Smartcard Holder

A smartcard holder for removably retaining a pair of cards such as smartcards and/or identification cards. The smartcard holder may include a pair of frames which are hingedly connected to each other. A bias member connected between the frames will bias the frames toward each other such that, absent force, the frames are pressed against each other. A shield is positioned between the two frames so as to shield the cards being retained therein from each other or from outside interference. The first frame of the smartcard holder may retain a first card such as a smartcard and the second frame of the smartcard holder may retain a second card such as an identification card, with the shield providing protection to both cards.

Not applicable to this application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a smartcard holder and more specifically to a smartcard holder for retaining and shielding a pair of cards.

Description of the Related Art

Smartcards including contact, contactless, RFID, etc. are employed in a wide range of applications. The smartcards may be credit card sized and have embedded microchips within or upon the smartcards that store data, such as financial data, health data, or other personal data. Generally, smartcards communicate with other devices through a card reader via contact of the card to the card reader or in a wireless manner, such as by using magnetic waves, radio frequency (RF), infrared, microwave, light, and/or ultraviolet radiation.

As a result of the wireless transmission of data from the smartcard, the smartcard can often times be read without the owner's awareness or permission. Because of the ease in accessing a wireless transmitting smartcard without the owner's awareness or permission, smartcards are often carried within shielding card holders to block any wireless transmission of data to and from the smartcard.

When using a card reader that requires contact with the smartcard for communicating data, it is necessary for the owner of the smartcard to remove the smartcard from the card holder, wallet, etc. and physically engage the card with the card reader. Constantly removing the smartcard from the card holder can be tedious and can often result in the owner of the smartcard forgetting to replace the smartcard back in the respective holder. Because of the inherent problems with the related art, there is a need for a new and improved smartcard holder for efficiently retaining one or more shielded cards.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system for efficiently connecting a smartcard and/or badge holder to a computer or other electronic device for transferring and/or accessing data. The invention generally relates to a smartcard which includes a card holder having a card holding space, a contact pad connected to the card holder and in communicative contact with the card holding space, and an external adapter connected to the card holder and in electrical contact with the contact pad. The external adapter is for communicatively connecting a smartcard received and held within the card holding space and in electrical contact with the contact pad to an external data transfer cable via connection of the external data transfer cord to the external adapter. The data transfer cable is subsequently connected to an electrical device, such as a computer, so that the smartcard may be accessed by the computer without removing the smartcard from the card holder. The card holder may also include a battery, display screen, read/write memory, security unit, notification unit, amplification unit, and/or a light.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views,FIGS. 1 through 17illustrate a smartcard connector10, which comprises a card holder20having a card holding space25, a contact pad30connected to the card holder20and in communicative contact with the card holding space25, and an external adapter34connected to the card holder20and in electrical contact with the contact pad30.

The external adapter34is for communicatively connecting a smartcard12received and held within the card holding space25and in electrical contact with the contact pad30to an external data transfer cable50via connection of the external data transfer cable50to the external adapter34. The data transfer cable50is subsequently connected to an electronic device60, such as a computer, so that the smartcard12may be accessed by the computer without removing the smartcard12from the card holder20.

The card holder20may also include a battery40, read/write memory41, security unit42, notification unit43, amplification unit44, display screen45, and/or light46in various combinations.FIG. 5illustrates exemplary alternate features of the card holder20, such as the battery40, memory41, security unit42, notification unit43, amplification unit44, display screen45, and light46. It is appreciated that the alternate features40-46are illustrated for example only and no electrical connections are illustrated with the alternate features40-44and46when, in actuality, the alternate features40-46may be connected to each other in various manners required for powering the alternate features40-46, accessing the alternate features40-46, or for various other reasons. It is appreciated that various methods may be used to connect the alternate features40-46, wherein the connection methods are common in the prior art of batteries, read/write memory units, etc. and for this reason are not illustrated in detail.

