Abstract:
An electromagnetic shielding carrying case comprising a front panel hingedly connected to a middle and rear panel. The front and middle panels each comprise an electromagnetic shielding member with a card holding means affixed to each. The carrying case has a closed position wherein upstanding walls of the front and rear panels are brought into engagement with one another so as to form an enclosure around the middle panel, thus shielding contactless smartcards contained within from being scanned by an RFID reader. A releasable locking means holds the front panel closed against the rear panel, and can be unlocked so the front panel pivots open, creating a first open position wherein contactless smartcards can be accessed in both card holding means. The middle panel can also be pivoted open to reveal a receptacle within the rear shell that holds paper currency or one additional card.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not Applicable 
       FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM 
       [0003]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0004]    1. Field of Invention 
         [0005]    This invention relates to carrying cases, and more specifically to wallet-sized electromagnetic shielding carrying cases for holding personal articles such as credit cards, contactless smartcards, licenses, identification cards, paper currency, receipts, tickets, and the like. 
         [0006]    2. Prior Art 
         [0007]    Contactless smartcards are wallet-sized cards that are being marketed to consumers as an alternative to magnetic strip cards as a convenient way for storing financial and personal data. By virtue of their ability to store relatively large amounts of data on an embedded microchip, and the convenience of not having to swipe the card through a scanner or hand it to a cashier, it is projected that these cards will only continue to multiply in the coming years in the fields of banking, transportation, healthcare, insurance, social security, and other personal data. The chips used in contactless smartcards can be manufactured in a form called an RFID chip, wherein RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification. Contactless smartcards may also be referred to as RFID enabled cards. 
         [0008]    In order to obtain the personal information contained on a smartcard, an RFID reader or sensor needs to be present. The RFID reader provides power to the embedded microchip via a modulated magnetic field, allowing the information to be obtained from the card. Assuming that the smartcards are not shielded by an electromagnetic-shielding enclosure, the smartcards can be powered up and accessed without the card owner&#39;s knowledge. This can typically occur in two different scenarios. In one scenario, the unauthorized scanning of an RFID enabled card can be accidental, wherein the card owner is unaware that they have come within range of an active RFID reader. In the second scenario, the scanning of the card might be intentionally executed by a party who is interested in obtaining the card owners personal information without their consent. This said party may have their own RFID reader which they use for this purpose. The latter scenario is an example of what has become known as RFID theft, a new and rapidly growing form of identity theft. In both of these scenarios, however, the user can no longer take a proactive role in securing information on their cards. 
         [0009]    There are some who have invented methods of proactively securing the information on a smartcard. U.S. Pat. No. 6,121,544 issued to Petsinger describes an electromagnetic shield to prevent unauthorized access to contactless smartcards. The smartcard is inserted into an opaque sleeve that covers the majority of the cards surfaces. A sheet of electromagnetic-shielding material in the form of a soft magnetic alloy is embedded within the sleeve. While in the sleeve, a contactless smartcard is shielded from being powered up by an RFID reader. While it does provide a secure RFID shielding body in the form of the sleeve, the disadvantage of this device is that it is specifically made for a very small quantity of cards (typically one or two). The sleeve is meant to be carried in a users pocket or wallet, but this is unfavorable because it adds complication and time to removing RFID cards from a user&#39;s wallet. Moreover, because of the opaque nature of the electromagnetic-shielding material and its plastic shells, one cannot see through it. This prevents the user from seeing which card is stored inside the sleeve. Lastly, the sleeve does not have the capability to carry any additional personal items, such as paper currency, photographs, receipts, or other cards, making it a separate item that needs to be carried in addition to ones regular wallet. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,163,152 issued to Osborn et al. is very similar to Petsinger&#39;s invention and also has a lot of the same issues. Osborn teaches a protective case comprising a receptacle or base, and a lid both formed from ferromagnetic metal which together form a tight enclosure, and a polymeric insert in between that holds only one card and shields it from damaging magnetic fields. While it could be said this invention provides a secure RFID shielding enclosure for magnetic or contactless smartcard, it only holds one of them and is not practical by any means as an everyday carry wallet or case. Osborn&#39;s case is thick and oversized for holding just one card inside, and does not teach or describe an additional compartment for paper currency, receipts, or even more cards, which would help make his invention more favorable as a wallet or carrying case. Moreover, the case has an oversized lid that must be popped off to access the lone card inside, adding complication and time for a user trying to pay for an item quickly. 
