Abstract:
A security wallet insert for thwarting loss of credit cards includes a carrying case which is installed in a foldable wallet, the insert having pockets for holding individual credit cards, and a movable member which must be extended relative to the insert to allow a card to be removed from a pocket, the extended movable member uncovering a “replace credit card” message and making it difficult to close the wallet and thereby impractical to return it to a pocket or purse. A spring activated by removal of a card from a pocket prevents the extended movable member from being returned to a closed non-obstructing position unless the spring is depressed, thus providing a positive reminder that a credit card must be returned to the wallet after the user has made a transaction, and thereby minimizing the probability that the card will be inadvertently left at a place of use.

Description:
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/691,485, filled Jun. 6, 2005. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   A. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to articles useable by a person to carry his or her credit cards. More particularly, the invention relates to a carrying case for a plurality of credit cards, which is useable separately or as an insert installed in a wallet, the construction of the case preventing it from being conveniently closed and returned to a person&#39;s pocket or purse until and unless a credit card which has been removed from the insert for use in a transaction has been returned to the insert. 
   B. Description of Background Art 
   Losing a credit card by accidently leaving it behind after use at a place of business is a very common occurrence. Reported credit card losses resulting from such oversights are staggering. Loss of a credit card can become a virtual nightmare, for a number of reasons. For example, trying to remember where one has last used his or her credit card, the inconvenience of returning to a business establishment to determine if the card has been left there, and the haunting fear of wondering whether the card is still there are common experiences associated with a credit card loss. Moreover, if the credit card is not present at a presumed location, problems for the credit card holder can quickly escalate. These problems include the hassle and time involved in reporting the credit card missing and obtaining a replacement card. An even worse problem being faced increasingly today is not merely the financial losses resulting from charges made on a card by someone who has stolen or found the card, since such losses are generally limited by statute to relatively small sums, but the much more substantial losses which can result from identify theft facilitated by a thief&#39;s use of a lost credit card. The financial and psychological costs of such identify theft can be truly devastating. 
   For the foregoing reasons, it can be readily understood that the loss of a person&#39;s credit card is a serious matter, warranting substantial efforts to discourage such a loss. Accordingly, a number of prior art devices have been disclosed which are intended to minimize loss of credit cards. 
   Prior art disclosures of devices for discouraging credit card loss include Beck et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,719,453, Card Carrier Having An Alarm, which includes a credit card holder that has a battery, an audible/visible alarm such as a beeper and/or flashing light, and an electronic sensor which energizes the alarm upon removal of a credit card. Potential disadvantages of the device include high production costs, requirement for batteries which could fail at inopportune times. Moreover, beeping sounds and slashing lights could be annoying to other patrons of a business establishment, and do not insure that the wallet will not be folded closed and put away before the card is returned. Also, electronic systems in general are failure-prone. 
   Eppenbach, U.S. Pat. No. 5,052,328, Apparatus For Preventing Credit Card Loss, discloses a wallet which includes an elongated rectangular leaf spring that is compressed by insertion of a credit card into a pocket over the leaf spring, and which elastically expands into a triangular cross-section band when the card is removed, the apex of the triangle abutting the opposing side of a center-fold wallet if an attempt is made to fold the wallet closed without replacing the credit card. However, because the overall protrusion height of the expanded leaf spring is inherently limited to a relatively small value, the wallet can still be folded closed with little noticeable effort. Thus, although the spring does hold open to some degree the center-fold area of the wallet when the wallet is folded closed, the protruding spring is not a sufficient deterrent to prevent the wallet from being closed and replaced into purse, handbag or large pocket. 
   Galante, U.S. Pat. No. 5,125,356, Missing Card Warning Device discloses a warning device for insertion into a credit card pocket of a wallet, the warning device consisting of a planar sheet which has protruding from one or more edges thereof a resilient rectangular strip which is resiliently raised upwards form the sheet to indicate removal of a credit card from a location overlying the device. The device offers no deterrence to inadvertently folding the wallet closed and pulling it away before the card is returned. The protruding strips offer a e reminder and would probably tend to go unnoticed by a person experiencing the many distractions customarily associated with the use of a credit card. 
   Vetter, U.S. Pat. No. 6,648,038, Wallet Card Reminder, discloses a wallet which has credit card pockets, each having a front wall with a top edge and a rear wall that extends higher than the front wall top edge. A holographic-type light-reflecting strip is attached to the rear wall to lie above the tope edge of the front wall, providing a visual reminder to a user when a credit card is removed from the pocket. However, experience indicates that in most cases, such visual warnings will go unnoticed. Once any type of printed reminder or warning is viewed on a regular basis over an extended period of time, the reminder loses its effect and is eventually ignored. Credit cards are lost because people are not paying attention in the first place, and therefore, it stands to reason that in time they will not pay attention to the warning feature this invention discloses. 
   The present invention was conceived of to provide an effective device for thwarting loss of credit cards. 
   OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
   An object of the present invention is to provide a portable carrying case for credit cards which is constructed in a manner that thwarts loss of credit cards. 
   Another object of the invention is to provide a credit card carrying case which is configured as a wallet insert that has a movable member which must be extended from an orientation which blocks access to a compartment for holding a credit card, to enable the card to be removed from the compartment, the extended movable member making it difficult to replace the wallet in a pocket or purse. 
   Another object of the invention is to provide a wallet insert for carrying credit cards which may be carried by itself or inserted into a wallet, the wallet insert including a movable member that must be extended from a credit card pocket compartment section of the wallet insert to enable access to and removal of one or more credit cards held within a plurality of pockets in the compartment section, the extending movable member increasing a maximum outline dimension of the wallet insert to the extent that the wallet insert cannot be conveniently replaced in a person&#39;s pocket or purse, or, if the wallet insert is installed in a folding wallet, the wallet in which the insert is installed cannot be folded closed to enable replacement of the wallet in a pocket or purse. 
   Another object of the invention is to provide a wallet insert for carrying credit cards which includes an obstructing member that must be extended from a credit card pocket compartment section of the wallet insert to enable access to and removal of one or more credit cards held within a plurality of individual pockets in the compartment section, the extended obstructing member increasing a maximum dimension of the insert of the wallet insert to the extent that the wallet insert cannot be conveniently replaced in a person&#39;s pocket or purse, and, when the wallet insert is installed in a folding wallet, preventing the wallet from being folded close, the insert including a locking mechanism for preventing the extended obstructing member from being retracted to a non-extending, non-obstructing orientation unless all credit cards are reinserted into the pockets. 
   Another object of the invention is to provide a wallet insert which includes an obstructing member comprising a blocking arm that must be extended from a credit card compartment section of the wallet insert, to enable a cover panel which overlies credit cards held within a plurality of individual pockets in the compartment section to be moved away from the pockets to thereby enable access to and removal of one or more credit cards from the pockets, the extended obstructing member increasing a maximum dimension of the wallet insert to the extent that it cannot be replaced in a person&#39;s pocket or purse, or, when the insert is installed in a folding wallet, preventing the wallet from being folded close, unless the blocking arm is retracted. 
   Various other objects and advantages of the present invention, and its most novel features, will become apparent to those skilled in the art by perusing the accompanying specification, drawings and claims. 
