APPARATUS FOR SECURING A TOKEN

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application No. 63/558,907, filed Feb. 28, 2024, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of Invention

The present invention relates to securing items, and more particularly, to an apparatus for securing a token, jewelry, or other items that need to be secured and displayed on-demand.

Background of the Related Art

Leisure activities, such as vacation destinations and cruises, are becoming ever more connected to the digital world. Digital medallions, or tokens, used for accessing locations, paying for goods and services, and/or tracking behaviors specific to a destination, or cruise ship, are becoming common. These medallions, or tokens, which contain personally identifiable information, and sensitive payment information, are required to be always carried on a person. Currently, there are unsecured and secured mechanisms for carrying a medallion, or token. A user may carry their medallion, or token, unsecured in a pocket of clothing, their hand, or a purse, or other bag, but this is disadvantageous because a medallion can become easily lost, or difficult to retrieve quickly, when needed. A user may carry their medallion, or token, secured, but this requires purchase, and wear, of an additional item of jewelry specifically designed for a medallion, or token, and can be costly. Furthermore, these mechanisms may be too visible or interfere with daily activities.

As can be seen, there is a need for a low-cost apparatus for securing a medallion, or token, that can be easily affixed to a user, clothing, or other item of a user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a token securing apparatus is provided. The token securing apparatus can be monolithically formed to define a plurality of components. The plurality of components can include a base having a plurality of planar surfaces and having a transverse cross-sectional shape of a discorectangle, or stadium. A strap guide can extend from each of the arcuate portions of the base and can include an outer surface, a substantially planar inner surface with a recessed portion, and a shelf. A token guide can extend from each of the shelves of each of the strap guides and can be configured to secure a first portion of a token. A tab can extend from each of the token guides and can be configured to secure a second portion of the token.

In another aspect of the present invention, a second token securing apparatus is provided. The second token securing apparatus can be distinguished by the base portion. In the second token securing apparatus the base can be semi-cylindrical in shape having an outer surface with an outer diameter, an inner surface with an inner diameter, and a plurality of side surfaces. The base on the second token securing apparatus in configured to securing a tubular, or cylindrical structure, such as a finger of a user in a ring type configuration.

In another aspect of the present invention, a third token securing apparatus is provided. The third token securing apparatus can be distinguished by a clip, or clasp. In the third token securing apparatus a clip, or clasp can be formably molded to, or extend from, a base portion. The clip, or clasp, can have a plurality of planar surfaces and can have a transverse cross-sectional shape as a discorectangle, or stadium. The clip, or clasp, can include a first tab extending from the body of the clip to a first one of the strap guides. Furthermore, a second tab can extend from the body of the clip toward a second one of the strap guides but can include an aperture or space therebetween configured to accept an item of a user, such as a strap, belt, loop, etc.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a token securing apparatus shown in use, according to aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a token securing apparatus, according to aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of an embodiment of a token securing apparatus, according to aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of an embodiment of a token securing apparatus, according to aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a token securing apparatus, according to aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a token securing apparatus taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 4, according to aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a first alternative embodiment of a token securing apparatus, according to aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of the first alternative embodiment of a token securing apparatus, according to aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second alternative embodiment of a token securing apparatus, according to aspects of the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of the second alternative embodiment of a token securing apparatus, according to aspects of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

As stated above, current apparatuses for securing tokens to a user are often bulky, less discrete, and require the user to wear additional apparel items. These apparatuses, such as an additional band, lanyard, or other attachment mechanisms, are inconvenient for physical activity and may be aesthetically unappealing for certain occasions, such as formal dining, etc.

Broadly, embodiments of the present invention are apparatuses for securing a token, such as a digital token, to a person, personal item, or apparel of a user such as waist belts, belt loops, watch bands, bracelets, wrist bands, purse straps, wrist, finger, etc. Embodiments of the present invention share a plurality of components including a plurality of clip arms. The plurality of clip arms can each include an outer surface, a plurality of side surface, and a plurality of inner surfaces. The plurality of clip arms can have variable wall thicknesses defined as between the outer surface and the plurality of inner surfaces, which can further define additional components, such as a plurality of token guides, a plurality of strap guides, and a plurality of tabs.

Embodiments of the present invention differ in a manner or mechanism of attachment to a person, personal item, or apparel of a user. A first embodiment of the present invention includes a strap channel disposed between the plurality of clip arms configured to accept and secure to a strap or band, such as a wrist band, or watch strap. A second embodiment of the present invention includes clip ring monolithically formed to the plurality of clip arms and configured to accept and secure to a person, personal item, or item of apparel. A third embodiment of the present invention includes a quick-release strap channel monolithically formed to the backing and configured to removably accept and secure to a band, personal item, or item of apparel.

