Abstract
A wallet includes a shell with a front portion, a back portion, and at least one side portion, and defining a card area configured to securably receive at least one card therewithin. The wallet may include at least one protruding assembly coupled to the shell and configured to retain the at least one card within the card area. The wallet may include an ejector mechanism coupled to the shell and configured to move between a first position and a second position. The ejector mechanism may be configured to at least partially eject the at least one card from the card area by moving from the first position to the second position.
Claims
1. A wallet comprising: a shell having a front portion, a back portion, and at least one side portion, the shell defining a card area therewithin, the card area configured to securably receive at least one card therewithin; at least one protruding assembly coupled to the shell and configured to retain the at least one card within the card area; and an ejector mechanism coupled to the shell, the ejector mechanism configured to move between a first position and a second position, wherein the ejector mechanism is configured to at least partially eject the at least one card from the card area by moving from the first position to the second position.
2. The wallet of claim 1, further comprising a clip coupled to the shell, the clip configured to provide a force between the clip and the shell to thereby retain the at least one card between the clip and the shell.
3. The wallet of claim 2, wherein the clip is detachably coupled to at least one of the front portion, the back portion, and the at least one side portion.
4. The wallet of claim 1, wherein the at least one side portion comprises: a first side portion; a second side portion located opposite the first side portion; and a third side portion extending between the first side portion and the second side portion, wherein the first side portion and the second side portion each define a first length, and the third side portion defines a second length that is different than the first length.
5. The wallet of claim 4, wherein the at least one card is configured to at least partially protrude from the shell along a fourth side portion opposite the third side portion.
6. The wallet of claim 1, further comprising a flexible member coupled to the shell, the flexible member having a pocket configured to receive and retain the at least one card.
7. The wallet of claim 1, wherein the ejector mechanism comprises a rod coupled to the shell within the card area and configured to rotate about a pivot point, so as to move between the first position and the second position.
8. The wallet of claim 7, wherein the rod has a first end coupled to the pivot point, and a second end configured to rotate, the second end having at least one step so as to define a sloped portion.
9. The wallet of claim 8, wherein when moving the ejector mechanism to the second position, the sloped portion is configured to eject a plurality of cards of the at least one card in a fanned out configuration.
10. The wallet of claim 1, further comprising: a flexible member coupled to the shell, the flexible member defining a first portion and a second portion located opposite the first portion, wherein at least a section of the second portion is coupled to the shell.
11. The wallet of claim 10, wherein the flexible member comprises a first pocket and a second pocket located opposite the first pocket.
12. The wallet of claim 10, further comprising a rivet configured to couple the shell to the flexible member.
13. The wallet of claim 1, wherein the shell is configured to block radio frequency identification (RFID) signals.
14. The wallet of claim 1, wherein the at least one protruding assembly comprises a primary protruding portion and a secondary protruding portion, each disposed between the front portion and the back portion, the primary protruding portion disposed adjacent a first side portion of the at least one side portion, the secondary protruding portion disposed adjacent a second side portion of the at least one side portion.
15. The wallet of claim 14, wherein the primary protruding portion and the secondary protruding portion are configured to flex outwards away from the card area when the at least one card is being ejected from within the card area by the ejector mechanism moving from the first position to the second position.
16. The wallet of claim 15, wherein the primary protruding portion comprises a first protruding portion and a second protruding portion coupled thereto.
17. The wallet of claim 16, wherein the secondary protruding portion comprises a first protruding portion and a second protruding portion coupled thereto.
18. The wallet of claim 1, further comprising: a rail system configured to be disposed within the card area, the rail system comprising a first rail and a second rail disposed apart from one another, each of the first rail and the second rail defining a card space configured to slidably engage with the at least one card.
19. The wallet of claim 18, wherein the card space comprises a machined cavity forming tracks for the at least one card to slide thereabout.
20. The wallet of claim 19, wherein the rail system is configured to receive a projection extending from the front portion, the back portion, or both, so as to enable the front portion, the back portion, or both, to slide along the rail system.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0039] These and other features, aspects, and advantages are described below with reference to the drawings, which are intended to illustrate, but not to limit, the invention. In the drawings, like characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout similar embodiments.
[0040] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate back perspective views of a wallet, according to some embodiments.
[0041] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate front perspective views of the wallet, according to some embodiments.
[0042] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate back views of the wallet, according to some embodiments.
[0043] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate front views of the wallet, according to some embodiments.
[0044] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate side views of the wallet, according to some embodiments.
[0045] FIG. 6A illustrates an exploded view of the wallet, according to some embodiments.
[0046] FIG. 6B illustrates an exploded view of the wallet, according to some embodiments.
[0047] FIG. 7 illustrates a back perspective view of the wallet including a flexible member, according to some embodiments.
[0048] FIG. 8 illustrates a front perspective view of the wallet including a flexible member, according to some embodiments.
[0049] FIG. 9 illustrates a back view of the wallet including a flexible member, according to some embodiments.
[0050] FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of the wallet including a flexible member, according to some embodiments.
[0051] FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate front internal views of the wallet, according to some embodiments.
[0052] FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate front internal views of the wallet with movement of a card thereabout, according to some embodiments.
[0053] FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate back perspective views of another wallet, according to some embodiments.
[0054] FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate front perspective views of the wallet of FIG. 13A, according to some embodiments.
[0055] FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate back views of the wallet of FIG. 13A, according to some embodiments.
[0056] FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate front views of the wallet of FIG. 13A, according to some embodiments.
[0057] FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate side views of the wallet of FIG. 13A, according to some embodiments.
[0058] FIG. 18A illustrates an exploded view of the wallet of FIG. 13A, according to some embodiments.
[0059] FIG. 18B illustrates an exploded view of the wallet of FIG. 13A, according to some embodiments.
[0060] FIG. 19 illustrates a back perspective view of the wallet of FIG. 13A with a flexible member, according to some embodiments.
[0061] FIG. 20 illustrates a front perspective view of the wallet of FIG. 13A with a flexible member, according to some embodiments.
[0062] FIG. 21 illustrates a back view of the wallet of FIG. 13A with a flexible member, according to some embodiments.
[0063] FIG. 22 illustrates a front view of the wallet of FIG. 13A with a flexible member, according to some embodiments.
[0064] FIGS. 23A and 23B illustrate front internal views of the wallet of FIG. 13A, according to some embodiments.
[0065] FIGS. 24A and 24B illustrate front internal views of the wallet of FIG. 13A with movement of a card thereabout, according to some embodiments.
[0066] FIG. 25 illustrates a back perspective view of yet another wallet, according to some embodiments.
[0067] FIG. 26 illustrates a front perspective view of the wallet of FIG. 25, according to some embodiments.
[0068] FIG. 27 illustrates a back view of the wallet of FIG. 25, according to some embodiments.
[0069] FIG. 28 illustrates a front view of the wallet of FIG. 25, according to some embodiments.
[0070] FIG. 29A illustrates an exploded view of the wallet of FIG. 25, according to some embodiments.
[0071] FIG. 29B illustrates an exploded view of the wallet of FIG. 25, according to some embodiments.
