Abstract:
A bi fold plastics wallet ( 59 ) comprising: a first wall ( 62 ) having an inner face, an outer face and a flexible spine and which defines on one side of the spine a first compartment ( 64 ) and on another side a second compartment ( 65 ); wherein the first compartment ( 64 ) is connected to the second compartment ( 65 ) via the spine ( 78 ) such that the first and second compartment are capable of relative movement allowing one said compartments to be moved between a folded state in which the compartments oppose each other and an unfolded state wherein the compartments are unopposed.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to wallets and more particularly relates to wallets of the bifold type including compartments for holding objects such as money and the like. More particularly the present invention relates to an improved more durable wallet manufactured from a plastics material and including compartments which are sufficiently rigid to retain their volume but flexible enough to confirm as required to pockets and body shapes. 
         [0002]    Although the invention will be described with reference to preferred configurations constructed from plastics layers, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the plastics wallet arrangements are adaptable in a wide variety of applications. 
       PRIOR ART 
       [0003]    Numerous wallets are known in the prior art. Examples are illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,905,881 issued to Graber; 4,570,688 issued to Williams; 5,497,818 issued to Marcarelli; and 1,298,278 issued to Bashinski. 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,695,022 discloses a wallet including a pocket portion defining a front panel, a rear panel, a bottom, side edges, an open top, and a flap portion that extends from the rear panel for folding over the open top to engage the front panel. The wallet comprises male and female fasteners for engaging the flap portion with the front panel. 
         [0005]    Although the prior art patents show variety of wallets, each wallet may have particular functional characteristics which allow access to various compartments. Generally the typical wallets have compartments defined by walls which define an envelope which may either have an open edge or which may be closed by a member such as a flap. 
         [0006]    Wallets are generally made from leather layers or material backed plastics layers which are connected along edges to form compartments. Thus a three layer wallet might form two compartments which can retain objects such as money therein. 
         [0007]    A wallet typically comprises a pocket portion defining a pocket having a front panel, a rear panel, a bottom, side edges and an open top, wherein the front and rear panels are being sandwiched and secured together along the edges thereof. Known wallets may further include a flap portion that extends from a rear panel for folding over the open top to engage the front panel. The wallet may further include a plurality of fasteners disposed on the front panel and flap portion for engaging the flap portion with the front panel. 
         [0008]    Accordingly, wallets have a variety of configurations but they have been restricted to construction by materials which impart flexibility to the wallet. This results in any content being placed under stress by squeezing particularly in bifold wallets. U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,563 discloses a multiple bill compartment wallet A wallet including a single strip of material including a plurality of oppositely folded and integrally attached panels which extend in directions opposite the adjacent panels to provide a series of outwardly opening paper currency receiving compartments. A closure, integral with at least one of the panels, is detachably coupled to one of the endmost panels in the stack. 
         [0009]    Wallets have been provided heretofore, such as that illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 2,455,515, issued to Samuel Miller on Dec. 7, 1948, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,266,544, issued to B. L. Snyder on Aug. 16, 1966, each of which discloses the concept of a plurality of compartments for holding currency of differing denominations. 
         [0010]    The prior art wallets are generally fabricated from a plurality of individual panels which are assembled in stacked relation. The stacking and assembly of individual panels adds to the expense of manufacture. Leather wallets are common and are usually formed from layers of relatively soft material such as cloth layers which are enveloped by a leather outer skin. There have also been cheap wallets which are formed from soft skin plastics with a cloth backing and which are crushable so that the definition and boundaries of the inner compartments are not retained. 
         [0011]    There has been a long felt want in the industry to provide a satisfactory alternative to the known wallets which ameliorates the disadvantages of the prior art wallets 
       INVENTION 
       [0012]    The present invention seeks to provide an alternative to the known wallets and in particular to those of the type having a plurality of compartments. 
         [0013]    In is one object of the present invention to provide a wallet which has a plurality of compartments, has improved durability but sufficient flexibility to conform to body contours. 
         [0014]    In is a further object of the present invention to provide a wallet which has compartments which are more easily accessed than the known envelope type wallets and which allow improved opening and closing of the compartments. Still another object of the present invention is to provide an alternative bi fold wallet constructed from a blend of plastics materials which allow the wallet on one hand to be sufficiently rigid so that the integrity of the compartments is retained but sufficiently flexible so that its panels can deflect with elastic memory so that the wallet is capable of confirming to body contours. Accordingly, it is yet another object of the present invention to provide a multiple compartment wallet which includes a pair of end panels, a plurality of intermediate panels sandwiched between the end panels, and a closure coupled to one of the intermediate panels detachably coupled to one of the end panels. A still further object of the present invention is to provide a multi-compartment wallet of the type described including novel closures. 
