U.S. patent application number 09/730051 was filed with the patent office on 2002-06-06 for nested convertible handbags.
Invention is credited to Grogan, Katy A..
Application Number | 20020066505 09/730051 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24933710 |
Filed Date | 2002-06-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020066505 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Grogan, Katy A. |
June 6, 2002 |
NESTED CONVERTIBLE HANDBAGS
Abstract
A pair of nested handbags which can also function as independent
units. The inner handbag can be secured to any one of a plurality
of outer handbags having different colors and styles. The method of
securing the handbags to each other is through a simple mechanism
of flexible straps and snaps that can also serve to hold carrying
handles.
Inventors: |
Grogan, Katy A.;
(Bronxville, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
John G. Costa
P.O. Box 948
Highland
NY
12528
US
|
Family ID: |
24933710 |
Appl. No.: |
09/730051 |
Filed: |
December 5, 2000 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
150/105 ;
150/103 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 3/08 20130101; A45C
7/0086 20130101; A45C 13/22 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
150/105 ;
150/103 |
International
Class: |
A45C 003/08 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A pair of nested handbags comprising: an outer handbag, said
outer handbag comprising at least two side pieces, each side piece
comprising an inner facing surface, an end of each of two straps of
upwardly directed flexible material being affixed to the inner
facing surface of each of at least two outer handbag side pieces,
attached to each upwardly directed strap is a lower fastener and an
upper fastener, a lower fastener on an upwardly directed strap
being situated closer to the attached end of a corresponding
upwardly directed strap than is an upper fastener on the same
upwardly directed strap, aligned with each upwardly directed strap
and attached below each upwardly directed strap to the inner facing
surface of a corresponding side piece of said outer handbag are a
lower fastener and an upper fastener, each lower fastener situated
on an inner facing surface of an outer bag side piece is a mate of
a corresponding upper fastener situated on a corresponding
outwardly directed strap and each upper fastener situated on an
inner facing surface of an outer bag side piece is a mate of a
corresponding lower fastener situated on a corresponding outwardly
directed strap; an inner handbag, of smaller dimensions than the
outer handbag, said inner handbag comprising at least two side
pieces, each side piece comprising an inner facing surface, an end
of each of two straps of inwardly directed flexible material being
affixed to the inner facing surface of each of at least two inner
handbag side pieces, attached to each inwardly directed strap is a
lower fastener and an upper fastener, an upper fastener on an
inwardly directed strap being situated closer to the attached end
of a corresponding inwardly directed strap than is a lower fastener
on the same inwardly directed strap, aligned with each inwardly
directed strap and attached above each inwardly directed strap to
the inner facing surface of a corresponding side piece of said
inner handbag are a lower fastener and an upper fastener, each
lower fastener situated on an inner facing surface of an inner bag
side piece is a mate of a corresponding upper fastener on a
corresponding inwardly directed strap and each upper fastener
situated on an inner facing surface of an inner bag side piece is a
mate of a corresponding lower fastener situated on a corresponding
inwardly directed strap; each lower fastener situated on an inner
facing surface of an inner bag side piece is a mate of a
corresponding upper fastener on a corresponding outwardly directed
strap of an outer bag and each upper fastener situated on an inner
facing surface of an inner bag side piece is a mate of a
corresponding lower fastener situated on a corresponding outwardly
directed strap of an outer bag.
2. The nested handbags of claim 1 wherein each upper fastener
situated on an inner facing surface of an inner bag side piece is a
mate of a corresponding lower fastener situated on a corresponding
inwardly directed strap and wherein said corresponding lower
fastener situated on a corresponding inwardly directed strap is
oriented to face towards the interior of the inner handbag when
said inwardly directed strap hangs freely and fully extended inside
the inner handbag.
3. The nested handbags of claim 1 wherein each upper fastener
situated on an inner facing surface of an inner bag side piece is a
mate of a corresponding lower fastener situated on a corresponding
inwardly directed strap and wherein said corresponding lower
fastener situated on a corresponding inwardly directed strap is
oriented to face towards the exterior of the inner handbag when
said inwardly directed strap hangs freely and fully extended inside
the inner handbag.
4. The nested handbags of claim 1 wherein the flexible straps
affixed to the outer handbag are positioned symmetrically and
equally distant from the end pieces.
