The apparatuses and methods disclosed pertain to the field of containers, such as a wallet for storing and carrying items. Wallets are often used to carry items in one's pocket throughout day-to-day activities. Typically, wallets include one or more compartments used to separate and organize items, such as credit cards and other cards, within the wallet. Wallets may comprise multiple layers of material such as leather for example. The multiple layers of material of such wallets may have the same height and width and align along the bottom, side, and top of the wallet. The aligning multiple layers of material define respective edges along the bottom, sides, and top of the wallet. Along one of the edges there is generally an opening providing access to one or more of the compartments, by which items may be inserted and removed from the wallet.
Because the layers of material that define the edge having the opening generally align with each other, it can be difficult to access the one or more compartments of the wallet, whether by squeezing the wallet or by pulling apart the layers of material. This can make it difficult to quickly and easily insert or remove items such as credit cards or other cards.
Also, with such wallets, as mentioned there is an opening for each compartment along one edge. The compartments thereof are sealed along the other edges to effectively retain items within the compartments. In this configuration, items such as cards are generally accessed for removal from the wallet from a single location, which is through the opening along the edge having the opening. Because wallets often contain multiple items and all are generally accessible from only a single location, it can be difficult to easily access the desired item when attempting to remove it from the wallet. This can be compounded because the compartments typically have a compact configuration, which may aid in retaining items within the wallet, but may cause the items to bind within the compartments further impeding the easy removal of items.
While a variety of carrying apparatus such as wallets and others have been made and used, it is believed that no one prior to the inventor(s) has made or used an invention as described herein.
While the specification concludes with claims which particularly point out and distinctly claim the invention, it is believed the present invention will be better understood from the following description of certain examples taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify the same elements and in which:
The drawings are not intended to be limiting in any way, and it is contemplated that various embodiments of the invention may be carried out in a variety of other ways, including those not necessarily depicted in the drawings. The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements shown.
The following description of certain examples of the invention should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, which is by way of illustration, one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other different and obvious aspects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.
Wallet (10) further comprises two interior portions (28, 30). Interior portion (28) is located between front portion (12) and back portion (14), adjacent to or nearer to front portion (12). Interior portion (30) is also located between front portion (12) and back portion (14), but adjacent to or nearer to back portion (14).
With this configuration as shown in the illustrated version, front portion (12) and interior portion (28) define a compartment (32) between front portion (12) and interior portion (28). Similarly, back portion (14) and interior portion (30) define a compartment (34) between back portion (14) and interior portion (30). Additionally, interior portion (28) and interior portion (30) define a compartment (36) between interior portion (28) and interior portion (30). With this configuration, compartments (32, 34) are outer compartments of the interior of wallet (10), while compartment (36) is a middle compartment of the interior of wallet (10). Accordingly, interior portions (28, 30) are operably configured as internal dividers that separate front portion (12) from back portion (14). In the same manner, compartment (36) is operably configured as an internal dividing compartment that separates compartment (32) from compartment (34). With interior portions (28, 30) defining compartment (36), interior portions (28, 30) can also be considered internal dividers that separate compartment (32) from compartment (34).
Wallet (10) further comprises openings (38, 40, 42) along top edge (20). Opening (38) is located at the top of and between front portion (12) and interior portion (28), and opening (38) provides access to compartment (32). Opening (40) is located at the top of and between back portion (14) and interior portion (30), and opening (40) provides access to compartment (34). Opening (42) is located at the top of and between interior portion (28) and interior portion (30), and opening (42) provides access to compartment (36). With this configuration, compartments (32, 34, 36) define respective void spaces configured to receive and selectively retain one or more items (44). By way of example only, and not limitation, such items may include credit cards, business cards, identification cards, customer loyalty cards, money, notes, among other things that will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
As best seen in
Referring to
Still referring to
As shown, first item (44) when fully inserted within compartment (32) extends past the top of front portion (12). Thus alternatively, a user may place second item (44) against a front surface of first item (44), and by pressing against it, open outer compartment (32) enough to insert second item (44) into outer compartment (32) next to first item (44). In this alternative insertion process, second item (44) would be inserted in front of first item (44). This alternative insertion process may be particularly useful when one or more items (44) inserted within wallet (10) have a length that is longer than the length of interior portion (28) such that interior portion (28) is obscured or obstructed by one or more items (44) already within compartment (32).
The illustration and description of inserting one or more items (44) within compartment (32), applies equally with inserting one or more items (44) within compartment (34) located between back portion (14) and interior portion (30). In particular, one item (44) in the form of a card can be inside outer compartment (34) as deeply as it can be inserted. Second item (44) in the form of a card can enter outer compartment (34) behind first item (44) but in front of interior portion (30). Interior portion (30) here is operably configured as a platform or structure that guides the insertion of second item (44). For instance, a user places second item (44) against a front surface of interior portion (30), and by pressing against it, opens outer compartment (34) enough to insert second item (44) into outer compartment (34) next to first item (44).
