Patent Publication Number: US-6981591-B2

Title: Case with elastic-secured end cap

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to cases for holding business cards, notes, notepads, credit cards, and the like, and, more particularly, to cases that include spring-loaded, or elastically secured lids or covers. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   A number of cardholder devices, cases, and related inventions are known in the art. Some of the known cases are configured to merely hold cards; others are designed to dispense cards. Some include hinged covers; others include spring-loaded covers. Examples of various types of cases disclosed in United States patents are as follows: 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,125,505 (Kurosaki) discloses a cardholder for holding a card. The holder includes a couple of springs, against which a card to be held is placed. The springs function to dispense the card from the case. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,792,058 (Parker) discloses a dispenser for business or calling cards. This patented device includes a retracted ejector mechanism on the side of the case for dispensing the cards. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,970,129 (Tepfer) discloses a sales slip wallet. The drawing figures of this patent depict various embodiments of the wallet, all of which use elastic means to urge panels of the wallet into a closed position. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,688,896 (Newell) discloses a card case intended for carrying credit cards. The case includes a lid operatively arranged to be prevented from closing until all intended cards are replaced within the case. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,421,839 (Ward) discloses a container for air treating devices, which container includes two end caps, secured to one another by an elastic band to bias the two end caps toward one another, closing the container. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 2,737,312 (Hamlon) discloses a container having a lid, hinged to the container and biased toward a closed position by a rubber band secured to the bottom of the container. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 2,531,737 (Lyon, Jr.) discloses a container having a spring biased sliding closure. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 2,349,985 (Page) discloses a receptacle closure for a small container. The lid to the container is hinged, and an elastic band is secured to the underside of the lid and a sidewall of the container, arranged to urge closure of the lid onto the container. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 1,219,029 (Kell) discloses an early 20th century example of a spring closing receptacle. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 1,094,288 (Wick) discloses a matchbox having a spring-loaded cover. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 356,524 (Clement) is an 1887 patent that describes a cylindrically shaped holder for pens and pencils. The invention includes two balls, one at each end of the holder. The balls are connected to one another by an elastic band, urging them inwardly towards the body of the holder. 
   Finally, U.S. Design Pat. No. Des. 338,336(Grant) discloses a card case having a hinged top. 
   Despite the many examples of cases in the patent art, as yet no one has apparently invented or patented a case having the structure or function of the present invention. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention broadly comprises a case, including a housing having a hollow interior and a channel proximate a perimeter of the housing at two sides thereof, a first end cap fixedly secured to a first end of the housing, the first end cap having a channel proximate a perimeter thereof, a second end cap removably secured to a second end of the housing, the second end cap having a channel proximate a perimeter thereof, and an elastic band positioned within the channel of the housing, the channel of the first end cap and the channel of the second end cap, the elastic band operatively arranged to urge the second end cap into a retained position in engagement with the second end of the housing. 
   A primary object of the invention is to provide a case for holding business cards and the like, which case, in a first embodiment, includes an end cap detachably secured to a housing of the case by an elastic band. 
   Another object of the invention is to provide a case for holding business cards and the like, which case, in a second embodiment, includes two end caps detachably secured to a housing of the case by an elastic band. 
   These and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become readily apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art upon study of the following detailed description in view of the drawings and appended claims. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the case of the invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the case shown in  FIG. 1  taken generally along line  2 — 2  in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the case shown in  FIG. 1 , except with the case open to expose its contents; 
       FIG. 3A  is an exploded view of the case shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a view similar to that of  FIG. 3 , but with end cap  14  rotated 90° to illustrate the interior compartments of end cap  14 ; 
       FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of the case shown in  FIG. 1 , but with band  18  removed, and end cap  14  rotated 180°; 
       FIG. 5  is a top view of the case of the invention shown in  FIG. 1 , rotated such that end cap  14  is at the top of the drawing; 
       FIG. 6  is an end view of the case of the invention, taken generally along line  6 — 6  in  FIG. 5 ; 
       FIG. 7  is a cross sectional view of the case, taken generally along line  7 — 7  in  FIG. 5 ; 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention, shown with the case in an open position; 
       FIG. 8A  is an exploded view of the case shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
       FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the invention (which third embodiment is not shown in perspective view), similar to the view shown in  FIG. 2 , in which third embodiment, band  18  has been replaced by band  68 ; 
       FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the invention (which fourth embodiment is not shown in perspective view), similar to the view shown in  FIGS. 2 and 9 , but with bands  18  and  68 , replaced by two separate bands  88  and  89 ; and, 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the invention, in this embodiment, the elastic band is located substantially outside the perimeter of the case. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   At the outset, it should be appreciated that like reference numbers on different drawing figures represent identical structural elements. It should also be appreciated that, while a number of different embodiments and variations of the present invention are shown in the various drawings, the invention as claimed is not intended to be limited to these specific embodiments, as the claims define a broader invention that can take many different shapes and structures. Also, the adjectives, “top”, “bottom”, “right”, “left”, and their derivatives, in the description herebelow, refer to the perspective of one facing the invention as shown in the figure under discussion. Finally, the present invention includes an elastic band or cord. In one embodiment, the band comprises a closed loop, preferably formed from a linear band whose terminal ends have been secured to one another; in another embodiment it comprises a single length of cord; and, in yet another embodiment it comprises two separate lengths of cord. In all embodiments, the cord is located proximate the perimeter of the case housing. In a preferred embodiment, the cord is not located in the hollow interior of the housing, so as not to interfere with the ability of the case to hold business cards and the like. It should also be appreciated that the case of the invention is designed to hold a variety of items, including, but not limited to, business cards, photographs, note pads, paper clips, computer and digital device memory cards, and a variety of other objects and articles. 
