Coin roll

Abstract

An apparatus for verifying that a correct number of coins of a particular denomination are disposed in a paper, plastic, or other type of roll includes an inside line or other demarcation along an inner circumference of the roll that includes a thickness that is preferably greater than that of one coin. If, when filling, the line or demarcation is fully visible then too few coins are in the roll. If, when filling, none of the line or demarcation is visible, then too many coins are in the roll. If, when filling, only a desired portion of the line or demarcation is visible, then a correct number of the coins are in the roll. Various shapes and sizes for the inside line and demarcation are disclosed. An optional outer line is also disclosed that is concentric to the inside line.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention, in general, relates to coin holders and, more particularly, to tubes or rolls that are used to contain a predetermined number of a particular coinage.

Coin rolls or coin tubes, the terms being used interchangeably herein, are used to store a predetermined number of coins of the same denomination. For example, fifty pennies are stored in a “penny” roll, forty nickels are stored in a “nickel” roll, fifty dimes are stored in a “dime” roll, and forty quarters are stored in a quarter roll.

When a person tries to redeem several rolls of quarters, each valued at ten dollars, many merchants balk at accepting the rolls because they are uncertain if the rolls are properly filled. They may be losing fifty cents per roll and not know.

Similarly, when coins are being counted and rolls are being filled there is also uncertainty whether or not the correct number of coins has been deposited in each roll. Are there 38, 39, 40, 41, or 42 quarters in the quarter roll?

Unfortunately, the actual number of coins that are stored in a roll can vary and it is not easy to tell by any outward visual inspection as to how many coins are actually in each roll.

There are two basic types of rolls that are available. Some have both ends open. Others are rolled at one end to prevent coins (of the proper denomination) from passing beyond the rolled portion. Additionally the rolled-end provides a starting reference point and is open at an opposite remaining end. Accordingly, outside demarcations may be of help with rolled coin tubes (rolls) but are of little use with those that are open at both ends.

Additionally, if a line were to be used the user is never quite sure whether the coins should just reach to the line's edge or cover the line so it is no longer visible.

Also, a demarcation line disposed on an outside of a coin tube is of little help because of the variability in folding the outside over the coins that is possible.

Accordingly, there exists today a need for a coin roll that helps ameliorate the above-mentioned difficulties.

Clearly, such an apparatus would be a useful and desirable device.

2. Description of Prior Art

Coin rolls are, in general, known. The following three patents describe related devices.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,089,459 to Huard that issued on May 16, 1978;

U.S. Pat. No. 2,168,504 to Youmans that issued on Aug. 8, 1939; and

U.S. Pat. No. 610,959 to Cable that issued on Sep. 20, 1898;

While the structural arrangements of the above described devices may, at first appearance, have similarities with the present invention, they differ in material respects. These differences, which will be described in more detail hereinafter, are essential for the effective use of the invention and which admit of the advantages that are not available with the prior devices.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a coin roll that provides an accurate visual indication of the number of coins in a coin roll.

It is also an important object of the invention to provide a coin roll that provides an accurate visual indication if there are too few coins in a coin roll.

Another object of the invention is to provide a coin roll that provides an accurate visual indication if there are too many coins in a coin roll.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a coin roll that provides an accurate visual indication of the number of coins and is disposed on an inside of a coin roll.

Still yet another object of the invention is to provide a coin roll that is easy to manufacture.

Yet another important object of the invention is to provide a coin roll that includes a demarcation on an inside of a coin roll.

Still yet another important object of the invention is to provide a coin roll that provides both an inner and an outer marking on a coin roll

A first continuing object of the invention is to provide a coin roll that includes a visual indication that at a glance reveals whether there are too few coins in the roll, too many coins in the roll, or the correct number of coins in the roll.

A second continuing object of the invention is to provide a coin roll that includes a thick line or other demarcation disposed on an inside of a coin roll, wherein if a thick inside line is visible then too few coins are in the roll, and if no line is visible then too many coins are in the roll, and if a thin line is visible then the correct number of coins are in the roll.

A third continuing object of the invention is to provide a coin roll that includes a thick line or other demarcation disposed on an inside of a coin roll, wherein if a thick inside line or demarcation is visible then too few coins are in the roll, and if no line or demarcation is visible then too many coins are in the roll, and if a thin line or demarcation is visible then the correct number of coins are in the roll and which also includes a thick line or other demarcation disposed on an outside of a coin roll that is concentrically aligned with the inside thick line or inside demarcation, and wherein when viewed from a longitudinal side of the coin roll and not from an end thereof, if a thick outside line or demarcation is visible then too many coins are in the roll, and if no outside line or demarcation is visible then too few coins are in the roll, and if a thin outside line or demarcation is visible then the correct number of coins are in the roll.

