Patent Publication Number: US-2009229084-A1

Title: Devices for holding paper, cards, and wallets

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE(S) TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This is a continuation of co-pending application Ser. No. 11/550,353, filed Oct. 17, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,536,753, which is a divisional of Ser. No. 10/813,640, filed Mar. 29, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,120,970, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/458,492, filed Mar. 28, 2003. The entire contents of all three of these applications are expressly incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to devices that hold paper, cards, and/or a wallet. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Devices that hold money, whether in the form of paper currency or credit cards, come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Examples of such devices, sometimes referred to as money clips, are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,327,749, 5,249,437, and 4,675,953. Devices known as binder clips, which are typically used in an office setting for keeping documents together in the absence of a staple, have been used as money clips. This is true of both binder clips without ornamentation of any kind, such as those depicted in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,150,073 and 1,139,627, and with ornamentation as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,327,749. Other binder clips are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. D372,498 and D321,210. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention includes devices suited to holding paper (such as currency, notes, receipts, business cards or the like), cards (such as credit cards or the like), and/or wallets. The devices may be used to advertise corporate or other types of logos. The present devices may be referred to as money clips, although they are well-suited to holding things other than money. 
     In one embodiment, the invention is a device that comprises a clip having two ends and a leverage bump; and an arm pivotally coupled to each end. One of the arms contacts the leverage bump when the clip is opened. In one version of this embodiment, the leverage bump includes two outer portions and a middle portion, and the two outer portions protrude more outwardly from the clip than the middle portion. In another version of this embodiment, the clip has two leverage bumps, and each arm contacts a leverage bump when the clip is opened. In another version of this embodiment, each leverage bump includes two outer portions and a middle portion, and the two outer portions of each leverage bump protrude more outwardly from the clip than the middle portion. In another version of this embodiment, each arm includes two hinge elements separated by two slots and a middle segment, and each hinge element has an elongated segment and a hinge segment. In another version of this embodiment, each end of the clip includes an arm-retaining portion, and the hinge segments of a given arm fit at least partially within the arm-retaining portion of an end of the clip. In another version of this embodiment, the hinge elements of each arm are longer than the middle segment of that arm. In another version of this embodiment, an edge of the middle segment of each arm is positioned near the arm-retaining portion of an end of the clip. In another version of this embodiment, each arm has a widest portion and the clip has a widest portion, and the widest portions of the arms and the clip have substantially the same width. In another version of this embodiment, the widest portion of each arm is positioned near the widest portion of the clip. In another version of this embodiment, each arm includes an indention. In another version of this embodiment, each arm includes an insert in the indention. In another version of this embodiment, the device also includes a wallet configured to be held by the clip. 
     In another embodiment, the invention is a device that includes a clip having a receiving portion and a holding portion, the receiving portion including an arch, and the holding portion including two ends; and an arm pivotally coupled to each end. In one version of this embodiment, the clip has two leverage bumps, and each arm contacts a leverage bump when the clip is opened. In another version of this embodiment, each arm includes two hinge elements separated by two slots and a middle segment, and each hinge element has an elongated segment and a hinge segment. In another version of this embodiment, each end of the clip includes an arm-retaining portion, and the hinge segments of a given arm fit at least partially within the arm-retaining portion of an end of the clip. In another version of this embodiment, each arm has a widest portion and the clip has a widest portion, and the widest portions of the arms and the clip have substantially the same width. In another version of this embodiment, the widest portion of each arm is positioned near the widest portion of the clip. In another version of this embodiment, the device also includes a wallet configured to be held by the clip. 
     In another embodiment, the invention is a device that has a spring having an arcuate-shaped portion at one end and two arm-retaining portions; and an arm pivotally coupled to each arm-retaining portion. In one version of this embodiment, the spring also has a leverage bump that is contacted by one of the arms when the spring is opened. In another version of this embodiment, the spring also has two leverage bumps, and each arm contacts a leverage bump when the spring is opened. In another version of this embodiment, the leverage bump includes two outer portions and a middle portion, and the two outer portions protrude more outwardly from the spring than the middle portion. In another version of this embodiment, each leverage bump includes two outer portions and a middle portion, and the two outer portions of each leverage bump protrude more outwardly from the spring than the middle portion. In another version of this embodiment, each arm includes two hinge elements separated by two slots and a middle segment, and each hinge element has an elongated segment and a hinge segment. In another version of this embodiment, the hinge segments of a given arm fit at least partially within an arm-retaining portion of the spring. In another version of this embodiment, the hinge elements of each arm are longer than the middle segment of that arm. In another version of this embodiment, an edge of the middle segment of each arm is positioned near an arm-retaining portion of the spring. In another version of this embodiment, each arm has a widest portion and the spring has a widest portion, and the widest portions of the arms and the spring have substantially the same width. In another version of this embodiment, the widest portion of each arm is positioned near the widest portion of the spring. In another version of this embodiment, each arm includes an indention. In another version of this embodiment, each arm includes an insert in the indention. In another version of this embodiment, the device also includes a wallet configured to be held by the spring. 
     In another embodiment, the invention is a device that includes a clip having an outer surface; an outer element contacting the outer surface of the clip, the outer element having two ends; and an arm pivotally coupled to each end. In one version of this embodiment, one arm includes a protrusion, and the protrusion contacts the outer element when the clip is opened. In another version of this embodiment, the outer element includes two sides that are hinged together. In another version of this embodiment, the two sides are hinged together with a pin. In another version of this embodiment, each side includes an outer surface and a recessed portion in the outer surface. In another version of this embodiment, each arm includes a protrusion. In another version of this embodiment, each arm is pivotally coupled to an end with a pin. In another version of this embodiment, each arm includes a coupling portion that contacts the pin coupling that arm to an end. In another version of this embodiment, the outer element includes an inner surface that includes a recessed portion, and the clip contacts the recessed portion of the inner surface. In another version of this embodiment, where the outer element includes two sides that are coupled, each side has an inner surface, the inner surfaces of the sides together comprise the inner surface of the outer element, the inner surfaces of the two sides each include a recessed portion that is part of the recessed portion of the inner surface of the outer element, and the clip contacts the recessed portion of the inner surface of each of the two sides. In another version of this embodiment, the recessed portion of the inner surface of each side is bordered by two shoulder portions. In another version of this embodiment, each shoulder portion includes a groove into which a portion of the clip fits. In another version of this embodiment, each arm includes a coupling portion that contacts a pin hinging the arm to an end. In another version of this embodiment, each end includes a coupling portion that contacts the pin hinging an arm to the end. In another version of this embodiment, the clip includes a back portion and two retainer portions, each retainer portion having an upper retainer element and a lower retainer element, the upper and lower retainer elements of each retainer portion being separated by a holding element that extends farther from the back portion than either retainer element. In another version of this embodiment, the device includes a wallet configured to be held by the clip. 
