EP1954159B1 - Protective case for credit card or the like - Google Patents

Abstract

This case is made up of a bottom element (1) and of a lid element (4), both comprising a small rectangular plate (2; 5), the two plates being superimposed in such a way as to define a slim space into which the card (C) can be inserted, this space being open along one short side—termed “front side”—and closed along the other short side—termed “rear side”. The case is noteworthy in that the lid element (4) comprises a pair of longitudinal rims (3) exhibiting guide slots for the longitudinal edges of the small plate (5) of the lid element (4), the latter also being provided, on the rear side, with a transverse rim (50) which acts as an end stop for the rear transverse edge of the card so that it is possible to slide the lid element (4) and the card (C) that it covers, with one another, in the longitudinal direction, towards the front side, over a determined length of travel, thus making it easier to extract the card.

Description

The present invention relates to a protective case for a credit card or the like. The card in question may in particular be a card carrying a magnetic strip, an electronic chip, an RFID type communication system (in English: "RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION") and / or various other components, said card being able in particular to be used for a payment. , a bank withdrawal, or any other transaction, give access to a public service, and / or serve to identify its owner, these applications being in no way limiting.

This type of card is semi-rigid, thin, and has standardized dimensions; the card has a rectangular shape, with rounded corners, the short side of which is equal to 54 mm and the long side to 85 mm.

A traditional protective case for such a card is a flat rectangular box, whose dimensions are slightly larger than those of the card.

The case is generally made of plastic and is composed of a bottom element and a lid element, both flat and integral with each other; the card can be inserted between these two elements by passing through an open end, slit-shaped, of the holster.

Generally, the lid member has a fairly large opening, which allows the user to squeeze the card with his thumb to slide it longitudinally out of the holster.

The introduction of the card in the case is simply by introducing it into the slot and pushing it inside the holster.

These operations are not very convenient because they involve a relative friction of the two faces of the card against the inner faces of the holster.

These repeated rubs may ultimately cause inadvertent wear of the card, and in particular the raised parts that it carries, including projecting inscriptions and / or electronic magnetic components.

It is also known from the document EP-0 580 890 , a holster of the above kind, which is provided with a system facilitating the extraction of the card.

For this purpose, the cover member of the case is provided with a small flat shaft which is guided in longitudinal translation in the cover member, so as to be able to slide therein.

This rod includes a fun control slider, which protrudes from the top of the cover member, and whose travel amplitude in the longitudinal direction is determined by the length of a window formed in the cover member.

It is provided at its rear end, which is inside the case, a heel - or cleat - which bears against the rear transverse edge of the card (edge which corresponds to one of his small sides): thus, by moving the cursor forward, that is to say in the direction of the slot of the case, it is possible to partially bring out the card out of the case, which makes more convenient extraction, the gripping of the card can be done easily when it is partially out of the holster.

This relatively sophisticated device is a relatively high cost, and poorly suited to a large series production.

In addition, the problem of friction mentioned above is not solved because both the upper face of the card and its lower face rub against the inner faces of the holster during the movements of the rod.

It is only the part of the map, of very small width, situated under the window and under the control rod, which accompanies the rod in its motion and which, consequently, is not exposed to such friction.

Another disadvantage of this known device results from the fact that the front edge of the flat shank protrudes under the level of the element, lid, inside the case, constituting an obstacle which hinders the introduction of the map.

Some parts in relief, including inscriptions on the top of the card, may cling against this song and be deteriorated or worn prematurely.

The present invention aims to solve these difficulties by proposing a case of the kind described which, all being of a simple design and a low cost, allows easy handling of the card both in the extraction and! insertion, this very significantly limiting the risk of degradation or premature wear of the card.

Another object of the invention, according to possible optional embodiments, is to provide a credit card protective case having a versatile character, as will be seen later.

• dit "côté arrière" ledit élément de fond comportant une paire de rebords longitudinaux présentant des rainures de guidage (formant des glissières) pour les bords longitudinaux de la plaquette de l'élément de couvercle.

As indicated above, the protective case which is the object of the present invention, intended to receive a credit card or a similar card, is composed of a bottom element and a lid element, both comprising a rectangular plate, the two plates being superimposed so as to define a space of small thickness in which can be inserted the card, this space being open on a small side - said "front side" - and closed on the other side

• said "backside" said bottom member having a pair of longitudinal flanges having guide grooves (forming sliders) for the longitudinal edges of the wafer of the cover member.