A fourth continuing object of the invention is to provide a coin roll that eliminates the need for a coin counting machine to determine a proper quantity of coins in the coin roll.

A fifth continuing object of the invention is to provide a coin roll that provides an increase in both speed and ease in determining that a proper number of coins are disposed in the coin roll.

A sixth continuing object of the invention is to provide a coin roll that eliminates the need for a coin stacking type of tube to determine a proper quantity of coins prior to placing the coins in the coin roll.

A seventh continuing object of the invention is to provide a coin roll that eliminates the need for a painstaking counting of the number of coins that are being placed in the coin roll.

An eight continuing object of the invention is to provide a coin roll that includes printing on the inside of the coin roll.

Briefly, a coin roll or tube that is constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention has an inside line extending along at least a portion of an inside circumference of the roll and disposed a predetermined distance away from a reference point, the reference point being disposed at an opposite longitudinal end of the roll. The inside line includes a thickness that is at least equal to or which exceeds the thickness of one of the coin denominations that the roll is intended to hold. If too few coins are in the roll, the entire thickness of the inside line is visible on the inside of the roll. If one too many coins are in the roll, the inside line is no longer visible. If the correct number of coins are included in the roll, the inside line appears thinner and preferably no longer exceeds the thickness of one of the coins. An optional outer line, identical to the inside line, is optionally included disposed on an exterior of the roll and concentric with respect to the inside line. The inside line may include any preferred demarcation, for example a diamond, circle, or square or any other preferred geometric or other shape, or a plurality thereof, that includes a similar radial location and dimension.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view in perspective of a coin roll with too few coins therein, a center section of the roll being omitted.

FIG. 2 is a view in perspective of a coin roll with a correct amount of coins therein, a center section of the roll being omitted.

FIG. 3 is a view in perspective of a coin roll with too many coins therein, a center section of the roll being omitted.

FIG. 4 is a view in perspective of a modified type of a coin roll including alternate types of demarcations thereon, a center section of the roll being omitted.

FIG. 5 is a view in perspective of a second modified type of a coin roll including a larger alternate type of demarcation thereon, a center section of the roll being omitted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring on occasion to drawing FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 and now in particular to FIG. 1 is shown, a coin roll, identified in general by the reference numeral 10.

The coin roll 10, also known as a coin tube or simply as a “roll” or a “tube” is intended to hold a predetermined quantity of any desired denomination of a coin 12.

A bottom 10a of the roll 10 may include a rolled edge 14 or a lower exterior demarcation line 16, both of which provide a reference point from which a plurality of the coins 12 are added one atop the other inside of the roll 10.

The coin 12 that is visible in the drawings FIGS. 1-3 is always a top coin 12 and it is disposed over a plurality of the coins 12 that are stacked on atop the other and which begin at the reference point 14, 16.

An inside line 18 is a type of demarcation that extends along at least a portion of an inside circumference of the roll 10 and is disposed a predetermined distance away from the reference point, either away from the rolled edge 14 or away from the lower exterior demarcation line 16. Typically, the insider line 18 will be disposed nearer to an end of the roll 10 that is on an opposite end as that compared to the reference point 14, 16 and typically, it will extend radially around an inside circumference of the roll 10.

The inside line 18 preferably extends all the way around the inside circumference and it includes a thickness that is at least equal to or which exceeds the thickness of one of the coins 12 that the roll 10 is intended to hold. Obviously then, the inside line 18 would be thinner if the roll 10 were intended to hold dimes than if the roll 10 were intended to hold quarters.

The term “thickness” as used herein and as is applied to the inside line 18 including any version or demarcation thereof appertains to a dimension that is parallel with a longitudinal axis of the roll 10.

Outer dashed lines show the location inside of the roll 10 of the inside line 18 and where the top coin 12 is disposed with respect to the inside line 18. The outer dashed lines are not imprinted on the roll 10. They are shown in the drawing figure to help provide an understanding of the position of the uppermost coin 12 with respect to the inside line 18 and to that purpose they yield another view (i.e., looking through a sidewall of the roll 10).

A small outer segment of an optional outside line 20 is included in each of the FIGS. 1-3. The outside line 20 is described in greater detail hereinafter.

