OF SUCH A VESSEL

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention relates broadly to a vessel having at least one compartment and the construction of such a vessel. In particular, the invention relates to the inclusion of one- directional flaps in such vessels, allowing small items to go into but not out of the same compartment. The invention applies particularly to hand-carried cases, for example, a purse, a wallet and a handbag.

BACKGROUND

Any mention and/or discussion of prior art throughout the specification should not be considered, in any way, as an admission that this prior art is well known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

Bags, wallets, purses and similar hand-carried storage cases have remained the same for many years. However, an age-old problem that has yet to be resolved is the separation of coins and notes into separate compartments in one motion. Separating them proves to be a major inconvenience when handling both notes and coins, for example, when receiving change.

Existing solutions have sought to resolve this by simply adding extra compartments for the small items to be funneled into,. These also run the risk of the small items falling out from the compartments.

Embodiments of the present invention seek to address at least one of the above problems.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vessel having at least one compartment having an open end for receiving objects, the vessel comprising at least two opposing panels defining the at least one compartment there between, at least one flap having a free edge provided on each panel, wherein the flaps on the respective panels are configured for tenting out of the free edge thereof towards the other panel and towards the open end when the vessel is in an opened state for receiving the objects.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a construction method of a vessel having at least one compartment having an open end for receiving objects, the method comprising providing at least two opposing panels defining the at least one compartment there between, providing at least one flap having a free edge on each panel, wherein the flaps on the respective panels are configured for tenting out of the free edge thereof towards the other panel and towards the open end when the vessel is in an opened state for receiving the objects.

Embodiments of the present invention can allow for small items (like coins) and large paper items (like currency notes) to be placed in a single compartment of a vessel. The small items are advantageously forced behind special flaps, and this enables them to be effectively trapped under the one-directional flaps through a uniquely designed structure. The small items can be retrieved from the compartment via a separate opening from another side.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will be better understood and readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from the following written description, by way of example only, and in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a wallet according to an example embodiment.

Figure 2 shows a schematic exploded view of the wallet of Figure 1.

Figure 2A shows a different schematic exploded view of the wallet of Figure 1.

Figure 2B shows a different schematic exploded view of the wallet of Figure 1.

Figure 2C shows a schematic sectional view across the compartment of the wallet of Figure 1, in a turned-over orientation.

Figure 2D shows another schematic sectional view across the compartment of the wallet of Figure 1, in a turned-over orientation.

Figure 2E shows another schematic sectional view across the compartment of the wallet of Figure 1, in a turned-over orientation.

Figure 3A shows a schematic perspective view of a wallet according to an example embodiment.

Figure 3B shows a schematic perspective view of an outer panel portion of the wallet of Figure 3 A.

Figure 3C shows a schematic exploded view of the wallet of Figure 3A.

Figure 3D shows a different schematic exploded view of the wallet of Figure 3A.

Figures 4A to 4D show respective schematic sectional views across portions of compartments of wallets according to example embodiments. Figures 4E shows a schematic sectional view across a compartment of a wallet according to an example embodiment.

Figures 4F shows a schematic sectional view across a compartment of a wallet according to an example embodiment.

Figure 5 shows a flow-chart illustrating a construction method of a vessel having at least one compartment having an open end for receiving objects, according to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention apply an internal flap system that performs the function of trapping small items and preventing them from falling out of an opening that is enhanced with said internal flaps. The flap system is preferably springy in nature and allows the small items to only pass them in one direction (i.e. to go into the vessel).

A detailed description of example embodiments of the present invention provided below. While a wallet is used to represent the vessel in a typical embodiment, the invention can be extended to other hand-carried cases such as, but not limited to, a handbag or a purse.

A wallet 100 according to an example embodiment can be constructed as illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, 2A, 2B and 2C. The wallet 100 has two panels: an outer panel 1 and an inner panel 2. The two panels are assembled together to form a central continuous compartment 3, as illustrated in Fig. 1. Specifically, the two panels 1, 2 are joint at the sides 101, 103 and the bottom 105, using techniques understood in the art such as, but not limited to, stitching and/or gluing, leaving an open end 112 of the compartment 3 for the storage of objects such as coins and/or notes, as will be described in more detail below. As also understood in the art, the wallet 100 is closed by folding the sides 101, 103 onto each other, as indicated by the arrows 107, 109 in Fig. 1. The panels 1, 2 may be made from any suitable material, including materials commonly used for conventional wallets such as, but not limited to, leather or fabric.

