U.S. patent application number 10/774148 was filed with the patent office on 2005-02-17 for debit card case with data register.
Invention is credited to Dohner, Craig.
Application Number | 20050035006 10/774148 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46301836 |
Filed Date | 2005-02-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050035006 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dohner, Craig |
February 17, 2005 |
Debit card case with data register
Abstract
A wallet for holding cards, such as debit cards, is provided
with a cover and a rear portion, with a slim pocket on an interior
surface of the cover, and a larger pocket on the inside surface of
the rear portion. A data register, for recording debit/credit
transactions, is held in place by sliding a cover of the register
into the slim pocket.
Inventors: |
Dohner, Craig; (St. Claries,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Douglas B. Teaney
Suite 2500
77 West Wacker Drive
Chicago
IL
60601
US
|
Family ID: |
46301836 |
Appl. No.: |
10/774148 |
Filed: |
February 6, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10774148 |
Feb 6, 2004 |
|
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29188047 |
Aug 12, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/39 ; 150/147;
206/37 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 1/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/039 ;
206/037; 150/147 |
International
Class: |
A45C 011/18; A45C
011/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A holder for transactional cards, comprising: a holder body,
including a cover, a rear portion, and a foldable spine connecting
the cover and the rear portion; at least one outside pocket formed
on an outer surface of at least one of the cover and the rear
portion; at least one inside pocket formed on an inside surface of
one of the cover and the rear portion; and a data register,
retained in the at least one inside pocket, for receiving
information pertaining to individual transactions made using one or
more cards held within the holder.
2. The holder for transactional cards, according to claim 1,
further comprising: a transparent window, defining in part a wall
of the at least one inside pocket.
3. The holder for transactional cards, according to claim 1,
further comprising: at least one second inside pocket disposed on
an inside surface of the other of the cover and the rear
portion.
4. The holder for transactional cards, according to claim 3,
wherein the at least one second inside pocket is gusseted.
5. The holder for transactional cards, according to claim 1,
wherein the holder is fabricated substantially from leather
material.
6. The holder for transactional cards, according to claim 2,
wherein the transparent window is fabricated from plastic
material.
7. The holder according to claim 1, wherein the data register
comprises a booklet of several pages, with at least one of the
pages having columns labeled "date", "location", "credit" and
"debit".
8. The holder according to claim 1, wherein the data register
comprises a booklet of several pages, configured for the entry of
data pertaining to healthcare prescription card transactions.
9. The holder according to claim 1, wherein the data register
comprises a booklet of several pages, configured for the entry of
data pertaining to gift card transactions.
10. A gift package comprising: a holder body, including a cover, a
rear portion, and a foldable spine connecting the cover and the
rear portion; at least one outside pocket formed on an outer
surface of at least one of the cover and the rear portion; at least
one inside pocket formed on an inside surface of one of the cover
and the rear portion; a data register, retained in the at least one
inside pocket, for receiving information pertaining to individual
transactions made using one or more cards held within the holder;
and an electromagnetic gift card.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part, and claims
priority, of Ser. No. 29/188,047, filed Aug. 12, 2003, and
presently pending.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates in general to wallets and to
articles configured for holding cards, such as credit cards.
[0004] 2. Background Art
[0005] Wallets and articles for holding cards, such as credit
cards, are well known. Aside from conventional wallets that are
typically provided with one or more slots, for receiving credit
cards, or a plastic fanfold insert, for holding one or more slots,
there also exist specialized card holder devices.
[0006] Such specialized card holder devices are disclosed in Exline
et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,595,401; Exline et al., U.S. Pat. No.
5,800,659; Exline, U.S. 6,089,608; Exline et al., U.S. Pat. No.
6,110,551; and Exline, U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,228.
[0007] However, the card holder devices disclosed in the foregoing
references tend to be simple, essentially flat, paper or paperboard
based articles that are relatively plain in appearance, and due to
their paper construction, may be susceptible to accelerated wear
and tear (hence being intended to be inserted into conventional
wallets), and likewise lack "heft" which may make it easier to
forget or misplace them, which can be unfortunate, if a person
relies upon such a card holder, instead of a conventional wallet,
for holding the person's credit cards.