If too few of the coins 12 are present in the roll 10, the entire thickness of the inside line 18 is visible above the top-most coin 12 on the inside of the roll 10. FIG. 1 shows that the entire thickness of the inside line 18 is visible and that one additional coin 12 is needed.

If an upper edge of the top most coin 12 is located just below the inside line 18, this indicates that one too few coins 12 are present in the roll 10 and that one additional coin 12 should be added.

Accordingly, the inside line 18 is able to provide a first discernible indication indicative of when too few of the coins 12 are disposed in the roll 10.

If the upper edge of the top most coin 12 is located well below the inside line 18, this indicates that two or more additional coins 12 need to be added.

Referring now to FIG. 2, if a proper quantity (number) of the coins 12 are present in the roll 10, only a thin portion of the inside line 18 is visible when viewed from the inside of the roll 10.

The thin portion of the inside line 18 that is visible from the inside of the roll 10 when the proper number of the coins 12 are disposed in the roll 10, preferably is thinner than the thickness of any one of the coins 12. This is to prevent any tendency to add yet another coin 12 (one too many) to the roll 10 and still be able to see any portion of the inside line 18 when an excess of the coins 12 are disposed in the roll 10. Therefore, the maximum thickness of the inside line 18 should not generally be allowed to exceed the combined thickness of two of the coins 12. An exception to this is shown in FIG. 5 and is described in greater detail hereinafter.

Accordingly, the same inside line 18 that provided the first discernible indication when too few of the coins 12 were disposed in the roll 10 is now able to provide a second discernible indication that is different in appearance than the first discernible indication when the correct number of the coins 12 are disposed in the roll 10.

Therefore, the thin portion of the line 18 that is visible above the upper surface (edge) of the upper-most coin 12 when the inside of the roll 10 is viewed indicates, with certainty, that the correct number of the coins 12 are disposed in the roll 10.

Referring now to FIG. 3, if at least one too many of the coins 12 are present in the roll 10, the inside line is no longer visible when viewed from the inside of the roll 10. This indicates that too many of the coins 12 are present in the roll 10 and that one (or more) of the coins 12 needs to be removed from the roll 10 until the thin portion of the inside line 18 is visible on the inside of the roll 10.

Accordingly, the same inside line that provided the first discernible indication when too few of the coins 12 were disposed in the roll 10 and the second discernible indication when the correct number of the coins 12 were disposed in the roll 10 is now able to provide a third discernible indication that is different in appearance than the first discernible indication and also different in appearance than the second discernible indication when too many of the coins 12 are disposed in the roll 10.

Referring momentarily to FIG. 4, the use of spaced-apart diamonds 22, circles 24, and squares 26 illustrate how other geometric-shaped demarcations can be used on the inside of a modified roll 28 to obtain the same benefits providing that the height (extending along a longitudinal length of the modified roll 28) is nearly the same as that of the inside line 18. Obviously, any preferred shape or combination of shapes can be used as the preferred demarcation for the inside line 18.

The geometric-shaped demarcations 22, 24, 26 can be used to quickly determine if the proper number of coins are in the modified roll 28. If the entire geometric shape is visible, then too few coins are present. If none of the geometric shape is visible, then too many coins are present. If a portion of the geometric shape is visible, then the proper number of coins are present.

The geometric-shaped demarcations 22, 24, 26 can, for some users, be a faster determinant at verifying that a proper number of coins are present than determining the thickness of the inside line 18 because, rather than having to judge line thickness, a mere glance at the shape of the demarcations is used to determine the number of coins. Any other preferred type of geometric shape or pattern can be used for the demarcations 22, 24, 26 to replace the inside line 18.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-3, the outside line 20 is optionally included with the roll 10 (or the modified roll 28) and is concentric with respect to the inside line 18. The outside line 20 is useful in verifying that a correct number of coins 12 are in the roll 10.

Normally, an open upper end 10b of the roll 10 is folded over the upper surface of the top-most coin 12 when the roll 10 is filled to capacity. The recipient of the filled roll 10 needs assurance as does the person who filled it to confirm that the correct number of the coins 12 are included in the roll 10. Such assurance is provided to the person who filled the roll 10 by the inside line 18, as was described in detail hereinabove.

After the upper end 10b has been closed, the recipient cannot observe the inside line 18 and would have no way to determine whether the proper number of coins 12 are in the roll 10.

The outside line 20 may similarly extend fully around the outer circumference of the roll 10, 28 or only partially, as shown by the segment of the outside line 20. If preferred, the alternate diamond 22, circle 24, square 26 or other demarcation shapes can be used to form the outside line 20 or segment thereof.

