Systems and methods for a holder and tool device

A tool and wallet system includes a first and second planar body portions, the planar body portion approximately the size of a standard credit card, the first and second planar body portions provide for the blocking of RFID signals. The system further includes a strap, the strap wrapped around the first and second planar body portions, the strap taut to the planar body portion due to elasticity in the strap.

BACKGROUND

Most individuals carry a wallet, money clip, or other credit card and money holding device daily. It is desirable to have a lightweight, easy-to-use device to organize such possessions in one's pocket. Additionally, having compact and easily transported tools that are pocket sized and available to a user is desirable.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a tool and wallet system includes a first and second planar body portions, the planar body portion approximately the size of a standard credit card, the first and second planar body portions provide for the blocking of RFID signals. The system further includes a strap, the strap wrapped around the first and second planar body portions, the strap taut to the planar body portion due to elasticity in the strap. In one alternative, the strap includes two circular strap portions connected via a connecting strap portion, the two circular strap portions encircling the first and second planar body portions. In another alternative, the first planar body portion has first, second, third, and fourth grooves; said first, second, third, and fourth grooves located on a first edge and a second edge of the first planar body portion, the first planar body portion being rectangular in shape and the first and second edges located on opposing sides of the first planar body portion; the first and second grooves located on the first edge and the third and fourth grooves located on the second edge; the first, second, third, and fourth grooves sized to receive the two circular strap portions and configured such that a first one of the two circular straps is located in the first and third grooves and a second one of the two circular straps is located in the second and fourth grooves. Alternatively, one of the first and second planar body portions includes a first aperture, the first aperture includes protrusions for prying open a cap on a bottle. Optionally, one of the first and second planar body portions includes a second aperture for receiving bolt-shaped connectors. In one configuration, the second aperture for receiving bolt-shaped connectors has a stepped shape, and the second aperture has three portions, each having a different width, each different width corresponding to a standard nut width. In another configuration, one of the first and second planar body portions is approximately rectangular in shape, and a first corner of the planar body portion includes a flathead projection, configured to function as a flathead screw driver. Optionally, a second corner of one of the first and second planar body portions includes a cruciform projection and is configured to function as a cruciform screw driver. Alternatively, the cruciform projection is flat and in line with the one of the first and second planar body portions. In one alternative, a first edge of one of the first and second planar body portions includes a scraping portion, the scraping portion being a portion of the body that is angled towards the edge, resulting in a thinner, beveled edge. In another alternative, a second edge of one of the first and second planar body portions includes a marked measuring portion, the second edge being parallel to the first edge.

In one embodiment, a tool and wallet system includes a first and second planar body portions, the first and second planar body portions approximately the size of a standard credit card, the first and second planar body portions having an approximately rectangular shape. The system further includes a strap, the strap wrapped around the first and second planar body portions, the strap taut to the first and second planar body portions due to elasticity in the strap, the strap and the first and second planar body portions configured to hold paper money and credit cards. Optionally, the strap includes two circular strap portions connected via a connecting strap portion, the two circular strap portions encircling the first and second planar body portions. Alternatively, the first planar body portion has first, second, third, and fourth grooves; said first, second, third, and fourth grooves located on a first edge and a second edge of the first planar body portion, the first planar body portion being rectangular in shape and the first and second edges located on opposing sides of the first planar body portion; the first and second grooves located on the first edge and the third and fourth grooves located on the second edge; the first, second, third, and fourth grooves sized to receive the two circular strap portions and configured such that a first one of the two circular straps is located in the first and third grooves and a second one of the two circular straps is located in the second and fourth grooves. Optionally, one of the first and second planar body portions includes a first aperture, the first aperture includes protrusions for prying open a cap on a bottle; the planar body portion includes a second aperture for receiving bolt-shaped connectors and the second aperture for receiving bolt-shaped connectors has a stepped shape; and the second aperture has three portions, each having a different width, each different width corresponding to a standard nut width. Alternatively, one of the first and second planar body portions includes numerous cutouts that reduce the weight of the planar body portion. In one alternative, a first corner of one of the first and second planar body portions includes a flathead projection, configured to function as a flathead screw driver. In another alternative, a second corner of one of the first and second planar body portions includes a cruciform projection and is configured to function as a cruciform screw driver, and the cruciform projection is flat and in line with the one of the first and second planar body portions. Alternatively, a first edge of one of the first and second planar body portions includes a scraping portion, the scraping portion being a portion of the body that is angled towards the edge, resulting in a thinner, beveled edge. Optionally, a second edge of one of the first and second planar body portions includes a marked measuring portion, the second edge being parallel to the first edge. In one configuration, the first and second planar body portions provide for the blocking of RFID signals. In another configuration the second body portion includes a first and second cutout portion approximately aligned with the first, second, third, and fourth grooves respectively, when the first and second body portion are aligned, such that the second body portion may be slid in relation to the first body portion, to unalign the first and second body portions. Alternatively, the first body portion includes a cutout that acts as a vertex for a protractor and a number of angle measurement lines. Optionally, one of the first and second planar body portions include a first and second protractor aperture along an edge of the One of the first and second planar body portions, proving for drawing of circles.

