Wallet

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/643,372 filed on May 6, 2024, entitled WALLET, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/643,375 filed on May 6, 2024, entitled EJECTOR WALLET, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/643,376 filed on May 6, 2024, entitled EJECTOR WALLET, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/643,379 filed on May 6, 2024, entitled MAGSAFE WALLET, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

The present disclosure relates to personal carrying devices, namely, wallets.

The concept of a wallet dates back to ancient times when people used pouches made from leather, cloth, or animal skins to carry coins and small items. In the 19th century, the modern wallet emerged with the standard features we recognize today, like compartments for bills and slots for cards.

The 20th century saw significant innovations in wallet design, particularly with the rise of synthetic materials like nylon and polyester. These materials offered durability and flexibility, making wallets more functional and affordable. The introduction of credit cards in the mid-20th century further influenced wallet design, leading to the inclusion of additional card slots and RFID-blocking technology to protect against electronic theft.

The disclosure includes a wallet including a chassis defining a first face and a second face located opposite the first face, a first card receiving space located along the first face of the chassis and configured to receive a first personal card, a backplate located along the second face of the chassis, and a second card receiving space located between the second face of the chassis and the backplate, the second card receiving space configured to receive a second personal card. In some embodiments, the wallet includes at least one protruding portion coupled to the first face of the chassis and configured to retain the first personal card within the first card receiving space, and at least one protruding portion coupled to the second face of the chassis and configured to retain the second personal card within the second card receiving space.

The at least one protruding portion coupled to the first face of the chassis may include a first protruding portion located adjacent to a first corner of the first face along a top edge of the first face, and a second protruding portion located adjacent to a second corner of the first face, wherein the second corner is located opposite the first corner along the top edge. In some embodiments, the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion are configured to flex to enable ingress and egress of the first personal card within the first card receiving space about the top edge.

The at least one protruding portion coupled to the second face of the chassis may include a first protruding portion located adjacent to a first corner of the second face along a top edge of the second face, a second protruding portion located adjacent to a second corner of the second face, wherein the second corner is located opposite the first corner along the top edge, a third protruding portion located adjacent to a third corner of the second face along a bottom edge of the second face, and a fourth protruding portion located adjacent to a fourth corner of the second face, wherein the fourth corner is located opposite the third corner along the bottom edge. In some embodiments, the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion are configured to flex to enable ingress and egress of the second personal card within the second card receiving space about the top edge. The third protruding portion and the fourth protruding portion may be configured to flex to enable ingress and egress of the second personal card within the second card receiving space about the bottom edge.

In some embodiments, the backplate includes an aperture located substantially centrally on the backplate, and the aperture is configured to enable a user to contact the second personal card located within the second card receiving space. The backplate may be spaced from the second face of the chassis.

In some embodiments, the chassis includes a first side and a second side located opposite the first side. The backplate may include a first coupling element and a second coupling element located opposite the first coupling element. In some embodiments, the first coupling element is configured to couple to the first side, and the second coupling element is configured to couple to the second side. The backplate may be detachably coupled to the chassis.

In some embodiments, when the backplate is detached from the chassis, a clip backplate is configured to be coupled with the chassis, the clip backplate configured to be located along the second face of the chassis, wherein the second card receiving space is located between the second face of the chassis and the clip backplate. The clip backplate may include a clip configured to receive an item selected from the group consisting of the second personal card, paper currency, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the clip backplate includes a first coupling clement and a second coupling element located opposite the first coupling element, wherein the first coupling clement is configured to couple to the first side of the chassis, and the second coupling element is configured to couple to the second side of the chassis. The clip backplate may include a first aperture located substantially centrally on the clip backplate and a second aperture located substantially centrally on the clip and substantially aligned with the first aperture, and the first aperture and the second aperture may be configured to enable a user to contact the second personal card located within the second card receiving space.

