US20090288746A1

US20090288746A1 - Single-fold wallet

Info

Publication number: US20090288746A1
Application number: US12/466,572
Authority: US
Inventors: Gerald Baca
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-05-21
Filing date: 2009-05-15
Publication date: 2009-11-26

Abstract

There is a single-fold wallet configured to secure and store monetary funds and personal items. The wallet includes a single-fold housing configured to secure and store monetary funds and personal items. The wallet also includes a transparent window pocket disposed on an exterior surface of the housing. The wallet further includes a plurality of pocket sleeves, each having an aperture disposed along a top end of the sleeve. The sleeves are coupled to an interior surface of the housing in an array, wherein a portion of each sleeve is transparent. The wallet additionally includes a monetary pocket disposed within the housing between the plurality of pocket sleeves and the housing. Furthermore, the wallet includes a clip having a biased member disposed on the exterior surface of the housing, coupled to the housing opposite of the transparent window.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This invention claims priority, under 35 U.S.C. §120, to the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/054,868 to Gerald Baca filed on May 21, 2008, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to wallets, specifically to an easily accessible wallet and money clip.
2. Description of the Related Art
A wallet, or billfold, is a small, flat case used to carry personal items such as cash, credit cards and identification documents, such as a driver's license. Wallets are generally made of leather or fabrics, and they are usually pocket-sized. Wallets are usually designed to hold bills and credit cards and fit into a pocket (or handbag). Small cases for securing bills which do not have space for credit cards or identification cards may be classified as money clips.
Breast wallet (also called a “secretary wallet” or “passage wallet”) is a wallet in which the bills are not folded. They are intended for men's breast pocket in a jacket, or for a handbag. They are too large for storage in a pant pocket. Bi-fold wallet: a type of wallet in which the bills are folded over once. This has become the “standard” wallet. Credit cards and identification cards may be stored horizontally or vertically. Tri-fold wallet: a wallet with three folds, in which credit cards are generally stored vertically. Front pocket wallet (or money clip): a case with no currency compartment and very few pockets for cards. Usually bills are folded and held to the wallet with a metal clip. Some improvements have been made in the field. Examples of references related to the present invention are described below, and the supported teachings of each reference are incorporated by reference herein:
U.S. Pat. No. 5,775,398 by Siegel, discloses a holder for a credit card or a similar object formed from panels at least one of which is transparent and being sealed along selected sides or edges to form a card-receiving pocket. One side is open to insert and receive the card. The opposite side is notched so the user can apply manual force to an edge of a contained card to partially extend it from the pocket. The card holder may be included in an organizer, wallet or pocketbook and may be part of an assembly of card holders joined together.
U.S. Pat. No. Des 435,340 by Kojoori, discloses an ornamental design for the ID window front pocket wallet, as shown and described.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,427,837 by Shields, discloses a latchable enclosure for the above small plastic and business cards. The invention also comprises a novel support and carrying means and a novel paper currency attachment.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,800,659 by Exline, et al., discloses a wallet size card book which has been adapted to hold a card having the dimensions of a conventional credit card, and is particularly designed to be carried in the credit card compartment of a wallet or similar size compartment holder. The use of a resin emulsion adhesive, a vinyl acetate ethylene copolymer emulsion, in the card book makes it possible to create a properly formed pocket closed on three sides for holding and protecting the card.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,228 by Exline, discloses a wallet size pocketed booklet which has been adapted to hold a card having the dimensions of a conventional credit card, and is particularly designed to be carried in the credit card compartment of a wallet or similar size compartment holder. The use of a resin emulsion adhesive, a vinyl acetate ethylene copolymer emulsion, in the pocketed booklet makes it possible to create a properly formed pocket closed on three sides for holding and protecting the card.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,942,913 by Musso, discloses an incorporating of a separate sub-wallet within a conventional wallet wherein the sub-wallet can be removed and utilized when it is not necessary to carry the entire wallet. The sub-wallet includes a currency carrying compartment and a separate credit card carrying compartment. Appropriate identification papers can also be carried in the credit card compartment. There will also be included within the currency carrying compartment a separate key compartment.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,575,030 by Smallman, discloses a wallet device comprising, in combination, hingedly interrelated leaves; relatively rigid reinforcing means secured to the free longitudinal and end edges of one of said leaves; and paper holding clip means lying against the inner surface of said one leaf, said clip means extending transversely of said one leaf and having its opposite ends engaged with the opposite longitudinal portions of said reinforcing means; said reinforcing means being deformed around the opposite ends of said clip means to anchor the latter against movement longitudinally of said one leaf.
The inventions heretofore known suffer from a number of disadvantages which include being expensive, being difficult to use, being burdensome, being limited in adaptability, being limited in application, being limited in versatility, and being bulky.
What is needed is a single-fold wallet that solves one or more of the problems described herein and/or one or more problems that may come to the attention of one skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with this specification.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available wallets. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide a single-fold wallet that conveniently and easily stores and secures personal items.
According to one embodiment of the invention, there is a single-fold wallet configured to secure and store monetary funds and personal items. The wallet may include a single-fold housing configured to secure and store monetary funds and personal items. The wallet may also include a transparent window pocket disposed on an exterior surface of the housing. The wallet may further include a plurality of pocket sleeves, each having an aperture disposed along a top end of the sleeve. The sleeves may be coupled to an interior surface of the housing in an array, wherein a portion of each sleeve is transparent. The wallet may additionally include a monetary pocket disposed within the housing between the plurality of pocket sleeves and the housing. Furthermore, the wallet may include a clip having a biased member disposed on the exterior surface of the housing, coupled to the housing opposite of the transparent window.
In addition, each of the plurality of transparent pocket sleeves may include a securing flap configured to cover the aperture. The plurality of transparent pocket sleeves may also include a coupling device. The transparent window may include an aperture configured to receive a planar member. The plurality of transparent pocket sleeves may be selectably coupleable of the housing. The clip may be selectably coupleable to the exterior of the housing. Each of the pocket sleeves may include two oppositely facing pockets, each with an aperture and with a corresponding transparent portion.
Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.
Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.
These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order for the advantages of the invention to be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawing(s). It is noted that the drawings of the invention are not to scale. The drawings are mere schematic representations, not intended to portray specific parameters of the invention. Understanding that these drawing(s) depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not, therefore, to be considered to be limiting its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawing(s), in which:

