Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02340828 2001-03-20
Patent Application
of
Rene Vaudreuil
for a:
s
CARD HOLDER
FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
to The present invention relates to the general field of card holders and is
particularly concerned with a card holder for securely linking together a pair
of
cards and for allowing the selective display of the cards.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
There exists a plurality of situations wherein cards are used for identifying
owners of given rights.
For example, so-called validation cards such as transit fare cards, museum
passes or the like, typically procure the owner of the card with the right to
certain
2o services or access to restricted areas.
Since such cards procure access, services or the like to a limited number of
individuals, their acquisition typically requires purchasing thereof or
membership
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to a given subset of individuals or group such as appurtenance to a given
municipality or the like. Since the so called validation cards procure given
rights
to only a limited number of individuals, there exists a risk that fraudulent
individuals may try to pass off these rights to other individuals in a
fraudulent
s manner without the other individuals purchasing or legally acquiring the
right
associated with possession of the validation card.
In order to reduce such risks, some validation cards are provided with
identification features allowing for identification of the individual to which
the card
to belongs. However, in some instances, it is not desirable or feasible to
provide
identification information on the validation card itself. For example, in
situations wherein the validation card is periodically changed, it may become
a
tedious process to provide the validation card with individualized information
identifying its owner.
~s
This type of situation commonly occurs with public transit fare cards emitted
monthly by municipalities and typically purchased by individuals at various
retail
sites. In such situations, it is common practice to couple or link the
validation
card to an identification card bearing identification information, such as a
2o photograph and identifying inscriptions.
The prior art shows various card holders allowing for coupling of
identification
card to validation cards. However, these prior art card holders suffer from a
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major drawback in that both the identification card and the validation card
are not
secured to the card holder and thus allow relatively easy removal of both the
identification card and the validation card from the card holder.
s This proves to be a major drawback since it allows fraudulent individuals to
switch and exchange identification and validation cards. For example, the
owner of an identification card having purchased a valid validation card may
remove the validation card from the card holder. Once removed, the validation
card could easily be fraudulently sold or otherwise transferred to another
io identification card owner. The second owner merely needs to insert the
fraudulently acquired validation card into the card holder to combine it with
the
identification card in order to be able to fraudulently use the identification
and
validation card combination. Conversely, a fraudulent user merely needs to
remove an identification card from a prior art card holder in order to insert
it into
is another card holder already holding a valid validation card in order to be
able to
again fraudulently use an identification and validation cards combination. The
fraudulent exchange of validation cards in certain industries and services
such
as in the public transfer systems results in considerable financial losses.
Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved card holder.
Advantages of the present invention include the fact the proposed card holder
allows for securely linking together an identification card to a validation
card so
as to reduce the risks of having either the identification card or the
validation
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card removed from the card holder without noticeable clues to the effect that
the
cards have been removed from the card holder. More specifically, the
proposed card holder ensures that once the identification and validation card
have been inserted thereinto, the removal of either the identification or the
s validation card requires either noticeable tampering of the card holder or
destruction of the cards. The risks of fraudulent exchange of validation and
identification cards is thus reduced.
Still further, the proposed card holder is specifically designed so as to
allow the
io securement thereinto of only one identification card and only one
validation card.
More specifically, once the validation and identification cards have been
inserted
into the card holder, the latter prevents another identification or validation
cards
from being inserted thereinto so as to reduce the risks of having fraudulent
identification and validation cards masking legally acquired identification
and
is validation cards.
Still further, the proposed card holder optionally provides means for
selectively
facilitating the destruction of a validation card without tampering the card
holder
so as to facilitate the withdrawal of the second card from the card holder
without
zo tampering or destruction of the latter, for example in situations wherein
the same
identification card is to be used with periodically changing validation cards.
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Still further, the proposed card holder allows for the selective display of
either
one or both cards through a set of easy and ergonomic steps. The proposed
card holder also allows for attachment thereto of a specially designed
validation
card through a single ergonomical step.
s
The proposed card holder is also specifically designed so as to be
configurable
between a storage configuration minimizing required storage space and a
display configuration allowing the simultaneous display of both the
identification
and validation cards. The proposed card holder allows for switching between
to the storage and display configurations through a step of quick and
ergonomical
steps.
The proposed card holder is specifically designed so as to be manufacturable
using conventional forms of manufacturing so as to provide a card holder that
will
is be economically feasible, long lasting and relatively trouble free in
operation.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a card
holder for securely linking together a first card and a second card and for
allowing the selective display of the first and second cards, the first card
having a
2o generally flat configuration defining a first card first face and an
opposed first
card second face, the second card having a generally flat configuration
defining
a second card peripheral edge, a second card marginal section extending from
the second card peripheral edge, a second card first face and an opposed
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second card second face, the card holder comprising: a first card holding
component for holding the first card, the first card holding component being
provided with a first card securing means for securing the first card to the
first
card holding component, the first card securing means ensuring that once the
s first card is secured to the first card holding component the removal of the
first
card from the first card holding component requires tampering of the first
card or
of the first card holding component; a second card holding component for
holding the second card, the second card holding component being provided
with a second card securing means for securing the second card to the second
io card holding component, the second card securing means ensuring that once
the second card is secured to the second card holding component the removal of
the second card from the second card holding component requires the
destruction of the second card or tampering of the second card holding
component; a component linking means for securely linking together the first
and
is second card holding components, the linking means ensuring that once the
first
and second card holding components are linked together, the separation of the
first and second card holding components from each other requires tampering of
the component linking means.
