WALLET CARD INSERT IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM

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A wallet system comprising: a wallet with at least one adjustable strap, and items selected from the group consisting of at least one dual-purpose card wallet insert unit, at least one card wallet insert unit and at least one tab identification insert.

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of patent application Ser. No. 12/699,481, filed Feb. 3, 2010 by the present inventor.

BACKGROUND Prior Art

The following is a tabulation of some prior art that presently appears relevant:

  • U.S. Pat. No. 4,784,508 to Shannon
  • U.S. Pat. No. 4,932,520 to Ciarcia
  • U.S. Pat. No. 4,741,372 to Santilli
  • U.S. Pat. No. 3,299,929 to Shagin

U.S. Pat. No. 3,299,929 to Shagin shows a Wallet Insert comprised of a plurality of tabbed card sleeve layers, bound by a transverse binder. Shagin's Wallet Insert does not teach the method of binding a plurality of card sleeve units together into a foldable unit by stitching, heat sealing, or other method. The transverse binder is the only apparatus taught by Shagin to be used for binding the individual card sleeve layers to each other. Shagin's Wallet Insert is shown to hold only standard-sized cards. Shagin's Wallet Insert is only taught to be insertable into an ordinary wallet. Shagin does not teach the insertion and removal of a tab identification insert, nor does his Wallet Insert have dual-purpose pockets comprising a tab identification insert portion. Instead, Shagin teaches that the identification tabs in his Wallet Insert are formed solely as a part of the rectangular center member which is comprised of a single piece of material cut to form a tabbed shape.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,741,372 to Santilli's Pocket Organizer discloses a self-sufficient tabbed card organizer. Identification of the cards stored in the Pocket Organizer requires that a tabbed interior envelope be inserted into an exterior envelope. The edge of this interior envelope accommodates a detachable identification tab. The Pocket Organizer is designed to be used on its own rather than as a part of a wallet and does not have the capacity for incorporation of features such as identification card pockets, change and small item pockets, organizing assemblies, billfold, zippered pockets, clips, rings, straps and the like. In addition, Santilli's Pocket Organizer is not designed to accommodate non-standard-sized cards.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,932,520 to Ciarcia presents a Waiter's Order Organizer Wallet which on the right side utilizes clear plastic envelopes with diagonal corner pockets to hold miniature menus, and later, checks after the customer's order is taken. The left side of the Wallet holds a multi page writing pad with removable perforated tabs, which are then temporarily attached on the right hand side of the Wallet to their respective envelopes. The Waiter's MOrder Organizer Wallet is not designed to hold and identify either standard or non-standard-size cards, nor is it assembled on a median layer in any fashion.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,784,508 to Shannon discloses a tabular indexing system featuring preferably full size paper equipped with perforated index tabs along the entire length of the paper's outer edge. These perforated index tabs may be easily removed from the sheet when not needed, and then covered with specifically shaped protective carrier designed to be used in loose leaf binders and the like. However, the Tabular Divider Sheets are not specifically equipped to hold, identify or protect either standard or non-standard-size cards, nor are they shown to be secured in a wallet of any sort.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

People are required to access a variety of cards of several different types in the course of a typical day, relating to purchases, identification, store discounts and memberships, among many other functions. Attempting to identify and locate one card out of many varied size cards as well as compactly and conveniently storing and securing cash, change, small items, receipts and the like tends to require an individual to carry these items in inconvenient locations. He or she may store change and small items in a separate change purse or clothing pocket. The individual may also accumulate bundles of non-standard-size cards on a key chain which often causes unnecessary bulk and may place excess and destructive weight on vehicle ignition systems. Many times a wallet is not equipped with enough pockets to adequately store the optimal number of cards required in the course of a typical day, so that a person tends to place several cards in a single wallet pocket. This often has the effect of making cards difficult for the user to identify, locate, remove and replace. The user may also attempt to solve the problem of too many cards by leaving some cards at another location, causing inconvenience and in many instances, loss of discounts, necessary access, and the like. When an individual desires to transfer their card collection to another wallet many times he or she must remove and replace each card individually in an insecure and time consuming manner.

A number of wallets and wallet inserts are available which provide specific accommodation to store standard-sized cards (ie: currently used driver's license and credit card size cards).

Many wallets currently available accommodate standard-sized cards using one of the following methods:

    • a) A standard-sized card sleeve booklet formed of one or more card wallet insert units, attached into the interior of the wallet by means of flaps made from vinyl or other flexible material. The flaps are inserted into designated slits or pockets which have been constructed into the wallet itself for the purpose of receiving these flaps.
    • b) A plurality of individual pockets made from the wallet material, sewn individually into the interior of the wallet itself.
    • c) A standard-sized card sleeve booklet without flaps, which has been secured by being sewn or glued to the material of the wallet itself.

