Badge and credit card holder

Abstract

A badge and credit card holder for improved functionality is disclosed, comprising a rectangular hollow cuboid with an opening on the top side, a linear slide aperture on the bottom side, and a badge aperture on either the front or rear side. Inside the rectangular hollow cuboid, a pin guide houses a pin that holds a resistance spring and permanently engages with a first L-shaped lever mounted on a pivot, possibly through a magnetic retention and release mechanism. A button with a shaft inserted into the linear slide aperture engages the pin to initiate a linear spring-driven motion that is converted into a rotational movement of the first L-shaped lever, which dispenses the credit cards in a staggered manner by featuring a multi-stepped design. A second L-shaped lever mounted on a spring-driven articulation on either the left or right side of the rectangular hollow cuboid prevents the accidental release of the credit cards.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] The present invention is directed to a badge and credit card holder for improved functionality. U.S. Pat. No. 11,737,534 B2 to Louis Antonio Rodriguez (issued on August 29, 2023) discloses a similar design. While such prior art design resolves the need of having a government badge holder that is also a semi-automatic credit card dispenser, it suffers from disadvantages such as accidental credit card spillage, reduced reliability of the credit card dispensing mechanism, and limited credit card storage capacity. The present invention addresses these disadvantages by incorporating a second L-shaped lever with a spring-driven articulation that prevents the accidental release of credit cards, permanently engaging all the parts of the credit card dispensing mechanism for improved reliability, possibly through a magnetic retention and release mechanism, and adding a credit card pocket affixed to the rear side of the rectangular hollow cuboid for additional credit card storage capacity.SUMMARY

[0002] The present invention relates to a badge and credit card holder with improved functionality. The badge and credit card holder comprises a rectangular hollow cuboid designed to accommodate credit cards that features a badge aperture on either its front or rear side. A button-activated mechanism, consisting of a pin guide, a pin with a resistance spring, and an L-shaped lever system, facilitates a staggered dispensing of the credit cards while preventing their accidental release. A first L-shaped lever rotationally mounted on a pivot and permanently engaged with the pin, possibly through a magnetic retention and release mechanism, defines multiple steps for the controlled ejection of the credit cards. A second L-shaped lever mounted on a spring-driven articulation ensures secure retention of the credit cards within the rectangular hollow cuboid. The second L-shaped lever defines a slotted aperture that receives another pin fixedly attached to the rectangular hollow cuboid, ensuring a precise alignment of the second L-shaped lever and preventing its unintended dislocation.

[0003] The design of the badge and credit card holder incorporates a linear slide aperture on the bottom side of the rectangular hollow cuboid to guide the movement of the button-activated mechanism, ensuring smooth operation. The button, when pressed, initiates a predominantly horizontal linear spring-driven motion of the pin, which is then converted into a rotational movement of the first L-shaped lever, thereby sequentially dispensing the credit cards in an organized manner.

[0004] The pin and the first L-shaped lever are permanently engaged to avoid their unintended disconnection and thus improve the reliability and functionality of the badge and credit card holder. Their permanent engagement may be accomplished through a magnetic retention and release mechanism comprising a magnet secured to the short leg of the first L-shaped lever and a ferromagnetic contact point secured to the posterior end of the pin.

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide a compact and efficient device that allows users to securely store and controllably dispense credit cards while integrating a badge holder for added convenience.

[0006] To enhance durability and usability, the badge and credit card holder can be constructed from a metallic material, providing a sturdy and long-lasting structure. A felt lining is included on the inner left and right sides of the rectangular hollow cuboid to protect the surfaces of the credit cards from scratches and wear. Additionally, a synthetic resin pad is positioned between the head of the button and the bottom surface of the rectangular hollow cuboid to absorb impact and ensure smooth actuation. For additional functionality, the badge and credit card holder may include a credit card pocket for quick-access storage.

[0007] Furthermore, the dimensions of the badge and credit card holder are carefully calibrated for optimal portability and ergonomic handling, with a height of 4.00 inches, a depth of 0.41 inches, and a width of 2.50 inches. These proportions enable easy placement within pockets or bags while ensuring sufficient capacity for multiple credit cards.

