Patent Publication Number: US-8540388-B1

Title: Lit billfold

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not applicable. 
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
     Not applicable. 
     SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM 
     Not applicable. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention generally relates to illuminated document displays and holders in restaurants. Specifically, this invention relates to a lit billfold device for use with, but not limited to, displaying and illuminating restaurant checks or other documents under dim lighting conditions. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Restaurants and other service establishments typically use lighting to attract customers. Restaurants in particular use dim lighting in the dining area to create an intimate ambiance and create an enjoyable dining experience. However, the decreased illumination may cause a problem if the patron is unable to read the invoice information printed on the check. Without being able to read the check, the patron may commit errors in calculating the gratuity or final payment amount, leading to frustration for both the patron as well as restaurant staff. Some patrons may even be embarrassed to request assistance in reading the check and as a result may decide not to return to the restaurant. 
     While increased illumination may be desirable for patrons needing to read the check at the end of a dining experience, it is intrusive to patrons in the immediate vicinity who are still enjoying their meal. For this reason, typical illumination devices such as miniature lamps or table lights, while welcome by those having difficulty reading in low light, are distracting to other patrons nearby. 
     Candles may provide an appropriate amount of light to illuminate a check while not detracting from the restaurant&#39;s atmosphere. However, that type of lighting is hazardous in establishments where the candle can easily topple from the table and cause fire, exposing patrons to injuries and restaurant owners to liability. 
     Accordingly, a solution that satisfies the restaurant owner&#39;s best interests in serving patrons is one that enables patrons to read checks under dim lighting yet does not distract from the dining experiences of others. Restaurant patrons seek an enjoyable, stress free dining experience. Similarly, restaurant owners seek to provide such an experience to keep customers coming back. Additionally, restaurant owners need an effective method of delivering billing information. 
     The prior art in this field reveals numerous devices that hold, display, or illuminate restaurant checks and other documents in dim light conditions. However, the present invention provides a solution in areas where the prior art does not. 
     The prior art has attempted to overcome the aforementioned problems with a fixed light source. The illumination device for a guest check presenter in U.S. Pat. No. 7,270,437 to Racoosin et al. discloses a light source housing mounted onto a guest check presenter. The light is positioned to aim directly down at the check and is activated with a push-button switch. However, there is no way of automatically activating and deactivating the light source, a feature found in the present invention. Also, the fixed light source allows only for illumination of one portion of the check. The present invention solves this problem by providing a light source mounted on an adjustable light guide panel, which illuminates the entire document. 
     Another fixed light source example, the lighted bill folder in U.S. application Ser. No. 11/220,459 to Bryerman et al. discloses a folder, which, when opened, activates a light inside of a housing near the top of the folder. The light activates and deactivates when the folder is opened and closed. The illuminated billfold, portfolio, book and the like in U.S. Pat. No. 6,409,357 to Thompson et al., discloses front and back covers where the inner surface of one or both of the covers holds a restaurant check. One or both inner surfaces also include a light with an overhang. The overhang directs light at the check held by the respective cover. An electric switch energizes the light as the covers are opened. Additionally, the book light for simultaneously opening the shade and actuating the switch in U.S. Pat. No. 5,688,037 to Chen, discloses a light source with a shade that pivotally attaches to a folder with a clamp. A switch turns the light off and on when the shade closes and opens. These examples employ fixed light sources. As mentioned before, the fixed light configuration does not illuminate the entire document. The present invention overcomes this by providing a light source situated on a adjustable light guide panel. 
     The prior art also includes several portfolio-like document holders with the light source attached to the opposite cover as the cover holding the document. The illuminated document holder in U.S. Pat. No. 7,559,665 to Pfanstiehl, discloses a document holder that activates a lamp when the front and back covers reach predetermined angles. This prior art may be difficult to operate for some users. A user who is unaware of the proper angle to hold the menu may not enjoy the benefits of the invention. The illuminated document caddy in U.S. Pat. No. 7,163,307 to Clark et al. discloses a back cover holding a document and a front cover containing a light source. Alternatively, the light source may be located on the same cover as the document. A hood mounted over the light source prevents excess light from disturbing others nearby. A pressure switch activates and deactivates the light when the user opens and closes the covers. In the above examples, the light source being attached to one of the portfolio covers limits the degree in which the user may selectively illuminate portions of the check because the user must adjust the entire cover to alter the illumination. On the other hand, the present invention substantially departs from this trend by employing a user-friendly interface as well as a means to selectively illuminate the desired portion of the check without having to adjust the entire cover of the device. 
     The guest check presenter in U.S. Pat. No. 7,128,433 to Schlosser also discloses a portfolio with top and bottom covers and a plastic magnifying sheet disposed in between the covers. The bottom cover holds a document. The top cover houses a light source, which illuminates the document by directing light through the magnifying sheet. The light source is operated by a manual switch. This prior art does not feature a means to automatically shut off the light source. Therefore leaving the device unattended in the on position after use will result in unnecessary battery drain. Also, use of the magnifying sheet may be problematic to users unfamiliar with how the device works. The magnifying sheet may further reflect glare back into the eyes of the user. However, operation and execution of the present invention is easy. The user quickly discovers how to operate the lit billfold by simply opening the light guide panel, which automatically activates the light. 
     The food/drink tab/check holder in U.S. Pat. No. 6,808,208 to Ward discloses a book with front and back covers. One cover holds a document while the other cover contains a light-emitting assembly and a switch to deactivate the light when the covers are closed. The cover holding the document also includes a sliding magnifying member to assist users in reading small print. This prior art also requires the user to adjust the entire cover to illuminate different portions of the check. 
     The lighted check holder device in U.S. Pat. No. 6,302,563 to Yama discloses a box-like check support member with a hinged cover. An elongated light support member, with a switch and a light-emitting member on one end, is pivotally attached to the check support member at the other end. The box-like construction makes this device bulky and difficult to store in restaurants with limited space. Further, there is no automatic switch for activating or deactivating the light. The present invention overcomes these issues because it is roughly the same size as a normal restaurant billfold and includes a mechanism for automatically turning off the light when not in use. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,748 to Maxymych discloses an illuminated transaction tray with a hinged lid and an electroluminescent strip to light a restaurant bill held in a recess in the tray. The electroluminescent strip is arranged around the inner wall of the recessed area. With this device, there is no way to adjust the light to illuminate different parts of the check. The present invention substantially departs from this prior art by providing the user the means to selectively illuminate a desired portion of the check by adjusting the light guide panel. 
     The device for illuminating reading material in U.S. Pat. No. 7,549,762 to Dinnerstein et al. discloses a two-paneled portfolio with a third smaller panel. The third panel hingedly attaches to one of the first two panels and has a light module, which casts light onto a document held by the portfolio. The light source may be activated when the user depresses and holds a push button switch. Alternately, the light module may feature a timer to automatically deactivate the light after a predetermined amount of time. The present invention departs from this prior art by featuring a light guide panel that automatically closes, thereby deactivating the light source, when the user lets go of the guide panel. 