This state of the art can be illustrated by the documents FR-A-2,716,093 and DE-U-9 413 668 .

According to the invention, the cover member is provided on the rear side with a transverse flange serving as a stop on the rear transverse edge of the card, so that it is possible to slide the lid member together. and the card which it covers, in a longitudinal direction, towards the front side, on a limited stroke, whose amplitude is substantially less than the length of the card.

• les rebords ont une section transversale sensiblement en forme de "C" dont l'intérieur définit un espace recevant un bord longitudinal de la plaquette de l'élément de couvercle ;
• les rainures de guidage des bords longitudinaux de la plaquette comprennent des tronçons renfoncés dans lesquels s'engagent des doigts en saillie disposés sur les côtés de la plaquette, de manière à limiter l'amplitude de coulissement de cette plaquette vers l'extérieur ;
• lesdits doigts sont élastiquement déformables, ce qui permet de les insérer au montage dans lesdits tronçons de rainure renfoncés, et de les en retirer au besoin :

• la plaquette constitutive de l'élément de couvercle est légèrement ondulée dans le sens transversal, de sorte que sa paroi se trouve légèrement écartée de la carte dans sa zone centrale et dans deux zones latérales ;
• ladite plaquette présente, sur son côté avant, une échancrure centrale.

Moreover, according to a certain number of advantageous, non-limiting features of the invention:

• the flanges have a substantially "C" shaped cross section, the inside of which defines a space receiving a longitudinal edge of the wafer of the cover member;
• the guide grooves of the longitudinal edges of the wafer comprise recessed sections in which projecting fingers are arranged on the sides of the wafer, so as to limit the sliding amplitude of this plate to the outside;
• said fingers are elastically deformable, which allows them to be inserted into the mounting in said recessed groove sections, and to remove them if necessary:

• the constituent plate of the cover member is slightly corrugated in the transverse direction, so that its wall is slightly spaced from the map in its central zone and in two lateral zones;
• said plate has, on its front side, a central notch.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the case is optionally provided with a closure strip capable of being clipped into the front edge of the bottom member so as to trap the cover member and the card contained in the case.

Advantageously, said bar has a central notch which defines, with the front edge of the card, an opening for the passage of a fastener of the case to a garment.

Thus, in this embodiment, it is possible to easily hang the case to a garment, to act as a badge, the card being in this case an identification card of the person who holds, for example.

In another possible embodiment of the case, it is optionally provided with a fixed cover member which has lateral locking studs to ensure its attachment to the bottom member.

In this case, there is a provision similar to that of a traditional case, which can be interesting in certain conditions of use of the card.

Advantageously, when both options are available at a time, the bottom element has locking cavities in which it is possible to engage selectively either clipping tabs of said closure bar, or the lateral pins of the element. fixed lid.

Thus, by having a single bottom element, two types of cover element and the closure bar has a kit to give the case the desired configuration depending on the type of card to which business.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description and the accompanying drawings which represent, by way of indication only, preferred embodiments.

• les figures 1 à 5 représentent l'élément de fond de l'étui ;
• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective de cet élément tandis que les figures 4, 3 et 5 sont respectivement des vues de dessus, de face et de côté de l'élément de fond :

• la figure 2 est une section en coupe longitudinale correspondant au plan référencé II-II sur la figure 4 ;
• les figures 6 à 8 représentent un élément de couvercle ;
• la figures 6 est une vue en perspective de l'élément qui est représenté à l'envers (face supérieure tournée vers le bas) ;
• les figures 8 et 9 sont respectivement des vues de face et de côté de l'élément, tandis que la figure 7 est une section longitudinale coupée par le plan référencé VII-VII sur la figure 8 ;
• les figures 10A, 10B et 10C sont des schémas illustrant le principe de fonctionnement de l'étui lors du retrait de la carte ;
• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'une barrette de fermeture susceptible d'équiper cet étui :

