Compact wallet

Abstract

There is disclosed a compact wallet, comprising at least two rigid plates at least one having a channel into which an encircling elastic band is interposed to bias the at least two rigid plates inwardly and securely hold the card-like contents while providing elastic volume therebetween while allowing freedom for the dynamic extension and contraction of the band over the entire running length of the wallet. The wallet includes an auxiliary feature removably attached within the interior at least one of the at least two rigid plates interposed using a tang inserted into a recess formed inside the plate, the tang having a hook, the hook extending at an angle to the tang, the hook engaging an undercut of the recess to prevent inadvertent dislodgement of the auxiliary feature from the recess.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A compact wallet, comprising:
 at least two rigid plates positioned to sandwich card-like contents there between, each rigid plate having a longitudinal extent;   at least one encircling band positioned within at least one of the at least two rigid plates along longitudinal extents thereof to bias said at least two rigid plates inwardly and securely hold the card-like contents while providing expandable volume there between;   at least one of the at least two rigid plates including a channel configured to hold a position of the at least one encircling with respect to said at least one of the at least two rigid plates while allowing freedom for the dynamic extension and contraction of the band over the entire running length thereof; and   an auxiliary feature removably attached to at least one of the at least two rigid plates, the auxiliary feature having a tang insertable into a recess formed within at least one of the at least two rigid plates, the tang having a hook, the hook extending at an angle to the tang, the hook engaging an undercut of the recess to prevent inadvertent dislodgement of the auxiliary feature.   
     
     
         22 . The compact wallet of  claim 21 , wherein the channel is a longitudinal groove in a first lamina of a laminate construction of each rigid plate, the longitudinal groove slidingly receiving one part of the at least one encircling elastic band. 
     
     
         23 . The compact wallet of  claim 22 , wherein a second lamina of the laminate construction of each rigid plate is removably attached to the first lamina to hold the at least one elastic band in capture and provide a smooth surface for glide purposes. 
     
     
         24 . The compact wallet of  claim 23 , wherein the second lamina is attached to the first lamina by screws. 
     
     
         25 . The compact wallet of  claim 23 , wherein the second lamina is attached to the first lamina via a pressure sensitive adhesive. 
     
     
         26 . The compact wallet of  claim 21 , wherein each rigid plate is comprised of metal for RFID protection. 
     
     
         27 . The compact wallet of  claim 21 , wherein each rigid plate is metalized for RFID protection. 
     
     
         28 . The compact wallet of  claim 23 , wherein at least one of the first or second lamina of each rigid plate is comprised of metal. 
     
     
         29 . The compact wallet of  claim 21 , further comprising a first elastic strap positioned over the ends of the at least two rigid plates transverse to the longitudinal extents, the positioning functioning to retain the card-like contents from that end. 
     
     
         30 . The compact wallet of  claim 21 , further comprising a second elastic strap positioned over an outside surface of one of the at least two rigid plates to hold additional contents on the outside surface. 
     
     
         31 . The compact wallet of  claim 21 , wherein the card-like contents comprise one or more of a credit card, a driver's license, an ID card, a business card, an affiliation card, a currency bill, a loyalty card, a coupon, a receipt or a personal paper. 
     
     
         32 . The compact wallet of  claim 21 , further comprising aligned finger notches through proximal ends of the rigid plates to expose an edge of the card-like contents for the purpose of pushing the edge to elevate the contents into view through distal ends of the rigid plates, said edge providing a fulcrum to lever the proximal ends together for the purpose of fanning the distal ends apart in display of the contents. 
     
     
         33 . The compact wallet of  claim 21 , wherein the encircling elastic band is comprised of woven elastic fabric. 
     
     
         34 . A kit comprising a compact wallet comprising:
 at least two rigid plates positioned to sandwich card-like contents there between, each rigid plate having a groove along a longitudinal extent thereof;   at least one encircling elastic band slidingly positioned in the grooves to bias the at least two rigid plates inwardly and securely hold the card-like contents while providing expandable volume there between for adding or removing contents, the grooves configured to hold position of the at least one encircling elastic band with respect to each rigid plate while allowing freedom for the dynamic extension and contraction of the band over the entire running length thereof; and   a recess formed inside at least one of the at least two rigid plates, the recess operable to receive a tang of an auxiliary feature, the recess having an undercut operable to engage a hook of the tang to prevent inadvertent dislodgement of the auxiliary feature from the recess when the auxiliary feature is removably positioned in at least one of the at least two rigid plates, the hook extending at an angle to the tang.   
     
     
         35 . The kit of  claim 34 , further comprising a tool configured to assist with assembly or disassembly of the compact wallet. 
     
     
         36 . The kit of  claim 35 , wherein the tool is a driver. 
     
     
         37 . The kit of  claim 36 , further comprising an instruction card, a pamphlet, a spare encircling elastic band, and/or one or more spare screws. 
     
     
         38 . The kit of  claim 37 , wherein the groove is in a first lamina of a laminate construction of each rigid plate, the groove slidingly receiving one part of the at least one encircling elastic band. 
     
     
         39 . The kit of  claim 38 , wherein a second lamina of the laminate construction of each rigid plate is removably attached to the first lamina to capture the at least one elastic band and provide a smooth surface for glide. 
     
     
         40 . The kit of  claim 39 , wherein the second lamina is attached to the first lamina by screws. 
     
     
         41 . The kit of  claim 34 , wherein each rigid plate is comprised of metal for RFID protection.