The limitations of each of these methods are as follows:

For a), the more cards the card sleeve booklet holds, the heavier it becomes, and the more likely it is for the flaps to slip out of their designated slits or pockets if the wallet is held at a vulnerable angle. In addition, even with fewer cards in the card sleeve booklet the user is often required to turn many pages in the card sleeve booklet in order to locate the card he or she requires, since in most current commercially available card sleeve booklets there are no external features identifying the specific card that the user is searching for. For card sleeve booklet that do have identification tabs, the identification is constructed out of a single layer of material and so, of necessity, the card identification information is either permanently imprinted to the tab, or it is placed onto a label that is then permanently or semi-permanently attached to the tab. Accurate identification of cards is limited in this way.

For b), the cards are placed in pockets that have been constructed as a contiguous part of the wallet itself, of the wallet material. This places limitations upon the card carrying, location and access functions of the wallet. The number of pockets are often too few, so that many users find themselves using some or all of these pockets, which were each originally designed to hold a single card, to hold several cards. In addition, when a user needs to access a bar code or other information he or she must remove the card completely from its pocket, present the card for scanning, and then return the card to its pocket for storage.

For c) the card sleeve booklet has been more permanently secured to the wallet itself, thereby decreasing the likelihood of the card sleeve booklet insert falling out of the wallet. However, in order for an individual to locate a card in the card sleeve booklet, he or she still is generally required to turn many identically shaped pages in order to locate the card required. In addition it is much more difficult if not completely impractical to replace a worn card sleeve booklet without replacing the entire wallet. This can be a problem as many such card sleeve booklet are constructed of a light gauge material with weak edge seals and often tend to tear or split at the edges. In addition, when a user desires to transfer their card collection to another wallet many times he or she must remove and replace each card individually in an insecure and time consuming manner.

The present invention allows the user the advantages of a wallet and the convenience of its capacity to incorporate pockets and other accessories, combined with one or more dual-purpose card wallet insert units attached to the wallet by an adjustable strap. With these the user is easily able to identify the individual standard-size card or non-standard-size card by viewing a specifically labeled tab identification insert on the protruding tab identification insert portion of a dual-purpose pocket which may be made from see-through materials. He or she then grasps the protruding tab identification insert portion of the dual-purpose pocket containing the desired tab identification insert and turns to the appropriate card. The card is identified by corresponding indicia that has been placed on the tab identification insert. The user may choose to remove and replace the identified card or to merely present the identified card for viewing or scanning through the dual-purpose pocket material, as desired.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to wallets, and more particularly to wallets comprising dual-purpose card wallet insert units fastened by a substantially adjustable strap.

The wallet may be folded and secured to form a compact unit held in the hand, stored in a pocket, or worn on the body using one or more permanently attached or removable bands. The wallet may also be enclosed in a larger carrying container such as a purse, backpack, briefcase, and the like. Organizing features that may be incorporated into the wallet material may include identification card pockets, change and small item pockets, organizing features, a billfold, zippered pockets, clips, rings, bands, and the like.

The dual-purpose card wallet insert unit booklet, which may be attached to the wallet by the adjustable strap, is comprised of a plurality of dual-purpose card wallet insert units, each further comprising a base layer as well as a plurality of outer sheet layers forming dual-purpose pockets attached on one or both sides of the base layer. Each dual-purpose pocket elongates into a tab identification insert portion which may be labeled via a direct print impression, a printed adhesive identifier, or a tab identification insert which may be placed into the tab identification insert portion of a dual-purpose pocket. Indicia may be placed onto at least one side of the tab identification inserts so that the cards both in front of and behind the base layer may be identified without the need to turn that page. The material of the dual-purpose pocket may be see-through where desired, allowing the user to turning a bar code or other information toward the outside of the dual-purpose pocket. In this manner the card may be read through the material of the dual-purpose pocket. Thus the user need not remove the card from the dual-purpose pocket, having been able to identify the card by its corresponding tab identification insert.

The dual-purpose card wallet insert units may be heat sealed or sewn together, and/or other methods of binding familiar to those skilled in the art, to form a dual-purpose card wallet insert unit booklet. They may also be attached individually or as an unbound group within the wallet if desired, or they may be used independently of the wallet.

The dual-purpose pockets facilitate storage, identification, and access of standard-sized cards such as credit cards, debit cards, driver licenses and the like. These standard-size dual-purpose pockets may be used separately from, in addition to, or combined with non-standard-size dual-purpose pockets facilitating storage, identification, and access to non-standard-size cards such as key ring size discount cards and the like.