     In another embodiment, the invention is a device that includes a clip; an outer element having a recess and two ends, a portion of the clip contacting a portion of the recess; and an arm pivotally coupled to each end with a pin. In one version of this embodiment, each arm includes a protrusion, and both protrusions contact the outer element when the clip is opened. In another version of this embodiment, the outer element includes an outer surface and two recessed portions in the outer surface. In another version of this embodiment, the device also includes a wallet configured to be held by the clip. 
     In another embodiment, the invention is a device that includes a clip having an outer surface; an outer element contacting the outer surface of the clip, the outer element having two sides, each side having two elongated elements defining between them an arm recess; and an arm pivotally coupled to each side of the outer element and positioned in an arm recess. In one version of this embodiment, one arm includes a leverage bump, and the leverage bump contacts the outer element when the clip is opened. In another version of this embodiment, each arm includes a leverage bump, and each leverage bump contacts the outer element when the clip is opened. In another version of this embodiment, one arm includes a leverage bump, one side includes a leverage bump, and the leverage bump of the arm contacts the leverage bump of the side when the clip is opened. In another version of this embodiment, each arm includes a leverage bump, each side includes a leverage bump, and the leverage bump of each arm contacts the leverage bump of a side when the clip is opened. In another version of this embodiment, the device also includes a wallet configured to be held by the clip. 
     In another embodiment, the invention is a device that includes a clip having two hinges positioned beside each other, each hinge having two outer open ends; and an arm pivotally coupled to each hinge, each arm including two hinge segments that are positioned at least partially within the two outer open ends of each hinge, one of the hinge segments having a non-circular cross-sectional profile. The device is sized to hold one or more of paper, cards and a wallet. In one version of this embodiment, the clip has a leverage bump positioned such that one of the arms contacts the leverage bump when the clip is opened. In another version of this embodiment, each arm has an elongated segment extending from the hinge segment of that arm; and, when the clip is opened, an elongated segment of a given arm contacts the clip before the given arm contacts the leverage bump. In another version of this embodiment, the clip has two leverage bumps, and each arm contacts a leverage bump when the clip is opened. In another version of this embodiment, the elongated segments of a given arm are separated by two slots and a middle segment. In another version of this embodiment, each arm has a hinge element that includes one of the elongated segments and one of the hinge segments, and the hinge element of a given arm is longer than the middle segment of the given arm. In another version of this embodiment, an edge of the middle segment of each arm is positioned near a hinge of the clip. In another version of this embodiment, each arm has a widest portion and the clip having a widest portion, and the widest portions of the arms and the clip have substantially the same width. In another version of this embodiment, the widest portion of each arm is positioned near the widest portion of the clip. In another version of this embodiment, each arm includes an indention. In another version of this embodiment, the indention of one of the arms protrudes outwardly so as to be closer to the leverage bump of the clip than any other portion of that arm when that arm is bent back and in contact with the leverage bump. In another version of this embodiment, the device also includes a wallet configured to be held by the clip. 
     In another embodiment, the invention is a device that includes a clip that is not substantially triangular in shape when in an empty closed position, the clip having two ends; and an arm pivotally coupled to each end. The device is sized to hold one or more of paper, cards and a wallet. In one version of this embodiment, each end has a hinge to which an arm is pivotally coupled. In another version of this embodiment, each arm includes two hinge segments that are positioned at least partially within the hinge to which that arm is pivotally coupled, and one of the hinge segments has a non-circular cross-sectional profile. In another version of this embodiment, the clip has a leverage bump positioned such that one of the arms contacts the leverage bump when the clip is opened. In another version of this embodiment, each arm has an elongated segment extending from the hinge segment of that arm; and, when the clip is opened, an elongated segment of a given arm contacts the clip before the given arm contacts the leverage bump. In another version of this embodiment, the clip has two leverage bumps, and each arm contacts a leverage bump when the clip is opened. In another version of this embodiment, the elongated segments of a given arm are separated by two slots and a middle segment. In another version of this embodiment, each arm has a hinge element that includes one of the elongated segments and one of the hinge segments, and the hinge element of a given arm are longer than the middle segment of the given arm. In another version of this embodiment, an edge of the middle segment of each arm is positioned near a hinge of the clip. In another version of this embodiment, each arm has a widest portion and the clip having a widest portion, and the widest portions of the arms and the clip have substantially the same width. In another version of this embodiment, the widest portion of each arm is positioned near the widest portion of the clip. In another version of this embodiment, each arm includes an indention. In another version of this embodiment, the indention of one of the arms protrudes outwardly so as to be closer to the leverage bump of the clip than any other portion of that arm when that arm is bent back and in contact with the leverage bump. In another version of this embodiment, the device also includes a wallet configured to be held by the clip. In another version of this embodiment, each arm is a non-wire frame arm. 
     In another embodiment, the invention is a device that includes a clip that has an open position that includes two substantially parallel sides connected by an arch, the clip also having two ends; and an arm pivotally coupled to each end. The device is sized to hold one or more of paper, cards and a wallet. In one version of this embodiment, each arm is a non-wire frame arm. In another version of this embodiment, each end has a hinge to which an arm is pivotally coupled. In another version of this embodiment, each arm includes two hinge segments that are positioned at least partially within the hinge to which that arm is pivotally coupled, and one of the hinge segments having a non-circular cross-sectional profile. In another version of this embodiment, the clip has a leverage bump positioned such that one of the arms contacts the leverage bump when the clip is opened. In another version of this embodiment, each arm has an elongated segment extending from the hinge segment of that arm; and, when the clip is opened, an elongated segment of a given arm contacts the clip before the given arm contacts the leverage bump. In another version of this embodiment, the clip has two leverage bumps, and each arm contacts a leverage bump when the clip is opened. In another version of this embodiment, the elongated segments of a given arm are separated by two slots and a middle segment. In another version of this embodiment, each arm has a hinge element that includes one of the elongated segments and one of the hinge segments, and the hinge element of a given arm are longer than the middle segment of the given arm. In another version of this embodiment, an edge of the middle segment of each arm is positioned near a hinge of the clip. In another version of this embodiment, each arm has a widest portion and the clip having a widest portion, and the widest portions of the arms and the clip have substantially the same width. In another version of this embodiment, the widest portion of each arm is positioned near the widest portion of the clip. In another version of this embodiment, each arm includes an indention. In another version of this embodiment, the indention of one of the arms protrudes outwardly so as to be closer to the leverage bump of the clip than any other portion of that arm when that arm is bent back and in contact with the leverage bump. In another version of this embodiment, the device also includes a wallet configured to be held by the clip. 
