Patent Grant
11412825
Not applicable to this application.
Not applicable to this application.
Example embodiments in general relate to a shielding card holder system for providing a versatile protector and holder which shields wireless transmissions from a card such as a smartcard.
Any discussion of the related art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such related art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.
The use of electric and magnetic cards has become ubiquitous in modern society. Cards such as badges, credit cards, identifying cards, access cards, and the like are a staple of modern life. While many such cards utilize magnetic strips, modern technology has allowed for the use of cards which utilize electronic devices such as chips to wirelessly transfer information.
Such cards are susceptible to intrusions such as skimming, in which an electronic device may be utilized to scan the card for cloning or data theft. Most modern smart phones include near-field communication (NFC) functionality which may allow the smart phone to scan the data from the card.
While various methods have been utilized to prevent such skimming, the methods in use often severely inhibit the versatility of the card, particularly with respect to accessibility to the card and options for how to wear or otherwise attach the card to one's self. For example, foil or similar sleeves require that the sleeve be retrieved from a wallet or purse and then that the card be fully removed from the sleeve.
An example embodiment is directed to a shielding card holder system. The shielding card holder system includes a card protector adapted to shield wireless transmissions from a card such as a smartcard. A card holder is removably attached to the card protector, the card holder being adapted to removably receive the card. A protector magnet on the card protector is adapted to magnetically engage with a holder magnet on the card holder or the card holder itself to removably attach the card holder to the card protector. A securing member may be utilized to secure the card protector against an article of clothing, with the securing member including a securing magnet adapted to magnetically engage with the protector magnet through the clothing.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the embodiments of the shielding card holder system in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional embodiments of the shielding card holder system that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the shielding card holder system in detail, it is to be understood that the shielding card holder system is not limited in its application to the details of construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The shielding card holder system is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.
Example embodiments will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are represented by like reference characters, which are given by way of illustration only and thus are not limitative of the example embodiments herein.
An example shielding card holder system generally comprises a card protector 20 for shielding wireless transmissions from a card 70. The card protector 20 comprises an upper end 21, a lower end 22, an outer surface 25, and an inner surface 26. An outer flange 27 may extend at least partially around an outer edge of the outer surface 25 of the card protector 20. A first protector magnet 33 is connected to the card protector 20, with the first protector magnet 33 including a first surface 80 and a second surface 81 opposite of the first surface 80. A card holder 40 adapted to removably hold the card 70 within the card holder 40 is removably attached to the outer surface 25 of the card protector 20. The card holder 40 is adjustable between an opened position and a closed position. The card holder 40 is adapted to removably hold the card 70 within the card holder 40 when the card holder 40 is in the closed position. The card holder 40 is adapted to magnetically engage with the first surface 80 of the first protector magnet 33 so as to removably attach the card holder 40 to the card protector 20.
A securing member 60 may be removably attached the inner surface 26 of the card protector 20. A first securing magnet 64 is connected to the securing member 60. The first securing magnet 64 is adapted to magnetically engage with the second surface 81 of the first protector magnet 33 so as to removably attach the securing member 60 to the card protector 20. A second protector magnet 35 may be connected to the card protector 20 and a second securing magnet 66 may be connected to the securing member 60. The second securing magnet 66 is adapted to magnetically engage with the second protector magnet 35 so as to removably attach the securing member 60 to the card protector 20.
The first protector magnet 33 is connected near the upper end 21 of the card protector 20 and the second protector magnet 35 is connected near the lower end 22 of the card protector 20. The first securing magnet 64 is connected near the upper end 61 of the securing member 60 and the second securing magnet 66 is connected near the lower end 62 of the securing member 60. The securing member 60 may comprise one or more openings 67.
The card holder 40 comprises a first member 41 and a second member 50. The first member 41 and the second member 50 are movably connected such that the card holder 40 is adjustable between an opened position and a closed position. The card holder 40 comprises a bias member 49 for biasing the card holder 40 towards the closed position. The bias member 49 is connected between the first member 41 and the second member 50 of the card holder 40. The bias member 49 may comprise a leaf spring. The bias member 49 may comprise a magnetic material. A fastener 48 may be connected between the first member 41 and the second member 50 of the card holder 40. The fastener 48 may be rotatable to adjust the card holder 40 between the opened position and the closed position.