Embodiments of the present invention are used by securing a token, such as a digital token, between the plurality of clip arms, and affixed via one of the plurality of attachment mechanisms to a person, personal item, or item of apparel of a user. Embodiments of the present invention can be monolithically formed through one or more manufacturing processes such as extrusion, injection molding, rotational molding, thermoforming, vacuum forming, compression molding, press molding, machining, 3d printing, or other manufacturing techniques known in the art. Embodiments of the present invention can be formed of materials such as, but not limited to, plastics, rubbers, metals, and/or other semi-rigid materials known in the art.

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, a first embodiment of a token securing apparatus 10, is illustrated. FIG. 1 illustrates a first token securing apparatus 10 in use and secured to a band 22, such as a band of a watch, or smart watch device, but is not so limited. First token securing apparatus 10 can accept a token (unlabeled) between a plurality of clip arms 14. In embodiments, band 22 can be placed between a plurality of clip arms 14 of token securing apparatus 10, and more specifically between a plurality of strap guides 18 (as more clearly illustrated in FIG. 5). Once band 22 is in place, the token can be secured between plurality of clip arms 14, and more specifically between a plurality of token guides 16, over band 22, thereby securing both the token to apparatus 10, and, additionally, securing band 22 to apparatus 10 (as illustrated in FIG. 5). In embodiments, the token can be placed, or slid between, the plurality of token guides, such that the elastic, or spring action, of apparatus 10 can cause allow token to seat correctly. Once the token is seated correctly apparatus 10, utilizing the same elastic, or spring action, can secure the token. Band 22 can be secured to a user utilizing fastener 20. Advantageously, token securing apparatus 10 can secure the token to a personal item of a user for quick access and use, without the need for the user to wear additional items, or apparel.

FIG. 2 illustrates components of the first token securing apparatus 10. First token securing apparatus 10 can be monolithically formed to include a plurality of components configured to secure a token to a personal item of a user. In embodiments, the plurality of components includes a backing, or base, 12, a plurality of strap guides 18, a plurality of clip arms 14, and a plurality of token guides 16. First token securing apparatus 10 can be formed from any material of sufficient rigidity to maintain secure attachment of a token, while being sufficiently flexible to allow for token insertion, without breakage. It is understood that the dimensions of first token securing apparatus 10 can be such that the token is tightly and reliably held by spring action and/or friction. At the same time, this spring action allows for the token to be easily removed. Furthermore, the configuration and size of first token securing apparatus 10 can be adjusted to fit tokens, or medallions, of various shapes and dimensions.

Backing, or base, 12 of token securing apparatus 10 can have a transverse cross-sectional shape as a discorectangle, or stadium, and can be shaped three dimensionally such that two-dimensional discorectangular shape includes a depth component. Backing, or base, 12 can include a plurality of planar surfaces. Backing, or base, 12 can be dimensioned to be of sufficient length to form the base of a channel, or guide, to accept a personal item of a user, such as a band, or strap, (as illustrated in FIG. 5). Backing, or base, 12 can be monolithically formed to the plurality of clip arms 14, each of which can be disposed opposite one another on a subset of the plurality of surfaces of backing, or base, 12. Plurality of clip arms 14 can extend outwardly from backing, or base, 12 at a substantially right angle, but are not so limited. In embodiments, each of the plurality of clip arms 14 can extend from a different one of an arcuate, or semicircular, section of the discorectangular shape.

Plurality of clip arms 14 can include a plurality of inner surfaces, a plurality of side surfaces, and an outer surface, defining a plurality of components. In embodiments, each of the plurality of clip arms 14 can have variable wall thickness, defined as between the outer surface of the clip arm and the plurality of inner surfaces of the clip arm, to create a plurality of channels, guides, tabs, and/or recesses defining the plurality of components such as token guides 16 and strap guides 18. In embodiments, an outer surface of the plurality of clip arms 14 can form an arcuate shape (as illustrated in FIG. 3-4). In embodiments, a first plurality of inner surfaces can form each of the plurality of token guides 16, and a second plurality of inner surfaces can form each of the plurality of strap guides 18.

Each of the plurality of strap guides 18 can be formed from a plurality of inner surfaces and the outer surface of clip arm 14. In embodiments, each of the plurality of strap guides 18 can have varying wall thickness, defined as between the outer surface of the respective clip arm 14 and the plurality of inner surfaces of the respective clip arm 14. Each of the plurality of strap guides 18 can form a base of each of the plurality of clip arms 14, respectively, and can be formably molded to, or extend from, one of the plurality of surfaces of backing, or base, 12. In embodiments, a subset of the plurality of inner surfaces of each of the plurality of strap guides 18 can form an inner recessed portion (unlabeled) having at least one wall thickness, with each of the subset of the plurality of inner surfaces forming an arcuate shape. In embodiments, each of the inner recessed portions can have a cross-sectional shape substantially as a bell shape (as illustrated in FIG. 6). Additionally, each of the plurality of strap guides 18 can include a top portion, or shelf, configured to form a base of a token guide of the plurality of token guides 16.