[0008] Overall, the invention aims to deliver a seamless combination of security, accessibility, and durability, making it an essential accessory for individuals who frequently use and carry credit cards and badges.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regards to the following description, appended claims, and drawings where:

[0010] FIG. 1 is an elevation view of the present invention;

[0011] FIG. 2a. is a front perspective view of the present invention;

[0012] FIG. 2b. is a front perspective view of the present invention partially disassembled;

[0013] FIG. 3a is a back perspective view of the present invention;

[0014] FIG. 3b is a back perspective view of the present invention partially disassembled;

[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the first L-shaped lever and other elements of the invention; and

[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the second L-shaped lever and other elements of the invention.DESCRIPTION

[0017] As seen in FIGS. 1-5, the present invention is a badge and credit card holder for improved functionality.

[0018] The badge and credit card holder for improved functionality comprises a rectangular hollow cuboid 10 that accommodates credit cards and that defines an opening 11 on a top side 10a, a linear slide aperture 12 on a bottom side 10b, and a badge aperture 13 on either a front side 10c or a rear side 10d. A pin guide 14 that defines a central aperture 14a, the pin guide is secured to either the left side or the right side of the midsection of an inner bottom side 10g of the rectangular hollow cuboid 10. A first pin 40 that defines an anterior end 40a and a posterior end 40b, the first pin 40 is inserted into the central aperture 14a of the pin guide 14 and holds a first resistance spring 41. A button 50 that has a top section 50a, a bottom section 50c and a shaft 50b connecting the top section 50a and the bottom section 50c, the top section 50a defines an aperture 51 where the anterior end 40a of the first pin 40 is fixedly attached to, the bottom section 50c defines a head 52 that lies on the bottom side 10b of the rectangular hollow cuboid 10, the shaft 50b is inserted into the linear slide aperture 12 of the bottom side 10b of the rectangular hollow cuboid 10. A first pivot 20 that is secured to at least either an inner front side 10h or an inner rear side 10i of the rectangular hollow cuboid 10, the pivot 20 is positioned between an inner left side 10j and an inner right side 10k of the rectangular hollow cuboid 10, and towards its inner bottom side 10g. A first L-shaped lever 30 that has a long leg 30a and a short leg 30b, the long leg 30a is installed generally horizontally and defines a plurality of steps 30c configured to dispense the credit cards in a staggered manner, the short leg 30b points towards the inner bottom side 10g of the rectangular hollow cuboid 10, the first L-shaped lever 30 is rotationally attached to the first pivot 20 at about the intersection between its long leg 30a and its short leg 30b. And, a second L-shaped lever 60 to prevent the accidental release of the credit cards inside the rectangular hollow cuboid 10, the second L-shaped lever 60 has a long leg 60a and a short leg 60b, the long leg 60a is installed generally vertically and is attached to either a left side 10e or a right side 10f of the rectangular hollow cuboid 10 with a spring-driven articulation 70, the short leg 60b points towards the other side of the rectangular hollow cuboid 10, the short leg 60b defines a slotted aperture 60c that receives a second pin 15 that is fixedly attached to either the inner front side 10h or the inner rear side 10i of the rectangular hollow cuboid 10 to prevent the dislocation of the second L-shaped lever 60, the second L-shaped lever 60 defines an inner angled surface 60d with a rounded chamfer 60e that slidingly engages with the credit cards during their staggered dispensing. The linear slide aperture 12 is positioned on either the left side or the right side of the pin guide 14, and the first L-shaped lever 30 is positioned on the other side of the pin guide 14. The head 52 of the bottom section 50c of the button 50 is used to activate a predominantly horizontal linear spring-driven motion 40c of the first pin 40. The posterior end 40b of the first pin 40 permanently engages with the short leg 30b of the first L-shaped lever 30 in a manner that converts the predominantly horizontal linear spring-driven motion 40c of the first pin 40 into a rotational movement 30d of the first L-shaped lever 30 around the first pivot 20.

