US20180332936A1

US20180332936A1 - Radio-Frequency Identification Blocking Travel Wallet

Info

Publication number: US20180332936A1
Application number: US15/597,347
Authority: US
Inventors: Vitaliy L. SERMAN
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-05-17
Filing date: 2017-05-17
Publication date: 2018-11-22

Abstract

A radio-frequency identification blocking travel wallet for holding cash, credit cards, photo identification, etc. A money clip, a quick access pocket, a plurality of pockets, an identification pocket, and a terminal pocket are integrated with a wallet body having a first wallet section, a second wallet section, and a pliable mid-section. The pliable mid-section is positioned in between the first wallet section and the second wallet section, forming a bi-fold structure. The money clip is integrated into the pliable mid-section, while the quick access pocket and the plurality of pockets are integrated into the first wallet section. Meanwhile, the identification pocket and the terminal pocket are integrated into the second wallet section; a pull-strap allows contents of the terminal pocket to be readily retrieved. A security lining is integrated into the wallet body, the quick access pocket, and the plurality of pockets to prevent identity theft.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to money holders. More specifically, the present invention is a radio-frequency identification blocking travel wallet for holding cash, credit cards, photo identification, etc.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Wallets are commonly used to store and carry cash, credit cards, identification cards, etc. However, current wallets are bulky making them less than ideal for carrying in a front pocket. Furthermore, current wallets do not provide a means for easily accessing the contents stored within the wallet. It is often a hassle to both retrieve cash from the main pocket and neatly place money within the pocket. Additionally, the limited number and poor design of the inside pockets makes it difficult to access commonly used cards. Photo identification slots are also positioned on the inside of the wallet, requiring the user to open the wallet in order to access or show their photo identification.
Another issue with common wallets is the lack of security features. Many credit cards are equipped with radio-frequency identification (RFID) chips that store personal information. Such RFID chips can be scanned unwantedly by passerby in an attempt to copy the personal information on the RFID chips and steal the user's identity. With such growing threats, a means to safely store and carry one's credit cards is needed in order to protect against identity theft.
Therefore it is an object of the present invention to provide a radio-frequency identification blocking travel wallet. The present invention is a streamlined wallet that is compact and enhances the ease of access to important cards. Furthermore, a security lining is utilized to protect against identity theft by blocking RFID signals. A wallet body having a first wallet section, a second wallet section, and a pliable mid-section provides a bi-fold structure for storing cash, credit cards, photo identification, etc. A quick access pocket and a plurality of pockets is integrated into the first wallet section, while an identification pocket and a terminal pocket are integrated into the second wallet section. Meanwhile, money clip is integrated into the pliable mid-section for easily securing and accessing cash. The security lining is integrated into the wallet body, the quick access pocket, and the plurality of pockets to prevent theft of personal information stored on credit cards.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the present invention, showing the main shaft of the money clip positioned within the clip retention slot.

FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of the present invention, showing the band positioned within the terminal pocket.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the present invention, wherein the money clip has been removed to show the clip retention slot.

FIG. 7 is a rear elevational view, wherein the identification pocket is positioned about the exterior of the wallet body.

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view, wherein the pull-tab is positioned about the interior of the wallet body.

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view detailing the security lining integrated into the plurality of pockets and the wallet body.

