U.S. patent application number 11/452573 was filed with the patent office on 2008-03-13 for wallet for the visually impaired.
Invention is credited to Mark Aster Walker, James Young.
Application Number | 20080060730 11/452573 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39168376 |
Filed Date | 2008-03-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080060730 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Young; James ; et
al. |
March 13, 2008 |
Wallet for the visually impaired
Abstract
A wallet for the visually impaired comprised of a top side edge,
opposed bottom side edge, and first and second lateral side edges,
the four side edges enclosing first and second sides of the wallet.
A series of compartments are located on the first side of the
wallet. Four compartments store dollar bills in denominations of
one (1), five (5), ten (10), and twenty (20) dollars, and three
compartments located below the four compartments store credit
cards, identifications cards, and the like. Tactile indicia are
located on a visible portion of the four compartments. The indicia
denote which of the four denominations of dollar bills are to be
stored in each compartment.
Inventors: |
Young; James; (Little Rock,
AR) ; Walker; Mark Aster; (North Little Rock,
AR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
James Young Jr.
2809 Gaines St.
Little Rock
AR
72206
US
|
Family ID: |
39168376 |
Appl. No.: |
11/452573 |
Filed: |
September 11, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
150/140 ;
150/132 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09B 21/003 20130101;
A45C 1/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
150/140 ;
150/132 |
International
Class: |
A45C 1/06 20060101
A45C001/06 |
Claims
1. A wallet for the visually impaired, the wallet comprising: (a) a
top side edge, an opposed bottom side edge, a first lateral side
edge, and a second lateral side edge, the side edges enclosing
first and second sides of the wallet; (b) a first storage
compartment located on the first side of the wallet adjacent to the
top side edge thereof and between the first and second lateral side
edges, the compartment having on a visible portion thereof indicia
denoting the numeral one (1); (c) a second storage compartment
located on the first side of the wallet below the first storage
compartment and between the first and second lateral side edges of
the wallet, the compartment having on a visible portion thereof
indicia denoting the numeral five (5); (d) a third storage
compartment located on the first side of the wallet below the
second storage compartment and between the first and second lateral
side edges of the wallet, the compartment having on a visible
portion thereof indicia denoting the numeral ten (10); (e) a fourth
storage compartment located on the first side of the wallet below
the third storage compartment and between the first and second
lateral side edges of the wallet, the compartment having on a
visible portion thereof indicia denoting the numeral twenty (20);
(f) a fifth storage compartment located on the first side of the
wallet below the fourth storage compartment and adjacent to the
first lateral side edge and bottom side edge of the wallet; (g) a
sixth storage compartment located on the first side of the wallet
below the fourth storage compartment and in medial relation to the
bottom side edge of the wallet; and (h) a seventh storage
compartment located on the first side of the wallet below the
fourth storage compartment and adjacent to the second lateral side
edge and bottom side edge of the wallet.
2. The wallet for the visually impaired as recited in claim 1,
wherein the indicia of the first storage compartment denoting the
numeral one (1) is comprised of Braille indicia for the numeral one
(1) located on a visible portion of the first storage compartment
adjacent to the first lateral side edge of the wallet and one
rhinestone located on a visible portion of the first storage
compartment adjacent to the second lateral side edge of the
wallet.
3. The wallet for the visually impaired as recited in claim 1,
wherein the indicia of the second storage compartment denoting the
numeral five (5) is comprised of Braille indicia for the numeral
five (5) located on a visible portion of the second storage
compartment adjacent to the first lateral side edge of the wallet
and two rhinestones located on a visible portion of the second
storage compartment adjacent to the second lateral side edge of the
wallet.
4. The wallet for the visually impaired as recited in claim 1,
wherein the indicia of the third storage compartment denoting the
numeral ten (10) is comprised of Braille indicia for the numeral
ten (10) located on a visible portion of the third storage
compartment adjacent to the first lateral side edge of the wallet
and three rhinestones located on a visible portion of the third
storage compartment adjacent to the second lateral side edge of the
wallet.