The interior surfaces 102, 104 of the improved wallet 100 are modified to include a system of flaps 4A and 4B as shown in Figs. 2 and 2A. Flap 4A is attached to the interior surface 102 of the outer panel 1, and flap 4B is attached to the interior surface 104 of inner panel 2. These flaps 4A, 4B are designed to have a tendency to bend or pivot away from the backing surface, i.e. the interior surfaces 102, 104 of the respective panels 1, 2 as indicted e.g. by the arrow 106 in Fig 2 for flap 4A. In other words, and with reference to Fig. 2A, the free edge 108, 110 of the flaps 4A, 4B tents out towards the other panel and towards the open end 112 of the compartment 3 when the wallet 100 is in an opened state.

Accordingly, the flaps 4A, 4B can change their angle relative to the interior surfaces 102, 104 of the panels 1, 2. Hence, these flaps 4A, 4B tend to close the central compartment 3 open end 112 when assembled together (see Fig. 2C, which shows a sectional view of the compartment 3 of the wallet 100, turned up-side down relative to the orientation depicted in Figs. 1, 2, 2A and 2B) and this prevents small objects, such as a coin 5, from falling out of the central compartment 3.

However, when small objects are being inserted into the central compartment 3, the central opening will naturally open by the act of a user inserting the small objects between or past the flaps 4A, 4B, functioning akin to a mechanical one-way valve in relation to small objects such as coins 5.

The flaps 4A, 4B are constructed to be flexible in this embodiment. Alternatively, the flaps may be made from a substantially stiff material, such as, but not limited to, stiff plastic, and are flexibly attached via a connecting structure or element, such as, but not limited to, a biased hinge element or a flexible, pivoting hinge made from an elastic material, to the interior of the wallet's panels according to different embodiments so that the angles they make with the panels' interior are variable. One such example embodiment is to construct the flaps from a stiff material such as hard plastic.

In the example embodiment of the wallet 100, the flaps 4A, 4B can be made of flexible material that has the ability to continuously tent out due to the characteristic of the material property. Examples of suitable material are plastic, fabric, elastic material, rubber, animal skin like leather, and metal. The flexible material, in one embodiment and with reference to Fig. 2A, is attached to the interior surfaces 102, 104 of panels 1, 2 near the open end 112 of the compartment 3 so as to point upward from the open end 112, and is then folded over inside the compartment 3 so that the position of the free edge e.g. 108 of the at least one flap 4A moves (during the folding procedure) from a first position outside the compartment 3 to a second position inside the compartment 3 shown in Fig. 2A, such as to enable the tenting out of the free edge e.g. 114 of the at least one flap 4A towards the other panel 2 and towards the open end 112 due to the elasticity of the flexible material.

With reference to Fig. 2, there is an intentional small space 116 separating two pieces e.g. 118, 120 of material that make up each flap 4A, 4B. It is the same for both set of flaps 4A, 4B on the inner and outer panels 1, 2 of the wallet 100. This spacing 116 provides enough space for the wallet to be closed properly and stay slim when folded close. In order to reduce the chances of small objects (like coins) falling through the space 116, a piece of thin, flexible material 4C runs across the entire gap 116 in this example embodiment, connecting both pieces e.g. 118, 120 of material that make up each flap 4A, 4B.

Fig 2C shows that the flaps 4A and 4B are effective in trapping the coins 5. They preferably ensure that the coins 5 stay within the compartment 3 even when the wallet 100 is subjected to relatively violent shaking or when the wallet 100 is turned upside down, as illustrated in Fig. 2C. This may be referred to as the flaps 4A and 4B being one-directional or functioning as a mechanical one-way valve, as mentioned above.

Small items like coins 5 can be retrieved from the compartment when the wallet 100 according to this example embodiment is open via e.g. a separate opening 7 on one end of the compartment 3 (see e.g. Fig 1). A flap 8 is provided in this embodiment, which can be selectively opened and closed by a mechanism such as a button, zipper or the like.

On the other hand, larger objects such as notes 9 are received, stored, and retrieved in the conventional manner, thus advantageously enabling a "separating" of coins 5 from notes 9 for independent retrieval of the coins 5 and notes 9, respectively, in a single compartment design (see e.g. Figs 2D and 2E).