FIG. 10 is a rear elevational view detailing the security lining integrated into the wallet body and the quick access pocket.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
The present invention is a radio-frequency identification blocking travel wallet for holding cash, credit cards, photo identification, etc. The present invention is a streamlined money holder that allows a user to hold multiple forms of payment in a secure manner, while minimizing the space needed to carry the present invention in a pocket or elsewhere. Furthermore, the present invention provides measures for deterring theft from sources such as credit card scanners that can be used by passersby to electronically copy personal information stored on credit cards.
In reference to FIG. 1-2, the present invention comprises a wallet body 1, a money clip 2, a quick access pocket 30, a plurality of pockets 31, an identification pocket 32, a terminal pocket 33, a pull-strap 4, and a security lining 5. The wallet body 1 is a bi-fold structure that allows a user to conveniently store forms of payments in a compact manner, while providing easy access to the forms of payment when needed. The money clip 2 is integrated with the wallet body 1, wherein the money clip 2 secures cash in place, while the wallet body 1 is folded around the money clip 2. Meanwhile, the quick access pocket 30, the plurality of pockets 31, the identification pocket 32, and the terminal pocket 33 provide a means for storing credit cards, photo identification, etc.
The wallet body 1 comprises a first wallet section 11, a second wallet section 12, and a pliable mid-section 13. The first wallet section 11 and the second wallet section 12 are adjacently connected to the pliable mid-section 13, wherein the pliable mid-section 13 is positioned in between the first wallet section 11 and the second wallet section 12. The first wallet section 11 and the second wallet section 12 provide separate halves of the wallet body 1 that can be used to store different forms of payment or other materials. The pliable mid-section 13 allows the first wallet section 11 and the second wallet section 12 to be opened flat to access internal pockets, or folded over each other in order to provide a compact form for carrying in a pocket.
In reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the money clip 2 is integrated into the pliable mid-section 13, such that the money clip 2 is centrally positioned along the wallet body 1. As such, the first wallet section 11 and the second wallet section 12 fold around the money clip 2. This ensures that cash retained by the money clip 2 is securely and discreetly positioned within the wallet body 1 when the first wallet section 11 and the second wallet section 12 are folded over each other.
In one embodiment, the money clip 2 comprises a main shaft 20 and a securing member 21, wherein the main shaft 20 is integrated into the pliable mid-section 13. More specifically, the pliable mid-section 13 comprises a clip retention slot 14 as depicted in FIG. 6, wherein the main shaft 20 is positioned into the clip retention slot 14 as depicted in FIG. 3. The clip retention slot 14 is formed by a double layer of material, wherein there is an open end and a closed end. The main shaft 20 is positioned into the open end, while the closed end provides a stop with which the main shaft 20 engages.
The securing member 21 is hingedly connected to the main shaft 20, adjacent to the open end, wherein the securing member 21 can be configured between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the securing member 21 is pivoted away from the main shaft 20 to create a gap into which cash can be positioned. In the closed position, the securing member 21 clamps together with the main shaft 20 in order to secure the cash between the main shaft 20 and the securing member 21.
In the preferred embodiment of the money clip 2, a ball detent is integrated into the main shaft 20. Meanwhile, the securing member 21 comprises a notched end; the notched end being hingedly connected to the main shaft 20. The ball detent engages with the notched end in order to retain the securing member 21 in either the closed position or the open position. In other embodiments, different mechanical means may be provided in order to retain the securing member 21 in the closed position or the open position.
Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment of the money clip 2, the securing member 21 has a curved profile, as depicted in FIG. 1. The curved profile creates a pressure point between the main shaft 20 and the securing member 21, wherein the clamping force of the securing member 21 is focused to a single area. The curved profile also creates a handle portion in the securing member 21, wherein the handle portion extends away from the pressure point and is positioned opposite the notched end. The handle portion is curved up and away from the wallet body 1, allowing the user to readily manipulate the securing member 21 and access the stored cash.
The wallet body 1 comprises an exterior surface 15 and an interior surface 16, about which the quick access pocket 30, the plurality of pockets 31, and the identification pocket 32 are positioned. The interior surface 16 has a concave shape when the first wallet section 11 and the second wallet section 12 are folded over each other, while the exterior surface 15 has a convex shape when the first wallet section 11 and the second wallet section 12 are folded over each other. In reference to FIG. 5-6, the quick access pocket 30 is positioned about the exterior surface 15, while the plurality of pockets 31 is positioned about the interior surface 16. The identification pocket 32 may be positioned about either the exterior surface 15 as shown in FIG. 7, or the interior surface 16 as shown in FIG. 3, depending on the embodiment of the present invention.
In reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, the quick access pocket 30 is adjacently connected to the first wallet section 11 and allows for a credit card, or similarly slim object, to be stored about the exterior of the wallet body 1. Three sides of the quick access pocket 30 are secured to the wallet body 1 such that an opening is formed about the unsecured side of the quick access pocket 30. The opening allows the credit card to be positioned into or retrieved from a pouch formed between the first wallet section 11 and the quick access pocket 30. The quick access pocket 30 is ideal for carrying the user's most popular card, as the card can be retrieved without opening the wallet body 1.