5. The nested handbags of claim 1 wherein the flexible straps of
the inner handbag are positioned symmetrically and equally distant
from the end pieces.
6. The nested handbags of claim 1 wherein said outer handbag is
chosen from a plurality of outer handbags whose straps are equally
positioned and aligned with each other but which may differ in
color, material, accessories and style.
7. The nested handbags of claim 1 wherein a flexible material flap
is attached to the inner surface of an upper portion of one of the
side pieces of the inner handbag.
8. The nested handbags of claim 1 wherein the outer handbag is
equipped with carrying handles that attach to each pair of straps
that fasten the outer handbag to the inner handbag.
9. The nested handbags of claim 1 wherein the inner handbag is
provided with an appropriate number of interior compartments, which
may be closeable with suitable fasteners.
10. The nested handbags of claim 1 wherein the outer handbag is
provided with an appropriate number of interior compartments, which
may be closeable with suitable fasteners.
11. The nested handbags of claim 1 further comprising at least one
set of carrying handles.
12. The nested handbags of claim 1 wherein at least part of at lest
one flexible strap is made from leather.
13. The nested handbags of claim 1 wherein the outer handbag may be
used as a decorative shell to hold the inner handbag.
14. The nested handbags of claim 1 wherein the outer handbag is
used independently of the inner handbag.
15. The nested handbags of claim 1 wherein the inner handbag is
used independently of the outer handbag.
16. A pair of nested handbags comprising: an outer handbag, to the
interior of whose side pieces are affixed four straps of upwardly
directed flexible material on which are fastened two female snaps
directed towards the interior of the handbag and below which,
attached to the interior of the same side pieces are attached two
male snaps also directed towards the interior of the handbag; an
inner handbag, of smaller dimensions than the outer handbag, to the
interior of whose side pieces are affixed four straps of downwardly
directed flexible material on which are fastened two female snaps,
the lowest one directed towards the side piece of the handbag to
which the strap is affixed, the higher one being directed towards
the interior of the handbag, and above which straps are affixed two
male snaps, both directed towards the interior of the handbag and
positioned so as to be aligned with the female snaps on the
corresponding straps affixed to the outer handbag, said female
snaps of the outer handbag thereby being capable of snapping onto
said male snaps of the inner handbag and securing the inner handbag
to the outer handbag when said inner handbag is inserted into said
outer handbag.
17. The nested handbags of claim 16 wherein the two female snaps on
each flexible strap affixed to the interior of the outer handbag
are positioned so as to snap onto the two male snaps below the
straps when said straps are bent over and oriented above the male
snaps.
18. The nested handbags of claim 16 wherein the two female snaps on
each flexible strap affixed to the side pieces of the inner handbag
are positioned so as to snap onto the two male snaps above them
when the flexible straps are bent up and placed over the male
snaps.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to the field of handbag design and
construction, in particular, to the design and construction of a
pair of nested handbags which can also serve as separate units.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] The use of handbags is well known in the prior art. Many
designs and configurations are represented, with attractiveness,
ease of use, portability, security, ease of content organization
and usable capacity relative to overall size being advantageous
factors. Recently, attention has been given to convertible or
nested handbags, wherein an inner, removable handbag is wholly
contained within an outer handbag. The outer handbag may belong to
a set of differently styled similar units and, thereby, serve
merely as a shell, providing a way to change the outer appearance
of the combined unit, while not appreciably affecting the storage
or organization of items within the inner handbag. Steinhart (U.S.
Pat. No. 5,911,262) provides a handbag comprising an inner handbag
disposed within an outer handbag, thereby allowing the user to
easily transfer the contents of a purse into a variety of variously
designed and colored handbags. Barbaresi ( U. S. Pat. No.
4,112,991) provides a convertible handbag comprising a rigid outer
basket-like frame within which a soft fabric inner bag is fastened
by wing-like flaps and a handle chain. Like the handbag provided by
Steinhart, the convertible handbag of Barbaresi has as a major
object the provision of a handbag that can be changed in style and
color. Briganti (U. S. Pat. No. Des. 408, 146), Briganti (U. S.
Pat. No. Des. 403, 863) and Kohn (U. S. Pat. No. Des. 334,661) all
disclose designs for handbags containing a removable liner which,
like the previously cited patents, allow the organization of
contents and the transfer of said organized contents into other
ornamental outer containers.
