Wallet Assembly Having a Band Member

This U.S. Patent Application is a national phase of PCT/US23/66928 filed on May 12, 2023, which claims priority to Provisional Application: 63/341,172 filed May 12, 2022, the disclosure of which is considered part of the disclosure of this application and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

This invention relates generally to a new and improved wallet assembly comprised of a pair of generally flexible plaques with specific features secured by a thermoplastic urethane band having generally radiused/chamfered edges to prevent tearing and interference along leading edges during use.

Within the prior art there exist several references related to wallet assemblies comprised of generally rigid plate members secured together through a flexible material to generally sandwich a plurality of cards or currency in a secure assembly. U.S. Pat. No. 10,206,473 to Haarburger entitled “Systems and Methods for a Holder and Tool Device” discloses and claims a tool and wallet system comprised of a pair of generally rigid planar body portions having a rectangular shape approximately the size of a standard credit card with a strap having two circular strap portions wrapped around the pair of rigid planar bodies. U.S. Pat. No. 9,125,464 to Minn et al. entitled “Low Profile Wallet” discloses and claims a wallet assembly comprised of a pair of generally rigid plate members secured together thorough a substantially flat strap secured around a top and bottom portion of the pair of plate members. U.S. Pat. No. 9,314,074 to Johnson et al. entitled “Wallet with Rolling O-Ring Hinge” discloses and claims a first rigid plate and second rigid plate coupled together with a first stationary O-ring and a second movable O-ring, wherein the second O-ring is specifically configured for movement to allow access to an area between the first and second plates.

Although generally useful, these wallet assemblies have several common properties that prone to failure or generally render them inconvenient when in use. Most commonly, the elastic strap, band, or O-ring of these devices is generally prone to wearing, tearing, and breakage over time. Various materials used can have some beneficial properties while others that are detrimental to the design and long term efficacy of the wallet assembly that can include silicon, styrenic thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), and natural rubber. Silicone products can have good elasticity, tension set resistance and heat resistance, but have poor abrasion and tear propagation resistance. TPE can have good elasticity and tension set resistance, but poor heat abrasion, and tear propagation resistance. Natural rubber can have good elasticity and tension set resistance, but poor to moderate UV, abrasion, and tear propagation resistance. Additionally, the rigid plate members, although generally providing security for sandwiched materials, present issues related to the easy access of the sandwiched materials by a user. Further, the rigid nature of the plate members further accelerates the wearing and tear propagation of elastic strap, band, or O-ring.

Therefore, a need exists for an improved wallet assembly that provides a minimalist way to secure cards and currency that provides RFID blocking, flexibility, durability, and an improved elastic member comprised of a dimensioned thermoplastic urethane band. Further there exists a need for an improved material that can stretch and return to its original shape, resist tension set when stretched and elongated for long period of time, resist abrasion and wear when cards and other materials are slid in and out of the wallet assembly, and also resist heat when exposed to high temperatures.

In one aspect, this disclosure is related to an improved wallet assembly utilizing advanced materials and features to provide a more robust and durable assembly in a minimalist configuration for the securing of a plurality of credit card shaped materials and currency.

In another aspect, this disclosure is related to a pair of plaque members having a generally planar shape conforming to a standard credit card with a coating on each of an opposed side of each of the pair of plaque members. The coating on an inner side generally being a conductive layer to form an RFID block. The coating on an outer side generally configured to allow for the application of a finish material, such as, but not limited to, a chrome or chrome-like coating, paint, or powder coat.

In yet another aspect, this disclosure is related to a wallet assembly with a pair of plaques having a specifically configured notch or cutout with a preselected depth along a length of each plaque of the pair of plaques to generally provide a space for the placement of an elastic band member configured to secure the plaques in adjacency. The preselected depth specifically selected to conform to the width of a standard credit card, wherein the distance between the depth of the opposite notches is closely aligned with this standard dimension to enable the elastic band to contact a pair of edges of a card placed and secured between the plaque members. The notches can allow the band member to be seated within the notch secure the plaques in adjacency and maintain a continuously planar edge around the perimeter of the plaque members and wallet assembly.