         [0015]    These and other objects of the present invention will become more readily apparent as the description thereof. 
         [0016]    In its broadest form the present invention comprises: 
         [0017]    a wallet comprising; 
         [0018]    a body including a first outer compartment and an opposing second outer compartment connected to the first outer compartment such that the first and second outer compartments are capable of relative movement allowing one said compartments to be moved relative to the other compartment between a folded state in which the compartments oppose each other and an unfolded state wherein the compartments are generally in alignment; 
         [0019]    the wallet further comprising a fold out cover which when folded opposes each said first and second outer compartments; wherein the cover is pivotally connected to said body and defines at least one other compartment; 
         [0020]    means connecting said first and second compartments which allow said movement between said folded and unfolded state; 
         [0021]    According to a preferred embodiment, said cover which is adapted to move between a folded state in which the cover closes one or both said compartments and un unfolded state in which the cover exposes an internal space in said compartments. The cover preferably includes a compartment having a slidable lid capable of opening and closing said cover compartment. 
         [0022]    According to a preferred embodiment, the cover is attached to the body of said wallet via at least one hinge. Preferably a first hinge connects said cover to said first compartment and a second hinge connects said cover to said second compartment. According to another embodiment, the cover comprises separate cover elements a first of which comprises said cover compartment and lid and a second of which detachably receives and retains thereon a card holder. 
         [0023]    In another broad form the present invention comprises: 
         [0000]    a wallet formed by moulding from at least two plastics materials; the wallet including a first of said plastics materials forming a soft outer wall and a second of said plastics materials being semi rigid and surrounding said outer wall; the wallet further comprising a cover formed from a semi rigid plastics material and a periphery formed from a soft flexible plastics with elastic memory; wherein the cover is folded into opposing relationship with said outer wall and so that the wallet is capable of bi folding so that compartments defined by the outer wall confronts. 
         [0024]    Preferably the wallet includes a releasable card holder and a tab which allows locking closure of said confronting compartments. 
         [0025]    A multiple fold storage wallet comprising: a plurality of inter-coupled, compartments including a pair of outer panels and a plurality of intermediate panels sandwiched between said outer panels each of said plurality of panels having one end coupled to an adjacent end of an adjacent confronting panel on one side thereof one of said end-most panels having first fastener means thereon; one said panels having a tab integrally coupled thereto along a portion thereof and extending outwardly and around an opposite side of another panel; the wallet formed by moulding from at least two plastics materials; the wallet including a first of said plastics materials forming a soft outer wall and a second of said plastics materials being semi rigid and surrounding said outer wall; the wallet further comprising a cover formed from a semi rigid plastics material, and a periphery formed from a soft flexible plastics with elastic memory. 
         [0026]    According to a preferred embodiment, a tab used to close the wallet is integral with the soft flexible outer wall plastics material and has sufficient extension to wrap around an opposite face of said wall. 
         [0027]    In another broad form the present invention comprises: 
         [0028]    a foldable wallet comprising; 
         [0029]    a body including a first pair of compartments and an opposing second pair of compartments connected to the first compartments such that the first and second compartments are capable of relative movement allowing one said compartments to be moved relative to the other compartment between a folded state in which the compartments oppose each other and an unfolded state wherein the compartments are generally in alignment; 
         [0030]    hinge means connecting said first and second compartments which allow said movement between said folded and unfolded state; 
         [0031]    said second compartments also forming a cover which is adapted to move between a folded state in which the cover closes the first pair of compartments and an unfolded state in which the cover exposes an internal space in said first pair of compartments; said cover including a slidable lid capable of opening and closing said cover compartment. 
         [0032]    According to a preferred embodiment, the cover is attached to the body of said wallet via at least one hinge. Preferably a first hinge connects said cover to said first pair of compartments. According to another embodiment, the cover detachably receives and retains thereon a card holder. 
         [0033]    The wallet further comprises a roving module which engages the compartment formed in said cover. 
         [0034]    Preferably, one of said first pair of compartments of said wallet body includes a tab which enables said first body and said second body to be secured in said folded state. 
         [0035]    According to one embodiment, the first and second pair of compartments of said wallet body are manufactured from co moulded polypropylene, the lid from polypropylene, the roving module from polypropylene and the card holder from PVC. 