         [0011]    Other solutions have been presented for shielding smartcards in the form of conventional leather and fabric bi-fold wallets with one or more liners of electromagnetic-shielding material embedded somewhere within or attached to their outer panels. One particular reference that describes this common solution is U.S. Pat. No. 7,482,925 issued to Visa U.S.A. (herein Visa). Visa discloses several methods and apparatuses for shielding portable consumer devices such as contactless smartcards, which include envelopes with metalized coatings, electromagnetic shielding stickers attached to smartcards, and a conventional bi-fold wallet with an “RF shield liner” that is configured to be integrated with the wallet to shield smartcards contained inside it. While most of the embodiments that Visa describes are temporary security measures to protect and shield newly issued smartcards during transport through the mail to their owners, Visa also teaches a fairly standard bi-fold wallet with an “RF shield liner” integrated with the outer panels of the wallet, and a holding pocket inside for containing smartcards. Visa states that the “RF shield liner” is configured to attenuate RF signals within the operation frequency range of the smartcard contained inside the holding pocket when the wallet is folded closed. 
         [0012]    There are several serious issues with Visa&#39;s solution and with other RF shielding wallets that use this same method. First, it is evident that these electromagnetic shielding wallets are made to be carried in ones pocket or handbag. However, while these traditional bi-fold type wallets are in ones pocket or handbag they have a tendency to pivot open slightly as a result of the user walking, running, or being jolted. When these wallets fold open even the slightest bit, the RF shield liner on the outside of the wallet also spreads open, and a breach is created in the RF shielding effect of the wallet, making the smartcards prone to accidental or unauthorized scanning. 
         [0013]    A second disadvantage of these RF blocking wallets is the fact that the card pockets within them are not closed off in any way, even when the wallet is folded closed. Again, as a result of the user walking, running, or being jolted in some way, the smartcards within the wallet are prone to sliding out of the sleeves, and even the slightest exposure of these smartcards outside of the RF shield liner can risk unauthorized and accidental scanning of the smartcard. 
         [0014]    A third disadvantage to these RF blocking wallets is that the RF shielding liner inside needs to be flexible and is often substantially thin and flimsy, using materials such as aluminum foil. As a result of repeatedly folding open and closed with use, and being subjected to various forces while in ones pocket or bag, these RF shielding liners can easily crumple, tear, or crack, which can lead to a creation of a hole or gap in the electromagnetic shielding effect of the wallet. 
         [0015]    A fourth disadvantage to these RF blocking wallets is the added labor and cost of manufacturing and constructing them. The RF shielding liner becomes a costly appendage to the wallet instead of being an efficient, integral component. Not only does the leather or fabric have to be cut down to size and sewn together, but sheets of electromagnetic-shielding material have to be fabricated and cut down to size as well, only to be concealed within the outer panels of the wallet. It is an added cost and step in the manufacturing process that is often reflected in the retail price for these wallets. 
         [0016]    Hence, there exists a need for a portable electromagnetic-shielding wallet or case that holds and shields a plurality of smartcards in more than one sleeve or pocket and is prevented from accidentally pivoting open while closed in ones pocket or bag. Moreover, smartcards contained inside the proposed electromagnetic-shielding wallet or case must not be able to slide or fall out when the wallet or case is closed. 
         [0017]    In addition to being able to hold a plurality of smartcards or regular wallet-sized cards, the proposed wallet/carrying case must also be able to hold paper currency, receipts, tickets, and the like. Lastly, the materials used to create the wallet or case must be substantially rigid, durable, and configured in a way so as to protect the electromagnetic shielding material within from being folded, bent, crushed, or broken over time with use. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0018]    The present invention is directed towards an improved electromagnetic shielding carrying case for contactless smartcards and personal articles that is meant to be carried in ones pocket, bag, or purse, comprising a front panel hingedly connected to a middle and rear panel. The front panel and middle panel further comprise respective electromagnetic shielding members and a card holding means affixed to each. The carrying case has a closed position wherein the continuous upstanding walls of the front and rear panels are brought into engagement with one another so as to form an enclosure around the middle panel, thus shielding contactless smartcards within both card holding means from being scanned by an RFID reader. A releasable locking means affixed to the inner surface of the rear panel holds the front panel closed so cards and currency cannot fall or slide out, and can be quickly and easily unlocked so that the front panel pivots open, creating a first open position of the carrying case wherein wallet sized cards, including contactless smartcards, can be stored and accessed from within both card holding means. The middle panel can also be pivoted open until it is flush against the front panel to reveal a receptacle within the rear panel that holds paper currency, tickets, business cards, receipts, or at least one additional wallet sized card. 