In still another aspect, this disclosure is related to wallet assembly utilizing an elastic band specifically constructed from a thermoplastic urethane (TPU) with specific dimensions and characteristics for use in the device. In particular, the TPU band has a shape that is generally dimensioned with radiused or chamfered edges to prevent interference when cards are placed or slid between the plaques and to provide a generally raised surface that can be easily grasped or picked up when compared to a standard flattened band.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is related to a wallet assembly having a plurality of flexible plaque members. The wallet assembly can include a first plaque member and a second plaque member. The plaque members include a first end and a second end and a first side and second side extending between the first end and second end. A removable band member can be applied around the edges of the plaque members and configured to maintain a compressive force between the first plaque member and second plaque member. The band member can be comprised of a polycaprolactone based TPU. Each plaque member can have a first notch on a first side and a second notch on a second side. The notches can be positioned generally along a central axis of the plaque members and positioned opposite each other on the first plaque member. The notches of the first and second plaque members are configured to allow a band portion of the band member to be located within the notches and allow for the sides of the first and second plaque members to remain generally continuous and planar without any substantial bumps or protrusions.

In yet another aspect, the present disclosure is related to the novel use of a thermoplastic urethane (TPU) material. A polycaprolactone based TPU composition can be used to form the band member of a wallet assembly. Similarly, a plastic or polymer infused with metal components can be utilized for the plaque members to provide RFID blocking properties. The plaque members can maintain some flexibility to allow a user to bend the plaque member when accessing the interior contents of the wallet assembly.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a wallet assembly having a first flexible plaque member and a second flexible plaque member. The first flexible plaque member can include a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side, wherein the first side and the second side are positioned opposite of each other and the third side and the fourth side are positioned opposite of each other. Additionally, the first side and the second side each have a recessed area and the third and fourth side can have corresponding notches.

The second flexible plaque member can include a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side, wherein the first side and the second side are positioned opposite of each other and the third side and the fourth side are positioned opposite of each other. Additionally, the first side and the second side each have a recessed area and the third and fourth side can have corresponding notches. The recessed areas and the notches between the two plaque members can generally mirror each other. A polycaprolactone based TPU band member having a first side, a second side, and an edge can be removably couplable around the plaque member. The band member can include a band portion and a grip portion. The band member is configured to maintain a compressive force between the first plaque member and the second plaque member and can be stretched and return to its original shape. The band member can be positioned within the notches formed on the third and fourth sides of each of the plaque members and fully seated within the grooves to form a continuous planar edge of the wallet assembly without a bump or protrusion along the sides of the plaque members. The band member can be formed from a polycaprolactone based TPU material.

The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are intended to be read in conjunction with both this summary, the detailed description and any preferred and/or particular embodiments specifically discussed or otherwise disclosed. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and will fully convey the full scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

The following detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which forms a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, which are also referred to herein as “examples,” are described in enough detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. The embodiments may be combined, other embodiments may be utilized, or structural, and logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Before the present invention of this disclosure is described in such detail, however, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular variations set forth and may, of course, vary. Various changes may be made to the invention described and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, process, process act(s) or step(s), to the objective(s), spirit, or scope of the present invention. All such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure made herein.

Unless otherwise indicated, the words and phrases presented in this document have their ordinary meanings to one of skill in the art. Such ordinary meanings can be obtained by reference to their use in the art and by reference to general and scientific dictionaries.

References in the specification to “one embodiment” indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

The following explanations of certain terms are meant to be illustrative rather than exhaustive. These terms have their ordinary meanings given by usage in the art and in addition include the following explanations.

As used herein, the term “and/or” refers to any one of the items, any combination of the items, or all of the items with which this term is associated.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, the terms “include,” “for example,” “such as,” and the like are used illustratively and are not intended to limit the present invention.

As used herein, the terms “preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments of the invention that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances.

Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the invention.

As used herein, the terms “front,” “back,” “rear,” “upper,” “lower,” “right,” and “left” in this description are merely used to identify the various elements as they are oriented in the FIGS, with “front,” “back,” and “rear” being relative to the apparatus. These terms are not meant to limit the elements that they describe, as the various elements may be oriented differently in various applications.

