Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a multi-compartment portable container with separated openings, including one specifically designed for dispensing rolled or folded materials such as plastic bags. The present invention is useful for carrying multiple items related to walking and clean up after a domesticated animal, and is designed for one-handed access to such items.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/953,486, filed on Aug. 2, 2007, and to U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/901,222, filed on Feb. 14, 2007. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
       [0002]    Walkers of domesticated animals generally need several distinct items in their possession when going outside—the obvious one being clean-up bags. Often, walkers also bring treats for outdoor training purposes (such as may be recommended by trainers), cash and/or credit cards, and keys to get back into their home. Some dog walkers bring portable electronics, such as a cell phone, a PDA, or an MP3 player. Walkers also need to access these items while retaining hold of the dog&#39;s leash. As such, for a typical event of walking one&#39;s dog, it is likely that numerous items may be brought along, and some items need to be kept separated from one another. For example, treats should not be kept with plastic bags or potentially dirty keys. In addition, because an animal is being walked, the walker is generally holding a leash and has only one free hand with which to access items. 
         [0003]    Resourceful users have found ways to meet some but not all of these needs. Some dog walkers keep their clean-up bags, treats, money, keys, etc. on their person, sometimes in different clothes pockets. Such a solution may require “stuffing” pockets or may use a backpack or other carrying device. But unless a user has a sufficient number of pockets, such a solution does not meet the needs of one-handed access and separated compartments. 
         [0004]    Satchels presently exist which allow one to carry some of the items, but the satchels often do not have separate compartments or require two-handed operation. For example, portable clean-up bag dispensing products exist. Some of these products also have the ability to attach to a leash through use of an included clip or clasp. However, such products do not afford the ability to separately store other items as well and, in some cases, separating bags from one another or from the dispenser is a two-handed operation. In addition, when attached to the loop of a leash, some of these products dangle, which can be annoying to the walker, the animal, or both. 
         [0005]    Other products are portable, yet only have a single storage site. These products are insufficient solutions as items like treats become intermingled with metal keys or other potentially non-animal friendly items. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a product which overcomes these disadvantages. 
       SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention is directed to a multi-compartment wallet, specifically useful for carrying items necessary for domesticated animal walking and clean up. The present invention permits one-handed access to all items stored therewithin. 
         [0008]    In its most basic form, the present invention is defined as a wallet comprised of multiple compartments. The wallet is further defined as having a first compartment with sub-compartments preferably defined within it. The first compartment can be opened and closed with one hand; it opens by the separation of pivotably movable side walls. A flexible divider is preferably disposed within the first compartment for defining sub-compartments within said first compartment. 
         [0009]    Additionally, the wallet is further defined as having a second compartment. This second compartment houses a slidable drawer. The slidable drawer may be removable. Contents may be inserted therewithin either individually, in aggregate, or by insertion of a cartridge. Each of the second compartment and the drawer has an opening in its lowermost section. These openings selectively align to permit access to items stored in the drawer, even when the wallet is otherwise closed. In other words, the openings serve as a dispenser so as to allow easy access to the first of a series of items stored in the drawer. The drawer is particularly suitable for storing bags, wipes, or tissues, any of which may be accessed through the aligned dispensing holes. 
         [0010]    In addition, the wallet also is comprised of a plurality of knobs preferably disposed on one side, which are collectively used for coupling the wallet to a product, such as an animal leash or belt or other clothing article removably affixed to one or more of the knobs. This is achieved by utilizing a variety of different attaching devices, such as elasticized cords and clips. When in use, the wallet need not be carried by the user, but instead may be coupled to the product by means of the attaching device in several different ways. The wallet may be strapped to a belt or leash. It may also be clipped to a belt, pants, or another article of clothing, or to a leash. 
         [0011]    Generally speaking, when the attaching device is an elasticized cord or similar device, the device encircles the knobs to form a secure attachment. When used with an elasticized cord under tension, these knobs also may be used for securely attaching one or more additional items to the outside of the wallet, such as an MP3 player or cell phone. These externally-attached item can be secured such that their display and control panels may be seen and accessed without opening the wallet. 