         [0019]    It is a primary objective of this invention to provide an electromagnetic shielding carrying case that shields a plurality of contactless smartcards contained within from being powered up and read by an RFID reader when the case is closed, and also prevent accidental opening while contained in ones pocket or bag by providing a releasable locking means that allows a user to quickly and easily lock the case shut. 
         [0020]    It is another objective of this invention to construct the outer shells of the carrying case out of a substantially rigid and durable material so as to protect the electromagnetic shielding members within from being bent, crushed, or broken with use. 
         [0021]    It is another objective of this invention to provide electromagnetic shielding members that are strong, resilient, and durable so as not to bend, tear, or degrade with use which could consequently create a breach in the electromagnetic shielding effect. 
         [0022]    It is another objective of this invention to provide an urging means to allow the carrying case to automatically pivot itself open when the releasable locking means is disengaged to hold itself open for the user while they sort through cards or hold a smartcard up to an RFID sensor. 
         [0023]    It is another objective of this invention to provide a separate compartment within the electromagnetic shielding carrying case to store paper currency, receipts, tickets, and the like. 
         [0024]    It is still another objective of this invention to provide several card pockets within the carrying case that allow a user maximum visibility of and better access to the cards contained in each card pocket. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0025]      FIG. 1  illustrates schematically an axonometric view of the front side of the electromagnetic shielding carrying case when it is in its closed position. 
           [0026]      FIG. 1A  illustrates schematically an axonometric view of the electromagnetic shielding carrying case when it is in its first open position. 
           [0027]      FIG. 2  illustrates schematically an axonometric view of the electromagnetic shielding carrying case when the middle panel is beginning to pivot open. 
           [0028]      FIG. 2A  illustrates schematically an axonometric view of the electromagnetic shielding carrying case when it is in its second open position, revealing the paper currency holding area. 
           [0029]      FIG. 3  illustrates schematically a sectional view of the carrying case when it is in its closed position and the latch member is in its locked position. 
           [0030]      FIG. 3A  illustrates schematically a vertical section through the electromagnetic shielding carrying case when the latch member is pressed down and the front panel begins to pivot open. 
           [0031]      FIG. 4  illustrates schematically a vertical section through the center of the short dimension of the electromagnetic shielding carrying case. 
           [0032]      FIG. 5  illustrates schematically an axonometric view of the front panel assembly. 
           [0033]      FIG. 5A  illustrates schematically an axonometric view of how the first shielding member fits into the front shell. 
           [0034]      FIG. 5B  illustrates schematically an axonometric view of how the tab inserts are integrated into the front panel assembly. 
           [0035]      FIG. 5C  illustrates schematically an enlarged sectional view of how the insert tabs are snapped in place under the projecting arms of the front shell. 
           [0036]      FIG. 6  illustrates schematically an axonometric view of the middle panel assembly. 
           [0037]      FIG. 6A  illustrates schematically an axonometric view of how the second shielding member is slid into place within the middle panel assembly. 
           [0038]      FIG. 6B  illustrates schematically how the inclined portions underneath the middle panel base lock the second shielding member into place within the middle panel assembly. 
           [0039]      FIG. 7  illustrates schematically an axonometric view of the rear panel assembly. 
           [0040]      FIG. 7A  illustrates schematically an axonometric view of how the latch member, compression spring, and clip are affixed to the rear panel assembly. 
           [0041]      FIG. 7B  illustrates schematically an enlarged axonometric view of the torsion spring chamber showing the slit that the torsion spring leg passes through upon rotation. 
           [0042]      FIG. 7C  illustrates schematically an axonometric view of the underside of the latch member showing how the compression spring aligns with the second spring boss. 
           [0043]      FIG. 7D  illustrates schematically an enlarged axonometric view of the back of the latch member in its locked position. 
           [0044]      FIG. 8  illustrates schematically an axonometric view of the electromagnetic shielding carrying case divided into its three main assemblies. 
       
