BACKGROUND ART Credit cards and like-sized objects are commonly stored in wallets or purses when not in use. However, it is not always possible to keep such storage devices about one's person, for example when exercising, and accordingly there is a tendency to lose them or have them stolen. One patent specification, US 4 332 338, discloses one possible solution to this problem by providing a wallet having an elastic strap which is adapted to bind the wallet to one of the user's arms or legs. Such a wallet may thus be safely and securely kept about one's person even during vigorous activity, eg jogging, and even in the absence of clothes with pockets. However, binding the wallet to a limb may be undesirable.

The present applicant has recognised the need for an alternative storage device which may be readily kept about one's person.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a credit card or like-sized object storage device comprising a loop which is resiliently stretchable from a rest position which is a snug fit around a credit card or like-sized object placed within it to an extended position which enables insertion or removal of the same, and retaining means preventing a credit card or like-sized object placed within the loop from escaping laterally from the loop when in the rest position.

In its simplest form, the storage device may comprise a loop of elastic material, which may usefully be wider than it is deep.

Accordingly, the storage device may be little bigger than any cards stored within it. Being compact, the storage device lends itself to being kept about one's person. Although designed for credit cards and the like, additional items such as paper money may additionally be stored in the storage device, possibly sandwiched between cards. It is conceivable that a credit card- shaped container for holding small items such as coins could be provided for insertion in the storage device.

The loop may apply a gripping force to a credit card or like-sized object placed within the storage device when in the rest position. If there are several credit cards in the storage device, the gripping force will urge them together, providing a secure clamping action.

The retaining means may be coupled to the loop. Preferably, the retaining means is a snug fit against a credit card or like- sized object placed within the loop. More preferably, the retaining means is itself resiliently stretchable and embraces a credit card or like-sized object placed within the loop. In this way, the retaining means reinforces any force from the loop holding a credit card or like sized object in the storage device.

The retaining means may comprise a second loop. This may be arranged substantially perpendicularly to the principal loop, such that the loops embrace adjacent pairs of sides of a credit card placed within the storage device.

The storage device may comprise means for attaching it to a body. The attaching means may comprise a tethering line so that the spacing between any stored credit cards and the like and the body is variable. The line may be of looped configuration to enable the device to be worn around a person's neck, or attached around their waist or wrist etc. Such attaching means enables the storage device to be carried without having any credit cards or the like held in intimate contact with the body.

It also obviates the need to use a pocket and enables the card holder to be concealed underneath a garment such as a shirt.

Preferably, the line is releasably attached to the loop, for example, by means of a fastener such as a buckle or clasp.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a card holder (without card) embodying the invention; Figure 2 is a side perspective view of the card holder (with card) of figure 1; and Figure 3 is a schematic showing how cards are inserted or removed from the card holder of figure 1.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Figure 1 shows a credit card or like-sized object storage device or card holder 10 comprising a longitudinal band 12 and a transverse band 14. The transverse band 14 is nested within the longitudinal band 12 and is disposed asymmetrically, being closer to the bottom end of the longitudinal band. The bands 12, 14 are of elasticated textiles fabric and are box-stitched together in two locations 16, 18 respectively at the front and back where the bands overlap. The perimeter of the longitudinal band 12 is slightly larger than that of the transverse band 14, the ratio being approximately 5:3 so as to correspond to the aspect ratio of a credit card.

The longitudinal band 12 is attached to one part 20a of a conventional clasp 20. The part 20a is releasably engageable with a corresponding part 20b of the clasp 20 which is carried on a necklace 22. The necklace 22 provides a convenient way of carrying the card holder 10 about one's person.

Figure 2 shows a credit card 30 retained within the card holder 10. (Only one credit card is shown for simplicity, although twenty cards or more could be retained simultaneously).

The credit card 30 is gripped by both the longitudinal and transverse bands 12, 14. The longitudinal band 12 embraces the shorter edges 32, 33 of the credit card and the transverse band 14 embraces the longer edges 34, 35. Whilst the longitudinal band 12 is in the center of the shorter edges 32, the transverse band 14 is off-centre, being below the middle of the longer edges 34, 35. This means that the portion 40 of the longitudinal band 12 above the transverse band 14 is longer than the portion 42 below.

In order to remove the credit card 30 from the card holder 10, the longer portion 40 of the longitudinal band 12 is stretched and urged sideways. Once the longer portion 40 is clear of the upper edge 32, the resilience of the elasticated fabric tends to pull the longer portion 40 down the longer edge 35 of the credit card 30. With the entire upper edge 32 of the credit card 30 protruding clear of the longitudinal band 12, the credit card 30 is easily pulled from the card holder 10. When there are several credit cards in the card holder 10, it is possible to spread them into a fan shape without necessarily removing them in order to facilitate selection of the desired credit card.

A credit card may be inserted in the card holder 10 simply by reversing the steps for removing a credit card.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The invention thus provides a storage device for keeping credit cards and like sized objects about ones person.