U.S. patent application number 09/844966 was filed with the patent office on 2001-10-11 for wallet/handbag system with external phone pocket.
Invention is credited to Southwick, Linda S..
Application Number | 20010027834 09/844966 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23954529 |
Filed Date | 2001-10-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010027834 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Southwick, Linda S. |
October 11, 2001 |
Wallet/handbag system with external phone pocket
Abstract
Disclosed is a handbag/wallet system having a substantially
rectangular compact body with an at least one interior compartment.
Provided on the front surface of the body is a front external
pocket, made of an elastic material, which is structured to hold a
wireless telephone. Attached to the back surface of the body is a
belt loop for attaching the handbag/wallet to the user's belt. And
an outside compartment may include a pocket for an electronic
device, and, optionally, a pouch for a stylus. In addition, a
plurality of rings are provided on the body for allowing the user
to removably attach a carry cord. The carry cord, in turn, is
provided with a means for creating an adjustable loop which may be
placed about the shoulder or waist of the user.
Inventors: |
Southwick, Linda S.;
(Phoenix, AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STONEMAN LAW OFFICES, LTD
3113 NORTH 3RD STREET
PHOENIX
AZ
85012
US
|
Family ID: |
23954529 |
Appl. No.: |
09/844966 |
Filed: |
April 27, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09844966 |
Apr 27, 2001 |
|
|
|
09491997 |
Jan 26, 2000 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
150/108 ;
150/112; 150/114 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 2011/002 20130101;
A45F 2005/006 20130101; A45C 15/00 20130101; A45C 13/02 20130101;
A45C 3/00 20130101; A45F 5/00 20130101; A45C 13/26 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
150/108 ;
150/114; 150/112 |
International
Class: |
A45C 013/26; A45C
013/30; A45C 001/02; A45C 003/06 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A handbag/wallet system for holding a user's personal items
including permitting easy access to a personal wireless telephone
comprising, in combination: (a) a body means, having at least one
interior compartment, for carrying handbag/wallet contents, said
body means comprising an exterior surface, two side portions, and a
top portion; and (b) a substantially-entirely-elastic
wireless-telephone holding means, attached to said exterior
surface, for removably securing the wireless telephone to said body
means.
2. The handbag/wallet system of claim 1 further comprising a
carrying means for providing hands-free carrying of said body
means.
3. The handbag/wallet system of claim 2 wherein said carrying means
comprises a belt loop attached to said exterior surface.
4. The handbag/wallet system of claim 2 wherein said carrying means
comprises a cord removably attached to said body means.
5. The handbag/wallet system of claim 4 wherein said cord is
structured and arranged to provide for user option attachment
arrangements to said body means, and said user option attachment
arrangements comprising arrangements wherein: (a) said cord is
selectably coupled at substantially opposing ends across said top
portion; and (b) said cord is selectably coupled at substantially
opposing ends across one of said side portions.
6. The handbag/wallet system of claim 4 wherein said cord comprises
an adjustable cord having a girth of adjustability sufficient to
encircle the waist of the user.
7. The handbag/wallet system of claim 1 wherein said elastic
wireless-telephone holding means comprises a substantially elastic
first external pocket having an opening.
8. The handbag/wallet system of claim 7 wherein said first external
pocket comprises a substantially nylon material.
9. The handbag/wallet system of claim 7 wherein said opening is
structured and arranged for placement adjacent to, and
substantially parallel with, one of said side portions.
10. The handbag/wallet system of claim 1 further comprising a
second external pocket attached to said body means, said second
external pocket having a second external pocket exterior
surface.
11. The handbag/wallet system of claim 10 further comprising a belt
loop attached to said second external pocket exterior surface.
12. The handbag/wallet system of claim 1 further comprising a
closure means for closing said body means.
13. The handbag/wallet system of claim 12 wherein said closure
means comprises a zipper-type fastener.
14. The handbag/wallet system of claim 1 further comprising an
other at least one interior compartment comprising a pocket
structured and arranged to hold an electronic device.
15. The handbag/wallet system of claim 14 wherein said other at
least one interior compartment further comprises a pouch structured
and arranged to hold a stylus.
16. The handbag/wallet system of claim 14 wherein said at least one
interior compartment comprises a zipper-type closure.
17. The handbag/wallet system of claim 1 wherein said at least one
interior compartment comprises a pocket structured and arranged to
hold an electronic device.