In one embodiment, a tool and wallet system includes a planar body portion, the planar body portion approximately the size of a standard credit card and a strap, the strap wrapped around the planar body portion, the strap taut to the planar body portion due to elasticity in the strap. Optionally, the strap includes two circular strap portions connected via a connecting strap portion, the two circular strap portions encircling the planar body portion. In one configuration, the planar body portion has first, second, third, and fourth grooves; said first, second, third, and fourth grooves located on a first edge and a second edge of the planar body portion, the planar body portion being rectangular in shape, and the first and second edges located on opposing sides of the planar body portion; the first and second grooves located on the first edge and the third and fourth grooves located on the second edge; the first, second, third, and fourth grooves sized to receive the two circular strap portions and configured such that a first one of the two circular straps is located in the first and third grooves and a second one of the two circular straps is located in the second and fourth grooves. Alternatively, the planar body portion includes a first aperture, the first aperture includes protrusions for prying open a cap on a bottle. Optionally, the planar body portion includes a second aperture for receiving bolt-shaped connectors. In one configuration, the second aperture for receiving bolt-shaped connectors has a stepped shape; and the second aperture has three portions, each having a different width, each different width corresponding to a standard nut width. In one configuration, the planar body portion is approximately rectangular in shape, and a first corner of the planar body portion includes a flathead projection configured to function as a flathead screw driver. Optionally, a second corner of the planar body portion includes a cruciform projection and is configured to function as a cruciform screw driver. Alternatively, the cruciform projection is flat and in line with the planar body portion. In one alternative, a first edge of the planar body portion includes a scraping portion, the scraping portion being a portion of the body that is angled towards the edge, resulting in a thinner, beveled edge. In another alternative, a second edge of the planar body includes a marked measuring portion, the second edge being parallel to the first edge.

In one embodiment, a tool and wallet system includes a planar body portion, the planar body portion approximately the size of a standard credit card, the planar body portion having an approximately rectangular shape and a strap, the strap wrapped around the planar body portion, the strap taught to the planar body portion due to elasticity in the strap, and the strap and planar body portion configured to hold paper money and credit cards. Optionally, the strap includes two circular strap portions connected via a connecting strap portion, the two circular strap portions encircling the planar body portion. Alternatively, the planar body portion has first, second, third, and fourth grooves; said first, second, third, and fourth grooves located on a first edge and a second edge of the planar body portion, the planar body portion being rectangular in shape, and the first and second edge located on opposing sides of the planar body portion; the first and second grooves located on the first edge and the third and fourth grooves located on the second edge; the first, second, third, and fourth grooves sized to receive the two circular strap portions and configured such that a first one of the two circular straps is located in the first and third grooves, and a second one of the two circular straps is located in the second and fourth grooves. In one alternative, the planar body portion includes a first aperture, the first aperture includes protrusions for prying open a cap on a bottle; the planar body portion includes a second aperture for receiving bolt-shaped connectors, and the second aperture for receiving bolt-shaped connectors has a stepped shape, and the second aperture has three portions, each having a different width, each different width corresponding to a standard nut width. In another alternative, the planar body portion includes numerous cutouts that reduce the weight of the planar body portion. Optionally, a first corner of the planar body portion includes a flathead projection, configured to function as a flathead screw driver. Alternatively, a second corner of the planar body portion includes a cruciform projection and is configured to function as a cruciform screw driver; and the cruciform projection is flat and in line with the planar body portion. Optionally, a first edge of the planar body portion includes a scraping portion, the scraping portion being a portion of the body that is angled towards the edge, resulting in a thinner, beveled edge. In another alternative, a second edge of the planar body includes a marked measuring portion, the second edge being parallel to the first edge.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the embodiments of the systems and methods for a holder and tool device. In the drawings, the same reference letters are employed for designating the same elements throughout the several figures. In many embodiments, the device includes a credit card-shaped metal plate that has an elastic strap wrapped around it. The metal plate has numerous cutouts that form tools in the metal plate. The metal plate is typically aluminum. In alternatives, the plate may be plastic or composed of some other material, such as carbon fiber. To be used as a tool, the device typically needs to be strong and rigid.

