Doggie Wallet

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a multi-compartment portable container with separated openings, including one specifically designed for dispensing rolled or folded materials such as plastic bags. The present invention is useful for carrying multiple items related to walking and clean up after a domesticated animal, and is designed for one-handed access to such items.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/953,486, filed on Aug. 2, 2007, and to U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/901,222, filed on Feb. 14, 2007.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0002] Walkers of domesticated animals generally need several distinct items in their possession when going outside--the obvious one being clean-up bags. Often, walkers also bring treats for outdoor training purposes (such as may be recommended by trainers), cash and/or credit cards, and keys to get back into their home. Some dog walkers bring portable electronics, such as a cell phone, a PDA, or an MP3 player. Walkers also need to access these items while retaining hold of the dog's leash. As such, for a typical event of walking one's dog, it is likely that numerous items may be brought along, and some items need to be kept separated from one another. For example, treats should not be kept with plastic bags or potentially dirty keys. In addition, because an animal is being walked, the walker is generally holding a leash and has only one free hand with which to access items.

[0003] Resourceful users have found ways to meet some but not all of these needs. Some dog walkers keep their clean-up bags, treats, money, keys, etc. on their person, sometimes in different clothes pockets. Such a solution may require "stuffing" pockets or may use a backpack or other carrying device. But unless a user has a sufficient number of pockets, such a solution does not meet the needs of one-handed access and separated compartments.

[0004] Satchels presently exist which allow one to carry some of the items, but the satchels often do not have separate compartments or require two-handed operation. For example, portable clean-up bag dispensing products exist. Some of these products also have the ability to attach to a leash through use of an included clip or clasp. However, such products do not afford the ability to separately store other items as well and, in some cases, separating bags from one another or from the dispenser is a two-handed operation. In addition, when attached to the loop of a leash, some of these products dangle, which can be annoying to the walker, the animal, or both.

[0005] Other products are portable, yet only have a single storage site. These products are insufficient solutions as items like treats become intermingled with metal keys or other potentially non-animal friendly items.

[0006] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a product which overcomes these disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0007] The present invention is directed to a multi-compartment wallet, specifically useful for carrying items necessary for domesticated animal walking and clean up. The present invention permits one-handed access to all items stored therewithin.

[0008] In its most basic form, the present invention is defined as a wallet comprised of multiple compartments. The wallet is further defined as having a first compartment with sub-compartments preferably defined within it. The first compartment can be opened and closed with one hand; it opens by the separation of pivotably movable side walls. A flexible divider is preferably disposed within the first compartment for defining sub-compartments within said first compartment.

[0009] Additionally, the wallet is further defined as having a second compartment. This second compartment houses a slidable drawer. The slidable drawer may be removable. Contents may be inserted therewithin either individually, in aggregate, or by insertion of a cartridge. Each of the second compartment and the drawer has an opening in its lowermost section. These openings selectively align to permit access to items stored in the drawer, even when the wallet is otherwise closed. In other words, the openings serve as a dispenser so as to allow easy access to the first of a series of items stored in the drawer. The drawer is particularly suitable for storing bags, wipes, or tissues, any of which may be accessed through the aligned dispensing holes.

[0010] In addition, the wallet also is comprised of a plurality of knobs preferably disposed on one side, which are collectively used for coupling the wallet to a product, such as an animal leash or belt or other clothing article removably affixed to one or more of the knobs. This is achieved by utilizing a variety of different attaching devices, such as elasticized cords and clips. When in use, the wallet need not be carried by the user, but instead may be coupled to the product by means of the attaching device in several different ways. The wallet may be strapped to a belt or leash. It may also be clipped to a belt, pants, or another article of clothing, or to a leash.

[0011] Generally speaking, when the attaching device is an elasticized cord or similar device, the device encircles the knobs to form a secure attachment. When used with an elasticized cord under tension, these knobs also may be used for securely attaching one or more additional items to the outside of the wallet, such as an MP3 player or cell phone. These externally-attached item can be secured such that their display and control panels may be seen and accessed without opening the wallet.

[0012] In summary, a walker of domesticated animals often needs one-handed access to numerous items, including clean-up materials, some of which must be stored separately from one another. The present invention solves this need by providing for a portable device that can be used when walking one or more domesticated animals.

[0013] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device for conveniently storing items necessary when walking a domesticated pet.

[0014] It is also an object of the present invention to provide for a multi-compartment portable container in which each item in the container can be extracted using a single hand.

[0015] It is a further object of the present invention to provide for a dispenser to be housed within a portable storage device.