18. A handbag/wallet system for holding a user's personal items
including permitting easy access to a personal wireless telephone
comprising, in combination: (a) a body having a rear compartment
and a front compartment, said body comprising a front wall portion
having a front wall portion exterior surface, a rear wall portion
having a rear wall portion exterior surface, two side walls, a
bottom portion, and a top portion; (b) a rear external pocket
attached to said rear wall portion exterior surface, said rear
external pocket having a rear external pocket exterior surface; (c)
a substantially-entirely-elastic front external pocket, attached to
said front wall portion exterior surface, having a front exterior
pocket opening, said front external pocket structured and arranged
to hold a wireless telephone; (d) a belt loop attached to said rear
external pocket exterior surface; (e) said front compartment
comprising a plurality of front compartment interior pockets for
holding personal items; and f) said rear compartment comprising a
plurality of rear compartment interior pockets for holding personal
items; (g) wherein said front external pocket opening is structured
and arranged for placement adjacent one of said side walls of said
body.
19. The handbag/wallet system of claim 18 further comprising a cord
removably attached to said body.
20. The handbag/wallet system of claim 19 wherein said cord is
structured and arranged to provide for user option attachment
arrangements to said body, said user option attachment arrangements
comprising arrangements wherein: (a) said cord is selectably
coupled at substantially opposing ends across said top portion; and
(b) said cord is selectably coupled at substantially opposing ends
across one of said side portions.
21. The handbag/wallet system of claim 18 wherein said comprises an
adjustable cord having a girth of adjustability sufficient to
encircle the waist of the user.
22. The handbag/wallet system of claim 18 wherein said rear
compartment and said front compartment are each
zipper-closable.
23. The handbag/wallet system of claim 22 wherein at least one said
zipper-closable compartment comprises a perimeter zipper extending
around said compartment for at least about three-fourths of a
perimeter of said compartment.
24. The handbag/wallet system of claim 18 wherein said front
compartment comprises: a) a first interior surface and a second
interior surface; b) a first pocket attached to said first interior
surface; c) a second pocket, having a second pocket external
surface, attached to said first interior surface and overlying said
first pocket; d) a third pocket attached to said second pocket
external surface; e) an insert comprising: (i) a first end portion
structured and arranged for removable placement within said first
pocket, and (ii) a second end portion having a plurality of pockets
structured and arranged to receive credit card-type items; f) a
fourth pocket, having a fourth pocket external surface, attached to
said second interior surface; and g) a plurality of card pockets,
attached to said fourth pocket external surface, structured and
arranged to hold credit card-type items.
25. The handbag/wallet system of claim 18 wherein said rear
compartment comprises: (a) a third interior surface and a fourth
interior surface; (b) a fifth pocket attached to said third
interior surface; (c) foldable side wall portions attached to, and
extending between, said third interior surface and said fourth
interior surface; (d) a sixth pocket attached to said side wall
portions; (e) a seventh pocket defined by said fifth pocket, said
sixth pocket, and said side wall portions; (f) an eighth pocket
attached to said fourth interior surface; and (g) a ninth pocket
defined by said eighth pocket, said sixth pocket, and said side
wall portions.
26. The handbag/wallet system of claim 25 wherein said sixth pocket
is zipper-closable.
27. A system for convenient carrying of a wireless telephone
comprising, in combination: (a) a body, larger than a wireless
telephone and having an external surface, said body being
structured and arranged for the holding of useful items; and (b) a
substantially-entirely-elastic external pocket attached to said
external surface, said pocket having at least one opening and being
structured and arranged to hold a wireless telephone.
28. The system of claim 27 wherein said body comprises at least one
compartment comprising a pocket structured and arranged to hold an
electronic device.
29. The system of claim 28 wherein said at least one compartment
further comprises a pouch structured and arranged to hold a
stylus.
30. The system of claim 27 wherein said at least one compartment
comprises a zipper-type closure.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 09/491,997 filed Jan. 26, 2000, in the name of
the same inventor, now abandoned.
BACKGROUND
[0002] This invention relates to providing a wallet or handbag
system with an external phone pocket. More particularly, this
invention concerns a handbag system of the wallet type for
providing quick unobstructed access to a wireless phone while
storing miscellaneous personal items within the handbag.
[0003] Typically, portable handbags/wallets are used to transport a
number of personal items which the user may require when away from
the user's residence. These personal items generally comprise such
articles as smaller wallets, checkbooks, cosmetics, keys,
electronic devices, and other such articles that the user may
require during the course of any given day. Oftentimes, only a
select number of articles are needed by the user for a particular
outing. Depending on the outing, such as hiking or a night on the
town, the user may both desire to have a more compact handbag of
the wallet type for storing these items, and a hands-free method of
carrying the handbag. In addition, the recent trend towards
wireless technology has brought to the public such items as
wireless telephones which enable the user to communicate with
others when away from the home or office. These devices also
require a convenient and handy means to store and transport such
devices which are quickly accessible when needed, as for personal
safety considerations.