     Therefore, it can be appreciated that there exists a need for a lit billfold, which can be used for holding, displaying, and illuminating restaurant checks in restaurants with dim lighting conditions. In this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, the present invention is a lit billfold for holding and illuminating restaurant checks under dim lighting conditions. Of course, the purpose of the device is not limited illuminating checks in restaurants but may also be applied to other situations. The device may be adapted to any number of applications where a user is required to read printed materials under low light levels and where the maintenance of such low light levels is important to others nearby. For example, the present invention may be used with bills and checks in intimate live performance venues, dark nightclubs, or wine and cigar bars. Additionally, the device may be used to hold and illuminate theatre programs in dark theatres. The present invention effectively provides the user with the optimal level of illumination; there is enough light to accurately read printed text, but not so much light to interfere with the surrounding area. 
     In general, the present invention is comprised of a front and back cover, hingedly joined with a spine. Each cover includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The device also includes a document securing means, a power source housing, and a means of illuminating a document. 
     The means of securing a document preferably includes a plurality of straps located along the bottom edge of the inner surface of at least one cover. Each strap receives a bottom edge of a restaurant check or other document, thereby securing it to the device. 
     The power source housing includes a power terminal and a power control regulator. The power source housing receives a portable power source, preferably a plurality of batteries, which removably couples to the power terminal. The power terminal and power control regulator are both electrically connected to the means of illuminating a document. 
     The means of illuminating a document includes a light guide panel hingedly attached to the edge of the inner surface of one or both covers. The light guide panel folds away from the inner surface of the cover to open and folds toward the inner surface the cover to close. A light source is contained in the light guide panel. The light source is activated when the light guide panel is opened and deactivated when the light guide panel is closed. The light source directs light onto the check held by the document securing means. By adjusting the light guide panel, the user may selectively illuminate different portions of the check. Because of this feature, the device does not require bright lights for the light source. 
     The document illuminating means also includes a switch means. The switch means includes a reed switch situated in the attached cover and a switch magnet situated in the light guide panel. The reed switch and switch magnet are aligned so that opening and closing the light guide panel toggles the switch means and activates and deactivates the light source. 
     Thus, the general features of the invention have been broadly outlined, such that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described, which will form the subject matter of the claims. The claims should be regarded as providing the limits of the present invention. It is to be noted that the invention is not limited to the details of construction, or to the arrangements of the elements set forth in the following description or representations in the figures. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being used in a variety of ways for a multitude of purposes. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description, and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     It is thus an object of this present invention to provide a lit billfold allowing for the display and illumination of a restaurant check under dim lighting conditions while not interrupting the enjoyment of others. The present invention provides light specifically to the material the user wishes to read and does not disturb other non-users in the vicinity. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a lit billfold, which may be easily adapted for displaying various documents. In this manner, one document may be removed from the device and replaced by another document. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a lit billfold with efficient power consumption and inexpensive operating costs, accomplished in part by a mechanism to automatically switch the device off. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a lit billfold that can be used in conditions with both dim lighting and normal lighting levels. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a lit billfold with a simple user interface that can be easily activated by a non-sophisticated user. 
     It is still further an object of the present invention to provide a lit billfold that is battery powered and able to be easily moved from one location to another. 
     It is yet further an object of the present invention to provide a lit billfold that requires little or no assembly on part of the user. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a lit billfold, which may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed. 
     An additional object of the present invention is to provide a lit billfold that has a minimal number of moving parts and may easily be repaired if damaged. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a lit billfold, which provides advantages over the prior art, while simultaneously overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art. 
     These, together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty, which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims, which are a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying description and figures, in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. 
     Further objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
     While the above description contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but as exemplifications of the presently preferred embodiments thereof. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, and not by the examples given. Many other ramifications and variations are possible within the teachings of the invention. The lit billfold can be used in settings other than displaying and illuminating a restaurant bill in dim lighting conditions. For example, the device may be used in dimly lit nightclubs, wine bars, or performing art venues. 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of lighted document displays present in the prior art, the present invention provides a lit billfold. As such, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described in greater detail, is to provide a device, which has all the advantages of the prior art, and none of the disadvantages. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS—FIGURES 
       The features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a lit billfold showing the front and back covers in a closed position. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the lit billfold showing the front and back covers in a closed position and featuring the power source removed from the power source housing. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the lit billfold showing the front and back covers in an open position, with an uninserted document. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the lit billfold showing the front and back covers in an open position with a document inserted into the document securing means. 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view of the lit billfold showing the components of the power source housing, featuring the power terminals, power source, and the power control regulator. 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view of the front and back covers showing the means of illuminating a document. 
         FIG. 7  is a front elevation view of the light guide panel showing the light source and indicating the position of the light guide panel magnet and the switch magnet. 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view of the lit billfold showing the switch means. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the alternate embodiment of the lit billfold in an open, position showing the partition and the means of illuminating a document in the closed position. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the alternate embodiment of the lit billfold in an open position showing the partition and the means of illuminating a document in the open position. 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded perspective view of the alternate embodiment of the lit billfold showing the means of illuminating a document. 
         FIG. 12  is an exploded perspective view of the alternate embodiment of the lit billfold showing the components of the means of illuminating a document and the document securing means as well as the partitions. 
     