Various types of communicative smartcards12may be utilized with the present invention. Such smartcards include, but are not limited to RFID smartcards, contactless smartcards, contact smartcards, RFID passports, and/or any other contact or contactless device that contains electronic data and may be placed within the card holder20. The smartcard12is generally a square shape and credit-card sized; however various shapes and sizes may be appreciated.

The smartcard12also preferably includes a contact pad13accessible from a portion of an outer surface of the smartcard12. The contact pad13is generally metal-plated and used to transfer data between the smartcard12and a card reader61. The contact pad13can be various sizes and configurations all which transfer data or allow data to be accessed from the smartcard12upon contact with a mating connector30to the contact pad13. The exemplary word “CARD” is illustrated on the smartcard12and the second end connector55bauxiliary smartcard in the Figures; it is appreciated that the exemplary word is simply illustrative and various information or designs may be located upon either the smartcard12or the second end connector55b.

C. Card Holder

The card holder20may be structured to hold various types and sizes of smartcards12including but not limited to badges, financial data cards, personal information cards, passports, etc. U.S. Pat. No. 7,635,089 (Device for Shielding Reading of a Contactless Smartcard) to Augustinowicz et al. and the SECURE BADGEHOLDER sold by IDENTITY STRONGHOLD illustrate examples of a card holder20that may be utilized within the present invention and is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

Generally, the card holder20is a handheld item and may include various neck straps, belt connectors, etc. for holding and carrying the card holder20. The card holder20generally includes a first panel21and a second panel22, wherein the second panel22is movably connected to the first panel21via a movable connection such as a hinge and the like as illustrated inFIGS. 6 through 10cof the drawings. A first tab extension26may angularly extend from the first panel21and a second tab extension27may angularly extend from the second panel22to provide gripping surfaces on which to push inwardly upon and operate the movable connection to open and close the first panel21and the second panel22of the card holder20thus providing access to the card holding space25there between. It is appreciated thatFIG. 1illustrates the smartcard12exploded from the card holder20in an exemplary manner; however the card holder20may receive the smartcard12in the manner disclosed by incorporated U.S. Pat. No. 7,635,089 and the SECURE BADGEHOLDER sold by IDENTITY STRONGHOLD.

The card holding space25is generally a suitable size for holding the smartcard12. The card holding space25may be completely enclosed by the first panel21and the second panel22(when in the closed position) or may be partially open to an exterior of the card holder20. In either case, the card holding space25receives the smartcard12and is suited for removably holding the smartcard12within the card holder20.

The first panel21and/or the second panel22may include shielding materials for shielding a wireless transmission of data, such as common with contactless or RFID smartcards12. Alternately, the first panel21and/or the second panel22may not have shielding materials. It is appreciated that the card holder20may be comprised of various alternate structures than illustrated all which removably hold a smartcard12. In the case of a dual interface smartcard12with contact and contactless interfaces, the shielding card holder20would allow the card holder20to continue to shield the contactless interface of the smartcard12while the smartcard12is connected to the electronic device60through the data transfer cable50and adapter34.

The card holder20includes an internal first signal transfer means30adapted to receive electrical or data signals through contacting the contact pad13or in alternate manners. In the preferred, the first signal transfer means30is comprised of a contact pad located internal to the card holder20and in communicative contact with the card holding space25so that the contact pad30may electrically contact the contact pad13of the smartcard12when the smartcard12is placed within the card holding space25of the card holder20.

The contact pad30is integrally connected to the card holder20and may extend from the first panel21, the second panel22, or other elements of the card holder20all which position the contact pad30to make electrical contact with the contact pad13of the smartcard12when the smartcard12is positioned within card holding space25. Like the contact pad13of the smartcard12, the contact pad30of the card holder20may have various metal-coated plates or be structured in various manners to mate with the contact pad13of the smartcard12and maintain an electrical or data transfer connection.

The card holder20includes an external second signal transfer means34adapted to receive electrical or data signals from the contact pad30of the card holder20. In the preferred, the second signal transfer means34is comprised of an adapter located external to the card holder20or accessible from an exterior of the card holder20and in electrical and/or communicative contact with the contact pad30of the card holder20so that the contact pad30of the card holder20may electrically connect the contact pad13of the smartcard12with the adapter34when the smartcard12is placed within the card holding space25of the card holder20.