[0072] FIG. 30 illustrates a back perspective view of the wallet of FIG. 25 with a flexible member, according to some embodiments.
[0073] FIG. 31 illustrates a front perspective view of the wallet of FIG. 25 with a flexible member, according to some embodiments.
[0074] FIG. 32 illustrates a back view of the wallet of FIG. 25 with a flexible member, according to some embodiments.
[0075] FIG. 33 illustrates a front view of the wallet of FIG. 25 with a flexible member, according to some embodiments.
[0076] FIGS. 34A and 34B illustrate front internal views of the wallet of FIG. 25, according to some embodiments.
[0077] FIGS. 35A and 35B illustrate front internal views of the wallet of FIG. 25, according to some embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0078] Within the last 100 years, the design and use of wallets has 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.
[0079] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate back perspective views of a wallet 10, according to some embodiments. The wallet 10 may include a front portion 104, a back portion 102, and/or at least one side portion 106. According to some embodiments, the front portion 104, the back portion 102, and/or the at least one side portion 106 make up a shell 114. The wallet 10 may include a clip 120. According to some embodiments, the clip 120 is a money clip. The clip 120 may be removably attached to at least one of the front portion 104, back portion 102, and/or the at least one side portion 106 of the wallet 10 via a connector, such as a screw, a bolt, a rivet, an adhesive, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the clip 120 makes up a portion of the back portion 102 of the wallet 10. According to some embodiments, the clip 120 is configured to provide a tension force between the clip 120 and at least one of the front portion 104, back portion 102, and/or the at least one side portion 106 to thereby retain at least one card 110 between the clip 120 and at least one of the front portion 104, back portion 102, and/or the at least one side portion 106.
[0080] In some embodiments, the wallet 10 includes a non-ejected mode 116, where the card 110 is located in the wallet 10, and/or an ejected mode 118, where the card 110 is at least partially protruding from the wallet 10. FIG. 1A illustrates one embodiment of the wallet 10 in the non-ejected mode 116 and FIG. 1B illustrates an embodiment of the wallet 10 in the ejected mode 118.
[0081] According to some embodiments, the wallet 10 includes a card area 108 inside the wallet 10 and open to at least one side of the wallet 10. The card area 108 may receive and hold at least one card 110. In some embodiments, the card area 108 is defined by the front portion 104, the back portion 102, and/or the at least one side portion 106. The wallet 10 may include at least one protruding portion 112 between any of the front portion 104, the back portion 102, and/or the at least one side portion 106. According to some embodiments, the protruding portion 112 is coupled to at least one of the front portion 104, the back portion 102, and/or the at least one side portion 106 and acts as a gate to the card area 108. In some embodiments, the at least one protruding portion 112 is movable, flexible, and/or compressible to allow the at least one card 110 into and/or out of the card area 108. According to some embodiments, the at least one protruding portion 112 retains the at least one card 110 within the card area 108 of the wallet 10.
[0082] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate front perspective views of the wallet 10, according to some embodiments. These figures show similar views to FIGS. 1A and 1B but flipped 180 degrees onto the opposite face, such that an outer face 206 of the front portion 104 is visible. FIGS. 2A and 2B also illustrate the non-ejected mode 116 and the ejected mode 118, similar to FIGS. 1A and 1B, respectively. The wallet 10 may include an ejector mechanism 202, which may be located inside the card area 108 of the wallet 10, as shown in FIG. 2B. In some embodiments, the ejector mechanism 202 is configured to at least partially eject the at least one card 110 from the card area 108 in response to moving (e.g., sliding, adjusting, pulling, flipping, gliding, shifting, and/or the like) the front portion 104 of the wallet 10 with respect to the back portion 102 and/or the at least one side portion 106. In some embodiments, the ejector mechanism 202 is configured to at least partially eject the at least one card 110 from the card area 108 in response to moving (e.g., sliding, adjusting, pulling, flipping, gliding, shifting, and/or the like) the back portion 102 of the wallet 10 with respect to the front portion 104 and/or the at least one side portion 106. In some embodiments, the ejector mechanism 202 is configured to at least partially eject the at least one card 110 from the card area 108 in response to moving (e.g., sliding, adjusting, pulling, flipping, gliding, shifting, and/or the like) one or more of the at least one side portions 106 of the wallet 10 with respect to the front portion 104 and/or the back portion 102.
[0083] According to some embodiments, the ejector mechanism 202 is configured to at least partially eject the at least one card 110 from the card area 108 in response to moving and/or providing a force on and/or against an external component 204, such as a recessed area, handle, cord, button, tab, or the like. The external component 204 is further illustrated in FIG. 4A as a recessed area on the front portion 104, although it is understood that this is not limiting as to the form and/or location of the external component 204. In some embodiments, the external component 204 is at least a section of the front portion 104, the back portion 102, and/or the side portion 106. Stated differently, the ejector mechanism 202 may be responsible for moving the wallet 10 between the non-ejected mode 116 and the ejected mode 118.
[0084] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate back views of the wallet 10, according to some embodiments. These figures show a back view of the non-ejected mode 116 and the ejected mode 118 of the wallet 10 similar to that of FIGS. 1A and 1B, respectively. FIGS. 3A and 3B both illustrate the back portion 102 of the wallet 10 as well as the clip 120. FIG. 3B additionally shows an inner face 302 of the front portion 104, as well as the at least one card 110 at least partially ejected from the wallet 10, as a result of the front portion 104 being moved to cause the ejector mechanism 202 to eject the at least one card 110.
[0085] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate front views of the wallet 10, according to some embodiments. These figures show a front view of the non-ejected mode 116 and the ejected mode 118 of the wallet 10 similar to that of FIGS. 2A and 2B, respectively. Both FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate the front portion 104 of the wallet 10. FIG. 4B additionally shows the front portion 104 of the wallet 10 moved, such that the at least one card 110 is ejected by the ejector mechanism 202 (i.e., the wallet 10 is in the ejected mode 118). In addition, FIG. 4B illustrates the ejector mechanism 202 to be partially visible when the wallet 10 is in the ejected mode 118, although the visibility of the ejector mechanism 202 is not always present and/or necessary. The ejector mechanism 202 may be located between the front portion 104 and the back portion 102 within the card area 108. FIG. 4B also shows the cards 110 to be ejected at different heights than one another or fanned, which may be a result of the shape of the ejector mechanism 202, which will be further discussed in FIGS. 11A and 11B.
[0086] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate side views of the wallet 10, according to some embodiments. These figures show the at least one side portion 106 and the at least one protruding portion 112 between the front portion 104 and the back portion 102 of the wallet 10. FIG. 5B also illustrates the at least one card 110 at least partially ejected from the wallet 10, as well as the back portion 102 positioned so as to cause the ejector mechanism 202 to eject the at least one card 110. Additionally, FIG. 5B shows the cards 110 to be fanned in a similar manner to the cards 110 in FIG. 4B.