         [0036]    According to an alternative embodiment, the wallet body and cover are made from a blend of soft flexible plastics and a semi rigid plastics. Preferably the semi rigid plastics forms an outer surface of the cover and an inner portion of the cover. Preferably the soft flexible rubberised plastics forms an inner surface of the first and second compartments and a peripheral rim of said cover. 
         [0037]    In its broadest form the present invention comprises: 
         [0038]    A bi fold plastics wallet comprising; 
         [0039]    a first wall having an inner face, an outer face and a flexible spine and which defines on one side of the spine a first compartment and on another side a second compartment; 
         [0040]    wherein, the first compartment is connected to the second compartment via the spine such that the first and second compartments are capable of relative movement allowing one said compartments to be moved between a folded state in which the compartments oppose each other and an unfolded state wherein the compartments are unopposed. 
     
    
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
         [0041]    The present invention will now be described in more detail according to a preferred but non limiting embodiment and with reference to the accompanying illustrations; wherein 
           [0042]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective exploded view of a wallet according to a preferred embodiment. 
           [0043]      FIG. 2  shows a plan interior surface view of the wallet of  FIG. 1  in an open configuration. 
           [0044]      FIG. 3  shows a plan outside surface view of the opposite side of the wallet of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0045]      FIG. 4  shows a side view of the wallet of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0046]      FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of the wallet closed. 
           [0047]      FIG. 6  shows a perspective exploded view of a wallet according to an alternative embodiment. 
           [0048]      FIG. 7  shows a plan interior surface view of the wallet of  FIG. 6  in an open configuration. 
           [0049]      FIG. 8  shows a plan outside surface view of the opposite side of the wallet of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0050]      FIG. 9  shows a side view of the wallet of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0051]      FIG. 10  shows a perspective view of the wallet closed. 
           [0052]      FIGS. 11   a, b, c  show a wallet in three utility configurations according to an alternative embodiment. 
           [0053]      FIG. 12  shows an exploded view of a wallet according to an alternative embodiment. 
           [0054]      FIG. 13  shows an exploded view of a wallet according to an alternative embodiment. 
           [0055]      FIG. 14  shows a plan interior surface assembled view of the wallet of  FIG. 13  in an open configuration. 
           [0056]      FIG. 15  shows a plan outside surface view of the opposite side of the wallet of  FIG. 13 . 
           [0057]      FIG. 16  shows a side view of the wallet of  FIG. 13 . 
           [0058]      FIG. 17  shows a perspective view of the wallet closed. 
           [0059]      FIG. 18  shows a perspective view of  FIG. 15   
           [0060]      FIG. 19  shows a perspective view of  FIG. 14 ; and 
           [0061]      FIG. 20  shows a side view of the wallet of  FIG. 17  closed. 
       
    
    
       [0062]    The invention will be described with reference to the following embodiments which disclose a wallet having a stiff outer plastics shell which is flexible enough to be elastic and thereby conform to body contours such as when the wallter is placed in the pocket of a wearer. It will be appreciated however, that the invention in adopting that concept can equally be applicable to a variety of alternative embodiments other than those described herein. 
         [0063]    Referring to  FIG. 1  there is shown a perspective view of a wallet  1  according to a preferred embodiment. Wallet  1  comprises an outer cover  2  having walls  3  and  4  which define inner compartments  5  and  6 . Cover  2  is preferably made from a soft flexible rubber which is of sufficient stiffness to enable the wallet to retain its shape but of sufficient flexibility to accommodate deflection so that it may conform to a body shape. Wallet  1  also comprises a closure  7  defining two compartments  8  and  9 . Closure  7  is pivotally attached to cover  2  via respective hinges  10  and  11  which allows closure  7  to be rotated so that it opposes cover  2 . Compartment  8  is closed by a sliding lid  12  which is then fitted onto cover  2 . Compartments  8  and  9  are joined by a bridge  13  which allows pivotal movement of compartment  8  relative to compartment  9  when closure  7  is folded over into opposing relationship with cover  2 . Cover  2  also includes a flexible bridge  14  which allow eventual bi folding of cover  2  so a wallet like appearance is formed. Compartment  9  of closure  7  receives and retains a card holder  15  which fits neatly into compartment  9 . Closure  2  further comprises a peripheral rim  16  which is formed from a semi rigid plastics material. Thus rim  16  peripherally stiffens closure  2  to provide an outer frame which supports soft flexible rubber of outer cover  2 . Closure  7  on the other hand incorporates a peripheral rim  17  made of soft rubber and an inner region  18  of semi rigid plastics. The distribution of soft and semi rigid plastics materials imparts a stiffness to wallet  1  which allows the compartments when folded to substantially retain, their structural integrity under load but without discomfort to the wearer. Cover  2  further comprises closure tab  19  which engages boss  23  when cover  2  is folded about bridge  14 . Bridges  13  and  14  are in apposition when closure  7  is folded over cover  2  and wallet  1  is folded about  14 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 2  shows a plan view of the wallet of  FIG. 1  in an open, configuration with corresponding numbering. According to this view closure  7  is folded into cover  2  via hinges  10  and  11 . Lid  12  has closed off compartment  8 ,  FIG. 2  also shows the relationship between bridges and  14  when closure  7  is disposed over cover  2 . In this configuration compartments  8  and  9  are foldable about bridge  13 . 