The wallet may include a magnetic plate removably coupled within the first card receiving space. In some embodiments, the magnetic plate is configured to magnetically couple to a secondary device to thereby couple the wallet to the secondary device. The secondary device may include a smartphone.

In some embodiments, the wallet includes a first rail configured to at least partially extend through a first opening in the chassis along a first side of the chassis, and a second rail configured to at least partially extend through a second opening in the chassis along a second side of the chassis, wherein the first side is located opposite the second side. At least one of the first rail and the second rail may include the at least one protruding portion coupled to the first face of the chassis and the at least one protruding portion coupled to the second face of the chassis, wherein when at least one of the first rail and the second rail extends through the chassis, at least one protruding portion may be located adjacent each of the first face of the chassis and the second face of the chassis.

The disclosure includes a wallet including a chassis defining a first face and a second face located opposite the first face, the chassis further including a top edge and a bottom edge located opposite the top edge, a first card receiving space located along the first face of the chassis and configured to receive a first personal card across the top edge, a backplate located along the second face of the chassis, and a second card receiving space located between the second face of the chassis and the backplate, the second card receiving space configured to receive a second personal card across the top edge, the bottom edge, or both. In some embodiments, the wallet includes at least one protruding portion coupled to the first face of the chassis and configured to retain the first personal card within the first card receiving space, and at least one protruding portion coupled to the second face of the chassis and configured to retain the second personal card within the second card receiving space. The wallet may include at least one opening located along a corner of the chassis, the at least one opening configured to couple to at least one item selected from the group consisting of a keychain, a lanyard, and a tether.

The foregoing, and other features and advantages of the invention, will be apparent from the following, more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, the accompanying drawings, and the claims.

Within the last 100 years, the design and use of wallets have expanded substantially. Today, most people carry some sort of wallet or card case, even if they do not carry paper currency. Additionally, the development of different materials and design techniques in the last century has allowed wallet makers to design more functional, lighter, and more stylish wallets. However, many modern wallets still have long-standing issues, such as being too bulky to fit comfortably in a pocket or being so small that they cannot hold what the user needs.

illustrates a perspective view of a wallet. In some embodiments, the walletincludes a chassisdefining a first face. The wallet may include a first card receiving spacelocated along the first faceof the chassis. In some embodiments, the first card receiving spaceis configured to receive a first personal card. The first personal card may include, but is not limited to, an identification (“ID”) card, such as a driver's license or employee ID card, a credit card, a debit card, a membership card, a library card, an insurance card, a gift card, and/or the like. The first card receiving spacemay be configured to receive multiple personal cards. The first card receiving spacemay be configured to receive a single personal card.

In some embodiments, the first card receiving spaceis exposed to an outside environment such that contact and/or visibility between the first personal card and an external object, such as a scanner or card reader, can be made while the first personal card is coupled within the first card receiving space. For example, in an embodiment where the first personal card is an employee ID card, a user of the walletmay be able to “scan” into their workplace by holding the wallet, with the ID card in the first card receiving space, up to a card scanner. In addition, the user may be able to easily contact and slide the first personal card out of the card receiving space.

In some embodiments, at least one protruding portionis configured to securably couple the first personal card within the first card receiving space. The at least one protruding portionmay be coupled to the first faceof the chassis. The at least one protruding portionmay be located at least partially within the first card receiving spaceand may be configured to receive and retain the first personal card within the first card receiving space. In some embodiments, the at least one protruding portionacts as a “gate” to retain the first personal card within the first card receiving space. The at least one protruding portionwill be discussed in greater detail with reference to.

illustrates another perspective view of the wallet. In some embodiments, the chassisdefines a second facelocated opposite the first face. Stated differently, the first faceand second facemay be thought of as opposite faces of the chassis. In some embodiments, the walletalso includes a backplatelocated along the second faceof the chassis. The backplatemay be spaced from the second face. In some embodiments, the walletincludes a second card receiving spacelocated between the second faceand the backplate. Stated differently, the second card receiving spacemay be defined by the second faceof the chassisand the backplate.