As used herein, the term “coupled” means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. Similarly, coupled can refer to a two member or elements being in communicatively coupled, wherein the two elements may be electronically, through various means, such as a metallic wire, wireless network, optical fiber, or other medium and methods.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.

Referring now toof an wallet assemblyof the present disclosure. The wallet assemblyof the present disclosure is generally comprised of a pair of plaque memberssecured in an adjacent assembly with a thermoplastic urethane band member. The pair of plaque memberscomprising a first plaqueand a second plaque. The first plaqueand the second plaquehaving a specific shape generally described as rectangular and a size generally corresponding to the size of the standard credit card, wherein the pair of plaque membersgenerally sandwich cards or currency between them during use. The plaque memberscan be comprised of a thermoplastic and optionally have a RFID blocking property. The plaque members can have a perimeter edgethat can generally define the shape of the plaque members. The perimeter edgeof the plaque memberscan be flat, chamfered, radiused or any other suitable edge shape.

Additionally, the band membercan be utilized to maintain a compressive force between the first plaque and the second plaque. The compressive force can allow for one or more content componentsto be placed between the first plaque and second plaque and maintained between the plaque members. The content components can include money, cards, credit cards, or any other suitable contents. In some exemplary embodiments, the band membercan be comprised of a thermoplastic material.

As shown inand, the band membercan have a pre-determined circumference that allows it to be formed around the edges of the plaque members. The band memberhaving a circumference that can be generally slightly smaller than a circumference around the exterior of the plaque membersto allow for the band memberto exert a compressive force against the sides of the plaque membersto allow for the first and second plaque members,to maintain a coupled relationship. The band membercan be removably couplable to the plaque membersand can be easily removed to allow for the contentsto be accessed that are stored between the two plaque members,. Similarly, the band membercan be elastic in nature to allow for the band memberto be stretched by a user to similarly access the contentsbetween the plaque memberswhile maintaining a compressive force against the exterior sides of the plaque members.

In some exemplary embodiments, the plaque memberscan have an exterior surfaceand an interior surfacewhich can have the same coefficient of friction. In other embodiments, the exterior surfacecan have a first coefficient of friction and the interior surfacecan have a second coefficient of friction. The first and second coefficient of friction can be the same or different. In one exemplary embodiment, the interior surfacecan have a higher coefficient of friction than the exterior surface. In some exemplary embodiments, the interior surfacecan have a higher coefficient of friction or optionally a tread/pattern to better secure the cards within the plaque membersand a smooth surface on the exterior surfaceto allow for easier access to the wallet assembly when concealed. Alternatively, the interior surfaceand the exterior surfacecan be the same.

The band membercan include a band portionand optionally include a grip memberthat can generally be positioned between the edges,of the plaque membersas shown in. The grip membercan take any suitable shape, and can generally extend out a pre-determined distance from the generally width of the band member. The grip membercan provide a space for a decorative feature as well as create an area for a user to better grip the band memberwhen either removing the band member from the assembly or stretching the band member to provide access to the contentsbetween the plaque members.

The band portion can have a first sideand a second side. In general, the first side can be the exterior facing side that is in contact with the exterior environment, whereas the second side can be the interior facing side that is contacting primarily the surface and edges of the plaque members. In some exemplary embodiments, the interior side can additionally contact the contentspositioned between the plaque members. The edge of the band membercan be flat, radiused or chamfered edgesto prevent interference when cards are placed or slid between the plaques and to provide a generally raised surface that can be easily grasped or picked up when compared to a standard flattened band. In some exemplary embodiments, the first sideof the band portionof the band member can have a first widthand the second sideof the band portion can have a second widthIn some exemplary embodiments, the first width can be greater than the second width. In these embodiments an angular edgecan be formed as shown in. The edgecan slant at an angle backwards and can allow for a user to more easily get their finger underneath the edgeto better extend the band member or remove the band member. The grip membercan have a pre-determined widththat can be generally larger than the widthof the band portion of the band member.

