Patent Application
20170039897
The present invention relates to personal wallet organization, and more specifically relates to a wallet organizing system configured to expedite a user's removal of cards from the wallet with ease.
Conventionally, wallets for men and women are equipped with at least one card slot configured to hold personal cards such as credit cards, identification cards, bank cards, insurance cards, business cards, and other cards. It is common for wallets to have between 4 and 10 of such card slots, so as to provide independent slots for up to 10 cards. Individuals needing to carry more cards than the wallet has slots are forced to carry two or more cards in each of the card slots, adding bulk and disorganization to the wallet. This method often leaves only the tip of one of the cards within the card slot partially visible, obscuring the second (and potentially third) card behind the visible card within the card slot.
Unfortunately, when rapid removal of a specific card is required, such as at a point-of-sale terminal, many users experience difficulty locating and easily removing the needed card. Commonly, users must pull out several cards in order to determine if the card pulled is the desired card needed at the time. This is especially true for individuals carrying multiple cards in each card slot of the wallet, as they must partially remove the cards from the card slot in order to determine which card is behind the visible card. Location and identification of the correct card can quickly become cumbersome, such as in cases where the card slots of the wallet are very tight, there are multiple cards in each card slot, the individual is elderly, or if the individual has large fingers.
Additionally, it can be difficult to locate and identify the target card in an individual's wallet in a dark room setting or at night while outdoors. This can be especially troublesome in a dark nightclub, bar, theatre vendor, or other dark location. If there were a way to rapidly locate, identify, and employ wallet cards in the dark without a struggle, users would have an easier time paying for items in the dark.
Thus, there is a need for a new wallet organization apparatus configured to facilitate and expedite the location, identification, and removal of the desired card from the card slot of a wallet, minimizing frustration of the individual, and making the check-out process a less cumbersome experience. Such an apparatus is preferably equipped with glow-in-the-dark elements that facilitate the location, identification, and use of a wallet card while in the dark.
Few instances in the prior art attempt to address this issue without attempting to reinvent the wallet itself While there are many advanced wallets on the market, including those with card slots equipped with switches or lever to eject the desired card, no other wallet aid employs the user's existing wallet, without modification, to achieve the desired result.
Relevant instances found in the prior art include patent no. US 20130093177 A1, “Credit Card Self-Adhesive Pull Tab and Method of Using the Same” which discloses a uniquely identifiable self-adhesive pull tab that can be attached to the card. The uniquely identifiable self-adhesive pull tab includes, but is not limited to, a plastic tab comprising a plurality of sections, and a fold line. In a preferred embodiment, the plastic tab contains approximately four equally sized sections, two on either side of the fold line. The sections immediately adjacent to the fold line do not contain any adhesive coating. However, each of the remaining sections contains an adhesive coating on one side, respectively, which will meet when the self-adhesive pull tab is folded upon use. The self-adhesive pull tabs of the present invention can be made of different colors, have numbers or letters on outside of the non-adhesively coated sections when folded, or contain other uniquely identifiable characters. Unlike, in the current invention the tab is a single film and can also be used for wallet photos in wallet or in notepads, organizers, daily planners, photo albums and briefcase.
Another instance in the prior art that is similar to, yet varies from the present invention includes U.S. Patent No. US 20130170938 A1, for an “Apparatus and method for assisting the retrieval of identification or credit cards from a wallet,” which discloses an apparatus and method of efficiently locating and extracting a card such as an identification, membership, or banking card from a wallet, purse, or other card carrying device. The apparatus features a coupling implement and a gripping terminus. The various gripping termini depict a visually distinct ornamental shape including a heart, a strawberry, a bag of money, a flower, trademarks and/or logos. The gripping terminus is oriented such that it is visible above the edge of the card so that when the card is inserted into a pocket or sleeve the gripping terminus will remain visible. An individual may easily extract cards by gently pulling the gripping terminus in the desired direction. Unlike, the current invention provides a tab which can be removed, repositioned and bent for organizing, removal and use of the items in wallets, daily planner, photo albums etc.