     In another embodiment, the invention is a device that includes a clip having two arm-retaining portions that are positioned beside each other when the clip is in an empty closed position; and a non-wire frame arm pivotally coupled to each arm-retaining portion. Each arm-retaining portion and the non-wire frame arm pivotally coupled to that arm-retaining portion are configured such that the non-wire frame arms snap into position as they are moved from a bent-back position to a closed position. The device is sized to hold one or more of paper, cards and a wallet. In one version of this embodiment, the clip has an open position that includes two substantially parallel sides connected by an arch, and the arm-retaining portions of the clip define two ends of the clip. In another version of this embodiment, each arm includes two hinge segments that are positioned at least partially within the arm-retaining portion to which that arm is pivotally coupled, and one of the hinge segments has a non-circular cross-sectional profile. In another version of this embodiment, the clip has a leverage bump positioned such that one of the arms contacts the leverage bump when the clip is opened. In another version of this embodiment, each arm has an elongated segment extending from the hinge segment of that arm; and, when the clip is opened, an elongated segment of a given arm contacts the clip before the given arm contacts the leverage bump. In another version of this embodiment, the clip has two leverage bumps, and each arm contacts a leverage bump when the clip is opened. In another version of this embodiment, the elongated segments of a given arm are separated by two slots and a middle segment. In another version of this embodiment, each arm has a hinge element that includes one of the elongated segments and one of the hinge segments, and the hinge element of a given arm are longer than the middle segment of the given arm. In another version of this embodiment, an edge of the middle segment of each arm is positioned near a hinge of the clip. In another version of this embodiment, each arm has a widest portion and the clip having a widest portion, and the widest portions of the arms and the clip have substantially the same width. In another version of this embodiment, the widest portion of each arm is positioned near the widest portion of the clip. In another version of this embodiment, each arm includes an indention. In another version of this embodiment, the indention of one of the arms protrudes outwardly so as to be closer to the leverage bump of the clip than any other portion of that arm when that arm is bent back and in contact with the leverage bump. In another version of this embodiment, the device also includes a wallet configured to be held by the clip. 
     In another embodiment, the invention is a device that includes a clip that has (a) a main portion, (b) two hinges that define a first end, and (c) a second end; and an arm pivotally coupled to each hinge. The clip and arms are configured such that when force is applied to begin opening the clip, contact between a given arm and the main portion of the clip occurs at a location that is closer to the first end than to the second end, and the clip will begin to open before any contact between the given arm and the main portion of the clip occurs at a second location that is closer to the second end than the first end. The device is sized to hold one or more of paper, cards and a wallet. In one version of this embodiment, each arm is a non-wire frame arm. In another version of this embodiment, each arm includes two hinge segments that are positioned at least partially within the hinge to which that arm is pivotally coupled, and one of the hinge segments has a non-circular cross-sectional profile. In another version of this embodiment, the clip has a leverage bump positioned such that one of the arms contacts the leverage bump when the clip is opened. In another version of this embodiment, each arm has an elongated segment extending from the hinge segment of that arm; and, when the clip is opened, an elongated segment of a given arm contacts the clip before the given arm contacts the leverage bump. In another version of this embodiment, the clip has two leverage bumps, and each arm contacts a leverage bump when the clip is opened. In another version of this embodiment, the elongated segments of a given arm are separated by two slots and a middle segment. In another version of this embodiment, each arm has a hinge element that includes one of the elongated segments and one of the hinge segments, and the hinge element of a given arm are longer than the middle segment of the given arm. In another version of this embodiment, an edge of the middle segment of each arm is positioned near a hinge of the clip. In another version of this embodiment, each arm has a widest portion and the clip having a widest portion, and the widest portions of the arms and the clip have substantially the same width. In another version of this embodiment, the widest portion of each arm is positioned near the widest portion of the clip. In another version of this embodiment, each arm includes an indention. In another version of this embodiment, the indention of one of the arms protrudes outwardly so as to be closer to the leverage bump of the clip than any other portion of that arm when that arm is bent back and in contact with the leverage bump. In another version of this embodiment, the device also includes a wallet configured to be held by the clip. 
     In another embodiment, the invention is a device that includes a clip having two ends; and an arm pivotally coupled to each end, each arm having a length and being bowed along the length. The device is sized to hold one or more of paper, cards and a wallet. In one version of this embodiment, each arm is a non-wire frame arm. In another version of this embodiment, each end has a hinge to which an arm is pivotally coupled. In another version of this embodiment, each arm includes two hinge segments that are positioned at least partially within the hinge to which that arm is pivotally coupled, and one of the hinge segments having a non-circular cross-sectional profile. In another version of this embodiment, the clip has a leverage bump positioned such that one of the arms contacts the leverage bump when the clip is opened. In another version of this embodiment, each arm has an elongated segment extending from the hinge segment of that arm; and, when the clip is opened, an elongated segment of a given arm contacts the clip before the given arm contacts the leverage bump. In another version of this embodiment, the clip has two leverage bumps, and each arm contacts a leverage bump when the clip is opened. In another version of this embodiment, the elongated segments of a given arm are separated by two slots and a middle segment. In another version of this embodiment, each arm has a hinge element that includes one of the elongated segments and one of the hinge segments, and the hinge element of a given arm are longer than the middle segment of the given arm. In another version of this embodiment, an edge of the middle segment of each arm is positioned near a hinge of the clip. In another version of this embodiment, each arm has a widest portion and the clip having a widest portion, and the widest portions of the arms and the clip have substantially the same width. In another version of this embodiment, the widest portion of each arm is positioned near the widest portion of the clip. In another version of this embodiment, each arm includes an indention. In another version of this embodiment, the indention of one of the arms protrudes outwardly so as to be closer to the leverage bump of the clip than any other portion of that arm when that arm is bent back and in contact with the leverage bump. In another version of this embodiment, the device also includes a wallet configured to be held by the clip. 