   It is to be understood that although the invention disclosed herein is fully capable of achieving the objects and providing the advantages described, the characteristics of the invention described herein are merely illustrative of the preferred embodiments. Accordingly, do not intend that the scope of my exclusive rights and privileges in the invention be limited to details of the embodiments described. I do intend that equivalents, adaptations and modifications of the invention reasonably inferable from the description contained herein be included within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Briefly stated, the present invention comprehends a portable carrying case for credit cards which comprises a wallet insert that is useable by itself or as a component of a wallet. A wallet insert for thwarting loss of credit cards according to the present invention includes a credit card compartment section which has a plurality, e.g., three, of individual rectangularly-shaped credit compartments, each of suitable size and shape to hold a standard credit card. 
   According to the invention, the wallet insert includes a moveable cover panel which overlies credit cards inserted into pockets of the credit compartment section. The cover panel must be translationally or pivotably moved, i.e., slid or pivoted, to uncover the credit card compartments and thereby enable credit cards to be removed from their respective pockets, and returned to the pockets upon completion of a transaction using the credit card. In one embodiment of the invention, the translated or pivoted credit card compartment cover panel extends outwardly from the credit card compartment, thus increasing the maximum outline dimension of the wallet insert by an amount sufficiently appreciable to make the wallet insert difficult if not impossible to return to a pocket or small purse, unless the cover panel is restored to a position covering the credit card compartment pockets. A “Return Card” reminder message printed on the insert compartment and displayed when the cover panel is moved to an uncovering position reminds a user of the wallet insert to return any credit cards removed from the credit card compartment pockets before sliding or rotating the cover panel to its closed position. When the wallet insert is installed in a folding wallet, the outwardly extended cover panel prevents the wallet from being closed. 
   In another embodiment of the invention, the wallet insert has a blocking arm which must be moved to an extended, obstructing position to enable a cover panel over the credit card pockets from being pivoted downwards from a closed position which allows access to credit cards in the pockets. 
   In a preferred embodiment of a wallet insert for thwarting loss of credit cards according to the present invention, the wallet insert includes a locking mechanism for locking the cover panel in its open, outwardly extended, obstructing position, unless each credit card pocket contains a credit card, thus ensuring that all credit cards must be returned to the compartment before the cover panel of the wallet insert can be closed, thereby elevating the status of the “RETURN CARD” notice from a reminder to a mandate. 
   A preferred, locking embodiment of a credit card wallet insert according to the present invention includes a credit compartment which has a cover panel that is slidably mounted to the compartment, enabling the cover panel to be slid from a compact, closed position covering credit card pockets of the compartment, to an open position allowing access to credit cards in the compartment, in which the panel is slid laterally outwardly from the compartment to thus increase its width by a substantial amount, i.e., greater than fifty percent. In this embodiment, each credit card compartment pocket is provided with a resilient locking tab, such as a spring steel strip, which protrudes forward from a rear wall of the pocket. The locking tab is depressed to a relatively flat orientation, parallel to and contacting the rear wall surface of a pocket when a credit card is inserted into position between the front and rear walls of the pocket. When a card is removed from the pocket, the spring steel locking tab is urged resiliently forward from the rear wall of the pocket by tension in the spring. 
   In a preferred, locking embodiment of a credit card wallet insert according to the present invention, the slidably mounted cover panel has protruding from a rear surface thereof a thin, elongated, flat-tab catch bar which is disposed vertically across the horizontally disposed upper access openings of a plurality of vertically staggered credit card compartment pockets that are stacked on top of one another. A rear, generally vertically disposed inner surface of the tab catch bar confronts each horizontally disposed locking tab positioned in an upper corner of each credit card compartment pocket, and slides readily over the compartments when each contains a credit card to thereby depress the locking tab into a flattened position in a pocket. Thus, with each credit compartment occupied by a credit card, the cover panel and rearwardly protruding tab catch bar are readily slidable laterally across the credit card compartment pockets. 
   In a preferred embodiment, the cover panel is slidably mounted to the credit card compartment by a slidable joint which includes a laterally disposed, rectangularly-shaped guide slot through the thickness dimension of the cover plate. A thin, rectangular guide boss protrudes outwardly through the guide slot from an outer surface of a lateral elongated, flat base panel which overlies the lower credit card compartment panel, below its upper access opening, the guide boss having a vertical height slightly less than that of the slot. The cover panel is retained slidably on the guide boss by a laterally elongated, rectangularly-shaped cover panel retainer plate which is fastened to an outer surface of the cover panel slide boss, the retainer plate having a height greater than that of the guide slot through the cover panel, and extending above and below the upper and lower edges of the slot to thereby confine motions of the cover plate to lateral directions relative to the base panel. 
   In preferred embodiments of a wallet insert according to the present invention, an upper laterally disposed edge of the cover panel is slidably retained to an upper laterally disposed edge of the credit card compartment by inverted, U-shaped hanger channel bracket, which has a downwardly protruding front leg attached to the front, outer surface of the cover panel, near the upper edge thereof. The U-shaped hanger channel bracket has a short, rearwardly disposed upper leg which protrudes rearwardly over the upper edge of the cover panel, from an upper edge of the front leg, and a rear leg which protrudes downwardly from a rear portion of the upper leg. The rear leg of U-shaped channel bracket has a front surface which slidably contacts a rear, horizontally disposed surface of a glide runner track, which consists of a thin, laterally elongated flat strip made of a flexible, low sliding-friction material such as a plastic, which is attached to the rear surface of the credit card compartment, parallel and adjacent to the upper edge of the compartment. 
   With the foregoing construction, the cover panel of the wallet insert is laterally slidable, e.g., to the left, past a vertical fold line between two adjacent vertical sections of a folding wallet that has been unfolded to provide access to contents of the wallet and/or wallet insert. When the cover panel has been slid laterally outwards, e.g., to the left, relative to the credit card compartment of the wallet insert, sufficiently far for the vertical tab catch bar to be positioned laterally outwards from outer vertical edges of the tab catch spring bars, one or more credit cards can be removed from individual pockets of the credit card compartment by grasping an upper right-hand edge of a card and withdrawing it vertically from a pocket through a horizontally disposed upper opening of the pocket. In a preferred embodiment, the cover panel has a vertically elongated, rectangularly-shaped notch cut from an upper right-hand corner of the cover panel, thus uncovering upper right-hand corners of the credit card compartment pockets to thereby enable easy access to upper right corners of credit cards inserted into the pockets. 
   As has been described above, removal of a credit card from a credit card compartment pocket of the wallet insert according to the present invention allows tension in a locking tab in the upper left-hand corner of the pocket to cause the outer, left-hand free end of the tab catch, which is made of an elastically deformable material such as spring steel, or a springy plastic, to spring forward. In this disposition, the outer left-hand end of the tab catch extends forward of the vertically disposed tab catch bar, which protrudes rearwardly from the cover panel. Thus, if an attempt is made to slide the cover panel rightwards towards a closed position, abutting contact of a right-hand vertical edge of the tab catch bar with one or more locking tabs which have been extended outwards upon removal of one or more credit cards, will prevent sliding the cover panel to a closed position unless and until a credit card has been re-inserted into each of the credit card compartment pockets. Moreover, the outer vertical edge of the outwardly deployed, extended cover panel, since it is positioned laterally outwards of the fold line between adjacent sections of the wallet, positively prevents the wallet from being folded closed, thereby preventing the wallet from being replaced in one&#39;s pocket or purse. When a user encounters this problem of not being able to close his or her wallet to return it to his pocket or her purse, he or she will be forced to take an appropriate action to enable the wallet to be closed. To remind the person of what action must be taken to enable the wallet to be closed, a RETURN CARD message is printed on the credit compartment, the message being visible only when the cover panel is slid to the open position. 