         [0012]    In summary, a walker of domesticated animals often needs one-handed access to numerous items, including clean-up materials, some of which must be stored separately from one another. The present invention solves this need by providing for a portable device that can be used when walking one or more domesticated animals. 
         [0013]    Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device for conveniently storing items necessary when walking a domesticated pet. 
         [0014]    It is also an object of the present invention to provide for a multi-compartment portable container in which each item in the container can be extracted using a single hand. 
         [0015]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide for a dispenser to be housed within a portable storage device. 
         [0016]    The invention accordingly comprises a device embodying the certain features of construction, combination of elements and arrangement of parts and an article which possess these characteristics, properties and relation of elements, all as exemplified in the detailed disclosure hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0017]    For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is made to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of the various component parts of the wallet; 
           [0019]      FIG. 1A  is a top plan view of the inventive wallet in assembled form; 
           [0020]      FIG. 1B  is a front elevational view of the inventive wallet in assembled form; 
           [0021]      FIG. 1C  is a side elevational view of the inventive wallet in assembled form; 
           [0022]      FIG. 1D  is a rear elevational view of the inventive wallet in assembled form; 
           [0023]      FIG. 1E  is a bottom plan view of the inventive wallet in assembled form; 
           [0024]      FIG. 1F  is a perspective view of the inventive wallet in assembled form; 
           [0025]      FIG. 1G  is a rear plan view of the inventive wallet with an elasticized cord attached to and extending from it and shown attached to a leash; 
           [0026]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of the inventive wallet in assembled form and in an open condition; 
           [0027]      FIG. 2B  is a perspective view of the inventive wallet similar to  FIG. 2A  and showing materials inserted therewithin; 
           [0028]      FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of the inventive wallet showing a slidable drawer being removed therefrom and bag cartridge receivably in said drawer; 
           [0029]      FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of the cartridge shown in  FIG. 3A ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 4A  is an exploded view of the inventive wallet shown with a belt or strap affixed thereto using said elasticized cord; 
           [0031]      FIG. 4B  is an elevational rear view of a pair of inventive wallets with a clip fixed to one and being removed from the other; 
           [0032]      FIG. 4C  is an elevational back view of the inventive wallet when used with the elasticized cord and a key clip; 
           [0033]      FIG. 4D  is an elevational rear view of an embodiment of the inventive wallet, whereby all knobs are attached along a side wall; 
           [0034]      FIG. 5A  is an enlarged perspective view showing a portion of the inventive wallet in an open condition and revealing a removable tab along the edge of a side wall; and 
           [0035]      FIG. 5B  is an enlarged perspective view showing a portion of the inventive wallet in an open condition and revealing an exposed notch following removal of the insert. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0036]    Inventive wallet  10  is defined as a wallet with multiple compartments, comprised of a first compartment  200  defined by a pair of movable side walls  80  and  85  and dividable into sub-compartments  211  and  222 , and a second compartment  31  including a first opening  60  and a drawer  95 , with the drawer including a second opening  96  such that first opening  60  and second opening  96  are selectively alignable to form a dispenser.  FIG. 1  depicts the components of inventive wallet  10 . In general, wallet  10  is cylinder-like in shape, but with ovular sides. In the preferred embodiment, all of the components of wallet  10  shown in  FIG. 1 , except for outer shell  8 , are comprised of a hard, molded plastic material. Other materials may alternatively be used, however, these materials should have similar structural attribute so as to protect the contents of the wallet. 
         [0037]    In particular, the general shape of the wallet is formed by an structure  2  and side walls  80  and  85 . Structure  2  is defined by a lower hollow half cylindrical segment  21 , a plate  22  horizontally overlaying segment  21 , and parallel end walls  23 , curved at the top and positioned vertically over the ends of segment  21 . 
         [0038]    Segment  21  is further defined by including an open side  32  at one end. As can be seen in  FIG. 1E , segment  21  is further defined by opening  60 , which is centered at its bottom. In the preferred embodiment, opening  60  is generally circular. In an alternative embodiment, opening  60  may extend linearly in a lengthwise direction along segment  21  (see  FIG. 1E ). Opening  60  exists so as to allow a user to remove a bag or other foldable and flexible item from the interior of the wallet without opening the wallet. When a bag is retrieved, the shape of the opening allows for partial exposure of the subsequent bag. This partial exposure permits one-handed operation. 