[0005] While the capability of changing styles is a major advantage
of convertible and nested handbags, the ease with which the change
can be effected is equally important. Another important advantage
of the nested design, is the possibility of using each member of
the pair of handbags as a separate and independent entity. In the
former regard, the handbag provided by Barbaresi requires the inner
bag to be secured to the outer bag by the weaving of a chain
through openings that are positioned beneath rigid wings on the
outer shell. Achieving this interconnection could require a level
of manipulation that is difficult for elderly people or people
whose dexterity is compromised. In a similar way, equally
disadvantageous to some users, the handbag provided by Steinhart
requires that flaps from the inner bag be passed through slots in
the outer bag. As regards the advantageous possibility that each
bag could be used as a separate entity, neither the handbags of
Steinhart, Barbaresi, Briganti nor Kohn provide that possibility.
The handbag of Barbaresi comprises a rigid outer shell containing a
soft inner bag. The rigid shell is not intended to be used alone,
whereas the soft inner bag, if unsupported by the rigid outer
shell, may lack the structural integrity to serve as an independent
unit. The handbag of Steinhart comprises an inner bag with
substantial storage flaps that are intended to be inserted through
slots in the outer bag to secure it. These flaps would be a
hinderance if the inner bag were to be used as an independent unit
without the surrounding aspect of the outer bag. Finally, it should
be noted that the handbag of Barbaresi utilizes its carrying handle
as an integral part of the mechanism by which the inner and outer
portions are secured. This makes it impossible to use such a
handbag without carrying handles, which might be desirable in
certain instances. The designs of Briganti and Kohn clearly
anticipate the inner container to be only a liner and not to
provide the possibility of its use as a separate entity. In light
of these deficiencies of convertible and nested handbags bags of
the prior art as well as handbags designed with removable liners,
the present invention provides a novel handbag design and
construction that combines ease of changing the outer style of the
handbag as a combined unit, while still providing the use of an
inner and an outer handbag as independent and separate units.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] A first object of this invention is to provide a pair of
nested handbags, comprising an inner handbag and an outer handbag
secured to each other.
[0007] A second object of this invention is to provide a pair of
nested handbags wherein the outer handbag can be easily
interchanged with other similar units so as to permit color and
stylistic variations of the combined unit.
[0008] A third object of this invention is to provide a pair of
nested handbags wherein the inner handbag can be easily transferred
to and secured within any one of a plurality of outer handbags
without disturbing its contents or organization.
[0009] A fourth object of this invention is to provide a pair of
nested handbags which can also serve as separate and independent
units.
[0010] A fifth object of this invention is to provide a pair of
nested handbags, to be used together or separately, with detachable
carrying handles.
[0011] These objects are achieved by the use of a novel
configuration of snaps disposed along small flexible straps affixed
within each bag. When the bags are nested, the female snaps on the
straps of the outer bag connect to the male snaps within the inner
bag, thus easily securing the bags to each other without the
necessity of complex or difficult manipulations. The same
strap/snap combination can be used to secure carrying straps or
handles to the outer bag so as to enable the combined unit to be
easily carried. When the bags are to be used separately, the
strap/snap combinations hang down within the bags so as not to
interfere with the contents of the bag and to be well concealed or,
equally advantageously, they may be snapped together to themselves.
If they are snapped together to themselves, the strap/snap
combinations can be used to secure carrying straps to the bags when
they are used separately.