   Adverting now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  illustrates a first embodiment of case  10  of the invention. Case  10  is seen to comprise housing  12 , first end cap  16 , and second end cap  14 . In a preferred embodiment, first end cap  16  is fixedly secured to the housing, whereas second end cap  14  is detachably secured to the housing. More particularly, elastic band  18  circumscribes a channel in the two end caps and in the housing, and is operatively arranged to urge second end cap  14  into a closed position as shown in  FIG. 1 . In the embodiment shown, end caps  14  and  16  are made of plastic, and housing  12  is made of aluminum, although the material of composition of the individual structural elements of the invention is not germane to the invention. The size and elasticity of band  18  is selected such that second end cap  14  may be pulled and removed a sufficient distance from the housing as to be able to insert and remove articles and objects into and out of the case, respectively. 
     FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the case taken generally along line  2 — 2  of  FIG. 1 . This view illustrates how elastic cord  18  circumscribes the perimeter of the case. Cord  18  lies in a channel  26 , which channel exists in second end cap as channel  26 ′, first end cap  26 ′″ and in alignment studs  22  as channel  26 ″, as better shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  3 A and  4 . The cord is located proximate the perimeter of the case, so as not to interfere with storage of articles in space  24  within the case. 
   Case  10  is shown in an open orientation in perspective view in  FIG. 3 . In this view, end cap  14  has been pulled leftwardly, against the bias of elastic cord  18 , to expose inner space  24  (shown in  FIG. 3A ) of the case. Articles  20  are shown being held within the case. This view also shows alignment studs  22 . The alignment studs function to align and hold end cap  14  in contact with housing  12 . In a first embodiment, the two alignment studs are fixedly secured to end cap  16 , and also secured within through-bores  23  of housing  12 , as shown in  FIG. 3A . Each alignment stud/finger includes a channel  26 ″ for elastic cord  18 . Thus it is seen that the studs, with their respective channels  26 ″, function to form channel  26  within the perimeter of housing  12 . As seen in  FIG. 1 , channel  26  is positioned both inside and partially outside the respective structural elements. For example, cord  18  is shown partially exposed with respect to end cap  14  in  FIG. 1 , partially inside and partially outside of channel  26 ′. 
     FIG. 3A  is an exploded view of the case shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . This view shows that, in the first embodiment, cord  18  is formed in a closed loop, preferably formed by securing two terminal ends of a linear band to one another. This view also shows alignment studs  22  in more detail. The studs are shown to be semi-circular in cross-sectional shape, although this shape is not germane to the invention. The elongated studs are seen to be arranged to matingly engage through-bores  23  of housing  12 . End cap  16  is seen to include inner space  24 ″ which forms part of the interior of case  10 . It should be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art that while a preferred embodiment comprises a pair of alignment studs operatively arranged for traversing the entire length of through-bores  23 , four shortened studs, each secured within a terminal end of through-bores  23 , could be provided to achieve similar results. 
   In  FIG. 4  it is seen that second end cap  14  has been pulled leftwardly against the bias of elastic cord  18  and rotated 90° downwardly to expose inner space  24 ′ and alignment receptacles  32 . Alignment receptacles  32  are operatively arranged for accepting studs  22  therein and are disposed on either side of inner space  24 ′. As can be seen more clearly in  FIG. 4   a , which illustrates elastic cord  18  and second end cap  14  removed from the case and rotated 180°, alignment receptacles  32  and alignment studs  22  are complementary to one another such that second end cap  14  may be aligned and held in biased contact with housing  12  when the case is not in use. Alignment receptacles  32  while serving to align and secure the second end cap  14  to the housing are also provided for passing elastic cord  18  from channels  26 ″ of the alignment studs  22  to channel  26 ′ of the second end cap. Because articles  20  are held within the inner space of the holder and the first and second end caps, it is seen that damage thereto is avoided. 
