GB2470731A

GB2470731A - Container for banknotes

Info

Publication number: GB2470731A
Application number: GB0909421A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lee Berman
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-06-02
Filing date: 2009-06-02
Publication date: 2010-12-08
Anticipated expiration: 2029-06-02
Also published as: GB2470731B; GB0909421D0

Abstract

A container comprises two solid ended, hollow, portions 3a,3b with a threaded 30, hinged or push-fit connection that combine to form a water resistant capsule. The portions are preferably cylindrical. A waterproof o-ring seal 8 may be provided between the portions. One end of the container may have a projecting, preferably swivelling, portion 2 with a hole through so as to enable a split ring 20 or quick release clip to be added. The container is able to hold a folded banknote or banknotes wrapped around a specifically designed clip within its body, thus reducing the required size of the container to a minimum yet allowing the banknote to be retrievable when required.

Description

A CONTAINER

Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a container, and more particularly a container adapted to store a paper article, such as a banknote.

Background of Invention

Cash, banknotes and coinage remain the primary form of currency of the world. The primary feature of cash, wherein its ownership is easily transferrable, means that cash can also easily be stolen or lost, and there is little to no hope of retrieval or compensation. In fact, to emphasise this point cash, and in particular banknotes, are often of extreme importance in an emergency, particularly where an individual is dispossessed of means of identification and debit and credit cards.

Prior Art

Banknotes are typically carried in wallets, purses or billfolds. These all have a large size relative and disproportionate to the volumetric size of the banknotes. This is because the width and length of banknotes is disproportionate to the depth of paper based currency meaning unless folded any carrier will be of an equivalent width and length. One reason is to assist partially sighted people to distinguish between different denominations of banknote.

In recognition of the importance of keeping at least a portion of an individuals cash secure, there have often been many means of separate and/or portable secure devices for storing cash. These have focussed on banknotes in particular due to their smaller storage size and greater value.

These devices for storing cash have ranged from a cardboard box placed under the bed to a money belt. Money belts were the fashion in the latter section of the twentieth century mainly as a novelty item. Money belts never became widespread due to their bulk and aesthetic disadvantages which in combination led to disdain on the part of the average individual. Combined, these factors mitigated against the widespread use of money belts and they mostly fell out of favour. In addition, due to the novelty value their use became known to thieves, also mitigating against successfulness in their solution to the problem of portable and secure banknote storage.

It is also possible to buy ordinary looking belts with concealed pocketing for hidden banknotes. In today's fast and fashion conscious travel world, there are obvious disadvantages to a large device which occupies such a prominent position.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a container forming in use a generally hollow capsule, with a removable end which in use seals the capsule and an attachment point, said container being adapted to store banknotes.

Ideally the container is formed from two tubular sections, wherein said sections may be hinged, screwed or push-fitted together to form a continuous cylindrical capsule in use. Preferably there is provided a water resistant seal between the sections.

Ideally the container provides internally a specifically designed portion, projection, clip or clasp which is provided for the location of one or more banknotes, whereby the clasp securely grasps or situates the banknote, whilst simultaneously minimising the volume occupied by the banknote(s) within the container. This may require the banknote to be folded in order to facilitate the effective minimisation. Ideally the banknote is wrapped around the clasp.

In a preferred embodiment the attachment point is provided by a projection on the closed end of one of the sections. Said projection may provide an attachment point by having a centrally formed cleat allowing attachment of a lanyard, split ring, quick release clip, karabiner or other attachment means. Such attachment point and means allows the user to attach the container to such items as a key ring, chain, bag, necklace or other frequently carried item.

In this manner the user may keep an emergency banknote or banknotes with their keys on a key ring, or on a necklace, or on some other separate yet frequently carried item. It is in turn less likely that such an item will be lost or more particularly stolen, simultaneously with all other identification and banking cards, as by its nature, the container is unlikely to be kept or worn in the same place as, a purse or wallet.

The attachment point in the alternative may be provided integrally, such as by a moulded portion to a section of the container.

In the preferred embodiment a clip or clasp for the banknote is provided which may be separated and removable from the container. In this manner the banknote can be detached from the clasp and container with ease. To this end in further embodiments, spring loaded mechanisms may be employed to detach, separate or expose the clasp.

The clasp is ideally bifurcated: that is it has two, substantially parallel portions or fingers around which one or more banknotes are furled. The two, substantially parallel portions or fingers may be freestanding uprights posts, a folded strip or a closed loop. What is notable about this feature of the clasp, is that it enables the banknotes to be rolled tightly, as there is a central region around which they may grip so as to prevent one part of the banknote slipping over another.

In an alternative embodiment the clasp may be adapted to be removed from the container, but connected thereto, in order to prevent it being lost, for example by way of a thread, sprung member or fine wire.