The adapter34may be connected to the first panel21, second panel22, or other elements of the card holder20all which allow for electrical connection to the contact pad30of the card holder20. The adapter34may be comprised of a plug or socket structure and may be adapted to receive USB connectors or various other types of connectors capable of transferring data from the smartcard12. The adapter34may be recessed within the card holder20or extend outwardly from the card holder20.

The card holder20may include a rechargeable battery40or other electrical storage unit contained within the card holder20that could charge while the electronic device60is attached to the card holder20via the data transfer cable50. The battery40could additionally be used for a light46or other electronics of the card holder20. Various non-rechargeable or rechargeable batteries may also be utilized with the card holder20as appreciated.

The card holder20may also include a built-in flash drive or other read/write memory chip41that would allow data storage in the card holder20. Various amounts of memory41may be used with the memory41and the memory41would preferably be communicatively connected to the adapter34thus allowing the transfer of data to and/or from the memory41through the data transfer cable50removably connected to the adapter34of the card holder20.

F. Security Unit

The card holder20may also include a security unit42to prevent access to the memory41through the adapter34unless an authorized smartcard12is in electrical contact with the contact pad30of the card holder20. The security unit42may alternately or additionally be software within the memory41or a biometric sensor for preventing access to the smartcard12through the adapter34and/or the memory41without proper identification through biometric means. The biometric sensor embodied security unit42would preferably be located upon the card holder20and may be powered via the electronic device60and/or battery40. The security unit42in generally may also be powered via the electronic device60and/or battery40.

G. Notification Unit

The card holder20may also include a notification unit43comprising audio and/or visual notification devices to alert an individual if the contained smartcard12within the card holder20is being accessed and/or if an RF carrier is present and at the same frequency as the contained smartcard12. Various speakers and/or displays may be located upon the card holder20to provide the audio and/or visual notification as appreciated. The notification unit43may be powered via the rechargeable battery40and/or the connected electronic device60.

In another embodiment, the card holder20may have an amplification unit44that would allow for longer range reading and sending of data from a contactless smartcard12inserted within the card holding space25of the card holder20. The amplification unit44would generally be connected to the smartcard12through the contact pad30of the card holder20and may be powered in various manners, such as by the rechargeable battery40and/or the connected electronic device60.

I. Display Screen

The card holder20may also include a display screen45or window24for viewing and/or displaying smartcard12data. The display screen45may electronic or simply a transparent window to view the data. The display screen45would be electrically connected to the adapter34for being powered by the electronic device60or alternately electrically connected to a battery40.

The window24is preferably transparent or semi-transparent to allow for viewing of the smartcard12. The window24is preferably positioned within the first panel21to show the front of the smartcard12positioned within the card holder. The window24preferably covers over 90 percent of the surface area of the first panel21. The window24is positioned within an opening within the first panel21. Alternatively, the first panel21may have an opening instead of a window24where the window24is represented thereby allowing physical contact with the smartcard12.

The card holder20may also include a light46for decoration or for visual use. The light46could be located upon the exterior of the card holder20and would generally be powered by the electronic device60through the data transfer cable50connected to the adapter34. The light46would thus be electrically connected to the adapter34for being powered by the electronic device60or alternately electrically connected to a battery40.

K. Data Transfer Cable

The data transfer cable50is adapted to electrically connect to the adapter34of the card holder20to transfer data from or to the smartcard12electrically connected to the contact pad30of the card holder20. The data transfer cable50generally includes a first end connector51, an elongated cord53extending therefrom, and a second end connector55a,55bextending from an opposing end of the cord53. It is appreciated that the data cable50may be easily disconnected from the card holder20and/or the electronic device60, such as in the case that the user forgets to unplug the cable50from the card holder20before beginning to walk away with the card holder20, wherein the card holder20would easily automatically disconnect from the cable50.

