U.S. patent application number 12/317930 was filed with the patent office on 2009-07-23 for purse within a purse.
Invention is credited to Renee Ann Foster, Melanie Jo Moos.
Application Number | 20090183806 12/317930 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40875492 |
Filed Date | 2009-07-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090183806 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Foster; Renee Ann ; et
al. |
July 23, 2009 |
Purse within a purse
Abstract
The present invention includes two purses, a large outer purse
and a small inner purse. The inner purse has two flaps extending
from the top of the inner purse. Preferably, there are male-type
connection structures on the flaps. The interior of the larger
outer purse has female-type connection structures. The female-type
connectors are configured such that, when the inner purse is placed
inside the outer purse, male-type connection structures on the
flaps of the inner purse can be connected to the female-type
connection structures of the outer purse. This serves to secure the
inner purse into the outer purse.
Inventors: |
Foster; Renee Ann; (Sherman
Oaks, CA) ; Moos; Melanie Jo; (Minneapolis,
MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Steven E. Shapiro
1223 Wilshire Blvd., #461
Santa Monica
CA
90403
US
|
Family ID: |
40875492 |
Appl. No.: |
12/317930 |
Filed: |
December 30, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61009694 |
Dec 31, 2007 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
150/111 ;
150/113; 150/127 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 13/02 20130101;
A45C 13/002 20130101; A45C 1/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
150/111 ;
150/113; 150/127 |
International
Class: |
A45C 1/02 20060101
A45C001/02; A45C 3/06 20060101 A45C003/06 |
Claims
1. A pocketbook comprising: a. a first panel, said first panel
having a top, an outer wall and an inner wall; b. a first flap
extending from the top of said first panel, said first flap being
capable of being folded against the outer wall of said first panel;
c. a first fastener structure on the outer wall of said first
panel; and d. a second fastener structure on said first flap,
wherein said first and second fastener structures are located on
the pocketbook such that when said first flap is folded against the
outer wall of said first panel, said first fastener structure can
be mated with said second fastener structure.
2. The pocketbook of claim 1, wherein said first fastener structure
is a male fastener structure and said second fastener structure is
a female fastener structure.
3. The pocketbook of claim 1, further comprising a third fastener
structure on the outer wall of said first panel and a fourth
fastener structure on said first flap, wherein said third and
fourth fastener structures are located on the pocketbook such that
when said first flap is folded against the outer wall of said first
panel, said third fastener structure can be mated with said fourth
fastener structure.
4. The pocketbook of claim 1, further comprising: a. a second
panel, said second panel having a top, an outer wall and an inner
wall; b. a second flap extending from the top of said second panel,
said second flap being capable of being folded against the outer
wall of said second panel; c. a third fastener structure on the
outer wall of said second panel; d. and a fourth fastener structure
on said second flap, wherein said third and fourth fastener
structures are located on the pocketbook such that when said second
flap is folded against the outer wall of said second panel, said
third fastener structure can be mated with said fourth fastener
structure.
5. The pocketbook of claim 1, wherein said pocketbook has a first
end, a second end, a first ring connected at the first end, and a
second ring connected at the second end.
6. The pocketbook of claim 5, further comprising a removable
elongated structure that is removably connected to said first ring
and removably connected to said second ring.
7. The pocketbook of claim 6 wherein said removable elongated
structure is at least 24 inches long.
8. The pocketbook of claim 1, wherein said first panel and said
first flap comprise a single piece of material.
9. The pocketbook of claim 1, wherein said first flap has a width
and length, wherein the width of the first flap comprises a shared
border with said first panel, and wherein the length of the first
flap is less than two-and-one-half inches.
10. The pocketbook of claim 1, wherein, when said first flap is
folded against the outer wall of said first panel and said first
and second fastener structures are mated, said flap does not cover
a compartment located on the outer wall of said first panel.