[0004] In the past, the typical means to transport such items has
been by the use of a conventional purse-type bag. These bags
generally have at least one large compartment in which is placed
the user's personal items. The use of only a single compartment
requires the user to search through the aggregate mass of personal
items in order to find the needed item. When certain items such as
the wireless telephone are needed quickly, the delay in having to
search can result in personal harm to the user. Furthermore,
purses, briefcases, or other conventional types of handbags are
often too cumbersome for certain types of activities which require
the user to be active, such as hiking, dancing, etc. In addition,
wireless telephones generally come equipped with clip-type devices
to clip the telephone onto the garment of the user, such as a
pocket or a belt. This method of transporting these devices is
convenient if user is wearing either a belt or a garment that has
pockets, otherwise other means of transporting these devices so
that they are quickly accessible is required. In addition, the
popularity of electronic devices, primarily of the wireless type
such as "palm tops", would make a handbag/wallet more useful if it
incorporated a safe and convenient way to store such a device
within the handbag/wallet.
[0005] One prior art attempt to incorporate external pockets on a
receptacle-type device is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,620,579
issued to Lowe et al. Lowe et al. discloses an accessory receptacle
in which a plurality of transparent pockets are provided on the
receptacle outer surface and which are used to store specific small
objects. Though such a system may be adequate for its intended use,
Lowe et al. fails to teach a handbag system having a single elastic
pocket which is capable of holding a wireless telephone.
[0006] In addition, applicant is aware of a variety of prior art
devices which disclose handbag inserts having external pockets
provided thereon. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,811,769 and
2,529,724 issued to, respectively, Phares and Conwiser disclose
handbag inserts, each of which comprises external pockets. Though
these disclosed insert types may be adequate for their respective
intended purposes, neither teaches the actual incorporation of
external pockets, sized to receive a wireless telephone, on an
actual handbag. Thus, it is believed by the applicant that none of
the prior art referred to herein will accomplish the purpose of the
present invention.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A primary object and feature of the present invention is to
fulfill the above-mentioned needs by the provision of a
handbag/wallet, preferably compartmentalized, which allows for
quick access to a wireless telephone. A further primary object and
feature of the present invention is to provide such a handbag that
is inexpensive, convenient to carry, and simple to use. Another
object and feature of this invention is to provide such a handbag
that is simple to manufacture. A further object and feature of this
invention is to provide such a handbag that is pleasing in
appearance. Yet another object and feature of this invention is to
provide such a handbag/wallet adapted to internally contain and
safely and conveniently carry an electronic device. Other objects
and features of this invention will become apparent with reference
to the following invention descriptions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] According to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, this invention provides a handbag/wallet system for
holding a user's personal items including permitting easy access to
a personal wireless telephone comprising, in combination: a body
means, having at least one interior compartment, for carrying
handbag contents, such body means comprising an exterior surface,
two side portions, and a top portion; and a substantially-elastic
wireless-telephone holding means, attached to such exterior
surface, for removably securing the wireless telephone to such body
means. Also, this invention provides for such a handbag/wallet
system further comprising a carrying means for providing hands-free
carrying of the bag means; and, wherein such carrying means
comprises a belt loop attached to such exterior surface. In
addition, it provides for such a handbag/wallet system wherein such
carrying means comprises a cord removably attached to such bag
means.
[0009] In addition, this invention provides for such a
handbag/wallet system wherein such cord is structured and arranged
to provide for a user option attachment arrangement to such bag
means, such user option attachment arrangements comprising
arrangements wherein: such cord is selectably coupled at
substantially opposing ends across such top portion; and such cord
is selectably coupled at substantially opposing ends across one of
such side portions. Furthermore, it provides for such a
handbag/wallet system wherein such cord comprises an adjustable
cord having a girth of adjustability sufficient to encircle the
waist of the user. And, still further, this invention provides for
such a handbag/wallet system wherein such elastic phone holding
means comprises a substantially elastic first external pocket
having an opening.
[0010] Additionally, this invention provides for such a
handbag/wallet system wherein such elastic pocket comprises a
substantially nylon material; and, wherein such opening is
structured and arranged for placement adjacent to, and
substantially parallel with, one of such side portions. Also, this
invention provides for such a handbag/wallet system further
comprising a second external pocket attached to such body means,
such second external pocket having a second external pocket
exterior surface. Yet further, it provides for such a
handbag/wallet system further comprising a belt loop attached to
such second external pocket exterior surface. Yet further still,
this invention provides for such a handbag/wallet system further
comprising a closure means for closing such body means; and,
further still, wherein such closure means comprises a zipper-type
fastener. And it provides for such a handbag/wallet system further
comprising a belt loop, wherein such belt loop is attached with
such body means at a position opposed, with respect to such body
means, from a location of such wireless-telephone holding
means.