The adjustable strap places pressure against its contents. These contents comprise at least one item selected from the group consisting of a dual-purpose card wallet insert unit, a card wallet insert unit, a stack of dual-purpose card wallet insert units, a stack of card wallet insert units, a dual-purpose card wallet insert unit booklet and a card wallet insert unit booklet, holding the contents into the wallet. The strap adjusts either through elastic properties or through some other mechanism known to those skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description, the appended claim, and the accompanying drawings in which similar elements are given similar reference numerals:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the exterior of the card wallet in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the interior of the card wallet with an adjustable strap, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a dual-purpose pocket standard-size card wallet insert unit in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a dual-purpose pocket standard-size card wallet insert unit in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of a dual-purpose pocket standard-size card wallet insert unit shown in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a dual-purpose pocket standard-size card wallet insert unit with tab identification inserts in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7-0 is a partial plan view of the prior art card wallet insert.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a dual-purpose pocket standard-size card wallet insert unit with tab identification inserts and standard-size cards in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7-A is a cross section view of a dual-purpose pocket standard-size card wallet insert unit with tab identification inserts and standard-size cards in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7-B is a cross section view of a dual-purpose pocket standard-size card wallet insert unit with tab identification inserts and standard-size cards in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7-C is a cross section view of a dual-purpose pocket standard-size card wallet insert unit with tab identification inserts in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a dual-purpose pocket non-standard-size card wallet insert unit in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a dual-purpose pocket non-standard-size card wallet insert unit in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a dual-purpose pocket non-standard-size card wallet insert unit with tab identification inserts in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a dual-purpose pocket non-standard-size card wallet insert unit with tab identification inserts and non-standard-size cards in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11-A is a cross section view of a dual-purpose pocket non-standard-size card wallet insert unit with tab identification inserts and non-standard-size cards in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11-B is a cross section view of a dual-purpose pocket non-standard-size card wallet insert unit with tab identification inserts and non-standard-size cards in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11-C is a cross section view of a dual-purpose pocket non-standard-size card wallet insert unit with tab identification inserts in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of 4 individual dual-purpose pocket card wallet insert units that may be stacked in an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12-A is a plan view of dual-purpose pocket card wallet insert units that have been stacked and bound showing a non-standard-size card wallet insert unit on the top of the stack in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12-B is a plan view of dual-purpose pocket card wallet insert units that have been stacked and bound showing a standard-size card wallet insert unit on the top of the stack in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12-C is a perspective view of dual-purpose pocket card wallet insert units bound in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12-D is a perspective view of dual-purpose pocket card wallet insert units bound in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a wallet with a bound dual-purpose pocket card wallet insert in the process of being inserted into the wallet; in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13-A is a perspective view of a card wallet with a bound dual-purpose pocket card wallet insert that has been inserted into the wallet, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a card wallet insert unit booklet comprising standard-size card units and a non-standard-size card unit, in a further embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a dual-purpose card wallet insert unit booklet comprising standard dual-purpose pocket card wallet insert units and a non-standard dual-purpose pocket card wallet insert unit stacked in a cascading formation, in a further embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 is a plan view of a combined-use wallet insert unit comprising both standard-size dual-purpose pocket and non-standard dual-purpose pockets, in further embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17 shows a front-facing partial plan view of a standard-size card wallet insert unit comprising tab wallet identification insert and indicia, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17-A shows a front-facing partial plan view of a non-standard-size card wallet insert comprising tab wallet identification inserts and indicia, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17-B shows a front-facing partial plan view of a standard-size card wallet insert unit, detailing beginning and end locations of a tab identification insert and an opening location.

FIG. 17-C shows a front-facing partial plan view of a non-standard size card wallet insert unit, detailing beginning and end locations of a tab identification insert and an opening location.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Description of Wallet Elements in a Preferred Embodiment of the Present Invention

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 11n this embodiment the wallet comprises a layer of material 18 and the outer portion of a folded layer of binding material 20 which has been attached to material 18 by stitching 22. The binding material 20 and stitching 22 may be replaced by some other form of attachment known to those skilled in the art. The outer cover of the wallet may be added to and modified with additional construction and devices in order to accommodate various types of entities such as overlays, coverings, compartments, sleeves, pockets, bands, handles, attachments, accessory rings, clips, and the like.

FIG. 2 In this embodiment the wallet comprises an interior material 24 layer of the wallet attached to the outer material of the wallet by the inner portion of the folded layer of binding material 26. Adjustable strap 28 may be fastened to interior material 24 layer of the wallet underneath the inner portion of the folded layer of binding material 26 by stitching 30. The placement of adjustable strap 28 may vary according to embodiment of the present invention. The interior of the wallet may be added to and modified with additional construction and devices in order to accommodate various types of entities such as overlays, coverings, compartments, sleeves, pockets, bands, handles, attachments, accessory rings, clips, and the like.

Description of Standard-Size Elements in a Preferred Embodiment of the Present Invention

FIG. 3 This embodiment shows a plan view of a standard-size card wallet insert unit, comprising a center member 32 to which are attached overlapping members 34 and 36 at edges 38 and 40.