   A security wallet insert with locking slide cover panel according to the present invention as described above, is optionally manufactured as a component of a folding wallet, an accessory for installation in an existing folding wallet, or a self-contained credit card carrying case. When manufactured as a self-contained credit card case, the wallet insert according to the present invention may optionally be provided with a clip fastened to a rear surface of the wallet insert, the clip being adapted to be releasably clamped to a belt or pocket in the manner of a conventional money clip. When thus configured, the extended, locked cover panel of the wallet insert according to the present invention makes return of the insert to a belt, pocket or purse of the user difficult if not impractical, thus provided a strong incentive to a user to return credit cards to all pockets of the insert and thereby enable the cover panel to be returned to a closed position, overlying the credit card compartment. 
   According to the present invention, a wallet insert with a slidable, lockable credit card compartment cover panel as described above may include one of a variety of fastener devices to enable the insert to be conveniently installed in various types of folding wallets. For example, a basic embodiment of a security wallet insert according to the present invention is suitable for quick and easy installation into a conventional laterally elongated flexible wallet which has a vertical fold line that separates the wallet into left and right laterally elongated, rectangularly-shaped sections, including a left-hand section with an identification card window, and a right-hand, credit compartment section containing a stack of three or more laterally elongated credit card pockets. In this basic embodiment, a flat, U-shaped plastic spring clip is fastened to the rear surface of the credit card compartment of the wallet insert. The spring clip has in rear elevation view the shape of a U formed of left and right vertically disposed, rectangularly-shaped upright legs, and a horizontally disposed, rectangularly-shaped base leg. The base leg is elastically deformable rearward from the rear surface of the credit card compartment, and is of a suitable size and shape to be receivable vertically downwards into a horizontally disposed upper opening of the frontmost, lowest credit card pocket of an existing wallet. The U-shaped spring clip is held by a frictional fit and spring tension within a credit card pocket of the existing wallet, but preferably is further secured to the wallet by a strip of double-stick, pressure sensitive tape pressed between the rear surface of the wallet insert and the front surface of the credit card pocket in which it is installed. 
   A second embodiment of a security wallet insert which is also suitable for installation in a laterally elongated, single fold wallet of the type described above, has a fastener arrangement consisting of an elongated, rectangularly-shaped flexible tongue which protrudes laterally outwards from the rear surface of the credit card compartment portion of the wallet insert. The tongue is of a suitable size and shape to be insertably receivable in a vertically disposed pocket opening behind the identification window portion of an existing wallet, and retained therein by a frictional fit, and optionally securable therein by pressure sensitive tape. 
   Because the embodiments of the wallet insert described above are intended for use in single-fold wallets, which generally have two laterally elongated, rectangularly-shaped adjacent sections, including a credit card section, those embodiments of the present invention preferably have a generally rectangular, laterally or horizontally elongated shape. However, double-fold wallets typically have three adjacent sections, including a center section and two opposite end sections, which have a vertically elongated, rectangular shape. Accordingly, embodiments of a wallet insert suitable for use in double-fold wallets would according to the present invention, generally have a vertically elongated, rectangular shape. 
   Thus, a third embodiment of a security wallet insert with a slidable, lockable cover panel according to the present invention which is suitable for installation in a three-section, double fold wallet of the type which typically has three vertically elongated adjacent sections, including left and right side sections joined to a center section by left and right hinge folds, respectively, has a generally rectangular, vertically elongated front elevation view shape. 
   The double-fold wallet insert may optionally utilize as a fastening arrangement a U-shaped clip or laterally outwardly protruding flexible tongue, as described above. However, the double-fold wallet insert, as well as the single-fold insert described above, may optionally utilize a third type of fastener arrangement for attaching the insert to a wallet. This third type of fastener arrangement includes a tongue made of a thin sheet of metal, vinyl plastic, leather, or a similar material in the shape of a vertically elongated, rectangularly-shaped panel. The tongue is flexibly fastened at an outer vertical edge thereof to a rear surface of a rectangularly-shaped back panel of the wallet insert. In a preferred embodiment, the tongue is made of a thin, flexible sheet of PVC, leather or the like, which has a vertically disposed left-hand end strip which is bent 180 degrees forward from a longer, right-hand portion of the tongue. The end portion of the tongue is disposed parallel and adjacent to an outer left-hand vertical edge of the back panel, and is secured to the rear surface of the back panel in flush contact therewith by an suitable means, such as a pressure-sensitive adhesive bond; ultrasonic bond, thermosonic bond or the like. 
   The wide portion of the tongue is bent 180 degrees along a vertical fold line from the outer attachment portion of the tongue, the fold line being adjacent to the left-hand vertical edge of back panel of the wallet insert. Thus arranged, the tongue has a relatively wide, vertically elongated rectangular free end portion which has a free right-hand vertical edge. The latter is of a suitable size and shape to be insertably receivable into a left-hand vertical opening of a pocket formed behind a wallet credit card compartment comprising the right-hand section of a three-section, double-fold wallet. 
   According to another aspect of the present invention, a fourth embodiment of a security wallet insert for thwarting credit card loss utilizes a pivotable cover panel. This embodiment includes a small, rectangularly-shaped base panel which is fastened within a credit card compartment, as for example, in an upper left-hand corner of the lowest, outermost pocket of a staggered vertical sequence of pockets. This embodiment also has a laterally elongated, rectangularly-shaped cover panel which has a width slightly less than that of the credit card compartment. The cover panel is pivotably mounted to a front, outer surface of the base panel by a pivot axle which penetrates the lower left-hand corner of the cover panel and which is attached to an upper left-hand corner of the base panel. In a closed configuration, the cover panel is disposed horizontally and overlies the pockets of the credit card compartment. To obtain access to the pockets of the credit card compartment for the purpose of removing a credit card, the cover panel must be pivoted counterclockwise to an open configuration. Counterclockwise pivotable uncovering motion of the cover panel relative to the base panel is limited to a maximum excursion of ninety degrees, by a first, square cross section, opening abutment stop which protrudes upwardly from a lower left-hand corner portion of the front surface base panel, by abutting contact of the left-hand edge of the pivoted cover panel with an upper edge of the opening abutment stop. In this position, the cover panel protrudes leftwards beyond the fold line of a wallet in which the wallet insert is installed, and above the upper edge of the wallet, thus preventing the wallet from being closed. 
   A “RETURN CARD” message on the front surface of the credit card compartment, which is viewable only when the cover panel is pivoted counterclockwise towards an open position, informs a user that credit cards should be returned to the credit card compartment pocket, before closing the cover panel and thereby enable closing of the wallet. Closing is accomplished by pivoting the cover panel clockwise with respect to the base panel and credit card compartment. Clockwise, closing pivotable motion of the cover panel is limited to a maximum excursion of ninety degrees, by a second, square cross section, closing abutment stop which protrudes outwardly from the front surface of the base panel, at the right-hand edge and near the lower right-hand corner of the base panel. Clockwise motion is limited by abutting contact of a lower horizontal edge of the cover panel with an upper horizontal edge of the closing abutment stop. 