     Other embodiments of the present devices are described below. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The following drawings demonstrate certain aspects of the present devices. They illustrate by way of example and not limitation. The embodiments of the present devices depicted in the drawings are to scale unless otherwise noted. The paper positioned around the wallets depicted in certain of the present figures is a generic representation of U.S. dollars that is not to scale. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one of the present devices. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of the device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a back view of the device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of the device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of an arm of the device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded view of the elements of the device shown in  FIG. 1 , viewed in perspective. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the device shown in  FIG. 1 , where the arms of the device are bent back, but the clip of the device is not open. 
         FIG. 9  is a top view of the device shown in  FIG. 1 , depicting that device in an opened position. 
         FIG. 10  is a top view of the device shown in  FIG. 1 , showing that the device can include a wallet. 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of another of the present devices. 
         FIG. 12  is a top view of the device shown in  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  is a side view of an arm of the device shown in  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 14  is a side view of another of the present devices. 
         FIG. 15  is a top view of the device shown in  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 16  is a side view of an arm of the device shown in  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of another of the present devices. 
         FIG. 18  is a side view of the device shown in  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 19  is a front view of the device shown in  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 20  is a back view of the device shown in  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 21  is a top view of the device shown in  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 22  is a cross sectional view of the device shown in  FIG. 17 , taken along cross-sectional line  18 - 18  shown in  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 23  is a view of the inter surface of one of the sides of the outer element of the device in  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view of the side shown in  FIG. 23 . 
         FIG. 25  is an exploded view of the elements of the device shown in  FIG. 17 , viewed in perspective. 
         FIG. 26  is a top view of the device shown in  FIG. 17 , depicting that device in an opened position around a wallet. 
         FIG. 27A  is a side view of the device shown in  FIG. 17  in a closed position around a wallet and lacking the indention shown in  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 27B  is a cross-sectional view of the device depicted in  FIG. 27A , taken along cross-sectional line  27 A- 27 A in  FIG. 27A . 
         FIG. 27C  is a view of the detail circled in  FIG. 27B . 
         FIGS. 28A-28O  include a series of side, cross-sectional and detail views showing different positions of the arms of the device shown in  FIG. 17  relative to holding elements of the clip of that device. Specifically,  FIG. 28B  is a cross-sectional view taken along cross-sectional line  28 A- 28 A in  FIG. 28A ;  FIG. 28C  is a view of the detail circled in  FIG. 28B ;  FIG. 28E  is a cross-sectional view taken along cross-sectional line  28 D- 28 D in  FIG. 28D ;  FIG. 28F  is a view of the detail circled in  FIG. 28E ;  FIG. 28H  is a cross-sectional view taken along cross-sectional line  28 G- 28 G in  FIG. 28G ;  FIG. 28I  is a view of the detail circled in  FIG. 28H ;  FIG. 28K  is a cross-sectional view taken along cross-sectional line  28 J- 28 J in  FIG. 28J ;  FIG. 28L  is a view of the detail circled in  FIG. 28K ;  FIG. 28N  is a cross-sectional view taken along cross-sectional line  28 M- 28  in  FIG. 28M ; and  FIG. 28O  is a view of the detail circled in  FIG. 28N . 
         FIG. 29  is a perspective view of another of the present devices. 
         FIG. 30  is a side view of the device depicted in  FIG. 29 . 
         FIG. 31  is a front view of the device depicted in  FIG. 29 . 
         FIG. 32  is a back view of the device depicted in  FIG. 29 . 
         FIG. 33  is a top view of the device depicted in  FIG. 29 . 
         FIG. 34  is a top view of the device depicted in  FIG. 29 , showing that the device may include a wallet. 
         FIG. 35  is a top view showing the arms of the device depicted in  FIG. 29  folded back. 
         FIG. 36  is an exploded view of the elements of another version of the device depicted in  FIG. 29 . 
         FIGS. 37-42  are inside (side), outside (side), end, top, outside perspective, and inside perspective views, respectively, of a version of one of the present arms that has an outwardly protruding indention. 
         FIGS. 43-48  are inside (side), outside (side), end, top, outside perspective, and inside perspective views, respectively, of another version of one of the present arms that has an outwardly protruding indention. 
         FIGS. 49-50  are top and detail views, respectively, showing a configuration of one embodiment of one of the present clips and the present arms configured such that the arms contact the clip early in the opening process for increased leverage, in contrast to the manner in which traditional binder clips work. 
         FIGS. 51-52  are top and detail views, respectively, showing the embodiment of device depicted in  FIGS. 49 and 50  is an open position resulting from the benefit of that increased leverage. 
         FIGS. 53-56  are side, end and detail views showing one embodiment of a suitable shape for certain of the present hinges, especially the shape of the portion of hinge that defines its outer open ends. Such shape furthers the likelihood that the arms that are coupled to such hinges will snap into place as they are closed. 
         FIGS. 57A-57D  are a series of views showing one of the present hinges and the position—during the process of closing the arms—of a cross-sectionally depicted portion of one of the present hinge segments that is positioned at least partially within that hinge (e.g., within an outer open end of the same). 
         FIG. 58  is a perspective view of one of the present devices that has bowed arms. 
         FIG. 59  is a side view of the device shown in  FIG. 58 . 
         FIG. 60  is a front view of the device shown in  FIG. 58 . 
         FIG. 61  is a rear perspective view of the device shown in  FIG. 58 . 
         FIG. 62  is a top view of the device shown in  FIG. 58 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     The terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and “having”), and “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”) are open-ended linking verbs. Thus, a device “comprising” a clip having two ends and a leverage bump, and an arm coupled to each end is a device that possesses such a clip and such arms, but is not limited to possessing those items. For example, the device may also possess a wallet configured to be held by the clip. Likewise, a clip “having” two ends and a leverage bump possesses those features, but is not excluded from possessing additional features such as an additional leverage bump. 
     The terms “a” and “an” mean one or more than one. The term “another” means at least a second or more. 
     Those of skill in the art will appreciate that in the detailed description below, certain well known manufacturing and assembly techniques have been omitted so that the present devices are not obscured in unnecessary detail. Similarly, some features of the some of the devices have not been labeled in all of the drawings, so that the drawings are not unnecessarily cluttered. Any dimensions provided in English units may be translated to the corresponding metric unit by rounding to the nearest millimeter. 