         [0039]    Continuing with  FIG. 1 , side walls  80  and  85  are disposed vertically on the top of each of the parallel side walls of segment  21  at the line of intersection  42  between segment  21  and plate  22 , thereby defining an upper compartment. 
         [0040]    In a preferred embodiment, a divider  100  is disposed vertically inside of first compartment  200  of wallet  10 . Each end wall  23  of structure  2  includes two slots  24 , intended for matingly receiving peg  41  extending from either end of each of side walls  80  and  85 . End walls  23  include an additional slot  25  centered at the lower portion thereof for matingly receiving a peg  43  depending from the bottom ends of divider  100 . In particular, slots  24 , together with pegs  41 , provide for pivotable connection between end walls  23  of structure  2  and side walls  80  and  85 , and permit the side walls to independently pivot in a fixed rotation around line of intersection  42 . The size of slots  24  dictates the angle of maximum opening. In the preferred embodiment, side walls  80  and  85  can be opened to up to 60 degrees. In alternate embodiments, side walls  80  and  85  will open as little as 30 degrees or as much as 180 degrees. Sixty degrees is preferred so as to limit the ability for items to fall out during transit while concurrently assuring the positional integrity of divider  100 . 
         [0041]    Attention is directed now to  FIG. 1A-1F , which show, respectively, top, front, side, rear, bottom, and perspective exterior views of the preferred embodiment of the assembled wallet  10  and which also show the outer shell of the wallet with additional components protruding from the core structure. 
         [0042]    Wallet  10  is internally comprised of two separate compartments. Referring back to  FIG. 1 , side walls  80  and  85 , together with plate  22 , define first compartment  200  of wallet  10 . The reader is directed to  FIGS. 2A-2B , which depict the opened first compartment  200 . First compartment  200  is located within the upper portion of wallet  10 . First compartment  200  has the ability to open and close through pivotable rotation of side walls  80  and  85 . The first compartment is intended for carrying various items related to walking or for the animal&#39;s use, including, but not limited to treats for outdoor training purposes (which typically are recommended by trainers), human snacks, money (cash and/or credit card), digital media players, cell phones, PDAs, health insurance cards, personal identification, dog tags, permits, and keys. 
         [0043]    Wallet  10  also houses a second compartment  31 . Second compartment  31  is defined by segment  21  and plate  22  of structure  2 . In the preferred embodiment, second compartment  31  houses a slidable drawer  95 , selectively housed in wallet  10  (see  FIG. 3A ). In the preferred embodiment, segment  21  has a protruding stop within it (not shown), which precludes full removal of drawer  95 . In other embodiments, drawer  95  may be fully removable. Drawer  95  is generally semi-cylindrical in shape. In the center bottom of drawer  95  is passage  96 . When drawer  95  is closed, passage  96  selectively aligns with opening  60  so as to permit removal of contents within drawer  95 . The aligned opening  60  and passage  96  together form a dispensing vehicle for the contents of drawer  95 . 
         [0044]    Bags, wipes, or tissues, among other items, may be inserted in drawer  95  in several ways. As shown in  FIG. 3B , in the preferred embodiment, bags are packaged within a cartridge  97 , which itself has an aperture  98  in its bottom that selectively aligns with passage  96  and opening  60  so as to permit selective removal of a bag from cartridge  97 . In alternate embodiments, bags may be rolled or interspersed with one another, or the cartridge may contain, wipes, tissues, or any number of separable and foldable units. As can be seen in  FIG. 3A , cartridge  97  is placed inside of drawer  95 . In alternate embodiments separable and foldable units may be stored directly in drawer  95 , without the use of such a cartridge. 
         [0045]    As can be seen in  FIG. 3B , in the preferred embodiment, bags are used, which may be aligned one on top of the next, with the bags folded and interspersed to aid in access to the next bag. Alternatively, the bags may be in their own roll and the roll may be inserted in the drawer. When the bags are either in a roll or interspersed, the final bag or bags may be distinguished in some way, such as by color, so as to identify to the user that only a few bags remain and replacements are needed. In alternate embodiments, other separable and foldable units, such as tissues may be used. 