[0012] In general, herein disclosed is a pair of nested handbags
comprising an outer handbag, said outer handbag comprising at least
two side pieces, each side piece comprising an inner facing
surface, an end of each of two straps of upwardly directed flexible
material being affixed to the inner facing surface of each of at
least two outer handbag side pieces, attached to each upwardly
directed strap is a lower fastener and an upper fastener, a lower
fastener on an upwardly directed strap being situated closer to the
attached end of a corresponding upwardly directed strap than is an
upper fastener on the same upwardly directed strap, aligned with
each upwardly directed strap and attached below each upwardly
directed strap to the inner facing surface of a corresponding side
piece of said outer handbag are a lower fastener and an upper
fastener, each lower fastener situated on an inner facing surface
of an outer bag side piece is a mate of a corresponding upper
fastener situated on a corresponding outwardly directed strap and
each upper fastener situated on an inner facing surface of an outer
bag side piece is a mate of a corresponding lower fastener situated
on a corresponding outwardly directed strap; an inner handbag, of
smaller dimensions than the outer handbag, said inner handbag
comprising at least two side pieces, each side piece comprising an
inner facing surface, an end of each of two straps of inwardly
directed flexible material being affixed to the inner facing
surface of each of at least two inner handbag side pieces, attached
to each inwardly directed strap is a lower fastener and an upper
fastener, an upper fastener on an inwardly directed strap being
situated closer to the attached end of a corresponding inwardly
directed strap than is a lower fastener on the same inwardly
directed strap, aligned with each inwardly directed strap and
attached above each inwardly directed strap to the inner facing
surface of a corresponding side piece of said inner handbag are a
lower fastener and an upper fastener, each lower fastener situated
on an inner facing surface of an inner bag side piece is a mate of
a corresponding upper fastener on a corresponding inwardly directed
strap and each upper fastener situated on an inner facing surface
of an inner bag side piece is a mate of a corresponding lower
fastener situated on a corresponding inwardly directed strap; each
lower fastener situated on an inner facing surface of an inner bag
side piece is a mate of a corresponding upper fastener on a
corresponding outwardly directed strap of an outer bag and each
upper fastener situated on an inner facing surface of an inner bag
side piece is a mate of a corresponding lower fastener situated on
a corresponding outwardly directed strap of an outer bag.
[0013] In one variation of the nested handbags herein disclosed
each upper fastener situated on an inner facing surface of an inner
bag side piece is a mate of a corresponding lower fastener situated
on a corresponding inwardly directed strap and wherein said
corresponding lower fastener situated on a corresponding inwardly
directed strap is oriented to face towards the interior of the
inner handbag when said inwardly directed strap hangs freely and
fully extended inside the inner handbag.
[0014] In another variation of the nested handbags herein disclosed
each upper fastener situated on an inner facing surface of an inner
bag side piece is a mate of a corresponding lower fastener situated
on a corresponding inwardly directed strap and wherein said
corresponding lower fastener situated on a corresponding inwardly
directed strap is oriented to face towards the exterior of the
inner handbag when said inwardly directed strap hangs freely and
filly extended inside the inner handbag.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0015] The subject matter that is regarded as the invention is
particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding
portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to
organization and method of practice, together with further objects
and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the
following description taken in connection with the accompanying
drawings in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the outer handbag, showing a
detachable carrying strap and an inner pocket.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the inner handbag, showing
the snap/strap combination hanging vertically downward and
unattached to the outer bag. The view also shows a zippered
compartment partially covered by a security flap, but this is to be
considered only as an example of possible interior storage
configurations.
[0018] FIG. 3a&b is a simplified perspective view (3a) of the
outer handbag, also showing (3b) a separate side view of the
configuration of the attached flexible straps and their snaps.
[0019] FIG. 4a, b & c show a cut-away view of the inner
handbag, showing two pairs of male snaps on an upper border and two
of the snap/strap combinations hanging vertically downward
exhibiting inward and outward directed female snaps in a novel
configuration. FIG. 4b shows how this novel snap configuration
allows the strap to be folded back on itself and fastened so as to
be capable of holding a carrying strap. FIG. 4c shows how the strap
from the outer handbag fastens to the snaps in the inner
handbag
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] The present invention provides a pair of nested handbags,
comprising an outer handbag, which may belong to a plurality of
similar outer handbags of various colors and stylistic varieties,
and an inner handbag, which may contain a variety of storage
configurations. Each handbag is equipped with sets of snaps,
disposed along flexible straps in a novel manner and configured so
as to allow the inner handbag, even when its storage areas are
filled, to be easily secured to any one of a plurality of outer
handbags by means of joining its male snaps to the female snaps of
the outer handbag. When joined by their corresponding snaps, the
snapped configuration can also serve to hold a pair of carrying
handles or straps. Additionally, each of the inner and outer
handbags may be used separately and independently, since the
snap/strap combinations can either be allowed to hang vertically
downward, out of sight and in a manner that does not interfere with
the use of the handbag or else can be snapped together so as to
allow the attachment of carrying straps if so desired.