       FIGS. 1-9  show different views of one of the present devices.  FIG. 10  shows that the device depicted in  FIGS. 1-9  may include a wallet. Turning first to  FIG. 1 , device  100  includes a clip  10  having two ends  14  and a leverage bump  16 . More specifically, clip  10  shown in  FIG. 1  includes two leverage bumps  16 . Device  100  also includes an arm  20  that is pivotally coupled to each end  14 . As will be shown in another figure and described below, one of the arms of device  100  contacts a leverage bump when the clip is opened. More specifically, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , each arm  20  will contact a leverage bump  16  when clip  10  is opened. Arms  20 —as well as arms  50 ,  80 ,  430 , and  530 —are examples of non-wire frame arms. In contrast, the following patents disclose only arms with wire frames: U.S. Pat. Nos. D321,209; D321,210; 1,139,627; 1,150,073; 4,332,060; 4,402,530; 4,532,680; 4,761,862; 5,249,336 (shows wire frame covered with a sleeve); 5,533,236; 5,896,624; and 6,327,749. Clip  10  may be characterized as a clip that is not substantially triangular in shape when in an empty (nothing in it) closed position, as shown for example in  FIGS. 1 and 5 . In contrast, the following patents and application disclose only clips that are substantially triangular in shape when in an empty closed position: U.S. Pat. Nos. D321,209; D321,210; D372,498; D485,780; 1,139,627; 1,150,073; 4,332,060; 4,402,530; 4,532,680; 4,761,862; 5,249,336; 5,533,236; 5,896,624; 6,327,749; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/060,942 filed Jan. 30, 2002 in the name of Chip Thomson. 
     Clip  10  of device  100  in  FIGS. 1-10 , as well as clip  10  in devices  200  and  300  depicted in  FIGS. 11-16 , may also be referred to in this document (including the claims) as a spring. The leverage bump that are part of the present clips may be any suitable shape configured to contact the present arms when those clips are opened. The present leverage bumps may be formed by placing extra material on a clip that has already been created and attaching that material to the clip in any suitable fashion, such as through the use of an adhesive, heat, pressure, soldering, welding, or any combination of these. Alternatively, the present leverage bumps may be created with the clips as the clips are formed. For example, the leverage bumps shown throughout  FIGS. 1-16  may be stamped out such that they protrude outwardly from the outside of the clips and have a corresponding indention on the inside of the clips. 
     A version of a suitable leverage bump for use with the present clips is shown generally in  FIGS. 1-16 . Each leverage bump  16  includes two outer portions  17  and a middle portion  19 . As shown in the figures, and most clearly in, for example,  FIG. 3 , outer portions  17  protrude more outwardly from clip  10  than does middle portion  19 . Suitable exemplary thicknesses for the material that may be used to make certain embodiments of clip  10  include spring steel having a thickness of 0.025 inches to 0.018 inches. 
     In the embodiment of the present devices shown in  FIGS. 1-10 , arms  20  each include an indention  32  and an insert  34  contacting, or otherwise positioned in, the indention. The shape of the indention may be created to match the shape of the insert. However, while both may have flat surfaces to facilitate attachment of the two, indention  32  may have a slightly different shape than an insert  34  placed in it, as shown in these figures. Suitable exemplary thicknesses for the material that may be used to make certain embodiments of clip  10  include 0.048 inches to 0.062 inches. 
       FIG. 2  is a side of the device shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 2  shows that each arm  20  includes two hinge elements  22  that are separated by two slots  24  and a middle segment  26 . As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , each hinge element  22  has an elongated segment  25  and a hinge segment  27 . As shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  5 ,  7  and  8 , each end  14  of clip  10  includes an arm-retaining portion  18 . These portions may also be characterized as hinges  18 . The arm-retaining portions  18  of clip  10  are positioned beside each when clip  10  is in an empty closed position, as it is in  FIGS. 1 and 5 . The arm-retaining portions are cylindrical in shape and are unbroken along their lengths, which respectively span substantially the entire width of clip  10 . The term “substantially” is defined as at least close to (and can include) a given value or state (preferably within 10% of, more preferably within 1% of, and most preferably within 0.1% of). A suitable diameter for the cylinder shape of one embodiment of hinge  18  is 0.085 inches inner diameter. Each arm-retaining portion, or hinge, also has two outer open ends. As shown schematically in  FIG. 7 , the hinge segments  27  of a given arm  20  are designed to be placed in one of the two arm-retaining portions of clip  10 . As a result of that placement, and as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  8 , the hinge segments are located, or positioned, at least partially within the arm-retaining portion in which they are placed (the hinge segments are not labeled in these figures). The result of that placement may also be characterized as positioning the hinge segments at least partially within the two outer open ends of each hinge. Those hinge segments may have a non-circular cross-sectional profile, as does hinge segment  57  shown in  FIGS. 57A-57D . 
       FIGS. 3 and 4  show what device  100  looks like from the front and back, respectively.  FIG. 5  shows what device  100  looks like from the top.  FIG. 7  schematically shows how the elements of device  100  fit together.  FIG. 6  shows a side view of handle  20  of device  100 .  FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of device  100 , where arms  20  have been folded back, but clip  10  has not yet been opened. 
       FIG. 6  shows that the hinge elements  22  of arm  20  of device  100  may be longer than the middle segment  26  of that arm. Specifically, hinge elements  22  are shown having a length  22 L that is greater than length  26 L of middle segment  26 . A suitable distance for the length of the entirety of one embodiment of arm  20  is 2.275 inches. 
     Returning to  FIG. 2 , middle segment  26  includes an edge  29  that is positioned near arm-retaining portion  18  of clip  10 . This may be true of the middle segments of both arms  20  of device  100 , although only one arm  20  is visible in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 2  also shows that each arm  20  of device  100  has a widest portion  20 WP that has substantially the same width as the widest portion  10 WP of clip  10 . A suitable distance for  10 WP of one embodiment of clip  10  is 1.481 inches, and a suitable distance for  20 WP of one embodiment of arm  20  is 1.485 inches. Although the widest portions of the present clips and arms may be positioned anywhere along the lengths of those items,  FIG. 2  shows that, in one embodiment, widest portion  20 WP of each arm  20  is positioned near widest portion  10 WP of clip  10 . 