FIG. 4 This embodiment shows overlapping members 34 and 36 forming dual-purpose pockets 42 and 44.

FIG. 5 shows the configurations disclosed in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 repeated on the reverse if desired. Center member 32 accommodates attached overlapping members 46 and 48 forming dual-purpose pockets 50 and 52 attached at edges 54 and 56.

FIG. 6 This embodiment shows tab identification inserts 58 and 60 accommodated by the tab identification insert portions 62 and 64 of dual-purpose pockets 42 and 44. Tab identification inserts 58 and 60 are sandwiched between center member 32 and overlapping members 34 and 36. Access to tab identification inserts 58 and 60 may alternatively be facilitated through indentations or other means known to those skilled in the art. Tab identification inserts 58 and 60 may accommodate indicia identifying contents of dual-purpose pockets 42 and 44. Tab identification inserts 58 and 60 may also identify contents of dual-purpose pockets 50 and 52 in FIG. 5.

DRAWING AND DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

FIG. 7-0 shows one type of prior art card wallet insert unit. The standard-size card 65 is sandwiched between center member 65a and pocket 65b of the prior art. Indicia 65c is placed on tab portion 65d of center member 65a.

DESCRIPTION OF ASSEMBLY OF STANDARD-SIZE ELEMENTS IN A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 7 This embodiment shows standard-size cards 66 and 68 accommodated by the standard-size card portions 70 and 72 of dual-purpose pockets 42 and 44. Standard-size cards 66 and 68 may be sandwiched between tab identification inserts 58 and 60 and overlapping members 34 and 36. Access to tab identification inserts 58 and 60, and standard-size cards 66 and 68 may alternatively be facilitated through indentations, voids or other means known to those skilled in the art. The positioning of standard-size cards and tab identification inserts may be equivalently accommodated according to the configuration of elements shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7-A This embodiment shows a top cross section view of the standard-size card wallet insert unit at line A of FIG. 7. In this embodiment of the present invention center member 32 is heat sealed or attached through some other method known to those skilled in the art to dual-purpose pockets 42 and 52 at edges 74 and 76 to form end 78. Sandwiched between center member 32 and standard-size cards 66 and 80 are tab identification inserts 58 and 82.

FIG. 7-B This embodiment shows a side cross section view of the standard-size card wallet insert unit at line B of FIG. 7. In this embodiment of the present invention center member 32 is heat sealed or attached through some other method known to those skilled in the art to the standard-size card portions of dual-purpose pockets 44 and 50 at edges 84 and 86, 88, and 90, to form ends 92 and 94. Sandwiched between center member 32 and standard-size cards 68 and 96 are tab identification inserts 60 and 98.

FIG. 7-C This embodiment shows a cross section view of the standard-size card wallet insert unit at line C of FIG. 7. In this embodiment of the present invention center member 32 is heat sealed or attached through some other method known to those skilled in the art to the tab insert portions of dual-purpose pockets 44 and 50, at edges 100, 102, 104, and 106, to form ends 108 and 110. Sandwiched between center member 32 and the tab insert portions of dual-purpose pockets 44 and 50 are tab identification inserts 60 and 112.

Description of Non-Standard Size Elements in a Preferred Embodiment of the Present Invention

FIG. 8 This embodiment shows a plan view of a non-standard-size card wallet insert unit, comprising a center member 114 to which are attached overlapping members 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, and 126 at edges 128 and 130 and at divider lines 132, 134, 136, and 138.

FIG. 9 This embodiment shows overlapping members 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, and 126 separated by divider lines 132, 134, 136, and 138 to form dual-purpose non-standard-size pockets 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, and 150.

FIG. 10 This embodiment shows tab identification inserts 152, 154, 156, 158, 160, and 162 accommodated by the tab identification insert portions 164, 166, 168, 170, 172, and 174 of dual-purpose non-standard-size pockets 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, and 150. Tab identification inserts 152, 154, 156, 158, 160, and 162 are sandwiched between center member 114 and dual-purpose non-standard-size pockets 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, and 150. Tab identification inserts 152, 154, 156, 158, 160, and 162 may accommodate indicia identifying contents of dual-purpose non-standard-size pockets 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, and 150.

Description of Assembly of Non-Standard Size Elements in a Preferred Embodiment of the Invention

FIG. 11 This embodiment shows non-standard-size cards 176, 178, 180, 182, 184, and 186 accommodated by the non-standard card size card portions 164, 166, 168, 170, 172, and 174 of dual-purpose non-standard card size pockets 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, and 150. Non-standard-size cards 176, 178, 180, 182, 184, and 186 are sandwiched between tab identification inserts 152, 154, 156, 158, 160, and 162 and dual-purpose non-standard card size pockets 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, and 150. Access to tab identification inserts 152, 154, 156, 158, 160, and 162 and non-standard-size cards 176, 178, 180, 182, 184, and 186 may alternatively be facilitated through indentations, voids, or other means known to those skilled in the art.