[0011] Also, it provides for such a handbag/wallet system further
comprising another compartment comprising a pocket structured and
arranged to hold an electronic device; and, further wherein at
least one handbag/wallet compartment comprises a pocket structured
and arranged to hold an electronic device; and, further, wherein
such at least one handbag/wallet compartment comprises a
zipper-type closure; and, further, wherein such handbag/wallet
compartment further comprises a pouch structured and arranged to
hold a stylus.
[0012] Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment thereof,
this invention provides for a handbag/wallet system for holding a
user's personal items including permitting easy access to a
personal wireless telephone comprising, in combination: a body
having a rear compartment and a front compartment, such body
comprising a front wall portion having a front wall portion
exterior surface, a rear wall portion having a rear wall portion
exterior surface, two side walls, a bottom portion, and a top
portion; an rear external pocket attached to such rear wall portion
exterior surface, such rear external pocket having a rear external
pocket exterior surface; a substantially elastic front external
pocket, attached to such front wall portion exterior surface,
having a front exterior pocket opening, such front external pocket
structured and arranged to hold a wireless telephone; a belt loop
attached to such rear external pocket exterior surface; such front
compartment comprising a plurality of front compartment interior
pockets for holding personal items; and such rear compartment
comprising a plurality of rear compartment interior pockets for
holding personal items; wherein such front external pocket opening
is structured and arranged for placement adjacent one of such side
walls of such body.
[0013] In addition, the present invention provides for such a
handbag/wallet system further comprising a cord removably attached
to such body; and, wherein such cord is structured and arranged to
provide for a user option attachment arrangement to such bag means,
such user option attachment arrangements comprising arrangements
wherein: such cord is selectably coupled at substantially opposing
ends across such top portion; and such cord is selectably coupled
at substantially opposing ends across one of such side portions.
Also, it provides for such a handbag/wallet system wherein such
cord comprises an adjustable cord having a girth of adjustability
sufficient to encircle the waist of the user. Further, this
invention provides for such a handbag/wallet system wherein such
rear compartment and such front compartment are each
zipper-closable; and, further still, wherein at least one such
zipper-closable compartment comprises a perimeter zipper extending
around such compartment for at least about three-fourths of a
perimeter of such compartment.
[0014] Additionally, the present invention provides for such a
handbag/wallet system wherein such front compartment comprises: a
first interior surface and a second interior surface; a first
pocket attached to such first interior surface; a second pocket,
having a second pocket external surface, attached to such first
interior surface and overlying such first pocket; a third pocket
attached to such second pocket external surface; an insert
comprising: a first end portion structured and arranged for
removable placement within such first pocket, and a second end
portion having a plurality of pockets structured and arranged to
receive credit card-type items; a fourth pocket, having a fourth
pocket external surface, attached to such second interior surface;
and a plurality of card pockets, attached to such fourth pocket
external surface, structured and arranged to hold credit card-type
items.
[0015] Additionally still, the present invention provides for such
a handbag/wallet system wherein such rear compartment comprises: a
third interior surface and a fourth interior surface; a fifth
pocket attached to such third interior surface; foldable side wall
portions attached to, and extending between, such third interior
surface and such fourth interior surface; a sixth pocket attached
to such side wall portions; a seventh pocket defined by such fifth
pocket, such sixth pocket, and such side wall portions; an eighth
pocket attached to such fourth interior surface; and a ninth pocket
defined by such eighth pocket, such sixth pocket, and such side
wall portions. And, it provides for such a handbag/wallet system
wherein such sixth pocket is zipper closable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
the handbag/wallet system of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view thereof illustrating a
preferred construction of a front external pocket for holding a
wireless telephone.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view, in partial cut-away,
illustrating a preferred structure of the rear external pocket,
belt loop, and means to attach the carry cord to the handbag/wallet
body.
[0019] FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial view illustrating the details
of a preferred spring clip for use with the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 5 is an elevation view of the handbag/wallet system of
the present invention attached to the waist of a user.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a side elevation view thereof further illustrating
the placement of the wireless telephone within the front external
pocket.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a said elevation view illustrating the
handbag/wallet system with front and rear compartments opened.
[0023] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a preferred
arrangement of the front compartment.
[0024] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a preferred
arrangement of the rear compartment.
[0025] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternate preferred
embodiment of the handbag/wallet system of the present invention
comprising a third compartment.
[0026] FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of the alternate preferred
embodiment further illustrating the third compartment.
[0027] FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating the alternate
preferred arrangement of the third compartment.
[0028] FIG. 13 is a perspective view further illustrating the
alternate preferred arrangement of the third compartment.
[0029] FIG. 14 is a perspective view further illustrating an
alternate preferred arrangement of the third compartment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND THE BEST MODE OF
PRACTICE
[0030] Referring now to the Figures, shown in perspective in FIGS.