[0016] The invention accordingly comprises a device embodying the certain features of construction, combination of elements and arrangement of parts and an article which possess these characteristics, properties and relation of elements, all as exemplified in the detailed disclosure hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0017] For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is made to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the various component parts of the wallet;

[0019] FIG. 1A is a top plan view of the inventive wallet in assembled form;

[0020] FIG. 1B is a front elevational view of the inventive wallet in assembled form;

[0021] FIG. 1C is a side elevational view of the inventive wallet in assembled form;

[0022] FIG. 1D is a rear elevational view of the inventive wallet in assembled form;

[0023] FIG. 1E is a bottom plan view of the inventive wallet in assembled form;

[0024] FIG. 1F is a perspective view of the inventive wallet in assembled form;

[0025] FIG. 1G is a rear plan view of the inventive wallet with an elasticized cord attached to and extending from it and shown attached to a leash;

[0026] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the inventive wallet in assembled form and in an open condition;

[0027] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the inventive wallet similar to FIG. 2A and showing materials inserted therewithin;

[0028] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the inventive wallet showing a slidable drawer being removed therefrom and bag cartridge receivably in said drawer;

[0029] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 3A;

[0030] FIG. 4A is an exploded view of the inventive wallet shown with a belt or strap affixed thereto using said elasticized cord;

[0031] FIG. 4B is an elevational rear view of a pair of inventive wallets with a clip fixed to one and being removed from the other;

[0032] FIG. 4C is an elevational back view of the inventive wallet when used with the elasticized cord and a key clip;

[0033] FIG. 4D is an elevational rear view of an embodiment of the inventive wallet, whereby all knobs are attached along a side wall;

[0034] FIG. 5A is an enlarged perspective view showing a portion of the inventive wallet in an open condition and revealing a removable tab along the edge of a side wall; and

[0035] FIG. 5B is an enlarged perspective view showing a portion of the inventive wallet in an open condition and revealing an exposed notch following removal of the insert.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0036] Inventive wallet 10 is defined as a wallet with multiple compartments, comprised of a first compartment 200 defined by a pair of movable side walls 80 and 85 and dividable into sub-compartments 211 and 222, and a second compartment 31 including a first opening 60 and a drawer 95, with the drawer including a second opening 96 such that first opening 60 and second opening 96 are selectively alignable to form a dispenser. FIG. 1 depicts the components of inventive wallet 10. In general, wallet 10 is cylinder-like in shape, but with ovular sides. In the preferred embodiment, all of the components of wallet 10 shown in FIG. 1, except for outer shell 8, are comprised of a hard, molded plastic material. Other materials may alternatively be used, however, these materials should have similar structural attribute so as to protect the contents of the wallet.

[0037] In particular, the general shape of the wallet is formed by an structure 2 and side walls 80 and 85. Structure 2 is defined by a lower hollow half cylindrical segment 21, a plate 22 horizontally overlaying segment 21, and parallel end walls 23, curved at the top and positioned vertically over the ends of segment 21.

[0038] Segment 21 is further defined by including an open side 32 at one end. As can be seen in FIG. 1E, segment 21 is further defined by opening 60, which is centered at its bottom. In the preferred embodiment, opening 60 is generally circular. In an alternative embodiment, opening 60 may extend linearly in a lengthwise direction along segment 21 (see FIG. 1E). Opening 60 exists so as to allow a user to remove a bag or other foldable and flexible item from the interior of the wallet without opening the wallet. When a bag is retrieved, the shape of the opening allows for partial exposure of the subsequent bag. This partial exposure permits one-handed operation.

[0039] Continuing with FIG. 1, side walls 80 and 85 are disposed vertically on the top of each of the parallel side walls of segment 21 at the line of intersection 42 between segment 21 and plate 22, thereby defining an upper compartment.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, a divider 100 is disposed vertically inside of first compartment 200 of wallet 10. Each end wall 23 of structure 2 includes two slots 24, intended for matingly receiving peg 41 extending from either end of each of side walls 80 and 85. End walls 23 include an additional slot 25 centered at the lower portion thereof for matingly receiving a peg 43 depending from the bottom ends of divider 100. In particular, slots 24, together with pegs 41, provide for pivotable connection between end walls 23 of structure 2 and side walls 80 and 85, and permit the side walls to independently pivot in a fixed rotation around line of intersection 42. The size of slots 24 dictates the angle of maximum opening. In the preferred embodiment, side walls 80 and 85 can be opened to up to 60 degrees. In alternate embodiments, side walls 80 and 85 will open as little as 30 degrees or as much as 180 degrees. Sixty degrees is preferred so as to limit the ability for items to fall out during transit while concurrently assuring the positional integrity of divider 100.

