Abstract:
A billfold having a front panel and a back panel that intersects the front panel along an edge. At least one of the front panel and the back panel have a first pocket formed therein. The first pocket has a width that permits currency to be placed therein in an unfolded orientation. The first pocket has a first retaining strap attached thereto that is sized to receive a portion of a checkbook to substantially prevent the checkbook from moving laterally in the first pocket.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Serial No. 60/218,633, filed Jul. 17, 2000, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by this reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to devices for transporting personal belongings that may be worn in a pocket of a person&#39;s clothing. More particularly, the present invention relates to a billfold for holding currency bills, check books and credit cards. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     As the economy increases in complexity and the options available for payment increase, it becomes increasingly desirable to organize the devices, such as currency, checks and credit cards, associated with the payment options into a billfold or similar object that can be conveniently carried in a person&#39;s clothing. For example, people are often forced to carry numerous credit cards that are each used only for particular purposes such as business or personal purchases. Additionally, it is desirable for people to carry alternative payment devices because not all vendors accept a particular type of payment device. It is also desirable for the billfold to portray a desired style when the billfold is carried by a user. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The billfold of the present invention substantially meets the aforementioned needs of the industry. The billfold includes a front panel and a back panel that intersects the front panel along an edge. At least one of the front panel and the back panel have a first pocket formed therein. The first pocket has a width that permits currency to be placed therein in an unfolded orientation. The first pocket has a first retaining strap attached thereto that is sized to receive a portion of a checkbook to substantially prevent the checkbook from moving laterally in the first pocket. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a billfold according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the billfold illustrated in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the billfold illustrated in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the billfold illustrated in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 5 is a rear elevation view of the billfold illustrated in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the billfold illustrated in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the billfold illustrated in FIG. 1 in an open position. 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the billfold. 
     FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the billfold illustrated in FIG.  8 . 
     FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of the billfold illustrated in FIG.  8 . 
     FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of the billfold illustrated in FIG.  8 . 
     FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of the billfold illustrated in FIG.  8 . 
     FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the billfold illustrated in FIG. 8 in an open position. 
     FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a billfold according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the billfold illustrated in FIG.  14 . 
     FIG. 16 is a bottom plan view of the billfold illustrated in FIG.  14 . 
     FIG. 17 is a front elevation view of the billfold illustrated in FIG.  14 . 
     FIG. 18 is a rear elevation view of the billfold illustrated in FIG.  14 . 
     FIG. 19 is a side elevation view of the billfold illustrated in FIG.  14 . 
     FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the billfold illustrated in FIG. 14 in an open position. 
     FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the billfold. 
     FIG. 22 is a top plan view of the billfold illustrated in FIG.  21 . 
     FIG. 23 is a bottom plan view of the billfold illustrated in FIG.  21 . 
     FIG. 24 is a front elevation view of the billfold illustrated in FIG.  21 . 
     FIG. 25 is a side elevation view of the billfold illustrated in FIG.  21 . 
     FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the billfold illustrated in FIG. 21 in an open position. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     A first embodiment of the billfold of the present invention is illustrated at  10  in FIGS. 1-5. The billfold  10  generally includes a front panel  12  and a back panel  14  that are pivotally mounted with respect to each other. The front panel  12  and the back panel  14  both have an upper edge  20 , a lower edge  22 , and a pair of side edges  24 . 
     Proximate the upper edge  20  where the front panel  12  and the back panel  14  intersect, the front panel  12  and the back panel  14  are joined together with an upper stitch line  26  that extends between the side edges  24 , as most clearly illustrated in FIGS. 1,  4  and  5 . The upper stitch line  26  defines a spine  30 . 
     A neck portion  28  of the billfold  10  that is located proximate the stitch line  26  expands to maintain the front panel  12  and the back panel  14  in a substantially parallel orientation when the front panel  12  and the back panel  14  are in the closed orientation with checkbooks, check registers, currency and credit cards stored in the billfold  10 . 
