cover 68 and a central section 70. The banknote compartment 14, extending over the outer cover 20, central section 70, and inner cover 68, is constructed of a first layer 72 and a second layer 74, the two layers 72 and 74 being firmly connected to each other by a seam 76 in certain areas. In the area of ​​the insertion side 78, there is a continuous opening 80 between the two layers 70 and 72. In the area of ​​the central section 70, the first layer 72 is provided with a recess 81.

[0037] The underside 82 of the first layer 72 is provided with three tabs 84, 86, 88 which are glued and / or pressed into the slots 36, 38, 40 in the frame 12.

[0038] On the upper side 84 of the second layer 74, in the middle area 70 there is a loop field 90 or the like, which can form a Velcro closure.

[0039] Finally, the coin compartment 16 has a base 92 and four side walls 94, 96, 98, 100, with matching snap fastener bases 102 and snap fastener tops 104 arranged on two opposite side walls 94, 98. A number of 106 coins and the like can be stored in the container 16 formed by the base 92 and the side walls 94, 96, 98, 100 (cf. Fig. 4 ).

[0040] On the underside 108 of the base surface 92 of the coin compartment 16 there is a barbed field 110 or the like, which can form a hook and loop fastener with the loop field 90 (cf. Fig. 10 ).

[0041] The card holder 10 is clearly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. For example, a user can decide whether they need the coin compartment 16 and optionally attach it to the banknote compartment 14. To do this, they simply press the barbed hook 110 onto the loop 90 to secure the coin compartment 16.

[0042] When the coin compartment 16 is not in use, the user removes it, separating the barbed section 110 from the loop section 90. In this state, the loop section 90 does not interfere with the handling of the card holder 12 because, unlike the barbed section 108, the loop section 90 is soft and plush.

[0043] This would allow the user not only to remove the coin compartment 16 if necessary, but also to use different coin compartments 16 optionally, which have different designs.

[0044] If the tabs 84, 86, 88 of the money compartment 14 are not glued into the corresponding slots, the user could also separate the banknote compartment 14 from the frame 12 and possibly use the frame 12 alone if he has no need to store banknotes.

[0045] Furthermore, he could again replace the different banknote compartments (14) with different designs.

[0046] The card holder 12, which is equipped with both a banknote compartment 14 and a coin compartment 16, is used as follows: The user can insert cards 46 directly into the frame 12 at the insertion side 78. The two outer ends 58, 60 of the legs 28, 30 are slightly pushed away from each other when the cards 46 are pushed into the receiving grooves 42, 44 over the chamfers 62, 64, which form projections opposite the sliding surfaces 112, 114 of the respective receiving grooves 42, 44. After the cards 46 have been fully inserted into the receiving grooves 42, 44, the chamfers 62, 64 enclose the curves 66 of the cards 46, whereby the two outer ends 58, 60 of the legs 28, 30 move back towards each other to their initial position. As a result, the cards 46 are held captively in the frame 12 because the visible side 50 and the non-visible side 52 each form an overlap 116 with respect to the cards 46 in the area of ​​the legs 28, 30 (cf. Fig. 3 ).

[0047] The removal of cards 46 from the card holder 10 is carried out by either individual cards 46, which are on the visible side 50 of the frame 12 (see Fig. 3 ) or on the non-visible side 52 of frame 12 (see Fig. 4 ) lying on top and being pushed out, or all cards 46 can be grasped and pulled out with two fingers between the recess 81 and the visible side 50.

[0048] To insert banknotes (not shown) into the banknote compartment 14, the snap fastener top part 22 is released from the snap fastener bottom part 24 and the outer cover 20 and the inner cover 68 are folded down from the central area 70 (see illustration). Fig. 4 The second layer 74 is then lifted from the first layer 72 at the insertion side 78 to enlarge the opening 80. The banknotes can then be easily inserted into the opening 80. The inner cover 68 and outer cover 20 are then placed back onto the central area 70 in this order, and the first snap fastener 22, 24 is closed (see figure). Fig. 1 ).

[0049] To simplify the handling of banknotes, the first layer 72 does not extend beyond the second layer 74 in the area of ​​the middle section 70, so that the banknotes protrude from the opening 80 in the middle section 70. Furthermore, the first layer 72 only extends beyond the second layer 74 over 118 in the area of ​​the outer cover 20 to the extent that it completely covers the inserted banknotes, in order to protect them. In contrast, the overhang 120 in the area of ​​the inner cover 68 is only partial. This creates the Fig. 2 The overlap of the covers 118 and 120 shown allows banknotes to be easily removed after opening the outer cover 20, without having to also fold down the inner cover 68 and lift the opening 80.