1 and 2 is a preferred embodiment of the handbag/wallet system 20
of the present invention. Shown is a rectangular-box-like body 21
having a front wall portion 22, a rear wall portion 25, and a pair
of side walls 26, a bottom portion 27, and a top portion 28. The
body 21 is preferably formed from a polyvinyl chloride-type
material ("PVC" hereinafter) which is stitched or otherwise secured
together in a manner familiar to those skilled in such art, and has
a preferred length of about 7 inches, a preferred width of about
41/2 inches, and a preferred thickness of about 11/4 inches. As
shown in FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of the handbag/wallet
system 20 of this invention comprises a front compartment 30 and a
rear compartment 31. The body 21 embodies herein a body means,
having at least one interior compartment, for carrying
handbag/wallet contents, such body means comprising an exterior
surface, two side portions, and a top portion. As shown, each of
the respective compartment 30 and 31 are closeable by use of
zipper-type fasteners 34 (embodying herein a closure means for
closing such handbag/wallet means). Though the specific details
concerning each of the compartments 30 and 31 will be discussed
more thoroughly as this disclosure progresses, suffice to say for
now, each of the compartments 30 and 31 is structured and arranged
to contain an assortment of items that a person may require during
the course of the day.
[0031] Referring further to FIG. 1 and introducing FIG. 2, the
handbag/wallet system 20 is further provided with a front external
pocket 35 (also embodying herein such first external pocket) which
is sized and arranged to snugly receive a wireless telephone 38.
The front external pocket 35 embodies herein a
substantially-elastic phone holding means, attached to such
exterior surface, for removably securing the wireless telephone to
such body means. The front external pocket 35 is attached,
preferably by stitching or other like methods, to the front wall
portion exterior surface 39 of the body 21. To provide the
aforementioned snug fit, and to accommodate wireless telephones 38
having various contours and widths, it is preferred that the front
external pocket 35 be made substantially entirely of a
substantially elastic yet resilient material such as a nylon-type
material. The use of a substantially elastic yet resilient material
for substantially the entire front external pocket 35 provides a
comparatively large surface area in contact with the inserted
wireless telephone case. Thus, the friction and gripping action
from this large surface contact is instrumental in securely holding
the wireless telephone securely within the front external pocket
35.
[0032] Additionally, to prevent the telephone 38 from inadvertently
falling from the front external pocket 35, it is preferred that the
front external pocket opening 42 be placed adjacent, and
substantially parallel with, a side wall 26. This arrangement
embodies herein an arrangement wherein such opening is structured
and arranged for placement adjacent to, and substantially parallel
with, one of such side portions.
[0033] As will be appreciated by those skilled in such art, the
handbag/wallet system 20 of this invention is designed to provide a
relatively compact handbag/wallet which is most useful for those
needing to have certain personal items when on an outing such as
hiking, social events, or the like, but who do not desire to bring
there purse, briefcase, or other conventional handbag/wallet. As
will further be appreciated by those skilled in such art, by
providing the body 21 with a substantially elastic front external
pocket 35, the user may quickly and easily have access to the
telephone 38, especially in cases of emergencies, without having to
rummage and search. As will be discussed more fully with respect to
FIG. 3, the handbag/wallet system 20 of this invention may be
provided with an optional carry cord 43 (embodying herein carrying
means for providing hands-free carrying of the bag means) which is
removably coupled to front ring 46. The front ring 46, in turn, is
preferably attached to the body 21 by a substantially metallic stud
47.
[0034] Shown in elevation, in partial cut-away, in FIG. 3 is the
provision of a rear external pocket 50 (embodying herein such
second external pocket) which is attached, preferably by stitching,
to the rear wall portion exterior surface 51. The rear external
pocket 50 preferably extends for the longitudinal length of the
body 21 and is structured and arranged so that the rear external
pocket opening 54 lies both substantially adjacent and parallel to
the top portion 28 of body 21, as shown. Also provided is a belt
loop 55 (embodying herein carrying means for providing hands-free
carrying of the bag means) which is attached by stitching or other
like methods to the rear external pocket exterior surface 56. As
should be apparent to those skilled in such art, the belt loop 55
is used to attach the body 21 to the user's belt 57, in well known
ways, thereby providing convenient "hands-fee" carrying of the
handbag/wallet system 20. Both the belt loop 55 and rear external
pocket 50 preferably comprise the same material as that which
comprises the body 21. This belt loop arrangement embodies herein
such a handbag/wallet system further comprising a belt loop,
wherein such belt loop is attached with such body means at a
position opposed, with respect to such body means, from a location
of such wireless-telephone holding means.
