Purse organizer with detachable light

Abstract

The organizer includes a normally planar, flexible internal member that tends to keep the organizer upright to permit easy access to the retained objects and to conform to the shape of the bag interior, making the organizer suitable for use with a large number of different size and shape bags. The organizer is provided with a light source with an actuation switch. In one embodiment, the light source is detachably mounted on the organizer so that it can be removed to illuminate the environment.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/986,478 filed Nov. 10, 2004 and entitled "Handbag Organizer with Light."

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO A "SEQUENCE LISTING", A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON COMPACT DISC

[0003] Not Applicable

[0004] The present invention relates to an organizer adapted to be received within a purse or other similar type bag for retaining one or more objects and more particularly to such an organizer that includes an internal stiffening member and a detachable light for illuminating the bag interior when mounted on the organizer and the environment when removed from the organizer.

[0005] 1. Field of the Invention

[0006] Many inserts and attachments for retaining objects in purses, handbags and the like, often referred to as organizers because they are useful in keeping a number of objects in an organized fashion, are known in the art. The organizers are commonly designed with individual compartments or pockets for holding personal objects, such as eyeglasses, writing instruments, cell phones, wallets and the like. Such organizers may either be received loosely within the bag interior, or may be fixed or removably attached to the sidewalls of the bag.

[0007] 2. Description of Prior Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98

[0008] However, organizers that are loosely received within the interior of a bag tend to move around within the bag as the bag is handled. If the sidewalls of the bag are non-rigid, they may partially collapse over the organizer, and may obstruct the path to the organizer, making location and removal of the retained objects from the organizer difficult. On the other hand, organizers that are attached to the sidewalls of the bag must be fabricated to fit the sidewalls of the particular bag within which they are designed to be received. Thus, a large variety of different size and shape organizers are required for use with the many different bag configurations available on the market. Further, such organizers must include a means for attachment to the bag sidewall to prevent the organizer from moving around within the interior of the handbag.

[0009] It would therefore be desirable to have an organizer with an internal structure that would keep the organizer upright with the bag for unobstructed access to the objects retained in the organizer and, at the same time, would be capable of conforming to the dimensions of a variety of different size and shape bags with rigid sidewalls, such that a single organizer style could be used with any one of a large number of different bag configurations.

[0010] Further, the interior of the purse or bag is often dark, making it difficult to locate a particular object within the bag or situated within one of the organizer compartments. It would therefore be advantageous to have an organizer with a built-in light source to illuminate the interior of the bag.

[0011] Moreover, the user of the bag may be in a situation in which light is required to perform some task, such as to insert a key into a keyhole in a dark environment. In that instance, it would be desirable to be able to detach the light from the organizer and remove it from the bag so as to illuminate the environment, thereby facilitating the task.

[0012] It is, therefore, a prime object of the present invention to provide an organizer for a bag, purse, or the like that includes an internal stiffening member to facilitate the location and removal of objects from the organizer.

[0013] It is another object of the present invention to provide a bag organizer that includes conforms to the sidewalls of the bag in which it is situated.

[0014] It is another object of the present invention to provide a bag organizer that can be used with a large variety of different size and shape bags.

[0015] It is another object of the present invention to provide a bag organizer that does not require any means of attachment to the bag sidewalls.

[0016] It is still another object of the present invention to provide a bag organizer with a light for illuminating the bag interior.

[0017] It is still another object of the present invention to provide a bag organizer with a detachable light.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] In general, the above mentioned objects are achieved by the organizer of the present invention through the use of a normally planar, flexible internal stiffening member that tends to keep the organizer upright to facilitate insert or removal of objects from the organizer. Further, in cases where the material of which the member is composed has a "memory" and therefore tends to return to a planar state when deformed to fit into the bag, the organizer applies an outwardly directed force on the interior surface of the bag sidewalls, tending to keep the sidewalls apart and to conform to the shape of the bag interior, thereby making the organizer suitable for use with a large number of different size and shape bags without the necessity of any structure for attaching the organizer to the bag sidewalls.

[0019] Further, the organizer is provided with a light source with an easily accessed actuation switch for illuminating the bag interior. Means are provided for detachably mounting the light source on the organizer such that the light source can be removed from the bag for illuminating the environment.

[0020] More specifically, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an organizer is provided for a bag that has an interior space into which the organizer is adapted to be received. The organizer includes first and second exterior sheets of flexible material, such as fabric, joined together at the periphery so as to form a recess therebetween. A normally generally planar member is situated within the recess formed between the exterior sheets. The member is formed of relatively stiff, bendable material. A compartment is situated on one of the exterior sheets. The compartment is adapted to retain various an objects therein. A light source is mounted on the organizer. Means are provided for mounting the light source on the organizer.

[0021] Preferably, the compartment comprises a plurality of different size pockets adapted to retain different size objects.

[0022] A flap is provided for covering the compartment. The light source is preferably mounted on the flap.

[0023] The light source preferably takes the form of a light emitting diode.

[0024] A switch is provided for actuating the light source. A battery is also provided. The light source and the battery form a unit mounted on the flap.

[0025] In one preferred embodiment, the light source mounting means includes means for detachably mounting the light source on the organizer. In that embodiment, the organizer has a pocket and the detachable mounting means includes a first mounting member attached to the light source and adapted to be received in the pocket.

[0026] The detachable mounting means also includes a second mounting member. The second mounting member is situated in a plane generally parallel to but spaced from the plane of the first mounting member such that the organizer can be received between the first and second mounting members. Preferably, the first and second mounting members are integral.

[0027] Preferably, each of the mounting members has a different width. The mounting member-receiving pocket has a width corresponding to the width of the first mounting member. In that way, the light source can be mounted on the organizer in only a single orientation.

[0028] The organizer may also include key retaining means mounted thereon. The key retaining means preferably takes the form of a self-closing key loop.

[0029] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an organizer is provided for a purse or the like of the type having an interior space into which the organizer is adapted to be received. The organizer includes a compartment, a battery operated light source and means for detachably mounting the light source on the organizer. The detachable mounting means includes a mounting bracket having a first mounting member. The first mounting member is adapted to be removably received within the compartment.

[0030] The detachable mounting means also includes a second mounting member. The second mounting member is situated in a plane generally parallel to but spaced from the plane of the first mounting member. The organizer is situated between the mounting members when the light source is mounted on the organizer.

[0031] Preferably, the first mounting member and the second mounting member are integral.

[0032] The organizer also has a plurality of different size pockets adapted to retain different size objects.

[0033] Preferably, the light source takes the form of a light emitting diode.

[0034] A switch is provided for actuating the light source.

[0035] Preferably, the organizer includes an internal stiffening member.

[0036] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an organizer is provided for a bag or the like of the type having an interior space into which the organizer is adapted to be received. The organizer includes a battery operated light source and means for detachably mounting the light source on the organizer. The detachable mounting means includes a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket has first and second mounting members. The mounting members are adapted to be received on opposite sides of the organizer.

[0037] The second mounting member is situated in a plane generally parallel to but spaced from the plane of the first mounting member. Preferably, the first mounting member and the second mounting member are integral.

[0038] The organizer has a pocket. One of the mounting members is adapted to be received in the pocket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF DRAWINGS

[0039] To those and to such other objects as may hereinafter appear, the present invention relates to a purse, handbag or there bag organizer with a light, as described in detail in the following specification and recited in the annexed claims, taken together with the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts, and in which:

[0040] FIG. 1 is an exploded isometric view of a first preferred embodiment of the organizer of the present invention bent into a shape to permit insertion into a bag;

[0041] FIG. 2 is a front view of the organizer of FIG. 1, showing the object retaining compartments;

[0042] FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the organizer of FIG. 1, showing the internal structure of the organizer;

[0043] FIG. 4 is an enlarged front view of one of the pocket flaps of the organizer of FIG. 1, showing the built-in light;

[0044] FIG. 5 is a front view of a bag showing the organizer of FIG. 1 received therein;

[0045] FIG. 6 is an exploded isometric view of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention deformed into a shape to permit insertion into a bag;

[0046] FIG. 7 is an exploded plan view of the detachable light source and the portion of the organizer to which it is mounted;

[0047] FIG. 8 is a rear plan view of the detachable light source mounting bracket;

[0048] FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view showing the detachable light source mounted on the organizer;

[0049] FIG. 10 is a front elevation view showing the detachable light source mounted on the organizer;

[0050] FIG. 11 is a partial cut away view of the organizer of FIG. 6 situated within a bag showing the use of the light source to illuminate the bag interior; and

[0051] FIG. 12 illustrates how the light source can illuminate the environment when removed from the bag.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0052] As seen in FIGS. 1-5, the first preferred embodiment of the present invention is an organizer, generally designated A, for a purse, handbag or similar bag, generally designated B. It should be understood that although the organizer of the present invention is disclosed for use with a purse or handbag, it could be utilized with any type of bag, such as a tote bag, sports bag, luggage, backpack or book bag, having either non-rigid or rigid sidewalls.

[0053] Bag B has an interior space 10 defined, in part, by sidewalls 12. As shown in FIG. 1, bag B is formed of four sidewalls 12: a front sidewall 12a; a left sidewall 12b; a rear sidewall 12c; and a right sidewall 12d. The bag also includes a bottom or floor 14 and a flap 16 which closes the top of the bag.

[0054] Flap 16 is provided with a female clasp part 18 which is adapted to receive a male clasp part 20 that extends outwardly from the exterior surface of front sidewall 12a. Male clasp part 20 has a moveable or rotatable outer part 22 for maintaining the clasp in the "locked" position so as to retain flap 16 adjacent to the front sidewall of the bag.

[0055] As best seen from FIG. 4, organizer A includes first and second exterior sheets of fabric, plastic, vinyl or other suitable material 24, 26. Those sheets are joined together at the periphery 28 by adhesive, stitching, heat welding or by any other conventional closure method, so as to form an elongated recess 30 between sheets 24, 26.

[0056] A normally generally planar structural interior member 32 is situated within recess 30 formed between the sheets 24, 26. Member 32 is formed of flexible plastic or metal material which is relatively stiff so as to keep the organizer relatively stiff and upright.

[0057] Preferably, the internal stiffening member 32 is formed of a material that has a "memory" and when bent, will tend to return to its original planar state. That characteristic of member 32 causes organizer A to apply an outwardly directed force to press against the interior surfaces of sidewalls 12 of the bag when the organizer is bent and placed within the bag.

[0058] If sidewalls 12 of the bag are made of non-rigid material, the internal stiffening member of the organizer keeps the organizer upright and prevents the sidewalls from partially collapsing and obstructing access to the organizer. Whether the sidewalls of the bag are non-rigid or rigid, the organizer will tend to conform to the shape of the interior of the bag, making a single style organizer suitable of use with a large variety of different size, shape and size bags.

[0059] A plurality of object retaining compartments in the form of pockets 34, of different sizes and shapes, are formed as a part of exterior sheet 24. Pockets 34 are adapted to retain various objects therein such as pens 36, envelopes 38, a cigarette lighter 40 and the like. The pockets are either open at the top, in which case the edge of the mouth of the pocket may be provided with elastic, or the mouth of the pocket is closed with a flap 44.

[0060] As is best seen in FIG. 4, in this preferred embodiment, a central flap 46 is provided as a base for a light source containing unit 48 that is permanently attached to the interior surface thereof. Unit 48 includes a generally circular housing 50 with a lens 52 mounted on the front surface. Situated within housing 50 are a light source and a battery (not shown). A switch 54 for conditionally connecting the battery to the light source is accessible from the exterior of the housing. Switch 54 is accessible when flap 46 is open and manually actuatable to connect the battery to the light source to illuminate the interior of the purse.

[0061] Alternatively, switch 54 may automatically turn the light on when flap 46 is opened. In that case, switch 54 is spring-loaded toward the non-depressed position but is normally held in the depressed position by the exterior surface of the underlying pocket 34 when flap 46 is closed. When flap 46 is opened, switch 54 is released and the internal spring causes the switch to move to the non-depressed position to connect the battery to the light source.

[0062] The light source may include any kind of low voltage lamp. However, it is preferably a light emitting diode.

[0063] The organizer also includes key retaining means mounted thereon. The key retaining means preferably takes the form of a self-closing key loop 56 mounted on a strap 58 located near one of the corners of the organizer.

[0064] A second preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 6 through 12. That preferred embodiment includes an organizer A' having a detachably mounted light source, generally designated C. Organizer A' is similar to organizer A of the first preferred embodiment of the invention except that it does not include the built-in light source mounted to the inside of flap 46 and includes a pocket adapted to receive the detachable light source C, as described below.

[0065] In particular, the light source C of the second embodiment includes a case or housing 60 enclosing a light emitting diode 62, a battery (not shown) and carrying a spring-loaded push button type switch 64 for connecting the battery to the light emitting diode when depressed.

[0066] Case 60 is mounted on a mounting bracket 66, best seen in FIG. 8. Bracket 66 is preferably formed of a single piece of plastic or metal into which a "U" shaped slot 68 is cut. Slot 68 defines a first, tongue-shaped mounting member 70. The remainder of bracket 66 forms a second mounting member 72.

[0067] When bracket 66 is formed, mounting members 70 and 72 are in substantially the same plane. However, member 70 is bent slightly so as to be situated in a plane that is parallel with but spaced from the plane of member 72 by a distance substantially equal to the thickness of organizer A'. In this way, the mounting members can be received on opposite sides of the organizer and frictionally engage the organizer therebetween. Members 70 and 72 are integral and form two parallel, spaced extensions to which case 60 is attached. The mounting system is preferably designed to insure that the light source C can be received on organizer A' in only a single orientation.

[0068] Organizer A' is provided with a pocket 74 on exterior sheet 24. Pocket 74 is adapted to receive member 70 of bracket 66 therein. The size of pocket 74 is selected so that member 70 is easily inserted and removed from the pocket but that member 72 cannot fit therein. In this way, light source C can be mounted on organizer A' in only a single orientation.

[0069] As is best seen in FIG. 10, when organizer A' is formed into a circular or oval shape and received in bag B, and light source C is mounted on the organizer with member 70 received in pocket 74, member 70 is situated on one side of the organizer and member 72 is situated on the other side of the organizer. In that orientation, as illustrated in FIG. 11, switch 64 on case 66 is unobstructed by the bag walls and is easily accessible. Further, light emitting diode 62 is situated to illuminate the interior of the organizer, and the interior of the bag, to facilitate the location of objects within the bag, as well as the removal and insertion of objects into the organizer compartments.

[0070] However, when it is necessary to illuminate the environment outside of the bag, for example to light up a door knob to facilitate the insertion of a key into a keyhole therein, as shown in FIG. 12, light source C is detached from the organizer and removed from the bag. It can then be used as a conventional flashlight.

[0071] It will now be appreciated that the present invention relates to a purse or bag organizer with an internal stiffening member designed to provide structure to permit unobstructed access the objects retained in the organizer compartments, and making the organizer suitable for use with a large number of different size and shape bags. Further, the invention includes a light source for illuminating the interior of the bag, which in one preferred embodiment is detachably mounted on the organizer such that it can be removed from the bag to illuminate the environment when necessary.

[0072] While only a limited number of preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed herein for purposes of illustration, it is obvious that many variations and modifications could be made thereto. It is intended to cover all of those variations and modifications that fall within the scope of the present invention, as defined by the following claims:

Claims

1. An organizer for a bag or the like of the type having an interior space into which the organizer is adapted to be received, the organizer comprising first and second exterior sheets of material joined together at the periphery so as to form a recess therebetween, a normally generally planar member situated within said recess, said member comprising a relatively stiff, flexible material, a compartment formed on one of said exterior sheets adapted to retain an object therein, a battery operated light source and means for mounting said light source on said organizer.

2. The organizer of claim 1 wherein said compartment comprises a plurality of different size pockets adapted to retain different size objects.

3. The organizer of claim 1 further comprising a flap for covering said compartment.

4. The organizer of claim 1 wherein said light source comprises a light emitting diode.

5. The organizer of claim 3 wherein said light source is mounted on said flap.

6. The organizer of claim 5 wherein said light source comprises a light emitting diode.

7. The organizer of claim 1 further comprising a switch for actuating said light source.

8. The organizer of claim 1 further comprising a battery and wherein said light source and said battery form a unit.

9. The organizer of claim 8 further comprising a flap for covering said compartment and wherein said unit is mounted on said flap.

10. The organizer of claim 1 further comprising key retaining means.

11. The organizer of claim 1 wherein said light source mounting means comprises means for detachably mounting said light source on said organizer.

12. The organizer of claim 11 wherein said organizer has a pocket and wherein said detachable mounting means comprises a first mounting member attached to said light source and adapted to be received in said pocket.

13. The organizer of claim 12 wherein said detachable mounting means comprises a second mounting member situated in a plane generally parallel to but spaced from the plane of said first mounting member.

14. An organizer for a bag or the like of the type having an interior space into which the organizer is adapted to be received, the organizer comprising a compartment, a battery operated light source and means for detachably mounting said light source on said organizer, said detachable mounting means comprising a mounting bracket comprising a first mounting member, said first mounting member being adapted to be removably received within said compartment.

15. The organizer of claim 14 wherein said detachable mounting means comprises a second mounting member and wherein said second mounting member is situated in a plane generally parallel to but spaced from the plane of said first mounting member.

16. The organizer of claim 15 wherein said organizer is situated between said mounting members when said light source is mounted on the organizer.

17. The organizer of claim 14 wherein said detachable mounting means comprises a second mounting member and wherein said first mounting member and said second mounting member are integral.

18. The organizer of claim 14 further comprising a plurality of different size pockets adapted to retain different size objects.

19. The organizer of claim 14 wherein said light source comprises a light emitting diode.

20. The organizer of claim 14 further comprising a further comprising a switch for actuating said light source.

21. The organizer of claim 14 comprising an internal stiffening member.

22. An organizer for a bag or the like of the type having an interior space into which the organizer is adapted to be received, the organizer comprising a battery operated light source and means for detachably mounting said light source on said organizer, said detachable mounting means comprising a mounting bracket, said mounting bracket comprising first and second mounting members, said mounting members being adapted to be received on opposite sides of said organizer.

23. The organizer of claim 22 wherein said second mounting member is situated in a plane generally parallel to but spaced from the plane of said first mounting member.

24. The organizer of claim 22 wherein said first mounting member and said second mounting member are integral.

25. The organizer of claim 22 comprising a pocket and wherein one of said mounting members is adapted to be received in said pocket.

26. A battery operated light source for use on an organizer for a bag or the like of the type having an interior space into which the organizer is adapted to be received, said light source comprising means for detachably mounting said light source on the organizer, said detachable mounting means comprises a first mounting member and a second mounting member situated in a plane generally parallel, to but spaced form, the plane of said first mounting member.

27. The light source of claim 26 wherein said organizer has a pocket and wherein said first mounting member is adapted to be received in the organizer pocket.

28. The light source of claim 26 further comprising a light emitting diode.

29. The light source of claim 26 further comprising a switch for actuating said light source.

30. A battery operated light source for use on an organizer for a bag or the like of the type having an interior space into which the organizer is adapted to be received, the organizer including a compartment, means for detachably mounting said light source on said organizer, said detachable mounting means comprising a mounting bracket comprising a first mounting member, said first mounting member being adapted to be removably received within said compartment and a second mounting member, wherein said second mounting member is situated in a plane generally parallel to but spaced from the plane of said first mounting member.

31. The light source of claim 30 wherein a portion of said organizer is situated between said first and second mounting members, when said light source is mounted on the organizer.

32. The light source of claim 30 wherein said first mounting member and said second mounting member are integral.

33. The light source of claim 30 wherein the organizer has opposing sides, and wherein said first and second mounting brackets are adapted to be received proximate opposite sides of the organizer, respectively.

34. A battery operated light source comprising a bracket for detachably mounting the light source on an object, said bracket comprising first and second mounting members extending from a base in spaced, substantially parallel planes, so as to define an object-receiving space therebetween.

35. The light source of claim 34 wherein said light source comprises a light emitting diode.

36. The light source of claim 34 comprising a switch for actuating said light source.