    
    
     DRAWINGS—REFERENCE NUMERALS 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 10 
                 Lit billfold 
               
               
                   
                 12 
                 Front cover 
               
               
                   
                 14 
                 Back cover 
               
               
                   
                 16 
                 Spine 
               
               
                   
                 18 
                 Credit card pocket 
               
               
                   
                 20 
                 Document securing means 
               
               
                   
                 22 
                 Strap 
               
               
                   
                 24 
                 Power source housing 
               
               
                   
                 26 
                 Power terminal 
               
               
                   
                 28 
                 Power control regulator 
               
               
                   
                 30 
                 Power source 
               
               
                   
                 32 
                 Plurality of batteries 
               
               
                   
                 34 
                 Hatch door 
               
               
                   
                 36 
                 Means of illuminating a document 
               
               
                   
                 38 
                 Light guide panel 
               
               
                   
                 40 
                 Light guide panel magnet 
               
               
                   
                 42 
                 Light source 
               
               
                   
                 44 
                 Plurality of light emitting diodes 
               
               
                   
                 46 
                 Switch means 
               
               
                   
                 48 
                 Reed switch 
               
               
                   
                 50 
                 Switch Magnet 
               
               
                   
                 60 
                 Partition 
               
               
                   
                 10′ 
                 Lit Billfold (alternate embodiment) 
               
               
                   
                 20′ 
                 Document securing means  
               
               
                   
                   
                 (alternate embodiment) 
               
               
                   
                 36′ 
                 Means of illuminating a document  
               
               
                   