Advantageously the invention provides a waterproof container, for the storage and containment of banknote that has been folded in such a way as to take up the minimum amount of space achievable. This is achieved by the folding the banknote in a specific way and then wrapping it around the specially adapted clasp so that the clasp and rolled note may be received within a container, designed to be as small as possible to achieve the purpose, thereby being as small, lightweight and discreet as possible. This clasp has the added purpose of enabling banknotes to be easily retrievable from the container when required.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is described below by way of example only with reference to Figures in which:

Brief Description of the Figures

Figure 1 is a side view of the exterior of the container in use.

Figure 2 is a side view of the exterior of the container, in an open position.

Figures 3 show embodiments of the clasp portion.

Figure 4 indicating means of folding of the banknote to use the clasp.

Figures 5 to 7 show photographs of a preferred embodiment of the container.

Detailed Description of the Figures

In Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a container I that has an attachment point 2 which in use is attached to a common split ring 20. The attachment point 2 and split ring 20 enable the container I to be connected to be utilised as a key-ring or be attached to a key-ring (not shown). Attachment is achieved by the provision of a hole or aperture formed in one end of the attachment point 2 for accepting the split ring 20, or other method of attachment. which may then be attached to the key-ring, or to a bag, or to an item of clothing (not shown).

Ideally the attachment point 2 is permanently fixed or attached to a section 3 of the container I. This is shown in the embodiment of Figure 1 on the smaller section 3a of the container 1, so that the larger section 3b may be disassembled from the key-ring or other article to which the smaller section 3a is attached, thereby allowing easy removal of the clasp 4 and ban knote 5. Ideally the sections 3a and 3b are threaded so that they can be screwed together and a recess is defined around the rim of each section, so as to receive an 0-ring thereby forming a watertight seal between the sections when they are closed.

The attachment point is ideally free to turn or swivel relative to the section 3a to which it is attached. This may be because of the attachment to the section 3a or may be an integral feature of design of the attachment point 2. In this way the attachment point 2 comprises multiple portions which may move relative to one another. This also prevents the possibility of ingress of water and allows for more flexibility of movement after attachment to an item. Alternatively the hole in the attachment may be significantly larger than the split ring 20 or other attachment means.

Ideally the container is made from a tough, crush resistant material such as a metal, metal alloy, aluminium or other non-oxidising metal. Alternatively the metal may be stainless steel, copper or bronze or other metal chosen for economic or aesthetic purposes.

Ideally the container 1 measures less than 5cm in length and less than 2cm in diameter, more preferably the container measures less than 1 cm in diameter.

Heavyweight or other synthetic plastics materials can be utilised to form the container or a combination of materials may be used. This combination may comprise metal in fatigue and/or strength relevant areas such as the attachment point, combined with predominantly synthetic plastics construction to minimise production costs. Such a construction also reduces the weight of the container and allows economical manufacture, for example by way of casting. It also allows for the possibility of varying, cross-section, shape and dimensions of the container, In the preferred embodiments of the container, described above, it is formed from two sections that are attached one to other by means of a screw thread. In an alternative embodiment a press-together or push-fit connection may be used. In yet further embodiments a catch may be operable to close the container. In still further embodiments a combination of the above may be used to close the container and/or connect sections of the container one to another.

The two sections may be hinged together. In this way the loss of one of the sections is less possible when the hinge is undamaged. This configuration may combine favourably with a sprung loaded banknote clasp 6, wherein the opening of the hinge releases the clasp 6 from the section 3b to which its base is attached, thereby permitting easy access to the banknote 5 as it becomes exposed.

The sections 3 when fitted together form a container 1 dimensioned to receive the average or largest sized banknote 5 in circulation. In the pictured embodiment, shown in Figures 1 and 2, sections 3 are of unequal length, with the smaller section 3a having the attachment point 2 and the larger section 3b being dimensioned to receive the folded banknote 5 in its entirety.

The container 1 is ideally rendered waterproof in its closed position by the utilisation of a seal between the sections 3a and 3b. This seal is preferably in the form of a neoprene 0' ring 8. In the alternative this 0-ring is formed at least in part from a rubber compound.

Alternatively in threaded embodiments the thread 30 is constructed of a plastics or rubber material with some resilience or compliance, thereby providing a tighter seal when the sections are threaded together.

Figure 3 shows embodiments of a banknote clasp 6 that enable the banknote 5 to be folded and rolled to a minimal size. The folded and rolled banknote 5 is then held in this manner by a generally U-shaped clasp 6. The clasp 6 is springy or flexible and facilitating its return within the container 1.

Such a clasp 6 is necessary to minimise the storage volume of the banknote 5 and in addition render the banknote(s) 5 retrievable from the container 1 without inconvenience and avoiding possible tearing or damage to the banknote(s) 5. In the absence of the clasp 6 the banknote 5 is likely to be prone to becoming stuck in the container 1 as the banknote 5 would tend to expand to retain its original size.