     The front panel  12  and the back panel  14  each have a lower stitch line  32  proximate the lower edge  22  that extends substantially between the side edges  24 . The front panel  12  and the back panel  14  also each have a pair of side stitch lines  34  proximate the side edges  24  that extends substantially between the upper edge  20  and the lower edge  22 . 
     The billfold  10  also preferably includes a coin pouch  40  attached to the front panel  12  intermediate the side edges  24 . The coin pouch  40  generally includes a receiving portion  42  and a closure flap  44 . The receiving portion  42  has a front panel  46  and a pair of side panels  48 . A lower edge of the front panel  46  is attached to the front panel  12  proximate to the lower edge  22 . The side panels  48  extend between the front panel  12  and the front panel  46  to thereby define a partially enclosed region. 
     The closure flap  44  is attached to the front panel  12  proximate an opening in the partially enclosed region. The closure flap  44  extends over the opening and thereby substantially encloses the opening to retain objects, such as coins, in the coin pouch  40 . A detachable fastening device  50  retains the closure flap  44  in a closed position with respect to the receiving portion  42 . The detachable fastening device is preferably a hook and latch closure such as marketed under the designation VELCRO. 
     The billfold  10  includes a first checkbook receiving portion  60  and an upper card receiving portion  62  attached to the front panel  12 , as most clearly illustrated in FIG.  7 . The first checkbook receiving portion  60  is preferably defined by a first panel  64  that extends substantially between the side edges  24 . Preferably, the first panel  64  is attached to the front panel  12  with the lower stitch line  32  and the side stitch lines  34 . 
     The first checkbook receiving portion  60  is adapted to receive a portion of a checkbook such as the checkbook register (not shown). Alternatively, the first checkbook receiving portion  60  may be used to store credit cards, currency or other items having a similar size and shape. 
     The upper card receiving portion  62  is preferably defined by a second panel  66  that substantially extends over the first panel  64 . The second panel  66  is attached to the front panel  12  and the first panel  64  with the lower stitch line  32 . The second panel  66  is attached to the first panel  64  opposite the lower stitch  32  with a stitch line  68 . Intermediate the side edges  24 , the second panel  66  is attached to the first panel  64  with a stitch line  70 . The second panel  66  and the first panel  64  thereby define a first region  72  and a second region  74  that are each adapted to receive at least one identification card, credit card, business card or combination thereof. 
     To enhance the ability to insert and remove items from the first region  72  and the second region  74 , the second panel  66  preferably includes an arcuate edge  76  opposite the stitch line  70 . 
     The billfold  10  includes a second checkbook receiving portion  80  and a lower card receiving portion  82  attached to the back panel  14 , as most clearly illustrated in FIG.  7 . The second checkbook receiving portion  80  is preferably defined by a third panel  84  that extends substantially between the side edges  24 . Preferably, the third panel  84  is attached to the back panel  14  with the lower stitch line  32  and the side stitch lines  34 . 
     The first checkbook receiving portion  60  and the second checkbook receiving portion  80  have a width of between about 6 inches and 8 inches and preferably about 7 inches. The first checkbook receiving portion  60  and the second checkbook receiving portion  80  have a depth of between about 2 inches and 4 inches and preferably about 3 inches. 
     The second checkbook receiving portion  80  has a width that permits paper currency such as United States dollar bills to be placed therein in an unfolded configuration. The second checkbook receiving portion  80  thereby enhances the ability of a user to view the currency without removing the currency from the billfold. 
     The second checkbook receiving portion  80  is adapted to receive a portion of a checkbook such as the checkbook (not shown). Alternatively, the second checkbook receiving portion  80  may be used to store credit cards, currency or other items having a similar size and shape. 