                   
                 (alternate embodiment) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     With reference now to the drawings, and in particular,  FIGS. 1-12 , for a lit billfold for holding and illuminating restaurant checks and other documents in dimly lit environments, as generally designated by the reference numeral  10 , the principles and concepts of the present invention will be described. 
     The present invention, the lit billfold, is comprised of a plurality of components. Such components, in a broad sense, preferably include a front and a back cover, a document securing means, a power source housing, a power terminal, a power control regulator, a power source, and a means of illuminating a document. As described below, these elements and various sub elements contained therein combine to provide a user with many novel benefits. 
       FIGS. 1-4  show a lit billfold  10  having a front cover  12  and a back cover  14  hingedly joined by a spine  16 . The covers  12 ,  14  are preferably constructed from rigid durable cardboard covered with vinyl or simulated leather. However, the covers  12 ,  14  may be constructed from any suitable material, as is apparent to one skilled in the art. Each cover  12 ,  14  has an inner surface, which is hidden from view when the covers  12 ,  14  are closed, as seen specifically in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , as well as an outer surface, which is exposed only when the covers  12 ,  14  are open, as is depicted in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . At least one of the inner surfaces may include a credit card pocket  18  designed to secure a credit card or other currency after the user has reviewed the check and decides to pay. 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the device  10  includes a document securing means  20 , which includes a plurality of straps  22  preferably attached along the edge of the inner surface of at least one of the front or back covers  12 ,  14 . In the preferred embodiment, the straps  22  are attached along the bottom edge, but may also attach along the top edge as well. Each strap  22  preferably secures the bottom edge of the restaurant check or other document to be held. The user inserts the edge of a check into the strap  22 . This prevents the check from sliding out of the device  10  while being transported through the restaurant. Further, the document securing means  20  prevents the check from being dislodged as the covers  12 ,  14  are opened. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 5 , a power source housing  24  is attached to the spine  16 . The power source housing  24  contains a power terminal  26 . The power terminal  26  is electrically connected to a power control regulator  28 . A power source  30  is included and is removably coupled to the power terminal  26 . The power control regulator  28  ensures consistent flow of electricity between the power source  30  and other components of the device  10 . The power source  30  is preferably a plurality of batteries  32 . Of course, the power source  30  may consist of disposable alkaline batteries or rechargeable nickel cadmium or lithium ion batteries, as is apparent to one skilled in the art. A removable hatch  34  provides convenient access to the power source housing  24 . In this manner, the user may easily remove and replace depleted batteries  32 . Additionally, with the power source  30  in the power source housing  24 , near the spine  16 , there are less restrictions on the size of the power source  30 . For example, if the power source were located within one of the covers, power source options would be limited to low profile batteries. 
     The power source housing  24  is preferably constructed of durable plastic and covered with vinyl or simulated leather to match the front  12  and back  14  covers. Of course, the power source housing  24  may be constructed from any suitable material, as is apparent to one skilled in the art. In addition, the hatch  34  may employ a watertight seal to protect the power source  30  from careless or messy patrons. 
     Revisiting  FIGS. 3 and 4 , a means of illuminating a document  36  is attached to at least one of the covers  12 ,  14 . In the preferred embodiment, the means of illuminating a document  36  is attached to the back cover  14 . However, this component may readily be attached to the front cover  12  as well. In the preferred embodiment, the document illuminating means  36  includes a light guide panel  38  hingedly attached along the edge of the back cover  14 . The document illuminating means  36  is closed when the light guide panel  38  completely folds over the inner surface of the attached cover  14 , as is depicted in  FIG. 3 . The document illuminating means  36  is open when the light guide panel  38  folds away from the inner surface of the attached cover  14 , as is depicted in  FIG. 4 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , a set of light guide panel magnets  40  are oppositely situated within the light guide panel  38  and the attached cover  14 . The light guide panel magnets  40  are strong enough to attract the light guide panel  38  toward the cover. The light guide panel  38  also includes a light source  42 , which is preferably a plurality of light emitting diodes  44 . Of course, the device  10  may employ any variety of light fixtures, such as fluorescent light bulbs or incandescent light bulbs, as is apparent to one skilled in the art. The light guide panel magnets  40  cause the document illuminating means  36  to default to a closed position. In this manner, the document illuminating means  36  closes when not in use. As explained below, this feature is beneficial because it automatically deactivates the light source  42  when the document illuminating means  36  is not in use. This conserves the power source because the user is not required to turn the device off. 