Another example shielding card holder system generally comprises a card protector 20 for shielding wireless transmissions from a card 70. The card protector 20 may comprise an upper end 21, a lower end 22, an outer surface 25, and an inner surface 26. The card protector 20 may include an outer flange 27 extending at least partially around an outer edge of the outer surface 25 of the card protector 20. A first protector magnet 33 may be connected to the card protector 20. The first protector magnet 33 may include a first surface 80 and a second surface 81 opposite of the first surface 80.
A card holder 40 may be removably attached to the outer surface 25 of the card protector 20. The card holder 40 is adapted to removably hold the card 70 within the card holder 40 and is adjustable between an opened position and a closed position. A first holder magnet 47 may be connected to the card holder 40 to magnetically engage with the first surface 80 of the first protector magnet 33 so as to removably attach the card holder 40 to the card protector 20.
A securing member 60 may be removably attached to the inner surface 26 of the card protector 20. A first securing magnet 64 may be connected to the securing member 60 so as to magnetically engage with the second surface 81 of the first protector magnet 33 to removably attach the securing member 60 to the card protector 20. A second protector magnet 35 may be connected to the card protector 20. A second securing magnet 66 may be connected to the securing member 60. The second securing magnet 66 is adapted to magnetically engage with the second protector magnet 35 so as to removably attach the securing member 60 to the card protector 20.
The card holder 40 may comprise a first member 41 and a second member 50, with the first member 41 being movable with respect to the second member 50 so as to adjust the card holder 40 between the opened position and the closed position. The first holder magnet 47 may be connected to the first member 41 and a second holder magnet 53 may be connected to the second member 50. The first holder magnet 47 and the second holder magnet 53 are adapted to magnetically bias the card holder 40 towards the closed position.
Also disclosed is a method of wearing a card 70 utilizing the shielding card holder system, comprising the steps of securing the card 70 within the card holder 40, attaching the card holder 40 to the card protector 20, positioning the securing member 60 against the interior of an article of clothing 13, and positioning the card protector 20 against the exterior of the article of clothing 13 adjacent to the securing member 60 such that the first protector magnet 33 of the card protector 20 magnetically engages with the first securing magnet 64 of the securing member 60 through the article of clothing 13.
As shown throughout the figures, the shielding card holder system may comprise a card protector 20 to which a card 70 may be secured, such as with a card holder 40 as described herein. The card protector 20 may provide a number of functions. It may act as a backing for the card 70 so as to lessen the risk of damage to the back of the card 70, and particularly any electronic or magnetic strips. The card protector 20 may also act to shield wireless signals such as RF waves and the like so as to protect the card 70 from intrusions such as being cloned or skimmed.
The card protector 20 may comprise various types of materials known to shield wireless transmissions, such as but not limited to metals, metal alloys, and the like. By way of example and without limitation, the card protector 20 may be at least partially comprised of shielding materials such as aluminum, copper, nickel, brass, silver, steel, tin, and alloys thereof. In some embodiments, only portions of the card protector 20 may be comprised of such shielding materials. In other embodiments, all of the card protector 20 may comprise such materials. In some embodiments, the shielding materials may be connected to, rather than integrated with, the card protector 20. For example, a shielding material such as a plate or cover may be connected to the outer or inner surfaces 25, 26 of the card protector 20.
The card protector 20 may comprise various shapes and dimensions depending on the card 70 to be shielded, as well as other considerations such as where the card protector 20 is meant to be worn. In the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures, the card protector 20 is illustrated as comprising a rectangular shape. It should be appreciated that the figures merely illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the card protector 20 and thus should not be construed as limiting in scope.
In the embodiment best shown in
The outer flange 27 may include breaks along its length to accommodate the card holder 40. In some embodiments, the outer flange 27 may only be included on portions of the card protector 20. For example, only the corners of the card protector 20 may include an outer flange 27 in some embodiments. As a further example, only the sides 23, 24 of the card protector 20 may include an outer flange 27 in certain embodiments. The outer flange 27 may function to center and retain the card 70 within the card holding space 28 of the card protector 20. In some embodiments, the outer flange 27 may be omitted entirely.