   According to another aspect of the present invention, a fifth embodiment of a security wallet insert for thwarting credit card loss utilizes a vertically pivotable or foldable cover panel. This embodiment includes a laterally elongated, rectangularly-shaped cover panel which is hingedly mounted along a laterally elongated, flexible linear hinge to the outer front edge of the lower credit pocket of a series of vertically staggered pockets of a credit card compartment. The width of the cover panel is slightly less than that of the credit card compartment, and the height of a suitable value to locate the upper horizontal edge of the cover panel above the upper edge of a credit card contained in the upper pocket of the compartment, i.e., adjacent to the upper edge of the compartment. This embodiment of a security wallet insert also includes a blocking arm mechanism for preventing downward opening movement of the cover panel to allow access to credit cards in the pockets of the credit card compartment, unless the blocking arm is pivoted to a non-blocking orientation. 
   A blocking arm mechanism for use with this embodiment of a security wallet insert may be similar in construction to that pivotable cover panel construction described above. In this case, the security wallet insert includes a small, generally square-shaped base panel which is fastened to a front surface of the lowest pocket of the credit card compartment, near the upper left-hand corner of the lowest compartment. A vertically elongated, rectangularly-shaped blocking arm or flag is pivotably attached at a lower end thereof to a generally centrally located pivot axle which protrudes outwardly from the base panel. The blocking arm has a vertical height which positions an upper, short horizontal edge thereof parallel and adjacent to the upper horizontal edge of the cover panel, when the flag arm is in a vertically disposed, closed position. 
   To enable access to credit card pockets, the blocking arm must be pivoted ninety degrees counterclockwise. Counterclockwise pivotable motion of the blocking arm relative to the base panel is limited to a maximum excursion of ninety degrees, by a first, square cross section, opening abutment stop, which protrudes upwardly from a lower left-hand corner portion of the front surface of the base panel, by abutting contact of the long, left-hand edge of the blocking arm with an upper edge of opening abutment stop. In this position, the blocking arm protrudes leftwards beyond the fold line of a wallet in which the wallet insert is installed, thus preventing the wallet from being closed. Also, with the blocking arm oriented in a counterclockwise, leftwardly extending orientation, the cover panel is unblocked, enabling it to be pivoted downwardly approximately 180 degrees from a closed position to an open position, thus allowing access to credit cards in pockets of the credit card compartment. A “RETURN CARD” message printed on the rear surface of the cover panel, which is visible only when the cover panel has been pivoted nearly 180 degrees downwardly to an open position from its upright, closed position, informs a user that credit cards should be returned to the credit card compartment pocket before closing the cover panel. 
   After credit cards have been returned to pockets of the credit card compartment, the cover panel may be pivoted upwards from an open position preventing retraction of the blocking arm, to an upstanding, closed position. With the cover panel in an upstanding, closed position, the blocking arm can be pivoted clockwise ninety degrees to a vertical position, thus removing the obstruction to closing a wallet in which the wallet insert is installed, and also blocking opening of the cover panel. 
   Clockwise, closing pivotable motion of the blocking arm is limited to a maximum excursion of ninety degrees, by a second, closing abutment stop which protrudes outwardly from the outer front surface of the base panel, near the upper right-hand corner thereof. Clockwise pivotable motion is limited by abutting contact of the long, right-hand edge of the blocking arm with a left-hand vertical edge of the closing abutment stop. 
   As described above, a sixth embodiment of a security wallet insert for credit cards according to the present invention may be constructed as a self-contained modification of the slidable, lockable basic embodiment, which provides a money clip-type clip. Other versions of the insert, such as those using a pivotable cover panel and blocking arm could also be constructed as self-contained credit card carrying cases. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a front elevation view of a basic embodiment of a security wallet insert for credit cards according to the present invention, showing the insert positioned for installation in a wallet. 
       FIG. 2  is a rear elevation view of the insert of  FIG. 1 , on an enlarged scale. 
       FIG. 3  is a fragmentary right-side elevation view of the insert of  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the insert of  FIG. 1 , showing the insert installed in a wallet. 
       FIG. 5  is a fragmentary front elevation view of the insert and wallet of FIG. 
       FIG. 6  is a vertical sectional view of the insert of  FIG. 4 , taken in the direction of line  6 - 6 . 
       FIG. 7  is an upper plan view of the insert of  FIG. 5 . 
       FIG. 8  is a partly broken-away view of the insert of  FIG. 5 , showing a cover panel of the insert slid to the left to enable removal of a credit card from the wallet. 
       FIG. 9  is an upper plan view of the wallet and insert of  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 10  is a right side elevation view of the wallet and insert of  FIGS. 8 and 9 . 
       FIG. 11  is a front perspective view of the wallet and insert of  FIG. 8 , showing a locked cover panel of the insert preventing the wallet from being closed. 
       FIG. 12A  is a perspective view of the wallet of  FIGS. 8-11 , showing credit cards removed from the middle and lower pockets of the wallet, as well as from the top pocket. 
       FIG. 12B  is a right side elevation view of the wallet of  FIG. 12A . 
       FIG. 13  is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of a security wallet insert for credit cards according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 14  is a front perspective view of the insert of  FIG. 14 , showing how the insert is installed in a vertically disposed side opening of an identification card compartment of a standard single-fold wallet 
       FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the insert and wallet of  FIG. 14 , showing the insert fully installed in the wallet. 
       FIG. 16  is a rear elevation view of a third embodiment of a security wallet insert for credit cards according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 17  is a front perspective view showing the insert and wallet of  FIG. 16 . 
       FIG. 18  is a lower plan view of the insert of  FIG. 16 , showing how the insert is installed in a wallet. 
       FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the insert and wallet of  FIG. 18 , showing a cover panel of the insert slid to the left to enable a credit card to be removed from the wallet, the cover panel abutting the center of the wallet to thereby prevent the wallet from being closed. 
       FIG. 20  is a front elevation view of a fourth embodiment of a security wallet insert for credit cards according to the present invention, showing the insert installed in a wallet. 
       FIG. 21  is a view similar to that of  FIG. 20 , but showing a cover panel of the insert rotated counterclockwise to enable a credit card to be removed from the wallet, the cover panel abutting a left-hand panel of the wallet to prevent it from being closed. 
       FIG. 22  is a front elevation view of a fifth embodiment of a security wallet insert for credit cards according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 23  is a view similar to that of  FIG. 22 , showing a flag arm thereof rotated ninety degrees clockwise to enable a cover panel thereof to be pivoted forward. 
       FIG. 24  is a view similar to  FIG. 23 , showing a cover panel thereof pivoted 180 degrees forward and downward from an upright orientation to enable a credit card to be removed from the wallet. 
       FIG. 25  is a front elevation view of a sixth, money clip type embodiment of a security wallet insert for credit cards according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 26  is a rear elevation view of the insert of  FIG. 25 . 
       FIG. 27  is a front elevation view of the insert of  FIGS. 25 and 26 , showing a cover panel thereof slid to the left to enable removal of a credit card from the insert. 