FIG. 1shows one embodiment of a holder and tool device100. Device100includes a strap110that wraps around device100. The strap110typically is composed of a rubberized material that may stretch and return to its original shape. Strap110is sized such that it holds taut against the metal plate115of device100. Metal plate115may have numerous notches116in the side of the metal plate. These notches116serve to hold the strap110in place on the metal plate115. As depicted, strap110may be composed of two narrow rings120connected by a bridge piece122. This provides for a single piece strap that has wider coverage without adding significant weight and bulk to the device100. Strap110is intended to hold credit cards and currency to the metal plate, to be used as a wallet or money clip.

Device100also includes a bottle opener section125in plate115. Bottle opener section125includes a prying protrusion126and a leverage protrusion127. The length of the plate115additionally provides leverage for the user. Device100includes numerous cutouts130. Cutouts130reduce the weight of the device100. The orientation of the cutouts is diagonal which is thought to weaken the stability of the device100less than cutouts130that are perpendicular to the sides of plate115.

Device100additionally includes a wrench portion135, which is an aperture for receiving bolt-shaped connectors. The wrench portion135has a stepped shape and has three portions, each having a different width, each different width corresponding to a standard nut width. As shown, the wrench portion135is designed to accommodate three different size wrenches136,137,138, corresponding to ¼-, 5/16-, and ⅜-size bolts and nuts, which are common sizes available. In alternative embodiments, other size cutouts may be provided. In the configuration shown, the body of the device100functions as a lever arm, providing for additional torque when using wrench portion135.

Device100additionally includes projection140for use as a screw driver. Projection140is design to interface with a cruciform receiver (an example includes a Phillips head screw). Projection140also can be used to score or pry objects because of its semi-sharp tip. Projection140is a flat projection, which is desirable, due to the usage of device100as a money holder. On the other corner of device100is another projection145that is used as a flat head screw driver. On the opposite end of device100, corners146have been cutoff. This provides for a more ergonomic feel for device100when the device is used as a screw driver. Typically, corners146would dig into the palm of a user as they used device100as a screwdriver.

Device100additionally includes a measuring portion150. Measuring portion150includes inscribed distance markers into metal plate115. As shown inFIG. 2, different units may be provided on the reverse side of metal plate115.

Device100additionally includes a scraper portion155. Scraper portion155is an angled edge that may be used in scraping various objects, such as car windshields or other items.FIG. 3shows a side view of the device100.

The embodiment shown provides for an arrangement of tools in the system that provides for some ergonomics and leverage considering the tools included and the necessity for the device to be card shaped.

FIG. 4shows another embodiment of a holder and tool device400. Device400includes many of the same features as device100. Device400includes a bottle opener section125having a similar design to the same element in device100. Device400additionally includes a wrench portion135, which is an aperture for receiving bolt-shaped connectors. The wrench portion135has a stepped shape and has three portions, each having a different width, each different width corresponding to a standard nut width. Device400additionally includes projection140for use as a screw driver. Projection140is design to interface with a cruciform receiver (an example includes a Phillips head screw). Projection140also can be used to score or pry objects because of its semi-sharp tip. Projection140is a flat projection, which is desirable, due to the usage of device100as a money holder. On the other corner of device400is another projection145that is used as a flat head screw driver. Device100additionally includes a measuring portion150.

The largest difference between device100and device400is the strap that holds money or credit cards to the device400. As above, strap412typically is composed of a rubberized material that may stretch and return to its original shape. Strap412is sized such that it holds taut against the metal plate of device400. Device400may have numerous notches416in the side of the metal plate. These notches416serve to hold the strap412in place. As depicted, the strap412includes a number of narrow portions425that interface with the notches. Strap412includes central portion422and cross portions420connected by elastic arms430. This design provides strong resilience and holding, while at the same time providing for some give to the strap and providing for a reduced weigh of the strap. In many embodiments, the rear portion of strap412resembles the shown portion, however many alternatives are available. The design of strap412and similar straps is to provide for notches to hold the strap and a reduced amount of material by having arms joined by cross portions. It is thought that providing at least two notches per side provides for reduced slipping of the strap when it is inserted and taken out of a user's pocket. The central portion and cross portion are thought to prevent the stretching a single arm430of the strap during removal and insertion. Therefore, these features improve the function of the strap portion of the device.