FIG. 1 is an inside elevational view of an open single-fold wallet, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an inside elevational view of an open single-fold wallet, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is an inside perspective view of an open single-fold wallet, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is an inside elevational view of an open single-fold wallet, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is an inside elevational view of an open single-fold wallet, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is an inside perspective view of an open single-fold wallet, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a back plan view of a single-fold wallet, according to one embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 8 is a front plan view of a single-fold wallet, according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawing(s), and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will, nevertheless, be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.
Reference throughout this specification to an “embodiment,” an “example” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or combinations thereof described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases an “embodiment,” an “example,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, to different embodiments, or to one or more of the figures. Additionally, reference to the wording “embodiment,” “example” or the like, for two or more features, elements, etc. does not mean that the features are necessarily related, dissimilar, the same, etc.
Each statement of an embodiment, or example, is to be considered independent of any other statement of an embodiment despite any use of similar or identical language characterizing each embodiment. Therefore, where one embodiment is identified as “another embodiment,” the identified embodiment is independent of any other embodiments characterized by the language “another embodiment.” The features, functions, and the like described herein are considered to be able to be combined in whole or in part one with another as the claims and/or art may direct, either directly or indirectly, implicitly or explicitly.
As used herein, “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “is,” “are,” “characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional unrecited elements or method steps. “Comprising” is to be interpreted as including the more restrictive terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.”
FIG. 1 is an inside elevational view of an open single-fold wallet, according to one embodiment of the invention. The single-fold wallet 10 is configured to secure and store monetary funds and personal items. The wallet 10 includes a single-fold housing 12 configured to secure and store monetary funds and personal items. The wallet 10 also includes a plurality of pocket sleeves 14, each having an aperture 16 disposed along a top end 18 of the sleeve 14. The sleeves 14 are coupled to an interior surface 20 of the housing 12 in an array, wherein a portion 22 of each sleeve 14 is transparent. The wallet 10 additionally includes a monetary pocket 24 disposed within the housing 12 between the plurality of pocket sleeves 14 and the housing 12. In addition, the transparent pocket sleeve 14 includes a securing flap 26 configured to cover the aperture 16. The plurality of transparent pocket sleeves 14 may be selectably coupleable to the housing 12.
In operation of one embodiment of the invention, a user opens the wallet and the housing is in an open mode, wherein the monetary pocket is substantially in a straight line configuration. A user disposes an identification card within one of the transparent pocket sleeves through the aperture. The user also disposes currency within the monetary pocket. In addition, the user may selectably couple the transparent pocket sleeves to the interior surface of the housing depending on how many identification or personal cards or items the user would like secured and stored.
FIG. 2 is an inside elevational view of an open single-fold wallet, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is a single-fold wallet 10 configured to secure and store monetary funds and personal items. The wallet 10 includes a single-fold housing 12. The wallet 10 also includes a plurality of pocket sleeves 14, each having an aperture 16 disposed along a top end 18 of the sleeve 14. The sleeves 14 are coupled to an interior surface 20 of the housing 12 in an array, wherein a portion of each sleeve is transparent 22. The wallet 10 additionally includes a monetary pocket 24 disposed within the housing 12 between the plurality of pocket sleeves 14 and the housing 12. In addition, each of the plurality of transparent pocket sleeves 14 includes a securing flap 26 configured to cover the aperture 16. The plurality of transparent pocket sleeves 14 also included a coupling device 28 configured to seal the aperture 16. Each of the transparent pocket sleeves 14 includes two oppositely facing pockets, each with an aperture 16 and with a corresponding transparent portion 22.