     The indentions of the arms of the devices shown in  FIGS. 1-16  are positioned such that the inserts in those indentions (or the indentions themselves) do not contact the leverage bumps when the clips are opened. This is shown, for example, in  FIG. 9 , which depicts clip  10  in an open position. In other embodiments, however, the inserts and indentions may be positioned in the arms so as to contact the leverage bumps when a given clip is opened.  FIG. 9  also illustrates that clip  10  is one example of a clip that has an open position that includes two substantially parallel sides connected by an arch. In contrast, the following patents and application disclose only clips that lack an open position that includes two substantially parallel sides connected by an arch: U.S. Pat. Nos. D321,209; D321,210; D372,498; D485,780; 1,139,627; 1,150,073; 4,332,060; 4,402,530; 4,532,680; 4,761,862; 5,249,336; 5,533,236; 5,896,624; 6,327,749; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/060,942 filed Jan. 30, 2002 in the name of Chip Thomson. 
     One advantage of the present leverage bumps is that they may isolate the wear on the present clips that results from repeated opening of the clips, provided the leverage bumps are sized and positioned so that the contact between the arms of the present devices and the clips of the present devices occurs at the leverage bumps. In this way, the leverage bumps can be thought of as the isolation points for the inevitable wear on the clips of the present devices. 
       FIG. 10  is a top view of device  100 , and shows that device  100  may include a wallet  36  that is effectively held by clip  10 , and more specifically holding portion HP of clip  10 . Holding portion HP of clip  10 , shown in  FIGS. 5 and 10 , may include at least arm-retaining portions  18  of ends  14 . Wallet  36  may have a back end positioned against the inside of clip  10  such that the rear portion of wallet  36  may be described as being received in receiving portion RP of clip  10  (see  FIGS. 5 and 10 ).  FIG. 5  shows that receiving portion RP of clip  10 , or spring  10 , may include an arch A. A suitable diameter for one embodiment of that arch is 0.5 inches. Furthermore, clip  10 , or spring  10 , may be referred to in this document (including the claims) as having an arcuate shaped portion (such as arch A) at one end of the clip, and two arm-retaining portions  18 . 
     The clips, or springs,  10  shown in  FIGS. 1-16 , all have the same configuration. Thus, the details of clips  10 —such as the leverage bumps, the receiving and holding portions, the arm-retaining portions, etc. —are not labeled in  FIGS. 12 and 14 . The arms shown in  FIGS. 11-13 , in  FIGS. 14-16  and in  FIGS. 58-62  are shaped differently (although they include the same features) from the arms shown in  FIGS. 1-10 . Accordingly, these alternative arms have been given new element numbers in  FIGS. 11-16  and  58 - 62 . The last digit of these new element numbers remains the same of the last digit of the corresponding element number from the arms in  FIGS. 1-10 , except the first digit has been increased by  30  in  FIGS. 11-13 , by  60  in  FIGS. 14-16 , and by  90  in  FIGS. 58-62 . Although the hinge segments of the arms of device  600  shown in  FIGS. 58-62  exist, they are not visible in those figures. The arms  110  in  FIGS. 58-62  may be described as having a length (the length running from edge  119  to the forwardmost end of the arm (i.e., the portion of the arm farthest from the clip when device  600  is in an empty closed position)) and being bowed along the length. 
     Arms  50  of device  200  depicted in  FIGS. 11 and 12  include indentions  62  and inserts  64 . Arms  50  of device  200  also each include two hinge elements  52  separated by two slots  54  and a middle segment  56 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , each hinge element  52  includes an elongated segment  55  and a hinge segment  57 . The hinge segment  57  of a given arm  50  are designed to fit at least partially within the arm-retaining portion  18  (or at least partially within the open ends of the arm-retaining portion  18 ) of an end  14  of clip  10 . Furthermore, as with hinge elements  22  and middle segments  26  of arms  20 , the hinge elements  52  of each arm  50  are longer than the middle segment  56  of each arm. This is illustrated in  FIG. 13  by hinge element  52  having a linked  52 L that is greater than the length  56 L of middle segment  56 . 
     The arm-retaining portions, or hinges, of the present clips  10  and the arms (e.g., the non-wire frame arms) that are, respectively, pivotally coupled to them may be collectively configured such that those arms snap into position as they (i.e., those arms) are moved from a bent-back position (see, e.g.,  FIG. 8 ) to a closed position (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 1 and 5 ). Such a configured hinge and non-wire frame arm are shown in  FIGS. 57A-57D , which are a series of views showing a hinge  18  and the position during the process of closing the arms of a cross-sectionally depicted portion of a hinge segment  57  positioned at least partially within that hinge (e.g., within an outer open end of the same).  FIG. 57A  shows the position of hinge segment  57  when the arm of which it is a part is in a bent-back position;  FIG. 57B  shows the position of hinge segment  57  when the arm of which it is at a 90-degree angle to the length of the clip;  FIG. 57C  shows the position of hinge segment  57  when the arm of which it is a part is just about to snap closed; and  FIG. 57D  shows the position of hinge segment  57  when the arm of which it is a part has snapped into the empty closed position. 
       FIGS. 37-42  are inside (side), outside (side), end, top, outside perspective, and inside perspective views, respectively, of a version of arm  50  that includes an indention  62  that protrudes outwardly from the outside of arm  50  such that indention  62  will contact a leverage bump of a clip having a leverage bump at some point during the process of opening the clip as far as it will open. No insert is provided in this embodiment of arm  50 . 
       FIGS. 43-48  are inside (side), outside (side), end, top, outside perspective, and inside perspective views, respectively, of another version of arm  50  that includes an indention  62  that protrudes outwardly from the outside of arm  50  such that indention  62  will contact a leverage bump of a clip having a leverage bump at some point during the process of opening the clip as far as it will open. The edge of indention  62 —judged from the outside of arm  50 —is closer to the edge of the forwardmost end of the arm than the same edge of indention  62  in  FIGS. 37-42 . No insert is provided in this embodiment of arm  50 . 
     Arms  80  of device  300  depicted in  FIGS. 14 and 15  include indentions  92  and inserts  94 . The same indention and insert are labeled with  92 ′ and  94 ′, respectively, in  FIG. 16 , because the sizes of the two features is slightly different in  FIG. 16 . Arms  80  of device  300  also each include two hinge elements  82  separated by two slots  84  and a middle segment  86 . As shown in  FIG. 16 , each hinge element  82  includes an elongated segment  85  and a hinge segment  87 . The hinge segment  87  of a given arm  80  are designed to fit at least partially within the arm-retaining portion  18  of an end  14  of clip  10 . Furthermore, as with hinge elements  22  and middle segments  26  of arms  20 , the hinge elements  82  of each arm  80  are longer than the middle segment  86  of each arm. This is illustrated in  FIG. 16  by hinge element  82  having a length  82 L that is greater than the length  86 L of middle segment  86 . 