Accordingly, the inside line 18 or inside geometric-shaped demarcations 22, 24, 26 are useful to whomever is filling the roll 10 in verifying that a correct number of coins 12 are included. The outside line 20 is of primary use to those who receive the filled roll 10 in alleviating their concern as to whether or not a proper number of coins 12 are in the roll 10.

Referring now in particular to FIG. 1, when too few of the coins are in the roll 10 and the upper end 10b is folded, none of the outside line 20 is visible along the outer circumference (outside diameter) of the roll 10.

Referring now in particular to FIG. 2, when the proper number of the coins are in the roll 10 and the upper end 10b is folded, a portion of the outside line 20 that is thinner than the thickness of one of the coins 12 is visible along the outer circumference (outside diameter) of the roll 10.

Referring now in particular to FIG. 3, when too many of the coins are in the roll 10 and the upper end 10b is folded, all of the outside line 20 is visible along the outer circumference (outside diameter) of the roll 10.

Accordingly, both the person who fills the roll 10, 28 and the person who receives it after it has been filled are assured that the correct number of coins 12 are disposed in the roll 10.

This promotes ease and speed of filling of the roll 10 and general acceptance of the filled rolls 10 by retailers, banks, other establishments, etc. If the rolled edge 14 is not used, after a few of the coins 12 are placed in the roll 10, they are adjusted along the longitudinal length of the roll so that the exterior demarcation line 16 aligns with the bottom edge of the bottom-most coin 12 prior to a complete filling of the roll 10. The exterior demarcation line 16 can of course be modified as desired to include a dashed line, a series of perforations, a crease or any other desired indication as to where the bottom of the roll 10 is located.

Other changes are possible to those having benefited from the instant disclosure. For example, it is easy to learn how to use the coin roll 10, the learning curve taking only a minute or so. Instructions for the proper use of the roll 10 can be placed on the outside of the roll 10, if desired. While paper is a preferred material for the coin roll 10, plastic is also possible. The plastic may be either opaque or translucent, as desired.

If preferred, the inside line 18 can also include perforations or indentations of a comparable thickness as that of the inside line 18 which can be used to provide a similar demarcation-indication as to the quantity of coins in the roll 10. However, they ideally need to be of the same thickness as the inside line 18 to provide the same benefit. This could be useful for visually impaired users and possibly for others.

Referring now to FIG. 5 is shown a second modified roll 30. A series of figure-eight shaped demarcations 32 are printed on the interior of the second modified roll 30 in a manner similar to the inside line 18 and the inside geometric-shaped demarcations 22, 24, 26. The figure-eight shaped demarcations 32 extend radially around an inside circumference of the second modified roll 30, each of the figure-eight shaped demarcations 32 being equidistant from the rolled edge 14.

When the proper number of coins 12 are in the second modified roll 30, a lower half 34 of the figure-eight shaped demarcations 32 is covered from view when viewed from the inside of the second modified roll 30 while an upper half 36 of the figure-eight shaped demarcations 32 remains fully in view. When a proper number of the coins 12 are disposed in the second modified roll 30 the top surface of the uppermost coin 12 is disposed in the middle of the figure-eight shaped demarcations 32.

A mere glance inside the second modified roll 30, when properly filled, reveals essentially only the upper half 36, or top circle, of each of the figure-eight shaped demarcations 32, thereby providing a new pattern recognition that is different than that which is visible when either too many or too few of the coins 12 are included. Pattern recognition provides a method of recognition that for certain users is easier and faster than assessing the thickness of the inside line 18.

If all or a portion of the lower half 34 of each of the figure-eight shaped demarcations 32 is visible, then too few coins 32 are in the second modified roll 30.

If all or a portion of the upper half 36 of each of the figure-eight shaped demarcations 32 is obscured from view, then too many coins 12 are in the second modified roll 30.

Of course the overall thickness, extending along a longitudinal length of the second modified roll 32, can be greater than the combined thickness of two of the coins 12. It can be equal to the combined thickness of three or more of the coins 12. This is possible because the determination as to the correct number of coins 12 being in the second modified roll 30 depends upon the final shape of the figure-eight shaped demarcations 32 that remain visible after filling when viewed from the inside of the second modified roll 30.

It is therefore possible to further modify the second modified roll 32 (or any version of the invention herein) by including (printing) shapes on the inside that are different than that of the figure-eight shaped demarcations 32 and which are thicker, longitudinally, than the combined thickness of two of the coins 12. Similarly, it is also possible to rely on pattern recognition, as taught herein to verify that a proper number of the coins 12 are disposed in the second modified roll 30 (or any other version) when the longitudinal length of the demarcation used is less than the combined thickness of two of the coins 12.