In operation of one embodiment of the invention, a user opens the wallet and the housing is in an open mode, wherein the monetary pocket is substantially in a straight line configuration. A user disposes an identification card within one of the transparent pocket sleeves through the aperture. The user also disposes currency within the monetary pocket. In addition, the user disposes monetary coins or other monetary/personal items in another transparent pocket sleeve, and seals the coupling device to secure and store the contents therein. The user may selectably couple the transparent pocket sleeves to the interior surface of the housing depending on how many identification or personal cards or items the user would like secured and stored.
FIG. 3 is an inside perspective view of an open single-fold wallet, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is a single-fold wallet 10 having a single-fold housing 12 configured to secure and store monetary funds and personal items. The wallet 10 includes a plurality of pocket sleeves 14, each having an aperture disposed along a top end of the sleeve 14. The sleeves 14 are coupled to an interior surface 20 of the housing 12 in an array 30, wherein a portion of each sleeve 14 is transparent 22. The wallet 10 additionally includes a monetary pocket 24 disposed within the housing 12 between the plurality of pocket sleeves 14 and the housing 12. In addition, each of the plurality of transparent pocket sleeves 14 includes a securing flap 26 configured to cover the aperture. The plurality of transparent pocket sleeves 14 also includes a coupling device 28 configured to seal the aperture 16. The plurality of transparent pocket sleeves may be selectably coupleable of the housing. Each of the pocket sleeves includes two oppositely facing pockets, each with an aperture and with a corresponding transparent portion.
In operation of one embodiment of the invention, a user opens the wallet and the housing is in an open mode, wherein the monetary pocket is substantially in a straight-line configuration. A user disposes an identification card within one of the transparent pocket sleeves through the aperture. The user also disposes currency within the monetary pocket. In addition, the user disposes monetary coins or other monetary/personal items in another transparent pocket sleeve, and seals the coupling device to secure and store the contents therein. The user may selectably couple the transparent pocket sleeves to the interior surface of the housing depending on how many identification or personal cards or items the user would like secured and stored.
FIG. 4 is an inside elevational view of an open single-fold wallet, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is a single-fold wallet 10 having a single-fold housing 12 configured to secure and store monetary funds and personal items. The wallet 10 includes a plurality of pocket sleeves 14 coupled to an interior surface 20 of the housing 12 in an array, wherein a portion of each sleeve 14 is transparent 22. The wallet 10 additionally includes a monetary pocket 24 disposed within the housing 12 between the plurality of pocket sleeves 14 and the housing 12. In addition, each of the plurality of transparent pocket sleeves 14 includes a securing flap 26 configured to cover the aperture. The plurality of transparent pocket sleeves may be selectably coupleable of the housing. Each of the pocket sleeves includes two oppositely facing pockets, each with an aperture and with a corresponding transparent portion.
In operation of one embodiment of the invention, a user opens the wallet and the housing is in an open mode, wherein the monetary pocket is substantially in a straight-line configuration. A user disposes an identification card within one of the transparent pocket sleeves through the aperture. The user also disposes currency within the monetary pocket. In addition, the user disposes monetary coins or other monetary/personal items in another transparent pocket sleeve, and seals the coupling device to secure and store the contents therein. The user may selectably couple the transparent pocket sleeves to the interior surface of the housing depending on how many identification or personal cards or items the user would like secured and stored.
FIG. 5 is an inside elevational view of an open single-fold wallet, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is a single-fold wallet 10 having a single-fold housing 12 configured to secure and store monetary funds and personal items. The wallet 10 includes a plurality of pocket sleeves 14, each having an aperture 16 disposed along a top end 18 of the sleeve 14. The sleeves 14 are coupled to an interior surface 20 of the housing 12 in an array, wherein a portion of each sleeve 14 is transparent 22. The wallet 10 additionally includes a monetary pocket 24 disposed within the housing 12 between the plurality of pocket sleeves 14 and the housing 12. In addition, each of the plurality of transparent pocket sleeves 14 includes a securing flap 26 configured to cover the aperture. The plurality of transparent pocket sleeves may be selectably coupleable of the housing. Each of the pocket sleeves includes two oppositely facing pockets, each with an aperture and with a corresponding transparent portion.
In operation of one embodiment of the invention, a user opens the wallet and the housing is in an open mode, wherein the monetary pocket is substantially in a straight-line configuration. A user disposes an identification card within one of the transparent pocket sleeves through the aperture. The user also disposes currency within the monetary pocket. In addition, the user disposes monetary coins or other monetary/personal items in another transparent pocket sleeve, and seals the coupling device to secure and store the contents therein. The user may selectably couple the transparent pocket sleeves to the interior surface of the housing depending on how many identification or personal cards or items the user would like secured and stored.