[0041] Attention is directed now to FIG. 1A-1F, which show, respectively, top, front, side, rear, bottom, and perspective exterior views of the preferred embodiment of the assembled wallet 10 and which also show the outer shell of the wallet with additional components protruding from the core structure.

[0042] Wallet 10 is internally comprised of two separate compartments. Referring back to FIG. 1, side walls 80 and 85, together with plate 22, define first compartment 200 of wallet 10. The reader is directed to FIGS. 2A-2B, which depict the opened first compartment 200. First compartment 200 is located within the upper portion of wallet 10. First compartment 200 has the ability to open and close through pivotable rotation of side walls 80 and 85. The first compartment is intended for carrying various items related to walking or for the animal's use, including, but not limited to treats for outdoor training purposes (which typically are recommended by trainers), human snacks, money (cash and/or credit card), digital media players, cell phones, PDAs, health insurance cards, personal identification, dog tags, permits, and keys.

[0043] Wallet 10 also houses a second compartment 31. Second compartment 31 is defined by segment 21 and plate 22 of structure 2. In the preferred embodiment, second compartment 31 houses a slidable drawer 95, selectively housed in wallet 10 (see FIG. 3A). In the preferred embodiment, segment 21 has a protruding stop within it (not shown), which precludes full removal of drawer 95. In other embodiments, drawer 95 may be fully removable. Drawer 95 is generally semi-cylindrical in shape. In the center bottom of drawer 95 is passage 96. When drawer 95 is closed, passage 96 selectively aligns with opening 60 so as to permit removal of contents within drawer 95. The aligned opening 60 and passage 96 together form a dispensing vehicle for the contents of drawer 95.

[0044] Bags, wipes, or tissues, among other items, may be inserted in drawer 95 in several ways. As shown in FIG. 3B, in the preferred embodiment, bags are packaged within a cartridge 97, which itself has an aperture 98 in its bottom that selectively aligns with passage 96 and opening 60 so as to permit selective removal of a bag from cartridge 97. In alternate embodiments, bags may be rolled or interspersed with one another, or the cartridge may contain, wipes, tissues, or any number of separable and foldable units. As can be seen in FIG. 3A, cartridge 97 is placed inside of drawer 95. In alternate embodiments separable and foldable units may be stored directly in drawer 95, without the use of such a cartridge.

[0045] As can be seen in FIG. 3B, in the preferred embodiment, bags are used, which may be aligned one on top of the next, with the bags folded and interspersed to aid in access to the next bag. Alternatively, the bags may be in their own roll and the roll may be inserted in the drawer. When the bags are either in a roll or interspersed, the final bag or bags may be distinguished in some way, such as by color, so as to identify to the user that only a few bags remain and replacements are needed. In alternate embodiments, other separable and foldable units, such as tissues may be used.

[0046] Attention is directed to FIG. 2A-2B. In the preferred embodiment, divider 100 is included in first compartment 200. Divider 100 is formed of molded plastic. In the preferred embodiment, divider 100 structurally is a generally rectangular flexible cross-piece extending the length of the wallet, with a protruding peg 43 at each lower end, as alluded to before. One peg 43 extends from each side of divider 100 and is coupled to a slot 25 within each end wall 23. Slots 25 are larger than pegs 43 so that pegs 43 of divider 100 are flexibly pinned in place, to permit divider 100 laterally movement within the compartment. The size of slot 25 dictates the limit of side-to-side movement of divider 100. Divider 100 is used to sub-divide the first compartment 200 into multiple smaller compartments, such as subcompartments 211 and 222 as shown in FIG. 2A. Divider 100 is flexible and is movable within the first compartment or may be removed entirely. Divider 100 may also bend. This flexibility of movement of divider 100 permits subcompartments to be different sizes as the need arises. As can be seen in FIG. 2B, divider 100 permits a user to separate animal treats 114 from credit cards 110 and keys 112 so as to maintain the treats in a cleaner environment.

[0047] Divider 100 may alternatively be formed in other shapes or in pieces such that the first compartment may have several smaller compartments and/or compartments of different sizes or shapes. For example, divider 100 may be shaped like an "X" to allow for four internal compartments or a "T" to allow for three compartments.