• la figure 13 est une vue de dessus de l'étui à l'intérieur duquel est insérée une carte de crédit, cet étui étant pourvu de la barrette de fermeture de la figure 11;
• la figure 12 est une vue en coupe longitudinale de cet étui, le plan de coupe étant référence XII-XII sur la figure 13 ;
• la figure 14 est une vue de côté, en coupe transversale de l'étui ;
• la figure 15 est une vue de détail d'un bord latéral de l'étui ;
• la figure 16 est une vue de dessus de la barrette de fermeture ;
• la figure 17 est une vue de détail en coupe, qui illustre le principe de clippage de la barrette de fermeture dans l'étui ;
• la figure 18 est une vue en plan et en coupe d'un bord latéral de l'étui :

• la figure 19 représente en perspective, une variante de l'élément de couvercle, pouvant être prévue optionnellement en lieu et place de celle de la figure 6.

On these drawings:

• the Figures 1 to 5 represent the bottom element of the case;
• the figure 1 is a perspective view of this element while the Figures 4, 3 and 5 are respectively top, front and side views of the bottom element:

• the figure 2 is a section in longitudinal section corresponding to the plane referenced II-II on the figure 4 ;
• the Figures 6 to 8 represent a lid element;
• the figures 6 is a perspective view of the element that is represented upside down (top face facing down);
• the Figures 8 and 9 are respectively front and side views of the element, while the figure 7 is a longitudinal section intersected by the plane referenced VII-VII on the figure 8 ;
• the Figures 10A, 10B and 10C are diagrams illustrating the principle of operation of the case during removal of the card;
• the figure 1 is a perspective view of a closure bar capable of equipping this case:

• the figure 13 is a top view of the case inside which is inserted a credit card, this case being provided with the closing bar of the figure 11 ;
• the figure 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of this holster, the section plane being reference XII-XII on the figure 13 ;
• the figure 14 is a side view, in cross section of the case;
• the figure 15 is a detail view of a side edge of the case;
• the figure 16 is a top view of the closure bar;
• the figure 17 is a detail view in section, which illustrates the principle of clipping the closure bar in the case;
• the figure 18 is a plan view in section of a side edge of the case:

• the figure 19 represents in perspective, a variant of the cover element, which may optionally be provided in place of that of the figure 6 .

The bottom element 1 represented on the Figures 1 to 5 comprises a flat bottom 2 of substantially rectangular shape, the dimensions of which are a little larger than those of the card. The bottom plate 2, substantially planar, has longitudinal side edges 3 folded to form slides; these have an approximately "C" shaped cross-section, the openings of the two "C" being directed toward each other.

At one of their ends, which corresponds to the left of Figures 1 to 4 , the slides are closed by a flange 32, on one side that will be called the rear side of the case and the card.

The slides bear the reference 300 and. on the front side, they are crossed by small transverse orifices 30 whose function will be explained later.

Note also that the front edge of the case has a central notch 34. As can be seen in particular on the figures 5 and 15 , the slide 300 is slightly shifted upwards (to the left if we consider the view of the figure 5 ), relative to the plane of the plates 2, which constitutes the bottom wall of the case.

Indeed, as will be seen below, the slides 300 are intended to allow the guide in axial translation of the cover member, the latter had to be positioned at a distance from the wall 2. so as to provide a space or interstice, whose height corresponds to the thickness of the map. In addition, the slides 300 have, in their front zone, a section 301 deeper than the rest of the slide; this increased depth results from a reduction in the thickness of the rim 3 opposite this section, as can be seen more particularly in the Figures 10A to 10C .

The cover element 4 shown on the Figures 6 to 9 essentially comprises a thin wafer 5 which is provided at its rear edge with a flanged flange at right angles 50.

Its front edge is provided with a central notch 51, and it traverses in a median zone by a small opening 52.

The wafer 5 is provided with a pair of elastic tabs 6 arranged symmetrically on its longitudinal edges, approximately two-thirds of the length of the card, towards the front (that is to say on the side opposite the rim 50). .

As we see in particular on figures 9 and 14 the lateral longitudinal edges of the wafer 5 are planar, while the remainder of the wafer is slightly corrugated in the transverse direction so as to have a central wave 5a and a pair of lateral waves 5b.

These "waves" are ripples of very low height.

To assemble the lid member 4 to the bottom member 1, it is slid inside the slides 3, in the manner of a drawer, its rim 50 being directed downwards, that is, say towards the bottom wall 2.