     To enhance the ability to maintain the checkbook at a desired location within the second checkbook receiving portion  80 , the billfold  10  preferably includes a retaining strap  81 , as most clearly illustrated in FIG.  7 . Opposite ends of the retaining strap  81  are attached to the third panel  84  opposite the fourth panel  86 . Preventing the checkbook from sliding laterally is particularly desirable as the width of the checkbook receiving portion  80  is larger than the width of the checkbook. While not illustrated in the figures, the checkbook receiving portion  60  may also include a retaining strap that has a configuration similar to the retaining strap  81 . 
     The lower card receiving portion  84  is preferably defined by a fourth panel  86  that substantially extends over the third panel  84 . The fourth panel  86  is attached to the back panel  14  and the third panel  84  with the lower stitch line  32 . The fourth panel  86  is attached to the third panel  84  opposite the lower stitch  32  with a stitch line  88 . Intermediate the side edges  24 , the fourth panel  86  is attached to the third panel  84  with a stitch line  90 . The fourth panel  86  and the third panel  84  thereby define a first region  92  and a second region  94  that are each adapted to receive at least one identification card, credit card, business card or combination thereof. 
     To enhance the ability to insert and remove items from the first region  92  and the second region  94 , the fourth panel  86  preferably includes an arcuate edge  96  opposite the stitch line  90 . 
     Proximate the intersection of the front panel  12  and the back panel  14  and intermediate the side edges  24 , the billfold  10  includes a loop  98 . The loop  98  is preferably attached to the front panel  12  and the back panel  14  with the upper stitch line  26 . The loop  98  is adapted to receive an elongated portion of a pen, pencil or similar device that is used for making entries in the checkbook stored in the billfold  10 . 
     The billfold  10  is preferably fabricated from leather. However, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the billfold  10  may be fabricated from alternative natural and synthetic materials using the concepts of the present invention. 
     A second embodiment of the billfold of the present invention is illustrated at  110  in FIGS. 8-13. The billfold  110  generally includes a front panel  112  and a back panel  114  that are pivotally mounted with respect to each other. The front panel  112  and the back panel  114  both have an upper edge  120 , a lower edge  122 , and a pair of side edges  124 . 
     Proximate the upper edge  120  where the front panel  112  and the back panel  114  intersect, the front panel  112  and the back panel  114  are joined together with an upper stitch line  126  that extends between the side edges  124 , as most clearly illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 11. The upper stitch line  126  defines a spine  130 . 
     The front panel  112  and the back panel  114  each have a lower stitch line  132  proximate the lower edge  122  that extends substantially between the side edges  124 . The front panel  112  and the back panel  114  also each have a pair of side stitch lines  134  proximate the side edges  124  that extends substantially between the upper edge  120  and the lower edge  122 . 
     The billfold  110  includes a first checkbook receiving portion  160  and an upper card receiving portion  162  attached to the front panel  112 , as most clearly illustrated in FIG.  13 . The first checkbook receiving portion  160  is preferably defined by a first panel  164  that extends substantially between the side edges  124 . Preferably, the first panel  164  is attached to the front panel  112  with the lower stitch line  132  and the side stitch lines  134 . 
     The first checkbook receiving portion  160  is adapted to receive a portion of a checkbook such as the checkbook register (not shown). Alternatively, the first checkbook receiving portion  160  may be used to store credit cards, currency or other items having a similar size and shape. 
     The upper card receiving portion  162  is preferably defined by a second panel  166  that substantially extends over the first panel  164 . The second panel  166  is attached to the front panel  112  and the first panel  164  with the lower stitch line  132 . The second panel  166  is attached to the first panel  164  opposite the lower stitch  132  with a stitch line  168 . Intermediate the side edges  124 , the second panel  166  is attached to the first panel  164  with a stitch line  170 . The second panel  166  and the first panel  164  thereby define a first region  172  and a second region  174  that are each adapted to receive at least one identification card, credit card, business card or combination thereof. 
     To enhance the ability to insert and remove items from the first region  172  and the second region  174 , the second panel  166  preferably includes an arcuate edge  176  opposite the stitch line  170 . 