In further reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, the quick access pocket 30 comprises a quick access slot 34 that further enhances the user's ability to retrieve a card stored in the quick access pocket 30. The quick access slot 34 is a gap in material that allows the user to directly engage with the card in order to slide the card out of the quick access pocket 30. The quick access slot 34 is positioned opposite the opening, such that the card is engaged from the closed end of the quick access pocket 30. In the preferred embodiment, the quick access slot 34 is terminally positioned about the first wallet section 11, opposite the pliable med-section; the opening of the quick access pocket 30 being positioned towards the center of the wallet body 1.
In reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the plurality of pockets 31 is adjacently connected to the first wallet section 11, opposite the quick access pocket 30, and positioned adjacent to the money clip 2. The plurality of pockets 31 allows multiple cards, or similarly slim objects, to be stored about the interior of the wallet body 1. The plurality of pockets 31 is oriented in a stacked configuration, providing multiple layers of storage. Each of the plurality of pockets 31 has an opening edge 35, wherein the opening edge 35 of each of the plurality of pockets 31 is parallel.
The opening edge 35 of each of the plurality of pockets 31 delineates a pocket opening into which one or more cards can be positioned. In one embodiment of the present invention, the opening edge 35 of each of the plurality of pockets 31 is vertically aligned when viewed from the front, as shown in FIG. 3. In another embodiment, the opening edge 35 of each of the plurality of pockets 31 is diagonally aligned. Furthermore, the opening edge 35 of each of the plurality of pockets 31 is staggered, such that the pockets do not interfere with one another and can be easily accessed.
In reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the identification pocket 32 is adjacently connected to the second wallet section 12 and allows for a photo identification card, or similarly slim object, to be stored about either the exterior or the interior of the wallet body 1, depending on the embodiment of the present invention. Three sides of the identification pocket 32 are secured to the wallet body 1 such that an opening is formed about the unsecured side of the identification pocket 32. The opening allows the photo identification card to be positioned into or retrieved from a pouch formed between the second wallet section 12 and the identification pocket 32. The identification pocket 32 is transparent, allowing the photo identification card to viewed from within the identification pocket 32.
In further reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the identification pocket 32 comprises a quick access slot 34 that further enhances the user's ability to retrieve a photo identification card stored in the identification pocket 32. The quick access slot 34 of the identification pocket 32 is a gap in material that allows the user to directly engage with the photo identification card in order to slide the photo identification card out of the identification pocket 32. The quick access slot 34 of the identification pocket 32 is centrally positioned about the second wallet section 12, such that the photo identification card is engaged from the middle of the identification pocket 32.
In reference to FIG. 1, the terminal pocket 33 is formed into the second wallet section 12, wherein the terminal pocket 33 is positioned in between the exterior surface 15 and the interior surface 16. The terminal pocket 33 provides a slim pouch for holding one or more cards. A terminal opening is formed opposite the pliable mid-section 13, allowing the user to position cards into, or retrieve cards from, the terminal pocket 33. The pull-strap 4 is integrated with the terminal pocket 33, allowing the user to readily retrieve cards stored in the terminal pocket 33.
In reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, the pull-strap 4 is positioned through the second wallet section 12, opposite the identification pocket 32, into the terminal pocket 33. The pull-strap 4 is terminally connected to the second wallet section 12, within the terminal pocket 33. Furthermore, the pull-strap 4 is slidably engaged with the second wallet section 12, wherein a free end of the pull-strap 4 can be engaged by the user to pull the pull-strap 4 through the second wallet section 12. More specifically, the pull-strap 4 comprises a band 40 and a pull-tab 41; the pull-tab 41 providing the free end of the pull-strap 4.
A strap slot is positioned through the second wallet section 12 opposite the identification pocket 32, wherein the band 40 traverses through the strap slot, into the terminal pocket 33. The pull-tab 41 is terminally connected to the band 40 and is larger than the strap slot, preventing the pull-strap 4 from fully sliding into the terminal pocket 33. The pull-tab 41 is positioned about the second wallet section 12, opposite the identification pocket 32, such that the pull-tab 41 is accessed from either the exterior of the wallet body 1 as shown in FIG. 4, or the interior of the wallet body 1 as shown in FIG. 8, depending on the embodiment of the present invention. The band 40 is positioned through the second wallet section 12 via the strap slot, and is terminally connected to the second wallet section 12, within the terminal pocket 33.
When a card is positioned into the terminal slot, the card engages the band 40. As the card is pushed further into the terminal pocket 33, the card pushes the band 40 deeper into the terminal pocket 33 as well, wherein the band 40 is wrapped around the end of the card. Meanwhile, the pull-tab 41 moves closer to the strap slot. In order to retrieve the card, the user engages the pull-tab 41 and exerts force away from the strap slot. As such, the band 40 is pulled through the strap slot, wherein the band 40 pushes the card towards the terminal opening, allowing the user to retrieve the card.
In reference to FIG. 9-10, the security lining 5 provides a security measure to prevent identity theft. The security lining 5 is integrated into the wallet body 1, the quick access pocket 30, and the plurality of pockets 31. The security lining 5 is a metal composite for blocking radio-frequency identification (RFID) signals. This prevents a passerby from using a scanner to read information off of the RFID chips that may be integrated into a user's credit cards, or other cards, stored within the present invention.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the security lining 5 is a flexible layer that lines the interior of the quick access pocket 30 and the plurality of pockets 31. This prevents any loss in flexibility to the quick access pocket 30 and the plurality of pockets 31, allowing cards to be readily inserted and retrieved from both the quick access pocket 30 and the plurality of pockets 31. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the security lining 5 is configured to block RFID signals having a frequency of 13.56 MHz or higher; however, other embodiments may also block RFID signals having a lower frequency.
Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A travel wallet comprises:

a wallet body comprising a first wallet section, a second wallet section, and a pliable mid-section;

the pliable mid-section being positioned in between the first wallet section and the second wallet section;

a money clip being integrated into the pliable mid-section;

a quick access pocket and a plurality of pockets being adjacently connected to the first wallet section;

the plurality of pockets being positioned opposite the quick access pocket, about the first wallet section;

an identification pocket being adjacently connected to the second wallet section;

a terminal pocket being formed into the second wallet section;

a pull-strap being positioned through the second wallet section, opposite the identification pocket, into the terminal pocket; and

the pull-strap being terminally connected to the second wallet section, within the terminal pocket.

2. The travel wallet as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the wallet body further comprises an exterior surface and an interior surface;

the quick access pocket being positioned about the exterior surface; and

the plurality of pockets being positioned about the interior surface.

3. The travel wallet as claimed in claim 2 comprises:

the identification pocket being positioned about the exterior surface.

4. The travel wallet as claimed in claim 2 comprises:

the identification pocket being positioned about the interior surface.

5. The travel wallet as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the money clip comprising a main shaft and a securing member;

the main shaft being integrated into the pliable mid-section; and

the securing member being hingedly connected to the main shaft.

6. The travel wallet as claimed in claim 5 comprises:

the pliable mid-section comprising a clip retention slot; and

the main shaft being positioned into the clip retention slot.

7. The travel wallet as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the money clip being positioned adjacent to the plurality of pockets.

8. The travel wallet as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the quick access pocket comprising a quick access slot; and

the quick access slot being terminally positioned about the first wallet section, opposite the pliable mid-section.

9. The travel wallet as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the pull-strap comprising a band and a pull-tab;

the pull-tab being terminally connected to the band;

the band being positioned through the second wallet section; and

the band being terminally connected to the second wallet section, within the terminal pocket.

10. The travel wallet as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the pull-strap comprising a pull-tab; and

the pull-tab being positioned about the second wallet section, opposite the identification pocket.

11. The travel wallet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the identification pocket is transparent.

12. The travel wallet as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the identification pocket comprising a quick access slot; and

the quick access slot being centrally positioned about the second wallet section.

13. The travel wallet as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a security lining being integrated into the wallet body, the quick access pocket, and the plurality of pockets.

14. The travel wallet as claimed in claim 13, wherein the security lining is a metal composite for blocking radio-frequency identification signals.

15. The travel wallet as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

each of the plurality of pockets comprising an opening edge; and

the opening edge of each of the plurality of pockets being parallel.