US20060151077A1

US20060151077A1 - Flexible wallet assembly with plicated card holder

Info

Publication number: US20060151077A1
Application number: US11/035,438
Authority: US
Inventors: Nancy Milford
Original assignee: TBAC Investment Trust
Current assignee: TBAC Investment Trust
Priority date: 2005-01-10
Filing date: 2005-01-10
Publication date: 2006-07-13
Also published as: WO2006074485A1

Abstract

A card holder assembly for use with a receptacle assembly, wherein the card holder assembly comprises a plurality of interleaf panels. The plurality of interleaf panels comprise a card-receiving pocket region for holding and protecting a plurality of cards. The card holder assembly further comprises a plurality of flexible interleaf panel positional retaining members. The flexible retaining members are fixedly attached to the receptacle assembly and to the plurality of interleaf panels. The interleaf panels form a plurality of plicated inter-linking connections, thereby providing for a plicated styled compartment card holder assembly.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to wallets. More particularly to a wallet or similar apparatus designed to carry, hold and protect a plurality of items. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to a wallet or similar apparatus designed to house, hold, protect, and organize identification, credit, debit, business and other similar cards and their associated receipts all within a plicated style holder compartment.
In today's almost cashless society, wherein the majority of transactions are consummated utilizing a debit/credit card, the average consumer is required to carry a number of items in card form for various purposes. These types of items include credit cards, business cards, a driver's license, social security cards, medical identification cards, insurance identification cards and other various informational cards. Typically, these types of cards are carried in purses, wallets and many other forms of carry/protection devices. A downfall of carrying such cards loosely or not protected is that they are more likely to be lost and may become scratched, bent, and/or unusable through repeated handling or falling from the carry apparatus. A variety of such card holders are available for use in connection with wallets and purses.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,775,398 discloses a holder for a credit card or a similar object formed from panels at least one of which is transparent. 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 if from the pocket. Card holders similar to those exemplified by the above-mentioned patent have been generally widely used. However, one particular problem with card holders of this general type is that while they serve to retain and protect the card, removal or extrication of the contained card can often be difficult. In addition, the cards can fall from the opened wallet if not adequately and properly engaged therein.
Additionally, attempts to provide a credit card case which may be conveniently utilized without requiring unusual handling or dexterity, can also be found. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,601,622 shows an accessory for wallets having an outer cover and a pocket disposed within the body and accessible through an aperture through the outer cover. A holder includes a peripheral frame defining at least one window for receiving and holding a substantially flat object, the holder adapted to be inserted into and extracted from the pocket.
Although the current availability of wallets having various styles of card holders is plentiful, none seem to adequately provide a solution to safe card retention when the wallet is positioned open or closed. In addition, most current wallets do not provide for a combination card organizer and receipt receptacle in a flexible, plicate accordion style. What is needed therefore is a wallet/organizer combination that satisfies at least the previous elements. The wallet design should be rugged, aesthetically pleasing, capable of organizing a plurality of credit/debit type cards with receipts and other similarly sized cards, and be capable of securely holding the same.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the invention comprises the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention. These embodiments are indicative of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed. Other objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.
While the various holders mentioned above do provide some improvement over the basic type of credit card holder in having provision to facilitate carry and removal of a card, these protective devices generally require a degree of manipulation and dexterity for removal of the card. In addition, these holders do not provide for adequate organization of a plurality of cards and their associated receipts while simultaneously allowing easy access to and selection of the desired card.
The wallet assembly and associated interior and exterior sub-assemblies embodying the inventive principles herein have substantial advantages over the prior art. The present invention provides a flexible receptacle such as a wallet or the like, but is not limited thereto, which includes a plicated card holder for safely securing, protecting, and holding a series of credit cards and receipts or the like. Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide for a flexible receptacle such as a wallet or the like and which includes an accordion styled credit card holder compartment for securely holding a series of information-bearing cards. The wallet and assemblies of the present invention may be economically produced and are adaptable for inclusion in various types of wallets and other assemblies described herein that will provide securement, protection and visibility of each card while permitting the cards to be easily and conveniently removed from the holder.