[0019] In order for the predominantly horizontal linear spring-driven motion 40c of the first pin 40, which may be of either extension or retraction, to induce the rotational movement 30d of the first L-shaped lever 30 around the first pivot 20, a magnetic retention and release mechanism 121 may be provided, which comprises a magnet 120 secured to the short leg 30b of the first L-shaped lever 30 and a ferromagnetic contact point 122 secured to the posterior end 40b of the first pin 40 that is configured to engage with the magnet 120 upon retraction of the first pin 40. The magnet 120 may be secured to an inner surface of the short leg 30b of the first L-shaped lever 30, near its intersection with the long leg 30a.

[0020] The magnetic retention and release mechanism 121 facilitates the controlled rotational movement 30d of the first L-shaped lever 30 and the retraction of the first pin 40. During operation, when the head 52 of the bottom section 50c of the button 50 is depressed, the first pin 40 is displaced in the predominantly horizontal linear spring-driven motion 40c, causing the posterior end 40b of the first pin 40 to exert force against the short leg 30b of the first L-shaped lever 30. This force induces the rotational movement 30d of the first L-shaped lever 30 about the first pivot 20, thereby facilitating the staggered dispensing of the credit cards via the plurality of steps 30c on the long leg 30a of the first L-shaped lever 30. As the first pin 40 retracts to its original position, the ferromagnetic contact point 122 at its posterior end 40b aligns with the magnet 120 secured to the short leg 30b of the first L-shaped lever 30, creating a magnetic attraction that draws the first pin 40 into a secured position and ensures that the first L-shaped lever 30 returns to a neutral state in preparation for the next activation cycle.

[0021] In an embodiment of the present invention, a felt cloth 80 is attached to the inner left side 10j and the inner right side 10k of the rectangular hollow cuboid 10.

[0022] In another embodiment of the present invention, the badge and credit card holder comprises a synthetic resin material pad 90 that mounts on the shaft 50b of the button 50 and is placed between the head 52 of the button 50 and the bottom side 10b of the rectangular hollow cuboid 10.

[0023] In another embodiment of the present invention, the badge and credit card holder is made of a metallic material and a badge 100 is placed to rest within the badge aperture 13 and is permanently affixed to the rectangular hollow cuboid 10.

[0024] In another embodiment of the present invention, the distance measured from the top side 10a to the bottom side 10b of the rectangular hollow cuboid 10 is 4.00 inches, the distance measured from the front side 10c to the rear side 10d of the rectangular hollow cuboid 10 is 0.41 inches, and the distance measured from the left side 10e to the right side 10f of the rectangular hollow cuboid 10 of 2.50 inches.

[0025] In another embodiment of the present invention, a credit card pocket 110 is affixed to the rear side 10d of the rectangular hollow cuboid 10.

[0026] In another embodiment of the present invention, the spring-driven articulation 70 defines a second pivot 70a that holds a torsional spring 70b.

[0027] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the second L-shaped lever 60 is configured to keep the credit cards under spring-driven pressure.

[0028] An advantage of the resent invention is that the badge aperture allows for easy and permanent placement of a badge, making it suitable for professionals who carry identification.

[0029] Another advantage of the present invention is that the staggered dispensing mechanism ensures easy access to multiple cards in an organized manner.

[0030] Another advantage of the present invention is that the button activated system allows for the retrieval of credit cards with a single hand, improving convenience, and the synthetic resin material pad under the button enhances the button press feel and reduces wear. Additionally, its dimensions ensure a slim, pocket-friendly design.

[0031] Another advantage of the present invention is that the permanent engagement of the first pin and the first L-shaped lever, possibly through a magnetic retention and release mechanism, ensures reliable and efficient operation of the badge and credit card holder by facilitating the controlled return motion of the first L-shaped lever and reducing unintended displacement or disconnection of the mechanism components.

[0032] Another advantage of the present invention is that the second L-shaped lever, which is attached to the rectangular hollow cuboid with a spring-driven articulation, prevents the accidental release of credit cards. It also applies spring-driven pressure to the credit cards, which reduces their movement inside the badge and credit card holder.

[0033] Another advantage of the present invention is its enhanced durability, accomplished by the use of metallic materials, which enhances longevity and protection against wear and tear.

[0034] Still another advantage of the present invention is the increased credit card storage capacity provided by the credit card pocket on the rear side of the rectangular hollow cuboid.