     The clips and arms in certain embodiments of the devices shown in  FIGS. 1-16  and  37 - 48  may be configured such that when force is applied to begin opening the clip of the device, one or both arms contact the clip at a location that is closer to the hinges of the clip than to the arch of the retaining portion RP, and the clip will begin to open before any contact between that arm and the clip at a second location that is closer to the arch than the hinges. An example of such a configuration is illustrated in  FIGS. 49-52 .  FIG. 49  shows that clip  10  of device  100  (unlabeled) may have a main portion  23  that excludes the hinges  18  and the very back end of the tip of the arch. The device is in a bent-back position in this figure.  FIG. 50  is an enlarged view of the detail circled in  FIG. 49 , and shows that contact between arm  50  and clip  10  (and, more specifically, main portion  23  of arm  50 ) occurs—during the process of applying force to begin opening clip  10 —as locations  29 , which are closer to the end  19  of the clip that is characterized by hinges  18  than to the end  21  of the clip that is characterized by the arch. (A suitable length spanning ends  19  and  21  for one embodiment of clip  10  is 1.245 inches.) Locations  29  may be positioned on segment  15 , or protrusion  15 , of clip  10  shown in, for example,  FIGS. 53-56 .  FIG. 51  shows that as someone or something continues to apply that force, clip  10  will begin, and begins, to open before any contact between either arm and main portion  23  of clip  10  occurs at a second location (e.g., leverage bump  16  of clip  10 ) that is closer to end  21  than end  19 .  FIG. 52  shows that opening in slightly greater detail. 
     To the same end of configuring the clip as just discussed, the hinges of the present clips may be configured as shown in the different views of  FIGS. 53-56 . The edges  13  of the hinges  18  that define the outer open ends of those hinges may be shaped as shown in these figures. 
     There are many suitable ways of constructing the present devices, and there are many suitable materials that may be used. One material that may be used for the clip or spring of the devices shown in  FIGS. 1-16  is carbon steel (e.g., medium carbon steel), or spring steel. The arms of these devices may also be made from such material. To create the clip using spring steel, a flat piece that has the shape of the clip laid flat may be cut using a die and punch method (e.g., stamped at room temperature). Any leverage bumps that are used on that clip may then be pressed into the cut clip using, for example, a die. The hinges of the clip may then be formed such that, in some embodiments, material is wrapped to form the hinges. Afterwards, the flat piece of spring steel may be bent to the desired configuration and tempered. The tempering may involve heating the material to 1525 to 1575 degrees F. (Fahrenheit) for a suitable period of time; quenching the material to 350 to 400 degrees F.; and tempering the material to 700 to 800 degrees F. for a suitable period of time. This heating and quenching may result in an Rc50 hardness. If the arms are made from spring steel, they may be cut using a die and punch method (e.g., stamped at room temperature) from spring steel that has been tempered. Alternatively, the spring steel need not have been tempered. In either case, any indentions may then be formed using, for example, a die. Any bow, such as a 1-, 2-, or 3-degree bow, that is given to the arms may then be formed using, for example, a die; and the heat treatment described above for the clip may be used on the arms. Sharp edges may be debugged after the stamping process described above. The debugged material may then be polished using any suitable polishing agent. Furthermore, electroplating and laser engraving may be used as desired to create a more attractive products. A brass electroplating may be applied to the clip and/or the arms, followed by one of a chrome, black nickel and silver electroplating. If chrome electroplating is used, a titanium electroplating may be applied over it. In any case, a clear E coating may be applied over whatever electroplating is carried out. The arms may then be pivotally coupled (e.g., hinged) to the hinges of the clip, and the resulting product may be packaged for sale. 
     Alternatively, the arms may be constructed from titanium, or any other metal or alloy that is stiff, not easily plastically-deformed, and that has good wear-resistant properties. It may also be possible to utilize certain polymers for the arms of the devices shown, for example, in  FIGS. 1-16 , provided the polymer possesses these same properties. Injection molding (using, for example, an extruder at some point in the process) may be used to create arms from polymers. 
     The remaining figures show other embodiments of the present devices. These embodiments include, generally, a clip, an outer element in contact with the clip, and arms pivotally coupled to the outer element. The clips in the remaining figures may also be described in this document (including the claims) as springs. 
     Referring generally now to  FIGS. 17-27C , one embodiment of the present devices is device  400  shown in these figures. Device  400  includes a clip  410  that has an outer surface. Device  400  also includes an outer element  420  that contacts the outer surface of clip  410 . Outer element  420  includes two ends  422 . Device  410  includes an arm  430  pivotally coupled to each end  422 . The arms  430  of device  400  may be provided with an indention  431  and an insert (not shown), in the same fashion as described above for the devices shown in  FIGS. 1-16 . Alternatively, no such indention may be provided (see  FIG. 27A ). The arms  430  of device  400  may be provided with a protrusion  428 . Protrusions  428  are shown in  FIGS. 17-27C  as being centered across the width of arms  430 . Protrusions  428  may be positioned so as to contact outer element  420  when clip  410  is opened. 
     Outer element  420  includes two sides  424 ,  426  that are hinged together. The hinging may be achieved by providing side  424  with a male element  495  (e.g., a “tongue”) that has a passageway running through it (the passageway is unlabeled and may be cylindrical in shape); providing side  426  with two outer portions  497  that define between them a female portion  499  (e.g., a “groove”), the outer portions  497  each having a passageway running through them (the passageways are unlabeled and may be cylindrical in shape); and joining the outer portions  497  with the male portion  495  using a pin  440 , as shown schematically in  FIG. 25 . 
     Sides  424  and  426  each include an outer surface  450  that has a recessed portion  452 . Protrusions  428  of arms  430  of device  400  may be positioned so as to contact recessed portions  452  when clip  410  is opened. 
     Arms  430  are shown in  FIGS. 17-27C  as being coupled to ends  422  with pins  460  (see, especially,  FIG. 25 ). One manner of achieving this pivotal coupling involves providing each arm  430  with a coupling portion  462  (shaped, for example, like a portion of a cylinder) that contacts the pin  460  that couples that arm to an end  422 . Similarly, the end  422  of each side  424  and  426  may be provided with coupling portions  476  that contact the pin  460  that couples a given arm to that end (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 23-25 ). 