[0035] Referring further to FIG. 3, and introducing FIGS. 4 and 5,
the details of the carry cord 43 will now be discussed. The carry
cord 43 is preferably cord-like in structure and comprises a woven
natural or synthetic fiber having a preferred length of about 55
inches. Each end 58 of the carry cord 43 is provided with a clasp
59, of a well-known type, for allowing optional detachment of the
carry cord 43 from the body 21. The carry cord 43 is further
provided with a spring clip 62 for creating a user adjustable loop
63 which, depending on the user's preference, may be supported by
the user's shoulder (not shown) or placed around the user's waist
66, as shown in FIG. 5. This arrangement embodies herein an
arrangement wherein such cord comprises an adjustable cord having a
girth of adjustability sufficient to encircle the waist of the
user. The details of the spring clip 62 will be discussed more
thoroughly below in conjunction with FIG. 4.
[0036] The body 21 is further provided with two rear rings 67 and
70, also preferably made of a metal material, for providing the
user with two alternative carry cord 43 attachment configurations.
As shown, the user may attach the ends 58 of carry cord 43 to rings
46 and 70, thereby allowing the handbag/wallet system 20 to be
carried with the telephone 38 pointing upwards, as shown in FIG. 5.
Alternatively, the carry cord 43 may be attached to rings 46 and 67
which allows the handbag/wallet system to be carried with the top
portion 28 of body 21 facing upwards. This arrangement embodies
herein wherein such cord is selectably coupled at substantially
opposing ends across such top portion and such cord is selectably
coupled at substantially opposing ends across one of said side
portions.
[0037] By allowing the carry cord 43 to be attached adjacent
opposing wall portions 22 and 25 of the body 21, the handbag/wallet
system 20 may be properly balanced when suspended from the carry
cord 43. Such an arrangement is especially important in order to
counter the weight of the telephone 38 which may cause an
uncomfortable and/or non-appealing tipping of the body 21. In
addition, the location of rings 46, 67, and 70 ensures that
regardless of which of the above carry cord 43 arrangements are
selected, the front external pocket opening 42 always remains at
least substantially perpendicular to the ground, thereby preventing
inadvertent loss of the telephone 38 from the front external pocket
35.
[0038] As shown in the detailed view of FIG. 4, the spring clip 62
is of a well-known and commercially available type having an inner
plunger 73 concentrically disposed within the cylindrical outer
shell 74. The inner plunger 73 and outer shell 74 are provided
with, respectively, through apertures 77 and 78 which are sized to
at least receive twice the diameter of carry cord 43. Upon applying
pressure to the tab 81 provided on the inner plunger 73, the
apertures 77 and 78 are brought into substantial alignment, thereby
allowing free movement of the carry cord 43 through apertures 77
and 78 which permits user adjustment of the size of the loop 63.
Removing pressure from the tab 81 releases the tension in the
spring 82 which forces the inner plunger 73 upward relative to the
outer shell 74. This upward movement of the inner plunger 73, in
turn, causes misalignment of through apertures 77 and 78 resulting
in the pinching of the two segments 85 of the carry cord 43 within
the spring clip 62, thereby effectively preventing any further free
movement of the carry cord 43 through the spring clip 62.
[0039] Shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 are two side elevation views of the
handbag/wallet system 20 of this invention. Shown in FIG. 6 is the
handbag/wallet system 20 with each respective compartment 30 and 31
in a substantially closed position and with the wireless phone 38
placed within the front external pocket 35. As used herein with
respect to each respective compartment 30 and 31, "closed" is
defined as that condition in which access to a respective
compartment 30 and 31 is substantially prevented. Shown in FIG. 7
is the handbag/wallet system 20 in which each respective
compartment 30 and 31 is in a substantially open position thereby
allowing access to the contents contained in each respective
compartment 30 and 31. As used herein, "open" is defined herein as
that condition in which access to a respective compartment 30 and
31 is not substantially prevented. As should be apparent to those
skilled in such art, opening a respective compartment 30 and 31
consists of simply unfastening, in a well-known manner, each
respective zipper 34. The arrangement of each respective
compartment 30 and 31 will be discussed in greater detail
hereinafter with respect to FIGS. 8 and 9.
[0040] Shown in perspective in FIG. 8 is the preferred arrangement
of front compartment 30. The front compartment 30 comprises a first
interior surface 86, adjacent the front wall portion 22, having a
first pocket 87 attached thereon. A second pocket 90, substantially
overlying the first pocket 87, is attached to the first pocket
exterior surface 91. As shown, the pockets 87 and 90 are structured
and arranged to substantially span the longitudinal length of the
front compartment 30 with each respective pocket opening 94 and 95
structured and arranged for location substantially adjacent to, and
in a substantially parallel relationship with, the bottom portion
27 of body 21.