Another example embodiment of a wallet 300 as illustrated in Figs. 3 A, 3B, 3C and 3D exploits the paper folding art (e.g. origami) to enhance the functionality of the flaps e.g. 4C. This advantageously can improve further the robustness and durability of the flap system according to such embodiments. This special structure according to example embodiments forces the flap e.g. 4C to spread open when the wallet 300 is unfolded, trapping the small objects within the main compartment 302 between the opposing panels 304, 306, as illustrated in Fig. 3A. It is noted that for assembly of the wallet 300, the two panels 304, 306 are joint at the sides 301, 303 and the bottom 305, using techniques understood in the art such as, but not limited to, stitching and/or gluing, leaving an open end 307 of the compartment 302 for the storage of objects such as coins and/or notes. As also understood in the art, the wallet 300 is closed by folding the sides 301, 303 onto each other, as indicated by the arrows 311, 313. The panels 304, 306 may be made from any suitable material, including materials commonly used for conventional wallets such as, but not limited to, leather or fabric.

The outer panel 304 flap 4C and the inner panel 306 flap 4D operate on two different principles in this embodiment. The effective length, S3, of the outer panel 304 flap 4C is made to be shorter than the sum of the respective lengths of the outer panel's 304 backing surfaces, S I and S2 (see Fig. 3B). When the wallet 300 is folded (closed) the flap 4C is not under tension. However, when the wallet 300 is opened, the unfolding of the outer panel 304 opens up the flap 4C causing the flap 4C to stretch until it is taut as shown in Fig. 3B. In other words, the free edges 308, 310 of the flaps 4C, 4D (Fig. 3C) tent out towards the other panel and towards the open end 307 of the compartment 302 when the wallet 300 is in an opened state.

In the case of the inner panel flap 4D, (see Figs 3C and 3D) there is an excess of material that will force and push open the flap 4D when the wallet 300 is unfolded (opened). This helps to create a pocket to catch the coins when the wallet 300 is open. To achieve this in the example embodiment:

a. the length of the flap 4D is made longer than the length of the inner panel 306 of the wallet;

b. the flap 4D is stitched to the interior of the inner panel 306 along its lengths and folded inwards, creating the initial tension that pushes the flap outwards; and c. the sides of the flap 4D are then also sewn to the panel 306 at the opposing ends of the flap 4D/panel 304, i.e. at the sides 301, 303 of the wallet 300 to advantageously ensure that both ends push the excess material of the flap 4D towards the centre.

Specifically, as the wallet 300 opens, the side of the flap 4D pushes the excess material, causing the middle of the flap 4D to tent outward, as indicated by arrow 316 in Fig. 3D, advantageously making the whole flap 4D more effective in trapping the small objects.

For both flaps 4D, 4C (on either the inner or outer panel 306, 304 of the wallet 300), there is a cut out 6B, 6A provided in the centre (see e.g. Fig. 3D) in this embodiment. Those intended, rounded, cut outs 6B, 6A are advantageous in ensuring sufficient space for the flaps to close nicely and remain slim when the wallet is closed.

Using the concept of varying the amount of material used for the flaps 4C, 4D in the wallet 300 according to this embodiment, one is able to structurally provide tension for the flaps 4C, 4D, causing them to tent out, preferably making this embodiment robust without compromising the efficiency of the mechanism.

The small items like coins can be retrieved from the compartment 302 when the wallet 300 is open via e.g. a separate opening 318 on one end of the compartment 302 (see e.g. Fig. 3A). A flap 320 is provided in this embodiment, which can be selectively opened and closed by a mechanism such as a button, zipper or the like.

On the other hand, larger objects such as notes are received, stored, and retrieved in the conventional manner in the compartment 302, thus advantageously enabling a "separating" of coins from notes for independent retrieval of the coins and notes, respectively, in a single compartment design, in the same fashion as for the example embodiment described above with reference to e.g. Figs 2D and 2E.

In the following, some respective variations will be described by way of example, not limitation, one or more of which can be used in different embodiments, and which may be applied to the embodiments described above. It is further noted that the features of the respective embodiments and/or variations described herein may be combined in various combinations for different embodiments.

Placement of Flaps

1. Flaps at different heights

As illustrated in Figs. 4A-D, both flaps 401a-d, 402a-d can be staggered at different heights, and may have different sizes.

2. Multiple overlapping flaps The flaps can be provided as multiple separate pieces or as a single continuous piece along the compartment. When provided as separate pieces, the pieces can be placed in a way that they overlap each other for enhancing trapping of small objects.

Multiple Sets of Flaps, for example in a Bi-Fold Wallet

A few sets of flaps can exist in a single wallet. For instance, if the wallet were to have two compartments for cash instead of one, it can have two sets of flaps, one set in each compartment.

Alternatively, multiple sets of flaps 404, 406 can be created on top of each other in a single compartment 408, as illustrated in Fig. 4E.

Shapes of Flaps

Both outer panel and inner panel flaps can take various geometries. For example, the edges of the flaps could be straight or curved and their profile can be, for example, rectangular, a triangular, semi-circular, or elliptical. It could also take on patterned cuts.