Briefly, in accordance with the present invention, a wallet is provided having a plurality of storage compartments and display areas. In accordance with one embodiment of the inventive principles disclosed herein, the wallet comprises a wallet assembly having at least one interior sub-assembly comprising a plicated card holder and organizer compartment. The plicated card holder compartment and organizer sub-assembly provided is preferably disposed in an accordion styled mounting having a plurality of interleaf panels, wherein each interleaf panel member comprises a major material sheet portion and a minor material sheet portion each made from a material such as a vinyl plastic, wherein the plurality of major sheet portions are joined along a medial fold line of the major sheet portions such that the cooperation of the sheet portions permit the user to carry a plurality of cards in vertical and/or horizontal arrangements.
The plurality of minor sheet portions are attached thereon one side of each of the major sheet portions in a complementary fashion to form a plurality of approximal card receiving pocket regions per interleaf panel member. Each approximal card receiving pocket region formed has opposite sides and top and bottom edges which define the card-receiving pocket. The top edge defines an opening through which a card may be inserted in either a horizontal and/or vertically disposed arrangement while leaving a majority portion of the card visible to permit the user to engage at least an edge of the card in a finger pinching manner to slidably remove the card from the pocket.
Further, a plurality of positional retaining members are stitch attached to an interior wall of a primary panel of the wallet and to an inner flap member. The positional retaining members assist in providing the plicated arrangement of the interleaf panel members. The panel members are attached to the plurality of positional retaining members by gluing or stitching the positional retaining member to an outer upper side edge of a major sheet portion of the panel member. Such securement and attachment relationship of the retaining member and each interleaf panel member makes provision for a plicated card holder functionally resting in a generally suspended configuration by attachment to the positional retaining members.
The plicated card holder of the present invention may be included in men's and women's wallets of various sizes, desk accessories, handbags, minibags, coin purses, business card cases, agenda/organizers, or other assemblies and such assemblies may include a plurality of such described plicated card holders.
These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.
It should be understood that any one of the features of the invention may be used separately or in combination with other features. It should be understood that features which have not been mentioned herein may be used in combination with one or more of the features mentioned herein. Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more readily apparent when considered in connection with the following, detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, which description is presented in conjunction with the annexed drawings below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary as well as the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown herein. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts. For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the interior of a flexible wallet assembly depicted in an open and extended configuration comprising a plicated card holder compartment according to the present invention;
FIG. 1A is a plan view depicting the interleaf panel member of the plicated card holder and pockets formed thereon having a card inserted therein according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a side view of the flexible wallet assembly of FIG. 1 depicting the plicated card holder compartment portion in a generally extended position according to the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the front side of the flexible wallet assembly of FIG. 1 shown in a generally compact arrangement with the cover flap depicted partially open according to the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the front side of a flexible wallet assembly of FIG. 1 shown in a closed arrangement with the cover flap depicted fully closed according to the present invention; and
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the back side of the flexible wallet assembly of FIG. 1 depicting a plurality of storage areas, window pockets for receiving a card, and a zippered storage compartment according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The general principles described herein may be applied to embodiments and applications other than those detailed below without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. The present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.