[0087] FIG. 6A illustrates an exploded view of the wallet 10, according to some embodiments. This figure shows one embodiment of how the components may fit together and/or near one another. In some embodiments, the back portion 102 of the wallet 10 couples to a rail system 602. The rail system 602 may be made of parts called rails, such as a first rail 604 and a second rail 606, as shown in FIG. 6A. The rails may define tracks for the at least one card 110 to slide into and/or out of the wallet 10. According to some embodiments, the rail system 602 is configured to receive the at least one card 110, such that the at least one card 110 can move along the rail system 602. The rail system 602 may be configured to receive a projection 616 of at least one of the back portion 102 and the front portion 104, such that at least one of the back portion 102 and the front portion 104 may move along the rail system 602. In some embodiments, the rail system 602 is coupled to the back portion 102 and/or the front portion 104 via a connector 608 (shown in FIG. 6B), such as a screw, a bolt, an adhesive, and/or the like.
[0088] Also illustrated in FIG. 6A is the at least one protruding portion 112. The wallet may include a primary protruding portion adjacent a first side portion 106, and a secondary protruding portion adjacent a second side portion 106 that is opposite the first side portion 106. Each protruding portion 112 may include a first protruding portion 112a and a second protruding portion 112b coupled to the first protruding portion (e.g., via a connector 608). The second protruding portion 112b may be configured to provide additional frictional force so as to help retain the at least one card 110 within the card area. The first protruding portion 112a may be configured to flex outwards away from the card area, so as to help allow the at least one card 110 be at least partially ejected from the card area 108. The at least one protruding portion 112 may be coupled to the back portion 102, the front portion 104, and/or the at least one side portion 106 via a connector 608, such as a screw, a bolt, a rivet, an adhesive, and/or the like. FIG. 6A also shows the clip 120, which may be coupled to the shell via the connector 608.
[0089] FIG. 6B illustrates an exploded view of the wallet 10, according to some embodiments. This figure is similar to that of FIG. 6A. However, FIG. 6B additionally shows the inner face 302 of the front portion 104 of the wallet 10, as well as the clip 120. According to some embodiments, the front portion 104 of the wallet 10 includes a knob 614. The knob 614 may contact the ejector mechanism 202. In some embodiments, the knob 614 forces the ejector mechanism 202 to move and/or eject the at least one card 110 when the front portion 104 is moved. The knob 614 may also and/or alternatively be located on the back portion 102 and/or the at least one side portion 106 if the back portion 102 and/or the at least one side portion 106 is the portion that moves to cause the ejector mechanism 202 to eject the at least one card 110.
[0090] As shown in FIG. 6B, in some embodiments, the wallet 10 includes at least one magnet 610. According to some embodiments, the at least one magnet 610 is coupled to at least one of the back portion 102, the front portion 104, and the at least one side portion 106 of the wallet 10. In some embodiments, the at least one magnet 610 is coupled to the rail system 602 such that the at least one magnet 610 is located between the rail system 602 and the shell 114. The at least one magnet 610 may be configured to stop the ejector mechanism 202 from contacting the at least one side portion 106. According to some embodiments, the at least one magnet 610 is configured to magnetically couple to a magnetic surface, such as another magnet 610 or a magnetic metal. The magnetic coupling may keep the front portion 104 and/or back portion 102 in a non-ejected mode 116 and/or provide a consistent stopping point for the front portion 104 and/or back portion 102 when a user transitions the wallet 10 from the ejected mode 118 to the non-ejected mode 116. Stated another way, the at least one magnet 610 may hold the front portion 104 and/or the back portion 102 in place while the ejector mechanism 202 is not in use.
[0091] FIG. 7 illustrates a back perspective view of the wallet 10, according to some embodiments. This figure is similar to that of FIG. 1B. However, FIG. 7 additionally shows a flexible member 702 coupled to the back portion 102 of the wallet 10, although the flexible member 702 may be coupled to the back portion 102, the front portion 104, and/or the at least one side portion 106 of the wallet 10. In some embodiments, the flexible member 702 is coupled to the back portion 102 of the wallet 10 via a connector 608, such as a screw, a bolt, a rivet, an adhesive, and/or the like. The flexible member 702 may be configured to fold and cover at least one of the back portion 102, the front portion 104, and/or the at least one side portion 106 of the wallet 10. According to some embodiments, the flexible member 702 includes at least one pocket 704 (e.g., see pocket 704a,b). Each pocket 704a,b may be configured to receive at least one card 110, or other items, such as paper currency, receipts, etc. The flexible member 702 may include no pockets. It is understood that, while FIG. 7 illustrates the flexible member 702 as a bifold piece, this does not limit the size, shape, and/or related attributes of the flexible member 702. For example, the flexible member 702 may be a leather trifold piece with a pointed end and include a snap.
[0092] FIG. 8 illustrates a front perspective view of the wallet 10, according to some embodiments. This figure is similar to that of FIG. 2B. However, FIG. 8 additionally shows the flexible member 702 coupled to the back portion 102 of the wallet 10, although the flexible member 702 may be coupled to the back portion 102, the front portion 104, and/or the at least one side portion 106 of the wallet 10. In some embodiments, the wallet 10 is configured such that the cards 110 eject from the wallet 10 toward a center portion 802 of the flexible member 702. According to some embodiments, the wallet 10 is configured such that the cards 110 eject from the wallet 10 away from the center portion 802 of the flexible member 702.
[0093] FIG. 9 illustrates a back view of the wallet 10, according to some embodiments. This figure is similar to that of FIG. 3B. However, FIG. 9 additionally shows the flexible member 702 coupled to the back portion 102 of the wallet 10, although the flexible member 702 may be coupled to the back portion 102, the front portion 104, and/or the at least one side portion 106 of the wallet 10.
[0094] FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of the wallet 10, according to some embodiments. This figure is similar to that of FIG. 4B. However, FIG. 10 additionally shows the flexible member 702 coupled to the back portion 102 of the wallet 10, although the flexible member 702 may be coupled to the back portion 102, the front portion 104, and/or the at least one side portion 106 of the wallet 10.
[0095] FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate front internal views of the wallet 10 with the front portion 104 removed, according to some embodiments. By not showing the front portion 104 of the wallet 10, the interior 1104 of the assembled wallet 10 may more easily be seen. FIG. 11A illustrates the wallet 10 with the ejector mechanism 202 and the protruding portions 112 in a first position 1106, which may correspond to the non-ejected mode 116. FIG. 11B illustrates the wallet 10 with the ejector mechanism 202 in a second position 1108, which may correspond to the ejected mode 118. The second position 1108 may include the ejector mechanism 202 rotated away from the at least one side portion 106 to eject the cards 110 at least partially from the wallet 10. Stated another way, the ejector mechanism 202 may rotate in the direction in which the cards 110 exit the wallet 10.
[0096] In some embodiments, the ejector mechanism 202 includes a rod that is rotatably coupled with the shell (e.g., side portion 106) via a connector 608. The rod at a first end may be coupled about a pivot point (e.g., via the connector), while a second end may be configured to rotate. The second end may include at least one step 1102, which may define a sloped portion, such that the at least one card 110 is ejected a different distance from the at least one side portion 106 depending on which of the at least one steps 1102 it is removably coupled to, thereby enabling the at least one card 110 to fan out when being at least partially ejected from the wallet 10. For example, if three cards 110 are ejected from the wallet 10, the card 110 closest to the back portion 102 would be ejected the furthest out of the wallet 10 and the card 110 closest to the front portion 104 would be ejected the least out of the wallet 10. According to some embodiments, the ejector mechanism 202 at least partially rotates around a connector 608, such as a screw, a bolt, and/or the like. The connector 608 may couple the ejector mechanism 202 to the front portion 104, the back portion 102, and/or the at least one side portion 106 of the wallet 10.