     The billfold  110  includes a second checkbook receiving portion  180  and a lower card receiving portion  182  attached to the back panel  114 , as most clearly illustrated in FIG.  13 . The second checkbook receiving portion  180  is preferably defined by a third panel  184  that extends substantially between the side edges  124 . Preferably, the third panel  184  is attached to the back panel  114  with the lower stitch line  132  and the side stitch lines  134 . 
     The second checkbook receiving portion  180  is adapted to receive a portion of a checkbook such as the checkbook (not shown). Alternatively, the second checkbook receiving portion  180  may be used to store credit cards, currency or other items having a similar size and shape. The second checkbook receiving portion  180  has a width that permits currency to be placed therein in an unfolded orientation. 
     To enhance the ability to maintain the checkbook at a desired location within the second checkbook receiving portion  180 , the billfold  110  preferably includes a retaining strap  181 , as most clearly illustrated in FIG.  13 . Opposite ends of the retaining strap  181  are attached to the third panel  184  opposite the fourth panel  186 . The retaining strap  181  thereby maintains a checkbook at a desired location in the second checkbook receiving portion  180 . 
     The lower card receiving portion  184  is preferably defined by a fourth panel  186  that substantially extends over the third panel  184 . The fourth panel  186  is attached to the back panel  114  and the third panel  184  with the lower stitch line  132 . The fourth panel  186  is attached to the third panel  184  opposite the lower stitch  132  with a stitch line  188 . Intermediate the side edges  124 , the fourth panel  186  is attached to the third panel  184  with a stitch line  190 . The fourth panel  186  and the third panel  184  thereby define a first region  192  and a second region  194  that are each adapted to receive at least one identification card, credit card, business card or combination thereof. 
     To enhance the ability to insert and remove items from the first region  192  and the second region  194 , the fourth panel  186  preferably includes an arcuate edge  196  opposite the stitch line  190 . 
     Proximate the intersection of the front panel  112  and the back panel  114  and intermediate the side edges  124 , the billfold  110  includes a loop  198 . The loop  198  is preferably attached to the front panel  112  and the back panel  114  with the upper stitch line  126 . The loop  198  is adapted to receive an elongated portion of a pen, pencil or similar device that is used for making entries in the checkbook stored in the billfold  110 . 
     The billfold  110  is preferably fabricated from leather. However, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the billfold  110  may be fabricated from alternative natural and synthetic materials using the concepts of the present invention. 
     A third embodiment of the billfold of the present invention is illustrated at  210  in FIGS. 14-19. The billfold  210  generally includes a front panel  212  and a back panel  214  that are pivotally mounted with respect to each other. The front panel  212  and the back panel  214  both have an upper edge  220 , a lower edge  222 , and a pair of side edges  224 . 
     The front panel  212  and the back panel  214  each have a lower stitch line  232  proximate the lower edge  222  that extends substantially between the side edges  224 . The front panel  212  and the back panel  214  also each have a pair of side stitch lines  234  proximate the side edges  224  that extends substantially between the upper edge  220  and the lower edge  222 . 
     The billfold  210  also preferably includes a coin pouch  240  attached to the front panel  212  intermediate the side edges  224 . The coin pouch  240  generally includes a receiving portion  242  and a closure flap  244 . The receiving portion  242  has a front panel  246  and a pair of side panels  248 . A lower edge of the front panel  246  is attached to the front panel  212  proximate to the lower edge  222 . The side panels  248  extend between the front panel  212  and the front panel  246  to thereby define a partially enclosed region. 
     The closure flap  244  is attached to the front panel  212  proximate an opening in the partially enclosed region. The closure flap  244  extends over the opening and thereby substantially encloses the opening to retain objects, such as coins, in the coin pouch  240 . A detachable fastening device  250  retains the closure flap  244  in a closed position with respect to the receiving portion  242 . The detachable fastening device is preferably a hook and latch closure such as marketed under the designation VELCRO. 