FIG. 6 is an inside perspective view of an open single-fold wallet, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is a single-fold wallet 10 having a single-fold housing 12 configured to secure and store monetary funds and personal items. The wallet 10 includes a plurality of pocket sleeves 14 coupled to an interior surface 20 of the housing 12 in an array 30, wherein a portion of each sleeve 14 is transparent 22. The wallet 10 additionally includes a monetary pocket 24 disposed within the housing 12 between the plurality of pocket sleeves 14 and the housing 12. In addition, each of the plurality of transparent pocket sleeves 14 includes a securing flap 26 configured to cover the aperture. The plurality of transparent pocket sleeves may be selectably coupleable of the housing. Each of the pocket sleeves includes two oppositely facing pockets, each with an aperture and with a corresponding transparent portion.
In operation of one embodiment of the invention, a user opens the wallet and the housing is in an open mode, wherein the monetary pocket is substantially in a straight line configuration. A user disposes an identification card within one of the transparent pocket sleeves through the aperture. The user also disposes currency within the monetary pocket. In addition, the user disposes monetary coins or other monetary/personal items in another transparent pocket sleeve, and seals the coupling device to secure and store the contents therein. The user may selectably couple the transparent pocket sleeves to the interior surface of the housing depending on how many identification or personal cards or items the user would like secured and stored.
FIG. 7 is a back plan view of a single-fold wallet, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is a single-fold wallet 10 includes a single-fold housing 12 configured to secure and store monetary funds and personal items. The wallet 10 includes a clip 32 having a biased member disposed on the exterior surface 34 of the housing 12, coupled to the housing opposite of a transparent window.
FIG. 8 is a front plan view of a single-fold wallet, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is a single-fold wallet 10 having a single-fold housing 12 configured to secure and store monetary funds and personal items. The wallet also includes a transparent window pocket 40 disposed on an exterior surface 36 of the housing 12. The transparent window pocket 40 includes an aperture 44 configured to receive a planar member. In addition, the transparent window pocket 40 includes a securing flap 42 configured to secure and store a planar member, therein. Furthermore, the transparent window pocket 40 includes a transparent window 38 configured to view a planar member disposed within the pocket 40.
In operation of one embodiment of the invention, a user closes the wallet and the housing is in a closed mode, wherein the monetary pocket is substantially in a folded configuration. A user disposes an identification card within the transparent window pocket through the aperture and disposes the securing flap over the aperture and secures the identification card therein. In addition, the user disposes monetary funds or other often used planar members about the clip, thereby securing the monetary funds or planar members between the clip and the exterior of the housing.
It is understood that the above-described embodiments are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiment is to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
For example, although the figures illustrate a single-fold wallet, one skilled in the art would appreciate that the wallet may include a double-fold housing and still perform its intended function.
Additionally, although the figures illustrate a transparent compartment disposed about the front portion of the exterior member, one skilled in the art would appreciate that the transparent compartment may be coupled about a variety of portions of the exterior member and still perform its intended function. It is also envisioned that the spring-type clip may be disposed about a variety of portions of the exterior member, not limited to the rear portion of the exterior member, and still perform its intended function.
It is expected that there could be numerous variations of the design of this invention. An example is that the first compartment of the exterior member may be configured to secure and store a variety of currencies of different shapes and sizes, and still perform its intended function.
Finally, it is envisioned that the components of the device may be constructed of a variety of materials, such as but not limited to: leather, plastic, synthetic textiles, water-proof textile, and still perform its intended function.
Thus, while the present invention has been fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made, without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth in the claims. Further, it is contemplated that an embodiment may be limited to consist of or to consist essentially of one or more of the features, functions, structures, methods described herein.