[0097] FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate front internal views of the wallet, according to some embodiments. These figures are similar to FIGS. 11A and 11B. However, FIGS. 12A and 12B additionally show the at least one card 110. FIG. 12A illustrates the wallet 10 with the ejector mechanism 202 and the protruding portions 112 in the first position 1106, which may correspond to the non-ejected mode 116. FIG. 12B illustrates the wallet 10 with the ejector mechanism 202 and the protruding portions 112 in the second position 1108, which may correspond to the ejected mode 118. The second position 1108 may include the ejector mechanism 202 rotated away from the at least one side portion 106 and the at least one protruding portion 112 rotated outwards from the card area 108 to allow the cards 110 to eject at least partially from the wallet 10. Stated another way, the ejector mechanism 202 may rotate in the direction in which the cards 110 exit the wallet 10.
[0098] While all of the figures show the at least one card 110 ejecting from a long side of the wallet 10, it should be understood that this is not necessary for the wallet 10 to function as intended. For example, the at least one card 110 may eject from a short side of the wallet 10.
[0099] The shell 114, rail system 602, flexible member 702, and/or other components of the wallet 10 may be singularly and/or a combination metal, plastic, leather, and/or the like. It is understood that this list of materials is not limiting and may include other materials that may be beneficial to the structure and/or function of the wallet 10 and/or any component and/or components of the wallet 10.
[0100] FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate back perspective views of another wallet 20, according to some embodiments. The wallet 20 may include a front portion 1304, a back portion 1302, and/or at least one side portion 1306. According to some embodiments, the front portion 1304, the back portion 1302, and/or the at least one side portion 1306 make up a shell 1314. In some embodiments, the wallet 20 includes a non-ejected mode 1316, where the card 110 is located in the wallet 20, and/or an ejected mode 1318, where the card 110 is at least partially protruding from the wallet 20. FIG. 13A illustrates one embodiment of the wallet 20 in the non-ejected mode 1316 and FIG. 13B illustrates an embodiment of the wallet 20 in the ejected mode 1318.
[0101] According to some embodiments, the wallet 20 includes a card area 1308 inside the wallet 20 and open to at least one side of the wallet 20. The card area 1308 may receive and hold at least one card 110. In some embodiments, the card area 1308 is defined by the front portion 1304, the back portion 1302, and/or the at least one side portion 1306. The wallet 20 may include at least one protruding portion 1312 between any of the front portion 1304, the back portion 1302, and/or the at least one side portion 1306. According to some embodiments, the protruding portion 1312 is coupled to at least one of the front portion 1304, the back portion 1302, and/or the at least one side portion 1306 and acts as a gate to the card area 1308. In some embodiments, the at least one protruding portion 1312 is movable flexible, and/or compressible to allow the at least one card 110 into and/or out of the card area 1308. According to some embodiments, the at least one protruding portion 1312 holds the at least one card 110 within the card area 1308 of the wallet 20.
[0102] FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate front perspective views of the wallet 20, according to some embodiments. These figures show similar views to FIGS. 13A and 13B but flipped 180 degrees onto the opposite face, such that an outer face 1406 of the front portion 1304 is visible. FIGS. 14A and 14B also illustrate the non-ejected mode 1316 and the ejected mode 1318, similar to FIGS. 13A and 13B, respectively. The wallet 20 may include an ejector mechanism 1402, which may be located inside the card area 1308 of the wallet 20, as shown in FIG. 14B. In some embodiments, the ejector mechanism 1402 is configured to at least partially eject the at least one card 110 from the card area 1308 in response to moving (e.g., sliding, adjusting, pulling, flipping, gliding, shifting, and/or the like) the front portion 1304 of the wallet 20 with respect to the back portion 1302 and/or the at least one side portion 1306. In some embodiments, the ejector mechanism 1402 is configured to at least partially eject the at least one card 110 from the card area 1308 in response to moving (e.g., sliding, adjusting, pulling, flipping, gliding, shifting, and/or the like) the back portion 1302 of the wallet 20, with respect to the front portion 1304 and/or the at least one side portion 1306. In some embodiments, the ejector mechanism 1402 is configured to at least partially eject the at least one card 110 from the card area 1308 in response to moving (e.g., sliding, adjusting, pulling, flipping, gliding, shifting, and/or the like) one or more of the at least one side portions 1306 of the wallet 20 with respect to the front portion 1304 and/or the back portion 1302.
[0103] According to some embodiments, the ejector mechanism 1402 is configured to at least partially eject the at least one card 110 from the card area 1308 in response to moving and/or providing a force on and/or against an external component 1404, such as a recessed area, handle, cord, button, tab, or the like. The external component 1404 is further illustrated in FIG. 16A as a recessed area on the front portion 1304, although it is understood that this is not limiting as to the form and/or location of the external component 1404. In some embodiments, the external component 1404 is at least a section of the front portion 1304, the back portion 1302, and/or the side portion 1306. Stated differently, the ejector mechanism 1402 may be responsible for moving the wallet 20 between the non-ejected mode 1316 and the ejected mode 1318.
[0104] FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate back views of the wallet 20, according to some embodiments. These figures show a back view of the non-ejected mode 1316 and the ejected mode 1318 of the wallet 20 similar to that of FIGS. 13A and 13B, respectively. FIGS. 15A and 15B both illustrate the back portion 1302 of the wallet 20. FIG. 15B additionally shows an inner face 1502 of the front portion 1304, as well as the at least one card 110 at least partially ejected from the wallet 20, as a result of the front portion 1304 being moved to cause the ejector mechanism 1402 to eject the at least one card 110.
[0105] FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate front views of the wallet 20, according to some embodiments. These figures show a front view of the non-ejected mode 1316 and the ejected mode 1318 of the wallet 20 similar to that of FIGS. 14A and 14B, respectively. Both FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate the front portion 1304 of the wallet 20. FIG. 16B additionally shows the front portion 1304 of the wallet 20 moved, such that the at least one card 110 is ejected by the ejector mechanism 1402 (i.e., the wallet 20 is in the ejected mode 1318). In addition, FIG. 16B illustrates the ejector mechanism 1402 to be partially visible when the wallet 20 is in the ejected mode 1318, although the visibility of the ejector mechanism 202 is not always present and/or necessary. The ejector mechanism 202 may be located between the front portion 1304 and the back portion 1302 within the card area 1308. FIG. 16B also shows the cards 110 to be ejected at different heights than one another or fanned, which may be a result of the shape of the ejector mechanism 1402, which will be further discussed in FIGS. 23A and 23B.
[0106] FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate side views of the wallet 20, according to some embodiments. These figures show the at least one side portion 1306 and the at least one protruding portion 1312 between the front portion 1304 and the back portion 1302 of the wallet 20. FIG. 17B also illustrates the at least one card 110 at least partially ejected from the wallet 20, as well as the back portion 1302 positioned so as to cause the ejector mechanism 1402 to eject the at least one card 110. Additionally, FIG. 17B shows the cards 110 to be fanned in a similar manner to the cards 110 in FIG. 16B.