With reference to
As shown in
With reference to
The card protector 20 will generally include one or more protector magnets 33, 35 which are utilized to removably secure the card holder 40 and/or the securing member 60 to the card protector 20. In some embodiments, the protector magnets 33, 35 may be fixedly connected or integral with the card protector 20. In embodiments such as shown in
The card protector 20 may include magnet openings 32, 34 in which the protector magnets 33, 35 may be secured such that the protector magnets 33, 35 may be flush or depressed with respect to the outer surface 25 of the card protector 20. In some embodiments, the protector magnets 33, 35 may instead extend at least partially outwardly from the outer surface 25 of the card protector 20. In some embodiments, the protector magnets 33, 35 may be secured against the outer surface 25 of the card protector 20 without use of any magnet openings 32, 34, such as by use of a fastener or adhesive.
In the embodiment shown in
Continuing to reference
The type, strength, and polarization of the protector magnets 33, 35 may vary in different embodiments. The protector magnets 33, 35 will generally comprise permanent (as opposed to temporary) magnets such as but not limited to neodymium iron boron, samarium cobalt, alnico, ceramic, and ferrite magnets. In some embodiments, electromagnets may be utilized.
The shape of the protector magnets 33, 35 may vary in different embodiments. In the embodiment shown in the figures, each of the protector magnets 33, 35 is illustrated as comprising a rectangular shape. It should be appreciated that various other shapes may be utilized for the protector magnets 33, 35, and thus the rectangular shape, including dimensions, shown in the figures should not be construed as limiting.
With reference to
It should be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the first and second protector magnets 33, 35 may not be positioned near the upper and lower ends 21, 22 of the card protector 20. For example, in some embodiments, the first protector magnet 33 may be positioned near the first side 23 of the card protector 20 and the second protector magnet 35 may be positioned near the second side 24 of the card protector 20. The card protector 20 may also be rotated in orientation, such as rotated into a horizontal orientation (as opposed to the vertical orientation shown in the figures), such that the protector magnets 33, 35 are oriented horizontally rather than vertically.
The first protector magnet 33 may be utilized to removably attach the card holder 40 to the card protector 20 such as shown in
The first protector magnet 33 may also be utilized to removably couple the securing member 60 to the card protector 20. Thus, the polarity of the second surface 81 of the first protector magnet 33 will generally be opposite to the polarity of the outer surface of the first securing magnet 64 of the securing member 60 such that the outer surface of the first securing magnet 64 is attracted to the second surface 81 of the first protector magnet 33 to removably couple the securing member 60 against the card protector 20 by magnetic attraction between the first protector magnet 33 and the first securing magnet 64.
In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, it can be seen that the first surface 80 of the first protector magnet 33 is visible on the outer surface 25 of the card protector 20 and that the second surface 81 of the first protector magnet 33 is visible on the inner surface 26 of the card protector 20. It should be appreciated that, in some embodiments, a pair of first protector magnets 33 may instead be utilized, with a first on the outer surface 25 of the card protector 20 and a second on the inner surface 26 of the card protector 20.
In some embodiments, or depending upon the orientation of the card protector 20, the functions of the first and second protector magnets 33, 35 may be interchangeable. Thus, in some embodiments or orientations, the card holder 40 may be removably attached to the first protector magnet 33. In other embodiments or orientations, the card holder 40 may instead be removably attached to the second protector magnet 35. Thus, the scope should not be construed as limited by the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures in which the card holder 40 is removably attached to the first protector magnet 33, as depending upon the orientation and/or embodiment of the card holder 40, the card holder 40 may instead be removably attached to the second protector magnet 35.
As shown in
In a preferred embodiment, the polarity of the first protector magnet 33 and the second protector magnet 35 will be reversed with respect to each other. Thus, the first surface 80 of the first protector magnet 33 will be opposite to the same surface of the second protector magnet 35. The use of reverse polarities on the pair of protector magnets 33, 35 ensures that the first holder magnet 47 of the card holder 40 is only attracted to the first protector magnet 33, and not to the second protector magnet 35. Such a configuration prevents the card holder 40 from accidentally magnetically engaging with the second protector magnet 35 rather than the first protector magnet 33.