    
    
       [0045]      
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 DRAWINGS-Reference Numerals 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 20 
                 hinge pin 
                 22 
                 compression spring 
               
               
                 24 
                 torsion spring 
                 26 
                 plurality of contactless 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 smartcards 
               
               
                 100 
                 front panel assembly 
                 102 
                 first shielding member 
               
               
                 104 
                 front shell 
                 106 
                 front upstanding wall on 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 front shell 
               
               
                 108 
                 hinge members on front shell 
                 110 
                 rear wall 
               
               
                 112 
                 ramp members 
                 114 
                 concave interior surface 
               
               
                 116 
                 projecting arms 
                 118 
                 tab inserts 
               
               
                 150 
                 projecting tongues 
                 152 
                 first card pocket 
               
               
                 200 
                 middle panel assembly 
                 202 
                 second shielding member 
               
               
                 204 
                 middle panel base 
                 206 
                 projecting tabs 
               
               
                 208 
                 hinge members 
                 210 
                 inclined portions 
               
               
                 212 
                 second card pocket 
                 214 
                 finger grip 
               
               
                 300 
                 rear panel assembly 
                 302 
                 concave interior surface 
               
               
                 304 
                 rear shell 
                 306 
                 rear upstanding wall on 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 rear shell 
               
               
                 308 
                 hinge members 
                 310 
                 pin insertion hole 
               
               
                 312 
                 torsion spring chamber 
                 314 
                 rear wall 
               
               
                 316 
                 clip insertion slit 
                 318 
                 clip 
               
               
                 320 
                 latch member base 
                 322 
                 latch member pivot stop 
               
               
                 324 
                 first spring boss on rear shell 
                 326 
                 latch member 
               
               
                 328 
                 second spring boss under latch 
                 330 
                 hinge rods on latch member 
               
               
                 332 
                 tongue overlapping portion 
                 334 
                 wall member on latch 
               