When first item (44) is fully inserted within compartment (34), it extends past the top of back portion (14). Thus alternatively, a user may place second item (44) against a front surface of first item (44), and by pressing against it, open outer compartment (34) enough to insert second item (44) into outer compartment (34) next to first item (44). In this alternative insertion process, second item (44) would be inserted in front of first item (44). This alternative insertion process may be particularly useful when one or more items (44) inserted within wallet (10) have a length that is longer than the length of interior portion (30) such that interior portion (30) is obscured or obstructed by one or more items (44) already within compartment (34).
Referring to
Thus, in this configuration, one of interior portions (28) is used as a platform or structure against which item (44) can contact to open compartment (36) for inserting item (44) within compartment (36). Without notch (46) in interior portion (30), the user would need to attempt to separate interior portions (28, 30) using his or her fingers, or he/she would need to push sides edges (24) toward each other in an attempt to open middle compartment (36). The configuration with elongated interior portions (28, 30), with one having notch (46), provides for another way to access middle compartment (36) that can provide for easier insertion of items (44).
In a similar fashion, notch (46) also provides for a structure to assist in accessing one or more items (44) within compartment (36) for removal from wallet (10). For instance, a user may use a finger or other object to push against the uppermost portion of interior portion (28) through the cut-out defined by notch (46) in interior portion (30). This in turn opens middle compartment (36) at least slightly to provide access to retained items (44) for removal from wallet (10).
While the above examples have described interior portions (28, 30) as having a longer length compared to front and back portions (12, 14), the term “length” is used as a reference. In other instances, one may define this longer dimension of interior portions (28, 30) as a width or a height. Thus the use of the term “length” should not be interpreted in a limiting manner. In some other instances, the longer length of interior portions (28, 30) are described as extended edges. In such instances, wallet (10) comprises interior portions (28, 30) having extended edges that extend past the top edges of front and back portions (12, 14). With such an example, top edge (20) refers to any of the top edges of front portion (12), back portion (14), and/or interior portions (28, 30). Other terms and ways to describe the size, proportions, and relative position of components of wallet (10) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
Still referring to
As described above and as shown in
Slots (50, 52) provide a way to aid in both selecting and removing one or more items (44) from the interior of wallet (10). More specifically, slot (50) provides a way to aid in selecting and removing one or more items (44) from compartment (32) of wallet (10). Slot (52) provides a way to aid in selecting and removing one or more items (44) from compartment (34) of wallet (10). As mentioned above, slots (50, 52) are formed in front portion (12) and back portion (14) respectively. Furthermore, slots (50, 52) comprises cut-out areas in the material of front portion (12) and back portion (14) respectively. This configuration allows for slot (50) to provide access to items (44) contained within compartment (32) of wallet (10). Similarly, this configuration allows for slot (52) to provide access to items (44) contained within compartment (34) of wallet (10). As seen in the illustrated version, items (44) within compartments (32, 34) are accessible both visibly and physically through slots (50, 52). Thus, a user can both see items (44) through slots (50, 52) and contact or touch items (44) through slots (50, 52).
With the configuration of slots (50, 52) described above, slots (50, 52) allow items (44) within compartments (32, 34) to be engaged by a user from along bottom edge (22) of wallet (10). In this manner of engaging items (44) within compartments (32, 34) through slots (50, 52), one may push one or more items (44) upwards from bottom edge (22), thus beginning the process of removal. Once the user pushes items (44), such as cards, upwards via slots (50, 52), items (44), such as cards, can be easily gripped and pulled the rest of the way out from compartments (32, 34) of wallet (10). This is helpful to the user of wallet (10), as in wallets without such slots (50, 52) it can be difficult to remove items (44) from interior compartments as such items (44) are not accessible from along bottom edge (22). And furthermore, wallets generally are constructed with very little extra room, so as to promote the function of retaining items (44) securely within the wallet.
In the present example, slots (50, 52) begin at bottom edge (22) of respective front portion (12) and back portion (14). With this configuration, a user is able to interact and engage with the bottom of items (44) retained within compartments (32, 34). Engaging with the bottom of items (44) enable the user to direct a force on items (44) in the direction of openings (38, 40) along top edge (20). In other words, the user can engage with the bottom of items (44) along bottom edge (22) of wallet (10) to apply a force to items (44) in a direction parallel with a plane defined by wallet (10). Moreover, this force can be applied to items (44) in a way where substantially all the force applied is in this direction parallel with the plane defined by wallet (10).
For instance, in an exemplary wallet without slots (50, 52), where other openings are located in a middle region of a front and a back of the wallet, where such openings did not extend to a bottom edge of the wallet, moving items (44) from within compartments of the wallet, without pulling them from openings along a top edge of the wallet, would be more difficult. This is because, a substantial amount of the force applied to move items (44) would be in a direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the wallet to create enough friction between the surface of a user's finger and a surface of items (44) to eliminate slippage between a user's finger and items (44) when trying to slide items (44) toward the openings along the top edge of the wallet. Thus, to generate sufficient force in a direction parallel to the plane defined by the wallet to advance items (44) toward the openings along the top edge, in this example where middle openings replace slots (50, 52), a much greater amount of overall force is needed.