[0107] FIG. 18A illustrates an exploded view of the wallet 20, according to some embodiments. This figure shows one embodiment of how the components may fit together and/or near one another. In some embodiments, the back portion 1302 of the wallet 20 couples to a rail system 1802. The rail system 1802 may be made of parts called rails, such as a first rail 1804 and a second rail 1806, as shown in FIG. 18A. The rails may define tracks for the at least one card 110 to slide into and/or out of the wallet 20. According to some embodiments, the rail system 1802 is configured to receive the at least one card 110, such that the at least one card 110 can move along the rail system 1802. The rail system 1802 may be configured to receive a projection 1816 of at least one of the back portion 1302 and the front portion 1304, such that at least one of the back portion 1302 and the front portion 1304 may move along the rail system 1802. In some embodiments, the rail system 1802 is coupled to the back portion 1302 and/or the front portion 1304 via a connector 1808 (shown in FIG. 18B), such as a screw, a bolt, an adhesive, and/or the like.
[0108] Also illustrated in FIG. 18A is the at least one protruding portion 1312. The at least one protruding portion 1312 may be coupled to the back portion 1302, the front portion 1304, and/or the at least one side portion 1306 via a connector 1808, such as a screw, a bolt, a rivet, an adhesive, and/or the like. The wallet may include a primary protruding portion adjacent a first side portion 1306, and a secondary protruding portion adjacent a second side portion 1306 that is opposite the first side portion 1306. Each protruding portion 1312 may include a first protruding portion 1312a and a second protruding portion 1312b coupled to the first protruding portion (e.g., via a connector 1808). The second protruding portion 1312b may be configured to provide additional frictional force so as to help retain the at least one card 110 within the card area. The first protruding portion 1312a may be configured to flex outwards away from the card area, so as to help allow the at least one card 110 be at least partially ejected from the card area 1308. FIG. 18B illustrates an exploded view of the wallet 20, according to some embodiments. This figure is similar to that of FIG. 18A. However, FIG. 18B additionally shows the inner face 1502 of the front portion 1304 of the wallet 20, as well as a clip 1812. According to some embodiments, the clip 1812 is a money clip. The clip 1812 may be removably attached to at least one of the front portion 1304, the back portion 1302, and/or the at least one side portion 1306 of the wallet 20 via the connector 1808, such as a screw, a bolt, a rivet, an adhesive, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the clip 1812 makes up a portion of the back portion 1302 of the wallet 20. According to some embodiments, the clip 1812 is configured to provide a tension force between the clip 1812 and at least one of the front portion 1304, the back portion 1302, and/or the at least one side portion 1306 to thereby retain at least one card 110 between the clip 1812 and at least one of the front portion 1304, the back portion 1302, and/or the at least one side portion 1306. According to some embodiments, the front portion 1304 of the wallet 20 includes a knob 1814. The knob 1814 may contact the ejector mechanism 1402. In some embodiments, the knob 1814 forces the ejector to move and/or eject the at least one card 110 when the front portion 1304 is moved. The knob 1814 may also and/or alternatively be located on the back portion 1302 and/or the at least one side portion 1306 if the back portion 1302 and/or the at least one side portion 1306 is the portion that moves to cause the ejector mechanism 1402 to eject the at least one card 110.
[0109] As shown in FIG. 18B, in some embodiments, the wallet 20 includes at least one magnet 1810. According to some embodiments, the at least one magnet 1810 is coupled to at least one of the back portion 1302, the front portion 1304, and the at least one side portion 1306 of the wallet 20. In some embodiments, the at least one magnet 1810 is coupled to the rail system 1802 such that the at least one magnet 1810 is located between the rail system 1802 and the shell 1314. The at least one magnet 1810 may be configured to stop the ejector mechanism 1402 from contacting the at least one side portion 1306. According to some embodiments, the at least one magnet 1810 is configured to magnetically couple to a magnetic surface, such as another magnet 1810 or a magnetic metal. The magnetic coupling may keep the front portion 1304 and/or back portion 1302 in a non-ejected mode 1316 and/or provide a consistent stopping point for the front portion 1304 and/or back portion 1302 when a user transitions the wallet 20 from the ejected mode 1318 to the non-ejected mode 1316. Stated another way, the at least one magnet 1810 may hold the front portion 1304 and/or the back portion 1302 in place while the ejector mechanism 1402 is not in use.
[0110] FIG. 19 illustrates a back perspective view of the wallet 20, according to some embodiments. This figure is similar to that of FIG. 13B. However, FIG. 19 additionally shows a flexible member 1902 coupled to the back portion 1302 of the wallet 20, although the flexible member 1902 may be coupled to the back portion 1302, the front portion 1304, and/or the at least one side portion 1306 of the wallet 20. In some embodiments, the flexible member 1902 is coupled to the back portion 1302 of the wallet 20 via a connector 1808, such as a screw, a bolt, a rivet, an adhesive, and/or the like. The flexible member 1902 may be configured to fold and cover at least one of the back portion 1302, the front portion 1304, and/or the at least one side portion 1306 of the wallet 20. According to some embodiments, the flexible member 1902 includes at least one pocket 1904 (e.g., 1904a,b). Each pocket 1904a,b may be configured to receive at least one card 110, as well as other items, such as paper currency, receipts, etc. The flexible member 1902 may include no pockets. It is understood that, while FIG. 19 illustrates the flexible member 1902 as a bifold piece, this does not limit the size, shape, and/or related attributes of the flexible member 1902. For example, the flexible member 1902 may be a leather trifold piece with a pointed end and include a snap.
[0111] FIG. 20 illustrates a front perspective view of the wallet 20, according to some embodiments. This figure is similar to that of FIG. 14B. However, FIG. 20 additionally shows the flexible member 1902 coupled to the back portion 1302 of the wallet 20, although the flexible member 1902 may be coupled to the back portion 1302, the front portion 1304, and/or the at least one side portion 1306 of the wallet 20. In some embodiments, the wallet 20 is configured such that the cards 110 eject from the wallet 20 toward a center portion 2002 of the flexible member 1902. According to some embodiments, the wallet 20 is configured such that the cards 110 eject from the wallet 20 away from the center portion 2002 of the flexible member 1902.
[0112] FIG. 21 illustrates a back view of the wallet 20, according to some embodiments. This figure is similar to that of FIG. 15B. However, FIG. 21 additionally shows the flexible member 1902 coupled to the back portion 1302 of the wallet 20, although the flexible member 1902 may be coupled to the back portion 1302, the front portion 1304, and/or the at least one side portion 1306 of the wallet 20.
[0113] FIG. 22 illustrates a front view of the wallet 20, according to some embodiments. This figure is similar to that of FIG. 16B. However, FIG. 22 additionally shows the flexible member 1902 coupled to the back portion 1302 of the wallet 20, although the flexible member 1902 may be coupled to the back portion 1302, the front portion 1304, and/or the at least one side portion 1306 of the wallet 20.