Another relevant prior art is Patent No. US 20110072701 A1, for a “Tab assembly for a card.” The application discloses a tab assembly including two opposable tabs hingedly attached to an indicia member. The opposable tabs can be coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive on adjacent surfaces. When the opposable tabs are coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive, the tab assembly can be located directly at a desired location and pressure can be applied to the surfaces of the tabs to adhere the tab assembly at the desired location. For example, the tab assembly can be located at the surface of the card and pressure applied to the surfaces of the tabs to adhere the tab assembly to the surface of the card. In yet other embodiments the card can be a credit card, a photograph, a driver's license, a debit card, a business card, etc. An indicia member such as a color, a sign, a symbol, a trademark, a number, a letter, a design, other distinguishing marks, extends from the surface of the object to which it is adhered to allow for visibility and ease of access of the particular item for grasping. This is unlike the present invention, as conversely, the tab is a single thin plastic film having adhesive on the rear for attaching to cards and other items for easy gripping and removal of these cards/items from wallet. Additionally, the present invention is formed in unique shapes to facilitate location and access of a user's cards.
The present invention is wallet card identification assistance aid apparatus configured to enable an individual to rapidly identify his or her cards within conventional card slots of a wallet, quickly differentiate between similar cards, remove the target card with ease, and reduce the time spent at a point-of-sale terminal. The present invention is a system employing personalized tabs which are configured to adhere to an individual's cards, readily facilitating the differentiation of cards in one's wallet. The tabs of the present invention employ an adhesive, and may be personalized according to the user for use on ATM debit cards, credit cards, ID cards, gift cards, and business cards or photos. The present invention is envisioned for use on all styles of wallets. The tabs facilitate the easy removal of wallet cards by finger grip, as each of the tabs is preferably equipped with ribbed edges disposed on the tips of the tab area. In some embodiments of the present invention, the tip and bod of the tabs illuminate (via a glow-in-the-dark substrate) which helps users to easily identify the tabs in dark settings, such as outdoors or in a dark room, such as a bar or nightclub.
Unique aspects of the present invention include, but are not limited to:
The present invention will be better understood with reference to the appended drawing sheets, wherein:
The present invention generally comprises a wallet organization system oriented around the use of tabs (10). The tabs (10) of the present invention are preferably equipped with a label (20), a first adhesive surface (30) and a second adhesive surface (40). Each of the tabs (10) of the present invention are removable, repositionable and also bendable in specific portions to retain the utility of the card. The adhesive covering of the first adhesive surface (30) and the second adhesive surface (40) is configured to be ink-proof, and as such, will not lift ink when the tab (10) is repositioned on a card. The second adhesive surface (40) is not necessarily present on all embodiments of the tab (10) of the present invention. The tab (10) of the present invention is applied to a card by pressing the adhesive portion on the first adhesive surface (30) (and the second adhesive surface (40) if needed) of the tab firmly onto the desired location on the card.
The body portion of the tab (10) is made of a transparent film preferably composed of acetate and a Mylar film material. These materials are employed as they are durable and stable, as well as non-tearing and non-yellowing in quality. The present invention is a high quality product to purchase by consumers, as it is durable, may be used and reapplied multiple times, and is attractive and unique for use in wallets.
The tab (10) of the present invention are preferably equipped with ribbed tips (90), which are preferably made of a rubber, silicone, or similar gripping material. The ribbed tips (90) are configured to facilitate the removal of the cards with the fingertips of the user, providing comfort as well as traction for the removal of the target card. The ribbed tips (90) of the present invention are preferably fashioned of a durable plastic material base. The ribbed tips (90) each have a raised, ribbed edge for easy finger-gripping and retrievablility. The ribbed tips (90), as well as the tab (10) itself are preferably equipped with the glow-in-the-dark element (100) of the present invention.
A label (20) of the tab (10) preferably includes a variety of specific pastel colors, consisting of blue, pink, yellow, green, and gray, helping to facilitate decorating and personalizing the tabs (10) to the taste of the user. The tabs (10) also expedite differentiation between all wallet cards and photos for ease of reference via personalization. This makes the present invention appealing to those who would find it fun in being creative with personalizing their tabs (10) for their wallet cards.