5. The wallet for the visually impaired as recited in claim 1,
wherein the indicia of the fourth storage compartment denoting the
numeral twenty (20) is comprised of Braille indicia for the numeral
twenty (20) located on a visible portion of the fourth storage
compartment adjacent to the first lateral side edge of the wallet
and four rhinestones located on a visible portion of the fourth
storage compartment adjacent to the second lateral side edge of the
wallet.
6. The wallet for the visually impaired as recited in claim 1,
wherein the fifth storage compartment is comprised of a rear
sidewall and front sidewall.
7. The wallet for the visually impaired as recited in claim 1,
wherein the sixth storage compartment is comprised of a rear
sidewall and front sidewall.
8. The wallet for the visually impaired as recited in claim 1,
wherein the seventh storage compartment is comprised of a rear
sidewall and front sidewall.
9. A wallet for the visually impaired, the wallet comprising: (a) a
top side edge, an opposed bottom side edge, a first lateral side
edge, and a second lateral side edge, the side edges enclosing
first and second sides of the wallet; (b) a first storage
compartment located on the first side of the wallet adjacent to the
top side edge thereof and between the first and second lateral side
edges, the compartment having on a visible portion thereof indicia
denoting the numeral one (1); (c) a second storage compartment
located on the first side of the wallet below the first storage
compartment and between the first and second lateral side edges of
the wallet, the compartment having on a visible portion thereof
indicia denoting the numeral five (5); (d) a third storage
compartment located on the first side of the wallet below the
second storage compartment and between the first and second lateral
side edges of the wallet, the compartment having on a visible
portion thereof indicia denoting the numeral ten (10); (e) a fourth
storage compartment located on the first side of the wallet below
the third storage compartment and between the first and second
lateral side edges of the wallet, the compartment having on a
visible portion thereof indicia denoting the numeral twenty (20);
(f) a fifth storage compartment located on the first side of the
wallet below the fourth storage compartment and adjacent to the
first lateral side edge and bottom side edge of the wallet; (g) a
sixth storage compartment located on the first side of the wallet
below the fourth storage compartment and in medial relation to the
bottom side edge of the wallet; (h) a seventh storage compartment
located on the first side of the wallet below the fourth storage
compartment and adjacent to the second lateral side edge and bottom
side edge of the wallet; and (i) an audible alarm indicator visible
on first and second sides of the wallet and located at the corner
of the second lateral side edge and bottom side edge of the
wallet.
10. The wallet for the visually impaired as recited in claim 9,
wherein the indicia of the first storage compartment denoting the
numeral one (1) is comprised of Braille indicia for the numeral one
(1) located on a visible portion of the first storage compartment
adjacent to the first lateral side edge of the wallet and one
rhinestone located on a visible portion of the first storage
compartment adjacent to the second lateral side edge of the
wallet.
11. The wallet for the visually impaired as recited in claim 9,
wherein the indicia of the second storage compartment denoting the
numeral five (5) is comprised of Braille indicia for the numeral
five (5) located on a visible portion of the second storage
compartment adjacent to the first lateral side edge of the wallet
and two rhinestones located on a visible portion of the second
storage compartment adjacent to the second lateral side edge of the
wallet.
12. The wallet for the visually impaired as recited in claim 9,
wherein the indicia of the third storage compartment denoting the
numeral ten (10) is comprised of Braille indicia for the numeral
ten (10) located on a visible portion of the third storage
compartment adjacent to the first lateral side edge of the wallet
and three rhinestones located on a visible portion of the third
storage compartment adjacent to the second lateral side edge of the
wallet.
13. The wallet for the visually impaired as recited in claim 9,
wherein the indicia of the fourth storage compartment denoting the
numeral twenty (20) is comprised of Braille indicia for the numeral
twenty (20) located on a visible portion of the fourth storage
compartment adjacent to the first lateral side edge of the wallet
and four rhinestones located on a visible portion of the fourth
storage compartment adjacent to the second lateral side edge of the
wallet.