In some embodiments, the second card receiving spaceis configured to receive a second personal card. Like the first personal card, the second personal card may include, but is not limited to, an identification card, such as a driver's license or employee identification card, a credit card, a debit card, a membership card, a library card, an insurance card, a gift card, and/or the like. The second personal card may be substantially similar to the first personal card. Stated differently, the first card receiving spaceand the second card receiving spacemay be configured to receive substantially the same type of card(s).

The second card receiving spacemay be configured to receive multiple personal cards. For example, the second card receiving spacemay be configured to receive at least three personal cards. In some embodiments, the second card receiving spaceis configured to receive at least five personal cards. The second card receiving spacemay be configured to receive a single personal card. In some embodiments, at least one protruding portionis configured to securably couple the second personal card within the second card receiving space. The at least one protruding portionmay be coupled to the second faceof the chassis. The at least one protruding portionmay be located at least partially within the second card receiving spaceand may be configured to receive and retain the second personal card within the second card receiving space. In some embodiments, the at least one protruding portionacts as a “gate” to retain the second personal card within the second card receiving space.

illustrates a first personal cardpartially removed from the first card receiving space. As shown, the first personal cardmay be received along the first faceof the chassiswithin the first card receiving space. When removed from the wallet, the first personal cardmay pass at least partially through the at least one protruding portion, represented inas a first protruding portionand a second protruding portion. In some embodiments, the first protruding portionis located adjacent to a first cornerof the first face, and the second protruding portionis located adjacent to a second cornerof the first face. The first cornerand the second cornermay both be located along a top edgeof the first face.

In some embodiments, the first protruding portionand the second protruding portionprovide friction against the first personal cardto retain the first personal cardwithin the first card receiving space. When the first personal cardis inserted into the first card receiving space, the first protruding portionand/or the second protruding portionmay be configured to flex outward, away from the first card receiving space, to provide enough room for the first personal cardto pass at least partially through the first protruding portionand/or the second protruding portionand into the first card receiving space. The first protruding portionand/or the second protruding portionmay be configured to flex to enable ingress of the first personal cardwithin the first card receiving space, which may include the first personal card passing across the top edgeof the first face.

Once the first personal cardis located within the first card receiving spaceand a top edge of the first personal cardhas passed the first protruding portionand/or the second protruding portion, the first protruding portionand/or the second protruding portionmay move back to their resting (i.e., unflexed, or “original”) position. In the resting position, the first protruding portionand/or the second protruding portionmay be positioned such that a space between the first protruding portionand the second protruding portionalong and/or about the top edgeis too narrow for the first personal cardto cross without intentional force. Accordingly, in the resting position, the first personal cardis securably coupled within the first card receiving space. When removing the first personal cardfrom the first card receiving space, the process described above may be repeated; in other words, the first protruding portionand/or the second protruding portionmay be configured to flex to enable egress of the first personal cardout of the first card receiving space, which may include the first personal card passing across the top edgeof the first face.

illustrates a second personal card, or two second personal cards, partially removed from the second card receiving spaceabout both a top edgeand a bottom edgeof the second faceof the chassis. As shown, the second personal card(s)may be received along the second faceof the chassiswithin the second card receiving space. When removed from the wallet, the second personal card(s)may pass through the at least one protruding portion, represented inas a first protruding portion, a second protruding portion, a third protruding portion, and a fourth protruding portion. In some embodiments, the first protruding portionis located adjacent to a first cornerof the second face, the second protruding portionis located adjacent to a second cornerof the second face, the third protruding portionis located adjacent to a third cornerof the second face, and the fourth protruding portionis located adjacent to a fourth cornerof the second face.

The first cornerand the second cornermay be located along a top edgeof the second face, while the third cornerand the fourth cornermay be located along a bottom edgeof the second face. In some embodiments, the bottom edgeis located opposite the top edge. The first cornermay be located opposite the second corner, and the third cornermay be located opposite the fourth corner. In some embodiments, the first cornerof the first faceis located opposite the second cornerof the second face. The second cornerof the first facemay be located opposite the first cornerof the second face.