2o Preferably, the component linking means allows the first and second card
holding components to be moved between a storage configuration wherein the
first and second card holding components are in a generally superposed
configuration relative to each other and a display configuration wherein at
least a
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section of the first and second cards are in a generally offset relationship
relative
to each other;
whereby the storage configuration reduces the storage space required for
storing
the card holder and the display configuration allows the simultaneous display
of
s at least a section of both the first card first face and the second card
first face.
Conveniently, the first card holding component includes a first component
plate,
the first component plate defining a plate first surface and an opposed plate
second surface, the first card second face being secured to the plate first
surface
to by the first card securing means; the second card holding component
includes a
carriage component, the carriage component defining a carriage body, the
carriage body having a carriage slot extending thereinto, the carriage slot
defining a carriage slot first inner surface, an opposed carriage slot second
inner
surface, a carriage slot upper peripheral edge, a pair of opposed carriage
slot
is side peripheral edges, and a slot insertion axis extending in a direction
generally
parallel to the carriage slot first and second inner surfaces; the carriage
slot
being configured and sized for slidably receiving the second card marginal
section with the second card first and second faces in the region of the
second
card marginal section respectively facing the carriage slot second and first
inner
2o surfaces; the second card securing means includes a second card-to-carriage
locking means located in the carriage slot, the second card-to-carriage
locking
means ensuring that once the second card marginal section is slidably inserted
in the carriage slot the removal of the second card marginal section from the
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carriage slot requires the destruction of the second card or tampering of the
second card holding component.
Typically, the card holder further comprises a selection means for selectively
s facilitating the destruction of the second card without tampering of the
card
holder so as to facilitate the withdrawal of the second card from the card
holder
without tampering or destruction of the latter.
Preferably, the second card-to-carriage locking means includes a card locking
io protrusion extending partially between the carriage slot first and second
inner
surfaces; a card locking aperture formed in the marginal section, the card
locking
aperture being configured, sized and positioned so as to receive the card
locking
protrusion when the marginal section is inserted into the carriage slot; the
carriage slot, the card locking protrusion and the card locking aperture being
is configured and sized so as to prevent the withdrawal of the card locking
protrusion from the card locking aperture once the card locking protrusion has
been inserted into the card locking aperture.
Conveniently, the second card has a generally rectangular configuration
defining
2o a second card upper peripheral edge, a second card lower peripheral edge
and
a pair of opposed second card side peripheral edges; the marginal section
extends from the second card upper peripheral edge, the marginal section being
made of a substantially resilient material; the card locking aperture forms a
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notch extending from one of the second card side peripheral edges into the
marginal section, the notch defining a notch locking edge, the notch also
defining
a card resilient flap extending from one of the second card side peripheral
edges
intermediate the notch locking edge and the second card upper peripheral edge;
s the card locking protrusion is positioned adjacent the slot side peripheral
edge,
the card locking protrusion defining a protrusion distal tip, the card locking
protrusion having a generally beveled configuration defining a protrusion
locking
surface extending in a geometrical plane generally perpendicular to the slot
insertion axis, the card locking protrusion also defining a protrusion segment
to guiding surface extending in a geometrical plane generally at an angle
relative to
the protrusion locking surface, the protrusion tip being spaced from an
opposite
peripheral surface of the carriage slot by an insertion spacing; whereby when
the
card resilient flap is unbiased it lies in a generally coplanar flap initial
configuration relative to the rest of the second card, when the marginal
section is
is inserted into the carriage slot, the card resilient flap bends sidewardly
as it slides
onto the guiding surface eventually passing through the insertion spacing;
once
the notch locking edge has cleared the insertion spacing, the resilient flap
springs back to its flap initial configuration with the notch locking edge
abuttingly
contacting the protrusion locking surface and preventing the withdrawal of the
2o marginal section from the carriage slot.
Preferably, an insertion recess is formed in the carriage slot opposite the
protrusion tip, the protrusion tip being located substantially in register
with the
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entrance of the insertion recess; whereby the locking protrusion temporarily
biases the card resilient flap into the insertion recess as the resilient flap
slides
over the protrusion tip.
s Conveniently, the carriage component includes a carriage front wall, a
carriage
rear wall, a carriage top wall and a carriage bottom wall, the carriage slot
extending into the carriage bottom wall; a protective skirt extending from the
carriage rear wall in a direction leading away from the carriage bottom wall,
the
protective skirt defining a skirt inner surface, the skirt inner surface being
in a
io generally coplanar relative to the carriage slot first inner surface, the
protective
skirt also defining a skirt lower peripheral edge; a stabilizing protrusion
protruding
from the carriage slot first inner surface, the stabilizing protrusion
extending from
a position adjacent the slot upper peripheral edge to a position adjacent the
skirt
lower peripheral edge.
is
Preferably, the carriage component includes a first carriage section and a
second carriage section, the first and second carriage sections being
configured
so as to define the carriage component when assembled together in a carriage
2o assembled configuration; a carriage section securing means for securing the
first
and second carriage sections in the carriage assembled configuration.