[0041] Also provided is a third pocket 96 which is attached to the
second pocket exterior surface 99. As shown, it is preferred that
third pocket opening 97 be structured and arranged to be
substantially parallel to one of side walls 26. Pockets 87, 90, and
96 preferably comprise a PVC-type material and are preferably
attached in well known ways such as stitching. The front
compartment 30 may also be provided with an insert 100 having a
first end portion 103 structured and arranged for removable
placement within said first pocket 87, and a second end portion 104
having a plurality of insert pockets 105 structured and arranged to
receive credit card-type items (not shown). The insert 100
preferably also comprises preferably a PVC-type material and is
structured and arranged to substantially span the longitudinal
length of the front compartment 30.
[0042] Also shown are a plurality of substantially transparent
pockets 106 which are attached to pocket 87 in a manner
substantially described above with respect to insert 100. Provided
on the second interior surface 108, adjacent the center divider
portion 109, of front compartment 30 is a fourth pocket 111, having
a fourth pocket external surface 112, which is preferably attached
to said second interior surface 108 by stitching. A plurality of
card pockets 113, preferably attached to said fourth pocket
external surface 112 by stitching, are structured and arranged to
hold credit card-type items 114.
[0043] Shown in FIG. 7 are the details of the rear compartment 31.
The rear compartment 31 comprises a third interior surface 116,
adjacent the center divider portion 109, and a fourth interior
surface 119, adjacent the rear wall portion 25. Attached to the
third interior surface 116, preferably by stitching, is a fifth
pocket 120 structured and arranged to substantially span the
longitudinal length of the rear compartment 31, as shown. Extending
between, and attached to, each respective interior surface 116 and
119 are foldable side wall portions 123. Side wall portions 123
preferably comprise a polyvinyl chloride-type material and are
attached, preferably by stitching, to each interior surface 116 and
119.
[0044] Attached approximately at the midway point 124 of side wall
portions 123 is a sixth pocket 127 which preferably comprises a
separately sealed, preferably also by stitching, bottom end 128. As
will be appreciated by those skilled in such art, by separately
sealing the bottom end 128 of sixth pocket 127, loose articles such
as change or the like may be more easily contained. Also as shown,
the sixth pocket 127 may be provided with a zipper-type fastener
129 for completely sealing in the contents of the sixth pocket 127.
As is further shown in FIG. 7, by providing the handbag/wallet
system 20 with the sixth pocket 127 arranged as described above, a
seventh pocket 130 is formed, the contours of which are defined by
the fifth pocket 120, the sixth pocket 127, and the side wall
portions 123. Also provided is an eighth pocket 133 which is
attached, preferably by stitching, to the fourth interior surface
119, and a ninth pocket 134, the contours of which are defined by
the eighth pocket 133, the sixth pocket 127, and the side wall
portions 123.
[0045] Shown in FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternate
preferred embodiment of the handbag/wallet system 20 of the present
invention further comprising a third compartment 140. Referring to
FIG. 11, a side elevation view of the alternate preferred
embodiment further illustrating the third compartment 140 is shown.
The third compartment 140 is preferably attached to the rear wall
portion exterior surface 51 of the handbag/wallet system 20. The
third compartment 140 is further preferably attached to the rear
wall portion exterior surface 51 by stitching, by bonding, or by
such other means as those skilled in the art would prefer in
appropriate circumstances.
[0046] Shown in FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating the
alternate preferred arrangement of the third compartment 140. The
third compartment 140 of the handbag/wallet system 20 is an
openable compartment preferably having a zipper closure 34 along
substantially three sides of its perimeter in a similar manner as
compartments 30 and 31 shown in FIGS. 1-10. The third compartment
140 preferably comprises a PVC-type material. The outermost side
186 of the third compartment 140 comprises an inner padding
interior to the outermost side 186. The inner padding is structured
and arranged in such a typical manner as to provide features of
assisting in maintaining the physical shape and dimensions of the
handbag/wallet system 20, as to provide shock cushioning for any
contents within the handbag/wallet system 20. When the third
compartment 140 is in the open configuration, the inner sides of it
are accessible. The inner sides of the third compartment 140
comprise a third-compartment-inner-sid- e 162 and a
third-compartment-outer-side 164 opposite one another. The
third-compartment-inner-side 162 comprises at least one
personal-items pouch 158. Three such personal items pouches 158 are
shown herein in a preferred embodiment of the alternate preferred
embodiment of the handbag/wallet system 20. The personal items
pouches 158 are structured and arranged to allow for personal items
160 to be easily inserted into and held by the personal items
pouches 158. The personal items pouches 158 preferably comprise
PVC-type materials that are attached to the
third-compartment-inner-side 162 in a fashion well known to those
skilled in the, such as for example, by stitching. Examples of
preferred personal items 160 comprise writing instruments, make-up
storage or application devices, pocket knifes, etc.