FIG. 5shows an alternative embodiment of a device515including tools and a wallet like holder. Device515includes a first piece510A. The device additionally has a second piece510B. These pieces are held together via strap412. As above, strap412typically is composed of a rubberized material that may stretch and return to its original shape. Strap412is sized such that it holds taut, holding first piece510A and second piece510B together and holding cards and money between them. Device515may have numerous notches416in the side of the metal plate (in this case in second piece510B). As shown, first piece510A includes a cut away so that it does not have notches416. This provides for easy sliding and unalignment of the two plates, such that the tools such as scrapper portion155and projections140,145, may be easily accessed and used. Additionally, by providing two plates510A,510B the projections140,145are not there to catch on or poke various objects or clothing. These notches416serve to hold the strap412in place. As depicted, the strap412includes a number of narrow portions425that interface with the notches. Strap412includes central portion422and cross portions420connected by elastic arms430. This design provides strong resilience and holding, while at the same time providing for some give to the strap and providing for a reduced weight of the strap. Device515additionally includes projection140for use as a screw driver. Projection140is design to interface with a cruciform receiver (an example includes a Phillips head screw). On another corner of device515is another projection145that is used as a flat head screw driver. Device515additionally includes a scraper portion155. Device515also includes a bottle opener section125in plate515A. Bottle opener section125includes a prying protrusion126and a leverage protrusion127. Device515additionally includes a wrench portion535, which is an aperture for receiving bolt-shaped connectors. The wrench portion535has a stepped shape and has three portions, each having a different width, each different width corresponding to a standard nut width. Device515also includes a nail and tack remover550. The second piece510B of device515also includes a second wrench portion135A. The two wrench portions of device515have different measurements, one being in millimeters and the other in inches. Additionally, as shown inFIG. 6, the second piece510B includes a protractor portion that provides for various angle measurements620,621from vertex610. Finally, second piece510B includes a first150and second150A ruler portion, one in metric and the other inches. The use of two plates for the holder515, instead of one, provides for RFID reader shielding to the cards (likely credit cards) that may be held in holder515and in addition provide for the possibility of additional tools. The blocking of the reading of radio frequency identification (RFID) chips in credit cards is a desirable feature for any money holder. The usage of various materials may effectively block RFID signals and this has been shown to be effective, even with the cutouts in the holder515. One exemplary material is 420 stainless steel, temper HRC 44-49. Between the two pieces510A,510B of the device, certain aspects of the device should be aligned, such as bottle opener section125in plate515A with the opening in515B.

FIG. 7shows an alternative device700. Holder700includes a first150and second718ruler portion, one in metric and the other inches. Device700additionally includes projection140for use as a screw driver. Projection140is design to interface with a cruciform receiver (an example includes a Phillips head screw). On another corner of device700is another projection145that is used as a flat head screw driver. Device700additionally includes a wrench portion735and a wrench portion135, which are apertures for receiving bolt-shaped connectors. The wrench portion135has a stepped shape and has three portions and the wrench portion735has two different portions, each having a different width, each different width corresponding to a standard nut width. Device700additionally includes a scraper portion155. Additionally, device700includes a compass that allows for the drawing of circles. Compass includes vertex point770and apertures771,772,773,774,775for drawing various sized circles. In practice, vertex point770may be fixed using a pen, tack, pin, or other object fitting in vertex point770and a drawing utensil may be placed in one of the other apertures771,772,773,774,775corresponding to the circle size desired. The arrangement of the apertures771,772,773,774,775is purely exemplary and other distances may be used. The opposite side of device700is shown inFIG. 8. Here, a protractor is shown, for use in measuring angles, including angle measures820and vertex810. Device700also includes a bottle opener section725. Bottle opener section725includes a prying protrusion726and a leverage protrusion727. This version of device700may have a credit card type size in many embodiments and not include a strap, since it may be placed in a wallet. Alternative embodiments may be reconfigured to include a strap and have the corresponding grooves. Any of the designed herein, may be modified to not include a strap and being card sized.

While specific embodiments have been described in detail in the foregoing detailed description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure and the broad inventive concepts thereof. It is understood, therefore, that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the particular examples and implementations disclosed herein but is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope thereof as defined by the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof. Note that, although particular embodiments are shown, features of the holder and tool device may be interchanged between embodiments.