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Conveniently, the first carriage section includes a generally flat first
section
panel, the inner surface of the first section panel forming the carriage slot
first
inner surface and the skirt inner surface;
- the second carriage section includes a generally elongated second section
s block having a second section flange extending perpendicularly therefrom;
the
rear section of the second section block forming the carriage front wall while
the
bottom section of the second section block forms part of the carriage lower
wall;
the inner surface of the second section block forming the slot second inner
surface; the second section flange and the top section of the second section
io block forming the carriage top wall.
Preferably, the card locking protrusion and the stabilizing protrusion
protrudes
from the inner surface of the first carriage section; the carriage section
securing
means includes carriage securing pins extending from the inner surface of the
is second section block and carriage securing apertures formed in the
stabilizing
protrusion, each of the carriage securing apertures being configured sized and
positioned for lockingly receiving a corresponding carriage securing pin.
Conveniently, the component linking means allows the first and second card
holding components to be slidably moved relative to each other between the
2o storage and display configurations.
Preferably, the component linking means includes a guiding skate and guiding
rail arrangement extending between the carriage component and the first card
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holding component for allowing the carriage component and the first card
holding
component to slide relative to each other.
Typically, the first card holding component further includes a first component
s front wall maintained in a parallel and spaced relationship relative to the
first
component plate by a first component top wall, a first component bottom wall
and
a pair of first component side walls; the first component front wall having a
window aperture extending therethrough so that the first component front wall
defines a window frame around the window aperture surrounding a window
io aperture; the first component bottom wall having a first component slot
extending
therethrough; the first component slot allowing the slidable movement of the
second card thereinto when the card holder switches between the storage and
display configurations;
the window aperture allowing the display of the first card first face when the
card
is holder is in the display configuration and the display of the second card
first face
when the card holder is in the storage configuration; whereby the first
component
plate, the first component front wall, the first component top wall, the first
component bottom wall and the pair of first component side walls form a hollow
casing for containing both the first and second cards when the card holder is
in
2o the storage configuration.
Preferably, the carriage component includes a carriage front wall, a carriage
rear
wall, a carriage top wall, a carriage bottom wall and a pair of carriage side
walls,
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the carriage slot extending into the carriage bottom wall; the carriage
component
also including a protective skirt extending from the carriage rear wall in a
direction leading away from the carriage bottom wall, the protective skirt
defining
a skirt inner surface substantially coplanar with the carriage slot first
inner
s surface, the protective skirt also defining a skirt lower peripheral edge; a
guiding
rail extends inwardly from each of the first component side walls and a
guiding
skate extends from each of the carriage side walls. Conveniently, the skirt
lower
peripheral edge is substantially in register with the first component bottom
wall
when the card holder is in the display configuration.
to
Optionnally, the card holder futehr comprises a selection means for
selectively
facilitating the destruction of the second card without tampering of the card
holder so as to facilitate the withdrawal of the second card from the card
holder
without tampering or destruction of the latter; the selection means including
a
is card recess formed in the second card, the card recess extending from the
second card upper peripheral edge to a position located below the carriage
bottom wall when the marginal section is inserted into the carriage slot and
the
card holder is in the display configuration.
Zo Preferably, the first component front wall, the first component top wall,
the first
component bottom wall and the pair of first component side walls form an
integral piece of material assembled and secured to the first component plate
by
a first component securing means.
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In accordance with the present invention there is also provided a card holder
for
securely linking together a first card and a second card and for allowing the
selective display of the first and second cards, the first card having a
generally
s flat configuration defining a first card first face and an opposed first
card second
face, the second card having a generally flat configuration defining a second
card peripheral edge, a second card marginal section extending from the second
card peripheral edge, a second card first face and an opposed second card
second face, the card holder comprising: a generally flat and hollow casing,
the
to casing defining a casing front wall, an opposed casing rear wall, a casing
top
wall, an opposed casing bottom wall, a pair of casing side walls and a casing
inner volume; the casing rear wall defining a rear wall inner surface and a
rear
wall outer surface; the casing front wall having a window aperture extending
therethrough; the casing bottom wall having a bottom wall slot extending
is therethrough; a carriage component slidably mounted within the casing inner
volume; a first card securing means for securing the first card to the rear
wall
inner surface, the first card securing means ensuring that once the first card
is
secured to the rear wall inner surface the removal of the first card from the
rear
wall inner surface requires tampering of the first card or of the first card
or of the
zo card holder; a carriage component securing means for securing the second
card
to the carriage component, the carriage component securing means ensuring
that once the second card is secured to carriage component the removal of the
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second card from the carriage component requires the destruction of the second
card or tampering of the card holder.
Preferably, the carriage component securing means includes a carriage slot
s formed in the carriage component; the carriage slot defining a carriage slot
first
inner surface, an opposed carriage slot second inner surface, a carriage slot
upper peripheral edge, a pair of opposed carriage slot side peripheral edges,
and a slot insertion axis extending in a direction generally parallel to the
carriage
slot first and second inner surfaces; the carriage slot being configured and
sized
io for slidably receiving the second card marginal section with the second
card first
and second faces in the region of the second card marginal section
respectively
facing the carriage slot second and first inner surfaces; the second card
securing
means includes a second card-to-carriage locking means located in the carriage
slot, the second card-to-carriage locking means ensuring that once the second
is card marginal section is slidably inserted in the carriage slot the removal
of the
second card marginal section from the carriage slot requires the destruction
of
the second card or tampering of the second card holding component.