In some embodiments, the first protruding portion, the second protruding portion, the third protruding portion, and the fourth protruding portionprovide friction against the second personal cardto retain the second personal cardwithin the second card receiving space. When the second personal cardis inserted into the second card receiving spaceabout the top edge, the first protruding portionand/or the second protruding portionmay be configured to flex outward, away from the second card receiving space, to provide enough room for the second personal cardto pass at least partially through the first protruding portionand/or the second protruding portionand into the second card receiving space. The first protruding portionand/or the second protruding portionmay be configured to flex to enable ingress of the second personal cardwithin the second card receiving space, which may include the second personal card passing across the top edgeof the second face.

Once the second personal cardis located within the second card receiving spaceand a top edge of the second personal cardhas passed the first protruding portionand/or the second protruding portion, the first protruding portionand/or the second protruding portionmay move back to their resting (i.e., unflexed, or “original”) position. In the resting position, the first protruding portionand/or the second protruding portionmay be positioned such that a space between the first protruding portionand the second protruding portionalong and/or about the top edgeis too narrow for the second personal cardto cross without intentional force. Accordingly, in the resting position, the second personal cardis securably coupled within the second card receiving space. When removing the second personal cardfrom the second card receiving spaceabout the top edge, the process described above may be repeated; in other words, the first protruding portionand/or the second protruding portionmay be configured to flex to enable egress of the second personal cardout of the second card receiving space, which may include the second personal card passing across the top edgeof the second face.

When the second personal cardis inserted into the second card receiving spaceabout the bottom edge, the third protruding portionand/or the fourth protruding portionmay be configured to flex outward, away from the second card receiving space, to provide enough room for the second personal cardto pass through the third protruding portionand/or the fourth protruding portionand into the second card receiving space. The third protruding portionand/or the fourth protruding portionmay be configured to flex to enable ingress of the second personal cardwithin the second card receiving space, which may include the second personal card passing across the bottom edgeof the second face.

Once the second personal cardis located within the second card receiving spaceand a bottom edge of the second personal cardhas passed the third protruding portionand/or the fourth protruding portion, the third protruding portionand/or the fourth protruding portionmay move back to their resting (i.e., unflexed, or “original”) position. In the resting position, the third protruding portionand/or the fourth protruding portionmay be positioned such that a space between the third protruding portionand the fourth protruding portionalong and/or about the bottom edgeis too narrow for the second personal cardto cross without intentional force. Accordingly, in the resting position, the second personal cardis securably coupled within the second card receiving space. When removing the second personal cardfrom the second card receiving spaceabout the bottom edge, the process described above may be repeated; in other words, the third protruding portionand/or the fourth protruding portionmay be configured to flex to enable egress of the second personal cardout of the second card receiving space, which may include the second personal card passing across the bottom edgeof the second face.

also illustrates that, in some embodiments, the backplateincludes an aperture. The aperturemay be located substantially centrally along the backplate, as shown in. The aperturemay be located elsewhere along the backplate, such as adjacent a top or bottom edge. The aperturemay be located closer to one side than another. In some embodiments, the apertureis a different size than depicted in. For example, the aperturemay be smaller than shown. In some embodiments, the apertureis larger than illustrated in. The aperturemay enable a user of the walletto contact the second personal card(s)located within the second card receiving space. For example, a user may reach through the apertureto push against the second personal cardand slide it out of the second card receiving spaceabout the top edgeand/or the bottom edge.

also includes an attachment mechanism. In some embodiments, at least one attachment mechanismis configured to couple the at least one protruding portionto the chassis. The attachment mechanismmay include, but is not limited to, a screw, a bolt, a rivet, adhesive, a magnet, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the attachment mechanismdetachably couples the at least one protruding portionto the chassis. The attachment mechanismmay fixedly couple the at least one protruding portionto the chassis. In some embodiments, the attachment mechanismincludes multiple attachment mechanisms. For example, as shown in, the walletmay include four total attachment mechanisms.