FIG. 11-A This embodiment shows a top cross section view of the non-standard-size card wallet insert unit at line A of FIG. 11. In this embodiment of the present invention center member 114 is heat sealed or attached through some other method known to those skilled in the art to dual-purpose non-standard size pockets 148 and 188, at edges 190 and 192 to form end 194. Sandwiched between center member 114 and non-standard-size cards 184 and 198 are tab identification inserts 160 and 196.

FIG. 11-B shows a cross section view of the non-standard-size card wallet insert unit at line B of FIG. 11. In this embodiment of the present invention center member 114 is heat sealed or attached through some other method known to those skilled in the art to the non-standard-size card portions of dual-purpose pockets 142, 146, 150, 200, 202, and 204 at edges 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, and 216 to form ends 218 and 220, and divider lines 222 and 224. Sandwiched between center member 114 and non-standard-size cards 178, 182, 186, 226, 228, and 230 are tab identification inserts 154, 158, 162, 232, 234, and 236.

FIG. 11-C This embodiment shows a cross section view of the non-standard-size card wallet insert unit at line C of FIG. 11. In this embodiment of the present invention center member 114 is heat sealed or attached through some other method known to those skilled in the art to the tab insert portions of dual-purpose pockets 142, 146, 150, 200, 202, and 204 at edges 238, 240, 242, 244, 246, 248, 250, 252, 254, 256, 258, and 260 to form ends 262, 264, 266, 268, 270, and 272. Sandwiched between center member 114 and the tab insert portions of dual-purpose pockets 142, 146, 150, 200, 202, and 204 are tab identification inserts 154, 158, 162, 232, 233, and 234.

Description of Individual Card Wallet Insert Configuration and Assembly of Standard-Size and Non-Standard Size Elements in a Preferred Embodiment of the Invention

FIG. 12 This embodiment shows individual plan views of each of the following: dual-purpose pocket wallet insert units 274 (non-standard card tabs), 276 (side standard card tabs), 278 (middle standard card tabs) and 280 (side standard card tabs).

FIG. 12A This embodiment discloses a plan view of stacked standard-size dual-purpose pocket wallet card insert units 280, 278, and 276 hidden beneath a non-standard-size dual-purpose pocket wallet card insert unit 274, bound by stitching 282. The non-standard card tab unit 274 is stacked on the top layer of the bound standard—size wallet insert units 280, 278, and 276 in this in this embodiment.

FIG. 12B This embodiment discloses a plan view of dual-purpose pocket wallet insert units 280, 278, and 276 stacked and bound by stitching 282. The non-standard-size dual-purpose pocket wallet card insert 274 shown on top of the bound stack in FIG. 12A is hidden beneath the bound stack of standard-size wallet card insert units 280, 278, and 276 shown here.

FIG. 12C This embodiment shows a perspective view of dual-purpose pocket wallet insert units 280, 278, 276, and 274 bound by stitching 282 and folded, with the standard card tab unit 280 shown here in the front.

FIG. 12D This embodiment shows a perspective view of dual-purpose pocket wallet insert units 274, 276, 278, and 280 bound by stitching 282 and folded. Non-standard wallet insert unit 274 is shown here in the inside of the fold.

FIG. 13 This embodiment shows a perspective view of the dual-purpose pocket wallet insert units 274, 276, 278, and 280 bound with stitching 282 being inserted into the interior of the wallet 24 through the adjustable strap 28 by a user 292. (User 292 is represented in this embodiment of the present invention by the partial view of his/her left hand)

Description of Wallet Elements with Both Standard-Size and Non-Standard Size Elements in a Preferred Embodiment of the Present Invention

FIG. 13A This embodiment shows a plan view of dual-purpose pocket wallet insert units 274, 276, 278, and 280 secured into the wallet interior 24 by the adjustable strap 28.

Description of Wallet Elements Combined with Prior Art in a Further Embodiment of the Present Invention

FIG. 14 This further embodiment shows a perspective view of a combined-use wallet insert with standard-size card units 294, 296, and 298 and non-standard-size card unit 300 bound by stitching 302.

Description of a Dual-Purpose Wallet Card Insert Unit Booklet Comprising Both Standard-Size and Non-Standard Size Elements in Cascading Formation, in a Further Embodiment of the Present Invention

FIG. 15 This further embodiment shows a perspective view of a wallet insert with both dual-purpose pocket standard card wallet insert units 304, 306, and 308, and non-standard dual-purpose pocket card wallet insert unit 310 bound by stitching 312 in a cascading formation.