   In  FIGS. 5 and 6 , which illustrate a top view of the case and a view of the case taken generally along line  6 — 6  of  FIG. 5 , it is seen that second end cap  14  comprises channel  26 ′ for passing elastic cord  18  therethrough such that the second end cap may be urged against the housing. As shown in  FIG. 7 , which is a view of the case taken generally along line  7 — 7  of  FIG. 5 , it is seen that elastic cord  18  is passed along the sides of the case by means of channels  26 ″ extending along studs  22 . It should be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art that while  FIGS. 3A and 7  illustrate studs  22  as extending along the entire length of through-bores  23 , studs  22  may be configured to comprise four studs secured at the terminal ends of through-bores  23  such that elastic cord  18  is passed through the studs and then through through-bores  23 . 
   While a preferred embodiment comprises detachable second end cap  14  and fixedly secured end cap  16 ,  FIGS. 8–8A  illustrate second embodiment  40  of the present invention, which embodiment comprises second end cap  44  and first end cap  46 , each adapted to be detachably secured to housing  42  such that articles  50  may be held in inner space  45  and accessed from either end of the case. In this embodiment, it is seen that housing  42  comprises through-bores  43  for accepting studs  52  therein. Similar to the preferred embodiment described above, studs  52  each comprise channels  47 ″ for passing elastic cord  48  therethrough and along the sides of the housing. Second end cap  44  and first end cap  46  are identical to one another and each comprise alignment receptacles  54  disposed on either side of inner space  45 ′. Alignment receptacles  54  each comprise a size and shape that is complementary to studs  52  such that the end caps  44  and  46  may be aligned and properly secured upon the housing. End caps  44  and  46  also each comprise a channel  47 ′ for passing elastic cord  48  therethrough. Hence, when the elastic cord is arranged with in the channels of the studs and the end caps about the perimeter of the case, the two end caps may be secured to the housing via the bias provided by the elastic cord. 
   Finally, other embodiments of the case of the present invention are illustrated in  FIG. 9–11 . In  FIG. 9 , which illustrates a cross section of third embodiment  60 , it is seen that the case could be configured to comprise a single linear elastic band arranged within channel  77 . In this embodiment channel  77  comprises second end cap channel  77 ′ and housing  72  comprises channels  77 ″. Since first end cap  66  is adapted to be fixedly secured to housing  72 , it may or may not comprise a channel for passing an elastic cord therethrough. Second end cap  74  is adapted to be detachably secured to housing  72 . Housing  72  is adapted to comprise a pair of bores disposed on the sides of the housing for accepting alignment studs  70  therein. Alignment studs  70  each comprise a bore for passing and securing terminal ends  76  of the elastic band. The terminal ends of the elastic band may be secured within channel  77 ″ for within the bore of studs  70  by virtually any appropriate means including, but not limited to: adhesives, staples, knots, etc. In  FIG. 9  it is also seen that alignment studs  70  are provided for aligning second end cap  74  upon the housing such that elastic band  68  may be passed from the housing to the second end cap. It should be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art that alignment studs  70  may extend along the entire length of the bores on the sides of housing  72  or may be configured to extend only along a portion of the length of the bores. 
   In  FIG. 10 , which is a cross section of fourth embodiment  80 , it is seen that the case could be configured to comprise a pair of linear elastic bands  88  and  89  disposed within channel  98 . In this embodiment first end cap  86  is fixedly secured to housing  92  and second end cap  94  is adapted to be detachably secured to the housing. More specifically, second end cap  94  is detachably secured to the housing via linear elastic bands  88  and  89 . Linear elastic bands  88  and  89  each comprise a pair of terminal  95  and  96 . Terminal ends  95  are secured within channel  97 ′ of second end cap  94  and terminal ends  96  are secured within channel  97 ″ of housing  92 . The terminal ends of the bands may be secured within channel  97 ″ or the bores of studs  90  by virtually any appropriate means available in the art, e.g., adhesives, staples, knots, etc. In  FIG. 10  it is also seen that housing  92  is adapted for securing studs  90 , which align and secure second end cap  94  upon the housing such that the elastic bands  88  and  89  are passed from channel  97 ″ to channels  97 ′. 
   In  FIG. 11 , which is a perspective view of fifth embodiment  100 , it is seen that the case may be configured for securing closed loop elastic band  104  within channel  105  about the outer perimeter of the case. In this embodiment, channel  105  comprises second end cap channel  105 ′, holder channels  105 ″, which are formed within the sides of holder  102 , and channel  105 ′″, which is formed within the first end cap. Also, it should be appreciated that in this embodiment one of the first or second end caps may be detachable and the other fixed, or both configured to be detachable. 
   Thus, it is seen that the objects of the invention are efficiently obtained, although modifications and changes to the invention may be readily imagined by those having ordinary skill in the art, and these changes and modifications are intended to be within the scope of the claims.