[0035] The embodiments of the badge and credit card holder for improved functionality herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, combinations, variations, and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve an equivalent result, all of which are intended to be embraced within the scope of the appended claims. Further, nothing in the above-provided discussions of the badge and credit card holder for improved functionality should be construed as limiting the invention to an embodiment or a combination of embodiments. The scope of the invention is defined by the description, drawings, and claims.

Claims

1. A badge and credit card holder for improved functionality, the badge and credit card holder comprises:a rectangular hollow cuboid that accommodates credit cards and that defines an opening on a top side, a linear slide aperture on a bottom side, and a badge aperture on either a front side or a rear side;a pin guide that defines a central aperture, the pin guide is secured to either the left side or the right side of the midsection of an inner bottom side of the rectangular hollow cuboid;a first pin that defines an anterior end and a posterior end, the first pin is inserted into the central aperture of the pin guide and holds a first resistance spring;a button that has a top section, a bottom section and a shaft connecting the top section and the bottom section, the top section defines an aperture where the anterior end of the first pin is fixedly attached to, the bottom section defines a head that lies on the bottom side of the rectangular hollow cuboid, the shaft is inserted into the linear slide aperture of the bottom side of the rectangular hollow cuboid;a first pivot that is secured to at least either an inner front side or an inner rear side of the rectangular hollow cuboid, the pivot is positioned between an inner left side and an inner right side of the rectangular hollow cuboid, and towards its inner bottom side;a first L-shaped lever that has a long leg and a short leg, the long leg is installed generally horizontally and defines a plurality of steps configured to dispense the credit cards in a staggered manner, the short leg points towards the inner bottom side of the rectangular hollow cuboid, the first L-shaped lever is rotationally attached to the first pivot at about the intersection between its long leg and its short leg; anda second L-shaped lever to prevent the accidental release of the credit cards inside the rectangular hollow cuboid, the second L-shaped lever has a long leg and a short leg, the long leg is installed generally vertically and is attached to either a left side or a right side of the rectangular hollow cuboid with a spring-driven articulation, the short leg points towards the other side of the rectangular hollow cuboid, the short leg defines a slotted aperture that receives a second pin that is fixedly attached to either the inner front side or the inner rear side of the rectangular hollow cuboid to prevent the dislocation of the second L-shaped lever, the second L-shaped lever defines an inner angled surface with a rounded chamfer that slidingly engages with the credit cards during their staggered dispensing;wherein the linear slide aperture is positioned on either the left side or the right side of the pin guide, and the first L-shaped lever is positioned on the other side of the pin guide;wherein the head of the bottom section of the button is used to activate a predominantly horizontal linear spring-driven motion of the first pin; andwherein the posterior end of the first pin permanently engages with the short leg of the first L-shaped lever in a manner that converts the predominantly horizontal linear spring-driven motion of the first pin into a rotational movement of the first L-shaped lever around the first pivot.

2. The badge and credit card holder for improved functionality of claim 1, wherein a felt cloth is attached to the inner left side and the inner right side of the rectangular hollow cuboid.

3. The badge and credit card holder for improved functionality of claim 1, wherein the badge and credit card holder comprises a synthetic resin material pad that mounts on the shaft of the button and is placed between the head of the button and the bottom side of the rectangular hollow cuboid.

4. The badge and credit card holder for improved functionality of claim 1, wherein the badge and credit card holder is made of a metallic material and a badge is placed to rest within the badge aperture and is permanently affixed to the rectangular hollow cuboid.

5. The badge and credit card holder for improved functionality of claim 1, wherein the distance measured from the top side to the bottom side of the rectangular hollow cuboid is 4.00 inches, the distance measured from the front side to the rear side of the rectangular hollow cuboid is 0.41 inches, and the distance measured from the left side to the right side of the rectangular hollow cuboid of 2.50 inches.

6. The badge and credit card holder for improved functionality of claim 1, wherein a credit card pocket is affixed to the rear side of the rectangular hollow cuboid.

7. The badge and credit card holder for improved functionality of claim 1, wherein the posterior end of the first pin and the short leg of the first L-shaped lever are permanently engaged through a magnet.

8. The badge and credit card holder for improved functionality of claim 1, wherein the spring-driven articulation defines a second pivot that holds a torsional spring.