14. The wallet for the visually impaired as recited in claim 9,
wherein the fifth storage compartment is comprised of a rear
sidewall and front sidewall.
15. The wallet for the visually impaired as recited in claim 9,
wherein the sixth storage compartment is comprised of a rear
sidewall and front sidewall.
16. The wallet for the visually impaired as recited in claim 9,
wherein the seventh storage compartment is comprised of a rear
sidewall and front sidewall.
17. The wallet for the visually impaired as recited in claim 9,
wherein the audible alarm indicator is activated by an audible
sound emitted by the user when the wallet is lost and terminated
when the wallet is found by application of tactile pressure to the
audible alarm indicator.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] This version of the invention is concerned with the field of
aids for the visually impaired. More specifically, this version of
the invention is concerned with a wallet for the visually impaired
that permits visually impaired people to find dollar bills of
different denominations stored within said wallet.
PRIOR ART
[0002] People with visual impairments comprise a group ranging from
those who have partial sight to those who are completely blind. A
variety of aids, apparatuses, and devices is available to help
visually impaired people overcome the obstacles associated with
impaired vision so they can live an active and fulfilling life.
These aids include but are not limited to special reading systems,
such as large type and Braille; ambulatory aids, such as guide
animals; special seating arrangements on public transportation; and
improved access to public transportation infrastructure (sidewalks)
and public and private buildings. In addition, passage of the
federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has codified a host
of accommodations for disabled people, including the visually
impaired, that must be included in the design, construction, and
use of public and private buildings, infrastructure, and
transportation systems.
[0003] In addition, various products for visually impaired people
are available to assist in the conduct of their personal and
private lives, such as specialized print reading material for those
with partial sight, voice-activated and voice-playback systems
providing audible conveyance of news and current affairs to the
blind, voice-activated computer, internet, and web-based systems,
and even specialized articles of clothing.
[0004] Despite these products and the increased sensitivity to
people with disabilities, visually impaired people in many cases
find it difficult to handle, store, and access paper currency.
Paper currency, paper money, or dollar bills are generally stored
in a wallet or billfold, wherein the paper currency or dollar bills
of different denominations are stored in just one or two pockets or
compartments. A person with full sight can easily access a one (1)
or five (5) dollar bill from within a group, stack, or jumble of
dollar bills of different denominations. This task, however, is
difficult if not impossible for a person with a visual impairment
as dollar bills are not printed with tactile features that permit a
visually impaired person to detect their denomination solely by
touch.
[0005] The subject of the instant invention overcomes the
aforementioned difficulties of locating, handling, and storing
paper currency by providing a wallet for the visually impaired that
is equipped with tactile features associated with compartments or
pockets that store paper currency or dollar bills of a particular
denomination. The tactile features can include but are not limited
to Braille indicia or other protuberances that function to identify
a wallet compartment or pocket designated to store a dollar bill of
a particular denomination, such as one (1) dollar bill, five (5)
dollar bill, ten (10) dollar bill, and twenty (20) dollar bill.
DISCUSSION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0006] The existence of a wallet or billfold designed to permit a
visually impaired person to identify through use of a tactile
feature or component the location within the wallet or billfold of
paper currency, paper money, or dollar bills of a particular
denomination is unknown at the present time. For example, numerous
designs for wallets of various designs and features have been
provided in the prior art. Even though these designs may be
suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they
address, they would not be suitable for the purposes of the present
version of the invention as such wallets or billfolds are generally
intended to improve or expand the function thereof for a person
with full or normal vision. These designs are exemplified by the
following patents: [0007] U.S. Pat. No. 2,777,493, Joint Structures
In Billfolds Or Other Articles Of Flexible Sheet Material, issued
to Harwood on 15 Jan. 1957; [0008] U.S. Pat. No. 3,266,544,
Billfold, issued to Snyder on 16 Aug. 1966; [0009] U.S. Pat. No.