2o BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
An embodiment of the present invention will now be shown, by way of example,
in reference to the following drawings in which:
is
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FIGURE 1: in a perspective view, illustrates a card holder in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention, the card holder being shown with a
pair
of cards mounted therein and in a display configuration.
FIGURE 2: in an elevational view, illustrates a card holder in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention, the card holder being shown with a
pair
of cards attached thereto and in a storage configuration.
io FIGURE 3: in a partial exploded view, illustrates a card holder in
accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention with a card about to be attached
thereto.
FIGURE 4: in a rear perspective view, illustrates a card holder in accordance
is with an embodiment of the present invention, the card holder being shown
with a
message sticker being attached thereto.
FIGURE 5: in a partial exploded transversal cross sectional view, illustrates
a
card holder in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention with a
2o pair of cards having specific display configurations about to be attached
thereto.
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FIGURE 6: in a transversal cross sectional view taken along arrows VI-VI of
FIG. 2, illustrates a card holder in accordance with an embodiment of the
present
invention with a pair of cards attached thereto in a storage configuration.
s FIGURE 7: in a partial perspective exploded view with sections taken out,
illustrates part of the card holder in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention having a sectioned first card holding component about to be
assembled together.
to FIGURE 8: in a partial perspective exploded view with sections taken out,
illustrates part of a sectioned second card holding component being assembled
and having a card attached thereto.
FIGURE 9: in a partial perspective view, illustrates a card being slidably
is inserted into part of a second card holding component used with a card
holder in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIGURE 10: in a partial perspective view, illustrates a card inserted into
part of
a second card holding component used with a card holder in accordance with an
2o embodiment of the present invention.
FIGURE 11: in a partial elevational view with sections taken out, illustrates
a
card in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention inserted into part
of a
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second card holding component used with a card holder in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
FIGURE 12: in a partial elevational view with sections taken out, illustrates
a
s card in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention inserted into
part
of a second card holding component used with a card holder in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention.
FIGURE 13: in a schematic elevational view, illustrates the card shown in FIG.
l0 12 being removed from the second card holding component also shown in FIG.
12.
FIGURE 14: in a perspective view, illustrates a clip optionally used for
securing
together the sections of a first card holding component used with the card
holder
is in accordance with the present invention.
FIGURE 15: in a partial transversal cross sectional view with sections taken
out, illustrates the clip shown in FIG. 14 holding together the sections of
the first
card holding component used with the card holder in accordance with an
2o embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION:
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Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a card holder (10) in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. The card holder (10) is shown holding a
first card (12) and a second card (14). Typically, although by no means
exclusively, the first card (12) is an identification card while the second
card (14)
s is a purchased card procuring certain rights such as a transit fare card, a
museum pass or the like.
As shown more specifically in FIG. 5, both the first card (12) and the second
card
(14) typically have generally flat cross sectional configurations defining
io corresponding first card, first and second faces (16), (18) and second
card, first
and second faces (20), (22). As shown more specifically in FIGS. 1 through 4
and 11 through 13, the first and second cards (12), (14) have generally
rectangular elevational configurations defining corresponding first card
upper,
lower and side peripheral edges (24), (26) and (28) and second card upper,
is lower and side peripheral edges (30), (32) and (34). It should however be
understood that the card holder (10) could accommodate first and second cards
(12), (14) having other configurations without departing from the scope of the
present invention.
Zo FIG. 5 also illustrates, by way of example, a typical display configuration
for both
the first and second cards (12), (14). The first card (12) typically has an
identification picture such as the photograph (36) of the intended user
adhesively
mounted on its first card first face (16) adjacent printed or otherwise marked
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identification information (not shown). A substantially transparent coating
film
(38) is typically mounted over the first card first face (16) so as to protect
the
latter against moisture, dirt or the like.
s Optionally, an identification sticker such as a bar-code strip (40) is
adhesively
secured to the first card second face (18). The bar-code strip (40) could
optionally be provided with signal emitting means such as a GPS emitter or the
like. The bar-code information could further also be directly printed or
otherwise
marked on the first card, first or second faces (16), (18).
to
Optionally, at least one, and preferably a pair of validation stickers (42)
acting as
proof of validation or of purchase are adhesively or otherwise affixed once
the
second card (14) has been validated to the second card, first surface (20).
Again, it should be understood that the card holder (10) could hold first and
is second cards (12), (14) having other display configurations without
departing
from the scope of the present invention.
The card holder (10) includes a first card holding component (44) for holding
the
first card (12) and a second card holding component (46) for holding the
second
2o card (14). The card holder (10) also includes a component linking means for
securely linking together the first and second card holding components (12),
(14).
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The first card holding component (44) is provided with a first card securing
means for securing the first the card (12) to the first card holding component
(44). The first card securing means is designed so as to ensure that once the
first card (12) is secured to the first card holding component (44), the
removal of
s the first card (12) from the first card holding component (44) requires
tampering
of the first card (12) or of the first card holding component (44).
Similarly, the second card holding component (46) is provided with a second
card securing means for securing the second card (14) to the second card
io holding component (46). The second card securing means is designed so as to
ensure that once the second card (14) is secured to the second card holding
component (46), the removal of the second card (14) from the second card
holding component (46) requires either the destruction of the second card (14)
or tampering of the second card holding component (46).
is
Furthermore, the linking means is designed so that once the first and second
card holding components (44), (46) are linked together, the separation of the
first
and second card holding components (44), (46) from each other requires
tampering of the component linking means. Thus, the card holder (10) is
2o specifically designed so that once the first and second cards (12), (14)
are
inserted thereinto, the first and second cards (12), (14) remain securely
linked
together and further ensuring that the separation of the first and second
cards
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(12), (14) requires noticeable tampering or destruction of either the first
and
second cards (12), (14) or the card holder (10).