9. The badge and credit card holder for improved functionality of claim 1, wherein the second L-shaped lever is configured to keep the credit cards under spring-driven pressure.

10. A badge and credit card holder for improved functionality, the badge and credit card holder comprises:a rectangular hollow cuboid that accommodates credit cards and that defines an opening on a top side, a linear slide aperture on a bottom side, and a badge aperture on either a front side or a rear side;a pin guide that defines a central aperture, the pin guide is secured to either the left side or the right side of the midsection of an inner bottom side of the rectangular hollow cuboid;a first pin that defines an anterior end and a posterior end, the first pin is inserted into the central aperture of the pin guide and holds a first resistance spring;a button that has a top section, a bottom section and a shaft connecting the top section and the bottom section, the top section defines an aperture where the anterior end of the first pin is fixedly attached to, the bottom section defines a head that lies on the bottom side of the rectangular hollow cuboid, the shaft is inserted into the linear slide aperture of the bottom side of the rectangular hollow cuboid;a first pivot that is secured to at least either an inner front side or an inner rear side of the rectangular hollow cuboid, the pivot is positioned between an inner left side and an inner right side of the rectangular hollow cuboid, and towards its inner bottom side;a first L-shaped lever that has a long leg and a short leg, the long leg is installed generally horizontally and defines a plurality of steps configured to dispense the credit cards in a staggered manner, the short leg points towards the inner bottom side of the rectangular hollow cuboid, the first L-shaped lever is rotationally attached to the first pivot at about the intersection between its long leg and its short leg; anda second L-shaped lever to prevent the accidental release of the credit cards inside the rectangular hollow cuboid, the second L-shaped lever has a long leg and a short leg, the long leg is installed generally vertically and is attached to either a left side or a right side of the rectangular hollow cuboid with a spring-driven articulation, the short leg points towards the other side of the rectangular hollow cuboid, the short leg defines a slotted aperture that receives a second pin that is fixedly attached to either the inner front side or the inner rear side of the rectangular hollow cuboid to prevent the dislocation of the second L-shaped lever, the second L-shaped lever defines an inner angled surface with a rounded chamfer that slidingly engages with the credit cards during their staggered dispensing;wherein the linear slide aperture is positioned on either the left side or the right side of the pin guide, and the first L-shaped lever is positioned on the other side of the pin guide;wherein the head of the bottom section of the button is used to activate a predominantly horizontal linear spring-driven motion of extension and retraction of the first pin that induces a rotational movement of the first L-shaped lever around the first pivot through a magnetic retention and release mechanism; andwherein the magnetic retention and release mechanism comprises a magnet secured to the short leg of the first L-shaped lever and a ferromagnetic contact point secured to the posterior end of the first pin that is configured to engage with the magnet upon retraction of the first pin.

11. The badge and credit card holder for improved functionality of claim 10, wherein a felt cloth is attached to the inner left side and the inner right side of the rectangular hollow cuboid.

12. The badge and credit card holder for improved functionality of claim 10, wherein the badge and credit card holder comprises a synthetic resin material pad that mounts on the shaft of the button and is placed between the head of the button and the bottom side of the rectangular hollow cuboid.

13. The badge and credit card holder for improved functionality of claim 10, wherein the badge and credit card holder is made of a metallic material and a badge is placed to rest within the badge aperture and is permanently affixed to the rectangular hollow cuboid.

14. The badge and credit card holder for improved functionality of claim 10, wherein the distance measured from the top side to the bottom side of the rectangular hollow cuboid is 4.00 inches, the distance measured from the front side to the rear side of the rectangular hollow cuboid is 0.41 inches, and the distance measured from the left side to the right side of the rectangular hollow cuboid of 2.50 inches.

15. The badge and credit card holder for improved functionality of claim 10, wherein a credit card pocket is affixed to the rear side of the rectangular hollow cuboid.

16. The badge and credit card holder for improved functionality of claim 10, wherein the spring-driven articulation defines a second pivot that holds a torsional spring.

17. The badge and credit card holder for improved functionality of claim 10, wherein the second L-shaped lever is configured to keep the credit cards under spring-driven pressure.

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