3,438,415, French Purse, issued to Burniski et al. on 15 Apr. 1969;
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,156,447, Billfold File, issued to Finn on 29
May 1979; [0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,024,258, Wallet, issued to
Morehead on 18 Jun. 1991; [0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,184,657,
Multi-Compartmented Wallet And Method Of Construction, issued to
Hatchman on 9 Feb. 1993; and [0013] U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,563,
Multiple Bill Compartment Wallet, issued to Gray on 12 Aug.
2003.
[0014] As such, it may be appreciated that there is a continuing
need for a new and improved wallet for the visually impaired, which
contains one or more tactile features or components associated with
a particular compartment or pocket of the wallet designated to
store paper currency, paper money, or dollar bills of a particular
denomination. These tactile features or components, including but
not limited to Braille indicia or other types of protuberances,
function to permit a visually impaired person to find, locate, and
access particular compartments or pockets of the wallet and the
denominations of paper money associated with these compartments or
pockets. In these respects, the present version of the invention
substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of
the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus that
substantially fulfills this need. Additionally, the prior patents
and commercial techniques do not suggest the present inventive
combination of component elements arranged and configured as
disclosed herein.
[0015] The present invention achieves its intended purposes,
objects, and advantages through a new, useful and unobvious
combination of method steps and component elements, with the use of
a minimum number of functioning parts, at a reasonable cost to
manufacture, and by employing only readily available materials.
SUMMARY
[0016] The present version of the invention, which will be
described in greater detail hereinafter, relates to the field of
aids for the visually impaired. More specifically, this version of
the invention is concerned with a wallet for the visually impaired
that permits visually impaired people to find dollar bills of
different denominations stored within said wallet. My version of
the invention overcomes all of the shortcomings listed previously,
in addition to novel aspects that will be described in detail
hereinafter.
[0017] Described briefly, according to a first embodiment, the
invention presents a wallet for the visually impaired that permits
a person with limited or no sight to find, locate, and access
particular compartments or pockets within the wallet and the
denominations of paper money associated with and stored within
those compartments or pockets.
[0018] The wallet is generally rectangular in shape and is
comprised of a first longer side edge, second opposed longer side
edge, first lateral side edge, and second opposed lateral side
edge. The four side edges enclose a first side and second, opposed
side of the wallet. The first side of the wallet contains a series
of pockets or compartments for storing paper currency, personal
identification cards, credit and debit cards, and miscellaneous
other cards and documents.
[0019] A first compartment for storing paper currency is designated
for storage of one (1) dollar bills. This compartment on a visible
portion of a sidewall thereof contains a Braille indicia at a first
end of the sidewall thereof denoting the numeral one (1) and a
second indicia located on the visible portion of the sidewall of
the compartment opposite to the Braille indicia for users
unfamiliar with the Braille system. The second indicia is comprised
of one (1) rhinestone for indicating dollar bills in the
denomination of one (1) dollar.
[0020] A second compartment for storing paper currency is
designated for storage of five (5) dollar bills. This compartment
on a visible portion of a sidewall thereof contains a Braille
indicia at a first end of the sidewall thereof denoting the numeral
five (5) and second indicia located on the visible portion of the
sidewall of the compartment opposite to the Braille indicia for
users unfamiliar with the Braille system. The second indicia are
comprised of two (2) rhinestones for indicating dollar bills in the
denomination of five (5) dollars.
[0021] A third compartment for storing paper currency is designated
for storage of ten (10) dollar bills. This compartment on a visible
portion of a sidewall thereof contains two Braille indicia at a
first end of the sidewall thereof denoting the numeral one (1) and
the numeral zero (0) and second indicia located on the visible
portion of the sidewall of the compartment opposite to the Braille
indicia for users unfamiliar 20 with the Braille system. The second
indicia are comprised of three (3) rhinestones for indicating
dollar bills in the denomination of ten (10) dollars.