[0114] FIGS. 23A and 23B illustrate front internal views of the wallet 20 with the front portion 1304 removed, according to some embodiments. By not showing the front portion 1304 of the wallet 20, the interior 2304 of the assembled wallet 20 may more easily be seen. FIG. 23A illustrates the wallet 20 with the ejector mechanism 1402 and the protruding portions 1312 in a first position 2306, which may correspond to the non-ejected mode 1316. FIG. 23B illustrates the wallet 20 with the ejector mechanism 1402 and the protruding portions 1312 in a second position 2308, which may correspond to the ejected mode 1318 (e.g., the protruding portions 1312 are flared outwards, which may help the at least one card to at least partially exit the wallet). The second position 2308 may include the ejector mechanism 1402 rotated away from the at least one side portion 1306 and the protruding portions 1312 rotated outwards to eject the cards 110 at least partially from the wallet 20. Stated another way, the ejector mechanism 1402 may rotate in the direction in which the cards 110 exit the wallet 20.
[0115] In some embodiments, the ejector mechanism 1402 includes a rod that is rotatably coupled with the shell (e.g., side portion 1306) via a connector 1808. The rod at a first end may be coupled about a pivot point (e.g., via the connector), while a second end may be configured to rotate. The second end may include at least one step 2302, which may define a sloped portion, such that the at least one card 110 is ejected a different distance from the at least one side portion 1306 depending on which of the at least one steps 2302 it is removably coupled to, thereby enabling the at least one card to fan out when at least partially ejected from the wallet. For example, if three cards 110 are ejected from the wallet 20, the card 110 closest to the back portion 1302 would be ejected the furthest out of the wallet 20 and the card 110 closest to the front portion 1304 would be ejected the least out of the wallet 20. According to some embodiments, the ejector mechanism 1402 at least partially rotates around a connector 1808, such as a screw, a bolt, and/or the like. The connector 1808 may couple the ejector mechanism 1402 to the front portion 1304, the back portion 1302, and/or the at least one side portion 1306 of the wallet 20.
[0116] FIGS. 24A and 24B illustrate front internal views of the wallet, according to some embodiments. These figures are similar to FIGS. 23A and 23B. However, FIGS. 24A and 24B additionally show the at least one card 110. FIG. 24A illustrates the wallet 20 with the ejector mechanism 1402 and the protruding portions 1312 in the first position 2306, which may correspond to the non-ejected mode 1316. FIG. 24B illustrates the wallet 20 with the ejector mechanism 1402 and the protruding portions 1312 in the second position 2308, which may correspond to the ejected mode 1318. The second position 2308 may include the ejector mechanism 1402 rotated away from the at least one side portion 1306 and the at least one protruding portion 1312 rotated outwards from the card area 1308 to allow the cards 110 to eject at least partially from the wallet 20. Stated another way, the ejector mechanism 1402 may rotate in the direction in which the cards 110 exit the wallet 20.
[0117] While all of the figures show the at least one card 110 ejecting from the long side of the wallet 20, it should be understood that this is not necessary for the wallet 20 to function as intended. For example, the at least one card 110 may eject from the short side of the wallet 20.
[0118] The shell 1314, rail system 1802, flexible member 1902, and/or other components of the wallet 20 may be singularly and/or a combination metal, plastic, leather, and/or the like. It is understood that this list of materials is not limiting and may include other materials that may be beneficial to the structure and/or function of the wallet 20 and/or any component and/or components of the wallet 20.
[0119] FIG. 25 illustrates a back perspective view of yet another wallet 30, according to some embodiments. The wallet 30 may include a front portion 2504, a back portion 2502, and/or at least one side portion 2506. According to some embodiments, the front portion 2504, the back portion 2502, and/or the at least one side portion 2506 make up a shell 2514. In some embodiments, the wallet 30 includes an ejected mode 2518, where the card 110 is at least partially protruding from the wallet 30. FIG. 25 illustrates one embodiment of the wallet 30 in the ejected mode 2518. According to some embodiments, the wallet 30 includes a non-ejected mode 2516, where the card 110 is located in the wallet 30 (as shown in FIG. 35A).
[0120] According to some embodiments, the wallet 30 includes a card area 2508 inside the wallet 30 and open to at least one side of the wallet 30. The card area 2508 may receive and hold at least one card 110. In some embodiments, the card area 2508 is defined by the front portion 2504, the back portion 2502, and/or the at least one side portion 2506. The wallet 30 may include at least one protruding portion 2512 between any of the front portion 2504, the back portion 2502, and/or the at least one side portion 2506. According to some embodiments, the protruding portion 2512 is coupled to at least one of the front portion 2504, the back portion 2502, and/or the at least one side portion 2506 and acts as a gate to the card area 2508. In some embodiments, the at least one protruding portion 2512 is movable, flexible, and/or compressible to allow the at least one card 110 into and/or out of the card area 2508. According to some embodiments, the at least one protruding portion 2512 retains the at least one card 110 within the card area 2508 of the wallet 30.
[0121] FIG. 26 illustrates a front perspective view of the wallet 30, according to some embodiments. This figure shows a similar view to FIG. 25 but flipped 180 degrees onto the opposite face, such that an outer face 2606 of the front portion 2504 is visible. FIG. 26 also illustrates the ejected mode 2518, similar to FIG. 25. The wallet 30 may include an ejector mechanism 2602, which may be located inside the card area 2508 of the wallet 30, as shown in FIG. 26. In some embodiments, the ejector mechanism 2602 is configured to at least partially eject the at least one card 110 from the card area 2508 in response to moving (e.g., sliding, adjusting, pulling, flipping, gliding, shifting, and/or the like) the front portion 2504 of the wallet 30 with respect to the back portion 2502 and/or the at least one side portion 2506. In some embodiments, the ejector mechanism 2602 is configured to at least partially eject the at least one card 110 from the card area 2508 in response to moving (e.g., sliding, adjusting, pulling, flipping, gliding, shifting, and/or the like) the back portion 2502 of the wallet 30, with respect to the front portion 2504 and/or the at least one side portion 2506. In some embodiments, the ejector mechanism 2602 is configured to at least partially eject the at least one card 110 from the card area 2508 in response to moving (e.g., sliding, adjusting, pulling, flipping, gliding, shifting, and/or the like) one or more of the at least one side portions 2506 of the wallet 30 with respect to the front portion 2504 and/or the back portion 2502.
[0122] According to some embodiments, the ejector mechanism 2602 is configured to at least partially eject the at least one card 110 from the card area 2508 in response to moving and/or providing a force on and/or against an external component 2604, such as a recessed area, handle, cord, button, tab, or the like. The external component 2604 is further illustrated in FIG. 28 as a recessed area on the front portion 2504, although it is understood that this is not limiting as to the form and/or location of the external component 2604. In some embodiments, the external component 2604 is at least a section of the front portion 2504, the back portion 2502, and/or the side portion 2506. Stated differently, the ejector mechanism 2602 may be responsible for moving the wallet 30 between the non-ejected mode 2516 and the ejected mode 2518.
[0123] FIG. 27 illustrates a back view of the wallet 30, according to some embodiments. This figure shows a back view of the ejected mode 2518 of the wallet 30 similar to that of FIG. 25. FIG. 27 illustrates the back portion 2502 of the wallet 30 and an inner face 2702 of the front portion 2504. This figure additionally shows the at least one card 110 at least partially ejected from the wallet 30 as a result of the front portion 2504 being moved to cause the ejector mechanism 2602 to eject the at least one card 110.