Chamfered edges provided on the fingers 6 allow the introduction of the cover element by translation in the slides 3; once reached at the level of the recessed sections 301, the elastic fingers 6 relax and lodge there.

The cover member can then move longitudinally in the slides on a limited stroke, the amplitude of which depends on the length of the recesses 301.

A mounting nevertheless remains possible, thanks to the presence of the slots 30 in the flanges 3, which allow the passage of a tool such as the tip of a small screwdriver to push the elastic tabs 6 inwards in order to ensure the disengagement of these legs.

It will be seen that the structure of this case is such that when a card C is inserted in the case, between the plates 2 and 5, it is completely covered by the latter.

This configuration is therefore very different from that which is the subject of the document EP-0 580 890 above, in which it is only over a very limited width that the card is covered by a movable element, in this case the flat rod provided in this known case.

With reference to Figures 10A to 10C we will now explain how the extraction of a card C inside the case takes place.

The figure 10A represents the storage position, in which the lid member is fully depressed within the bottom member; it is found that in this position, the elastic fingers 6 are in the vicinity of the rear ends of the wall recesses 301 which receive them.

When the user wants to take the card out of the case, it presses gently with a finger, usually with the thumb, on the cover member, and more precisely on the plate 5 constituting this element.

It slides it in a drawer-like manner in the longitudinal direction, as is symbolized by the arrow F on the figure 10B .

Given that the rear transverse edge of the card is resting against the heel (folded rear edge) 50 of the cover member, the card is driven in this sliding movement.

There is therefore during this phase, no relative movement of the card relative to the lid member.

When the elastic tabs 6 come into abutment against the front part of the recesses 301, the movement of the element 5 is stopped.

This race is chosen for example to correspond approximately to half a length of the map.

In a second step, in order to take the card C, the user grasps the central zone of the front edge of the card, which is possible thanks to the presence of the notches and 34 mentioned above, and he removes it axially as symbolized by the arrow G.

During this movement, the friction between the upper face of the card C and the underside of the wafer 5 of the cover element is relatively small, since the card is largely cantilevered, being practically no longer supported. on its underside.

This extraction, symbolized by the arrow G on the Figure 10C , can also be obtained by pushing with the thumb through the opening 52 above.

The corrugations 5a and 5b of the plate 5, which has been made higher, are positioned in such a way that they correspond to inscriptions or components likely to have reliefs protruding from the upper face of the card.

So even in the final extraction phase corresponding to the Figure 10C , in which there is a relative sliding of the card and the cover member, the risk of deterioration and / or unexpected wear remains limited.

The detail view of the figure 15 shows how the lateral guidance of the wafer 5 is carried out in the slides 300 of the bottom element.

It can be seen that, as already said, the bottom of the slide is floor, the edge region of the plate 5 resting against an edge zone 302 in excess, which forms with the bottom 300 of the groove a running configuration of staircase.

Thus, the card "C" is not compressed between the wafer 5 and the wall 2 of the bottom element.

Furthermore, said bottom wall is advantageously provided on its inner face (or upper face) near each longitudinal edge, an edge strip 20 of extra thickness against which comes to rest the corresponding edge of the card C.

Thus is provided a very light game referenced j on the figure 15 which avoids the friction of almost all of the lower face of the card against the bottom element; it is only the longitudinal lateral banks of the map, generally devoid of any relief, which thus rub against the bottom element.

With reference to the figure 11 as well as Figures 12 to 13 and 16 to 18 , we will now describe the structure and function of an optional element that can be provided, namely a closure bar referenced 7.

As shown in figure 11 it is an elongate piece 70, provided at its ends with a pair of clipping hooks 8 and in its central part with a notch 71.

This bar 7 is arranged to be inserted into the slot which constitutes the open end of the case, once the lid and bottom elements have been assembled to one another.

In this reflection, there are provided in the inner faces of the lateral flanges 3 of the bottom element a pair of cavities which are located at a short distance from the mouth of the case; one of these cavities, referenced 33, is shown in the detail view of the figure 17 .

The hooks 8 are carried by resilient fingers, and have an entry chamfer, which allows to snap them by simple axial pressure in the mouth of the case.