       FIG. 28  is a rear elevation view of a seventh embodiment of a security wallet insert for credit cards according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 29  is a left side elevation view of the wallet insert of  FIG. 28 . 
       FIG. 30  is a front elevation view of the wallet insert of  FIGS. 28 and 29 , showing the insert installed in a wallet. 
       FIG. 31  is a perspective view of the wallet and insert of  FIG. 30 . 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIGS. 1-12B  illustrate various aspects of a basic embodiment of a security wallet insert for credit cards according to the present invention.  FIGS. 13-27  illustrate modifications of the basic embodiment of the invention. 
   Referring first to  FIGS. 1-3 , it may be seen that a basic embodiment  50  of a security wallet insert for credit cards according to the present invention includes a generally rectangularly-shaped, thin, flat rear base plate  51 . Base plate  51  is made of any suitable material, such as a thin sheet of PVC plastic, metal, leather or the like, and has attached congruently to a front surface  52  thereof a credit card compartment  53 . Credit card compartment  53  has in front elevation view a size and shape similar to that of base plate  51 . 
   Credit compartment  53  of wallet insert  50  has a construction similar to that of the credit card compartment portion of a conventional wallet, such as the right-hand portion of the wallet shown in  FIG. 1 . Thus, credit compartment  53  is made of thin, flexible panels composed of natural or artificial leather, PVC plastic, or the like. As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  3 ,  7  and  11 , credit card compartment  53  of security wallet insert  50  has a rear, floor panel  54  which has a size and shape similar to that of base plate  51 , which it overlies and is fastened to. Thus, rear, floor panel  54  consists of a thin, rectangularly-shaped, flexible piece of material such as natural or artificial leather. 
   As shown in the figures, credit card compartment  53  includes a plurality of laterally elongated, rectangularly-shaped pockets  55  affixed to a front surface  56  of floor panel  54 . Thus, as may be seen best by referring to  FIG. 12A , credit card compartment  53  of security wallet insert  50  preferably has a lower, front pocket  55 L, a middle pocket  55 M, and an upper, rear pocket  55 U. The exact number of pockets  55  is, of course, not critical, and credit card compartment  53  could have as few as one pocket  55 , or more than three, although three or four is the number of pockets contained in the credit card compartment portion of a conventional wallet. As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  6 ,  7  and  12 A, each pocket  55  has a laterally elongated, rectangularly-shaped front wall panel  57  which is joined to a similarly-shaped rear wall  58  along left, right, and bottom peripheral edges  59 ,  60 , and  61 , respectively, of the front and rear wall panels. As shown in those figures, the pockets  55  of credit card compartment  53  are stacked on top of one another and vertically staggered, in the conventional manner of arrangement of pockets of a credit card compartment of a conventional wallet. Thus, as shown in the figures, credit compartment  53  of wallet insert  50  is comprised of a rear wall panel  58 U, and a front wall panel  57 U. Front wall panel  57 U has an upper laterally disposed edge  62 U which is spaced downwardly from upper edge  63 U of upper pocket  55 U. The front panel  57 U is flexibly attached at left, right and bottom peripheral edges  59 U,  60 U, and  61 U thereof to rear wall panel  58 U of upper pocket  55 U, forming with the rear wall panel a rectangularly-shaped pocket space  64 U. Pocket space  64 U has a width slightly greater than that of a conventional credit card, i.e., about 3½ inches, and has a laterally disposed upper opening  65 U for insertably receiving a credit card into the pocket space. Preferably, the upper edge  62 U of upper pocket  55 U is located at a height above bottom edge  61 U of the pocket about a quarter of an inch less than the height of a conventional card. Thus, when a credit card is fully inserted into a pocket, such as upper pocket  55 U; with a lower edge of the card resting on the inner surface of the bottom peripheral edge  51 U of the pocket, the upper forwardly disposed edge of the credit card protrudes about the one-quarter inch above the front pocket edge wall, enabling an upper edge of the credit card to be easily grasped when removing and re-inserting the credit card into the pocket. 
   As may be seen best by referring to  FIGS. 8 ,  9 ,  12 A and  12 B, each pocket  55  has attached to an upper left-hand corner region  66  of rear wall panel  58  thereof a rectangularly-shaped, laterally elongated, horizontally disposed flat, resilient locking tab  67  which is made of resilient material such as a flexible, elastically deformable plastic or spring steel. As shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , each locking tab has a flat, straight right-hand portion which is fastened in flat overlying contact to a front surface  69  of a rear wall panel  58 . Each locking tab  67  also has a resilient left-hand portion  70  which is biased or sprung outwardly from the straight right-hand portion, i.e., forward from front surface  69  of rear wall panel  58 . The function of locking tabs  67  will be described in detail below. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  3  and  6 , when a credit card C is installed in a pocket  55  of credit card compartment  53 , a snug fit of the credit card within the pocket presses rearwardly on outer left-hand portion  70  of locking tab  67 , thus overcoming spring tension in the locking tab and forcing the left-hand portion of the locking tab into generally parallel alignment with front surface  69  of rear wall panel  58  of the pocket. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , it may be seen that security wallet insert  50  includes a front cover panel  71  which overlies pockets  55  of credit card compartment  53  when the cover panel is positioned in a closed, right-hand position. When cover panel  71  is slid laterally to the left of credit compartment  53 , as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , credit card compartment pockets  55  are sufficiently unobstructed to enable credit cards to be removed from and replaced in the pockets. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , cover panel  71  has the shape of a thin, generally rectangularly-shaped plate, including a lower laterally elongated rectangular slide bar portion  72  and an upper rectangularly-shaped cover plate portion  73 , which angles rearwardly slightly from an upper horizontal edge  74  of the slide bar. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  3  and  8 , slide bar  72  overlies a similarly shaped, laterally elongated rectangular slide support base plate  75  which is fastened to outer, front surface  76  of front wall panel  57 L of lowest, outermost or front credit card compartment pocket  55 L. Preferably, slide bar plate  75  is made of a thin sheet of a relatively low coefficient friction material such as PVC plastic, with an upper horizontal edge  77  of the slide support base plate adjacent to upper edge  78  of front wall panel  57 L. The exact vertical height of slide support base plate  75  is not critical, and it may be slightly less than that of slide bar  72  of cover panel  71 , or slightly greater, and thereby having a lower edge  79  which protrudes below lower edge  80  of the slide bar, as shown in the figures. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1-9 , it may be seen that slide bar  72  of cover panel  71  is slidably mounted to slide base plate  75  by a slide joint  81 . Slide joint  81  includes a laterally disposed, rectangularly-shaped guide slot  82  which penetrates the thickness dimension of slide bar  72 . Slide joint  81  also includes a thin, rectangular cross-section guide boss  83  which protrudes outwardly forwards from an outer surface  84  of slide support base plate  75 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , guide boss  83  has a rectangular cross-section base  85  which protrudes outwardly forward through slot  82  of slide bar  72 . The vertical height of guide boss base  85  is slightly less than the height of slot  82 , thus enabling the slide bar to slide laterally with respect to the guide boss. 