Claims

1. A single-fold wallet configured to secure and store monetary funds and personal items, comprising:

a) a single-fold housing;

b) a transparent window pocket disposed on an exterior surface of the housing;

c) a plurality of pocket sleeves, each having an aperture disposed along a top end of the sleeve, the sleeves coupled to an interior surface of the housing in an array, wherein a portion of each sleeve is transparent;

d) a monetary pocket disposed within the housing between the plurality of pocket sleeves and the housing; and

e) a clip having a biased member disposed on the exterior surface of the housing, coupled to the housing opposite of the transparent window.

2. The wallet of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of transparent pocket sleeves includes a securing flap configured to cover the aperture.

3. The wallet of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of transparent pocket sleeves includes a coupling device.

4. The wallet of claim 1, wherein the transparent window pocket includes an aperture configured to receive a planar member.

5. The wallet of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of transparent pocket sleeves are selectably coupleable of the housing.

6. The wallet of claim 1, wherein the clip is selectably coupleable to the exterior of the housing.

7. The wallet of claim 1, wherein each of the pocket sleeves includes two oppositely facing pockets, each with an aperture and with a corresponding transparent portion.

8. A wallet configured to secure and store monetary funds and personal items, comprising:

a) a housing;

b) a transparent window pocket disposed on an exterior surface of the housing;

9. The wallet of claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of transparent pocket sleeves includes a securing flap configured to cover the aperture.

10. The wallet of claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of transparent pocket sleeves includes a coupling device.

11. The wallet of claim 10, wherein the transparent window pocket includes an aperture configured to receive a planar member.

12. The wallet of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of transparent pocket sleeves are selectably coupleable of the housing.

13. The wallet of claim 12, wherein the clip is selectably coupleable to the exterior of the housing.

14. The wallet of claim 13, wherein each of the pocket sleeves includes two oppositely facing pockets, each with an aperture and with a corresponding transparent portion.

15. A single-fold wallet configured to secure and store monetary funds and personal items, comprising:

a) a single-fold housing;

b) a transparent window pocket disposed on an exterior surface of the housing; wherein the transparent window pocket includes an aperture configured to receive a planar member;

c) a plurality of pocket sleeves, each having an aperture disposed along a top end of the sleeve, the sleeves coupled to an interior surface of the housing in an array, wherein a portion of each sleeve is transparent; wherein each of the plurality of transparent pocket sleeves includes a securing flap configured to cover the aperture; wherein each of the plurality of transparent pocket sleeves includes a coupling device; wherein each of the plurality of transparent pocket sleeves are selectably coupleable of the housing; wherein each of the pocket sleeves includes two oppositely facing pockets, each with an aperture and with a corresponding transparent portion;

e) a clip having a biased member disposed on the exterior surface of the housing, coupled to the housing opposite of the transparent window; wherein the clip is selectably coupleable to the exterior of the housing.