11. A handbag system, comprising: a. a pocketbook comprising: i. a
first panel, said first panel having a top, an outer wall and an
inner wall; ii. a first flap extending from the top of said first
panel, said first flap being capable of being folded against the
outer wall of said first panel; iii. a first fastener structure on
the outer wall of said first panel; and iv. a second fastener
structure on said first flap, wherein said first and second
fastener structures are located on the pocketbook such that when
said first flap is folded against the outer wall of said first
panel, said first fastener structure can be mated with said second
fastener structure. b. a handbag comprising: i. an outer shell
having an open end; and ii. a first interior wall, said first
interior wall comprising a third fastener structure, wherein said
pocketbook can be placed within said handbag and said second
fastener structure can be mated with said third fastener
structure.
12. The handbag system of claim 11, wherein said first fastener
structure is a male fastener structure and said second and third
fastener structures are female fastener structures.
13. The handbag system of claim 11, further comprising a fourth
fastener structure on the outer wall of said first panel and a
fifth fastener structure on said first flap, wherein said fourth
and fifth fastener structures are located on the pocketbook such
that when said first flap is folded against the outer wall of said
first panel, said fourth fastener structure can be mated with said
fifth fastener structure.
14. The handbag system of claim 13, further comprising a sixth
fastener on said first interior wall of said handbag, wherein said
pocketbook can be placed within said handbag and said fifth
fastener structure can be mated with said sixth fastener.
15. The handbag system of claim 11, wherein said pocketbook further
comprises: a. a second panel, said second panel having a top, an
outer wall and an inner wall; b. a second flap extending from the
top of said second panel, said second flap being capable of being
folded against the outer wall of said second panel; c. a fourth
fastener structure on the outer wall of said second panel; d. and a
fifth fastener structure on said second flap, wherein said fourth
and fifth fastener structures are located on the pocketbook such
that when said second flap is folded against the outer wall of said
second panel, said third fastener structure can be mated with said
fourth fastener structure.
16. The handbag system of claim 11, wherein said pocketbook has a
first end, a second end, a first ring connected at the first end,
and a second ring connected at the second end.
17. The handbag system of claim 16, further comprising a removable
elongated structure that is removably connected to said first ring
and removably connected to said second ring.
18. The handbag system of claim 11 wherein the handbag further
comprises a plurality of compartments, including a first
compartment.
19. The handbag system of claim 18, wherein said first compartment
is formed in part by said first interior wall and said third
fastener structure is within said first compartment.
20. The handbag system of claim 19, wherein said pocketbook can be
placed snuggly within said first compartment.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The applicants hereby claim benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/009,694 (filed Dec. 31, 2007). The
specification of said provisional patent application is
incorporated herein by this reference as though set forth in
full.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to purses and handbags.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] A "handbag" is a bag or box of leather, fabric, plastic, or
the like, held in the hand or carried by means of a handle or
strap, commonly used by women for holding money, toilet articles,
small purchases, etc. A handbag is also sometimes called a purse or
a pocketbook. A "clutch" is a strapless purse that is carried in
the hand.
[0005] Purses are commonly used by individuals to transport a
variety of personal items. A purse may be used to carry
identification, credit cards, keys, wallet, checkbook, glasses,
combs tissue and the like. For many, the use of a purse has become
a necessary element in the conduct of their daily activities.
[0006] Purses have been designed with numerous styles and designs.
Different occasions or different attire may call for a particular
kind or color of purse. However, moving the contents of one purse
into a different purse can be a tedious process. There is also a
risk that something important may be left behind in an unnoticed
pocket of the previous purse. Changing purses to suit every
situation is troublesome, yet no single purse can suffice for a
wide variety of occasions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention comprises a purse within a purse. In
the preferred embodiment, there is a pocketbook that comprises two
panels. Each panel has an outer wall and an inner wall. Each panel
has a flap that extends from the top of the wall. Each flap has one
or more fasteners and the outer wall of the corresponding panel
also has fasteners. The various fasteners are arranged on the
pocketbook such that, when a flap is folded down against the outer
wall of its corresponding panel, the fasteners on the flap can be
mated with the fasteners on the outer wall. For example, the
fasteners on the flap might be male-type fasteners and the
fasteners on the outer wall might be female-type. However, many
different types of fastener structures and fastener arrangements
can be utilized in the present invention, including fasteners such
as snaps, magnetic snaps, magnets, French snaps, mechanical
traditional snaps, sewn-in snaps and non-sewn in snaps, buttons,
collar buttons, studs, screw-in studs, press in studs, sewn in
standard buttons, buckles, turn locks, single turn locks, double
turn locks, triple plate turn locks, flap turn locks, drop turn
locks, swivel snaps, catches, flap push button catches, flap spring
catches, tuck catches and tuck locks, snap hooks, grommets, D
rings, and O rings, connected grommets, linear zippers, linear dual
post zippers, curved zippers, curved dual post zippers, toggles,
clips, spring clips, swivel clips, or Velcro. In the preferred
embodiment, the fastener structures comprise opposing magnetic
closures.
[0008] In the preferred embodiment, the pocketbook has a first end,
a second end, a first ring connected at the first end, and a second
ring connected at the second end. Preferably, the rings are O
rings. In the preferred embodiment, the pocketbook has a strap or
chain that is removably connected to the first ring and removably
connected to the second ring. It is preferred that the strap or
chain is at least 24 inches long so that it will comfortably fit
over the shoulder of a person carrying the pocketbook. It is
preferred that the strap or chain can be removed and that the
pocketbook is sized such that it can be used as a clutch.
[0009] In the preferred embodiment, the pocketbook is constructed
in leather, although other materials can be used to construct the
pocketbook. It is also preferred that a flap and corresponding
panel of the pocketbook comprise a single piece of material, such
as a single piece of leather. When folded over against the outer
wall of its corresponding panel, it is preferred that the flap
extend downward at least one inch. Generally, the flap will extend
downward somewhere between one inch and two-and-one-half inches. It
is preferred that when the fastening structures are mated that they
are hidden from view (i.e., the fastener structures are completely
covered by the flap). In the preferred embodiment, there exists no
outer compartment on the outer wall that is covered by the flap
when the fastener structures on the flap and outer wall are
connected.
[0010] The present invention further includes a handbag system. The
handbag system includes the pocketbook described above (or multiple
such pocketbooks). The system also includes a separate handbag that
is sufficiently large such that the pocketbook can fit inside the
handbag. The handbag comprises an outer shell having an open end;
and two interior walls. Each of these interior walls has at least
one fastener structure. It is preferred that each of these interior
walls has two such fastener structures. Generally, there will be
the same number of fastener structures on an interior wall as are
on a flap on the pocketbook. Also, the fastener structures on the
interior walls of the handbag will be the same type and size as the
fastener structures that reside on the outer walls of the
pocketbook panels. It is preferred that this fastener structure is
the same type of connector as the fastener structure on the outer
walls of the as the fastener, wherein said pocketbook can be placed
within said handbag and said second fastener structure can be mated
with said third fastener structure.
[0011] It is possible that the handbag has means, such as rings, to
engage a removable strap or chain. Such means can include the
rings, such as O-rings. In such a case, the user can remove the
strap or chain from the pocketbook and then connect it to the rings
of the handbag as a means to carry the handbag over the shoulder or
otherwise. The handbag might also have a compartment to store the
chain or strap when not in use.
[0012] In the preferred embodiment, the interior of the handbag is
divided into compartments. It is further preferred that one of the
compartments is sized such that the pocketbook can be fit snuggly
therein. It is further preferred that the compartment that is sized
to receive the pocketbook has two interior walls. In the preferred
embodiment, one of these interior walls is an interior wall of the
shell of the handbag. In the preferred embodiment, each of these
two interior walls of the compartment comprises two female
connector structures. It is preferred that each of these female
connector structures is located at the top of their respective
interior wall. It is further preferred that the pocketbook has two
flaps extending from the top of the pocketbook and that two of
these flaps have male connector structures that match the female
connector structures on the handbag. The various connectors are
arranged such that, when the pocketbook is placed inside the
appropriate compartment of the handbag, the male and female
connector structures can be mated. One of the advantages of the
present invention is that, once the pocketbook is placed inside the
handbag and connected thereto with the fastener structures, the
contents of the pocketbook can be easily accessed. Also, the user
does not have to worry about transferring the contents of the
pocketbook into the handbag since the entire pocketbook (with the
possible exception of the strap or chain) is placed into the
handbag.
[0013] The flap arrangement on the pocketbook also provides certain
advantages. The flaps can be very attractive components of the
pocketbook. At the same time, the flaps can cover the fastener
structures that reside on the exterior of the pocketbook when the
pocketbook is used separate from the handbag.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The above and other objects and advantages of the present
invention will be apparent upon consideration of the following
detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in which reference characters refer to like parts
throughout, and in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a side view of an inner purse.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a view of the other side of the inner purse.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a side view of an inner purse with rings and a
strap.
[0018] FIG. 4 shows a panel of an inner purse connected to an
interior wall of an outer purse.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] A first purse comprises front and back panels, a first side
panel, and a second side panel. There is also a bottom panel and a
flap to close the purse. Typically, there is a means to fasten the
flap when the purse is closed. Additionally, there is a strap for
carrying the first purse. Other common purse configurations can be
used for the first purse. Examples of purses that can be utilized
as a first purse those purses reflected in U.S. Pat. Nos. D522,238
and D522,237. Each of these U.S. patents is incorporated herein as
though set forth in full.
[0020] The present invention also comprises a second purse, which
is smaller than the first purse and can fit inside the first purse.
The shape and overall design of the second purse can be similar or
the same as any of the various designs as described in the
preceding paragraph with respect to first purses.
[0021] It is preferred that the first purse have a separate
compartment therein that can accept the second purse and hold it
therein. Generally, the compartment will be sized such that it will
hold the second purse snuggly therein. The compartment can be open
or may have means to close it, such as a zipper or snap. Typically,
the second purse will be less than half the volume of the first
purse so additional items can be kept in the first purse in
addition to the second purse.
[0022] It is also possible to configure the first purse without a
compartment for holding the second purse. Instead, the first purse
and second purse may be configured such that the second purse can
be fastened securely within the first purse. Velcro or snaps can be
used for this purpose, for example. In the case of a snap, the
female member might be attached to the inner surface of the first
purse and the male member attached to the second purse.
[0023] In one configuration, the strap on the first purse is
detachable. The second purse has rings or other means that will
permit a user to attach the strap from the first purse in order to
wear the second purse separately.
[0024] In the preferred embodiment, the first and second purses are
color coordinated. Several embodiments are within the scope of the
present invention:
[0025] Each purse comprises the same color;
[0026] a color in the first purse is complementary to a color in
the second purse (i.e., the colors are opposite each other on a
color wheel, such as red and green);
[0027] a color in the first purse is in a triad relationship with a
color in the second purse;
[0028] a color in either the first or second purse is in a
split-complementary relationship with two colors in the other
purse;
[0029] a color in the first purse is in a analogous relationship
with a color in the second purse;
[0030] a color in the first purse is in a monochromatic
relationship with a color in the second purse;
[0031] a color in the first purse is in a triad relationship with a
color in the second purse;
[0032] a color in the first purse is located 90 degrees on a color
wheel from a color in the second purse; and
[0033] a surface design of the first purse is the same as a surface
design on the second purse.
[0034] In the preferred embodiment, the second purse is configured
to hold the user's important items, such as credit cards and
driver's license.
[0035] Typically, the first purse and second purse are sold
together as one unit. It is also possible to sell as one unit a
plurality of first purses with one second purse. In this case, the
user can simply transfer the second purse from one first purse to
another first purse.
[0036] FIG. 1 provides a side view of an exemplary second purse 1.
The second purse has a first panel 2. The first panel 2 has an
outer wall and an inner wall. It is the outer wall that is visible
in FIG. 1. A first flap 3 extends from the top of said first panel.
The first flap 3 extends from the top of said first panel, said
first flap being capable of being folded against the outer wall of
said first panel. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the first flap 3 is
folded against the outer wall of the first panel 2. There is a
first fastener structure on the outer wall of said first panel.
There is also a second fastener structure on said first flap,
wherein said first and second fastener structures are located on
the second purse such that when said first flap is folded against
the outer wall of said first panel, said first fastener structure
can be mated with said second fastener structure. In FIG. 1, the
first and second fastener structures are mated. Because the first
flap is folded over, the first and second fastener structures are
not visible. An imaginary dashed circle 4 shows where the first and
second fastener structures are located.
[0037] Typically, the first fastener structure is a male fastener
structure and said second fastener structure is a female fastener
structure. However, many different types of fastener structures and
fastener arrangements can be utilized in the present invention,
including fasteners such as snaps, magnetic snaps, magnets, French
snaps, mechanical traditional snaps, sewn-in snaps and non-sewn in
snaps, buttons, collar buttons, studs, screw-in studs, press in
studs, sewn in standard buttons, buckles, turn locks, single turn
locks, double turn locks, triple plate turn locks, flap turn locks,
drop turn locks, swivel snaps, catches, flap push button catches,
flap spring catches, tuck catches and tuck locks, snap hooks,
grommets, D rings, and O rings, connected grommets, linear zippers,
linear dual post zippers, curved zippers, curved dual post zippers,
toggles, clips, spring clips, swivel clips, or Velcro. In the
preferred embodiment, the fastener structures comprise opposing
magnetic closures.
[0038] The second purse further comprises a third fastener
structure on the outer wall of said first panel and a fourth
fastener structure on said first flap, wherein said third and
fourth fastener structures are located on the pocketbook such that
when said first flap is folded against the outer wall of said first
panel, said third fastener structure can be mated with said fourth
fastener structure. In FIG. 1, third and fourth fastener structures
are mated. Because the first flap is folded over, the third and
fourth fastener structures are not visible. An imaginary dashed
circle 5 shows where the third and fourth fastener structures are
located.
[0039] In the preferred embodiment, the second purse has a second
panel, said second panel having a top, an outer wall and an inner
wall. The second panel is like the first panel, except that it is
on the other side of the second purse. The second panel 6 can be
seen in FIG. 2, which is a side view of the other side of the
second purse. As can be seen, there is a second flap 7 extending
from the top of said second panel 6, said second flap being capable
of being folded against the outer wall of said second panel. There
is a fifth fastener structure on the outer wall of said second
panel and a sixth fastener structure on said second flap, wherein
said fifth and sixth fastener structures are located on the second
purse such that when said second flap is folded against the outer
wall of said second panel, said fifth fastener structure can be
mated with said sixth fastener structure. Because the second flap
is folded over, the fifth and sixth fastener structures are not
visible. An imaginary dashed circle 8 shows where the fifth and
sixth fastener structures are located. An imaginary dashed circle 9
shows where seventh and eighth fastener structures are located.
These too are not directly visible in FIG. 2 because the second
flap is folded over.
[0040] The second purse can have rings for straps. In FIG. 3, a
second purse 14 has a first end, a second end, a first ring 15
connected at the first end, and a second ring 16 connected at the
second end. The second purse also has a removable elongated
structure 17 (in other words, a strap) that is removably connected
to said first ring and removably connected to said second ring.
Typically, the strap will be at least 24 inches long.
[0041] It is preferred that a panel of the second purse and the
corresponding flap comprise a single piece of material. Unlike the
flaps shown in FIG. 3, the flaps can extend the full length of the
top of the panels. It is preferred that the panels extend down no
further than two-and-one-half inches.
[0042] The first purse comprises an outer shell having an open end
and a first interior wall, said first interior wall comprising a
ninth fastener structure. The second purse can be placed within the
first purse and said second fastener structure can be mated with
said ninth fastener structure (the first flap is open for this
purpose). It is preferred that the first fastener structure is a
male fastener structure and said second and ninth fastener
structures are female fastener structures. Actually, in the
preferred embodiment, there would be four female fastener
structures in the interior of the first purse. The four female
fastener structures are configured inside the first purse such
that, when the second purse is placed inside (flaps up), the four
male fastener structures (second, fourth, sixth and eighth) can be
matched thereto. This secures the second purse within the
first.
[0043] This is illustrated by FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, a portion of an
interior wall (by dashed lines) within the first purse is shown. A
smaller, second purse has been placed inside of the first purse
with the flaps up. The side of a flap (21) of the first purse has
been connected to the interior wall 20. The locations of the
connections are shown by imaginary dashed circles (22 and 23). The
actual connectors are not visible in FIG. 4.
[0044] Similar to the second purse, the first purse can have rings
at both ends. The same strap of the second purse can be attached to
the rings of the first purse.
* * * * *