Description of a Combined-Use Dual-Purpose Wallet Card Insert Unit Comprising Both Standard-Size and Non-Standard Size Elements, in a Further Embodiment of the Present Invention

FIG. 16 This further embodiment shows a plan view of a combined-use wallet insert including both a standard-size dual-purpose pocket 314 and non-standard dual-purpose pockets 316, 318, and 320, bound by stitching.

Descriptions of the Arrangement of Indicia in Both Standard-Size and Non-Standard Size Dual-Purpose Card Wallet Insert Units and their Contents in the Preferred Embodiment

FIG. 17 This preferred embodiment shows a front facing partial plan view of standard-size card wallet insert unit 322. Tab identification insert 324 displays indicia “Card ID A” 326 referring to front facing “Card A” 330. Indicia “Card ID B” 328 refers to reverse facing “Card B” 332 shown in reverse facing partial view of card wallet insert unit 334.

FIG. 17A This embodiment shows a front facing partial plan view of non-standard-size card wallet insert unit 336. Tab identification insert 338 displays indicia “Card ID C” 340 referring to front facing “Card C” 342. Indicia “Card ID D” 344 refers to reverse facing card “Card D” 346 shown in reverse facing partial view of card wallet insert unit 348.

Further Embodiments Describing Alternate Locations and Openings for Tab Identification Inserts in the Dual-Purpose Tab Identification Insert Portion of the Dual-Purpose Pocket

FIG. 17B shows a front facing partial view of standard-size card wallet insert unit 350. In this further embodiment tab wallet identification insert 352 is shown before placement into tab identification insert portion 354a of dual-purpose pocket 354. Tab identification insert 352 is moved through opening 356 to its location 358.

FIG. 17C shows a front facing partial view of non-standard-size card wallet insert unit 360. In this further embodiment tab wallet identification insert 362 is shown before placement into the tab identification insert portion 364a of dual-purpose pocket 364. Tab wallet identification insert 362 is moved through opening 366 to its location after placement 368.

GLOSSARY

base sheet layer=base layer=median layer=center member=a substantially rectangular piece of material, used as a foundation for elements of the dual-purpose card wallet insert unit.
card portion of the dual-purpose pocket=card portion=the area of the dual-purpose pocket that holds the card.
card sleeve booklet=booklet a stacked assembly of two or more card wallet insert units, which may or may not be bound together.
card sleeve units=assembly comprised of a substantially rectangular base layer, one or more outer sheet layers each forming at least one pocket attached to form at least one card pocket.
card wallet insert unit=assembly comprised of a substantially rectangular base layer, one or more outer sheet layers each forming at least one pocket.
card=may refer to items selected from the group consisting of a standard-size card, a non-standard size card, or a card-sized document.
combined-use wallet insert unit=dual-purpose card wallet insert unit comprised of both standard-size and non-standard size dual-purpose pockets.
dual-purpose card wallet insert unit booklet=dual-purpose booklet=stack=a stacked assembly of two or more dual-purpose card wallet insert units, which may or may not be bound together.
dual-purpose card wallet insert units=assembly comprised of a substantially rectangular base layer, one or more outer sheet layers each forming at least one dual-purpose pockets peripherally attached to form at least one card portion and at least one tab insert portion.
dual-purpose pocket=dual-purpose card sleeve=a pocket formed by the outer sheet layer, attached peripherally to the base sheet layer to form at least one card portion and at least one tab insert portion.
indicia=symbols, words, lettering or other means of specifying the identity of a card.
non-standard size card=refers to key ring size discount cards and the like.
outer sheet layer=outer layer=overlapping member=a substantially rectangular piece of material which may be of lighter weight or gauge that the base layer, and which attaches peripherally to the base layer forming pockets or dual-purpose pockets.
Page=part of a dual-purpose card wallet insert unit that may be moved by the user.
pocket=card pocket=a pocket formed by the outer sheet layer, attached at three sides to the base sheet layer.
standard-size card=refers to credit cards, debit cards, driver licenses and the like.
substantially adjustable strap=adjustable strap=strap=a linear piece of material attached to the wallet, which may hold items selected from the group consisting of a dual-purpose card wallet insert unit, a card wallet insert unit, and other items to the wallet.
tab identification insert=a substantially rectangular piece of material, introduced into the tab insert portion of the dual-purpose pocket. The tab identification insert may display indicia used to identify cards, held in dual-purpose pockets on adjacent and/or opposite sides of the base sheet layer.
tab identification insert portion of the dual-purpose pocket=tab identification insert portion=the area of the dual-purpose pocket that holds the tab identification insert.
User=he or she=individual=person=someone who is making use of one or more features of the present invention. May also be referred to in discussing prior art.