illustrates an exploded view of the wallet. In some embodiments, the backplateis detachably coupled to the chassis. The chassismay include a first sideand a second sidelocated opposite the first side. In some embodiments, the first sideand the second sideextend between the top edgeand the bottom edge. The first sideand the second sidemay extend between the top edgeand a bottom edge located opposite the top edge. In some embodiments, the backplateincludes a first coupling elementconfigured to couple to the first sideand a second coupling elementconfigured to couple to the second side. The second coupling elementmay be located opposite the first coupling element. In some embodiments, the first and second coupling elements,include “wings” or bracket-type projections configured to at least partially wrap the respective sides of the chassis. Accordingly, the backplatemay couple to the chassisvia a friction fit, wherein the chassisis received and secured between the first coupling elementand the second coupling element. Additionally or alternatively, the backplatemay couple to the chassisvia a mechanical coupling mechanism, such as one or more screws, rivets, fasteners, and/or the like.

also includes a first railand a second rail. In some embodiments, the first railis configured to at least partially be disposed within and/or extend through a first openingin the chassis. The first openingmay be located along the first sideof the chassis. In some embodiments, the second railis configured to at least partially be disposed within and/or extend through a second openingin the chassis. The second openingmay be located along the second sideof the chassis. In some embodiments, the first railand the second railinclude the at least one protruding portionsuch that when the first railand/or second railextends through the chassis, the at least one protruding portionis located adjacent to each of the first faceand the second faceof the chassis.

For example, the first railmay include the first protruding portionand the third protruding portionof the second face, as well as the second protruding portionof the first face. Accordingly, the first protruding portionand the second protruding portionmay be located adjacent to one another on the first rail. When the first railextends through the first opening, the first protruding portionand the third protruding portionmay be located along the second face, and the second protruding portionmay be located along the first face.

Similarly, the second railmay include the second protruding portionand the fourth protruding portionof the second face, as well as the first protruding portionof the first face. Accordingly, the second protruding portionand the first protruding portionmay be located adjacent to one another on the second rail. When the second railextends through the second opening, the second protruding portionand the fourth protruding portionmay be located along the second face, and the first protruding portionmay be located along the first face.

In some embodiments, the first railand the second railare coupled to the chassiswith at least one attachment mechanism, as discussed with reference to. For example, the attachment mechanismmay include, but is not limited to, a screw, a bolt, a rivet, adhesive, a magnet, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the attachment mechanismdetachably couples the first railand/or the second railto the chassis. The attachment mechanismmay fixedly couple the first railand/or the second railto the chassis. In some embodiments, the attachment mechanismincludes multiple attachment mechanisms. For example, as shown in, the walletmay include four total attachment mechanisms.

The first railand the second railmay define a “track,” within which the first personal card(s)and/or second personal card(s)slide to be received within the first card receiving spaceand/or the second card receiving space. Accordingly, the system of the first railand the second railmay be thought of as providing an area for the first personal card(s)and/or second personal card(s)to move along.

illustrate the walletcoupled to a magnetic plate. In some embodiments, the magnetic plateis removably coupled within the first card receiving space. The magnetic platemay be removably coupled within the second card receiving space. In some embodiments, the magnetic plateis configured to magnetically couple the walletto a secondary device, such as a smartphone, tablet, and/or the like. Accordingly, the magnetic platemay be understood as a “MagSafe” plate, referring to the technology developed by Apple Inc. However, the magnetic plateis not limited to coupling to Apple® products.

In some embodiments, when the magnetic plateis coupled within the first card receiving spaceand the walletis coupled to a user's smartphone, the user may rely on the second card receiving spaceto access their personal cards. The magnetic platemay be sized and configured such that it occupies substantially an entirety of the first card receiving space. In some embodiments, a first personal cardmay be coupled within the first card receiving spacein addition to the magnetic plate.