The linking means also preferably allows the first and second card holding
s components (44), (46) to be moved between a storage configuration,
illustrated
in FIGS. 2, 4 and 6, wherein the first and second card holding components
(44),
(46) are in a generally superposed configuration relative to each other and a
display configuration shown in FIG. 1, wherein at least a section of the first
and
second cards (12), (14) are in a generally offset relationship relative to
each
io other. The storage configuration produces the storage space required for
the
card holder (10), while the display configuration allows the simultaneous
display
of at least a section of both the first face (16) and the second card first
face (20).
The first card holding component (44) includes a first component plate (48).
As
is shown more specifically in FIGS. 3 through 7, the first component plate
(48)
defines a plate first surface (50) and an opposed plate second surface (52).
Optionally, the plate first surface (50) is provided with card receiving
recess (54),
configured and sized for receiving the first card (12).
2o The first card second face (18) is adapted to be secured to the plate first
surface
(50) preferably in the card receiving recess (54) by the first card securing
means.
Typically, the first card securing means includes a layer of adhesive material
(not
shown) binding the first card second face (18) to the plate first surface
(50).
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In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first component plate (48) is
provided with an identification sticker reading aperture (56) extending
therethrough. As shown more specifically in FIG. 4, the identification sticker
s reading aperture (56) is configured, sized and positioned so as to be
substantially in register with the identification strip (40) when the first
card (12) is
mounted in the card receiving recess (54).
Optionally, the plate second surface (52) is provided with a message sticker
to receiving recess (58) formed thereinto. As illustrated more specifically in
FIG.
4, the message sticker receiving recess (58) is intended to receive a self-
adhesive message sticker (60) or any other suitable substrate bearing a
suitable
message such as instructions on how to use the card, safety tips,
advertisement
or the like.
The second card holding component (46), includes a carriage component (62).
The carriage component (62) defines a carriage body having a carriage slot
(64)
extending thereinto.
2o The carriage slot (64) defines a carriage slot first inner surface (66), an
opposed
carriage slot second inner surface (68), a carriage slot upper peripheral edge
(70), a pair of opposed carriage slot side peripheral edges (72) and a slot
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insertion axis (74) extending in a direction generally parallel to the
carriage slot
first and second inner surfaces (66), (68).
The second card (14) defines a marginal section (76) thereof adapted to be
s inserted into the carriage slot (64). The marginal section (76) typically
extends
downwardly from the second card upper peripheral edge (30). The carriage slot
(64) is configured and sized for slidably receiving the second card marginal
section (76) with the second card first and second faces (20), (22) in the
region
of the second card marginal section respectively facing the second card,
second
to and first surfaces (68), (66).
The second card securing means include a second card-to-carriage locking
means located in the carriage slot (64). The second card-to-carriage locking
means ensures that once the second card marginal section (76) is slidably
is inserted in the carriage slot (64), the removal of the second card marginal
section from the carriage slot (64) requires the destruction of the second
card
(14) or tampering of the second card holding component (46).
The second card-to-carriage locking means preferably includes a card locking
2o protrusion (78) extending partially between the carriage slot first and
second
inner surfaces (66), (68). The second card-to-carriage locking means also
preferably includes a card locking aperture (80) formed in the marginal
sectional
(76). The card locking aperture is configured, sized and positioned so as to
24
CA 02340828 2001-03-20
receive the card locking protrusion when the marginal section (76) is inserted
into the carriage slot (64). The carriage slot (64), the card locking
protrusion
(78) and the card locking aperture (80) are configured and sized so as to
prevent
the withdrawal of the card locking protrusion (78) from the card locking
aperture
s (80) once the card locking protrusion (78) has been inserted into the card
locking
aperture (80).
Preferably, the second card-to-carriage locking means includes a pair of card
locking protrusion (78) each of which located adjacent the broad side
peripheral
to edges (72) and a corresponding pair of locking apertures (80) located
adjacent
the second card side peripheral edges (34).
The marginal section (76) is preferably made out of a substantially resilient
material such as a suitable polymeric resin. The card locking aperture (80)
is preferably takes the form of a notch extending from both second card side
peripheral edges (34) into the marginal section (76). Each aperture or notch
(80) defines a notch locking edge (82). Each notch (82) also defines a card
resilient flap (84) extending from one of the second card side peripheral
edges
(34) intermediate the notch locking edge (82) and the second card upper
2o peripheral edge (30).
As shown more specifically in FIG. 5, each card locking protrusion (78)
defines a
protrusion distal tip (86). Also, each card locking protrusion (78) has a
generally
CA 02340828 2001-03-20
beveled configuration defining a protrusion locking surface (88) extending in
a
geometrical plane generally perpendicular to the slot first inner surface (66)
and
a protrusion segment guiding surface (90) extending in a geometrical plane
generally at an angle relative to the protrusion locking surface (88).