As will be described in detail below, the present invention provides for and discloses a flexible wallet assembly comprising a novel plicated card holder for various personal items such as credit cards, identification cards and the like. In addition to the novel plicated card holder, additional individual organizational compartments are provided that permit a user to easily identify and retrieve the compartments contents. The plicated holder, according to the present invention, may be provided as an individual unit or may be provided as a wallet, or the like, sub-assembly. The holder can further be disposed as a plurality of sub-assemblies arranged in various configurations that provide additional security, access, and storage of a card and associated receipts, thereby providing for security, economy and efficiency. It should be understood by one skilled in the art that the novel plicated credit card holder of the present invention may be embodied in various types of apparatuses commonly used in association with and included in, but not limited to, men's and women's wallets of various sizes, desk accessories, handbags, minibags, coin purses, business card cases, agenda/organizers, or other assemblies and such assemblies may include a plurality of such card holders.
Turning now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 through 5 illustrate one disclosed embodiment of the present invention as shown in connection with a wallet assembly. Although not shown, it should be understood that the plicated card holder of the present invention can be incorporated in a plethora of bags, wallets, cases and accessories as will be described herein. In accordance with the present invention, a receptacle assembly comprising a plurality of associated sub-assemblies is provided having a plurality of card pocket portions, storage compartments, and display areas. A receptacle assembly and its sub-assemblies together define a wallet assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention designated hereinafter by the numeral 1. In reference to FIG. 1, a wallet assembly 1 is constructed of a primary panel 16. One such example of primary panel 16 is depicted in FIG. 1 in a general open and extended position such that the overall primary panel 16 dimension is about 12 inches long as measured from a first end 30 to a second end 35 and is about 7½ inches wide as measured from major side 40 to minor side 45. It should be understood, however, by one skilled in the art that the primary panel 16 shape and dimensions depicted are not meant to be limiting in scope. Other sizes and shapes of primary panel 16 can be utilized without departing from the scope and content of the disclosure herein. For example, the primary panel 16 may be altered to accommodate men's and women's wallets of various sizes, desk accessories, handbags, minibags, coin purses, business card cases, agenda/organizers, or other assemblies.
In addition to providing general content and card security and protection, the primary panel 16 further provides foundational securement for attaching a plurality of interior and exterior sub-assemblies thereto for at least securing and holding a card. The wallet assembly 1 and associated sub-assemblies are explained in detail hereinbelow.
The wallet assembly 1 and associated sub-assemblies are typically manufactured from leather, however, other comparable and suitably flexible, cost efficient and durable materials, such as man-made materials, may be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. In addition, singularly or in combinations, leather and non-leather materials can be combined to manufacture the wallet assembly 1 and sub-assemblies, including the plicated card holder 5 and sub-assembly 10. By utilizing these materials, singularly or in combination, the wallet assembly 1 of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 becomes resiliently and flexibly foldable along at least a primary medial fold line 15 for providing closure and carry of the wallet assembly 1.
A first end 30 of the primary panel 16 further functions to provide a cover flap 20 for allowing secure enclosure of the wallet assembly's 1 contents when folded along medial fold line 15. As can be referenced in FIG. 2, the cover flap 20 operates in overlapping agreement between the exterior side 20 a of the second end 35 of primary panel 16 for allowing alignment and engagement of cover flap male connector 25 a with at least one of a plurality of receiving connectors 25 b, 25 c located exteriorly approximate the second end 35 on primary panel 16. The connectors 25 a, 25 b, 25 c utilized in one embodiment of the wallet assembly 1 are those commercially available and operate in a pressure forced snapping action whereby male connector 25 a is snapped into receiving connector 25 b, 25 c. The determination by the user to use receiving connector 25 b or 25 c is based upon the amount of bulkiness caused by the wallet assembly contents. Therefore, receiving connector 25 b would provide for mated engagement with male connector 25 a to provide adequate closure of the wallet assembly when the wallet assembly has greater bulk. In contrast, receiving connector 25 c would be used when the wallet assembly has less bulk or when a tighter enclosure is desired. It should be understood by one skilled in the art that a variety of other suitable connectors or fasteners, such as, but not limited to, snaps, hook and loop such as Velcro®, buttons, magnetic connectors, single male/female connectors, or other similar devices can be utilized on the assembly depicted or utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.
In further reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the second end 35 of primary panel 16 further comprises a pocket portion 85 for receiving a sub-assembly attachment, such as that more clearly depicted by sub-assembly 10 in FIG. 1. Additionally, pocket portion 85 permits the carrying of paper currency, receipts, bills and the like. Sub-assembly 10 is removably secured to primary panel 16 pocket portion 85 by inserting flap 12 into pocket portion 85 such that sub-assembly 10 when folded is generally suspended by first pocket portion member 100 which extends from about major side 40 to about minor side 45 of the primary panel 16. In addition, pocket portion 85 and member 100 also permit a user to insert a common checkbook for completing and dispensing checks or the like. Carbon checkbook divider 80 provides imprinting protection when completing checks to subsequent carbon paper check copies when utilizing checkbooks having an original check combined with impression carbon surface paper for providing the user with a copy of the written transaction.