     The billfold  210  includes a first checkbook receiving portion  260  and an upper card receiving portion  262  attached to the front panel  212 , as most clearly illustrated in FIG.  20 . The first checkbook receiving portion  260  is preferably defined by a first panel  264  that extends substantially between the side edges  224 . Preferably, the first panel  264  is attached to the front panel  212  with the lower stitch line  232  and the side stitch lines  234 . 
     The first checkbook receiving portion  260  is adapted to receive a portion of a checkbook such as the checkbook register (not shown). Alternatively, the first checkbook receiving portion  260  may be used to store credit cards, currency or other items having a similar size and shape. 
     The upper card receiving portion  262  is preferably defined by a second panel  266  that substantially extends over the first panel  264 . The second panel  266  is attached to the front panel  212  and the first panel  264  with the lower stitch line  232 . The second panel  266  is attached to the first panel  264  opposite the lower stitch  232  with a stitch line  268 . Intermediate the side edges  224 , the second panel  266  is attached to the first panel  264  with a stitch line  270 . The second panel  266  and the first panel  264  thereby define a first region  272  and a second region  274  that are each adapted to receive at least one identification card, credit card, business card or combination thereof. 
     To enhance the ability to insert and remove items from the first region  272  and the second region  274 , the second panel  266  preferably includes an arcuate edge  276  opposite the stitch line  270 . 
     The billfold  210  includes a second checkbook receiving portion  280  and a lower card receiving portion  282  attached to the back panel  214 , as most clearly illustrated in FIG.  20 . The second checkbook receiving portion  280  is preferably defined by a third panel  284  that extends substantially between the side edges  224 . Preferably, the third panel  284  is attached to the back panel  214  with the lower stitch line  232  and the side stitch lines  234 . 
     The second checkbook receiving portion  280  is adapted to receive a portion of a checkbook such as the checkbook (not shown). Alternatively, the second checkbook receiving portion  280  may be used to store credit cards, currency or other items having a similar size and shape. The second checkbook receiving portion  280  has a width that permits currency to be placed therein in an unfolded orientation. 
     To enhance the ability to maintain the checkbook at a desired location within the second checkbook receiving portion  280 , the billfold  210  preferably includes a retaining strap  281 , as most clearly illustrated in FIG.  20 . Opposite ends of the retaining strap  281  are attached to the third panel  284  opposite the fourth panel  286 . The retaining strap  281  thereby maintains a checkbook at a desired location in the second checkbook receiving portion  280 . 
     The lower card receiving portion  282  is preferably defined by a fourth panel  286  that substantially extends over the third panel  284 . The fourth panel  286  is attached to the back panel  214  and the third panel  284  with the lower stitch line  232 . The fourth panel  286  is attached to the third panel  284  opposite the lower stitch  232  with a stitch line  288 . Intermediate the side edges  224 , the fourth panel  286  is attached to the third panel  284  with a stitch line  290 . The fourth panel  286  and the third panel  284  thereby define a first region  292  and a second region  294  that are each adapted to receive at least one identification card, credit card, business card or combination thereof. 
     Proximate the intersection of the front panel  212  and the back panel  214  and intermediate the side edges  224 , the billfold  210  includes a loop  298 . The loop  298  is preferably attached to the back panel  214  with an upper stitch line  226 . The loop  298  is adapted to receive an elongated portion of a pen, pencil or similar device that is used for making entries in the checkbook stored in the billfold  210 . 
     The billfold  210  is preferably fabricated from leather. However, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the billfold  210  may be fabricated from alternative natural and synthetic materials using the concepts of the present invention. 
     A fourth embodiment of the billfold of the present invention is illustrated at  310  in FIGS. 21-25. The billfold  10  generally includes a front panel  312  and a back panel  314  that are pivotally mounted with respect to each other. The front panel  312  and the back panel  314  both have an upper edge  320 , a lower edge  322 , and a pair of side edges  324 . 