   Slide bar  72  of cover panel  71  is slidably retained on guide boss  83  by a laterally elongated, rectangularly-shaped cover panel retainer plate  86  which is fastened to a front, outer surface of boss base  85 , the retainer plate having a vertical height greater than that of slot  82 , and having upper and lower edges  87 ,  88  which protrude above and below upper and lower edges  89 ,  90 , respectively, of the slot. With this construction, cover panel  71  is laterally slidable with respect to slide base plate  75  fixed to credit compartment  53 , between a closed position covering pockets  55  of the credit card compartment, as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  4 ,  5  and  7 , and an open position which affords access to the pockets, as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  7 - 10 , it may be seen that an upper portion of cover plate  73  of cover panel  71  is slidably retained to an upper laterally disposed edge  93  of credit card compartment  53  by a hanger bracket  94 . Hanger bracket  94  has the shape of a thin, inverted U-shaped bar which has a downwardly protruding front leg  95  that has a rear surface  96  and is attached at lower end thereof to front surface  97  of cover plate  73 . Bracket  94  also has a short, horizontal, rearwardly disposed upper leg  98  which protrudes rearwardly from an upper end of front leg  95 , and a rear leg  99  which protrudes downwardly from a rear portion of the upper leg. Rear leg  99  of hanger bracket  94  has a front surface  100  which slidably contacts a rear, horizontally disposed surface  102  of a glide runner track  101 . Glide runner track  101  consists of a thin, laterally elongated rectangularly-shaped flat strip made of a flexible, low sliding-friction material such as a plastic, which is attached to credit card compartment  53 , parallel and adjacent to the upper edge of the compartment. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 8 ,  11  and  12 A, when cover panel  71  is slid laterally outwards to the left from credit compartment  53 , sufficiently far for the right-hand vertical edge of hanger bracket  94  to be spaced to the left-hand edge of credit card in pockets so a credit card may be removed from a pocket  55  of the credit card compartment. In this position, the left-hand vertical edge  91  of cover panel  71  extends beyond a vertical hinge or fold line D between left and right-hand sides B and C of a wallet A in which insert  50  is installed. In this open, laterally outwardly translated position of cover panel  71  relative to credit card compartment  53 , as shown in  FIG. 11 , a “RETURN CARD” message  92  printed on the front, outer surface of slide base plate  75 , which is covered by cover panel slide bar  72  when the cover panel is in its right-hand position overlies credit card pockets  50 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , is viewable. Thus, when a person attempts to close wallet A after making a transaction using a credit card from a pocket  55  of credit card compartment  53 , abutting contact of left-hand edge  91  of cover panel  71  with left-hand side B of wallet A provides a tactile stimulus to a person that an action should be taken before closing the wallet, and the visual stimulus offered by “RETURN CARD” message  92  informs the person of what that action must be. Moreover, as will now be explained, wallet insert  50  preferably includes a locking mechanism which positively prevents cover panel  71  from being slid laterally rightwards to a closed position, thus preventing the wallet from being closed, until a credit card is returned to each pocket  55  of credit card compartment  53 . 
   The basic embodiment  50  of a security wallet insert according to the present invention preferably includes a locking mechanism for positively locking cover panel  71  in a position extending laterally outwards from credit card compartment  53 , beyond hinge D between left and right halves of wallet A, and thereby preventing the wallet from being folded closed, until all credit cards C that have been removed from pockets  55  have been returned to the pockets. As may be seen best by referring to  FIGS. 8-10 , the locking mechanism including a thin, rectangularly-shaped tab-catch bar  103  that is attached to the rear surface of cover panel  71 . As shown in  FIGS. 8-10 , tab-catch bar  103  is located to the right of right-hand edge  104  of hanger bracket  94  which is approximately laterally centrally located between left-hand vertical edge  91  and right-hand vertical edge  105  of cover panel  71 . As shown in  FIGS. 8-10 , tab-catch bar  103  has a vertically disposed lower portion  106  which has a front surface  107  fastened in flush contact to rear surface  108  of lower, slide bar base  72  of cover panel  71 . Tab-catch bar  103  also has an upper portion  109  which angles rearwardly from lower portion, the upper portion having a front surface  110  which is fastened in flush contact to rear surface  111  of upper, cover plate portion  73  of cover panel  71 . 
   When a credit card is removed from a pocket  55  of credit card compartment  53 , such as a credit card CU removed from upper compartment  55 U, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the left-hand portion  70  of a locking tab  67 , e.g., upper pocket locking tab  67 U, springs resiliently forward. In this sprung forward position, when an attempt is made to slide cover panel rightwards to a closed position, the right-hand edge  112  of tab-catch bar  103  abuts left-hand edge  113  of locking tab  67 , as shown in  FIG. 9 , preventing the cover panel from being slid rightwards to a closed position. Replacing credit cards C in all pockets  55  presses all locking tabs  67  rearwardly into their respective pockets  55 , thus enabling tab-catch bar  103  to slide freely over the front surfaces of the credit cards, thereby enabling cover panel  71  to be slid rightwards to a fully closed position covering credit card compartment  53 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  4  and  6  illustrate structural characteristics which enable security wallet insert  50  to be quickly and easily installed, or retrofitted, into an existing two compartment single fold wallet. 
   As shown in  FIG. 1 , a single fold wallet A for receiving security wallet insert  50  has two generally rectangularly-shaped, left and right compartments B and C joined along a fold line D. Right-hand compartment C of wallet insert A has a plurality, e.g., three, of open-top pockets, including a front, lower pocket L, a middle pocket M, and a rear, upper pocket U, each having a generally rectangularly shape of the appropriate size to receive through an opening LO, MO, and UO, respectively thereof, a standard size thin plastic credit card. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , it may be seen that wallet insert  50  has a thin, flat U-shaped, plastic or metal spring clip  114  which is attached to rear surface  115  of base plate  51  of the wallet inert. Spring clip  114  has a pair of left and right vertically disposed, rectangularly-shaped legs  116 ,  117 , which are attached near upper horizontal edges  118 ,  119  thereof, by thin resilient, mounting pads  120 ,  121  to rear surface  115  of base panel  51 . Spring clip  114  also has a laterally elongated, rectangularly-shaped base leg  122  disposed horizontally between lower ends of vertical legs  116 ,  117 . A front, inner surface  123  of base leg  122  is biased resiliently into contact with outer, rear surface  115  of base panel  51 , by resilient mounting pads  120 ,  121 . Preferably, means for fastening security wallet insert  50  to a wallet also includes an optionally useable strip of double-stick, pressure sensitive mounting tape, such as a rectangular strip  124  fastened to rear surface  115  of base plate  51  and disposed horizontally between inner sides  125 ,  126  of vertical spring clip legs  116 ,  17 . 
   The lateral spacing between outer vertical edges  127 ,  128  of left and right vertical spring clip legs  116 ,  117 , has a value equal to the width of a standard credit card. Moreover, the thickness of spring clip  114  is the same as that of a standard credit card. Thus constructed the lower lateral edge  129  of spring clip  114  is positionable above opening LO of lower pocket L of credit card compartment C of wallet A, and pushed downwardly into the pocket opening sufficiently far for lower edge  129  of the spring clip to rest on the bottom inner edge BL of the lower pocket, as shown in  FIG. 5 , thus securing a wallet insert within the wallet, as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . To further secure wallet insert  50  within wallet A, a protective cover sheet  124 A covering a rear, adhesive-coated surface of mounting strip  124  may be peeled off prior to inserting spring clip  114  into pocket L, and after the clip has been inserted, pressing the adhesive-coated rear surface of the mounting strip into adhering contact with front wall FL of the lower pocket. 