Preferably the band membermaterial can be comprised of a flexible and/or elastic material. In some exemplary embodiments, the band member material is an elastic TPU material. In one exemplary embodiment, the TPU material can be a polycaprolactone based TPU material that has advantageous properties over the current state of the art. The polycaprolactone TPU can have exceptional elasticity, tension set resistance, heat resistance, and abrasion and tear propagation resistance, which is necessary due to various needs of the wallet assembly of the present disclosure. The band membercan stretch and return to its original shape. As shown in, the band membercan have a first surfaceand a second surface. In some exemplary embodiments, the first surface and second surface can have the same coefficient of friction. In other embodiments, the first surface can have a first coefficient of friction and the second surface can have a second coefficient of friction. The first and second coefficient of friction can be the same or different. In one exemplary embodiment, the second surfacecan have a higher coefficient of friction than the first surface. In this embodiment, the second surface can contact primarily the plaque members and maintain a better relationship to the plaque members to keep them from sliding while the first surface that is outwards facing can be smoother to prevent the wallet assembly from grabbing against materials, such as the interior compartment of a pocket or fabric.

The shape of the pair of plaque memberscan generally be identical between the first plaqueand the second plaque. The plaque members can be generally rectangular and can have a size generally corresponding to a width and a length of a standard credit card. In some exemplary embodiments, the length and width of the plaque members can be longer than that of the length and width of a standard credit card. As shown in, a plaque membercan have four total sides with two sides having a latitudinal lengthand two sides having a longitudinal length. The longitudinal sidescan be longer in length that the latitudinal sides. The latitudinal sides can be located and formed on the first endand second endand the longitudinal sides can be located and formed on the first sideand second sideof each plaque member. In some exemplary embodiments each side of the plaque members can generally overhang the edges of the interior contentsas shown in. The overhang portionscan allow a user to better grip and flex the plaque memberbackwards to access the interior contents. The overhang potions can generally be formed around the entire perimeter edge of the plaque members.

One or both of the plaque memberscan include a first recessed areaon the first end. Additionally, a second recessed areacan be located at the second endof the plaque member. The first recessed areaand the second recessed areacan be of any suitable shape and can recess in a pre-determined distance from the respective end of the plaque member. The recessed areas can allow a user to easily access a portion of the contentslocated between the two plaque members. In exemplary embodiments where a recessed area is included on both the first endand the second end, a user can have better access on each from both ends of the wallet assembly to access the interior components. Similarly, the recessed portions can form one or more tab portionson each end of the plaque members. In some exemplary embodiments, the tab portionscan be proximate to the corners of the plaque members. As shown in, each plaque member can have a first tab portiona second tab portiona third tab portionsand a forth tab portion

As shown in, the plaque members can have a first distancebetween the first end and the second end of the outside edges. The plaque memberscan have a second distancebetween the first end and second end of each of the recessed portions. In some exemplary embodiments, the first distance can be greater than the second distance. The interior components can have a third pre-determined distance from the first end to the second end. The third pre-determined distancecan be smaller than the first distance, but greater than the second distance. Similarly, as shown in, the plaque memberscan have a first widthbetween the outside edge of the plaque member and a second widthbetween the edges of the notches. The second widthcan be smaller than the first widthIn some exemplary examples, lengthof the plaque members can be between about 3.5 and 4.0 inches. The widthof the plaque members can be between about 2.28 and 2.4 inches. In some exemplary embodiments, the lengthis 3.56 inches and the widthis 2.29 inches. The lengthcan be greater than the widthIn other examples, any of walletsmay have different dimensions. For example, the plaque members can be made in a size to better suite different currencies. In general, the plaque members are configured to suit a standard credit card dimension.

On one or more of the sides,of each plaque member a notched area can be formed. As shown inand, a plaque membercan have a first notchon the first sideand a second notchon the second sideof the plaque member. The notches,can be positioned generally at a central location along a length of a side of each plaque and the notches can correspond to one another between the plaque members,. The notches can be formed generally along a central line of the plaque members. The notches can take generally any acceptable shape. In some exemplary embodiments, the recesses,can have a generally curved radius as shown in. In other exemplary embodiment, the recesses,can have angular edge and a flat portion as shown in. The first set of recesses,and the second set of recesses,can have a preselected depth inwards towards an interior of the plaquesopposite the edge. In some exemplary embodiments, the distancebetween the depth of the two recessed portion can be less than that of a standard credit card length to allow a user to easily access the contentsor credit car from either end of the wallet assemblyas shown in. In other exemplary embodiments, the plaque member may only have a single recessed portion on one of the latitudinal sides.