The invention has been shown, described, and illustrated in substantial detail with reference to the presently preferred embodiment. It will be understood by those skilled in this art that other and further changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention which is defined by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. An improvement to a coin roll of the type for housing a predetermined quantity of a particular denomination of a coin, wherein the improvement comprises: providing at least one visible demarcation inside of the coin roll to indicate whether a correct number of coins are disposed in the roll.

2. The improvement of claim 1 wherein said at least one demarcation includes a thickness that is at least equal to the thickness of one of the coins.

3. The improvement of claim 1 wherein said at least one demarcation includes a thickness that is less than the combined thickness of two of the coins.

4. The improvement of claim 1 wherein said at least one demarcation includes a preferred predetermined shape.

5. The improvement of claim 4 wherein said preferred shape is selected from the group consisting of circle, diamond, square, figure-eight, and polygon.

6. The improvement of claim 1 wherein said at least one demarcation includes an inside line that extends along at least a portion of an inside surface of the roll.

7. The improvement of claim 1 including providing at least one visible demarcation on an outside of the coin roll to indicate whether a correct number of coins are disposed in the roll.

8. A coin roll for housing a predetermined quantity of a particular denomination of a coin wherein the roll includes a longitudinal length and an outside diameter and an inside diameter, comprising: (a) a reference disposed proximate a first end of said roll, said reference providing a starting location for a first of said quantity of coin; and (b) a visible inside demarcation disposed on an inside surface of said roll and away from said first end of said roll an amount sufficient to indicate whether said predetermined quantity of coins are disposed in said roll.

9. The coin roll of claim 8 wherein said demarcation includes a dimension that extends along a portion of said longitudinal length of said roll and wherein said dimension is at least equal to the thickness of one of said coins.

10. The coin roll of claim 8 wherein said demarcation includes a dimension that extends along a portion of said longitudinal length of said roll and wherein said dimension is less than the combined thickness of two of said coins.

11. The coin roll of claim 8 wherein said demarcation includes a dimension that extends along a portion of said longitudinal length of said roll and wherein said dimension is at least equal to the thickness of one of said coins and wherein said dimension is less than the combined thickness of two of said coins.

12. The coin roll of claim 8 including a visible demarcation disposed on an outside surface of said roll and away from said first end of said roll an amount sufficient to indicate whether said predetermined quantity of coins are disposed in said roll.

13. The improvement of claim 8 wherein said inside visible demarcation includes a preferred predetermined shape.

14. The improvement of claim 13 wherein said preferred shape is selected from the group consisting of lines, line segments, circles, diamonds, squares, figure-eights, and polygons.

15. The coin roll of claim 8 wherein said demarcation includes a dimension that extends along a portion of said longitudinal length of said roll and wherein said dimension is greater than the combined thickness of two of said coins.

16. An improvement to a coin roll of the type for housing a predetermined quantity of a particular denomination of a coin, wherein the improvement comprises: providing at least one visible demarcation on said coin roll wherein said at least one visible demarcation provides a first discernible indication as to when too few of said coins are disposed in said roll, and wherein said at least one visible demarcation provides a second discernible indication as to when a correct number of said coins are disposed in said roll, and wherein said at least one visible demarcation provides a third discernible indication as to when too many of said coins are disposed in said roll and wherein said first discernible indication is different in appearance than said second discernible indication and also different in appearance than said third discernible indication and wherein said second discernible indication is different in appearance than said third discernible indication.

17. The improvement of claim 16 wherein said at least one visible demarcation is disposed on an inside surface of said roll.

18. The improvement of claim 16 wherein said at least one visible demarcation is disposed on an outside surface of said roll.

19. The improvement of claim 16 wherein said at least one visible demarcation is disposed on an inside surface of said roll and including a second visible demarcation that is disposed on an outside surface of said roll and wherein said second visible demarcation provides a first outer discernible indication as to when too few of said coins are disposed in said roll, and wherein said second visible demarcation provides a second outer discernible indication as to when a correct number of said coins are disposed in said roll, and wherein said outer visible demarcation provides a third outer discernible indication as to when too many of said coins are disposed in said roll and wherein said first outer discernible indication is different in appearance than said second outer discernible indication and also different in appearance than said third outer discernible indication and wherein said second outer discernible indication is different in appearance than said third outer discernible indication.