Sub-assembly 10 further provides a plurality of individual card-receiving sections 75 a-75 e for carrying credit card 8 or the like. Each section 75 a-75 e provides card 8 exposure of about ⅜ inch, as can be generally referenced by EX₁in FIG. 1, when card 8 is fully inserted into a card-receiving section 75 a-75 e. However, it should be understood by one skilled in the art that each card-receiving section 75 a-75 e may be constructed having a deeper design such that card 8 may not be exposed in the manner described but may be designed such that card 8 is seated deeper without providing a visible exposure.
In one embodiment, each of the individual card-receiving sections 75 a-75 e is constructed of leather, plastic or other suitable similar material. Preferably the card-receiving sections 75 a-75 e are made of leather but are not limited thereto. It should be understood, however, to one skilled in the art that the wallet assembly 1, or other assemblies comprising the plicated card holder 5, may be constructed without card receiving/organizer sections 75 a-75 e without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. A second pocket portion member 95 is located on sub-assembly 10 and is provided for additional storage use.
Sub-assembly 10 further comprises at least one card receiving pocket and viewing window combination as depicted by first card receiving/viewing window 65. The first card receiving/viewing window 65 is preferably made from transparent or translucent materials having generally rectangular dimensions of about 3 inches by 2 inches. However, such shape is not meant to be limiting in scope or design. Preferably the first card receiving/viewing window 65 is made from a clear polyvinyl chloride or polyurethane plastic as is commonly and commercially available. A first card receiving slot 65 a is provided that permits a user to insert a card 8 for display behind the first card receiving/viewing window 65. For user convenience, sub-assembly 10 further comprises a sleeve 90 for removable retainment and carry of a scribing instrument, such as a pen or pencil, or other cylindrical apparatus.
In reference to FIGS. 1 and 1A, as mentioned before, the wallet assembly 1 comprises a plurality of sub-assemblies wherein at least one interior sub-assembly comprises the plicated card holder 5 and card receiving/organizer sections 50 a-50 g. It should be understood, however, to one skilled in the art that the wallet assembly 1, or other assemblies comprising the plicated card holder 5 of the present invention, may be constructed without card receiving/organizer sections 50 a-50 g without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The plicated card holder 5 will be discussed in greater detail below but for general reference and clarity the items as shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A will be discussed. As is clearly shown in FIG. 1A, the plicated card holder 5 comprises a plurality of components and sub-components having major components comprising a plurality of interleaf panel members 7 joined to a plurality of positional retaining members 55 a, 55 b, which form an interlinking connection and, which are then stitch attached to an upper interior wall 20 b of primary panel 16 of the wallet assembly 1 and to an inner flap member 6. The positional retaining members 55 a, 55 b functionally provide plicated arrangement of the interleaf panel members 7.
In specific reference to FIG. 1A, the interleaf panel members 7 are attached to the plurality of positional retaining members 55 a, 55 b by gluing or stitching each positional retaining member 55 a, 55 b to outer and inner edges, including outer and inner upper side edges 7 f, 7 g of major sheet portion 7 a of each interleaf panel member 7. The interlinking connections, securement and attachment relationship of the retaining members 55 a, 55 b and each interleaf panel member 7 makes provision for placement of a plurality of vertical and/or horizontal card-receiving pocket region portions 9 on member 7. This arrangement is also shown in a side view in FIG. 2 and will be discussed in further detail below.
The plicated card holder 5 further provides a plurality of individual card-receiving/organizer sections 50 a-50 g for carrying a credit cards 8 or the like. Card-receiving sections 50 a-50 g are similar to those described above relating to card-receiving sections 75 a-75 e of sub-assembly 10. In one disclosure embodiment there exists a greater number of card-receiving sections 50 a-50 g in the plicated card holder 5 than that disposed on sub-assembly 10. Each section 50 a-50 g provides for card 8 exposure of about ⅜ inch, as can be generally referenced by EX₂in FIG. 1, when the card 8 is fully inserted into a card-receiving section 50 a-50 g. Each of the individual card-receiving sections 50 a-50 g is constructed of leather, plastic or other suitable similar material. Typically the card-receiving sections 50 a-50 g are made of leather but are not limited thereto. A third pocket portion member 52 is located on the plicated card holder 5 and provides for additional storage of a variety of items. The third pocket portion member 52 is disposed so that the pocket portion member 52 is exposed to the user when the wallet assembly 1 is in an open position.