[0124] FIG. 28 illustrates a front view of the wallet 30, according to some embodiments. This figure shows a front view of the ejected mode 2518 of the wallet 30 similar to that of FIG. 26. FIG. 28 illustrates the front portion 2504 of the wallet 30 moved, such that the at least one card 110 is ejected by the ejector mechanism 2602 (i.e., the wallet 30 is in the ejected mode 2518). In addition, FIG. 28 shows the ejector mechanism 2602 to be partially visible when the wallet 30 is in the ejected mode 2518, although the visibility of the ejector mechanism 2602 is not always present and/or necessary. The ejector mechanism 2602 may be located between the front portion 2504 and the back portion 2502 within the card area 2508. FIG. 28 also illustrates the cards 110 to be ejected at different heights than one another or fanned, which may be a result of the shape of the ejector mechanism 2602, which will be further discussed in FIGS. 34A and 34B.
[0125] FIG. 29A illustrates an exploded view of the wallet 30, according to some embodiments. This figure shows one embodiment of how the components may fit together and/or near one another. In some embodiments, the back portion 2502 of the wallet 30 couples to a rail system 2902. The rail system 2902 may be made of parts called rails, such as a first rail 2904 and a second rail 2906, as shown in FIG. 29A. The rails may define tracks for the at least one card 110 to slide into and/or out of the wallet 30. According to some embodiments, the rail system 2902 is configured to receive the at least one card 110, such that the at least one card 110 can move along the rail system 2902. The rail system 2902 may be configured to receive a projection 2916 of at least one of the back portion 2502 and the front portion 2504, such that at least one of the back portion 2502 and the front portion 2504 may move along the rail system 2902. In some embodiments, the rail system 2902 is coupled to the back portion 2502 via a connector 2908 (shown in FIG. 29B), such as a screw, a bolt, an adhesive, and/or the like.
[0126] Also illustrated in FIG. 29A is the at least one protruding portion 2512. The at least one protruding portion 2512 may be coupled to the back portion 2502, the front portion 2504, and/or the at least one side portion 2506 via a connector 2908, such as a screw, a bolt, a rivet, an adhesive, and/or the like. The wallet may include a primary protruding portion adjacent a first side portion 2506, and a secondary protruding portion adjacent a second side portion 2506 that is opposite the first side portion 2506. Each protruding portion 2512 may include a first protruding portion 2512a and a second protruding portion 2512b coupled to the first protruding portion (e.g., via a connector 2908). The second protruding portion 2512b may be configured to provide additional frictional force so as to help retain the at least one card 110 within the card area. The first protruding portion 2512a may be configured to flex outwards away from the card area, so as to help allow the at least one card 110 be at least partially ejected from the card area 2508 FIG. 29A shows the at least one side portion 2506 and the at least one protruding portion 2512 between the front portion 2504 and the back portion 2502 of the wallet 30.
[0127] FIG. 29B illustrates an exploded view of the wallet 30, according to some embodiments. This figure is similar to that of FIG. 29A. However, FIG. 29B additionally shows the inner face 2702 of the front portion 2504 of the wallet 30, as well as a clip 2912. According to some embodiments, the clip 2912 is a money clip. The clip 2912 may be removably attached to at least one of the front portion 2504, the back portion 2502, and/or the at least one side portion 2506 of the wallet 30 via a connector 2908, such as a screw, a bolt, a rivet, an adhesive, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the clip 2912 makes up a portion of the back portion 2502 of the wallet 30. According to some embodiments, the clip 2912 is configured to provide a tension force between the clip 2912 and at least one of the front portion 2504, the back portion 2502, and/or the at least one side portion 2506 to thereby retain at least one card 110 between the clip 2912 and at least one of the front portion 2504, the back portion 2502, and/or the at least one side portion 2506. According to some embodiments, the front portion 2504 of the wallet 30 includes a knob 2914. The knob 2914 may contact the ejector mechanism 2602. In some embodiments, the knob 2914 forces the ejector mechanism 2602 to move and/or eject the at least one card 110 when the front portion 2504 is moved. The knob 2914 may also and/or alternatively be located on the back portion 2502 and/or the at least one side portion 2506 if the back portion 2502 and/or the at least one side portion 2506 is the portion that moves to cause the ejector mechanism 2602 to eject the at least one card 110.
[0128] As shown in FIG. 29B, in some embodiments, the wallet 30 includes at least one magnet 2910. According to some embodiments, the at least one magnet 2910 is coupled to at least one of the back portion 2502, the front portion 2504, and the at least one side portion 2506 of the wallet 30. In some embodiments, the at least one magnet 2910 is coupled to the rail system 2902 such that the at least one magnet 2910 is located between the rail system 2902 and the shell 2514. The at least one magnet 2910 may be configured to stop the ejector mechanism 2602 from contacting the at least one side portion 2506. According to some embodiments, the at least one magnet 2910 is configured to magnetically couple to a magnetic surface, such as another magnet 2910 or a magnetic metal. The magnetic coupling may keep the front portion 2504 and/or back portion 2502 in a non-ejected mode 2516 and/or provide a consistent stopping point for the front portion 2504 and/or back portion 2502 when a user transitions the wallet 30 from the ejected mode 2518 to the non-ejected mode 2516. Stated another way, the at least one magnet 2910 may hold the front portion 2504 and/or the back portion 2502 in place while the ejector mechanism 2602 is not in use.
[0129] FIG. 30 illustrates a back perspective view of the wallet 30, according to some embodiments. This figure is similar to that of FIG. 25. However, FIG. 30 additionally shows a flexible member 3002 coupled to the back portion 2502 of the wallet 30, although the flexible member 3002 may be coupled to the back portion 2502, the front portion 2504, and/or the at least one side portion 2506 of the wallet 30. In some embodiments, the flexible member 3002 is coupled to the back portion 2502 of the wallet 30 via a connector 2908, such as a screw, a bolt, a rivet, an adhesive, and/or the like. The flexible member 3002 may be configured to fold and cover at least one of the back portion 2502, the front portion 2504, and/or the at least one side portion 2506 of the wallet 30. According to some embodiments, the flexible member 3002 includes at least one pocket 3004 (e.g., 3004a,b). Each pocket 3004a,b may be configured to receive at least one card 110, and other items, including paper currency, receipts, etc. The flexible member 3002 may include no pockets. It is understood that, while FIG. 30 illustrates the flexible member 3002 as a bifold piece, this does not limit the size, shape, and/or related attributes of the flexible member 3002. For example, the flexible member 3002 may be a leather trifold piece with a pointed end and include a snap.
[0130] FIG. 31 illustrates a front perspective view of the wallet 30, according to some embodiments. This figure is similar to that of FIG. 26. However, FIG. 31 additionally shows the flexible member 3002 coupled to the back portion 2502 of the wallet 30, although the flexible member 3002 may be coupled to the back portion 2502, the front portion 2504, and/or the at least one side portion 2506 of the wallet 30. In some embodiments, the wallet 30 is configured such that the cards 110 eject from the wallet 30 toward a center portion 3102 of the flexible member 3002. According to some embodiments, the wallet 30 is configured such that the cards 110 eject from the wallet 30 away from the center portion 3102 of the flexible member 3002.