         [0065]      FIG. 3  shows a plan view of the opposite side of the wallet of  FIG. 1  in an open configuration with corresponding numbering. According to this view the reverse side of  FIG. 2  is visible. Outer surfaces  22  and  24  are shown joined by bridge  14 . In this configuration compartments  8  and  9  are foldable about bridge  13 . 
         [0066]      FIG. 4  shows a side view of the wallet of  FIG. 1  with corresponding numbering. 
         [0067]      FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of the wallet  1  closed/folded with corresponding numbering. The wallet so formed has a plurality of compartments, has improved durability but sufficient flexibility to conform to body contours and with an elastic memory. 
         [0068]    The wallet has compartments which are more easily accessed than the known envelope type wallets and which allow improved opening and closing of the compartments. 
         [0069]    Referring to  FIG. 6  there is shown a perspective exploded view of a wallet  29  according to an alternative embodiment. Wallet  29  comprises an outer cover  30  having walls  31  and  32  which define inner compartments  33  and  34 . Cover  30  is preferably made from a soft flexible rubberised plastics which is of sufficient stiffness to enable the wallet to retain its shape but of sufficient flexibility to accommodate elastic deflection. Wallet  30  also comprises a closure  35  defining two compartments  36  and  37 . Closure  35  is pivotally attached to cover  30  via respective hinges  38  and  39  which allows closure  35  to be rotated so that it opposes cover  30 . Compartment  36  is closed by a sliding lid  40  Compartments  36  and  37  are joined by a bridge  41  which, allows pivotal movement of compartment  36  relative to compartment  37  when closure  35  is folded over into opposing relationship with cover  30 . Cover  30  also includes a flexible bridge  42  which allows eventual bi folding of cover  30  so a wallet like appearance is formed. Compartment  37  of closure  35  receives and retains a card holder  43  which fits neatly into compartment  37 . Wallet  29  also comprises an optional detachable roving module  45  insertable in compartment  37 . Module  45  includes opening  51  which aligns with opening  50  in compartment  37 . Closure  35  further comprises a peripheral rim  44  which is formed from a semi rigid plastics material. Thus rim  44  peripherally stiffens closure  35  to provide an outer frame which supports soft flexible rubber of outer cover  30 . Closure  35  alternatively may incorporate a peripheral rim  44  made of soft rubber and an inner region  46  of semi rigid plastics. The distribution of soft and semi rigid plastics materials imparts a stiffness to wallet  29  which allows the compartments when folded to substantially retain their integrity under load but without discomfort to the wearer. Cover  30  further comprises closure tab  47  which engages boss  4 S when cover  30  is folded about bridge  42 . Bridges  41  and  42  are in apposition when closure  35  is folded over cover  30  and wallet  29  is folded about bridge  42 . 
         [0070]      FIG. 7  shows a plan interior surface view of the wallet of  FIG. 6  in an open configuration with corresponding numbering. According to this view closure  35  is folded into cover  30  via hinges  38  and  39 , Lid  40  has closed off compartment  8 .  FIG. 2  also shows the relationship between bridges and  14  when closure  7  is disposed over cover  2 . In this configuration compartments  20  and  21  are foldable about bridge  13 . 
         [0071]      FIG. 8  shows a plan view of the opposite side of the wallet of  FIG. 6  in an open configuration with corresponding numbering. According to this view the reverse side of  FIG. 7  is visible, Outer compartments  33  and  34  are shown joined by bridge  42 . In this configuration compartments  36  and  37  (obscured) are foldable about bridge  41 . Compartment  37  includes an aperture  50  and roving module  45  also includes an aperture  51  which aligns with apertures  50  when module  45  engages compartment  37  (see  FIG. 6 ). 
         [0072]      FIG. 9  shows a side view of the wallet  29  of  FIG. 6  with corresponding numbering. 