[0008] These card books are constructed to be inserted into an
otherwise conventional wallet. While some may have blank "leaves"
therein in which entries may be written, these card books are
unitary structures, such that the leaves on which entries may be
made, are not separable from the card holding portions, without
destructive disassembly of the card book.
[0009] In recent years, many financial institutions have provided
for their customers cards, which are not credit cards, but instead
are "debit" cards, which are tied to a customer's checking or
savings account. When such a card is honored by a retailer or other
merchant, the customer uses the debit card to directly access his
checking or savings account, to transfer funds from that account to
the retailer or other merchant. In addition, such cards are often
used at automatic teller machines (ATM's) to enable a customer to
acquire cash, at locations remote from their financial institutions
and/or outside of regular hours of operation of their financial
institutions.
[0010] Many individuals rely upon the use of such cards, in lieu of
carrying cash, or writing checks. This may greatly reduce the
individual's need for a larger, more comprehensive conventional
wallet and/or checkbook. Thus there is a need for an article for
holding such cards, without having the excessive bulk of a
conventional wallet and/or checkbook. However, such card holders as
those disclosed in the aforementioned Exline patents may not be
entirely suitable for such use, in that they may be less durable,
less attractive, lighter and smaller than conventional wallets, and
thus may be less enjoyable in use, as well as being easier to
misplace, lose or forget. Furthermore, the paper-based card books
such as in the Exline patents are not designed for use, separate
and apart from their use in an otherwise conventional wallet.
[0011] In addition, highly specialized cards have been created,
such as healthcare prescription debit cards (e.g., for flexible
spending accounts), and the like, which require separate record
keeping, for reimbursement purposes, etc.
[0012] The increased use of "plastic" in lieu of checks or cash, in
a variety of modes, has created a new need for a more versatile
type of carrying device, not just to be configured to physically
hold the cards, as well as to enable the consumer to organize and
keep track of the card transactions. It has also been noted that
the conventional wallet construction, large for holding cash, and
typically including a plastic holder for photos, as well as slots
for holding credit cards, has been waning in popularity.
Accordingly, smaller, more versatile wallet constructions are
desirable.
[0013] It would be desirable to provide a card holder, particularly
for debit cards, which is fabricated from durable materials.
[0014] It would also be desirable to provide a card holder, which
is a stand-alone article, not dependent upon use within a
surrounding conventional wallet apparatus.
[0015] It would also be desirable to provide a card holder,
particularly for debit cards, which is provided with sufficient
weight and feel, as to make it more difficult to misplace, leave
behind, or lose.
[0016] It would also be desirable to provide a card holder,
particularly for debit cards, which is provided with a data
register, particularly suitable for use with debit cards, to enable
a consumer to keep track of use of the debit card.
[0017] These and other desirable characteristics of the present
invention will become apparent in view of the present
specification, including claims, and drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The present invention comprises in part, a holder for
transactional cards, comprising a holder body, including a cover, a
rear portion, and a foldable spine connecting the cover and the
rear portion. At least one outside pocket is formed on an outer
surface of at least one of the cover and the rear portion. At least
one inside pocket is formed on an inside surface of one of the
cover and the rear portion. A data register is retained in the at
least one inside pocket, for receiving information pertaining to
individual transactions made using one or more cards held within
the holder.
[0019] A transparent window may be provided, defining in part a
wall of the at least one inside pocket.
[0020] At least one second inside pocket may be disposed on an
inside surface of the other of the cover and the rear portion.
Preferably, the at least one second inside pocket is gusseted. The
holder is preferably fabricated substantially from leather
material. The transparent window is preferably fabricated from
plastic material.
[0021] The data register, in one embodiment, comprises a booklet of
several pages, with at least one of the pages having columns
labeled "date", "location", "credit" and "debit". In an alternative
embodiment, the data register comprises a booklet of several pages,
configured for the entry of data pertaining to healthcare
prescription card transactions. In another alternative embodiment,
the data register comprises a booklet of several pages, configured
for the entry of data pertaining to gift card transactions.