[0022] A fourth compartment for storing paper currency is
designated for storage of twenty (20) dollar bills. This
compartment on a visible portion of a sidewall thereof contains two
Braille indicia at a first end of the sidewall thereof denoting the
numeral two (2) and the numeral zero (0) and second indicia located
on the visible portion of the sidewall of the compartment opposite
to the Braille indicia for users unfamiliar with the Braille
system. The second indicia are comprised of four (4) rhinestones
for indicating dollar bills in the denomination of twenty (20)
dollars.
[0023] Three compartments or pockets are located under the fourth
compartment of the wallet for storing twenty (20) dollar bills.
These compartments or pockets are intended for storage of personal
identification cards, credit and debit cards, and miscellaneous
other cards and documents.
[0024] My invention, therefore, resides not in any one of these
features per se, but rather in the particular combination of all of
them herein disclosed. It is distinguished from the prior art in
this particular combination of all of its structures for the
functions specified.
[0025] In order that the detailed description of the invention may
be better understood and that the present contribution to the art
can be more fully appreciated, additional features of the invention
will be described hereinafter. It should be appreciated by those
skilled in the art that the conception and the disclosed specific
methods and structures may be readily utilized as a basis for
modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same
purposes of the present invention. It should be realized by those
skilled in the art that such equivalent methods and structures do
not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0026] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment
of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited in its application to the details of
construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in
the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The
invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced
and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that
the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose
of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0027] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be
utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods
and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present
invention.
[0028] Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable
the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and
especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art
who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to
determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence
of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is
neither intended to define the invention of the application nor is
it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any
way.
[0029] Accordingly, it is an object of my version of the invention
to provide a low-cost, easy-to-manufacture, and easy-to-market
wallet for the visually impaired.
[0030] A further object of my version of the invention is to
provide an easy-to-use and versatile wallet for the visually
impaired.
[0031] A significant object of the invention is to provide a wallet
for the visually impaired that is comprised of a conventional
wallet or billfold having a series of compartments or pockets
fitted or adorned with tactile features or components, such as
Braille indicia or other protuberances that identify the location
of the compartment or pocket within the wallet and the denomination
of paper currency, paper money, or dollar bills stored within a
particular compartment or pocket.
[0032] A final but very significant object of the invention is to
provide a wallet for the visually impaired that allows a person
with limited or no sight to find, locate, and access particular
compartments or pockets within the wallet and the denominations of
paper money associated with and stored within those compartments or
pockets.
[0033] For a better understanding of the invention, its operating
advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference
should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter
in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the
invention. The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent
objects of the invention. These objects should be construed to be
merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and
applications of the present invention. Many other beneficial
results can be attained by applying the disclosed invention in a
different manner or by modifying the invention within the scope of
the disclosure. Accordingly, other objects and a fuller
understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the
summary of the invention and the detailed description of the
preferred embodiments in addition to the scope of the invention
illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of
the invention will become more fully understood from the following
description of the preferred embodiments of the invention as
illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference
characters refer to the same parts throughout different views. The
drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being
placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.
[0035] FIG. 1 is a first elevation side view of a first embodiment
of a wallet for the visually impaired.
[0036] FIG. 2 is a second elevation side view of a first embodiment
of a wallet for the visually impaired.
[0037] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a first embodiment of a
wallet for the visually impaired.
[0038] FIG. 4 is a first elevation side view of a second embodiment
of a wallet for the visually impaired.
[0039] FIG. 5 is a second elevation side view of a second
embodiment of a wallet for the visually impaired.