The protrusion tip (86) is typically spaced from an opposite peripheral
surface of
the carriage slot (64) by an insertion spacing (92). In a preferred embodiment
of the invention, an insertion recess (94) is formed in the opposite surface
located opposite the protrusion tip (86). Typically, when the card locking
to protrusion (78) extends from the slot first inner surface (66), the
insertion recess
(94) is formed in the slot second inner surface (68). The card locking
protrusion
(78) is configured and sized so that the protrusion tip (86) is positioned
substantially in register with the entrance of the insertion recess (94).
is Preferably, the carriage component (62) has a generally parallelepiped-
shaped
configuration defining a carriage front wall, a carriage rear wall, a carriage
top
wall and a carriage bottom wall. The carriage slot (64) typically extends into
the
carriage bottom wall.
2o A protective skirt (96) typically extends from the carriage rear wall in a
direction
leading away from the carriage bottom wall. The protective skirt (96) defines
a
skirt inner surface (98). The skirt inner surface (98) is in a substantially
coplanar
relationship relative to the carriage slot first inner surface (66). The
protective
26
CA 02340828 2001-03-20
skirt (96) also defines a protective skirt lower peripheral edge (100). The
protective skirt (96) thus protrudes downwardly from the slot first inner
surface
(66) below the level of the first slot (64).
s At least one and preferably three stabilizing protrusions protrude from the
carriage slot first inner surface (66) towards the carriage slot second inner
surface (68). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a relatively
centrally
disposed stabilizing protrusion (102) protrudes not only from the carriage
slot first
inner surface (66) but also from the skirt inner surface (98). The central
to stabilizing protrusion extends from a position adjacent the slot upper
peripheral
edge (70) to the skirt lower peripheral edge (100). Preferably, a pair of
lateral
stabilizing protrusions (104) positioned laterally relative to the central
stabilizing
protrusion (102), extend from the position adjacent the slot upper peripheral
edge (70).
is
Preferably, the carriage component (62) includes a first carriage section
(106)
and a second carriage section (108). The first and second carriage sections
(106), (108) are configured so as to define the carriage component (62) when
assembled together in a carriage assembled configuration shown in FIGS. 1, 2
2o and 6. A carriage section securing means is provided for securing the first
and
second carriage sections (106), (108) in the carriage assembled configuration.
27
CA 02340828 2001-03-20
The first carriage section (106) includes a generally flat first section
panel. The
inner surface of said first section panel forming said carriage slot first
inner
surface and said skirt inner surface. Said second carriage section (108)
including a generally elongated second section block (110) having a second
s section flange (112) extending perpendicularly therefrom.
The rear section of the second section block (110) forms a carriage front wall
(114) while the bottom section of the second section block (110) forms a
carriage
lower wall (116). The inner surface of the second section block (110) forms
the
io slot second inner surface (68). The top section of the second section block
(110) along with the second section flange (112) form a carriage top wall
(118).
The card locking protrusions (78) and the stabilizing protrusions (102), (104)
thus protrude from the inner surface of the first carriage section (106).
is
As illustrated more specifically in FIG. 8, the carriage section securing
means
preferably includes carriage securing pins (120) extending from the inner
surface
of the second section block (110) and carriage securing apertures (122) formed
in the stabilizing protrusions (102), (104). Each carriage securing aperture
20 (122) being configured, sized and positioned for lockingly receiving a
corresponding carriage securing pin (120). Preferably, the carriage section
securing means further includes a layer of adhesive material (not shown)
binding
28
CA 02340828 2001-03-20
the stabilizing protrusions (102), (104) to the inner surface of the second
section
block (110).
The component linking means preferably allows the first and second card
holding
s components (44), (46) to be slidably moved relative to each other between
the
storage and display configurations respectively illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 1.
In
an alternative embodiment of the invention (not shown), the first and second
card holding components are pivotable relative to each other about adjacent
edges thereof.
io
In the illustrated embodiments, the component linking means includes a skate
and rail arrangement extending between the first and second card holding
components (44), (46). Typically, a guiding skate standing from each of the
carriage side walls. The guiding skate is typically formed by a skate flange
is (124) extending laterally from the side walls of the second section block
(110)
and a skate leg (126) extending laterally from the side edges of the first
section
panel. Each adjacent set of skate flange and leg (124), (126) defines a rail
receiving spacing therebetween for slidably receiving a guiding rail.
2o The skating legs (126) typically define a skate protruding segment (128)
extending upwardly from the peripheral edge of the first section panel for
stabilizing the movement of the carriage component (62) as the latter slides
relative to the guiding rail. The first card holding component (44) preferably
29
CA 02340828 2001-03-20
further includes a first component window frame (130) maintained in a
generally
parallel and spaced relationship relative to the first component plate (48) by
a
first component top wall (132), a first component bottom wall (134) and a pair
of
first component side walls (136). The first component frontal frame (130)
s surrounds a window aperture (138).
The first component bottom wall (134) has a first component slot (140)
extending
therethrough. The first component slot (140) allows the slidable movement of
the second card (14) when the card holder (10) switches between the storage
to and display configurations. The window aperture (138) allows for the
display of
the first card first face (16) when the card holder (10) is in a display
configuration
shown in FIG. 1 and also allows for the display of the second card first face
(20)
when the card holder (10) is in the storage configuration, shown in FIG. 2.
is The first component plate (48), the first component frontal frame (130),
the first
component top wall (132), the first component bottom wall (134) and the first
component side walls (136) thus form a hollow casing for containing both the
first
and second cards (12), (14) when the card holder (10) is in the storage
configuration shown in FIG. 2 and for allowing the selective display of the
both
ao the first and second cards (12), (14) when the card holder (10) is in the
display
configuration shown in FIG. 1.