[0131] FIG. 32 illustrates a back view of the wallet 30, according to some embodiments. This figure is similar to that of FIG. 27. However, FIG. 32 additionally shows the flexible member 3002 coupled to the back portion 2502 of the wallet 30, although the flexible member 3002 may be coupled to the back portion 2502, the front portion 2504, and/or the at least one side portion 2506 of the wallet 30.
[0132] FIG. 33 illustrates a front view of the wallet 30, according to some embodiments. This figure is similar to that of FIG. 28. However, FIG. 33 additionally shows the flexible member 3002 coupled to the back portion 2502 of the wallet 30, although the flexible member 3002 may be coupled to the back portion 2502, the front portion 2504, and/or the at least one side portion 2506 of the wallet 30.
[0133] FIGS. 34A and 34B illustrate front internal views of the wallet 30 with the front portion 2504 removed, according to some embodiments. By not showing the front portion 2504 of the wallet 30, the interior 3404 of the assembled wallet 30 may more easily be seen. FIG. 34A illustrates the wallet 30 with the ejector mechanism 2602 and the protruding portions 2512 in a first position 3406, which may correspond to the non-ejected mode 2516. FIG. 34B illustrates the wallet 30 with the ejector mechanism 2602 and the protruding portions 2512 in a second position 3408, which may correspond to the ejected mode 2518. The second position 3408 may include the ejector mechanism 2602 rotated away from the at least one side portion 2506 and the protruding portions 2512 rotated outwards to eject the cards 110 at least partially from the wallet 30. Stated another way, the ejector mechanism 2602 may rotate in the direction in which the cards 110 exit the wallet 30.
[0134] In some embodiments, the ejector mechanism 2602 includes a rod that is rotatably coupled with the shell (e.g., side portion 2506) via a connector 2908. The rod at a first end may be coupled about a pivot point (e.g., via the connector), while a second end may be configured to rotate. The second end may include at least one step 3402, which may define a sloped portion, such that the at least one card 110 is ejected a different distance from the at least one side portion 2506 depending on which of the at least one steps 3402 it is removably coupled to, thereby enabling the at least one card to fan out when at least partially ejected from the wallet. For example, if three cards 110 are ejected from the wallet 30, the card 110 closest to the back portion 2502 would be ejected the furthest out of the wallet 30 and the card 110 closest to the front portion 2504 would be ejected the least out of the wallet 30. According to some embodiments, the ejector mechanism 2602 at least partially rotates around a connector 2908, such as a screw, a bolt, and/or the like. The connector 2908 may couple the ejector mechanism 2602 to the front portion 2504, the back portion 2502, and/or the at least one side portion 2506 of the wallet 30.
[0135] FIGS. 35A and 35B illustrate front internal views of the wallet, according to some embodiments. These figures are similar to FIGS. 34A and 34B. However, FIGS. 35A and 35B additionally show the at least one card 110. FIG. 35A illustrates the wallet 30 with the ejector mechanism 2602 and the protruding portions 2512 in the first position 3406, which may correspond to the non-ejected mode 2516. FIG. 35B illustrates the wallet 30 with the ejector mechanism 2602 and the protruding portions 2512 in the second position 3408, which may correspond to the ejected mode 2518. The second position 3408 may include the ejector mechanism 2602 rotated away from the at least one side portion 2506 and the at least one protruding portion 2512 rotated outwards from the card area 2508 to allow the cards 110 to eject at least partially from the wallet 30. Stated another way, the ejector mechanism 2602 may rotate in the direction in which the cards 110 exit the wallet 30.
[0136] While all of the figures show the at least one card 110 ejecting from a short side of the wallet 30, it should be understood that this is not necessary for the wallet 30 to function as intended. For example, the at least one card 110 may eject from a long side of the wallet 30.
[0137] The shell 2514, rail system 2902, flexible member 3002, and/or other components of the wallet 30 may be singularly and/or a combination metal, plastic, leather, and/or the like. It is understood that this list of materials is not limiting and may include other materials that may be beneficial to the structure and/or function of the wallet 30 and/or any component and/or components of the wallet 30.
[0138] Some of the components listed herein use the same number from figure to figure. It should be appreciated these components use the same numbers solely for ease of reference and to facilitate comprehension for the reader. While these components may use the same numbers, differences may be present in these components as illustrated in the various figures in which they appear and as described in the specification herein.
[0139] None of the steps described herein is essential or indispensable. Any of the steps can be adjusted or modified. Other or additional steps can be used. Any portion of any of the steps, processes, structures, and/or devices disclosed or illustrated in one embodiment, flowchart, or example in this specification can be combined or used with or instead of any other portion of any of the steps, processes, structures, and/or devices disclosed or illustrated in a different embodiment, flowchart, or example. The embodiments and examples provided herein are not intended to be discrete and separate from each other.
[0140] The section headings and subheadings provided herein are nonlimiting. The section headings and subheadings do not represent or limit the full scope of the embodiments described in the sections to which the headings and subheadings pertain. For example, a section titled Topic 1 may include embodiments that do not pertain to Topic 1 and embodiments described in other sections may apply to and be combined with embodiments described within the Topic 1 section.
[0141] The various features and processes described above may be used independently of one another, or may be combined in various ways. All possible combinations and subcombinations are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. In addition, certain method, event, state, or process blocks may be omitted in some implementations. The methods, steps, and processes described herein are also not limited to any particular sequence, and the blocks, steps, or states relating thereto can be performed in other sequences that are appropriate. For example, described tasks or events may be performed in an order other than the order specifically disclosed. Multiple steps may be combined in a single block or state. The example tasks or events may be performed in serial, in parallel, or in some other manner. Tasks or events may be added to or removed from the disclosed example embodiments. The example systems and components described herein may be configured differently than described. For example, elements may be added to, removed from, or rearranged compared to the disclosed example embodiments.
[0142] Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, can, could, might, may, e.g., and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. The terms comprising, including, having, and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations and so forth. Also, the term or is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term or means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase at least one of X, Y, and Z, unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present.
[0143] The term and/or means that and applies to some embodiments and or applies to some embodiments. Thus, A, B, and/or C can be replaced with A, B, and C written in one sentence and A, B, or C written in another sentence. A, B, and/or C means that some embodiments can include A and B, some embodiments can include A and C, some embodiments can include B and C, some embodiments can only include A, some embodiments can include only B, some embodiments can include only C, and some embodiments can include A, B, and C. The term and/or is used to avoid unnecessary redundancy.
[0144] The term adjacent is used to mean next to or adjoining. For example, the disclosure includes . . . the wallet may include a primary protruding portion adjacent a first side portion . . . In this context, adjacent a first side portion means that the primary protruding portion may be located next to or adjoining the first side portion.
[0145] While certain example embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions disclosed herein. Thus, nothing in the foregoing description is intended to imply that any particular feature, characteristic, step, module, or block is necessary or indispensable. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the methods and systems described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions disclosed herein.