The first end connector51may have various plugs and/or sockets to electrically connect to the adapter34of the card holder20in a manner that allows for data transfer or access. An example of a suitable plug is a USB connector; however it is appreciated that the first end connector51may be comprised of various structures all which mate with the adapter34and allow for a removable and secure connection to the adapter34.

Likewise, the second end connector55a,55bmay have various plugs and/or sockets to electrically connect to the electronic device60in a manner that allows for data transfer or access. An example of a suitable plug is a USB connector; however it is appreciated that the second end connector55a,55bmay be comprised of various structures all which mate with the connector61,63of the electronic device60. For example, an auxiliary smartcard55bwith a corresponding auxiliary contact pad16may comprise the second end connector55bto be received by a card reader61of the electronic device60and thus interface the cable50with the card reader61to communicate the data from the smartcard12within the card holder20. It is appreciated that the auxiliary smartcard55bwould also include contact points (e.g. auxiliary contact pad16) for communicating with and being read by the card reader61the same as a conventional smartcard12.

L. Electronic Device

The electronic device60may be any type of device that drives data transfer or access to and/or from the smartcard12. Suitable devices include personal computers, such as laptops, desktop computers, etc. Various other devices, such as PDAs, smart phones, etc. may be used as the electronic device60. The electronic device60generally includes at least one port63or card reader61to receive the second end connector55a,55bof the data transfer cable50.

M. Operation of Preferred Embodiment

In use, when information is desired to be transferred, read, or otherwise accessed from the smartcard12within the card holder20, the first end connector51of the data transfer cable50is connected to the adapter34and the second end connector55a,55bof the data transfer cable50is connected to or read by the electronic device60. Data may now be transferred between the smartcard12and the electronic device60without having to remove the smartcard12from the card holder20.

When the owner of the smartcard12is finished transferring or accessing data, the first end connector51of the data transfer cable50is simply removed from the adapter34thus freeing the smartcard12from the data transfer cable50and preventing any further access to the smartcard12through the contact pad13of the smartcard12.

FIGS. 6 through 14illustrate a removable connector70that removably connects to the card holder and electrically communicates with the contact pad of the smartcard positioned within the card holder.FIGS. 7, 8 and 14illustrate a receiver opening14positioned within the first panel. When a window24is utilized within the first panel21, the receiver opening14is preferably positioned within the window. The window may be comprised of plastic, glass or other transparent or semi-transparent material.

The receiver opening14preferably has an inner tapered perimeter15as illustrated inFIGS. 8 and 14of the drawings. In one embodiment, the receiver opening14is comprised of a rectangular shape having four sides, with each of the four side tapered forming the inner tapered perimeter15as illustrated inFIG. 8of the drawings. The receiver opening14may have various other shapes such as circular, triangular and the like. The receiver opening14preferably passes completely through the first panel to expose the contact pad13of the smartcard12so the removable connector70may be positioned within the receiver opening14and in electrical contact with the contact pad13of the smartcard12. The receiver opening14is aligned with a contact pad13of the smartcard12. Furthermore, the receiver opening14is preferably larger in size than the contact pad13of the smartcard.

The removable connector70has a body portion having a shape similar to the shape of the receiver opening14(e.g. rectangular, triangular, circular). The removable connector70includes an outer tapered perimeter71that is approximately the same size and shape as the inner tapered perimeter15of the receiver opening14such that the removable connector70is non-movable from side-to-side and is non-rotatable when positioned within the receiver opening14. The removable connector70includes one or more connector contacts72that electrically communicate with the contact pad13of the smartcard as illustrated inFIG. 13.

The card holder20preferably includes one or more first couplers23that removably connect to a corresponding one or more second coupler attached to the removable connector70. The couplers23,74may be comprised of various coupler technologies that allow for removable attachment of the removable connector70to the card holder20such as but not limited to snaps, clips or magnets.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first couplers23and the second couplers74are each comprised of magnets wherein the first couplers23are magnetically attracted to the second couplers74to retain the removable connector70attached to the card holder. The first couplers23are preferably attached to the second panel22which is on the backside of the smartcard12thereby allowing for a smaller removable connector70to be utilized.