[0050] When the outer cover 20 and the inner cover 68 are folded away from the central area 70 (see Fig. 4 The coin compartment 16 can be accessed by releasing the second push button 102, 104 to lift the side walls 94, 96, 98, 100 from the base 92. This allows coins 106 to be removed or inserted. After first lowering the side walls 96, 100 and then the side walls 94, 98 towards the base 92, the second push button 102, 104 can be closed, thus securing the coins 106 in the coin compartment 16.

[0051] In Fig. 10 The card holder 150 according to the invention is shown in a top view from above in a second preferred embodiment.

[0052] It can be seen that, unlike the card holder 10, there is no coin pocket 16 in the Viennese fold here, but a coin pocket 152 for coins 154, which has a zipper 156, so that the coin pocket 152 can be securely and completely closed.

[0053] Otherwise, card holder 150 is identical in design to card holder 10, so these features will not be discussed again. In particular, the rear design of the banknote compartment 158 ​​is identical to that in Fig. 7 shown.

[0054] Because the banknote compartment 14, 158 is designed to be closed in itself and the coin compartments 16, 152 are also designed to be closed, after folding the inner cover 68, 160 onto the coin compartment 16, 152 and subsequently folding the outer cover 20, 162 onto the inner cover 68, 160 and locking it with the push button 22, 24, 164 on the frame 12, a flap-like access space 122 exists (cf. Fig. 1 ) between coin compartment 16, 152 and inner lid 68, 160 or also between inner lid 68, 160 and outer lid 20, 162, through which, for example, a belt could be pulled.

[0055] This access compartment 122 is blocked from banknotes and coins 106, 154, so that no money can enter the access compartment and be lost. This allows the card holder 10, 150 to be easily attached to and worn on a belt (not shown), while the cards 46 remain accessible. To remove and attach it to a user's belt, only the snap fastener 22, 24, 164 needs to be released.

[0056] Because the outer cover 20, 162 is attached to one leg 30 of the frame 12 and the inner cover 68, 160 to the opposite leg 28 of the frame 12, and the inner cover 68, 160 is designed to fold under the outer cover 20, 162, the locking mechanism of the outer cover 20, 162 with the snap fastener 22, 24, 164 on the frame 12 cannot come loose, even when the card holder 10, 150 is attached to a belt or the like. Furthermore, the covers 20, 162, 68, 160 have linear contact points on both sides of the belt, so that the card holder 10, 150 cannot tilt relative to the belt and can therefore be attached very securely to the belt.

[0057] It has become clear from the foregoing description that the present invention provides a card holder 10, 150 which can be easily loaded with credit cards 46 and from which the cards 46 can be easily removed again without being subject to excessive wear. In addition, a coin compartment 16, 152 with coins 106, 154 can optionally be used.

[0058] All features presented in the general description of the invention, the description of the exemplary embodiments, the following claims and in the drawings can be essential to the invention both individually and in any combination. These features or combinations of features can each form the basis of an independent invention, the right to claim which is expressly reserved. Individual features from the description of an exemplary embodiment do not necessarily have to be combined with one or more or all of the other features stated in the description of this exemplary embodiment; in this respect, each sub-combination is expressly disclosed. Furthermore, physical features of the device can be reformulated and used as process features, and process features can be reformulated and used as physical features of the device. Such a reformulation is therefore automatically disclosed. Bezugszeichenliste