         [0073]      FIG. 10  shows a perspective view of the wallet closed with corresponding numbering. Tab  47  wraps around compartment  34  to engage boss  48 . The wallet so formed has a plurality of compartments, has improved durability but elastic flexibility. 
         [0074]      FIG. 11   a  shows a wallet  53  in a first open utility configuration according to an alternative embodiment.  FIG. 11   b  shows wallet  53  in a partially folded utility configuration according to an alternative embodiment. 
         [0075]      FIG. 11   c  shows wallet  53  in a partially folded utility configuration according to an alternative embodiment. Wallet  53  shown comprises cover  55  manufactured from a soft plastics material to which is pivotally attached via hinge  56  a closure wall  54  made partially from a soft plastics and partially from a rigid plastics material. As shown in  FIG. 11   c  wallet  53  is folded about hinge  58  to effect complete bi fold closure. 
         [0076]      FIG. 12  shows an exploded view of a wallet according to an alternative embodiment. 
         [0077]    Referring to  FIG. 13  there is shown a perspective view of a wallet  59  according to an alternative but preferred embodiment. Wallet  59  comprises an outer cover  61  having walls  62  and  63  which define inner compartments  64  and  65 . Cover  61  in preferably made from a combination of a soft flexible rubberised plastics shown by hatched areas  66  and  67  and a semi rigid plastics material (regions  68  and  69 ) which is of sufficient stiffness to enable the wallet to retain its shape but of sufficient flexibility to accommodate deflection so that it may either conform to a body shape or at least deflect in response to a load. Wallet  59  also comprises a wall  70  defining two regions  71  and  72 . Wall  70  engages cover  61  via aligned formations which may be rails and rail guides. Rail  74  engages recess  73  and recess  75  engages a corresponding rail obscured on the underside of wall  70 . The rail recess engagements may be male female type connections or reverse gender. According to one embodiment, they may be detachably fitted by snap fit engagement. Wall  70  nests inside peripheral rims  76  and  77 . Compartments  64  and  65  are joined by a bridge  78  which allows pivotal movement of compartment  64  relative to compartment  65  when cover  61  is folded about bridge  78 . 
         [0078]    Wall  70  also includes a flexible bridge  79  which allows bi folding of compartments  71  and  72  so a wallet like appearance is formed. Compartment region  71  of wall  70  receives and retains a card holder  80 . Card holder  80  includes male formations  81  which engage a female recess  82  on region  71 . Wall  70  of wallet  59  further comprises a peripheral rim  83  which is formed from a semi rigid plastics material. Thus rim  83  peripherally stiffens region  72  and provides an outer frame which supports soft flexible region  71 . Compartment  72  is defined by cover  84  which includes formation  85  which engages corresponding formations  86  and  87  associated with rim  83 . This arrangement allows cover to open and close compartment  72  by rotation of formation  85 . The distribution of soft and semi rigid plastics materials imparts a stiffness to wallet  59  which allows the compartments when folded to substantially retain their integrity under load but without discomfort to the Bridges  78  and  79  are in apposition when wall engages is folded over cover  2  and wallet  1  is folded about  14 . 
         [0079]      FIG. 14  shows a plan view of the wallet  59  of  FIG. 13  in an open configuration with corresponding numbering. According to this view wall  70  is engaged with cover  61  by for example, snap fit engagement. 
         [0080]      FIG. 15  shows an opened out plan view of the external face of the wallet  59  of  FIG. 13  in an open configuration and with corresponding numbering. According to this view the reverse side of that shown in  FIG. 14  is visible. In this configuration compartments  8  and  9  are foldable about bridge  13 . 
         [0081]      FIG. 16  shows a side view of the wallet of  FIGS. 14 and 15  with corresponding numbering.  FIG. 16  also shows the relationship between bridges  78  and  79  when wall  70  is disposed over cover  61 . In this configuration compartments  66  and  67  are foldable about bridge  78 . 
         [0082]      FIG. 17  shows a perspective view of the wallet closed with corresponding numbering. The wallet so formed has a plurality of compartments, has improved durability but sufficient flexibility to conform to body contours. 
         [0083]      FIG. 18  shows a perspective view of the wallet of  FIG. 15   FIG. 19  shows a perspective view of the wallet of  FIG. 14 ; and 
         [0084]      FIG. 20  shows a side view of the wallet of  FIG. 17  closed/folded. 
         [0085]    The wallet has compartments which are more easily accessed than the known, envelope type wallets and which allow improved opening and closing of the compartments. 
         [0086]    It will be recognized by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the invention as broadly described herein such as altering the durometers of the plastics used without departing from the overall spirit and scope of the invention.