The second protector magnet 35 will generally be utilized for coupling the securing member 60 to the card protector 20. In the embodiment shown in
However, it should be appreciated that alternate configurations may be utilized. As a first example, the second protector magnet 35 could be omitted entirely; with only a single protector magnet 33 being utilized exclusively to secure both the card holder 40 and the securing member 60 to the card protector 20. As a second example, the first protector magnet 33 may be utilized exclusively for the card holder 40 and the second protector magnet 35 may be utilized exclusively for the securing member 60. As a third example and as shown in the figures, the first protector magnet 33 may be utilized to secure the card holder 40 and both the first and second protector magnets 33, 35 may be utilized in concert to secure the securing member 60.
As best shown in
As best shown in
As best shown in
The shape, size, and configuration of the ribs 36a, 36b, 37a, 37b may vary in different embodiments, and thus should not be construed as limited by the exemplary figures. In the figures, it can be seen that the upper ribs 36a, 36b are each comprised of an elongated rib which are parallel to each other. Similarly, the lower ribs 37a, 37b are each shown as comprised of parallel elongated ribs. The first upper rib 36a is shown as being aligned with and spaced-apart with respect to the first lower rib 37a, and the second upper rib 36b is shown as being aligned with and spaced-apart with respect to the second lower rib 37b.
Aligning the upper and lower ribs 36a, 36b, 37a, 37b forms a rectangular track or guide for the securing member 60 to fit within. It should be appreciated that the spacing, dimensions, positioning, and orientation of the ribs 36a, 36b, 37a, 37b may vary depending upon the shape and size of the securing member 60. In some embodiments, only a single upper rib 36a and a single lower rib 37a may be utilized, such as for example with embodiments in which the securing member 60 is shorter in length than the embodiment shown in the figures.
As best shown in
The shape and size of the holder openings 38a, 38b may vary in different embodiments. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, the holder openings 38a, 38b are each illustrated as comprising vertically-oriented elongated openings. In some embodiments, the holder openings 38a, 38b may instead be horizontally-oriented or diagonally-oriented. Further, the positioning of the holder openings 38a, 38b may vary depending upon the embodiment of the card protector 20 and/or card holder 40. Additionally, the length and overall dimensions of the holder openings 38a, 38b may vary and should not be construed as limited by the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures.
As shown throughout the figures, a card holder 40 may be removably connected to the card protector 20 via magnetic attraction. The card holder 40 is utilized to retain a card 70 such as a credit card, identification card, an RFID badge or the like of varying thicknesses. It should be appreciated that a wide range of types of cards 70 may be utilized in connection with the systems and methods described herein. Thus, the scope should not be construed as limiting to any particular type of card 70 with any particular type of functionality. Generally, the card 70 will first be secured within the card holder 40, and then the card holder 40 will be secured to the card protector 20. However, in some embodiments, the card holder 40 may instead be first connected to the card protector 20 prior to inserting the card 70 into the card holder 40.
The card holder 40 is generally adjustable between an opened position, such as shown in
The card holder 40 may be biased towards the closed position, such as through use of a bias member 49. In one exemplary embodiment such as shown in
The card holder 40 may comprise a clamp.
As best shown in
The first member 41 may include a handle 42 which may be primarily utilized to grasp the card holder 40 when the card holder 40 is being removed from or attached to the card protector 20. The handle 42 may also be utilized when pivoting the card holder 40 so as to pivot the card 70 away from the card protector 20 such that the card 70 may be scanned without fully removing the card holder 40 from the card protector 20. In some embodiments, the handle 42 may also be utilized to open or close the card holder 40 by pivoting the first member 41 either towards or away from the second member 50.
The shape, size, and orientation of the handle 42 may vary in different embodiments. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the handle 42 may comprise an angular tab-like structure which extends outwardly from the first member 41. The handle 42 may include an opening 43 which is utilized for securing the card holder 40 to various devices, such as a strap 14 or extension reel 16 as discussed below.