The first couplers23may be attached to the inner surface of the second panel, within the second panel either completely or partially or attached to the outer surface of the second panel (FIGS. 9, 13 and 14illustrate the first couplers23attached to the outer surface opposite of the smartcard12). Alternatively, the first couplers23may be attached to the first panel21.

The magnets used for the couplers23,74have a magnetic strength sufficient for the magnetic fields to pass through a smartcard12and retain the removable connector70attached to the card holder20. In particular, when the removable connector70is positioned within the receiver opening14as illustrated inFIGS. 6 and 13of the drawings, the magnetic force of the first couplers23and the second couplers74retains the removable connector70within the receiver opening14adjacent to the surface of the smartcard such that the connector contacts72are in physical and electrical contact with the contact pad13of the smartcard12. It is further preferable that a pair of the first couplers23are positioned near a first end and a second end respectively of the contact pad13of the smartcard12when positioned within the card holder to reduce the magnetic field that passes through the contact pad13as illustrated inFIG. 8of the drawings. The second couplers74of the removable connector70are aligned with and distally spaced the same distance apart as the first couplers23.

In use, if a user opens the card holder20separating the first panel21from the second panel22, the second couplers74of the removable connector70are separated a distance sufficient from the first couplers23such that the magnetic force between the couplers23,74is insufficient to retain the removable connector70within the receiver opening14. Also, if an external force is applied to the second end connector55a,55band/or the data transfer cable50wherein the external force is greater than the magnetic force between the couplers23,74, the removable connector70will be removed from the receiver opening14. It is desirable to have the removable connection of the removable connector70with the card holder so a user may insert the second end connector55a,55binto a reader for a computer or other device at their desk and leave the second end connector55a,55bwithin the reader if they have to leave their desk for a period of time. However, when the user disconnects the removable connector70from the card holder20(intentionally or unintentionally), the second end connector55a,55bis no longer operational as an auxiliary card or the like until the user reconnects the removable connector70to the card holder.

O. Smartcard Holder System

FIGS. 18-34illustrate an alternate embodiment comprising a smartcard holder11adapted to removably retain a pair of cards12,18with a shield100being positioned between the cards12,18. It should be appreciated that any type of card12,18may be utilized with the smartcard holder system11described herein, including a smartcard12and/or identification card18. The smartcard holder11may, in some embodiments, comprise a first frame80adapted to retain a first card18and a second frame120hingedly connected to the first frame80. The second frame120may be adapted to retain a second card12. A shield100may be positioned between the first frame80and the second frame120, such as a ground shield100.

As best shown inFIG. 20, the smartcard holder11may comprise a first frame80and a second frame120. The first frame80is adapted to removably retain a first card18and the second frame120is adapted to removably retain a second card12. While the figures illustrate that the first frame80removably retains an identification card18and the second frame120removably retains a smartcard12, it should be appreciated that alternate arrangements may be utilized. The scope of the present invention should not be construed as limited in any manner with respect to which type of card12,18may be placed in either of the frames80,120. In some embodiments, the smartcard12may include a contact pad13.

FIGS. 18-19best illustrate a smartcard holder11which comprises a first frame80that is hingedly connected to a second frame120. The first frame80may comprise various configurations, shapes, sizes, materials, and orientations. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, the first frame80comprises a rectangular shape having an upper end81, a lower end82, a first side83, and a second side84. A central opening85or window is defined by the inner perimeter of the first frame80. Any card12,18retained by the first frame80will be retained within the central opening85. The first frame80also includes a front end86which faces the second frame120and a rear end87which faces away from the second frame120.

As best shown inFIGS. 21-22, the first frame80may include a first tab extension90which extends outwardly from the upper end81of the first frame80. In the figures, the first tab extension90is shown as extending linearly with respect to the first frame80, though other configurations may be utilized.