DRAWING REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0040] 10 Wallet For The Visually Impaired, First Embodiment [0041]
12 Top Side Edge [0042] 14 Bottom Side Edge [0043] 16 First Lateral
Side Edge [0044] 18 Second Lateral Side Edge [0045] 20 First Side
[0046] 22 One Dollar Bill Compartment [0047] 24 Five Dollar Bill
Compartment [0048] 26 Ten Dollar Bill Compartment [0049] 28 Twenty
Dollar Bill Compartment [0050] 30 Credit Card Compartment [0051] 32
Rear Sidewall [0052] 34 Front Sidewall [0053] 36 Credit Card
Compartment [0054] 38 Rear Sidewall [0055] 40 Front Sidewall [0056]
42 Credit Card Compartment [0057] 44 Rear Sidewall [0058] 46 Front
Sidewall [0059] 48 Braille Indicia For Numeral One (1) [0060] 50
Rhinestone [0061] 52 Braille Indicia For Numeral Five (5) [0062] 54
Braille Indicia For Numeral Zero (0) [0063] 56 Braille Indicia For
Numeral Two (2) [0064] 58 Second Side [0065] 60 Wallet For The
Visually Impaired, Second Embodiment [0066] 62 Alarm Indicator
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Description
[0067] Referring now to the drawings and, in particular, to FIG. 1
wherein there is illustrated a first embodiment of the wallet for
the visually impaired 10. The present version of the invention 10
is constructed generally as a conventional wallet having a variety
of compartments for storage of paper currency, personal
identification cards, credit and debit cards, and miscellaneous
other cards and documents. The wallet 10 is flat when unfolded and
generally rectangular in shape and comprised of various materials,
such as leather and durable textile materials. The wallet is
bounded by a first longer side edge 12, an opposed second longer
side edge 14, a first lateral side edge 16, and an opposed second
lateral side edge 18. The side edges 12, 14,16, 18 enclose a first
side 20 of the wallet 10.
[0068] The first side 20 of the wallet 10 contains four
compartments for storing paper currency of different denominations
and three compartment for storing credit, debit, and identification
cards. A first compartment 22 for storing dollar bills in the
denomination of one (1) dollar is located at the top of the wallet
10 proximate to the top side edge 12. A second compartment 24 for
storing dollar bills in the denomination of five (5) dollars is
located below the first compartment 22. A third compartment 26 for
storing dollar bills in the denomination of ten (10) dollars is
located below the second compartment 24, and a fourth compartment
28 for storing dollar bills in the denomination of twenty (20)
dollars is located below the third compartment 26.
[0069] A first compartment 30 for storing credit, debit, and
identification cards is located adjacent to the first lateral side
edge 16 and bottom side edge 14 of the wallet 10 below the fourth
compartment 28 for storing dollar bills in the denomination of
twenty (20) dollars. This compartment 30 is comprised of a rear
sidewall 32 and a front sidewall 34 between which said cards are
inserted and stored.
[0070] A second compartment 36 for storing credit, debit, and
identification cards is located adjacent to the first compartment
30 and the bottom side edge 14 of the wallet 10 below the fourth
compartment 28 for storing dollar bills in the denomination of
twenty (20) dollars. This compartment 36 is comprised of a rear
sidewall 38 and a front sidewall 40 between which said cards are
inserted and stored.
[0071] A third compartment 42 for storing credit, debit, and
identification cards is located adjacent to the second lateral side
edge 18 and the bottom side edge 14 of the wallet 10 below the
fourth compartment 28 for storing dollar bills in the denomination
of twenty (20) dollars. This compartment 42 is comprised of a rear
sidewall 44 and a front sidewall 46 between which said cards are
inserted and stored.
[0072] Referring again to FIG. 1, the compartments 22, 24, 26, 28
for storing dollar bills in various currencies are marked,
inscribed, or otherwise identified with tactile indicia or
protuberances to permit visually impaired people to determine the
currency denominations associated with each compartment 22, 24, 26,
28 so that dollar bills of different denominations can be inserted
into and stored in the proper compartment 22, 24, 26, 28. The
compartment 22 for storing dollar bills in the denomination of one
(1) dollar contains on a visible portion of a sidewall thereof a
Braille indicia 48 denoting the numeral one (1). A second indicia
is located on the visible portion of the sidewall of the
compartment 22 opposite to the Braille indicia 48 denoting the
numeral one (1) for users unfamiliar with the Braille system. In
this version of the invention, the second indicia is comprised of
one (1) rhinestone 50 for indicating dollar bills in the
denomination of one (1) dollar.