As shown in
Continuing to reference
As shown in
The type, strength, and polarization of the first holder magnet 47 may vary in different embodiments. The first holder magnet 47 may comprise a first surface 84 such as an outer surface and a second surface 85 opposite to the first surface 84, such as an inner surface. The first holder magnet 47 may have a first polarity on the first surface 84 and a second polarity on the second surface 85. The first holder magnet 47 will generally comprise a permanent (as opposed to temporary) magnet such as but not limited to neodymium iron boron, samarium cobalt, alnico, ceramic, and ferrite magnets. In some embodiments, electromagnets may be utilized.
In some embodiments, the card holder 40, including the first member 41 and/or the second member 50, may instead be comprised of a magnetically-attractive material. In such embodiments, the first holder magnet 47 may be omitted, with the card holder 40 itself being magnetically-attracted to the first protector magnet 33 of the card protector 20 for removably attaching the card holder 40 to the card protector 20. In such embodiments, at least a portion of the card holder 40 may be comprised of a magnetically-attractive material. For example, the first member 41 in such embodiments may be comprised of a magnetically-attractive material which is adapted to magnetically engage with the first protector magnet 33 of the card protector 20.
The shape of the first holder magnet 47 may vary in different embodiments. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the first holder magnet 47 is illustrated as comprising a rectangular shape. It should be appreciated that various other shapes may be utilized for the first holder magnet 47, and thus the rectangular shape, including dimensions, shown in the figures should not be construed as limiting. The positioning and orientation of the first holder magnet 47 on the first member 41 of the card holder 40 may also vary and should not be construed as limited by the exemplary figures.
The first holder magnet 47 is primarily utilized for securing the card holder 40 to the card protector 20 such as shown in
Continuing to reference
As best shown in
In the embodiment shown in
As shown in
The shape of the second holder magnet 53 may vary in different embodiments. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the second holder magnet 53 is illustrated as comprising a rectangular shape. It should be appreciated that various other shapes may be utilized for the second holder magnet 53, and thus the rectangular shape, including dimensions, shown in the figures should not be construed as limiting. The positioning and orientation of the second holder magnet 53 on the second member 50 of the card holder 40 may also vary and should not be construed as limited by the exemplary figures.
In embodiments in which it is included, the second holder magnet 53 will function in concert with the first holder magnet 47 to bias the card holder 40 into its closed position in the absence of application of force. Accordingly, the polarity of the second (inner) surface 87 of the second holder magnet 53 will preferably be the same as the polarity of the first (outer) surface 84 of the first holder magnet 47 such that the second (inner) surface 87 of the second holder magnet 53 is repelled by the first (outer) surface 84 of the first holder magnet 47. When the first member 41 and second member 50 of the card holder 40 are pushed away from each other by magnetic repulsion between the matching polarities of the first and second holder magnets 47, 53, the arms 54, 56 of the second member 50 are drawn closer to the projections 44a, 44b of the first member 41 such that the card holder 40 is biased towards the closed position.
As shown throughout the figures, the first and second members 41, 50 work in concert such that the card holder 40 may function as a clip for the card 70. The card holder 40 may be opened so as to receive a card 70 by pressing on the handle 42 to overcome both the bias force of the bias member 49 and/or the magnetic repulsion force of the first and second holder magnets 47, 53 such that the first and second members 41, 50 pivotally open to receive the card 70. Upon release of the handle 42, the bias force of the bias member 49 and/or the magnetic repulsion of the first and second holder magnets 47, 53 will draw the projections 44a, 44b and arms 54, 56 of the card holder 40 into a closed position to secure the card 70 therein.
The manner in which the card holder 40 is opened or closed may vary in different embodiments. In the embodiment shown in
The bias member 49 is positioned between the first and second members 41, 50 of the card holder 40 so as to bias the first and second members 41, 50 towards each other. The bias member 49 is positioned between the main body of the first member 41 and the central portion 51 of the second member 50.
Because of the placement of the arms 54, 56, which extend rearwardly from the central portion 51 of the second member 50, the force of the bias member 49 applied between the first and second members 41, 50 functions to press the arms 54, 56 of the second member 50 against the projections 44a, 44b of the first member 41 such as shown in
In the embodiment shown in
An alternate embodiment of the card holder 40 is shown in
The type of fastener 48 utilized may vary in different embodiments. The fastener 48 may include a knob or the like, such as a watch knob, to ease rotation of the fastener 48. The fastener 48 may comprise various types of materials. In a preferred embodiment, the fastener 48 may comprise a magnetically-attractive metal.
As shown throughout the figures, a securing member 60 may be provided to aid in wearing the card protector 20. As best shown in
In further embodiments, the securing member 60 may be utilized to secure the card protector 20 against a belt, with the card protector 20 positioned on the outer surface of the belt and the securing member 60 positioned on the inner surface of the belt. The securing member 60 may thus function as a belt clip in some embodiments. In such embodiments, the securing member 60 may be curved or bent to more easily fit over a belt. The securing member 60 may be fixedly secured at its upper end 61 to the inner surface 26 of the card protector 20 in some embodiments so as to function as such a belt clip. In such embodiments, the first and/or second securing magnets 64, 66 may be omitted.
The securing member 60 will generally comprise an elongated, rectangular member having an upper end 61, a lower end 62, a first side 68, and a second side 69. However, various other shapes may be utilized for the securing member 60, and thus the shape and size shown in the figures should not be construed as limiting in scope. While the figures illustrate that the securing member 60 is approximately the same length as the card holder 40, it should be appreciated that the securing member 60 may be longer than, or shorter than, the card holder 40 in different embodiments.
In the exemplary embodiment shown in
The type, strength, and polarization of the securing magnets 64, 66 may vary in different embodiments. The securing magnets 64, 66 may have a first polarity on the first side and a second polarity on the second side. The securing magnets 64, 66 will generally comprise permanent (as opposed to temporary) magnets such as but not limited to neodymium iron boron, samarium cobalt, alnico, ceramic, and ferrite magnets. In some embodiments, electromagnets may be utilized.
In a preferred embodiment in which the first protector magnet 33 has a reversed polarity configuration when compared with the second protector magnet 35, the first securing magnet 64 will similarly have a reverse polarity configuration when compared to the second securing magnet 66. Thus, in such a preferred embodiment, the first side of the first securing magnet 64 will have an opposite polarity with respect to the first side of the second securing magnet 66. Such a configuration is utilized such that the first and second protector magnets 33, 35 may have opposite polarities without affecting magnetic attraction with the securing magnets 64, 66.
The shape of the securing magnets 64, 66 may vary in different embodiments. In the embodiment shown in the figures, each of the securing magnets 64, 66 is illustrated as comprising a rectangular shape. It should be appreciated that various other shapes may be utilized for the securing magnets 64, 66, and thus the rectangular shape, including dimensions, shown in the figures should not be construed as limiting.
The positioning of the securing magnets 64, 66 may vary in different embodiments. In the exemplary embodiment shown in
As shown in
The central openings 67 are illustrated as being linearly aligned as they extend between the upper and lower ends 61, 62 of the securing member 60. It should be appreciated that the positioning and orientation of the central openings 67 may vary in different embodiments. Thus, the positioning and orientation shown in the figures should not be construed as limiting in scope.
As previously described, the inner surface 26 of the card protector 20 may include ribs 36a, 36b, 37a, 37b which form a guide or track for the securing member 60. Thus, the securing member 60 may be secured to the card protector 20 such that the first ribs 36a, 37a are positioned on a first side 68 of the securing member 60 and the second ribs 36b, 37b are positioned on a second side 69 of the securing member 60. In this manner, the securing member 60 will be prevented from shifting or moving from side-to-side, and thus anchored in place. The ribs 36a, 36b, 37a, 37b also provide a guide for ideal positioning of the securing member 60 on the card protector 20.
The systems and methods described herein may be utilized for the protection and shielding wireless transmissions or communications of a wide range of devices, including but not limited to various types of cards 70 such as identification cards, credit cards, RFID badges and the like. More specifically, the card protector 20 may be utilized so as to cover all but the front face of the card 70, with the sides of the card 70 being covered by the outer flange 27 of the card protector 20 to shield wireless transmissions. By positioning the card 70 into the card holding space 28 of the card protector 20, one can protect and shield the card 70 from intrusion such as skimming of wireless transmissions.
In use, the card 70 is generally first secured within the card holder 40. The card holder 40 may be opened into its opened position to receive the card 70, and then closed into its closed position to secure the card 70 within the card holder 40. In a first embodiment as shown in
Upon release of pressure on the handle 42, the first and second members 41, 50 will revert back to their original position by force of the bias member 49 and/or holder magnets 47, 53. In such an original position, the card 70 will be secured between the projections 44a, 44b of the first member 41 of the card holder 40 and the arms 54, 56 of the second member 50 of the card holder 40 such as shown in
To remove the card 70, pressure may be applied again to the handle 42 to open the card holder 40 by moving the first and second members 41, 50 away from each other. With the handle 42 depressed and the card holder 40 in the opened position, the card 70 may be safely removed from the card holder 40. The handle 42 may then be released, with the first and second members 41, 50 reverting back to their original closed position by force of the bias member 49 and/or first and second holder magnets 47, 53.
In an alternate embodiment as shown in
To remove the card 70 from the card holder 40 in the embodiment of
With the card 70 secured within the card holder 40, the card holder 40 may be secured to the card protector 20. It should be appreciated, however, that in some embodiments the card holder 40 may first be secured to the card protector 20, followed by insertion of the card 70 into the card holder 40. The order in which the card 70 is inserted into the card holder 40 (i.e., before or after the card holder 40 is secured to the card protector 20) may thus vary in different embodiments and to suit the needs of different individuals 12.
To secure the card holder 40 to the card protector 20, one need only position the card holder 40 such that the first holder magnet 47 is brought near to the first protector magnet 33. To prevent the first holder magnet 47 from inadvertently engaging with the second protector magnet 35, the polarity of the outer surface of the second protector magnet 35 may be the same as the polarity of the inner surface of the first holder magnet 47 such that the first holder magnet 47 is repelled from the second protector magnet 35.
Upon the first protector magnet 33 and first holder magnet 47 being near each other, they will be magnetically attracted so as to removably secure the first holder magnet 47 against the first protector magnet 33. In this manner, the card holder 40 may be removably attached to the card protector 20. The card 70 will rest within the card holding space 28 of the card protector 20, with the outer flange 27 covering the sides of the card 70 such as shown in
When it is desired to use the card 70, such as to make a payment, access an area, or identify one's self, the card holder 40 and card 70 may be fully removed from the card protector 20 such that the card 70 may be swiped or scanned. The card holder 40 and card 70 may then be easily reconnected to the card protector 20 using the steps described above, with the card holder 40 snapping into place on the card protector 20 when the first protector magnet 33 and first holder magnet 47 are brought near to each other.
In some situations, it may not be necessary to fully remove the card holder 40 and retained card 70 from the card protector 20. In such situations, one may simply grasp the extended portion 30 of the card protector 20 while pressing down on the handle 42 of the card holder 40, which pivots the card 70 outwardly from the card protector 20 so as to partially expose the rear side of the card 70 such as shown in
An individual 12 may choose to affix the card protector 20, including the attached card holder 40 and retained card 70, to his or her body or to an article of clothing 13. The figures illustrate a number of exemplary methods for securing the card protector 20 to one's self. It should be appreciated that the described and shown methods are merely for exemplary purposes, and are not meant to be exhaustive as there are numerous methods for securing the card protector 20 to one's self. Further, the orientation of the card protector 20 may vary and should not be construed as limited by the figures.
If one desires to secure the card protector 20 to an article of clothing 13, the securing member 60 may be utilized such as shown in
While the figures illustrate the article of clothing 13 as comprising a shirt of an individual 12, it should be appreciated that the securing member 60 may be utilized to secure the card protector 20 against a wide range of types of articles of clothing 13, including but not limited to pants, shorts, sweaters, jackets, hats, belts and the like. Further, in some embodiments or with certain types of cards 70, it may be desirable to secure the card protector 20 horizontally, rather than vertically as shown in the figures.
It may be desirable to wear the card protector 20 around one's neck with a strap 14 such as a lanyard or the like.
It may be desirable to link the card holder 40 to the card protector 20, such as with a strap or the like. In the embodiment shown in
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the shielding card holder system, suitable methods and materials are described above. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent allowed by applicable law and regulations. The shielding card holder system may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.
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