In addition to their ability to provide access to items (44) within wallet (10) from bottom edge (22), slots (50, 52) also provide a reduced contact area with items (44) contained within compartments (32, 34) of wallet (10). This reduced contact area can reduce the binding effect that can occur when multiple items (44) are contained within wallet (10). In other words, slots (50, 52) reduce the amount of material of front portion (12) and back portion (14) that would otherwise contact items (44) within compartments (32, 34).
In the present example, slots (50, 52) are connected along bottom edge (22) of wallet (10). As described above, front portion (12) and back portion (14) are formed of a single piece of material that is folded over on itself and stitched along side edges (24). Slots (50, 52), in the present example, are created by an elongated circular cut-out being made in the material prior to folding the material over on itself to define front portion (12) and back portion (14). As shown in
Additionally, with slots (50, 52), an empty wallet (10) comprises a passage on each of the front and back of wallet (10) with the passages extending through wallet (10) from the top to the bottom. When wallet (10) is empty, or at least when compartments (32, 34) are empty, these passages are see-through such that when looking upon wallet (10) from along top edge (20), one can see out bottom edge (22) of wallet (10). Stated another way, these passages represent a portion of compartments (32, 34) such that compartments (32, 34) can be considered see-through in the same manner when empty. Stated yet another way, compartments (32, 34) comprise an unsealed top edge and unsealed bottom edge.
II. Exemplary Wallet with Angled Slit
While in the illustrated version of
Slit (54) provides access to compartment (34) of wallet (100). In one exemplary use, slit (54) provides a location for holding cash, receipts, or notes such that they may be kept at least partially separate from other items (44) such as cards. In the present example slit (54) is formed only in the material of back portion (14), and thus does not provide access to middle compartment (36). However, in some other versions slit (54) may extend through the material of back portion (14) and through the material of interior portion (30) to provide access to middle compartment (36). In view of the teachings herein, other ways to modify and use slit (54) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.
The above exemplary wallets (10, 100), provide structures and methods of use that provide users with the ability to quickly insert or remove one more items (44), such as credit cards or other cards, from compartments (32, 34, 36) within wallets (10, 100) with minimal effort. Additionally, wallets (10, 100) provide structures and methods of use that provide users with the ability to directly engage one or more items (44) contained within wallet (10, 100), such as credit cards or other cards, from along bottom edge (22). Various modifications to the structures and methods of use shown and described herein, some of which have been described, will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teaching herein.
The term “wallet” as used herein should be understood to include any of several types and configurations of apparatus for carrying or storing items, and should not be limited to only the precise configurations in the illustrated examples. Wallets may include, for example, card holders, bi-fold wallets, tri-fold wallets, travel wallets, among others.
The term “item” as used herein should be understood to include any of several types of articles that one may desire to carry or store in a wallet, and should not be limited to only the precise types of articles in the illustrated examples. Items may include, for example, credit cards, identification cards, driver's licenses, office building badges, company or customer loyalty cards, business cards, money, notes, among others. Also, in some cases one or more items may be individually or collectively referred to as “content” or “contents.”
The term “compartments” as used herein may also be used interchangeably with similar terms that describe spaces for carrying or storing items. By way of example, the terms “compartment” and “compartments” may be used interchangeably with the terms “pocket” and “pockets” respectively.
The term “slots” as used herein may also be used interchangeably with similar terms that describe openings for accessing carried or stored items. By way of example, the terms “slot” and “slots” may be used interchangeably with the terms “opening” and “openings” respectively. Additionally a slot could be called “cut-out”in some instances.
It should be understood that any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein may be combined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. that are described herein. The following-described teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. should therefore not be viewed in isolation relative to each other. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.
Having shown and described various embodiments of the present invention, further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may be accomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. Several of such potential modifications have been mentioned, and others will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For instance, the examples, embodiments, geometrics, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps, and the like discussed above are illustrative and are not required. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be considered in terms of the following claims and is understood not to be limited to the details of structure and operation shown and described in the specification and drawings.
This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/368,370, filed Dec. 2, 2016, entitled “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CARRYING ITEMS,” and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/263,014, filed Dec. 4, 2015, entitled “Wallet Extended Edges,” the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. This application further claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/263,030, filed Dec. 4, 2015, entitled “Wallet Content Engaging Slots,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, including but not limited to those portions that specifically appear hereinafter, the incorporation by reference being made with the following exception: In the event that any portion of the above-referenced application is inconsistent with this application, this application supersedes said portion of said above-referenced application
Number | Date | Country | |
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62263014 | Dec 2015 | US | |
62263030 | Dec 2015 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 16557806 | Aug 2019 | US |
Child | 17958889 | US | |
Parent | 15368370 | Dec 2016 | US |
Child | 16557806 | US |