         [0046]    Attention is directed to  FIG. 2A-2B . In the preferred embodiment, divider  100  is included in first compartment  200 . Divider  100  is formed of molded plastic. In the preferred embodiment, divider  100  structurally is a generally rectangular flexible cross-piece extending the length of the wallet, with a protruding peg  43  at each lower end, as alluded to before. One peg  43  extends from each side of divider  100  and is coupled to a slot  25  within each end wall  23 . Slots  25  are larger than pegs  43  so that pegs  43  of divider  100  are flexibly pinned in place, to permit divider  100  laterally movement within the compartment. The size of slot  25  dictates the limit of side-to-side movement of divider  100 . Divider  100  is used to sub-divide the first compartment  200  into multiple smaller compartments, such as subcompartments  211  and  222  as shown in  FIG. 2A . Divider  100  is flexible and is movable within the first compartment or may be removed entirely. Divider  100  may also bend. This flexibility of movement of divider  100  permits subcompartments to be different sizes as the need arises. As can be seen in  FIG. 2B , divider  100  permits a user to separate animal treats  114  from credit cards  110  and keys  112  so as to maintain the treats in a cleaner environment. 
         [0047]    Divider  100  may alternatively be formed in other shapes or in pieces such that the first compartment may have several smaller compartments and/or compartments of different sizes or shapes. For example, divider  100  may be shaped like an “X” to allow for four internal compartments or a “T” to allow for three compartments. 
         [0048]    In one embodiment, interior walls of first compartment  200  or drawer  95  may be lined with a fabric attached using an adhesive. The purpose of such fabric would be to reduce noise or better protect the contents. 
         [0049]    In the preferred embodiment, outer shell  8  surrounds the exterior of structure  2  and side walls  80  and  85  of wallet  10  and is formed of a rubberized strip of material, cut to the size of the wallet. As can be seen in  FIG. 1 , sections of the strip are removed, including first orifice  28  for alignment with opening  60  and second orifices  27 , for subsequent attachment of knobs  30 ,  35 A, and  35 B. Outer shell  8  is affixed to structure  2  and side walls  80  and  85  of wallet  10  using an adhesive. 
         [0050]    In alternate embodiments, outer shell  8  may be comprised of other materials, including but not limited to leather or any of a number of fabrics, so as to improve aesthetics or comfort. This optional leather or fabric overlay may have a variety of visual patterns and colors and is affixed to the outer shell using any of a number of common adhesives. 
         [0051]    As can particularly be seen in  FIG. 1D , in the preferred embodiment an exterior side  11  of wallet  10  is comprised of three oval-shaped knobs  30 ,  35 A, and  35 B. Knob  30  is located along the upper center portion of wallet  10 . Knobs  35 A and  35 B are located along the bottom portion of wallet  10 , equidistance from the vertical center. In the preferred embodiment, knobs  35 A and  35 B are each centered approximately one inch from the sides. Also in the preferred embodiment, all three knobs are identical. The knobs are fixed in a generally horizontal position. In alternate embodiments, the knobs may differ from one another, may be fixed in different positions, or may be rotatable in position. 
         [0052]    In alternate embodiments, knobs may be placed on both sides of wallet  10  concurrently. Each side may have three knobs or each side may have different quantities of knobs, such as one side having three and the opposite having one. 
         [0053]    Attention is directed to  FIG. 4D , showing an alternate embodiment whereby knobs  35 A and  35 B may be placed above drawer  95 , such that any elasticized cord may remain under tension when the first compartment is opened. 