     The light source  42  is situated within the light guide panel  38  in such a way as to direct light onto the inner surface of the attached cover  14  or the document, if one is secured. In addition, adjusting the angle of the light guide panel  38  relative to the attached cover  14  alters the direction of illumination cast by the light source  42 . The user may direct light to the area near the light guide panel  38  by adjusting the light guide panel  38  to a narrow angle. On the other hand, the user may direct light to the area further away from the light guide panel  38  by adjusting the light guide panel  38  to a wide angle. This feature conveniently allows the user to concentrate light to the area to be read without disrupting other users in the surrounding area. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , the document illuminating means  36  also includes a switch means  46 . The switch means  46  includes a reed switch  48  embedded in the attached cover  14 . The switch means  42  also includes a switch magnet  50  situated within the light guide panel  38 . The reed switch  48  and switch magnet  50  are aligned so that opening and closing the light guide panel  38  toggles the reed switch  48  thereby activating and deactivating the light source  42 , as explained below. 
     The power source  30 , the power terminal  26 , and the power control regulator  28  electrically connect with the light source  42  and the reed switch  48  to form an electric circuit. The light source  42  activates when the circuit is closed and deactivates when the circuit is open, the reed switch  44  controls the light source  40  by closing and opening the circuit as the light guide panel  38  is opened and closed, respectively. Therefore, when the light guide panel  38  is open, the reed switch  48  activates the light source  42  by closing the circuit. When the light guide panel  38  is closed, the reed switch  48  deactivates the light source  42  by the opening the circuit. This user interface is advantageous in that no special instructions are required to operate the device  10 . Because the default position of the light guide panel  38  is closed, the light source  42  is deactivated unless there is user actuation. 
     In an alternate embodiment of the present invention  10 ′, as seen in  FIGS. 9-12 , a partition  60  may be foldable attached to the spine  16  and disposed between the front  12  and back  14  covers. The partition  60  may also include a document securing means  20 ′, preferably in the form of straps  22  along the top or bottom edge thereof. The alternative embodiment  10 ′ may also include a means of illuminating a document  36 ′ on both the front  12  and back  14  covers. This configuration is advantageous in a restaurant situation where multiple parties dine together. The patrons may wish to keep the check amounts confidential. To respect this privacy, restaurant staff may present a separate check on each side of the partition  60 . In this manner, each paying party uses the document illuminating means  36 ′ on each side of the partition  60  to examine the respective bill without seeing the other party&#39;s check. 
     It should be noted that the mechanics and circuitry operate the same in the alternate embodiment  10 ′ as in the preferred embodiment. Therefore, the user interface is the same Opening and closing the light guide panels  38  activates and deactivates the light source  42  in the same manner as described in the preferred embodiment. 
     Using the lit billfold includes the steps of placing a restaurant check or other document into a document securing means  20  by inserting the bottom edge of the document into a strap  22  located along the bottom edge of the inner surface of the front  12  or back cover  13  or located along the bottom edge of a rigid partition  60 ; removing the hatch door  34  from the power source housing  24 ; installing the power source  30  into the power terminal  26 ; reattaching the hatch door  34 ; opening the light guide panel  38  to activate the light source  42 ; adjusting the angle of the light guide panel  38  to optimize the illumination of the restaurant check or other document; and finally allowing the light guide panel  38  to close to deactivate the light source  42 . 
     With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that, to achieve the optimum relationships for the parts, consideration must be made to variations in size and dimension, materials, shape, form, function, and the manner of operation, assembly, and use. Such considerations are intended to be encompassed by the present invention, and will be readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art. All suitable modifications, adaptations, and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. Although one embodiment has been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it will be understood that the intention is not limited to the embodiment discussed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Other changes, and uses within the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims, will suggest themselves to those versed in the art. This application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as those falling within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains, and which falls within the limits of the appended claims. 
     It will be noted that this invention fully meets the objectives set forth.