               
                 336 
                 paper currency 
                 400 
                 electromagnetic shielding 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 carrying case 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0046]    As used herein, the term “contactless smartcards” is meant to include any wallet-sized card, such as license, credit, check, ATM, or membership cards that are approximately 8.5 cm long by 5.5 cm wide and 1 mm or less thick and contain an RFID microchip within them that stores personal data. The electromagnetic shielding carrying case which is the preferred embodiment of the present invention is broadly denoted by the numeral  400  and is shown in its closed position in  FIGS. 1 ,  3  and  4 , in its first open position in  FIG. 1A , and in its second open position in  FIG. 2A .  FIG. 8  shows a partially exploded view of carrying case  400  when it is separated into its 3 main assemblies—front panel assembly  100  (see  FIG. 5 ), middle panel assembly  200  (see  FIG. 6 ), and rear panel assembly  300  (see  FIG. 7 ). 
       Front Panel Assembly 
       [0047]    Front panel assembly  100 , as seen in  FIG. 5  and partially exploded in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , comprises a molded front shell  104  having a planar four sided body with a front upstanding wall  106  along its sides that attaches to a rear wall  110 . Front shell  104  also has a concave interior surface  114  and a pair of hinge members  108  that are upstanding from concave interior surface  114  and are integrated with rear wall  110 . A pair of ramp members  112  are upstanding from concave interior surface  114  and are integrated with front upstanding wall  106  and each include a projecting tongue  150  that projects into a rectangular notch in front shell  104 . 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIG. 5A , first shielding member  102  is placed flush against concave interior surface  114 . Tab inserts  118  are then slidably inserted underneath projecting arms  116  and hold first shielding member  102  in place so it cannot move (shown in  FIG. 5B  and sectionally in  FIG. 5C ). Tab inserts  118  also comprise a vertical wall portion on their underside, which can be seen in  FIG. 5C . A first card pocket  152  is then defined on its sides by the wall portions on the undersides of tab inserts  118 , its top by the projecting portions of tab inserts  118 , its bottom by first shielding member  102 , and its rear by rear wall  110 . First card pocket  152  is sized to removably contain a plurality of wallet sized cards  26  which are slidably inserted and removed in a direction parallel to and against ramp members  112  when carrying case  400  is in its first open position (as seen in  FIG. 1A ). Ramp members  112  are meant to guide plurality of contactless smartcards  26  above front upstanding wall  106  so they can be removed from front panel assembly  100 . The wall portions on the underside of tab inserts  118  frictionally engage the edges of cards that are inserted into first card pocket  152  so that cards are held firmly while in the pocket. 
       Middle Panel Assembly 
       [0049]    Middle panel assembly  200 , as shown in  FIG. 6  and partially exploded in  FIG. 6A , comprises a middle panel base  204  that has a pair of hinge members  208  protruding from one edge, and a pair of projecting tabs  206  along its side edges that have a wall portion on their undersides which can be seen in  FIG. 4 . Each projecting tab  206  has a finger grip  214  integrated with it, and each finger grip  214  has a rear wall portion attached to it. A second shielding member  202  is slidably inserted onto the top surface of middle panel base  204  but underneath the wall portions of projecting tabs  206 . Inclined portions  210  protrude through notches in second shielding member  202  so that the same can be slidably locked into place, as seen in  FIG. 6B . A second card pocket  212  is then defined on its sides by the wall portions underneath projecting tabs  206 , its top by projecting tabs  206 , its bottom by second shielding member  202 , and its rear by the rear wall portions attached to finger grips  214 . Second card pocket  212  is sized to removably contain a plurality of contactless smartcards  26  which are slidably inserted and removed in the same direction as cards contained in first card pocket  152  when carrying case  400  is in its first open position (as seen in  FIG. 1A ). 
       Rear Panel Assembly 
       [0050]    Rear panel assembly  300 , as shown in  FIG. 7 , and fully exploded in  FIG. 7A , comprises a molded rear shell  304  having a planar four sided body with a continuous rear upstanding wall  306  along its sides that integrate with a rear wall  314 . Rear shell  304  has a concave interior surface  302  and a plurality of hinge members  308  protruding from rear wall  314 . A torsion spring chamber  312  is sandwiched in between two of hinge members  308 . A pin insertion hole  310  is located on the exterior corner of rear shell  304  and is in partial alignment with the holes in hinge members  308 . 
         [0051]    Referring to  FIG. 7A , a latch member  326  has a pair of hinge rods  330  that are snap-inserted into the holes of latch member base  320  in the concave interior surface  302  of rear shell  304 . As latch member  326  is snap-inserted in place, a compression spring  22  is inserted around a first spring boss  324  on rear shell  304  and a second spring boss  328  located underneath latch member  326  (which can be seen in  FIG. 7C ). Latch member  326  has a wall member  334  on its underside that pushes against latch member pivot stop  322  when latch member  326  is in its locked position (seen in  FIG. 7D ). Latch member  326  has a pair of tongue overlapping portions  332  on its sides. 