   As may be seen best by referring to  FIG. 1 , cover panel  71  os insert  50  preferably has a vertically elongated, rectangularly-shaped notch  130  cut into the intersection of upper edge  131  and right-hand edge  132  of the cover panel, thus uncovering upper right-hand corners of credit card compartments  55 , and thereby enabling easy access to upper right-hand corners of credit cards inserted into the pockets, to facilitate removal of a selected credit card. 
     FIGS. 13-15  illustrate a second embodiment  150  of a security wallet insert for credit cards according to the present invention. The second embodiment  150 , as well as the basic embodiment  50  described above, is suitable for use in a laterally elongated, single fold wallet of the type shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  4 ,  5 ,  8  and  11 . 
   As may be seen by referring to  FIGS. 1 and 13 , security wallet insert  150  is substantially similar in construction and function to insert  50  described above, but has a different means of attachment to a wallet A. Thus, while embodiment  50  uses a spring clip  114  as a means of attachment, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , insert  150  is provided with a flexible rectangularly-shaped tongue  234  which protrudes laterally outwards form a vertical side edge  235  of the insert. Tongue  234  is preferably made of a thin, flexible sheet of metal or plastic such as a vinyl, and is of an appropriate size to be slidably and frictionally received within a vertically disposed opening F of an identification window E of wallet A. 
     FIGS. 16-19  illustrate a third embodiment  250  of a security credit card holder wallet insert according to the present invention, which is especially suitable for use with double-fold wallets of a type which have three adjacent sections of similar size and shape, including a center section and two opposite side end sections, each of which has a vertically elongated, rectangular shape. 
   Referring  FIGS. 16-19 , a security insert  250  for use with double-fold wallets may be seen to be similar in construction and function to insert  150  described above. However, as shown in  FIGS. 16-18 , security wallet insert  250  has a rectangular shape which is vertically elongated, of a shape and size similar to that of the left, middle and right-hand sections B 1 , C 1  and D 1  of a dual fold wallet A 1 . Insert  250  has attached to rear surface  252  of a flat, rectangularly-shaped rear base plate  251  thereof a vertically elongated, rectangularly-shaped hinged attachment tongue  253 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 16 and 18 , attachment tongue  253  has a fixed end portion  254  which is located laterally inwards of an outer vertical edge  255  of insert base panel  251 . End portion  254  is fastened to rear surface  252  of base panel  251  by suitable means, such as an adhesive bond. Attachment tongue  253  also has a vertical elongated rectangularly-shaped free outer insert portion  256  which is bent inwardly and forwardly from fixed inner end portion  254  along a vertically disposed hinge or fold line  257 . As shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18 , insert portion  256  of attachment tongue  253  is of a suitable size and shape to be insertably and frictionally receivable within a vertically disposed inner opening of an outer wallet compartment, e.g., left-hand opening G 1  of right-hand compartment D 1 . 
     FIGS. 20 and 21  illustrate a fourth embodiment  350  of a security wallet insert for holding credit cards according to the present invention. Insert  350  includes a generally rectangularly-shaped base panel  351  which is similar in construction to the base panels of embodiments  50 ,  150  and  250  described above, and which is provided with one of the previously described structures for attaching the insert to a wallet, such as wallet A shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21 . 
   As may be seen best by referring to  FIG. 21 , insert  350  has a plurality of vertically staggered credit card compartments, e.g., upper, middle and lower compartments  355 U,  355 M,  355 L. Outermost, lower credit card compartment  355 L has fastened to the outer front surface of an outer front wall panel  357 L thereof a thin, flat, rectangularly-shaped base plate  375 , made of a relatively rigid material such as a thin metal or hard plastic. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21 , insert  350  includes a thin, laterally elongated, rectangularly-shaped cover plate  372  which is pivotably mounted to base plate  375  at a lower left-hand corner of the cover plate by a pivot joint  381 . Pivot joint  381  includes a circular perforation  382  which is disposed through the thickness dimension of cover plate  372 , near a lower left corner of the cover plate. Pivot joint  381  also includes a thin, circular cross-section pivot boss  383  which protrudes outwardly forwards from an outer surface  384  of base plate  375  and through perforation  382  through cover plate  372 . 
   Cover plate  372  is pivotably retained on pivot boss  383  by a thin, circular cross-section retainer disk  385  which is fastened to front, outer surface  386  of pivot boss  383 , the retainer disk having a larger diameter than perforation  382  through cover plate  372 . The above-described construction of pivot joint  381  disposed between cover plate  372  and base plate  375  enables the cover plate to be pivoted counterclockwise to an open position from a closed position overlying credit cards, e.g., CU, CM, CL in pockets  355 U,  355 M,  355 L. Counterclockwise pivotal opening motion of cover plate  372  relative to base plate  375  is required to enable access to credit cards in compartments  355 , as shown in  FIG. 21 . Counterclockwise pivotal opening motion of cover panel  372  is limited to a maximum excursion of ninety degrees by a first, rectangular cross-section, opening abutment stop  387 , which protrudes from a lower left-hand corner of base plate  375 . Opening abutment stop  387  is made of a thin sheet of rigid material such as metal or plastic which has a horizontally disposed upper edge wall  388  that abuts the left-hand edge wall  389  of cover plate  372 , when the cover plate is pivoted ninety degrees counterclockwise from a closed, covering position, as shown in  FIG. 20 , to a counterclockwise open, access position, as shown in  FIG. 21 . 
   A “RETURN CARD” message  392  is printed on front surface  357 L of lower credit card pocket  355 L, which is viewable only when the cover panel is pivoted counterclockwise to an opened access position, informs a user that credit cards should be returned to credit card compartment pockets, before pivoting cover panel  372  clockwise to a closed position which enables closing of wallet A. Clockwise, closing pivotal motion of cover panel  372  relative to base plate  375  is limited to a maximum excursion of ninety degrees. This limitation is accomplished by a second, rectangular cross-section closing abutment stop  397  which protrudes from a lower right-hand corner of base plate  375 . Closing abutment stop  397  is of similar construction to opening abutment stop  387 , and has a horizontally disposed upper edge wall  398  which abuts the lower edge wall  399  of cover plate  372 , when the cover plate is pivoted ninety degrees clockwise from an opened, access position, as shown in  FIG. 21 , to a closed position covering credit cards, as shown in  FIG. 20 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 21 , insert  350  is optionally provided with resilient locking tabs  367 U,  367 M,  367 L positioned in the upper left-hand corners of pockets  355 U,  355 M, and  355 L, respectively. With this construction, when a credit card is removed from a pocket  355 U,  355 M or  355 L, a resilient locking tab  367 U,  367 M,  367 L springs resiliently forward. In that position, when an attempt is made to pivot cover panel  372  clockwise to a closed position, the lower edge  399  of the cover panel abuts a left-hand edge  413  of a locking tab, thus preventing the cover panel from being returned to a closed position. Replacing a credit card C in each pocket  355  presses all locking tabs  367  rearwardly into flush contact with the rear walls of the pockets, thus enabling cover panel  372  to slide freely over the front surfaces of the credit cards, thereby enabling the cover panel to be pivoted clockwise to a fully closed position covering credit card compartment  353 , as shown in  FIG. 20 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21 , cover panel  372  is preferably provided with apertures or windows through which credit cards in compartments  355  may be viewed. Thus, as shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21 , cover panel  372  has through its thickness dimension a rectangularly-shaped viewing aperture  414  located in the upper right-hand corner region of the cover panel, and a smaller rectangularly-shaped viewing aperture  415  located in a lower central region of the cover panel. 