[0022] The present invention also comprises a gift package,
comprising a holder body, including a cover, a rear portion, and a
foldable spine connecting the cover and the rear portion, with at
least one outside pocket formed on an outer surface of at least one
of the cover and the rear portion; at least one inside pocket
formed on an inside surface of one of the cover and the rear
portion; a data register, retained in the at least one inside
pocket, for receiving information pertaining to individual
transactions made using one or more cards held within the holder;
and an electromagnetic gift card.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the debit card case
with data register in a partially open position.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view thereof in a partially
open position.
[0025] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view with a card shown inserted
in the outside pocket.
[0026] FIG. 4 is a front view thereof.
[0027] FIG. 5 is a rear view thereof with a card shown inserted in
the outside pocket.
[0028] FIG. 6 is a rear view thereof, without a card shown in the
outside pocket.
[0029] FIG. 7 is a view from one side thereof in a partially open
position.
[0030] FIG. 8 is a view from the other side thereof in a partially
open position.
[0031] FIG. 9 is a top view thereof in a partially open
position.
[0032] FIG. 10 is a bottom view thereof in a partially open
position.
[0033] FIG. 11 is a bottom view thereof with the data register
removed.
[0034] FIG. 12 is a view of the inside of the debit card case with
data register fully opened with the data register in place, and a
portion of the data register inserted and visible behind a
transparent/translucent window.
[0035] FIG. 13 is a view from the outside.
[0036] FIG. 14 is a view from the outside with a card shown
inserted in the outside pocket.
[0037] FIG. 15 is a view from one side of debit card case with data
register in the fully opened configuration.
[0038] FIG. 16 is a view from the other side thereof.
[0039] FIG. 17 is a top view of the debit card case with data
register, in the fully opened position.
[0040] FIG. 18 is a bottom view thereof.
[0041] FIG. 19 is a view from one side of the debit card case with
data register, shown fully closed. The view of the other side in
fully closed position is a mirror image thereof.
[0042] FIG. 20 is a top view of the debit card case with data
register shown in fully closed position.
[0043] FIG. 21 is a bottom view of the debit card case with data
register shown in fully closed position.
[0044] FIG. 22 is a view of the inside of the debit card case with
data register, in fully open position with the data register
removed.
[0045] FIG. 23 is a plan view of an alternative data register,
showing the inside of the cover, and a first page of the data
registry pages.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0046] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many
different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be
described in detail, a preferred embodiment with the understanding
that the present disclosure should be considered as an
exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not
intended to limit the invention to the embodiment so
illustrated.
[0047] FIGS. 1-22 illustrate a debit card case with data register,
according to one preferred embodiment of the invention. Debit card
case 100 is preferably fabricated from leather or similar durable,
flexible material, which may be fabricated from a series of
discrete panels which are then assembled with stitching 105, or
other suitable method for attachment, such as sonic or heat
welding. Case 100 is preferably sized so that in the pockets,
described further herein, are large enough to accommodate one or
more (depending upon the pocket) standard credit-card sized plastic
transaction cards, making the overall case size suitable for
fitting into a standard retail clothing pocket, such as a front
shirt pocket or front or back trouser pocket.
[0048] Debit card case 100 includes a cover 110, and a rear portion
120, connected by a spine 130. Rear portion 120 includes a slim
outside pocket 140 (configured to hold one or two cards), which is
formed from a layer of material flatly overlying the outside
surface layer of rear portion 120. Debit card case 100 includes a
data register 150.
[0049] When debit card case 100 is opened up (FIG. 12), several
pockets are revealed. In cover 110, a slim pocket 165 (one or two
cards) is formed by frame panel 180, which essentially flatly
overlies the inside surface layer of cover 110, and is stitched
thereto. Frame panel 180 has an opening that is filled by a
transparent window 170. A replaceable, interchangeable data
register 150, which is preferably formed from several leaves of
paper or other similar writing surface material, is held in place
by inserting a cover page 185 of data register 150 through opening
190 of pocket 165, to a position behind window 170. Window 170 not
only permits the viewing of indicia from the data register to be
seen (as described herein), but also permits the placement and
viewing of a photo identification, such as a driver's license.