     Outer element  420  of device  400  includes an inner surface that includes a recessed portion, and clip  410  contacts the recessed portion of that inner surface. A version of this is shown in cross-sectional form in  FIG. 22 , where each side  424  and  426  includes an inner surface  464  with a recessed portion  466 . Inner surfaces  464  of the two sides of element  420  comprise the inner surface of outer element  420 . In addition, the recessed portions  466  of the two sides of outer element  420  comprise the recessed portion of the inner surface of outer element  420 . Clip  410  is shown in  FIG. 22  as being in contact with the recessed portion of the outer element (e.g., recessed portions  466  of the inner surfaces  464  of sides  424  and  426 ). 
       FIG. 23  shows that the recessed portion  466  of inner surface  464  of side  426  (and this is also true of side  424 ) is bordered by two shoulder portions  468  (see also  FIG. 25 ). Each shoulder portion  468  includes a groove  470  into which a portion of clip  410  fits. Grooves  470  are shown in  FIGS. 22 ,  24 ,  27 B and  27 C. The manner in which portions of clip  410  fit within grooves  470  will be understood from considering  FIGS. 25 ,  27 B and  27 C. 
     In  FIG. 25 , clip  410  as shown includes a back portion  485  and two retainer portions  487 . Each retainer portion  487  includes an upper retainer element  483  and a lower retainer element  484 . These two retainer elements are separated by a holding element  490 . Holding element  490  extends farther from back portion  485  than either retainer element of either retainer portion. The upper and lower retaining elements  483  and  484 , respectively, fit within grooves  470  as shown in  FIGS. 27B and 27C . Holding elements  490  are slightly curved at their ends, as shown in  FIG. 25 . Holding elements  490  do not fit within and extend past grooves  470 . The operation of holding elements  490  will be discussed more below. 
       FIG. 27A  shows that a wallet  480  holding cards and around which paper has been folded may be placed within device  400 . Device  400  may be said to include wallet  480 . Wallet  480  may be sized, or configured, to be held by clip  410 . The portions of clip  410  that will perform most, if not all, of the “holding” function are the portions of shoulder portions  468  that form grooves  470 . The surface of those portions may be rounded and smooth, as shown in the figures, so as not to damage the wallet or any paper wrapped around the wallet. 
     Holding elements  490  may provide some or none of the “holding” function. Holding elements  490  primarily function to prevent unwanted movement of arms  430 . In this regard, coupling portions  462  of arms  430  may be provided with one or more cam bumps  489  (see  FIGS. 25 and 27C ).  FIGS. 28A-28O  are a series of views that show how holding elements  490  operates in the embodiment shown to keep pressure on arms  430 , in part, through contact with cam bumps  489 . These figures (along with  FIGS. 27B and 27C ) also show that the coupling portion of the arms of may be “closed,” instead of half-open, as shown, for example, in  FIG. 25 . 
       FIGS. 29-36  show another of the present devices that includes a clip, an outer element in contact with the clip, and arms pivotally coupled to the outer element. There are a number of similarities between the devices shown in  FIGS. 29-36  and the devices shown in  FIGS. 17-28O . Accordingly, elements of the devices in  FIGS. 29-36  that are similar to certain elements of the devices in  FIGS. 17-28O  have been given similar element numbers, except that the element numbers have been increased by  100 . Likewise, the only difference between the device depicted in  FIGS. 29-35  and the device depicted in  FIG. 36  are certain details of the arms and sides of those devices. As a result, where the sides and arms of the device depicted in  FIGS. 29-35  have been labeled  526 ,  524 , and  530 , respectively, those same elements have been labeled  526 ′,  524 ′, and  530 ′ for the device depicted in  FIG. 36 . The shape of the coupling portions  562  of arms  530  of  FIG. 500  shown in  FIGS. 29-35  are also slightly different in shape than those same features in device  500 ′ in  FIG. 36 . Accordingly, the coupling portion of arms  530 ′ have been labeled with element number  562 ′. 
     Unlike the device shown in  FIGS. 17-28O , device  500  in  FIGS. 29-35  includes leverage bumps on at least one side of outer element  520 . More specifically, outer element  520  of device  500  includes leverage bumps  501  on both sides  526  and  524 . At least one arm  530  of device  500  includes a leverage bump  502 . More specifically, both arms  530  of device  500  include leverage bumps  502 . Each leverage bump  502  contacts outer element  520  when clip  510  is open. More specifically, each leverage bump  502  is configured to contact leverage bump  501  of the corresponding side of outer element  520  when clip  510  is opened. This contact is shown in  FIG. 35  just prior to clip  510  being opened. 
     Sides  526  and  524  of device  500 , and sides  526 ′ and  524 ′ of device  500 ′, each have two elongated elements  505  that define between them an arm recess. This arm recess is labeled as  509  in  FIGS. 29-35  and as element  509 ′ in  FIG. 36 . The difference between the two arm recesses is the shape near the coupling portions  562  and  562 ′ of the two devices. 
     Arms  530  and  530 ′ of devices  500  and  500 ′ may be provided with female notches  503  as shown in  FIG. 36 . Outer elements  505  of devices  500  and  500 ′ may be provided with corresponding male notches  507  as shown in  FIG. 36 . If appropriately configured, the corresponding notches may better serve to keep arms  530  and  530 ′, respectively, from bending more inwardly than elongated elements  505  when the devices are in the closed position. 
     The elements of the devices shown in  FIGS. 17-36  may be made in a variety of ways. One way of making the clips of these devices is discussed above (i.e., using spring steel that is cut, bent, and then tempered). The outer elements and arms of the devices in these figures need not be as rigid as the arms of the devices in  FIGS. 1-16  preferably are. For example, the outer elements (e.g., the sides of the outer elements) of the devices in  FIGS. 17-36  may be made from cast aluminum, silver (e.g., sterling silver), gold (provided the carat value is not too high), magnesium, steel, titanium, or a hard polymer. The arms and out elements may be cast or injection molded using either a metal (or alloy) or a polymer. 
     All of the devices disclosed and claimed can be made and used without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the present devices have been described in terms of certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to these devices without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims. For example, the arms of the present devices may be any suitable shape, including hexagonal, or octagonal, as may any indentions and inserts. 
     The claims are not to be interpreted as including means-plus- or step-plus-function limitations, unless such a limitation is explicitly recited in a given claim using the phrase(s) “means for” or “step for,” respectively.