In some exemplary embodiments, the notchesandcan have a preselected depth providing a space for the placement of the band memberconfigured to secure the plaquesin adjacency. As shown in, the notch shape can generally approximate the shape of the band member edgeto allow for the band portion to be securely housed within the notches,. This allows the sides,to remain generally smooth and easier for a user to remove the wallet assembly in and out of a pocket or garment. The notches,can allow for the band memberto be housed/seated within the notch securely and to form a continuous planar edge of the wallet assembly without a bump or protrusion along the sides of the assembly as shown in.illustrates an exemplary embodiment where only the contentsare accessible via the recessed. The notches can reduce or eliminate the amount of the overhang portionaround the perimeter edge of the plaque members. In some embodiments, by reducing the width at this point on the plaque memberscan allow the band member to contact the interior components of the wallet assembly.

In some exemplary embodiments, the preselected depth of the notches,can be specifically selected to conform to the width of a standard credit card, wherein the distancebetween the depth of the opposite notches,is closely aligned with this standard dimension to enable the band memberto contact each edge along a length of a card placed and secured between the plaque members. In some exemplary embodiments, the preselected depth of the notches can be specifically selected to allow the bandto contact the card edges, wherein the bandpresents an interference to movement of retained cards and generally increases the friction along the card edge. Other embodiments may allow for the distancebetween the notches to provide for a slight space between the band memberand the interior contents. Similarly, the band member can have a predetermined thicknessThe depth of the notches can be equal to the thickness of the band member.

The pair of plaque membersare provided in a sided configuration with a first side generally being an outer surface relative to the assembly and a second side being an inner surface relative to the assembly, wherein the inner surface is interior and adjacent to a stored card and the outer surface exterior to the wallet assembly. The sidedness of the pair of plaque membersconfigured with a coating on each of an opposed side of each of the pair of plaque members. The coating on an inner side generally being a conductive layer to form an RFID block. The coating on an outer side generally configured to allow for the application of a finish material, such as, but not limited to, a chrome or chrome-like coating, paint, or powder coat.

The pair of plaque memberscan be of a material that can be described as having flexibility, wherein the plaquescan flex or deflect and are generally not brittle or comprised of a substantially rigid material. In a preferred assembly, the plaquescan be constructed out of an injection molded plastic or polymerized material including, but not limited to, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, polycarbonates, nylons, polyamides, polypropylene, or high impact polystyrene (HIPS). In some exemplary embodiments, the notches can also provide additional flexibility at a central axis of the plaque member.

The wallet assemblycan be specifically configured to utilize an improved elastomeric material for the generally elastic band wherein the bandis specifically constructed from a thermoplastic urethane (TPU) with specific dimensions and characteristics for use in the wallet assembly. In an alternate embodiment of the wallet assembly, the plaque membersinner side includes a recess. The recess selected to account for the depth of a conductive material, such as, but not limited to an aluminum tape or generally metallic tape.

In some exemplary embodiments, one or more of the plaque membercan be composed of a metallically filled, infused, or impregnated plastic or polymer material to provide RFID protection of the contents of the wallet assembly. Similarly, a flexible carbon fiber plaque member can be utilized. Other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may include more than two plaque members, such as an assembly comprising a third plaque member that can be positioned between the first and second plaque member. Contents, such as credit cards can then be positioned between the first and third plaque member as well as between the third and second plaque member.

While the invention has been described above in terms of specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed embodiments. Upon reading the teachings of this disclosure many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, and which are intended to be and are covered by both this disclosure and the appended claims. It is indeed intended that the scope of the invention should be determined by proper interpretation and construction of the appended claims and their legal equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon the disclosure in this specification and the attached drawings.