It is understood that in this way the displacement of the cover element and that of the card contained in the holster are prevented.

The use of this bar is of interest especially when the card is an identification badge that can be read or decrypted without having to take it out of the case.

This is particularly the case for identification badges that can be used in some companies, to allow only authorized persons access to certain premises.

At the observation of the figure 13 it is understood that the presence of the notch 71 and the front edge of the card C which is in the holster defines a small cavity that allows to pass a link, for example a flexible plastic tape, likely to be hooked to a clip that can itself be attached to a garment.

The lid element variant shown on the figure 19 is quite similar to that of the figure 6 , and that is why the same reference figures were used to designate similar elements, these figures being nonetheless affected by the sign "prime"(').

Note that this cover member is provided with a pair of lateral pins 9 which protrude laterally and transversely outwardly.

These nipples are located near the front end of the cover member 4 ', and are positioned in such a way that they face the cavities 33 mentioned above when the bar 7 not being in place, the cover element 4 'is introduced into the bottom element 1.

These nipples 9 then ensure the mutual blocking of these two elements, which then constitute a traditional type of case whose bottom and lid are integral with each other.

This arrangement may be interesting in some cases where it is necessary to withdraw from time to time the card of his case, but not frequently.

It will thus be understood that a person having at the same time a bottom element 1. of a sliding cover element 4, a closing bar 7 and a fixed cover element 4 'is possession of a kit allowing him to adapt the configuration of the case to the use he makes of his card.

The bottom elements, lid and the closure strip are made of plastic material traditionally used in this field, this material can be according to the needs transparent, translucent or opaque.

Claims (10)

1. A protective case for a credit card or similar, composed of a bottom element (1) and a lid element (4), both including a rectangular plate (2, 5), the two plates being superimposed so as to form a narrow space in which the card (C) can be inserted, this space being open on one small side - called the "front side" - and closed on the other small side - called the "rear side" -, the said bottom element (1) including a pair of longitudinal rims (3) that have guidance grooves forming slides for the longitudinal edges of the plate (5) of the lid element (4), characterised by the fact that the lid element (4) is equipped, at the rear side, with a transverse rim (50) used as a stop for the rear transverse edge of the card, so that it is possible to jointly slide the lid element (4) and the card (C) that it covers, in the longitudinal direction, to the front side, over a limited travel distance, whose amplitude is substantially less than the length of the card (C).
2. The case of claim 1, characterised by the fact that the rims (3) have a cross section that is substantially in a C-shape, whose interior forms a space to receive one longitudinal edge of the plate (5) of the lid element (4).
3. The case of claim 1 or 2, characterised by the fact that the grooves (300) for guidance of the longitudinal edges of the plate (5) include recessed sections (301) in which projecting tabs (6) located on the sides of this plate (5) engage so as to limit the travel amplitude (F) of this plate (5) toward the exterior.
4. The case of claim 3, characterised by the fact that the said tabs (6) are deformable elastically, which allows them to be inserted into the assembly, in the said sections of recessed grooving (301), and to be withdraw whenever necessary.
5. The case of any of claims 1 to 4,
   characterised by the fact that the said plate (5), making up of the lid element, is slightly corrugated in the transverse direction, so that its wall is located slightly away from the card (C) at its central zone (5a) and in two lateral zones (5b).
6. The case of any of claims 1 to 5,
   characterised by the fact that the said plate (5) has a central cut-out (51) on its front side.
7. The case of any of claims 1 to 6,
   characterised by the fact that it is equipped optionally with a closure bar (7) adapted to be clipped into the front edge of the bottom element (1) in order to trap the lid element (4) and the card (C) contained in the case.
8. The case of claim 7, characterised by the fact that the said bar (7) has a central cut-out (71) that, together with the front edge of the card (C), forms an opening that allows the passage of an attachment device of the case to a garment.
9. The case of any of claims 1 to 8,
   characterised by the fact that it is equipped optionally with a fixed lid element (4') that has lateral locating spigots (9) that allow it to be attached to the bottom element (1).
10. The case of claims 7 and 9 taken together, characterised by the fact that the bottom element (1) has locking cavities (33) in which it is possible to selectively engage either the clipping tabs (8) of the said closure bar (7) or the lateral locating spigots (9) of the fixed lid element (4').

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