Although embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, various modifications of the described embodiments may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A wallet system comprising:

a wallet;
a substantially adjustable strap attached to said wallet, fastening therein one or more dual-purpose card wallet insert units;
Said dual-purpose card wallet insert units comprising:
a substantially rectangular base sheet layer;
at least one tab insert portion of said base sheet layer extending integrally from items selected from the group consisting of one edge and two parallel edges of the base sheet layer;
at least one card portion of the base sheet layer;
at least one outer sheet layer;
at least one tab insert portion of said outer sheet layer extending integrally from an edge of the outer sheet layer;
at least one card portion of the outer sheet layer;
the outer sheet layer peripherally attached to the base sheet layer to form at least one dual-purpose pocket comprising both the tab insert portion and the card portion of a dual-purpose card wallet insert unit;
each tab insert portion of said dual-purpose card wallet insert unit providing means to sandwich at least one tab identification insert between the base sheet layer and the outer sheet layer of each dual-purpose pocket;
each card portion of said dual-purpose card wallet insert unit providing means to sandwich at least one card between the base sheet layer and the outer sheet layer, or between the base sheet layer and the tab identification insert of each dual-purpose pocket;
Whereby said wallet system facilitates convenient storage, location, and access of items.

2. A wallet system comprising:

a wallet;
a substantially adjustable strap attached to said wallet, as a means for holding one or more card wallet insert units.

3. A wallet system as recited in claim 2 comprising:

a wallet;
a substantially adjustable strap attached to the wallet, as a means for holding one or more card wallet insert units;
one or more said card wallet insert units with dual-purpose pockets, as a device for holding and displaying a plurality of tab identification inserts and a plurality of standard-size cards such as drivers licenses, credit cards, and the like.

4. A wallet system as recited in claim 2 comprising:

a wallet;
a substantially adjustable strap attached to the wallet, as a means for holding one or more card wallet insert units;
one or more of the card wallet insert units with the dual-purpose pockets, as a means for holding and displaying a plurality of the tab identification inserts and a combination of said standard-size cards such as drivers licenses, credit cards and the like, and said non-standard-size cards such as key ring size discount cards and the like.

5. A wallet system as recited in claim 2 comprising:

a wallet;
a substantially adjustable strap attached to the wallet, as a means for holding one or more card wallet insert units;
one or more of the card wallet insert units with said dual-purpose pockets, as a means for holding and displaying a plurality of said tab identification inserts and a plurality of non-standard-size cards such as key ring size discount cards and the like.

6. A wallet system as recited in claim 2 comprising:

a wallet;
a substantially adjustable strap attached to said wallet, fastening therein one or more card wallet insert units;
Said card wallet insert units further comprising:
a substantially rectangular base sheet layer;
at least one card portion of the base sheet layer;
at least one outer sheet layer;
at least one card portion of the outer sheet layer;
the outer sheet layer peripherally attached to the base sheet layer to form at least one pocket comprising the card portion of a card wallet insert unit.

7. A wallet system as in claim 2 comprising:

a substantially rectangular base sheet layer;
at least one tab insert portion of said base sheet layer extending integrally from items selected from the group consisting of one edge and two parallel edges of the base sheet layer;
at least one outer sheet layer peripherally attached to the base sheet layer as a means of defining said tab insert portions and standard-size card portions of the base sheet layer.
said outer sheet layer and the base sheet layer sandwiching at least one standard-sized card such as drivers license, credit card and the like, with its accompanying tab insert identification.

8. A wallet system as in claim 2 comprising:

a substantially rectangular base sheet layer;
at least two tab insert portions of said base sheet layer extending integrally from items selected from the group consisting of one edge and two parallel edges of the base sheet layer;
said outer sheet layer peripherally attached to the base sheet layer on three sides as a means of defining said tab insert portions and said non-standard-size card portions of the base sheet layer;
the outer sheet layer segmented by divider lines heat sealed or otherwise attached to the base sheet layer to form a plurality of dual-purpose pockets defining at least two of the tab insert portions and defining at least two of said non-standard-size card portions of the base sheet layer.
said outer sheet layer and the base sheet layer sandwiching at least two non-standard-size cards such as key ring size cards and the like, with their accompanying tab insert identifications.

9. A wallet system as in claim 2 comprising:

a substantially rectangular base sheet layer;
at least one tab insert portion of said base sheet layer extending integrally from items selected from the group consisting of one edge and two parallel edges of the base sheet layer;
an outer sheet layer peripherally attached to the base sheet layer on three sides as a means of defining said tab insert portion and standard-size card portion of the base sheet layer;
said outer sheet layer and the base sheet layer sandwiching at least one standard-size card such as drivers license, credit card, and the like;
an additional outer sheet layer placed peripherally attached on three sides as a means of defining the tab insert portions and the non-standard-size card portions of the base sheet layer;
the outer sheet layer segmented by divider lines attached to the base sheet layer as a means of defining at least two of the tab insert portions and at least two of said non-standard-size card portions of the base sheet layer.
the outer sheet layer and the base sheet layer sandwiching at least two non-standard-size cards such as key ring size cards and the like, with their accompanying tab insert identifications.