CA 02340828 2001-03-20
A guiding rail (140) preferably extends inwardly from each of the first
component
side walls (136). The guiding rails (140) are configured and sized so as to be
inserted between the skate flange and legs (124), (126), guiding the carriage
component (62) as it slides relative to the first card holding component (44)
as
s indicated by arrows CXLII in FIG. 7.
The first component frontal frame, the first component top wall (132), the
first
component bottom wall (134) and the first component side walls (136) are
preferably formed out of an integral piece of material performing an integral
first
to component frame. The first component frame is assembled and secured to the
first component plate (48) using a first component securing means.
The first component securing means preferably includes a set of first
component
fastening pins (144) extending from an inner surface of the first component
is frame. A set of corresponding first component securing apertures (146) are
formed in peripheral region of the plate first surface (50) for lockingly
receiving
the first component securing pins (144).
The first component securing means preferably further includes a set of
securing
2o clips (148), illustrated in greater details in FIGS. 14 and 15. The
securing clips
(148) are provided with generally U-shaped clip legs (150) adapted to be
inserted into corresponding clip recesses (152) provided in both the first
component plate (48) and the first component frame (130). The first component
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CA 02340828 2001-03-20
securing means preferably still further includes a layer of adhesive material
bonding an inner peripheral surface of both the first component plate (48) and
the first component frame (130).
s Preferably the secured lower peripheral edge (100) is adapted to be
substantially
in register with the first component bottom wall (140) when the card holder
(10) is
in the display configuration, shown in FIG. 1. The second card securing means
thus further includes the combination of the protective skirt (96) and a front
segment (154) of the first component front wall that combine to form a shield
to preventing access to the card-to-carriage locking means and associated
structures when the card holder (10) is in the more vulnerable display
configuration, shown in FIG. 1.
The card holder (10) preferably further includes a selection means for
selectively
is facilitating the destruction of the second card (14) without tampering of
the card
holder (10) so as to facilitate the withdrawal of the second card (14) from
the
card holder (10) without tampering or destruction of the latter. When the
stabilizing protrusions (102) and (104) are provided, the second card upper
peripheral edge (30) is provided with corresponding protrusion receiving
notches
20 (156).
As shown more specifically in FIGS. 10 and 11, the protrusion notch recesses
(156), (158) are preferably configured and sized so as to substantially
fittingly
32
CA 02340828 2001-03-20
receive a corresponding stabilizing protrusions (102), (104). This reduces the
risk of having the second card displaced relative to the locking protrusions
(78)
and, thus, reduces the risk of having the second card illegally moved from the
second card holding component (46).
s
In an alternative embodiment provided with the section means, illustrated in
FIGS. 12 and 13, both the stabilizing protrusion receiving notches (156) and
(158) are generally oversized relative to the corresponding stabilizing
protrusions
(102), (104). More specifically, the stabilizing protrusion recesses (156),
(158)
io define a lateral clearance (160), (162) between a lateral edge (164), (166)
of the
stabilizing protrusions (102), (104) and an adjacent lateral edges (168),
(170) of
the corresponding stabilizing protrusion receiving recesses (156), (158)
located
proximal the carriage component side peripheral edges.
is Furthermore, the stabilizing protrusion receiving recess (156) defines a
protrusion recess lower peripheral edge (172) while it extends below the skirt
lower peripheral edge (100). Still further, the second card (14) when provided
with the selection means, preferably also includes a weakened line (174)
extending from the second card lower peripheral edge to the stabilizing
zo protrusion receiving recess (172). The weakened line (174) is typically
made by
dividing perforations through the second card (14) therealong.
33
CA 02340828 2001-03-20
The card holder (10) preferably still further includes strap receiving
recesses
(176) typically extending through the first component front and rear walls
adjacent the first component top wall and adapted to receive corresponding
strap
segments (178) part of a carrying strap (only a segment of which is shown)
that
s can be used around the neck or other body parts of an intended user for
carrying
the card holder (10).
The side peripheral edges of the card holder (10) are preferably provided with
prehension recesses (182) formed thereinto for facilitating the prehension of
the
card holder (10) by the fingers of an intended user.
io
The clip components (148) are adapted to be made out of a relatively strong
metallic alloy in order to reduce the risks of tampering card holder (10) by
attempting to separate the window frame (130)from the first component plate
(48). The remainder of the card holder (10) is typically made out of a
suitable
is polymeric resin through a conventional injection molding process or the
like. It
should be understood that the clip (148) and other components for the card
holder (10) could be made out of other materials and manufactured through
other manufacturing processes without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
When the card holder (10) is made out of a polymeric resin, using an injection
molding-type of manufacturing process, reinforcement ribs typically protrude
from the outer surface of the card holder (10) at strategic locations.