[0021] Referring first to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view
of the outer handbag. The body of the outer handbag in this example
consists of two rectangular side pieces (11a & 11b) joined to a
rectangular base (13). The side pieces are separated by two end
pieces (15a & 15b) of approximately trapezoidal shape. The
material and dimensions of these pieces can be varied according to
the intended use of the handbag. Also shown in the figure is a
carrying strap (8) attached by a metal loop (4) to a pair of
snap/strap (2) arrangements, whose female snaps (3) are fastened to
corresponding male snaps affixed beneath them (not shown). Although
it is not shown in the figure, it is understood that the outer
handbag may be decorated in a variety of fashions, including, but
not limited to the use of fabrics having different colors, textures
and compositions, the use of decorative borders and stitching, and
the attachment of metallic escutcheons and monograms.
[0022] Referring next to FIG. 2, there is shown a view of the inner
handbag. The inner handbag comprises a pair of rectangular
side-pieces (21a & 21b) attached to a rectangular base-piece
(23), and separated by two rectangular end-pieces (22a & 22b).
The exact dimensions of these pieces is determined by the
dimensions of the outer handbag, into which the inner handbag must
fit. The material of the inner handbag may also vary. The figure
also shows a zippered compartment (26) and partially shows a pair
of strap and snap (28) configurations hanging downward. A leather
flap cover (24) can be used to further conceal the contents of the
inner handbag.
[0023] Referring next to FIG. 3a, there is shown a simplified view
of the outer handbag (30) showing the four sets of flexible straps
and snaps (32) affixed to the interior of the handbag and directed
vertically upward. Each strap has two exposed female snaps (34)
directed inward and there are two exposed male snaps (36) that
protrude from the interior of the handbag just below the straps and
also face inward. FIG. 3b shows how each strap can be fastened to
itself by connecting the female snaps (34) to the male snaps (36),
as would be the case if the outer handbag were to be used
separately with attached carrying handles. When the inner bag is
nested into the outer bag, however, the female snaps (34) would
fasten to the corresponding male snaps (see (48) in FIG. 4c) within
the inner handbag.
[0024] Referring next to FIG. 4a, there is shown a cut-away view of
the inner handbag (42) showing two of its four pairs of flexible
straps (46) hanging vertically downward. Each strap has two snaps
on it, one snap being an outward pointing female snap (49), the
other being an inward pointing female snap (50). Just above each
strap is a pair of outwardly directed male snaps (48). The figure
also shows a zippered compartment (47), a flap of flexible material
which could be leather (44) and which could provide additional
security or decoration, and an accessory fastener (45), which could
serve to hold keys and other items securely within the handbag. It
is expected that the inner handbag may have a variety of
compartments and attachments, these are shown as examples only.
FIG. 4b shows how the strap (46) can be folded so as to attach to
the snaps (48) and form a loop. In this configuration, carrying
straps can be easily and securely attached to the inner handbag
allowing it be used as an independent unit, although it may be so
used without the addition of carrying straps. FIG. 4c shows how the
flexible strap and female snaps ((34) of FIG. 3) of the outer
handbag will be fastened to the male snaps (48) of the inner
handbag when the two are configured as a nested unit.
[0025] It is specifically noted that, although the drawings
illustrate that the overall shape of the inner and outer handbags
are similar and that the inner handbag is snuggly inserted into the
outer handbag, the shapes of the inner and outer handbags do not
have to be similar and the fit of the inner handbag into the outer
handbag can vary wildly from being very snug to very loose.
[0026] As is understood by a person skilled in the art, the
preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrative of
the present invention rather than being limiting of the present
invention. Revisions and modifications may be made to methods,
processes, materials, structures, shapes and dimensions through
which is formed a pair of nested handbags which can also serve as
independent units, while still providing a pair of nested handbags
which can also serve as independent units, formed in accord with
the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
[0027] While the invention has been described in detail herein in
accord with certain preferred embodiments thereof, many
modifications and changes therein may be effected by those skilled
in the art. Accordingly, it is intended by the appended claims to
cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true
spirit and scope of the invention.
[0028] The recitation herein of a list of desirable objects which
are met by various embodiments of the present invention is not
meant to imply or suggest that any or all of these objects are
present as essential features, either individually or collectively,
in the most general embodiment of the present invention or in any
of its more specific embodiments.
* * * * *