In addition to and/or instead of the magnetic plate, the walletmay be configured to couple to other accessories via the first card receiving space. For example, the first card receiving spacemay be configured to receive an accessory plate including a single pocket. The first card receiving spacemay be configured to receive an accessory plate including multiple pockets, such as a bifold pocket. The pocket(s) may be configured to receive and store at least one personal card, such as the first personal cardand/or the second personal card. The first card receiving spacemay be configured to receive a multi-tool. In some embodiments, the multi-tool includes a seat belt cutter, a serrated/sharpened edge, a chisel, a pair of paracord tensioners, an oxygen wrench, a nail pryer, a standard ¼″ inch hex wrench, a bottle opener, and/or combinations thereof. The second card receiving spacemay also be configured to receive any of the additional accessories mentioned herein.

illustrate the walletcoupled to a clip backplate. In some embodiments, when the backplateis detached from the chassis, the chassisis configured to detachably couple to the clip backplate. The clip backplatemay be located along the second faceof the chassis. The clip backplatemay be spaced from the second face. In some embodiments, the second card receiving spaceis located between the second faceand the clip backplate. Stated differently, the second card receiving spacemay be defined by the second faceof the chassisand the clip backplate.

In some embodiments, the clip backplateincludes a clipconfigured to receive and retain at least one personal card, such as the first personal card(s)and/or the second personal card(s). Additionally or alternatively, the clipmay be configured to receive and retain paper currency, receipt(s), and/or the like. Accordingly, the clipmay be considered a money clip. The clipmay secure items, such as personal card(s) and/or paper currency, against the clip backplatevia a tension force imparted by the cliponto the items.

As shown in, in some embodiments, the clip backplateincludes a first aperturelocated substantially centrally on the clip backplate. The clipmay include a second aperturelocated substantially centrally on the clip. In some embodiments, the second apertureis substantially aligned with the first aperture. The first apertureand/or the second aperturemay enable a user of the walletto contact the second personal card(s)located within the second card receiving space. For example, a user may reach through the first apertureand/or the second apertureto push against the second personal cardand slide it out of the second card receiving spaceabout the top edgeand/or the bottom edge. The second aperturemay enable a user to contact an item receivably coupled between the clipand the clip backplate.

The first apertureand/or the second aperturemay be located elsewhere along the clip backplateand/or the clip, such as adjacent a top or bottom edge. The first apertureand/or the second aperturemay be located closer to one side than another. In some embodiments, the first apertureand/or the second apertureis a different size than depicted in. For example, the first apertureand/or the second aperturemay be smaller than shown. In some embodiments, the first apertureand/or the second apertureis larger than illustrated in. The second aperturemay be misaligned from the first aperture.

illustrates the walletcoupled to the clip backplate. In some embodiments, similar to the backplate, the clip backplateincludes a first coupling clementand a second coupling elementlocated opposite the first coupling element. The first coupling elementmay be configured to couple to the first sideof the chassis, and the second coupling clementmay be configured to couple to the second sideof the chassis. In some embodiments, the first and second coupling elements,include “wings” or bracket-type projections configured to at least partially wrap the respective sides of the chassis. Accordingly, the clip backplatemay couple to the chassisvia a friction fit, wherein the chassisis received and secured between the first coupling elementand the second coupling element. Additionally or alternatively, the clip backplatemay couple to the chassisvia a mechanical coupling mechanism, such as one or more screws, rivets, fasteners, and/or the like.

shows a side view of the walletcoupled to the clip backplate. It should be noted that the profile, or height, of the clipis not limited to the profile illustrated in. For example, the clipmay define a “lower” profile, wherein the clipextends a shorter distance from the clip backplate, than shown in. In some embodiments, the clipdefines a “higher” profile, and extends further from the clip backplate. The clipmay also define a different length along the clip backplatethan what is shown in. In some embodiments, the clipdefines a different shape than what is illustrated in.