[0073] The compartment 24 for storing dollar bills in the
denomination of five (5) dollars contains on a visible portion of a
sidewall thereof a Braille indicia 52 denoting the numeral five
(5). A second indicia is located on the visible portion of the
sidewall of the compartment 24 opposite to the Braille indicia 52
denoting the numeral five (5) for users unfamiliar with the Braille
system. In this version of the invention, the second indicia is
comprised of two (2) rhinestones 50 for indicating dollar bills in
the denomination of five (5) dollars.
[0074] The compartment 26 for storing dollar bills in the
denomination of ten (10) dollars contains on a visible portion of a
sidewall thereof a first Braille indicia 48 denoting the numeral
one (1) and a second Braille indicia 54 denoting the numeral zero
(0) to comprise the number ten (10). A second indicia is located on
the visible portion of the sidewall of the compartment 26 opposite
to the two Braille indicia 48, 54 denoting the numeral ten (10) for
users unfamiliar with the Braille system. In this version of the
invention, the second indicia is comprised of three (3) rhinestones
50 for indicating dollar bills in the denomination of ten (10)
dollars.
[0075] The compartment 28 for storing dollar bills in the
denomination of twenty (20) dollars contains on a visible portion
of a sidewall thereof a first Braille indicia 56 denoting the
numeral two (2) and a second Braille indicia 54 denoting the
numeral zero (0) to comprise the number twenty (20). A second
indicia is located on the visible portion of the sidewall of the
compartment 28 opposite to the Braille indicia 56, 54 denoting the
numeral twenty (20) for users unfamiliar with the Braille system.
In this version of the invention, the second indicia is comprised
of four (4) rhinestones 50 for indicating dollar bills in the
denomination of twenty (20) dollars.
[0076] Referring to FIG. 2, the wallet 10 is illustrated with the
side edges 12, 14, 16, 18 thereof enclosing a second side 58 of
said wallet 10. The second side 58 comprises the exterior surface
of the wallet 10 when said wallet 10 is folded in half during use
as illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0077] A second embodiment 60 of the wallet is illustrated in FIG.
3 and FIG. 4. An audible alarm indicator 62 is located in the
wallet 60 adjacent to the corner formed by the junction of the
second lateral side edge 18 and bottom side edge 30. When a
visually impaired person loses or misplaces the wallet 60, the user
can locate the wallet 60 by creating a sound, such as clapping or
whistling, which is detected by the audible alarm indicator 62.
Upon detection of such sound created by the user, the audible alarm
indicator 62 emits an audible sound in the form of a common or
well-known audible alarm. The audible alarm indicator 62 terminates
the audible alarm when the user finds and picks up the wallet and
applies tactile pressure to or otherwise manipulates the audible
alarm indicator 62.
[0078] While this version of the invention has been illustrated and
described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the
same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in
character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiments
have been shown and described and that all changes and
modifications that come within the spirit of the version of the
invention are desired to be protected. With respect to the above
description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional
relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations
in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation,
assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one
skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those
illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are
intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
CONCLUSION AND SCOPE OF INVENTION
[0079] From the foregoing, it will be understood by persons skilled
in the art that an improved wallet for the visually impaired has
been provided. The invention is relatively simple and easy to
manufacture, yet affords a variety of uses. While my description
contains many specificities, these should not be construed as
limitations on the scope of the version of the invention, but
rather as an exemplification of the preferred embodiments thereof.
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles
of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes
will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired
to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation
shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and
equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the
invention. While the invention has been described in connection
with the preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the
scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the
contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications,
and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of
the invention as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *