U.S. patent application number 11/440943 was filed with the patent office on 2007-11-22 for compartmentalized vanity handbag.
Invention is credited to Lori Greiner.
Application Number | 20070267114 11/440943 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38189606 |
Filed Date | 2007-11-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070267114 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Greiner; Lori |
November 22, 2007 |
Compartmentalized vanity handbag
Abstract
A handbag includes at least one interior compartment formed by a
transparent side wall joined to a surface of a panel of the
handbag. The surface may be formed by an anti-tarnish cloth or by a
non-absorbent material.
Inventors: |
Greiner; Lori; (Chicago,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GROUP;FREDRIKSON & BYRON, P.A.
200 SOUTH SIXTH STREET
SUITE 4000
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
US
|
Family ID: |
38189606 |
Appl. No.: |
11/440943 |
Filed: |
May 25, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60797589 |
May 4, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
150/112 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 2200/10 20130101;
A45C 13/02 20130101; A45C 2011/007 20130101; A45C 11/16 20130101;
A45C 3/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
150/112 |
International
Class: |
A45C 3/06 20060101
A45C003/06; A45C 1/02 20060101 A45C001/02 |
Claims
1. A handbag, comprising: a base; at least one opaque panel
permanently joined to the base, the at least one panel including a
surface; and an interior compartment formed by a portion of the
surface and a sidewall joined to the surface; the interior
compartment including a securable opening, the securable opening
allowing access to the compartment, when opened, and completely
enclosing items within the compartment, when closed.
2. The handbag of claim 1, wherein the at least one opaque panel
comprises a first panel and a second panel, the panels disposed on
opposing sides of the base.
3. The handbag of claim 1, further comprising: a first panel; and a
second panel; wherein the base extends between the first and second
panels; and the at least one opaque panel is reversibly joined to
the first panel such that the surface faces the first panel.
4. The handbag of claim 3, wherein the at least one opaque panel is
reversibly joined to the first panel about an entire perimeter of
the at least one panel, excluding that portion permanently joined
to the base
5. The handbag of claim 3, wherein the at least one opaque panel is
reversibly joined to the first panel such that the at least one
panel may be opened away from the first panel to rest along a plane
approximately perpendicular to the first panel.
6. The handbag of claim 3, wherein the at least one opaque panel is
reversibly joined to the first panel such that the at least one
panel may be opened away from the first panel to rest along a plane
at an acute angle with respect to the first panel.
7. The handbag of claim 3, wherein the at least one opaque panel
comprises a plurality of panels.
8. The handbag of claim 3, wherein the first panel includes an
outer surface adjacent the interior compartment and further
comprising at least one other interior compartment formed by a
portion of the outer surface of the first panel and another
transparent sidewall joined to the outer surface.
9. The handbag of claim 8, wherein the at least one other interior
compartment includes a securable opening, the securable opening
allowing access to the other interior compartment, when opened, and
completely enclosing items within the other interior compartment,
when closed.
10. The handbag of claim 8, wherein the at least one other interior
compartment is divided into sub-compartments.
11. The handbag of claim 8, wherein the at least one other interior
compartment includes a plurality of other interior
compartments.
12. The handbag of claim 1, further comprising: a first panel; and
a second panel; wherein the base extends between the first and
second panels; and the at least one opaque panel comprises a first
outer panel reversibly joined to the first panel such that the
surface of the first outer panel faces the first panel, and a
second outer panel permanently joined to the base and reversibly
joined to the second panel such that the surface of the second
outer panel faces the second panel.
13. The handbag of claim 12, wherein the first and second outer
panels are reversibly joined to the first and second panels,
respectively, about an entire perimeter of the first and second
outer panels, excluding those portions of each of the first and
second outer panels which are permanently joined to the base
14. The handbag of claim 12, wherein the first and second outer
panels are reversibly joined to the first and second panels,
respectively, such that each of the first and second outer panels
may be opened away from the respective panel of the first and
second panels, to rest along a plane approximately perpendicular to
the respective panel.
15. The handbag of claim 12, wherein the first and second outer
panels are reversibly joined to the first and second panels,
respectively, such that each of the first and second outer panels
may be opened away from the respective panel of the first and
second panels, to rest along a plane at an acute angle with respect
to the respective panel.
16. The handbag of claim 12, wherein each of the first and second
panels include an outer surface adjacent the interior compartment
of the respective outer panel of the first and second outer panels;
and further comprising at least one other interior compartment
formed by portion of the outer surface of one of the first and
second panels and another transparent sidewall joined to the outer
surface.
17. The handbag of claim 16, wherein the at least one other
interior compartment includes a securable opening, the securable
opening allowing access to the other interior compartment, when
opened, and completely enclosing items within the other interior
compartment, when closed.
18. The handbag of claim 16, wherein the at least one other
interior compartment is divided into sub-compartments.
19. The handbag of claim 1, wherein the interior compartment is
divided into sub-compartments.
20. The handbag of claim 1, further comprising another interior
compartment formed by another portion of the surface and another
transparent sidewall.
21. The handbag of claim 1, wherein the portion of the surface
comprises an anti-tarnish cloth.
22. The handbag of claim 1, wherein the portion of the surface
comprises a non-absorbent material.
23. The handbag of claim 1, further comprising an element on which
rings may be mounted, the element held within the interior
compartment.
24. The handbag of claim 23, wherein the element is reversibly
secured within the interior compartment.
25. A handbag, comprising: a main section including a first panel,
a second panel opposing the first panel, and a base extending
between the first and second panels; and an outer section
reversibly joined to the first panel of the main section such that
the outer section may be detached from the main section; the outer
section including at least one outer panel and at least one
interior compartment; the at least one outer panel having an
interior surface; and the at least one interior compartment formed
by a portion of the interior surface of the at least one outer
panel and a transparent side wall joined to the interior
surface.
26. The handbag of claim 25, wherein the at least one outer panel
includes two opposing panels.
27. The handbag of claim 25, wherein the at least one interior
compartment comprises a plurality of compartments.
28. The handbag of claim 25, wherein the at least one interior
compartment is divided into sub-compartments.
29. The handbag of claim 25, wherein the portion of the interior
surface comprises an anti-tarnish cloth.
30. The handbag of claim 25, wherein the portion of the interior
surface comprises a non-absorbent material.
31. The handbag of claim 25, wherein the at least one outer panel
includes a first outer panel and a second outer panel opposing the
first outer panel; and the at least one interior compartment
includes a first interior compartment joined to the interior
surface of the first outer panel and a second interior compartment
joined to the interior surface of the second outer panel.
32. A handbag, comprising: at least one panel including a surface
formed, at least in part, by an anti-tarnish cloth; and at least
one interior compartment formed by the anti-tarnish cloth and a
transparent sidewall, the transparent sidewall being joined to the
surface of the panel.
33. The handbag of claim 32, wherein the at least one interior
compartment includes a plurality of compartments.
34. The handbag of claim 32, wherein the at least one interior
compartment is divided into sub-compartments.
35. The handbag of claim 32, further comprising an element on which
rings may be mounted, the element held within the interior
compartment.
36. The handbag of claim 35, wherein the element is reversibly
secured within the interior compartment.
37. A handbag, comprising: at least one panel including a surface
formed, at least in part, by a non-absorbent material; and at least
one interior compartment formed by the non-absorbent material and a
transparent sidewall, the transparent sidewall being joined to the
surface of the panel.
38. The handbag of claim 37, wherein the at least one interior
compartment includes a plurality of compartments.
39. The handbag of claim 37, wherein the at least one interior
compartment is divided into sub-compartments.
40. A handbag, comprising: a main section including a first panel,
a second panel opposing the first panel, and a base extending
between the first and second panels; a first outer section formed
by a first outer panel, the first outer panel permanently joined to
the main section and reversibly joined to the first panel to
provide access into the first outer section; the first outer
section including at least one interior compartment formed by a
transparent side wall joined to one of an interior surface of the
first outer panel and an outer surface of the first panel; and a
second outer section formed by a second outer panel, the second
outer panel permanently joined to the main section and reversibly
joined to the second panel to provide access into the second outer
section; the second outer section including at least one interior
compartment formed by another transparent side wall joined to one
of an interior surface of the second outer panel and an outer
surface of the second panel.
41. The handbag of claim 40, wherein the at least one interior
compartment of the first outer section comprises a plurality of
interior compartments of the first outer section.
42. The handbag of claim 41, wherein the at least one interior
compartment of the second outer section comprises a plurality of
interior compartments of the second outer section.
43. The handbag of claim 40, wherein the at least one interior
compartment of the first outer section is divided into
sub-compartments.
44. The handbag of claim 43, wherein the at least one interior
compartment of the second outer section is divided into
sub-compartments.
45. The handbag of claim 40, wherein the main section further
includes at least one interior compartment formed by yet another
transparent side wall and an inner surface of one of the first and
second panels.
46. The handbag of claim 45, wherein the at least one interior
compartment of the main section comprises a plurality of interior
compartments of the main section.
47. The handbag of claim 45, wherein the at least one interior
compartment of the main section is divided into
sub-compartments.
48. The handbag of claim 40, wherein the at least one interior
compartment of each of the first and second outer sections includes
a securable opening allowing access to the compartment, when
opened, and completely enclosing items within the compartment, when
closed.
49. The handbag of claim 40, wherein: the interior surface of the
first outer panel comprises an anti-tarnish cloth; and the
transparent side wall is joined to the interior surface of the
first outer panel to form the at least one interior compartment of
the first outer section.
50. The handbag of claim 40, wherein: the interior surface of the
first outer panel comprises an non-absorbent material; and the
transparent side wall is joined to the interior surface of the
first outer panel to form the at least one interior compartment of
the first outer section.
51. The handbag of claim 40, wherein: the outer surface of the
first panel comprises an anti-tarnish cloth; and the transparent
side wall is joined to the outer surface of the first panel to form
the at least one interior compartment of the first outer
section.
52. The handbag of claim 40, wherein: the outer surface of the
first panel comprises a non-absorbent material; and the transparent
side wall is joined to the outer surface of the first panel to form
the at least one interior compartment of the first outer
section.
53. The handbag of claim 40, wherein the interior surface of the
second outer panel comprises an anti-tarnish cloth; and the other
transparent side wall is joined to the interior surface of the
second outer panel to form the at least one interior compartment of
the second outer section.
54. The handbag of claim 40, wherein: the interior surface of the
second outer panel comprises an non-absorbent material; and the
other transparent side wall is joined to the interior surface of
the second outer panel to form the at least one interior
compartment of the second outer section.
55. The handbag of claim 40, wherein: the outer surface of the
second panel comprises an anti-tarnish cloth; and the other
transparent side wall is joined to the outer surface of the second
panel to form the at least one interior compartment of the second
outer section.
56. The handbag of claim 40, wherein: the outer surface of the
second panel comprises a non-absorbent material; and the other
transparent side wall is joined to the outer surface of the second
panel to form the at least one interior compartment of the second
outer section.
57. The handbag of claim 45, wherein: the inner surface of the
first panel comprises an anti-tarnish cloth; and the yet another
transparent side wall is joined to the inner surface of the first
panel to form the at least one interior compartment of the main
section.
58. The handbag of claim 45, wherein: the inner surface of the
first panel comprises a non-absorbent material; and the yet another
transparent side wall is joined to the inner surface of the first
panel to form the at least one interior compartment of the main
section.
59. The handbag of claim 45, wherein: the inner surface of the
second panel comprises an anti-tarnish cloth; and the yet another
transparent side wall is joined to the inner surface of the second
panel to form the at least one interior compartment of the main
section.
60. The handbag of claim 45, wherein: the inner surface of the
second panel comprises a non-absorbent material; and the yet
another transparent side wall is joined to the inner surface of the
second panel to form the at least one interior compartment of the
main section.
61. The handbag of claim 1 where the sidewall is transparent.
62. The handbag of claim 61 wherein the sidewall is composed of a
vinyl material.
63. The handbag of claim 25 where the sidewall is transparent.
64. The handbag of claim 63 wherein the sidewall is composed of a
vinyl material.
65. The handbag of claim 40 where the sidewall is transparent.
66. The handbag of claim 65 wherein the sidewall is composed of a
vinyl material.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to provisional application
No. 60/797,589 filed on May 4, 2006, which is hereby incorporated,
in its entirety, by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention pertains to handbags and more
particularly to compartmentalized handbags suited for storing
vanity items.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Handbags or purses typically provide an attractive
receptacle, which people may use to carry about a number of
personal items from one place to another. Many handbags include
various compartments, which are sometimes customized, in size and
shape, to hold specific items. However, there is still a need for a
compartmentalized handbag suited for storage of vanity items such
as jewelry and/or cosmetics in an organized and easily viewable
manner.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0004] A handbag, according to embodiments of the present
invention, includes a main section formed by first and second
panels; preferably, the panels are joined by a base extending
between and along bottom edges of the panels. According to some
embodiments of the present invention, one or both of the first and
second panels of the handbag includes an interior compartment
attached thereto, which is formed by an interior surface of the
corresponding panel and a sidewall, preferably transparent, joined
to that interior surface. If the sidewall is transparent this
facilitates viewing of items stored within the compartment.
According to some preferred embodiments of the present invention,
the interior surface that forms each interior compartment comprises
an anti-tarnish cloth to make the compartment suitable for storage
of jewelry items; according to other preferred embodiments, the
interior surface comprises a material which may be readily wiped
clean, for example a plastic such as vinyl, making the compartment
suitable for the storage of cosmetics or other toiletry items.
Further embodiments of the present invention include a first
interior compartment attached to the first panel, which is suitable
for the storage of jewelry items, as described above, and a second
interior compartment attached to the second panel, which is
suitable for the storage of cosmetic items, as described above.
[0005] A handbag, according to any of the embodiments described
above, may further include an outer panel secured, preferably, in
proximity to the base, alongside one of the first and second panels
of the main section, or may include two outer panels, each secured,
preferably, in proximity to the base, opposite one another and
alongside a corresponding panel of the first and second panels.
Each outer panel in conjunction with the corresponding main section
panel forms an outer section of the handbag. Each outer panel may
be opened outward, away from the main section to provide access to
the corresponding outer section, while the main section remains
upright. According to some embodiments of the present invention,
each outer section includes one or more compartments, wherein each
compartment is formed by a sidewall, preferably transparent joined
to an outer surface of one of the first and second main section
panels, or joined to an inner surface of one of the outer panels.
According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, each
outer section includes at least one compartment attached to the
outer surface of one of the first and second panels of the main
section, and at least another compartment attached to the inner
surface of the corresponding outer panel. One or both of the first
and second outer compartments may be suited for storing jewelry,
wherein the outer surface of the main section panel and the inner
surface of the corresponding outer panel comprise an anti-tarnish
cloth, or one or both of the outer compartments may be suited for
storing cosmetics, wherein the outer surface of the first panel and
the inner surface of the corresponding outer panel comprises a
material that is readily wiped clean.
[0006] According to alternate embodiments, each outer section may
be completely detachable from the main section. Each detachable
outer section includes one or more panels having a interior surface
along which a compartment is formed by a transparent sidewall.
[0007] One or more compartments of the handbag, according to any of
the embodiments may further include sub-compartments and/or
additional elements contained therein, which are tailored to
further facilitate the storage of particular types of jewelry or
cosmetic items. The scope of the present invention is not limited
by any particular combination of jewelry and cosmetic storage
compartments. Thus, it should be appreciated that any conceivable
combination of the jewelry and cosmetic storage compartments, as
described herein, may be incorporated by handbags of the present
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The following drawings are illustrative of particular
embodiments of the present invention and therefore do not limit the
scope of the invention. The drawings are not to scale (unless so
stated) and are intended for use in conjunction with the
explanations in the following detailed description. Embodiments of
the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction
with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals denote like
elements.
[0009] FIGS. 1A-C are side, end and bottom plan views of a handbag,
according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the handbag shown in FIGS.
1A-C.
[0011] FIG. 3A is a top view of the handbag shown in FIGS. 1A-C
having outer panels opened out from a main section, according to
some embodiments of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 3B is a side plan view of the handbag shown in FIG. 3A,
according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 3C is a side plan view of the handbag shown in FIG. 3A,
according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 3D is a side plan view of the handbag shown in FIG. 3A,
according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0015] FIGS. 4A-B are a side plan view and an end view,
respectively, of a handbag, according to alternate embodiments of
the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 4C is an end perspective view of a handbag, according
to additional embodiments of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 5A is an exploded perspective view of a handbag,
according to yet further embodiments of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 5B is a plan view of a portion of the handbag shown in
FIG. 5A, according to some embodiments of the present
invention.
[0019] FIG. 5C is a perspective view of the portion of the handbag
of FIG. 5A, according to some alternate embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] The following detailed description is exemplary in nature
and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or
configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following
description provides practical illustrations for implementing
exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Examples of
constructions, materials, dimensions, and manufacturing processes
are provided for selected elements, and all other elements employ
that which is known to those of skill in the field of the
invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many of the
examples provided have suitable alternatives that can be
utilized.
[0021] FIGS. 1A-C are side, end and bottom plan views of a handbag
10 according to some embodiments of the present invention. FIGS.
1A-C illustrate handbag 10 including outer panels 11 and 13
disposed on either side of a main section 14; main section 14 is
shown being formed in part by a base 15 and a perimeter sidewall
12, which extends upward from ends of base 15, generally following
a contour of perimeter edges of outer panels 11 and 13, and to
which panels 11 and 13 are reversibly secured by zippers 101 and
103, respectively. Although FIG. 1C shows both of zippers 101 and
103 opening from the same end of handbag 10, it should be noted
that zippers 101 and 103 may, alternately, open from opposite ends
of handbag 10. FIG. 1B further illustrates upper perimeter sidewall
12 including a securable opening 102, for example, via a zipper,
for access into main section 14. FIGS. 1A-B further illustrate a
first handle 16 coupled to outer panel 11 and a second handle 18
coupled to outer panel 13. With reference to FIGS. 1A-C, it may be
appreciated that handbag 10 can stand upright on base 15 without
external support; however, alternate embodiments of the present
invention need not include such a base.
[0022] According to the illustrated embodiments, outer panels 11,
13 are opaque, so FIG. 2 is a perspective view of handbag 10
wherein outer panels 11, 13 are opened out from main section 14, to
reveal outer sections, and wherein main section 14 is opened along
zippered opening 102 to reveal an interior space 24 of main section
14. FIG. 2 illustrates interior space 24 accessible through upper
perimeter sidewall 12 via zippered opening 102 and being bounded by
a first panel 21 and a second panel 23 extending up from either
side of base 15. FIG. 2 further illustrates a first interior
compartment 201 attached to first panel 21 and a second interior
compartment 203 attached to second panel 23. According to the
illustrated embodiment, each panel 21, 23 is opaque, each
compartment 201, 203 is formed by a sidewall, preferably
transparent, for example, such as a clear vinyl, joined to an inner
surface of each panel 21, 23, for example by sewing or bonding, and
each compartment 21,23 includes a securable opening 210, 230, for
example, via a zipper. According to some embodiments of the present
invention, the inner surfaces of each panel 21, 23 within
compartments 201, 203 comprise anti-tarnish cloth, so that
compartments 201, 203 may be suitable for storing jewelry therein.
Many varieties of suitable anti-tarnish cloth are commercially
available, examples of which include, without limitation, Pacific
Silver Cloth, Atlantic Anti-Tarnish cloth, and Corrosion
Intercept.TM. available from Intercept Silver and Jewelry Care Co.
of Millburn, N.J. According to alternate embodiments, the inner
surfaces of panels 21, 23, within compartments 201, 203, comprise a
non-absorbent material that may be easily wiped clean, for example
a plastic such as vinyl, so that compartments 201, 203 are suitable
for storage of cosmetics and/or other toiletry items therein.
According to additional embodiments, the inner surface of panel 21,
within compartment 201, comprises the anti-tarnish cloth, and the
inner surface of panel 23, within compartment 203, comprises the
material that may easily be wiped clean, or visa versa. Although
FIG. 2 illustrates two interior compartments 201, 203 of main
section 14, it should be appreciated that the scope of the present
invention encompasses any number of either type of interior
compartments. In addition, each compartment 201, 203 may itself
have multiple sub-compartments.
[0023] FIG. 3A is a top view of handbag 10 having outer panels 11,
13 opened out from main section 14. According to the illustrated
embodiment, panels 11 and 13 may be opened to lie in a generally
horizontal plane while main section 14 remains upright; however,
the invention is not so limited, and, according to alternate
embodiments, outer panels are constrained such that the panels,
when fully opened, form an acute angle with respect to the main
section panels, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 4B. FIG. 3A
illustrates outer panel 11 including a first compartment 31
extending across a width of panel 11 and including a securable
opening 301, for example, via a zipper, providing access into
compartment 31. FIG. 3A further illustrates compartment 31 being
formed of by a transparent sidewall, which is joined to edges of an
inner surface of panel 11, for example, by sewing or bonding, and
compartment 31 including bracelet jewelry items stored therein.
According to the illustrated embodiment, an inner surface of
anti-tarnish cloth extends along the inner surface of panel 11 and
compartment 31 further includes a stitched seam 310 joining the
transparent side wall to the inner surface in order to divide
compartment 31 into two sub-compartments, which are each sized to
hold several jewelry items, for example, the bracelets, as shown.
Outer panel 11 may further include a second compartment residing
behind first compartment 31, and FIG. 3A shows a zippered opening
302 providing access into the second compartment.
[0024] FIG. 3A further illustrates outer panel 13 including a
compartment 33 extending across a width of panel 13 and including a
securable opening 303, for example, via a zipper, providing access
into compartment 33. According to the illustrated embodiment,
compartment 33 is formed by a transparent sidewall, which is joined
to edges of an inner surface of panel 13, for example, by sewing or
bonding, and compartment 33 includes an inner surface formed of a
non-absorbent material that may be readily be wiped clean;
compartment 33 further includes a stitched seam 330 joining the
transparent side wall to the inner surface in order to divide
compartment 33 into two sub-compartments, which are each sized to
hold several cosmetic items, for example, compacts, as shown.
Although compartment 33 is described as being suitable for cosmetic
storage, it should be recognized that an anti-tarnish cloth may
alternately form the inner surface of compartment 33, making it
suitable for jewelry storage.
[0025] FIG. 3B is a side plan view of handbag 10 having outer panel
11 opened out from main section 14. FIG. 3B illustrates first panel
21 of main section 14 including a first compartment 35 and a second
compartment 37, wherein each compartment 35, 37 extends across a
width of panel 21 and includes a securable opening 305, 307, for
example, via a zipper, providing access into compartment 35, 37.
According to the illustrated embodiment, compartments 35, 37 are
each formed of by a transparent sidewall, which are joined to an
outer surface of panel 21, for example, by sewing or bonding, and
each compartment 35, 37 includes an inner surface of anti-tarnish
cloth extending along the outer surface of panel 21. Compartment 35
is shown including several stitched seams 350 joining the
transparent side wall to the inner surface in order to divide
compartment 35 into four sub-compartments, which are each sized to
hold jewelry items, for example, rings and earrings, as shown.
Compartment 37 is shown including a single stitched seam 370, which
divides compartment 37 into two sub-compartments, which are each
sized to hold jewelry items, for example, necklaces and rings, as
shown. According to an alternate embodiment, the location of
compartment 35 is reversed with that of compartment 37, such that
compartment 35, including seams 350, is disposed below compartment
37, including the single stitched seam 370.
[0026] FIG. 3C is a side plan view, of the side opposite to that
shown in FIG. 3B, of handbag 10 having outer panel 13 opened out
from main section 14. FIG. 3C illustrates second panel 23 of main
section 14 including a first compartment 36 and a second
compartment 38, wherein each compartment 36, 38 extends across a
width of panel 23 and includes a securable opening 306, 308, for
example, via a zipper, providing access into each compartment 36,
38. According to the illustrated embodiment, compartments 36, 38
are each formed by a transparent sidewall, which is joined to an
outer surface of panel 23, for example, by sewing or bonding, and
each compartment 36, 38 has an inner surface of non-absorbent
material that may be readily wiped clean, for example, a plastic
such as vinyl, to accommodate the storage of cosmetic items, for
example, a makeup brush and pencil, as shown in compartment 36, and
lipsticks, mascara, pencils and compacts, as shown in compartment
38.
[0027] According to alternate embodiments, for example as
illustrated in FIG. 3D, compartments 36 and 38 are suited for
storing jewelry items, having inner surfaces formed by anti-tarnish
cloth, and compartment 36 further includes an elongate member 360
adapted for holding rings. FIG. 3D illustrates member 360 having a
form to accommodate the mounting of rings thereon and including a
first connector end 361 and a second connector end 362 to
reversibly mate with corresponding connectors, for example
snap-type, mounted on the inner surface of compartment 36. Thus,
either one or both ends of member 360 may be separated from the
inner surface of compartment 36 in order to assemble rings onto
member 360.
[0028] FIGS. 4A-B are a side plan view and an end view,
respectively, of a handbag 40 according to alternate embodiments of
the present invention. FIG. 4A illustrates handbag 40 including a
main section 44 being formed by a base 45, by first and second main
section panels 410 and 430, which extend upward from either side of
base 45, and by a perimeter sidewall 42, which extends upward from
either end of base 45 and between panels 410 and 430; perimeter
sidewall 42 includes a zippered opening 402 to provide access to an
interior space of main section 44, which is similar to interior
space 24 of main section 14 of handbag 10. FIGS. 4A-B further
illustrates an outer panel 41 attached to panel 410, and an outer
panel 43 attached to panel 430, each panel 41, 43 being attached in
proximity to base 45 and further secured by gussets 413 (which, it
should be understood, are present on either end of panels 41, 43);
each panel 41, 43 is reversibly joined to the corresponding panel
410, 430, for example, by snaps 401, as shown or by hook-and-loop
type fasteners, buttons, hooks or any other reversible coupling
means known to those skilled in the art. It should be noted that
panels 41 and 43 may be of any size and shape within the perimeter
of panels 410 and 430, respectively, and, as an example, dashed
lines in FIG. 4A indicate two smaller outer panels, as an
alternative to the shape and extent of panel 41, to illustrate that
the scope of the present invention is not limited to one panel on
each side of main section 44.
[0029] With reference to FIGS. 4A-B it should be noted that, in
contrast to panels 11 and 13 of handbag 10, upper edges of panels
41, 43 are disposed below upper edges of main section panels 410,
430, and that panels 41, 43, being secured by gussets 413, do not
open out to lie approximately flat alongside main section 44, but
are held at an acute angle with respect to panels 410, 430.
However, according to the alternate embodiments represented by
FIGS. 4A-B, any or all of outer surfaces of panels 410, 430, which
are disposed alongside panels 41 and 43, and inner surfaces of
panels 41, 43 include a compartment, similar to the compartments
previously described (FIGS. 3A-C), which is formed by a transparent
sidewall joined to thereto; these compartments of handbag 40
further include an inner surface, which is either formed by a
material that is readily wiped clean, for example a plastic such as
vinyl, so that the compartments are suitable for the storage of
cosmetics, or formed by an anti-tarnish cloth so that the
compartments are suitable for storage of jewelry.
[0030] FIG. 4C is an end perspective view of a handbag 40',
according to additional embodiments of the present invention. FIG.
4C illustrates handbag 40' including main section 44, similar to
handbag 40, and outer panels 41' and 43' attached to panels 410 and
430 along base 45. According to the illustrated embodiment, panels
41 and 43' are reversibly joined to panels 410 and 430 via zippers
401' and 403', respectively, such that panels 41', 43' may be
opened out to lie in generally horizontal plane. FIG. 4C further
illustrates panel 41 including a compartment 51 and panel 43'
including a compartment 53, wherein each compartment 51, 53 is
formed by a preferably transparent sidewall, although it need not
be transparent, joined to an inner surface of the corresponding
panel 41', 43', for example, by sewing or bonding; compartments 51
and 53 each include a securable opening 501, 503, for example, via
a zipper, and an inner surface extending alongside the inner
surface of the corresponding panel 41', 43', which may be a
material that is readily wiped cleaned, to be suitable for storage
of cosmetics, or an anti-tarnish cloth, to be suitable for storage
of jewelry. Although not shown, portions of outer surfaces of
panels 410 and 430 that are disposed alongside closed panels 41'
and 43' may each include compartments attached thereto similar to
any of those previously described for handbag 10.
[0031] FIG. 5A is an exploded perspective view of a handbag 60,
according to yet further embodiments of the present invention. FIG.
5A illustrates handbag 60 including a main section 64 and a
completely detachable outer section 640; main section 64 includes
opposing panels 610 and 630 joined by a base 65 and a perimeter
sidewall 62, which includes a zippered opening 602. FIG. 5A further
illustrates panel 630 including fastening elements 66, for
reversibly joining outer section 640 to panel 630, and outer
section 640 including at least one outer panel 63.
[0032] FIG. 5B is a plan view of an inner surface of outer panel 63
of outer section 640, according to some embodiments of the present
invention; and FIG. 5C is a perspective view of outer section 640
according to some alternate embodiments. FIGS. 5B-C illustrate an
interior compartment 73 formed by a portion of the interior surface
of outer panel 63 and a transparent sidewall joined to the interior
surface, for example by sewing or bonding. FIGS. 5B-C further
illustrates compartment 73 including a securable opening 703, for
example, via a zipper, which provides access to compartment 73, and
a stitched seam 730 joining the transparent sidewall to the
interior surface in order to divide compartment 73 into
sub-compartments. The interior surface forming compartment 73 may
comprise an anti-tarnish cloth or a non-absorbent material, as
previously described for other embodiments of the invention.
[0033] According to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5B, the
interior surface of panel 63 further includes a pair of reversible
fasteners 606 for mating with fasteners 66 shown on panel 630 of
main section 62 shown in FIG. 5A. According to alternate
embodiments of outer section 640, for example, that illustrated in
FIG. 5C, such fasteners for mating with fasteners 66 are disposed
on an outer surface of another panel 67, which opposes panel 63; it
should be understood that the outer surface of panel 67 is opposite
an inner surface which is shown in FIG. 5C. Any suitable reversible
fastener known to those skilled in the art may be used, and
examples include, without limitation, hook-and-loop type, snap
type, hook-and-eye type, and button type.
[0034] FIG. 5C further illustrates another pair of interior
compartments 77, 78, which each include a securable opening 707,
708, for example, via a zipper, providing access into compartments
77,78. Each compartment 77, 78 is shown formed by a preferably a
transparent sidewall although it need not be transparent, which is
joined to the inner surface of panel 67, for example, by sewing or
bonding, and compartment 77 is divided by a plurality of stitched
seams 770 into sub-compartments. The interior surface forming
compartments 77,78 may comprise an anti-tarnish cloth or a
non-absorbent material, as previously described for other
embodiments of the invention.
[0035] In the foregoing detailed description, the invention has
been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, it
may be appreciated that various modifications and changes can be
made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth
in the appended claims.
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