         [0052]    A clip  318  is slidably inserted into an insertion slit  316  on one side of rear shell  304  and is snap-inserted into place in a similar snap-fit fashion as tab inserts  118  were on front shell  104 . Clip  318  then extends over top of concave interior surface  302  and allows a receptacle to be defined on its bottom by concave interior surface  302 , its sides by rear upstanding wall  306  and its top by clip  318 , and is sized and shaped to allow paper currency  336 , receipts, tickets, business cards, or at least one wallet sized card to be stored within rear shell  304 . 
       Fully Assembled Carrying Case 
       [0053]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , a torsion spring  24  is inserted into torsion spring chamber  312  on rear shell  304  at the same time a hinge pin  20  is slidably inserted into insertion hole  310  and through the respective holes of hinge members  308 ,  208 , and  108  as well as through the hole in torsion spring  24 . Insertion hole  310  is shifted slightly upwards in its relative alignment to the holes in hinge members  308  so that when hinge pin  20  is fully inserted, its circular cross section drops below the diameter of insertion hole  310  and is thus obstructed and cannot slide out anymore. Thus, after hinge pin  20  is fully inserted, front panel assembly  100 , middle panel assembly  200 , and rear panel assembly  300  are rotatably linked with one another. One leg of torsion spring  24  rests against a pedestal portion inside torsion spring chamber  312  (seen in  FIGS. 3 and 3A ) and the other leg pushes against an interior portion of front shell  104  (also seen in  FIGS. 3 and 3A ). 
         [0000]    Thus, it will be observed that carrying case  400  has three basic positions: 
         [0054]    (i) Closed Postion ( FIGS. 1 ,  3 , and  4 ): As front panel  100  is pivoted closed, projecting tongues  150  on front shell  104  frictionally engage tongue overlapping portions  332  on latch member  326  and cause it to pivot forwards to its unlocked position, which can be seen in  FIG. 3A . As projecting tongues  150  continue to move down past tongue overlapping portions  332 , the urging force of compression spring  22  on the underside of latch member  326  pushes tongue overlapping portions  332  on top of projecting tongues  150 , whereby electromagnetic shielding carrying case  400  is able to stay firmly shut in its closed position. This also allows a user to quickly and easily lock carrying case  400  shut without the use of buttons or zippers. Moreover, as observed from  FIGS. 3 and 4 , it is physically impossible for cards to fall or slide out of the case  400  when it is in its closed position as they are bounded on all sides by elements of the construction. 
         [0055]    In the closed position, plurality of contactless smartcards  26  which are contained in first card pocket  152  and second card pocket  212  are sandwiched between first shielding member  102  and second shielding member  202  (seen  FIGS. 3 and 4 ), so that plurality of contactless smartcards  26  are shielded from being scanned by an RFID reader, thereby preventing unauthorized or accidental access to one&#39;s personal card data. Moreover, in the closed position, electromagnetic shielding carrying case  400  is securely shut and cannot pivot open while shifting around in ones pocket or bag, thus avoiding the creation of a breach in the electromagnetic shielding effect, and also preventing any contactless smartcards contained in carrying case  400  from falling or sliding out slightly, which would also risk unauthorized scanning. Also in the closed position, paper currency  336  or other thin elements stored under clip  318  cannot fall or slide out. This is because the receptacle in the rear shell  304  is closed off on its top by the underside of middle panel assembly  200  (seen in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ). 
         [0056]    (ii) First Open Position ( FIG. 1A ): From its closed state, electromagnetic shielding carrying case  400  will automatically pivot itself open when ones finger is pushed down on top of latch member  326  causing it to pivot forwards and remove tongue overlapping portions  332  from on top of projecting tongues  150 , as seen in  FIG. 3A . The urging force of one of the legs of torsion spring  24  against the inner surface of front shell  104  causes front panel assembly  100  to pivot open approximately 180 degrees, seen in  FIG. 1A . As front panel  100  pivots open, the leg of torsion spring  24  that is pushing against front shell  104  pivots through a slit in torsion spring chamber  312  so it can continue urging against front panel  100  unobstructed until it is fully rotated (slit seen in  FIG. 7B ). While in this first open position, cards stored in first card pocket  152  and second card pocket  212  can be slidably inserted and removed with ones thumbs while carrying case  400  is held in the palm of one&#39;s hand. 
         [0057]    (iii) Second Open Position ( FIG. 2A ): From the first open position, middle panel  200  can be gripped with ones finger by finger grips  214  and pivoted open approximately 180 degrees until it is flush against front panel  100 , allowing a user to access paper elements or at least one wallet sized card that may be stored under clip  318  in rear shell  304 . Carrying case  400  can also be returned to the first open position from the second open position by gripping the back edge of middle panel base  204  with ones finger and pivoting middle panel  200  backwards again. 