10. A wallet system as in claim 1 comprising:

a substantially rectangular base sheet layer;
said outer sheet layer peripherally attached to the base sheet layer on three sides as a means of defining said non-standard-size card portions of the base sheet layer;
the outer sheet layer segmented by divider lines attached to the base sheet layer to form a plurality of pockets defining at least two of said non-standard-size card portions of the base sheet layer.
said outer sheet layer and the base sheet layer sandwiching at least two non-standard-size cards such as key ring size cards and the like.

11. A wallet system as recited in claim 1 comprising:

A plurality of card wallet insert units each with its own dual-purpose pocket tab portion extending integrally from the edge of said card wallet insert unit in either a side or a middle position;
card wallet insert unit stacks arranged so that each card wallet insert unit plane surface is contiguous to the next;
the configuration of dual-purpose pocket tab portions in each said card wallet insert unit stack occurs at least once in said side tab, said middle tab, and an opposite side tab pattern.

12. A wallet system as recited in claim 1 comprising:

A plurality of card wallet insert units each with its own dual-purpose pocket tab portion extending integrally from the edge of said card wallet insert unit in either a side or a middle position;
card wallet insert unit stacks arranged so that each card wallet insert unit's plane surface is contiguous to the next;
the configuration of dual-purpose pocket tab portions in each said card wallet insert unit stack occurs at least once in said side tab, said middle tab, and an opposite side tab pattern;
a non-standard size card wallet insert unit is added to the card wallet insert unit stack.

13. A wallet system as recited in claim 1 further comprising:

A plurality of card wallet insert units each with its own dual-purpose pocket tab portion extending integrally from the edge of said card wallet insert unit in either a side or a middle position;
card wallet insert unit stacks arranged so that each card wallet insert unit's plane surface is contiguous to the next;
the configuration of dual-purpose pocket tab portions in each said card wallet insert unit stack occurs at least once in said side tab, said middle tab, and an opposite side tab pattern;
a non-standard size card wallet insert unit is added to the card wallet insert unit stack;
a combined standard-size and non-standard size card wallet insert unit is added to the card wallet insert unit stack.

14. A wallet system as recited in claim 1 further comprising:

a plurality of card wallet insert units each with its own dual-purpose pocket tab portion extending integrally from the edge of said card wallet insert unit in either a side or a middle position;
card wallet insert unit stacks arranged so that each card wallet insert unit plane surface is contiguous to the next;
the configuration of dual-purpose pocket tab portions in each said card wallet insert unit stack occurs at least once in said side tab, said middle tab, and an opposite side tab pattern, arranged in a cascading formation.

15. A wallet system as recited in claim 1 further comprising:

a plurality of card wallet insert units each with its own dual-purpose pocket tab portion extending integrally from the edge of said card wallet insert unit in either a side or a middle position;
card wallet insert unit stacks arranged so that each card wallet insert unit plane surface is contiguous to the next;
the configuration of dual-purpose pocket tab portions in each said card wallet insert unit stack occurs at least once in said side tab, said middle tab, and an opposite side tab pattern, arranged in a cascading formation.
a non-standard size card wallet insert unit is added to the stack, in said cascading formation.

16. A wallet system as recited in claim 1 further comprising:

a plurality of card wallet insert units each with its own dual-purpose pocket tab portion extending integrally from the edge of said card wallet insert unit in either a side or a middle position;
card wallet insert unit stacks arranged so that each card wallet insert unit plane surface is contiguous to the next;
the configuration of dual-purpose pocket tab portions in each said card wallet insert unit stack occurs at least once in said side tab, said middle tab, and an opposite side tab pattern, arranged in a cascading formation.
a non-standard size card wallet insert unit is added to the stack, in said cascading formation;
a combined standard-size and non-standard size card wallet insert is added to the card wallet insert unit stack, in the cascading formation.

17. A wallet system as recited in claim 1, comprising:

A tab identification insert displaying an arrangement of indicia whereby the card sandwiched between the base layer sheet and the outer layer sheet or between the tab identification insert and the outer layer sheet of the dual-purpose pocket may be identified.

18. A wallet system as recited in claim 1, further comprising:

A tab identification insert dimensioned to be inserted through an opening in the periphery of a tab portion of a dual-purpose pocket;
An opening for the insertion of said tab identification insert positioned in the periphery of said tab portion of said dual-purpose pocket.
Patent History
Publication number: 20120067472
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 3, 2011
Publication Date: Mar 22, 2012
Applicant: (Raleigh, NC)
Inventor: Pamela Scherr Cohen (Raleigh, NC)
Application Number: 13/252,124
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Including Separable Content-holding Structure (150/138)
International Classification: A45C 1/06 (20060101);