The plicated card holder 5 further comprises at least one card receiving pocket and viewing window combination as depicted by second card receiving/viewing window 60. The second card receiving/viewing window 60 is typically made from transparent or translucent materials having generally rectangular dimensions of about 2¾ inches by 1¾ inches. However, such shape is not meant to be limiting in scope or design. In one disclosed embodiment, the second card receiving/viewing window 60 is made from a clear polyvinyl chloride or polyurethane plastic as is commonly and commercially available. Second card receiving slot opening 60 a provides access to the area beneath window 60 so the card 8 can be inserted. For example, the area behind window 60 is dimensionally suited for reception of a card such as a driver's license or similar identification card, thereby allowing the license to be easily inspected for purposes of identification while simultaneously securing and protecting the license.
With reference to FIGS. 2 and 1A, the wallet assembly 1 is depicted as viewed from the minor side 45. In this minor side 45 view, depicting a partially closed/open wallet assembly 1, the positional arrangement of a generally extended plicated card holder 5 and other associated wallet assembly 1 sub-assemblies such as sub-assembly 10 and exterior sub-assembly pocket 125 are shown.
The plicated card holder 5 of the present invention is typically disposed in an accordion style mounting and comprises, as was briefly discussed above, a plurality of interleaf panel members 7, wherein each interleaf panel member 7 comprises a major sheet portion 7 a having an outer and inner side (not shown) and a minor confronting sheet portion 7 b wherein each portion is manufactured from a transparent material such as a vinyl plastic or the like. The plurality of major sheet portions 7 a are stitch joined along a medial fold line 7 c of the major sheet portions 7 a having a front side and a back side. It should be understood that other light density materials can be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention described herein. For example, a variety of transparent, translucent, or even opaque materials in a plethora of colors can be selected.
The plurality of minor sheet portions 7 b are stitch attached 7 e (see FIG. 1A) in an overlaying fashion thereon one end of one half of the folded outer side of the major sheet portion 7 a and also on an opposite end of one half of the folded inner side of each of the major sheet portion 7 a in a complementary fashion, thereby forming a plurality of approximal vertical and/or horizontal card receiving pocket regions 9 per interleaf panel member 7. The plicated card holder 5 provides the user with the ability to insert vertically and/or horizontally a plurality of cards 8 into approximal card-receiving pocket regions 9 which are vertically and/or horizontally stitch 7 e configured thereon interleaf panel members 7. As shown in FIG. 1A, each approximal card receiving pocket region 9 is formed by way of a stitching technique that form opposite generally parallel sides and opposite generally parallel top and bottom edges which define the card-receiving pocket region 9. The top edge juncture of the major sheet portion 7 a and the minor sheet portion 7 b, selectively stitched, defines an aperture 7 d through which the card 8 may be inserted into the card-receiving pocket region 9 while leaving a majority portion of the card 8 visible. Such card 8 exposure permits the user to digitally engage at least an end or side edge of card 8 in a finger pinching manner to slidably remove the card from the pocket region 9.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 1A and as briefly described above in relation to FIG. 1, a plurality of positional retaining members 55 a, 55 b are attached, to upper interior wall 20 b of primary panel 16 of the wallet assembly 1 and to an inner flap member 6. The positional retaining members 55 a, 55 b functionally provide plicated arrangement of the interleaf panel members 7. The interleaf panel members 7 are typically attached to the plurality of positional retaining members 55 a, 55 b by gluing and/or by common stitching techniques. Each positional retaining member 55 a, 55 b is attached to an outer upper side edge 7 f of the major sheet portion 7 a of each interleaf panel member 7. Such securement and attachment relationship of the retaining members 55 a, 55 b and each interleaf panel member 7 provides for a plicated card holder 5 that functionally rests in a generally suspended configuration by attachment to the positional retaining members 55 a, 55 b.
Further reference to FIG. 2 shows that the compartment region of the plicated card holder 5 is expandandable to about 3 inches width, in the upper region of the plicated card holder 5 during open extension as is indicated by w₁. In one embodiment, the attachment of the interleaf panel members 7 to positional retaining members 55 a, 55 b provides a plurality of extension pockets, which are located between each major sheet portion as viewed in FIG. 2, for accommodating paper receipts or the like, between the plurality of interleaf panel members 7. Each extension pocket has an upper open extension width of about ½ inch. In an alternate embodiment (not shown) a protective cover member can be utilized to supplement or act independent of primary panel 16 to overlay the compartment region of the plicated card holder 5 to assist in retention of cards 8 when utilized in an assembly.