Flap Construction

The flaps can be constructed by using compound folds 410, 412 in some embodiments, as illustrated in Fig. 4F. The folds 410, 412 of fabric and stitching at the folded area creates a similar effect to what is achieved by bending a piece of harder material. Hence in this embodiment, the one directional flap for trapping small items is constructed by making folds 410, 412 in fabric.

In one embodiment, there is provided a vessel having at least one compartment having an open end for receiving objects, the vessel comprising at least two opposing panels defining the at least one compartment there between, at least one flap having a free edge provided on each panel, wherein the flaps on the respective panels are configured for tenting out of the free edge thereof towards the other panel and towards the open end when the vessel is in an opened state for receiving the objects.

At least one of the flaps may comprise a flexible material attached to one of the panels near the open end, the flexible material being fold over so that the position of the free edge of the at least one flap moves (during the folding procedure) from outside the compartment to a position inside the compartment, such as to enable the tenting out of the free edge of the at least one flap towards the other panel and towards the open end due to the elasticity of the flexible material.

At least one of the flaps may be attached to one of the panels near the open end via a separate connecting structure configured for tenting out the free edge of the at least one flap towards the other panel and towards the open end. The free edge of at least one of the flaps may have a length that is shorter than a length of the panel on which the at least one flap is provided on, such that the free edge of the at least one flap tents out towards the other panel and towards the open end due to an unfolding of the at least one flap.

The free edge of at least one of the flaps may have a length that is longer than a length of the panel on which the at least one flap is disposed on, such that the free edge of the at least one flap tents out towards the other panel and towards the open end due to an unfolding of the at least one flap.

At least one of the flaps may be formed by a compound fold section formed in a material of the panel on which the at least one flap is provided on, such that the free edge of the at least one flap tents out towards the other panel and towards the open end due to the elasticity of the compound fold section.

At least one additional opening may be provided on one of the panels or between the panels for removing at least some of the objects from the compartment when the vessel is in the opened state. The opening may be configured for being selectively opened or closed.

Figure 5 shows a flow-chart 500 illustrating a construction method of a vessel having at least one compartment having an open end for receiving objects, according to an example embodiment. At step 503, at least two opposing panels defining the at least one compartment there between are provided. At step 504, at least one flap having a free edge is provided on each panel, wherein the flaps on the respective panels are configured for tenting out of the free edge thereof towards the other panel and towards the open end when the vessel is in an opened state for receiving the objects.

Providing at least one of the flaps may comprise attaching a flexible material to one of the panels near the open end, and folding over the flexible material so that the position of the free edge of the at least one flap moves (during the folding procedure) from outside the compartment to a position inside the compartment, such as to enable the tenting out of the free edge of the at least one flap towards the other panel and towards the open end due to the elasticity of the flexible material.

Providing at least one of the flaps may comprise attaching the at least one flap to one of the panels near the open end via a separate connecting structure configured for tenting out the free edge of the at least one flap towards the other panel and towards the open end.

The free edge of at least one of the flaps may be provided to have a length that is shorter than a length of the panel on which the at least one flap is provided on, such that the free edge of the at least one flap tents out towards the other panel and towards the open end due to an unfolding of the at least one flap.

The free edge of at least one of the flaps may be provided to have a length that is longer than a length of the panel on which the at least one flap is provided on, such that the free edge of the at least one flap tents out towards the other panel and towards the open end due to an unfolding of the at least one flap.

Providing at least one of the flaps may comprise forming a compound fold section in a material of the panel on which the at least one flap is disposed, such that the free edge of the at least one flap tents out towards the other panel and towards the open end due to the elasticity of the formed compound fold section.

At least one additional opening may be provided on at least one of the panels or between the panels for removing at least some of the objects from the compartment when the vessel is in the opened state. The at least one opening may be configured for being selectively opened or closed.

The above description of illustrated embodiments of the systems and methods is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the systems and methods to the precise forms disclosed. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the systems components and methods are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the systems, components and methods, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. The teachings of the systems and methods provided herein can be applied to other processing systems and methods, not only for the systems and methods described above.

The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. These and other changes can be made to the systems and methods in light of the above detailed description.

In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the systems and methods to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all processing systems that operate under the claims. Accordingly, the systems and methods are not limited by the disclosure, but instead the scope of the systems and methods is to be determined entirely by the claims.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise," "comprising," and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in a sense of "including, but not limited to." Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number respectively. Additionally, the words "herein," "hereunder," "above," "below," and words of similar import refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. When the word "or" is used in reference to a list of two or more items, that word covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list and any combination of the items in the list.