U.S. patent application number 12/778004 was filed with the patent office on 2010-11-11 for handbag with interchangeable components.
Invention is credited to Frank Charles Scozzafava.
Application Number | 20100282378 12/778004 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43061665 |
Filed Date | 2010-11-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100282378 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Scozzafava; Frank Charles |
November 11, 2010 |
HANDBAG WITH INTERCHANGEABLE COMPONENTS
Abstract
A handbag comprising a bag base having a bottom, a left side, a
right side, a front, and a back; at least two integrated loops
attached to the front and at least two integrated loops attached to
the back; a plurality of hoop-like clips wherein each of the
integrated loops has at least one clip removably affixed thereto;
and at least one first strap removably affixed to the hoop-like
clips removably affixed to the front loops and at least one second
strap removably affixed to the hoop-like clips removably affixed to
the back loops.
Inventors: |
Scozzafava; Frank Charles;
(New York, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Vincent G. LoTempio
Suite 1002, 69 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo
NY
14202
US
|
Family ID: |
43061665 |
Appl. No.: |
12/778004 |
Filed: |
May 11, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61177022 |
May 11, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
150/104 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 13/30 20130101;
A45C 13/26 20130101; A45C 3/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
150/104 |
International
Class: |
A45C 3/06 20060101
A45C003/06 |
Claims
1. A handbag comprising: a bag base having a bottom, a left side, a
right side, a front, and a back; at least two integrated loops
attached to the front and at least two integrated loops attached to
the back; a plurality of hoop-like clips wherein each of the
integrated loops has at least one clip removably affixed thereto;
and at least one first strap removably affixed to the hoop-like
clips removably affixed to the front loops and at least one second
strap removably affixed to the hoop-like clips removably affixed to
the back loops.
2. The hoop-like clip in claim 1, wherein the hoop-like clip is
constructed of a metal or a rigid synthetic material.
3. The hoop-like clip in claim 1, wherein the hoop-like clip
comprises a partially open loop.
4. The hoop-like clip in claim 3, wherein each hoop-like clip has
an internal surface and two terminal ends defining a gap in the
hoop and at least one spur on the internal surface of the hoop-like
clip proximate the gap.
5. The hoop-like clip of claim 4, wherein a spur is proximate each
of the two terminal ends.
6. The partially open loop clip of claim 3, wherein the clip
further comprises a carabiner-type closing mechanism.
7. A handbag comprising: a bag base having a bottom, a left side, a
right side, a front, and a back; at least one integrated loop
attached to the left side and at least one integrated loop attached
to the right side; a plurality of hoop-like clips wherein each of
the integrated loops has at least one hoop-like clip removably
affixed thereto; and at least one strap removably affixed to the
hoop-like clips.
8. The hoop-like clip in claim 6, wherein the hoop-like clip is
constructed of a metal or a rigid synthetic material.
9. The hoop-like clip in claim 6, wherein the hoop-like clip
comprises a partially open loop.
10. The hoop-like clip in claim 8, wherein each hoop-like clip has
an internal surface and two terminal ends defining a gap in the
hoop and at least one spur on the internal surface of the hoop-like
clip proximate the gap.
11. The hoop-like clip of claim 10, wherein a spur is proximate
each of the two terminal ends.
12. The partially open loop clip of claim 8, wherein the clip
further comprises a carabiner-type closing mechanism.
13. A method for constructing a handbag comprising: providing a bag
base having a bottom, a left side, a right side, a front, and a
back; at least one integrated loop attached to the left side and at
least one integrated loop attached to the right side; a plurality
of hoop-like clips wherein each of the integrated loops has at
least one hoop-like clip removably affixed thereto; and at least
one strap removably affixed to the hoop-like clips; affixing a
first hoop-like clip to a first loop on the bag base; affixing a
second hoop-like clip to a second loop on the bag base; providing a
strap having an integrated loop at each end of the strap; affixing
a first end of a strap to the first hoop-like clip; and affixing a
second end of the strap to the second hoop-like clip.