The first tab extension90is utilized for numerous purposes in the exemplary embodiment shown. A lanyard19may be removably connected to the first tab extension90by a clip or the like. The first tab extension90may also be grasped to carry or hold the smartcard holder11. Additionally, the first tab extension90may be depressed along with the second tab extension126to hingedly separate the first frame80and the second frame120.

As best shown inFIG. 20, a tab slot91may be defined beneath the first tab extension90. In embodiments in which the shield100is removably connected to the first frame80, the tab insert105of the shield100will slide and be retained within the tab slot91underneath the first tab extension90to connect the shield100to the first frame80as shown inFIG. 20.

As best shown inFIG. 20, an outer flange93may extend around the perimeter of the first frame80. The outer flange93defines a recessed portion of the first frame80in which the card12,18may be positioned and retained in a removable manner. It should be appreciated that the outer flange93need not necessarily surround the outer perimeter of the first frame80entirely, or may be omitted, in some embodiments.

As best shown inFIG. 22, the first frame80may comprise one or more first retainers94which function to retain the card12,18within the first frame80. In the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 22, four first retainers94are utilized. Two first retainers94are positioned on the first side83of the first frame80and two first retainers94are positioned on the second side84of the first frame80. This configuration allows for a card12,18to be inserted into the first frame80by inserting the card12,18through the upper end81of the first frame80. It should be appreciated that alternate configurations may be utilized in different embodiments (the first frame80could be side-, bottom-, or top-fed the card12,18).

As best shown inFIG. 20, the upper end81of the first frame80may include one or more hinge slots92. These hinge slots92are generally depressions in the outer flange93of the first frame80to accommodate the hinge receivers107of the shield100as discussed herein.

An exemplary shield100for use with the smartcard holder11is shown inFIG. 20. The shield100may comprise a ground shield such as a metallic plate or the like. Other configurations may be utilized, as this is merely an exemplary embodiment. The shield100will function to protect the cards12,18from interfering with each other or with other devices.

In the exemplary shield100shown in the figures, the shield100comprises a substantially rectangular plate having an upper end101, a lower end102, a first side103, and a second side104. A tab insert105extends outwardly from the upper end101of the shield100. The tab insert105will preferably extend linearly with respect to the shield100. In embodiments in which the shield100is removably connected to the first frame80, the tab insert105will be inserted within the tab slot91to add structural integrity to the first tab extension90of the first frame80.

As shown inFIGS. 27-28, the shield100may also include a bias member106such as a spring or the like. The bias member106will interconnect between the first frame80to which the shield100is either integrally formed or connected, and the second frame120. The bias member106will preferably bias the first and second frames80,120toward each other such that, absent application of force, the first and second frames80,120are retained in close relationship with each other. By depressing the tab extensions126, the bias member106may be overcome to separate the first and second frames80,120from each other, such as with a pinch-to-read card reader configuration.

In some embodiments, the bias member106may be omitted entirely. In one exemplary embodiment, one or more magnets96,97may be utilized to secure the smartcard holder10in a closed position wherein the first and second frames80,120are removably connected to each other. In the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 35, a first magnet96extends outwardly from the lower end122of the second frame120and a second magnet97extends outwardly from the lower end of the first frame80.

When the first and second frames80,120are brought together, the magnets96,97engage with each other to maintain the smartcard holder10in a closed state until force is applied to overcome the magnetic attraction between the magnets96,97and separate the first and second frames80,120.

As shown inFIG. 20, the shield100may also include hinge receivers107which, in combination with hinge inserts109on the second frame120, form a hinge to allow the first and second frames80,120to be hingedly connected to each other. It should be appreciated that the exemplary hinge configuration shown in the figures and described herein is not intended to be limiting on the scope. In fact, any type of hinge may be utilized to hingedly connect the first and second frames80,120in different embodiments.

As shown inFIG. 20, the shield100may also include indentations108into which corresponding projections128from the second frame120may be inserted when connecting the second frame120to the shield100and first frame80. The combination of projections128and indentations108will ensure a compact fit between the components of the smartcard holder11and increase structural stability and integrity overall.