     The front panel  312  and the back panel  314  each have a lower stitch line  332  proximate the lower edge  322  that extends substantially between the side edges  324 . The front panel  312  and the back panel  314  also each have a pair of side stitch lines  334  proximate the side edges  324  that extends substantially between the upper edge  320  and the lower edge  322 . 
     The billfold  310  includes a first checkbook receiving portion  360  and an upper card receiving portion  362  attached to the front panel  312 , as most clearly illustrated in FIG.  26 . The first checkbook receiving portion  360  is preferably defined by a first panel  364  that extends substantially between the side edges  324 . Preferably, the first panel  364  is attached to the front panel  312  with the lower stitch line  332  and the side stitch lines  334 . 
     The first checkbook receiving portion  360  is adapted to receive a portion of a checkbook such as the checkbook register (not shown). Alternatively, the first checkbook receiving portion  360  may be used to store credit cards, currency or other items having a similar size and shape. 
     The upper card receiving portion  362  is preferably defined by a second panel  366  that substantially extends over the first panel  364 . The second panel  366  is attached to the front panel  312  and the first panel  364  with the lower stitch line  332 . The second panel  366  is attached to the first panel  364  opposite the lower stitch  332  with a stitch line  368 . Intermediate the side edges  324 , the second panel  366  is attached to the first panel  364  with a stitch line  370 . The second panel  366  and the first panel  364  thereby define a first region  372  and a second region  374  that are each adapted to receive at least one identification card, credit card, business card or combination thereof. 
     To enhance the ability to insert and remove items from the first region  372  and the second region  374 , the second panel  366  preferably includes an arcuate edge  376  opposite the stitch line  370 . 
     The billfold  310  includes a second checkbook receiving portion  380  and a lower card receiving portion  382  attached to the back panel  314 , as most clearly illustrated in FIG.  26 . The second checkbook receiving portion  380  is preferably defined by a third panel  384  that extends substantially between the side edges  324 . Preferably, the third panel  384  is attached to the back panel  314  with the lower stitch line  332  and the side stitch lines  334 . 
     The second checkbook receiving portion  380  is adapted to receive a portion of a checkbook such as the checkbook (not shown). Alternatively, the second checkbook receiving portion  380  may be used to store credit cards, currency or other items having a similar size and shape. The second checkbook receiving portion  380  has a width that permits currency to be placed therein in an unfolded orientation. 
     To enhance the ability to maintain the checkbook at a desired location within the second checkbook receiving portion  380 , the billfold  310  preferably includes a retaining strap  381 , as most clearly illustrated in FIG.  26 . Opposite ends of the retaining strap  381  are attached to the third panel  384  opposite the fourth panel  386 . The retaining strap  381  thereby maintains a checkbook at a desired location in the second checkbook receiving portion  380 . 
     The lower card receiving portion  384  is preferably defined by a fourth panel  386  that substantially extends over the third panel  384 . The fourth panel  386  is attached to the back panel  314  and the third panel  384  with the lower stitch line  332 . The fourth panel  386  is attached to the third panel  384  opposite the lower stitch  332  with a stitch line  388 . Intermediate the side edges  324 , the fourth panel  386  is attached to the third panel  384  with a stitch line  390 . The fourth panel  386  and the third panel  384  thereby define a first region  392  and a second region  394  that are each adapted to receive at least one identification card, credit card, business card or combination thereof. 
     Proximate the intersection of the front panel  312  and the back panel  314  and intermediate the side edges  324 , the billfold  310  includes a loop  398 . The loop  398  is preferably attached to the back panel  314  with an upper stitch line  326 . The loop  398  is adapted to receive an elongated portion of a pen, pencil or similar device that is used for making entries in the checkbook stored in the billfold  310 . 
     The billfold  310  is preferably fabricated from leather. However, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the billfold  310  may be fabricated from alternative natural and synthetic materials using the concepts of the present invention. 
     It is contemplated that features disclosed in this application, as well as those described in the above applications incorporated by reference, can be mixed and matched to suit particular circumstances. Various other modifications and changes will be apparent to those of ordinary skill.