In reference to FIGS. 2 and 5, one embodiment of wallet assembly 1 further comprises an exteriorally disposed pocket enclosure region 125 defined by a portion of exterior side 20 a and flap 109, wherein the pocket enclosure region 125 is accessed by a user via a securable fastening and enclosing means such as a common zipper. The enclosing means depicted in FIGS. 2 and 5 provides for a fastening device disposed on generally adjacent top edges of the pocket enclosure region 125, wherein the fastening device typically, but not limited to, comprises metal, plastic, or nylon teeth that are slidably engaged and interlocked by way of a sliding interlocking vehicle 115 attached to finger grip tab 120 such that when the vehicle 115 is slidably positioned adjacent to the minor edge 45 an enclosed pocket for carrying articles is formed.
In further reference to FIGS. 2 and 5, the exteriorally disposed pocket enclosure region 125 further comprises a plurality of card view windows 150, 155, wherein the framing material for the card view window 150 is stitch disposed on a substantially centralized portion of exterior side 20 a. The card view window 155 is located on a central exterior flap 140, the flap 140 having a generally rectangular perimeter dimension of about 3 inches by 4 inches that hinges 142 along fold line 143 for providing flexible opening and closing of flap 140. When closure of flap 140 is desired, securement is obtained by hinging 142 flap 140 into alignment and releasable attachment via a connection means, such as a male connector snap 130 a and female connector snap 130 b, upon foldably hinging 142 along fold line 143 and applying a snap engagement pressure to the connection means. The card view windows 150 and 155 have generally rectangular dimensions of about 3 inches by 1½ inches and are typically made from transparent or translucent materials. In one embodiment, the card view windows 150 and 155 are made from a clear polyvinyl chloride or polyurethane plastic as is commonly and commercially available. However, such shape and materials are not meant to be limiting in scope or design.
For clarity and completeness, FIG. 2 further depicts the structural assemblage of the wallet assembly 1 and other associated sub-assembly positional relationship orientations relating to previously described elements, such as the apertures 7 d, the sub-assembly 10, the cover flap 20, the exterior side 20 a, the upper interior wall 20 b, the cover flap male connector 25 a, the female connectors 25 b, 25 c, the first end 30, the second end 35, the minor side 45, the carbon checkbook divider 80, and the sleeve 90. These elements are described more specifically with reference to FIG. 1 as detailed above.
The plicated card holder 5 disclosed by the present invention may be functionally incorporated for use in a variety of apparatuses such as, but not limited to, various sizes of mens' and ladies' wallets, purses, handbags, business card cases, coin purses, personal agenda type organizers, mini bags, desk accessories, and other assemblies. Therefore, to accommodate each style of apparatus it should be understood and is disclosed herein that the components of the plicated card holder 5 such as, but not limited to, the number and sizes of each interleaf panel member 7 components 7 a and 7 b, the number and size of each positional retaining member 55 a, 55 b, the number and size of each extension pocket p, and the number, size, and configuration/positioning of pockets 9 per interleaf panel member 7 can be increased or decreased to fit within the structure of the apparatus.
Now turning to FIG. 3, the wallet assembly 1 of the present invention comprising the plicated card holder 5 is presented in a perspective view depicting a view from front side 22 being shown in a generally compact arrangement with the cover flap 20 depicted in a partially open position, thereby allowing access to the contents thereof. Each item referenced in FIG. 3 is described hereinabove as relating to FIGS. 1, 1A, 2, and 5 but is now shown and will be referenced to provide clarity of arrangement of the many component parts and sub-assemblies. More specifically, FIG. 3 depicts the interaction and relationship of the wallet assembly 1 items, component parts, sub-assemblies when in a generally compact arrangement with the cover flap 20 partially open. These item references comprise the sub-assembly 10, the cover flap 20, the upper interior wall 20 b, the cover flap male connector 25 a, the female connectors 25 b, 25 c, the first end 30, the second end 35, the major side 40, the minor side 45, the sleeve 90, the cards 8, the plicated card holder compartment 5, the interleaf panels 7, the inner flap member 6, the primary medial fold line 15, and the positional retaining members 55 a, 55 b.
Now turning to FIG. 4, a perspective view of the front side 22 of the wallet assembly 1 is shown in a closed arrangement with the cover flap 20 depicted as being fully closed with the male/female connecting means engaged as described above. FIG. 4 depicts the wallet assembly as described in FIG. 3 but having the cover flap 20 in a close position. The general closed rectangular dimensions of the wallet assembly 1 are about 4½ inches by 7½ inches.
Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to a certain preferred embodiment or embodiments, it is obvious that equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components (assemblies, devices, circuits, etc.), the terms (including a reference to a “means”) used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (i.e., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary embodiments of the invention.
In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other embodiments as may be desired. It is therefore, contemplated that the following claims will cover any such modifications or embodiments that fall within the true scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A card holder assembly for use with a receptacle assembly, the holder assembly comprising:

a plurality of interleaf panels, wherein the panels comprise a card-receiving pocket region for holding and protecting a plurality of cards; and

a plurality of flexible interleaf panel positional retaining members wherein, the flexible retaining members are fixedly attached to the receptacle assembly and to the plurality of interleaf panels forming a plurality of plicated inter-linking connections and thereby providing for a plicated styled compartment card holder assembly.

2. The card holder assembly as in claim 1 wherein the flexible retaining member fixedly attached to the receptacle assembly includes flexible retaining members fixedly attached to one of the group consisting of handbags, mini bags, men's wallets, women's wallets, coin purses, business card cases, personal agendas/organizers, and desk accessories.

3. The card holder assembly as in claim 1 wherein the card receiving pocket region includes a card receiving pocket region for holding and protecting one of a group consisting of credit cards, business cards, identification cards, and a driver's license.

4. The card holder assembly as in claim 1 wherein the plurality of interleaf panels are manufactured from man-made materials.

5. The card holder assembly as in claim 1 wherein the interleaf panels are manufactured from a transparent material.

6. The card holder assembly as in claim 5 wherein the transparent material is a vinyl plastic.

7. The card holder assembly as in claim 1, wherein each interleaf panel comprises a plurality of sheet portions.

8. The card holder assembly as in claim 7 wherein the plurality of sheet portions comprise a major sheet portion having an inner and outer side and a plurality of minor sheet portions.

9. The card holder assembly as in claim 8 wherein the plurality of major sheet portions are stitch attached together along a medial fold line thereof each major sheet portion and wherein each major sheet portion is then folded along the stitched medial fold line.

10. The card holder assembly as in claim 8 wherein a minor sheet portion is attached to the major sheet portion on one end of one half of a folded outer side of each major sheet portion.

11. The card holder assembly as in claim 10 wherein a minor sheet portion is attached to the major sheet portions on an opposite end of one half of a folded inner side of each major sheet portion.

12. The card holder assembly as in claim 1 wherein outer and inner edges of the plurality of interleaf panels are attached to the flexible inter leaf panel positional retaining members.

13. The card holder assembly as in claim 1 wherein the plurality of flexible interleaf panel positional retaining members further provide a generally suspended configuration of the plurality of interleaf panels.

14. A receptacle system having a card holder sub-assembly for holding and protecting cards, the receptacle system comprising:

a primary receptacle assembly;

a plurality of flexible interleaf panel positional retaining members wherein, the flexible retaining members are fixedly attached to the primary receptacle assembly and to the plurality of interleaf panels forming a plurality of plicated inter-linking connections and thereby providing for a plicated styled compartment card holder.

15. The receptacle system as in claim 14 wherein the primary receptacle assembly provides for foundational attachment and protection of a plurality of receptacle system sub-assemblies.

16. The receptacle system as in claim 15 wherein the receptacle sub-assembly comprises a plurality of pockets for carrying a variety of cards.

17. A receptacle system as in claim 14 wherein the primary receptacle assembly is selected from the group consisting of handbags, mini bags, men's wallets, women's wallets, coin purses, business card cases, personal agendas/organizers, and desk accessories.

18. A receptacle system as in claim 17 wherein the primary receptacle assembly is manufactured from man-made materials.

19. A receptacle system as in claim 17 wherein the primary receptacle assembly is manufactured from leather.

20. A receptacle system as in claim 14 wherein the card receiving pocket region is so includes a card receiving pocket region for holding and protecting one of a group consisting of credit cards, business cards, identification cards, and a driver's license.

21. A receptacle system as in claim 14 wherein the plurality of interleaf panels are manufactured from man-made materials.

22. A receptacle system as in claim 14 wherein the interleaf panels are manufactured from a transparent material.

23. A receptacle system as in claim 22 wherein the transparent material is a vinyl plastic.

24. A receptacle system as in claim 14, wherein each interleaf panel comprises a plurality of sheet portions.

25. A receptacle system as in claim 24 wherein the plurality of sheet portions comprise a major sheet portion having an inner and outer side and a plurality of minor sheet portions.