14. The method of claim 15, wherein the hoop-like clip is
constructed of a metal or a rigid synthetic material.
15. The method of claim 12, wherein the hoop-like clip comprises a
partially open loop.
16. The method of claim 13, wherein each hoop-like clip has an
internal surface and two terminal ends defining a gap in the hoop
and at least one spur on the internal surface of the hoop-like clip
proximate the gap.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein a spur is proximate each of the
two terminal ends.
18. The method of claim 13, wherein the partially open loop clip
further comprises a carabiner-type closing mechanism.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application of Frank Scozzafava, Ser. No. 61/177,022 for HANDBAG
WITH INTERCHANGEABLE COMPONENTS, filed on May 11, 2009.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This patent application pertains to handbags, and more
specifically, pertains to women's purses. For the most part,
handbags comprise a base bag for holding objects and handles and/or
a shoulder strap for carrying the bag. The base bag plays a large
role in the appearance and function of the handbag and may be of a
variety of colors and materials, such as fabric, leather or a
synthetic material.
[0003] The desire to be able to modify the appearance of a handbag
has been the focus of numerous patents. For instance, U.S. Pat. No.
5,503,204 discloses a handbag have an interchangeable lid flap. The
flap is removable by toggling a spring loaded clip for a vertical
position to a horizontal position. When properly position, the clip
slides through a groove located on the body of the handbag. To
replace the flap, one positions the clip so that it slides through
the groove in the handbag's body and projects into the cavity of
the bag. The clip is then rotated preventing the clip from slipping
through the hole and dislodging the cover flap. Although the cover
is interchangeable, this design is limited in only allowing cover
flaps of the correct size and orientation. This patent further does
not describe or otherwise provide for replaceable ornamentation to
be applied to the handbag.
[0004] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,787, an interchangeable ornamental
object system is described. The '787 patent provides a handbag with
a magnetic closure in the body of the handbag and a corresponding
magnet on the cover flap. The cover magnet is further adapted to
accept an ornamental object such that the ornament projects
outwardly from the handbag. Although describing an providing an
interchangeable ornamental object, the '787 patent is limited in
that the object can only be fastened at the clasp portion.
Moreover, the system uses magnets which can become inconvenient
when other magnetic items are in or near the bag, for instance
loose change or paper clips and the like. Additionally, the '787
patent is limited to only describing an interchangeable clip and
does not provide for modifying the straps of the handbag.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,029,723 discloses a handbag having an
interchangeable outer shell. The bag base is equipped with a
plurality of snap receptacles while an interchangeable shell is
adapted to possess corresponding snap fasteners. The shell wraps
around the base and is secured to the base by adhering the snap
fasteners within the receptacles. The '723 patent further provides
interchangeable straps which are attached to the body of the
handbag by a clip mechanism. Nonetheless, the '723 patent has
numerous drawbacks. First, the entire outer shell of the handbag
must be changed when modifying the bag. This is time consuming and
no longer usable once the snap receptacles wear out from repeated
snapping and unsnapping. Moreover, the straps are a one-piece
construction and do not permit changing both the clasp mechanism
and the strap itself. In other words, if one has a red strap with a
brass clasp but wants a red strap with a black clasp, the
individual would need to have two separate straps and clasps. U.S.
Pat. No. 7,246,643 is similar to the '723 patent, but rather than
utilizing snaps, the '643 patent describes the use of hook-and-loop
fastening means.
[0006] Therefore, it can be seen that there is a need for a handbag
having a greater degree of personalization. The present disclosure
describes a three-piece system of interchangeable components. The
three-piece system comprises a handbag base unit, an
interchangeable clip, and interchangeable straps. Additionally,
interchangeable ornaments may be applied to the handbag base using
the same or additional interchangeable clips.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is the object of the invention to provide a handbag
comprising a bag base with integrated hoops and interchangeable
clips for attaching interchangeable components such as straps,
handles, charms, etc. to the bag base.