[0048] In one embodiment, interior walls of first compartment 200 or drawer 95 may be lined with a fabric attached using an adhesive. The purpose of such fabric would be to reduce noise or better protect the contents.

[0049] In the preferred embodiment, outer shell 8 surrounds the exterior of structure 2 and side walls 80 and 85 of wallet 10 and is formed of a rubberized strip of material, cut to the size of the wallet. As can be seen in FIG. 1, sections of the strip are removed, including first orifice 28 for alignment with opening 60 and second orifices 27, for subsequent attachment of knobs 30, 35A, and 35B. Outer shell 8 is affixed to structure 2 and side walls 80 and 85 of wallet 10 using an adhesive.

[0050] In alternate embodiments, outer shell 8 may be comprised of other materials, including but not limited to leather or any of a number of fabrics, so as to improve aesthetics or comfort. This optional leather or fabric overlay may have a variety of visual patterns and colors and is affixed to the outer shell using any of a number of common adhesives.

[0051] As can particularly be seen in FIG. 1D, in the preferred embodiment an exterior side 11 of wallet 10 is comprised of three oval-shaped knobs 30, 35A, and 35B. Knob 30 is located along the upper center portion of wallet 10. Knobs 35A and 35B are located along the bottom portion of wallet 10, equidistance from the vertical center. In the preferred embodiment, knobs 35A and 35B are each centered approximately one inch from the sides. Also in the preferred embodiment, all three knobs are identical. The knobs are fixed in a generally horizontal position. In alternate embodiments, the knobs may differ from one another, may be fixed in different positions, or may be rotatable in position.

[0052] In alternate embodiments, knobs may be placed on both sides of wallet 10 concurrently. Each side may have three knobs or each side may have different quantities of knobs, such as one side having three and the opposite having one.

[0053] Attention is directed to FIG. 4D, showing an alternate embodiment whereby knobs 35A and 35B may be placed above drawer 95, such that any elasticized cord may remain under tension when the first compartment is opened.

[0054] Generally speaking, at least one protruding stem 36 extends from the underside of each of knobs 30, 35A, and 35B for attachment to wallet 10. In the preferred embodiment, two stems 36 protrude from the underside of each knob, with a void 37 between the two stems. Knobs 30, 35A, and 35B are attached to wallet 10 by use of plastic rivets located within protruding stems 36. Stems 36 and void 37 of each knob may be used as elements of an attachment means. For example, as shown in FIG. 1D, when an elasticized cord 50 is used, cord 50 may be fed through void 37 and then secured by surrounding knob 30 and tightening. If elasticized cord 50 is a loop, cord 50 may be attached to knobs 30, 35A, and 35B by surrounding all three knobs or by feeding cord 50 through void 37 and then surrounding the knobs. If cord 50 is not a loop, it may still be tied around the knobs and/or fed through void 37.

[0055] Knobs 30, 35A, and 35B serve multiple purposes. In one embodiment, elasticized cord 50 is tightly wrapped around the knobs. When under tension, elasticized cord 50 is particularly useful for holding an object in place along side of the wallet, yet having the object visually and functionally accessible. FIG. 4A shows attachment of wallet 10 to a belt using elasticized cord 50. Alternatively, the elasticized cord may extend beyond the wallet and that extension may be used for attaching wallet 10 to another device, such as a leash. In addition, elasticized cord 50 may be used for holding devices in place along the outer wall of the wallet, as can be seen in FIG. 1G. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1DB, elasticized cord 50 includes tab 40. Tab 40 is useful for easily removing elasticized cord 50 when said cord is under tension.

[0056] In additional embodiments, other devices may be used in lieu of or in addition to elasticized cord 50. The reader is directed to FIG. 4B, which shows a pair of wallets 10, one with clip 130 attached and the other with clip 130 not attached. Clip 130 may be used instead of elasticized cord 50. Clip 130 permits attachment of wallet 10 to, for example, pants, a belt, a strap of another item such as a purse, or an article of clothing. Clip 130 itself attaches to knob 30 by snapping in place over knob 30. Clip 130 is formed of a shape to conform to the shape of side wall 80. Clip 130 is formed of the same molten plastic as that of side wall 80.

[0057] Attention is directed to FIG. 4C, which shows use of a ring-clip 140 in addition to use of elasticized cord 50. Ring-clip 140 may attach to knob 30 (see FIG. 4C) or by being fit through orifice 37 under knob 30. In either case, ring-clip 140 may be used to attach to another element, such as a ring on a dog's collar.