26. A receptacle system as in claim 25 wherein the plurality of major sheet portions are stitch attached together along a medial fold line thereof each major sheet portion and wherein each major sheet portion is then folded along the stitched medial fold line.

27. A receptacle system as in claim 26 wherein a minor sheet portion is attached to the major sheet portion on one end of one half of a folded outer side of each major sheet portion.

28. A receptacle system as in claim 27 wherein a minor sheet portion is attached to the major sheet portions on an opposite end of one half of a folded inner side of each major sheet portion.

29. A receptacle system as in claim 14 wherein outer and inner edges of the plurality of interleaf panels.

30. A receptacle system as in claim 14 wherein the plurality of flexible interleaf panel positional retaining members further provide a generally suspended configuration of the plurality of interleaf panels.

31. A flexible receptacle assembly, the assembly comprising:

a primary panel, wherein the primary panel provides for foundational securement of a sub-assembly;

a plurality of interleaf panels, wherein the interleaf panels are disposed in the sub-assembly, the panels comprising a card-receiving pocket region for holding and protecting a plurality of cards; and

a plurality of flexible interleaf panel positional retaining members, wherein the retaining members are fixedly attached to the primary panel and to the plurality of interleaf panels forming a plurality of plicated inter-linking connections and thereby providing a flexible assembly having a plicate accordion styled card holder compartment.

32. A flexible receptacle assembly as in claim 31 wherein the sub-assembly provides a plurality of card carrying pockets.

33. The flexible receptacle assembly as in claim 31 wherein the assembly is selected from the group consisting of handbags, mini bags, men's wallets, women's wallets, coin purses, business card ease, personal agendas/organizers, and desk accessories.

34. The flexible receptacle assembly as in claim 31 wherein the primary panel is manufactured from man-made materials.

35. The flexible receptacle assembly as in claim 31 wherein the primary panel is manufactured from leather.

36. The flexible receptacle assembly as in claim 31 wherein the card receiving pocket region includes a card receiving pocket region for holding and protecting one of the group consisting of credit cards, business cards, identification cards, and a driver's license.

37. The flexible receptacle assembly as in claim 31 wherein the plurality of interleaf panels are manufactured from man-made materials.

38. The flexible receptacle assembly as in claim 31 wherein the interleaf panels are manufactured from a transparent material.

39. The flexible receptacle assembly as in claim 38 wherein the transparent material is a vinyl plastic.

40. The flexible receptacle assembly as in claim 31 wherein each interleaf panel comprises a plurality of sheet portions.

41. The flexible receptacle assembly as in claim 40 wherein the plurality of sheet portions comprise a major sheet portion having an inner and outer side and a plurality of minor sheet portions.

42. The flexible receptacle assembly as in claim 41 wherein the plurality of major sheet portions are stitch attached together along a medial fold line thereof each major sheet portion and wherein each major sheet portion is then folded along the stitched medial fold line.

43. The flexible receptacle assembly as in claim 41 wherein a minor confronting sheet portion is attached to the major sheet portion on one end of one half of a folded outer side of each major sheet portion.

44. The flexible receptacle assembly as in claim 43 wherein a minor sheet portion is attached to the major sheet portions on an opposite end of one half of a folded inner side of each major sheet portion.

45. The flexible receptacle assembly as in claim 31 wherein the plurality of flexible interleaf panel positional retaining members are attached to outer and inner edges of the plurality of interleaf panels.

46. The flexible receptacle assembly as in claim 31 wherein the receptacle assembly further comprises at least one sub-assembly.

47. The flexible receptacle assembly as in claim 46 wherein the at least one sub-assembly provides for carrying and holding credit, identification cards, and/or checkbook.

48. The flexible receptacle assembly in claim 47 wherein the additional subassembly comprises a plurality of individual card receiving sections.

49. The flexible receptacle assembly as in claim 48 wherein the individual card receiving sections provide a card exposure of about ⅜ inch.

50. The flexible receptacle assembly as in claim 47 wherein the at least one sub-assembly further comprises at least one viewing window combination.

51. The flexible receptacle assembly as in claim 50 wherein the viewing window is made from transparent material.

52. The flexible receptacle assembly as in claim 51 wherein the window (3) three inches by (2) two inches.