       Materials and Manufacturing 
       [0058]    In the preferred embodiment, first shielding member  102  and second shielding member  202  are preferably laser cut from a flat sheet of uniform thickness of aluminum alloy. As would be obvious to one skilled in the art, aluminum alloy inherently has strong electromagnetic signal blocking properties, good strength and rigidity, is very lightweight, and readily available at a reasonable price. It is also one of the most readily recycled metals, making it a greener material. The lightness of the material is also favorable because carrying case  400  is meant to be carried in ones pocket or bag comfortably. As discussed, it&#39;s important that shielding members  102  and  202  are made from a durable, resilient sheet of metal instead of a specialized, expensive electromagnetic shielding foil or film in order to eliminate the threat of the shielding material bending, flaking, or tearing over time with use, which is one of the disadvantages of the aforementioned prior art. 
         [0059]    Also in the preferred embodiment, front shell  104 , tab inserts  118 , middle panel base  204 , rear shell  304 , latch member  326 , and clip  318  are all injection molded out of a durable, lightweight, and resilient plastic such as ABS or Polycarbonate plastic. This again helps to add to the lightness of carrying case  400  so it can be comfortably carried in ones pocket or bag, and also to protect shielding members  102  and  202  inside from being crushed or damaged. Also in the preferred embodiment, hinge pin  20  is preferably made from a strong, rigid metal such as alloy steel, which has good abrasion resistance to better endure the rotational friction of opening and closing the carrying case  400 , and helps to keep the case tightly closed. 
         [0060]    As would be obvious to one skilled in the art, front shell  104 , latch member  326 , and rear shell  304  could also be injection molded in different colors to change the outer appearance of the carrying case  400  and satisfy new trends, tastes, and demands of the market. 
       Summary, Ramifications, and Scope 
       [0061]    Accordingly, the reader will see that electromagnetic shielding carrying case for contactless smartcards and personal articles can be used to prevent unauthorized or accidental access to the contents of a plurality of contactless smartcards contained within it, and will not accidentally pivot open while contained in ones pocket or bag. Furthermore, the electromagnetic shielding carrying case has additional advantages in that: 
         [0062]    The releasable locking means on the front of the carrying case can be easily unlocked by pushing the latch member down with ones finger, which instantly forces the carrying case to automatically pivot itself open, allowing the user to open the carrying case with minimum effort. Moreover, a user can scan a contactless smartcard without ever removing it from inside the carrying case by disengaging the locking means and allowing the case to flip itself open and hold itself open for them while they hold it up to an RFID sensor or scanner; 
         [0063]    A plurality of wallet-sized cards, which may include contactless smartcards, can be contained in more than one card pocket, and are physically prevented from accidentally falling or sliding out of the electromagnetic shielding carrying case when it is in a closed state; 
         [0064]    The card pockets within the electromagnetic shielding carrying case are minimal, gripping only a small portion of the edges of the topmost card, which allows a user greater visibility of the topmost card in each card pocket, and is helpful for sorting through cards in dimly lit environments or for people with poor vision. Moreover, this feature can also allow a user to display their driver&#39;s license or other cards without ever removing it from the carrying case; 
         [0065]    The electromagnetic shielding members within the carrying case also help to prevent the magnetic strips on cards from being demagnetized by external magnetic sources such as speakers, magnets, cell phones and the like when the carrying case is in its closed position; 
         [0066]    In addition to holding and shielding a plurality of contactless smartcards, the electromagnetic shielding carrying case has a receptacle for storing paper currency, receipts, tickets, business cards, or at least one additional wallet sized card; 
         [0067]    Instead of using thin, flimsy electromagnetic shielding foil like some of the prior art, the shielding members within the proposed electromagnetic shielding carrying case are rigid, durable, and operate separately and independently as opposed to being folded over itself and cracking or breaking with use; 
         [0068]    The outer shells can be made in different colors and textures to meet the current trends, demands, and tastes of the market; 
         [0069]    The market for contactless smartcards could be expanded by this invention by assuaging a card owners concerns over privacy and security by giving them the ability to protect the information on-their contactless smartcards, which may include RFID enabled debit, credit, or building entry cards. 
         [0070]    It will be appreciated that still further embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the present disclosure. It is to be understood that the present invention is by no means limited to the particular constructions herein disclosed and/or shown in the drawings, but also comprises any modifications or equivalents within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiment illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.