Each of the plurality of token guides 16 can include an inner surface, at least one side surface, an outer surface, defined as the outer surface of one of the plurality of clip arms 14, and at least one tab. Each of the plurality of token guides 16 can be formed from an inner surface, and an outer surface of each of the plurality of clip arms 14. In embodiments, each of the plurality of token guides 16 can have at least one wall thickness, defined as between the outer surface of the respective clip arm 14 and the inner surface of the respective token guide 16. In embodiments, each of the plurality of token guides 16 can be formably molded to, or extend from, to one of the top portions, or shelves, of one of the plurality of strap guides 18. In embodiments, the inner surface of each of the plurality of token guides 16 can form an arcuate shape.

Each of the plurality of token guides 16 can include a tab as a distal end of each of the plurality of clip arms 14 formably molded to, or extending from, each of the plurality of token guides 16. In embodiments, each tab can be angled inwardly, or toward an additional tab on an opposing clip arm 14. In embodiments, the tab is configured, or adapted, to secure a token inserted into apparatus 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-8, a second embodiment of a token securing apparatus 24 is illustrated. FIGS. 7-8 illustrate components of second token securing apparatus 24. Second token securing apparatus 24 can be distinguished from first token securing apparatus 10 by a differing backing, or base, 26. In this embodiment, backing, or base, 26 is substantially semi-cylindrical, or semi-tubular, in shape, including an inner surface having an inner diameter, an outer surface having an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter, and a plurality of side surfaces. In this embodiment, backing, or base, 26 is configured, or adapted, to affix to a cylindrical, or tubular, structure, such as a finger in a ring type configuration. In this embodiment, each of a plurality of clip arms 28 arm formably molded to, or extend from, a side surface of the plurality of side surfaces. Additionally, a plurality of token guides 30 and a plurality of strap guides 32 can be the same, or similar to, plurality of token guides 16 and plurality of strap guides 18.

Second token securing apparatus 24 can be formed from any material of sufficient rigidity to maintain secure attachment of a token, while being sufficiently flexible to allow for token insertion, without breakage. It is understood that the dimensions of second token securing apparatus 24 can be such that the token, and/or any structures, or backing 26, is affixed to, is tightly and reliably held by the spring action. At the same time, this spring action allows for the token, and/or base, or backing, 26 to be easily removed. Furthermore, the configuration and size of second token securing apparatus 24 can be adjusted to fit tokens, or medallions, or structures of various shapes and dimensions.

Referring now to FIG. 9-10, a third embodiment of a token securing apparatus 34 is illustrated. FIGS. 9-10 illustrate components of third token securing apparatus 34. Third token securing apparatus 34 can be distinguished from first token securing apparatus 10 and second token securing apparatus 24, by a differing attachment mechanism. In this embodiment, the attachment mechanism forms a clip, or clasp, 36. In this embodiment, clip, or clasp, 36 can be formably molded to, or extend from, third token securing apparatus 34 as an extension of one of the plurality of clip arms 40. In this embodiment, a body of clip, or clasp, 36 can be substantially cuboid, or rectangular prismatic, in shape, although other shapes known in the art are equally contemplated. In this embodiment, the body of clip, or clasp 36, can include a channel surface 38, a bottom surface, and a plurality of side surfaces. In this embodiment, channel surface 38 can form a channel for a band, strap, or other item to sit securely into. Advantageously, this configuration allows for rapid attachment and removal of third token securing apparatus 34 without the need to remove the token, as required by first token securing apparatus 10.

As stated above, clip, or clasp, 36 can be formably molded to, or extend from, a first one of the plurality of clip arms 40. Additionally, a tab can be disposed opposite the first one of the plurality of clip arms. In this embodiment, the tab can be formably molded to, or extend from, clip, or clasp, 36 at a substantially right angle, and can include an outer surface, substantially arcuate in shape, an inner surface, and a plurality of additional surfaces. The tab can sized to define a slot, or aperture, on third token securing apparatus 34 which can be configured, or adapted, to receive an attachment item, such as a band, string, jewlery, etc. In this embodiment, the slot can be a space between the base of a second one of the plurality of clip arms 40 and a first one of the additional surfaces of the tab. In this embodiment, the slot, or aperture, allows for quick insertion of an item into top surface 38, defining a channel, and/or removal of the attachment item without the need to remove the token.

Additionally, third token securing apparatus 34 can be formed from any material of sufficient rigidity to maintain secure attachment of a token, while being sufficiently flexible to allow for token insertion, without breakage. It is understood that the dimensions of third token securing apparatus 34 can be such that the token, and/or any structure held within clip, or clasp, 36 is tightly and reliably held by the spring action. At the same time, this spring action allows for the token, and/or clip, or clasp, 36 to be easily removed. Furthermore, the configuration and size of third token securing apparatus 34 can be adjusted to fit tokens, or medallions, or structures of various shapes and dimensions.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.