U.S. patent application number 14/267710 was filed with the patent office on 2015-11-05 for crossbody utility bag with convertible strap system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Thirty-One Gifts LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Elizabeth Ann Swartzel. Invention is credited to Elizabeth Ann Swartzel.
Application Number | 20150313337 14/267710 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54354209 |
Filed Date | 2015-11-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150313337 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Swartzel; Elizabeth Ann |
November 5, 2015 |
Crossbody Utility Bag With Convertible Strap System
Abstract
A handbag includes a convertible strap system having a fixed
first end and a second end securable to the first end to form a
first loop, a second strap having a fixed first end and a second
end securable to the first end to form a second loop, and a handle
strap extendable between the loops and having an adjustable length.
The strap system is configurable between a first configuration
wherein the handle strap is adjusted to a crossbody length and
extends between the loops, a second configuration wherein the
handle strap is adjusted to a shoulder length and extends between
the loops, a third configuration wherein the straps are secured
together to a form a handle and the handle strap is stored, and a
fourth configuration wherein the straps form the loops to be
secured to a stroller or the like and the handle strap is
stored.
Inventors: |
Swartzel; Elizabeth Ann;
(Columbus, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Swartzel; Elizabeth Ann |
Columbus |
OH |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Thirty-One Gifts LLC
Columbus
OH
|
Family ID: |
54354209 |
Appl. No.: |
14/267710 |
Filed: |
May 1, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
150/108 ;
150/110 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44B 11/266 20130101;
A45C 3/06 20130101; A44B 11/25 20130101; A44B 11/26 20130101; A45C
2009/007 20130101; A45C 13/30 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45C 13/30 20060101
A45C013/30; A44B 11/25 20060101 A44B011/25; A45C 3/06 20060101
A45C003/06; A44B 11/26 20060101 A44B011/26 |
Claims
1. A handbag comprising, in combination: a body forming an interior
compartment and an access opening at a top of the body for
accessing the interior compartment; a first strap of flexible
material having a first end fixed to a first end of the body and a
second end removably securable to the first end of the first strap
with a first fastener to form a first loop; wherein the first
fastener has first and second cooperating fastener portions with
the first fastener portion fixed to the first end of the first
strap and the second fastener portion fixed to the second end of
the first strap; a second strap of flexible material having a first
end fixed to a second end of the body opposite the first end of the
body and a second end removably securable to the first end of the
second strap with a second fastener to form a second loop; wherein
the second fastener has first and second cooperating fastener
portions with the first fastener portion fixed to the first end of
the second strap and the second fastener portion fixed to the
second end of the second strap; and a handle strap selectively
extending between the first loop and second loop.
2. The handbag according to claim 1, wherein the handle strap has
an adjustable length.
3. The handbag according to claim 2, wherein the handle strap is
adjustable between a cross body length and an over shoulder
length.
4. The handbag according to claim 1, wherein the first and second
straps are secured by the first and second fasteners respectively
in opposite directions.
5. The handbag according to claim 4, wherein the first end of the
first strap is inward of the second end of the first strap when the
first loop is formed and the first end of the second strap is
inward of the second end of the second strap when the second loop
is formed
6. The handbag according to claim 1, wherein the first pair of
openings in the first side and the first pair of openings in the
second side are each provided with a reinforcement patch.
7. The handbag according to claim 1, wherein the first and second
straps are secured by the first and second fasteners respectively
in the same direction.
8. The handbag according to claim 1, wherein the first and second
fasteners are each snaps, one of the first and second fastener
portions of the first fastener is a male snap portion and the other
of the first and second fastener portions of the first fastener is
a female snap portion, and one of the first and second fastener
portions of the second fastener is a male snap portion and the
other of the first and second fastener portions of the second
fastener is a female snap portion.
9. The handbag according to claim 1, wherein the first and second
straps and the first and second fasteners are configured so that
the second end of the first strap is removably securable to the
first end of the second strap and the second end of the second
strap is removably securable with the first end of the first strap
so that the first and second straps form a handle extending between
the first and second ends of the body.
10. A handbag comprising, in combination: a body forming an
interior compartment and an access opening at a top of the body for
accessing the interior compartment; a first strap of flexible
material having a first end fixed to a first end of the body and a
second end removably securable to the first end of the first strap
with a first fastener to form a first loop; wherein the first
fastener has first and second cooperating fastener portions with
the first fastener portion fixed to the first end of the first
strap and the second fastener portion fixed to the second end of
the first strap; a second strap of flexible material having a first
end fixed to a second end of the body opposite the first end of the
body and a second end removably securable to the first end of the
second strap with a second fastener to form a second loop; wherein
the second fastener has first and second cooperating fastener
portions with the first fastener portion fixed to the first end of
the second strap and the second fastener portion fixed to the
second end of the second strap; and wherein the first and second
straps and the first and second fasteners are configured so that
the second end of the first strap is removably securable to the
first end of the second strap and the second end of the second
strap is removably securable with the first end of the first strap
so that the first and second straps form a handle extending between
the first and second ends of the body.