         [0054]    Generally speaking, at least one protruding stem  36  extends from the underside of each of knobs  30 ,  35 A, and  35 B for attachment to wallet  10 . In the preferred embodiment, two stems  36  protrude from the underside of each knob, with a void  37  between the two stems. Knobs  30 ,  35 A, and  35 B are attached to wallet  10  by use of plastic rivets located within protruding stems  36 . Stems  36  and void  37  of each knob may be used as elements of an attachment means. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1D , when an elasticized cord  50  is used, cord  50  may be fed through void  37  and then secured by surrounding knob  30  and tightening. If elasticized cord  50  is a loop, cord  50  may be attached to knobs  30 ,  35 A, and  35 B by surrounding all three knobs or by feeding cord  50  through void  37  and then surrounding the knobs. If cord  50  is not a loop, it may still be tied around the knobs and/or fed through void  37 . 
         [0055]    Knobs  30 ,  35 A, and  35 B serve multiple purposes. In one embodiment, elasticized cord  50  is tightly wrapped around the knobs. When under tension, elasticized cord  50  is particularly useful for holding an object in place along side of the wallet, yet having the object visually and functionally accessible.  FIG. 4A  shows attachment of wallet  10  to a belt using elasticized cord  50 . Alternatively, the elasticized cord may extend beyond the wallet and that extension may be used for attaching wallet  10  to another device, such as a leash. In addition, elasticized cord  50  may be used for holding devices in place along the outer wall of the wallet, as can be seen in  FIG. 1G . In one embodiment, as shown in FIG.  1 DB, elasticized cord  50  includes tab  40 . Tab  40  is useful for easily removing elasticized cord  50  when said cord is under tension. 
         [0056]    In additional embodiments, other devices may be used in lieu of or in addition to elasticized cord  50 . The reader is directed to  FIG. 4B , which shows a pair of wallets  10 , one with clip  130  attached and the other with clip  130  not attached. Clip  130  may be used instead of elasticized cord  50 . Clip  130  permits attachment of wallet  10  to, for example, pants, a belt, a strap of another item such as a purse, or an article of clothing. Clip  130  itself attaches to knob  30  by snapping in place over knob  30 . Clip  130  is formed of a shape to conform to the shape of side wall  80 . Clip  130  is formed of the same molten plastic as that of side wall  80 . 
         [0057]    Attention is directed to  FIG. 4C , which shows use of a ring-clip  140  in addition to use of elasticized cord  50 . Ring-clip  140  may attach to knob  30  (see  FIG. 4C ) or by being fit through orifice  37  under knob  30 . In either case, ring-clip  140  may be used to attach to another element, such as a ring on a dog&#39;s collar. 
         [0058]    In the preferred embodiment, as can be seen in  FIG. 1  and  FIGS. 1A-1D , wallet  10  is additionally comprised of a sliding latch  20 , which a user slides in one direction to open first compartment  200  and in the opposite direction to close and lock first compartment  200 . In the preferred embodiment, sliding latch  20  is formed of molded plastic and is covered by the same material as used in outer shell  8 . As shown in  FIG. 1A , arrows  26  are embedded along sliding latch  20  in order to indicate the opening direction. As can be seen in  FIG. 1A-1C , sliding latch  20  is comprised of a generally curved plastic piece matingly received in slots in the upper portions of side walls  80  and  85  (not shown). Sliding latch  20  is operated single handedly, so that a user may open or close the first compartment of the wallet with one hand while maintaining, for example, a leash, with the other hand. In alternate embodiments, the closing mechanism may be any of a number of common closing mechanisms, including but not limited to a clasp, snaps, or a fold-over lid. 
         [0059]    In a further embodiment of the present invention, the first compartment may house a device with an attached cable  300  (see  FIG. 1F ), such as an MP3 player with headphone cable attached. In this embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 5A-5B , side wall  80  or  85  may additionally be comprised of a removable insert  150 . Insert  150  is made of the same molded plastic as side walls  80  and  85 . Insert  150  is located at the top of a side wall  80  or  85  along the edge thereof. Insert  150  fits removably into a notch  160 , as can be seen in  FIG. 5A-5B . This embodiment allows a user to house the cabled device within first compartment  200  of wallet  10  and have the cable extend outside of wallet  10  through notch  160 , such as would be useful when attaching headphones. It is noted that insert  150  is nominally tapered. 
         [0060]    It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in carrying out the above process, in the described product, and in the construction set forth without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrated and not in a limiting sense. 
         [0061]    It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.