34
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Prior to the use of the holder (10), the first card (12) is initially secured
to the
plate first surface (50) in the card receiving recess (54) using an adhesive
material or the like. Alternatively, the first card (12) could be considered a
s virtual card and the information typically marked thereon could be directly
marked onto the plate first surface. It should thus be understood that the
term
"first card" could be used loosely to indicate any suitable means of providing
visual identification information or the like.
io Also, prior to the use of the card holder (10), the second card (14) must
be
secured to the carriage component (62). Referring to FIGS. 8 through 10, there
is shown that the specific configuration of the carriage component (62) and
its
card-to-carriage locking means facilitates securing of the second card (14) to
the
carriage component (62). Indeed, the second card (14) merely needs to be
is slidably inserted into the carriage slot (64) along the carriage slot
insertion
access (74).
As shown in FIG. 8, when the card resilient flap (84) is unbiased, it lies in
a
generally coplanar flat initial configuration relative to the rest of the
second card
Zo (14). As shown in FIG. 9, when the marginal section (76) is inserted into
the
carriage slot (64) the card resilient flap (84) extends sidewardly towards the
slot
second inner surface (68) onto the guiding surface (90) of the locking
protrusion
(78). The resilient flap (84) eventually passes through the insertion spacing
3s
CA 02340828 2001-03-20
typically created by the recess (94) and, once the notch locking edge (82),
the
resilient flap (84) springs back to its flat initial configuration as
indicated by
arrows CLXXXIV in FIG. 9. Once the resilient flap (84) has sprung back to its
initial flap configuration with the notch locking edge (82) abuttingly
contacting the
s protrusion locking surface (88), a combination of the locking notch (80) and
of
the locking protrusion (78) prevents the withdrawal of the marginal section
(76)
from the carriage slot (64).
The inner volume formed by the casing defined by the assembled first
to component plate (48) and first component frame (130) being somewhat larger
than the window aperture (158), the casing peripheral edges also act as both a
first and second card securing means. Still further, since the skirt lower
peripheral edge (100) lies substantially in register with the frame bottom
wall
(134) when the card holder is in the vulnerable display configuration,
illustrated in
is FIG. 1, the section (154) of the first component front wall further acts as
a
second card securing means.
In certain situations it may be desirable to allow the intended user to remove
the
second card (14) from the carriage component (62) as long as the removal of
the
2o second card (14) from the carriage component (64) leaves a permanent easily
identifiable clue to the fact that the card (14) has been removed. For
example,
it may be desirable to allow public transit users to change a monthly transit
card
attached to an identification card. In such situations, the selection means,
36
CA 02340828 2001-03-20
illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, allows removal of the second card (14) as long
as
the latter is destroyed during the removal process.
In order to facilitate the destruction of the second card (14) without
tampering
s the card holder (10) so as to facilitate the withdrawal of the second card
(14)
from the card holder (10) without tampering or destruction of the latter, an
intended user merely needs to cut or sever the second card (14) along the
weakened line (174) from the second card lower peripheral edge (32) to the
stabilizing protrusion receiving recess lower peripheral edge (172).
io
Once the second card (14) has been cut along the weakened line (174) it forms
two distinct sections. Indeed, since the stabilizing protrusion receiving
recess
lower peripheral edge (172) is positioned underneath the skirt lower
peripheral
edge (100), the second card (14) can be cut completely without interference of
is the protective skirt (100).
Once the second card (14) has been cut, then clearances (162), (174) allows
each segment of the second card (14) to slide laterally as indicated by arrow
CLXXXVI in FIG. 13 until the corresponding locking notch (80) has cleared the
2o corresponding locking protrusion (78). Once the locking notch (80) has
cleared
the locking protrusion (98), the.corresponding second card segment may be
slidably removed from the carriage slot (64) as indicated by arrow CLXXXVIII
in
FIG. 13.
37
CA 02340828 2001-03-20
Once the second card (14) has been separated from the carriage component
(62) another validated second card (14) may again be secured to the carriage
component (62) using the second card securing means by slidable insertion as
s illustrated in FIGS. 8 through 10.
Hence, the present invention with a first configuration of the second card
(14)
illustrated in FIG. 11, allows for permanent securing of both the first and
second
cards (12) and (14) thereto. The same card holder (10) with the second
to configuration of the second card (14), illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13,
allows for
securing of the first card (12) to the card holder (10) and for temporary
securement of the second card (14) to the card holder (10) as long as the
removal of the second card (14) leaves a permanent clue to the fact that the
second card (14) has been removed from the card holder (10).
is
When both the first and second cards (12), (14) are secured to the card holder
(10) the latter may be used for allowing the selective display of the first
and
second cards (12), (14). The card holder (10) is typically carried in its
storage
configuration, illustrated in FIG. 2, wherein retraction of the second card
(14)
ao within the casing formed by the card holder (10) reduces the required
storage
space.
38
CA 02340828 2001-03-20
When the first and second cards (12), (14) need to be simultaneously displayed
in order for coupling the visual information provided by the identification
card and
the validation card, the intended used merely need to grasp the casing
preferably by inserting opposed fingers in the finger receiving recesses
(182).
s The weights of the second card (14) and of the carriage component (62) will
bias
the second card (14) towards its display configuration, shown in FIG. 1,
wherein
the first and second cards (12), (14) are in a generally offset relationship
to each
other allowing the simultaneous display of at least a section of both the
first card
first face (16) and the second card first face (20).
io
The second card may be easily brought back to the storage configuration, shown
in FIG. 2, by sliding the carriage component (62) with the finger inserted
between
reinforcement strips (180) extending therefrom or merely by pivoting the card
holder (10) and allowing gravity to bias the carriage component (62) and
is associated second card (14) towards the storage configuration.
39