The preferred embodiments of the clasp 6 should be long enough to extend beyond one or both sections 3 of the container 1; and to allow the clasp 6 to be gripped and removed from or ejected from the section in which it is housed, thereby exposing the banknote 5 for easier access. The three styles of clasp 6 indicated are all suitable for this purpose.

Alternatively such a clasp 6 may be sprung at its base, wherein on the opening of the container 1 the clasp 6 springs out, to expose a greater amount of the banknote 5 and to facilitate the retrieval or storage of the banknote 5.

Referring to Figure 4, to enable the banknote 5 to be placed successfully within the container 1 and around the specifically designed cash storage and retrieval clasp 6, it is preferable that the banknote 5 is folded in a certain way that enables it to become as small as possible, in terms of length, diameter and width, as it is wrapped around the clasp and fitted into the container.

The diagram shows the way in which a banknote 5 may preferably be folded to achieve this aim. The banknote 5 is folded in half along its length. It is then folded in half again along its length. It is then rolled around the clasp tightly to make as small a final diameter and as minimal a volumetric dimension as is possible.

The banknote 5 and clasp 6 are then inserted into the housing section 3b and the top section 3a of the container I is screwed into place, This secures the banknote 5 and allows easier removal of the banknote(s) by exposing the clasp 6, detaching the banknote(s) 5 from the clasp 6 and unfolding the banknote(s) 5. The container may then be attached to an item to form an emergency supply of cash.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, fatling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A container forming in use a generally hollow capsule, with a removable end which in use seals the capsule and an attachment point, said container being adapted to store banknotes.
2. A container according to Claim 1 wherein the container is formed from sections where said sections are hinged one to together.
3. A container according to Claim 1 wherein the container is formed from threaded sections adapted to be screwed one to together.
4. A container according to Claim I wherein the container is formed from sections which are adapted to be push-fitted one to together.
5. A container according to any of claims 1 to 4 wherein there is provided a water proof seal between sections.
6. A container according to claim 5 wherein the water proof seal between sections is by way of an 0-ring.
7. A container according to any preceding claim wherein a banknote clasp is received in the container maintains the banknote in a folded position.
8. A container according to claim 7 wherein the banknote clasp is removable from the capsule.
9. A container according to claim 8 wherein a spring loaded mechanism presents the banknote clasp portion when the container is opened.
10. A container according to any preceding claim wherein the attachment point is formed by a projection on the closed end of one of the sections.
11. A container according to any preceding claim wherein the attachment point may rotate relative to the sections.
12. A container according to claims 10 and 11 the projection provides an attachment point by way of an aperture or hole formed therein.
13. A container substantially as herein described with reference to the Figures.AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED AS FOLLOWSCLAIMS1. A container for containing a banknote, said container is in the form of a hollow capsule with a removable end which in use seals the capsule, and said container further comprising a mounting member for mounting said container to a key-ring, and a clasp removeably received inside the hollow capsule/container for holding a banknote in a folded position.2. A container according to Claim 1 wherein the container is formed from sections where said sections are hinged together.3. A container according to Claim I wherein the container is formed from threaded sections adapted to be screwed together.4. A container according to Claim I wherein the container is formed from sections S...S....' which are adapted to be push-fitted together.S***SI. * S5. A container according to any of claims 2 to 4 wherein there is provided a water proof seal between sections. S...S.....* 6. A container according to claim 5 wherein the water proof seal between sections is * by way of an 0-ring. *55*S**.S * S 7. A container according to any preceding claim, wherein said container further comprises a spring loaded mechanism so that the clasp pops out when the container is opened.8. A container according to any of claims 2 to 7 wherein the mounting member is formed by a projection on a closed end of one of the sections.9. A container according to any of claims 2 to 8, wherein the mounting member may rotate relative to the sections. r10. A container according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the projection comprises an aperture or hole for attaching to a key-ring.11. A container for containing a banknote according to any preceding claim, wherein said container comprises a body member with one open end, said removable end releasably seals the open end of the body member to form said hollow capsule.12. A container for containing a banknote according to claimli, wherein when the clasp is received in the hollow capsule, the clasp extends beyond said open end of said body member so that the clasp can be easy removed from the container by pulling said clasp.13. A container for containing a bariknote according to any preceding claim, wherein said clasp comprises a pair of substantially parallel portions with a space therebetween for receiving the banknote, one end of one portion being connected to S"'. one end of the other portion.* ** *** * *
14. A container for containing a banknote according to claim 13, wherein each of : said substantially parallel portions is in the shape of a strip. "I15. A container for containing a banknote according to claim 13, wherein each of * said substantially parallel portions is in the shape of a rod.****** * * 16. A container for containing a banknote according to any of claims 13 to 15, wherein the clasp is in the form of a closed loop.17. A container for containing a banknote according to any preceding claim, wherein the container is less than 2cm in diameter, more preferably the container is less than 1cm in diameter.18. A container substantially as herein described with reference to the Figures.