[0059] 10 Card holder according to the invention 12 Frame 14 Banknote compartment 16 Coin compartment 18 Tab 20 Outer cover of the banknote compartment 14, Tab 22 Snap fastener top 24 Snap fastener bottom 26 Base 28, 30 Legs, arms 32, 34 Side ends of the base 26 36 Slot in the base 26 38 Slot in the leg 28 40 Slot in the leg 30 42, 44 Receptacles in the legs 28, 30 46 Cards 48 Concealed areas of the cards 46 50 Visible side of the frame 12 52 Non-visible side of the frame 12 54, 56 Breaks 58, 60 Outer ends of the legs 28, 30 62 Chamfers, projections 66Curves 66 of the cards 46 68Inner lid of the banknote compartment 14, flap 70Middle area of ​​the banknote compartment 14 72First layer 74Second layer 76Seam between layers 72, 74 78Insertion side 80Opening between the two layers 70, 72 81Recess 82Underside of the first layer 72 84, 86, 88Flaps 84Top of the second layer 74 90Loop field 92Base area 94, 96, 98,100Side walls 102Lower snap fastener part 104Upper snap fastener part 106Coins 108Underside of the base surface 110Barb field 112, 114Sliding surfaces of the receiving grooves 42, 44 116Overlap of the visible side 50 in the area of ​​the legs 28, 30 opposite the cards 46 118, 120Overlaps 122Access space, flap for belts and the like 150Card holder according to the invention according to a second preferred embodiment 152Coin compartment 154Coins 156Zipper 158Banknote compartment 160Inner lid, flap 162Outer lid, flap 164Upper snap fastener part HHeight of the frame 12,

Claims

1. Card holder (10; 150) for credit cards (46), having a frame (12) in which the credit cards (46) can be stored, wherein the frame (12) is U-shaped (26, 28, 30), wherein furthermore there is at least one money storage means designed as a banknote compartment (14; 158) with two layers (72, 74) arranged one on top of the other, which enclose an opening (80) for inserting the banknotes, wherein the one layer (72) protrudes from the other layer (74) only in regions (118, 120) and wherein the banknote compartment (14; 158) has a centre region (70), an inner cover (68; 160) and an outer cover (20; 162), characterised in that in the region of the inner cover (68; 160) there is no projection (120) between the two layers (72, 74) in some regions and a projection (120) of the first layer (72) relative to the second layer (74) is only partially provided in the region of the inner cover (68; 160).

2. Card holder (10; 150) according to claim 1, characterised in that furthermore there is at least one money storage means (14, 16; 152, 158) designed as a coin compartment (16; 152) and / or in that the money storage means (14, 16; 152, 158) has flexible textile, plant, animal and / or plastic products.

3. Card holder (10; 150) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the money storage means (14; 158) has a formable pass-through space (122), preferably in the form of an openable flap (122), wherein the money that can be arranged in the money storage means (14; 158) is blocked with respect to the pass-through space (122) in the formed state of the reach-through space (122).

4. Card holder (10; 150) according to claim 3, characterised in that the pass-through space (122) can be formed by at least one flap (20; 162), which is fastened to one side (30) of the frame (12) and is designed to be lockable (22, 24, 164) on the opposite (28) side of the frame (12), wherein there is preferably a second flap (68; 160) that is attached to the opposite side (28) of the frame (12) and under which one flap (20; 162) is designed to be foldable.

5. Card holder (10; 150) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the frame (12) has at least one holder (36, 38, 40) for fastening a money storage device (14; 158) and / or in that there is both a banknote compartment (14; 158) and a coin compartment (16; 152) and one of the elements, the banknote compartment or the coin compartment (16; 152), is arranged, preferably detachably, on the other of the elements, the banknote compartment (14; 158) or the coin compartment.

6. Card holder (10; 150) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the money storage means (14; 158) is detachably arranged on the frame (12).

7. Card holder (10; 150) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the layer (72) that covers a banknote in the closed state of the card holder (10) has at least one recess over its length for gripping (81) the banknote.

8. Card holder (10; 150) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the frame (12) is formed in one piece and / or in that the frame (12) is made of a material having metal and / or plastic.

9. Card holder (10; 150) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the frame (12) has a base (26) and two arms (28, 30) arranged at opposite ends of the base (26).

10. Card holder (10; 150) according to claim 9, characterised in that there are sliding surfaces (112, 114) on the arms (28, 30) for the credit cards (46) to be received, wherein at least one arm (28) has a projection (62) relative to the respective sliding surface (112), wherein the projection (62) is arranged on the end (58) of the arm (28) remote from the base (26).

11. Card holder (10; 150) according to claim 9 or 10, characterised in that the frame (12) is elastically designed in such a way that the ends (58, 60) of the arms (28, 30) remote from the base (26) can be offset in their distance from one another.

12. Card holder (10; 150) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the frame (12) is designed to enclose the received credit cards (46) only at the edge.

13. Card holder (10; 150) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the frame (12) has a receiving groove (42, 44) for at least partially engaging around the received credit cards (46).