FIG. 35illustrates an alternate embodiment of the shield100. In this embodiment, the shield100includes a plurality of shield openings99formed in a grid-like pattern across the body of the shield100. These openings99may be utilized to reduce the overall weight of the smartcard holder10. The number of openings99may vary in different embodiments. Additionally, the spacing and orientation of the openings99may vary. Preferably, the openings99will be configured so as to minimize any potential leak or interference between the two cards12,18.

The second frame120of the smartcard holder11is best shown inFIGS. 23-24. As shown, the second frame120may comprise various configurations, shapes, sizes, materials, and orientations. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, the second frame120comprises a rectangular shape having an upper end121, a lower end122, a first side123, and a second side124. A central opening125or window is defined by the inner perimeter of the second frame120. Any card12,18retained by the second frame120will be retained within the central opening125.

As best shown inFIG. 23, the second frame120may include a second tab extension126which extends outwardly from its upper end121. The second tab extension126will preferably extend angularly with respect to the second frame120. By depressing the second tab extension126toward the first tab extension90, the first and second frames80,120may be hingedly separated from each other as shown inFIGS. 33 and 34. Releasing the second tab extension126will revert the frames80,120to their resting state due to the bias member106.

As best shown inFIG. 23, the second frame120may comprise one or more second retainers127which function to retain the card12,18within the second frame120. In the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 23, three second retainers127are utilized. Two second retainers127are positioned on the first side123of the second frame120and one second retainer127is positioned on the lower end122of the second frame120. This configuration allows for a card12,18to be inserted into the second frame120by inserting the card12,18through the second side124of the second frame120. It should be appreciated that alternate configurations may be utilized in different embodiments (the second frame120could be bottom- or top-fed the card12,18).

As best shown inFIG. 23, one or more of the second retainers127may include bumps129or other raised features or indentations which identify that those retainers127may be grasped when removing or inserting a card12,18. Additionally, the second frame120may include projections128which fit within the indentations108of the shield100.

In use, one or more cards12,18are first inserted into the smartcard holder11. For example, a smartcard12may be placed in the second frame120and an identification card18may be placed in the first frame80as shown in the figures. The shield100will prevent any leakage or interference between the two cards12,18although they are retained close to each other in the smartcard holder11.

To insert the identification card18in the first frame80, a user may grasp the first frame80with one hand and insert the identification card18through the upper end81of the first frame80. The identification card18may be retained by the first retainers94and by the shield100. The identification card18will generally be flexible so that it may bend and deflect over any raised features on the first frame80when being so inserted. The identification card18is generally sandwiched between the first frame80and the shield100. The identification card18may be exposed by the central opening85of the first frame80which, in some embodiments, may have a plastic cover or the like to protect the identification card18.

With the identification card18positioned within the first frame80, the smartcard12may be inserted into the second frame120. The smartcard holder11is first flipped over so that the second frame120is exposed. The smartcard12may be inserted through the second side124of the second frame120to be removably retained within the central opening125of the second frame120.

The smartcard12is held in place by being sandwiched between the second frame120and the shield100. Additionally, the second retainers127of the second frame120will retain the smartcard12within the second frame120. A plastic cover or the like may be utilized to protect the outer face of the smartcard12. In embodiments in which the smartcard12includes a contact pad13, the cover may include a small window or opening to allow access to the contact pad13when the smartcard12is in the second frame120.

With the cards12,18inserted and retained within the smartcard holder11, the smartcard holder11may be utilized. The smartcard holder11may be placed in the pocket, connected to a belt such as by a strap, or hung around the neck with use of a lanyard12as shown inFIG. 29.

FIG. 30illustrate an exemplary smartcard holder11being used in combination with a card reader61next to a door. The user will position the smartcard holder11near the card reader61so that the card reader61may communicate with the smartcard12. The identification card18will not provide any interference due to the positioning of the shield100between the two cards12,18.

FIGS. 31-32illustrate an exemplary smartcard holder11being used with an electronic device60having a removable connector70. The removable connector70may be connected to the contact pad13of the smartcard12to allow communication between the smartcard12and the electronic device60.