     FIGS. 22-24  illustrate a fifth embodiment  450  of a security wallet insert for holding credit cards according to the present invention. Insert  450  includes a generally rectangularly-shaped base panel  451  which is similar in construction and function to base panels  50 ,  150 ,  250 , and  350  described above, and which is provided with one of the previously described structures for attaching the insert to a wallet, such as wallet A shown in  FIGS. 22-24 . 
   As may be seen best by referring to  FIG. 24 , insert  450  has a plurality of vertically staggered credit card compartments, e.g., upper, middle and lower compartments  455 U.  455 M,  455 L. Outermost, lower credit card compartment  455 L has a laterally elongated, rectangular shape including a laterally disposed upper opening or mouth  465 L. As shown in  FIG. 24 , mouth  465 L of lower credit card compartment  455 U receives downwardly therein left and right lower mounting tabs  473 L,  473 R of a laterally elongated rectangularly-shaped cover plate  472 . Mounting tabs  473 L,  473 R are made of a thin, rigid material such as vinyl and are fastened to an inner wall surface  458  of front lower cover panel  457 , and are joined to a lower edge  459  of cover panel  472  by flexible hinges  474 L,  474 R. As may be understood by referring to  FIGS. 23 and 24 , cover plate  472  is pivotable from an upper, closed position covering credit card compartments  453 , as shown in  FIG. 23 , to a lower, open access position, as shown in  FIG. 24  along a laterally disposed pivot axis through hinges  474 L,  474 R. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 22 and 23 , it may be seen that insert  450  includes a blocking arm support base plate  475 , made of a relatively rigid material such as a thin metal or hard plastic. Blocking arm support plate  475  has a generally rectangular shape, and is fastened to the upper left-hand corner of front wall panel  457 L of lower pocket  455 L. 
   Referring to  FIG. 22 , it may be seen that insert  450  includes a thin, vertically elongated rectangularly-shaped blocking arm  476  which is pivotably mounted to blocking arm support plate  475  at a laterally centrally located, lower portion of the blocking arm by a pivot joint  481 . Pivot joint  481  includes a circular perforation  482  which is disposed through the thickness dimension of the blocking arm  476 . Pivot joint  481  also includes a thin, circular cross-section pivot boss  483  which protrudes outwardly forwards from an outer surface  484  of blocking arm support plate  475  and through perforation  482  through blocking arm  512 . 
   Blocking arm  476  is pivotably retained on pivot boss  483  by a thin, circular cross-section retainer disk  485  which is fastened to front outer surface  486  of pivot boss  483 , the retainer disk having a larger diameter than perforation  482  through blocking arm  476 . The above-described construction of pivot joint  481  disposed between blocking arm  476  and blocking arm support plate  475  enables the blocking arm to be pivoted counterclockwise from a vertical closed position, which prevents cover plate  472  from being pivoted downwardly and forwardly to permit access to credit cards in compartments  455 , as shown in  FIG. 22 , to a horizontal unblocking position, as shown in  FIGS. 23 and 24 . 
   Counterclockwise pivotal motion of blocking arm  476  is limited to a maximum excursion of ninety degrees by a first, rectangularly-shaped opening abutment stop  487 . Opening abutment stop  487  is made of a thin sheet of rigid material such as metal or plastic which has a horizontally disposed upper edge wall  488  that abuts the left-hand edge wall  489  of blocking arm  476 , when the blocking arm is pivoted ninety degrees counterclockwise from a blocking position, as shown in  FIG. 22 , to an unblocking access position, as shown in  FIGS. 23 and 24 . 
   With blocking arm  476  pivoted counterclockwise to an unblocking position, as shown in  FIG. 23 , cover plate  472  is pivotable vertically downwards to allow access to credit cards in compartments  455 , as shown in  FIG. 24 . 
   A “RETURN CARD” message  492  is printed on front surface  457 L of lower credit compartment  455 L, and is viewable only when the cover panel is pivoted downwards to an opened, access position, thus informing a user that credit cards should be returned to credit card compartments, before pivoting cover panel  472  to an upward, closed position. Upward orientation of cover panel  472  is required to enable blocking arm  476  to be pivoted clockwise to a closed position, which in turn enables wallet A to be closed. 
   Clockwise closing pivotal motion of blocking arm  476  relative to blocking arm support plate  475  is limited to a maximum excursion of ninety degrees. This limitation is accomplished by a second, rectangular cross-section closing abutment stop  497  which protrudes from an upper right-hand corner of base plate  475 . Closing abutment stop  497  is of similar construction to opening abutment stop  487 , and has a vertically disposed left-hand edge  498  which abuts the right-hand edge wall  499  of blocking arm  476 , when the blocking arm is pivoted ninety degrees clockwise from an unblocking position as shown in  FIGS. 23 and 24 , to a blocking position, as shown in  FIG. 22 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 23 , insert  450  optionally is provided with a releasable fastener to maintain cover panel  472  in an open position and blocking arm  476  in an outwardly extending position. Thus, as shown in  FIG. 23  insert  450  optionally includes a first fastener element  478  attached to cover panel  472 , such as a fabric hook fastener strip, fastened to the front surface of the cover panel and a second fastener element  479  attached to credit card compartment  453 , such as a fabric eye fastener strip fastened to the front surface of pivot boss retainer disk  485 . 
     FIGS. 25-27  illustrate a sixth embodiment  550  of a security wallet insert according to the present invention. Embodiment  550  is adapted for use as a self-contained, money-clip type credit card holder which is useable without a wallet. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 25-27 , insert  550  is substantially similar in structure and function to basic embodiment  50 , described above. However, as shown in  FIG. 26 , U-shaped spring clip  114  of insert  50  (see  FIG. 2 ) is replaced by a thin, metal hairpin type clip  564  which is attached to base panel  551  and adapted to secure the insert to a belt or pocket of a user. 
     FIGS. 28-31  illustrate a seventh embodiment  650  of security wallet insert for credit cards according to the present invention. Embodiment  650  is substantially similar in structure and function to the basic embodiment  50  described above, but includes different attachment means for attaching the insert to a wallet. Thus, as shown in  FIGS. 28 and 29 , insert  650  includes a pair of inverted U-shaped hanger hooks  652 L,  652 R attached to rear surface  653  of base panel  651  of the insert. Hooks  652 L,  652 R are located near the upper horizontal edge  654  of base panel  651 . Optionally, hooks  652 L,  652 R may be replaced by adhesive pads. Preferably, as shown in  FIG. 28 , insert  650  includes a laterally elongated rectangular strip of double-stick, pressure sensitive adhesive  655  to further secure base panel  651  of the insert to the front pocket wall of a wallet A.