Additionally, the present invention also comes with available adhesive letters, numbers and specific design logos which the consumer can use to personalize the tabs attached to their wallet cards. These customization options are configured to adhere to the label (20) portion of each tab (10) of the present invention.
The adhesive at the bottom of the tab (10) is made of removable and reusable, double-sided adhesive material that can be used again and again on surfaces of all wallet cards. It is also photo-safe and great for use with photographs in photo albums. The adhesive material on the first adhesive surface (30) and the second adhesive surface (40) can be used repetitively, and is preferably strong enough to support up to 0.6 pounds, making the present invention a highly durable product for long-term use by the consumer.
Additionally, most embodiments of the present invention are equipped with a glow-in-the-dark element (100), which is preferably embedded into various portions of the tab (10), including, but not limited to the label (20), the body, and the ribbed tips (90) of the present invention. The glow-in-the-dark element (100) is preferably built-in to the mold of the plastic, and is not a glow-in-the-dark paint. However, some embodiments of the present invention may employ a glow-in-the-dark paint for light use. The glow-in-the-dark element (100) of the present invention enables use of the present invention in dark room settings, or outdoors at night. The glow-in-the-dark element (100) is configured to illuminate in the dark, which facilitates the rapid location and identification of the needed card. Additionally, the glow-in-the-dark element (100) enables the location of a card if it has been dropped on the floor inside a dark room, or outdoors at night.
The preferred embodiment of the present invention preferably is available in three primary sizes and forms including:
It should be noted that the only occasion that the Swiper tab (50) must be removed from the card is when it is necessary to insert a card into the bank vault of an ATM, and upon removing the tab following this process, the user may simply place the tab (10) back into position on the card. The adhesive on the first adhesive surface (30) and second adhesive surface (40) on the tab (10) is preferably of such durable quality that the tab may be removed, repositioned, and placed back onto the card numerous times, and can be used repeatedly this way for several years. Thus, the present invention is preferably durable, making it a wise and usable product to purchase by the consumer for its function and quality.
The label (20), disposed at the top or tip portion of the tab, is shaped differently for each of the three primary embodiments of the present invention. For example, the Swiper tab (50) has a round label portion, thereby giving the total appearance of the tab (10) a shape similar to that of a pawn chess piece.
Special instructions for use of all three types of tab (10) of the present invention include:
Additionally, a “Wallet Buddy” logo is preferably featured on the front or rear of the label (20) of the present invention. The logo is preferably disposed on the front surface of the label for customers who do not wish to personalize their tabs (10).
It should be noted that the ribbed tips (90) of the swiper tabs (50) of the present invention is preferably 0.2 cm in width, and 0.2 cm in height (thickness). In the larger big buddy tab (60), the ribbed grip area of the ribbed tips (90) is preferably 4.5 cm in width, and 0.2 cm in height. Additionally, the ribbed grip area of the ribbed tip (90) of the tight-fit buddy tab (70) is preferably 4.0 cm in width and 0.2 cm in height. However, it is envisioned that alternate embodiments of the present invention may employ differing dimensions of the ribbed tips (90), so long as portions of the ribbed tips (90) are raised such that they extend outwards from the tips. Similarly, it is envisioned that the pattern of the ribbing of the ribbed tips (90) may vary in order to facilitate access to the wallet cards without a direct line of sight. Alternate embodiments of the ribbed tips (90) can assist sight-impaired individuals in wallet card identification and location as well.
Having illustrated the present invention, it should be understood that various adjustments and versions might be implemented without venturing away from the essence of the present invention. Further, it should be understood that the present invention is not solely limited to the invention as described in the embodiments above, but further comprises any and all embodiments within the scope of this application.
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
This application is a non-provisional application of provisional patent application No. 62/202,586, filed on Aug. 7, 2015, and priority is claimed thereto.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62202586 | Aug 2015 | US |