[0047] The third compartment 140 further preferably comprises a
protector 156. The protector 156 preferably comprises a plastic or
vinyl sheet that is preferably connected at the opposite end of the
third-compartment-inner-side 162 from the personal items pouches
158. The protector 156 is preferably flexible such that it may
overlay the exposed portions of any personal items 160 inserted
into the personal items pouches 158. The plastic or vinyl sheet
sheeting that the protector 156 comprises preferably provides a
feature of preventing marking of other surfaces within the third
compartment 140 by personal items 160 that comprise writing or
marking type instruments. The third compartment 140 preferably
further comprises a mirror flap 148 preferably comprised of a
PVC-type material. The mirror flap 148 is preferably connected at
the junction between the third-compartment-inner-side 162 and the
third-compartment-outer-side 164. The mirror flap 148 is preferably
connected by stitching at the junction between the
third-compartment-inner-side 162 and the
third-compartment-outer-side 164 although those skilled in the art
will recognize that other connections may be utilized in
appropriate circumstances. As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the
mirror flap 148 preferably comprises a mirror-flap-blank-side 154.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that in appropriate
circumstances the mirror-flap-blank-side 154 might comprise a
writing surface or such other item as appropriate.
[0048] Shown in FIG. 13 is a perspective view further illustrating
the alternate preferred arrangement of the third compartment 140.
The mirror flap 148 further comprises a mirror holding side 150.
Integral to the mirror holding side 150, preferably, is a mirror
152. The mirror 150 preferably comprises an unbreakable mirror such
as is known to those skilled in the art. The mirror flap 148 is
shown flipped to lay against the third-compartment-inner-side 162
herein. The third-compartment-outer-- side 164 comprises a pouch
166. The pouch 166 preferably comprises a PVC-type material and is
preferably attached in well known ways, such as stitching, to the
third-compartment-outer-side 164. The pouch 166 further preferably
comprises a zipper closure 174 although those skilled in the art
will recognize that other closures may be utilized in appropriate
circumstances. The pouch 166 further preferably comprises a
plurality of elastic loops 168 attached to the exposed surface of
the pouch 166 and structured and arranged to hold personal items
180. The plurality of elastic loops 168 are preferably attached to
the exposed surface of the pouch 166 by stitching or by such other
manner those skilled in the art would find appropriate. The elastic
loops 168 preferably comprise an elastic material having a
sufficient elasticity to securely hold at least one personal item
180 securely.
[0049] Shown in FIG. 14 is a perspective view further illustrating
an alternate preferred arrangement of the third compartment 140. In
this alternate preferred embodiment, in place of the pouch 166 and
the plurality of elastic loops 168, the third compartment 140 of
the handbag/wallet system 20 comprises a large device pocket 170.
The device pocket 170 is structured and arranged to hold an
electronic device 172. Examples of such electronic devices 172
comprise personal data assistants (PDA), calculators, MP3 players,
mini-disc players, radios, etc. In this alternate preferred
arrangement of the third compartment 140 and the handbag/wallet
system 20, the third compartment 140 further preferably comprises a
stylus 176 and a stylus pouch 178. The stylus 176 is preferably a
PDA-type stylus, although when other electronic devices 172 are
utilized, the stylus 176 may be a writing instrument or such other
personal item as desired. The device pocket 170 and the stylus
pouch 178 are preferably comprised of a material such as PVC-type
material and are preferably attached in well known ways, such as
stitching, to the third-compartment-outer-side 164 and in the
vicinity of the junction between the third-compartment-inner-side
162 and the third-compartment-outer-side 164.
[0050] The handbag/wallet system 20 further comprises alternate
means for carrying the handbag/wallet system 20. Attached at the
junction between the third compartment 140 and the rear wall
portion exterior surface 51 are, preferably, two metal rings 142
and 144. The metal rings 142 and 144 are preferably coupled to the
handbag/wallet system 20 by sewn loops of an appropriate material
known to those skilled in the art. The metal rings 142 and 144
provide attachment points for a carry cord 43. The carry cord 43,
as previously discussed, is an optional item of the handbag/wallet
system 20. Each end 58 of the carry cord 43 is preferably provided
with a clasp 59, of a well-known type, for allowing optional
detachment of the carry cord 43 to the metal rings 142 and 144. Yet
another alternate means for carrying the handbag/wallet system 20
is a carrying handle 146. The carrying handle 146 preferably
comprises a PVC-type material strap attached at the junction
between the third compartment 140 and the rear wall portion
exterior surface 51, inboard of the two metal rings 142 and 144.
The carrying handle 146 is preferably coupled to the handbag/wallet
system 20 by sewing or such other means as those skilled in the art
would find appropriate.
[0051] Although applicant has described applicant's preferred
embodiments of this invention, it will be understood that the
broadest scope of this invention includes such modifications as
diverse shapes, sizes and materials. Such scope is limited only by
the below claims as read in connection with the above
specification.
* * * * *