[0050] Data register 150 preferably is a booklet of several pages,
each of which are provided with columns of data categories: "Date",
"Location" (also meaning "vendor" or "retailer"), "Credit", or
"Debit"--the last two categories recognizing that some "debit"
cards are also capable of acting as a traditional credit card,
depending upon how the customer characterizes the transaction. On
the inside surface of the data register cover 185, may be printed
useful information, such as "safety tips" for use of debit cards,
which information may be viewed through window 170, when data
register 150 is in place in holder 100.
[0051] The debit card case of the present invention can be used in
environments outside of pure bank-based financial transactions,
wherein the card is a bank-based debit card simply being used as a
substitute for cash or a check. To this end, different inserts may
be employed. For example, if the card is a healthcare provider
prescription debit card, a register may be provided that has
columns for entries, such as Date, Prescription, Dosage, Amount
($), and so on. In addition, on the inside cover, healthcare
service provider information could be printed or written, together
with phone numbers, website addresses, etc.
[0052] The case of the present invention is also useful in the
environment of retail electromagnetic gift cards which many
retailers sell (with pre-paid dollar amounts recorded on a magnetic
strip on the card), which amounts are deducted from the value of
the card with each purchase. The data register for a gift card
case, may have several pages, each having column headings such as
"Store", "Date" and "Purchase Amount", so that the case can hold
several stores' worth of gift cards, with a page of the register
devoted to each separate card, to enable the consumer to keep track
of the amounts in each card. As a retailing feature, the case and
gift card could be sold together by the retailing, for a total
package enhancing the desirability of the gift card.
[0053] The case and register can also be used in association with
in-store credit cards, which some stores issue, in lieu of cash or
credit to a consumer's financial credit card, when a customer
returns goods for a refund.
[0054] The data registers used in the present invention may also be
comprised in part or in whole, of totally blank pages, pages with
grids but without indicia, calendars, or retailer or manufacturer
coupons.
[0055] FIG. 23 is a plan view of alternative data register 300,
showing the inside of the cover, and a first page of the data
registry pages. On the inside of the cover, the portion that is
inserted into pocket 165, may instead be placed text relevant to
credit fraud prevention measures, as illustrated. In the data
registry pages, the columns may be Date, Purchase, Amount +/-and
Balance.
[0056] In addition to the pocket 165 which holds the cover 185 of
the data register 150, rear portion 120 includes a deeper pocket
200, having opening 210, which is provided for holding several
cards. Pocket 200 is located behind a thin pocket 220, which has an
arcuate front wall. Pocket 200 is preferably configured to have
gusseted side and bottom walls, to enable it to collapse upon
itself, when not filled to capacity with cards. Thus, pocket 200
does not need to be stretched or distorted, to insertingly receive
several thicknesses of plastic (credit or debit) cards.
[0057] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a metal clip
250 (shown in broken lines in FIG. 22) may be embedded in the case,
along the inside surface of spine 130, for holding loose papers,
cash, etc.
[0058] The outside surfaces of cover 110 and rear portion 120 may
have indicia, such as advertising indicia, disposed thereon. In
addition, the data registers themselves, may bear advertising
indicia, from one or more commercial entities.
[0059] The debit card cases of the present invention present a
number of advantages over prior art paper-based, insert-based, card
books. For example, the debit card cases, using replaceable and
interchangeable data registers, have an open-ended, far extended
useful lifespan, relative to such paper-based card books, limited
only by the wear and tear on the wallet material. Furthermore, such
paper-based card books typically are configured to hold only one or
two cards at most, whereas the debit card wallets of the present
invention can hold tens of cards, if desired.
[0060] The foregoing description and drawings merely explain and
illustrate the invention, and the invention is not so limited as
those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will
be able to make modifications and variations therein without
departing from the scope of the invention.
* * * * *