[0058] In the preferred embodiment, as can be seen in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 1A-1D, wallet 10 is additionally comprised of a sliding latch 20, which a user slides in one direction to open first compartment 200 and in the opposite direction to close and lock first compartment 200. In the preferred embodiment, sliding latch 20 is formed of molded plastic and is covered by the same material as used in outer shell 8. As shown in FIG. 1A, arrows 26 are embedded along sliding latch 20 in order to indicate the opening direction. As can be seen in FIG. 1A-1C, sliding latch 20 is comprised of a generally curved plastic piece matingly received in slots in the upper portions of side walls 80 and 85 (not shown). Sliding latch 20 is operated single handedly, so that a user may open or close the first compartment of the wallet with one hand while maintaining, for example, a leash, with the other hand. In alternate embodiments, the closing mechanism may be any of a number of common closing mechanisms, including but not limited to a clasp, snaps, or a fold-over lid.

[0059] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the first compartment may house a device with an attached cable 300 (see FIG. 1F), such as an MP3 player with headphone cable attached. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5A-5B, side wall 80 or 85 may additionally be comprised of a removable insert 150. Insert 150 is made of the same molded plastic as side walls 80 and 85. Insert 150 is located at the top of a side wall 80 or 85 along the edge thereof. Insert 150 fits removably into a notch 160, as can be seen in FIG. 5A-5B. This embodiment allows a user to house the cabled device within first compartment 200 of wallet 10 and have the cable extend outside of wallet 10 through notch 160, such as would be useful when attaching headphones. It is noted that insert 150 is nominally tapered.

[0060] It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in carrying out the above process, in the described product, and in the construction set forth without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrated and not in a limiting sense.

[0061] It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Claims

1. A portable storage container comprising: a first storage compartment having side walls; a second storage compartment; and a drawer slidably received in said second storage compartment; wherein said first compartment opens by separation of said side walls from one another; and wherein said second storage compartment includes a first opening which is selectively alignable with a second opening in the drawer for selectively dispensing content contained in said drawer.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein said side walls pivotably open and close to enable selective access to said first compartment.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein said sliding drawer is fully removable.

4. The container of claim 1, wherein said first storage compartment further includes a sliding latch for selectively opening and closing said first storage compartment.

5. The container of claim 1, wherein said first compartment includes a divider for partitioning said first compartment.

6. The container of claim 5, wherein said divider is selectively removable.

7. The container of claim 1, further comprising means for attaching said container to a product.

8. The container of claim 7, wherein the attaching means comprises a plurality of spaced knobs depending from said container.

9. The container of claim 8, wherein the attaching means further includes an elasticized cord removably wrapped about said spaced knobs.

10. The container of claim 7, wherein the attaching means further includes a clip removably coupled to one of said knobs.

11. The container of claim 7, wherein the attaching means includes a key clip removably coupled to one of said knobs.

12. The container of claim 9, wherein said knobs include a stem depending from said container sized to accommodate said wrapped elasticized cord.

13. The container of claim 1, wherein said container has an external surface covered at least in part by rubber.

14. The container of claim 1, wherein said container has an external surface covered at least in part by fabric.

15. The container of claim 1, wherein said container has an external surface covered at least in part by leather.

16. The container of claim 1, wherein said drawer houses a plurality of bags individually dispensable through said openings when said openings are aligned.

17. The container of claim 1, wherein said drawer houses a cartridge having an orifice which is in alignment with said first and second openings when said first and second openings are aligned.

18. A system for walking a domesticated animal comprising: a wallet including means for attachment thereto; a leash; and a plurality of separable and flexible product units wherein said wallet is defined as a multi-compartment container having a dispensing portion for selectively dispensing--said plurality of separable and flexible product units--housed therein, said wallet including a first compartment which opens by separation of side walls from one another and a second compartment for defining said dispensing portion, said second compartment having a first opening, said opening being sized to enable one of said product units to be selectively dispensed therethrough. wherein said leash is defined as a strap having a first end suitable for being grasped by a user and a second end suitable for attachment to a collar or harness attached to a domesticated animal, wherein said attachment means of said wallet is designed for removable attachment to said leash at any location therealong between said first and second ends.

19. The system of claim 18, further including a drawer slidably receivable in said second compartment, said drawer housing said plurality of product units and being formed with a second opening selectively alignable with said first opening when said drawer is fully received in said second compartment, said openings when aligned being sized to enable said one of said product units to be dispensed through said openings.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein said attachment means comprises a plurality of knobs depending from said container and a cord wrapped about said knobs, said leash being sized to pass through said wrapped cord.