[0008] It is another object of the invention to provide a handbag
comprising interchangeable straps or handles that have an
integrated loop to the straps or handles to the bag base using the
interchangeable clips.
[0009] Still another object of the invention is to provide a
selection of interchangeable components such as straps, handles,
charms, etc. manufactured from a variety of materials such as
including but not limited to fabric, leather, and synthetics.
[0010] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a variety
of clips that come in several shapes based on utility and
aesthetics.
[0011] The objects of the invention are achieved by provision of an
interchangeable handbag with a three part clip and loop design,
with the ability to interchange the straps from the main base of
the handbag. This is achieved by outfitting the base with an
integrated loop, where a specially designed clip would then attach.
All straps are made with integrated loops at the ends. The loops
are then attached to the clip by sliding each end through the
integral opening in the clip creating a finished product.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The present invention and the manner in which it may be
practiced is further illustrated with reference to the accompanying
drawings wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 is an exploded front view of one embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] At the outset, it should be clearly understood that like
reference numerals are intended to identify the same structural
elements, portions, or surfaces consistently throughout the several
drawing figures, as may be further described or explained by the
entire written specification of which this detailed description is
an integral part. The drawings are intended to be read together
with the specification and are to be construed as a portion of the
entire "written description" of this invention as required by 35
U.S.C. .sctn.112 .
[0016] Adverting now to the drawings, with reference to FIGS. 1 and
2, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is indicated
generally by numeral 10. Handbag article 10 is made up generally of
bag base 12 having integrated loops 14 and/or 16; and optionally,
handles 24 having loop ends 25, where a first loop end 25 is
removably attached to a first bag base loop 14 by a first clip 20
while a second loop end 25 is removably attached to a second base
loop 14 by a second clip 20; and optionally, adjustable shoulder
strap 26 having a first loop end 27 which is removably attached to
a first bag base loop 16 by a third clip 20 while a second loop end
27 is removable attached to a second bag base loop 16 by a fourth
clip 20. A completed bag may comprise the bag base with two handles
attached, a bag base with a shoulder strap attached, or a bag base
having both handles and a strap attached. Although only the front
side of bag base 12 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the back side of bag
base 12 is constructed in an identical manner as described
above.
[0017] Specifically, the interchangeable handbag is constructed
through a three-piece system. In a preferred embodiment,
interchangeable clips 20 are connected to the bag base by slipping
one clip onto each of the loops 14 and/or loops 16. These clips can
be selected, for instance, to coordinate with the handbag owner's
wardrobe and can be made out of any suitable material, including
but not limited to metal, plastic, ceramic, glass, etc.
Interchangeable adjustable shoulder strap 26 and/or handles 24 are
then attached to the clips previously attached to the bag base.
Again, straps 26 and 24 can be selected to coordinate with the
handbag owner's wardrobe and can be constructed of any suitable
material, including but not limited to cloth fabric, leather,
plastic, etc. Conversely, clips 20 can be attached to the straps
before being attached to the bag base loops.
[0018] Clips 20 are hooplike members that can be round,
rectangular, roughly D-shaped, or any other shape. Clips can have
an open profile, or a closed profile as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
Closed profile clips can use a carabiner-like closing mechanism.
Optionally, clips 20 can further comprise a spur on the interior
surface of one or both open ends of the clip gap. These spurs
prevent the straps from slipping free of the clips while the bag is
being carried.
[0019] Additionally, the handbag of a preferred embodiment of the
present invention comprises a bag base 10 having additional
integrated loops 18. The number of additional integrated loops can
be of any number and is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1 or 2.
The additional loops 18 are used to accessorize the handbag using
additional interchangeable components, such as but not limited to
charms 30, and chains 22. Each of the components may be attached to
the bag base loops using clips 20 or by an integrated clip on the
component.
[0020] Although the invention has been described with reference to
certain preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated by those
skilled in the art that modifications and variations may be made
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It
should be understood that applicant does not intend to be limited
to the particular details described above and illustrated in the
accompanying drawings.
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