11. The handbag according to claim 10, further comprising a handle
strap selectively extending between the first loop and second loop
and wherein the handle strap has an adjustable length.
12. The handbag according to claim 11, wherein the handle strap is
adjustable between a cross body length and an over shoulder
length.
13. The handbag according to claim 10, wherein the first and second
straps are secured by the first and second fasteners respectively
in opposite directions.
14. The handbag according to claim 13, wherein the first end of the
first strap is inward of the second end of the first strap when the
first loop is formed and the first end of the second strap is
inward of the second end of the second strap when the second loop
is formed
15. The handbag according to claim 10, wherein the first pair of
openings in the first side and the first pair of openings in the
second side are each provided with a reinforcement patch.
16. The handbag according to claim 10, wherein the first and second
straps are secured by the first and second fasteners respectively
in the same direction.
17. The handbag according to claim 10, wherein the first and second
fasteners are each snaps, one of the first and second fastener
portions of the first fastener is a male snap portion and the other
of the first and second fastener portions of the first fastener is
a female snap portion, and one of the first and second fastener
portions of the second fastener is a male snap portion and the
other of the first and second fastener portions of the second
fastener is a female snap portion.
18. A handbag comprising, in combination: a body forming an
interior compartment and an access opening at a top of the body for
accessing the interior compartment; a convertible strap system
including: a first strap of flexible material having a first end
fixed to a first end of the body and a second end removably
securable to the first end of the first strap with a first fastener
to form a first loop; wherein the first fastener has first and
second cooperating fastener portions with the first fastener
portion fixed to the first end of the first strap and the second
fastener portion fixed to the second end of the first strap; a
second strap of flexible material having a first end fixed to a
second end of the body opposite the first end of the body and a
second end removably securable to the first end of the second strap
with a second fastener to form a second loop; wherein the second
fastener has first and second cooperating fastener portions with
the first fastener portion fixed to the first end of the second
strap and the second fastener portion fixed to the second end of
the second strap; wherein the first and second straps and the first
and second fasteners are configured so that the second end of the
first strap is removably securable to the first end of the second
strap and the second end of the second strap is removably securable
with the first end of the first strap; a handle strap selectively
extending between the first loop and second loop; and wherein the
handle strap is an adjustable length between a first length and a
second length shorter than the first length; wherein in a first
configuration of the convertible strap system, the first and second
straps form the first and second loops respectively and the handle
strap is adjusted to the first length and is extending between the
first loop and second loop; wherein in a second configuration of
the convertible strap system, the first and second straps form the
first and second loops respectively and the handle strap is
adjusted to the second length and is extending between the first
loop and second loop; wherein in a third configuration of the
convertible strap system, the first and second straps are secured
together so that the first and second straps form a handle
extending between the first and second ends of the body and the
handle strap is stored; and wherein in a fourth configuration of
the convertible strap system, the first and second straps form the
first and second loops respectively and the handle strap is
stored.
19. The handbag according to claim 18, wherein the first length of
the handle strap is a cross body length and the second length of
the handle strap is an over shoulder length.
20. The handbag according to claim 18, wherein the first and second
fasteners are each snaps, one of the first and second fastener
portions of the first fastener is a male snap portion and the other
of the first and second fastener portions of the first fastener is
a female snap portion, and one of the first and second fastener
portions of the second fastener is a male snap portion and the
other of the first and second fastener portions of the second
fastener is a female snap portion.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] Not Applicable
PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT
[0003] Not Applicable
REFERENCE TO APPENDIX
[0004] Not Applicable
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The field of the present invention generally relates to
handbags and, more particularly, to handbags with convertible strap
systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Most women purchase multiple handbags having different
aesthetics and functional configurations to suit different outfits
and/or different occasions or needs. However, purchasing additional
handbags results in increased costs. Also, using several different
handbags can cause logistical issues based on switching personal
items between the handbags. For example, anytime a user wants to
use a different handbag for whatever reason, the user needs to
spend time transferring personal items from one handbag to another.
This can also result in the confusion of having various items in
several different handbags.
[0007] One attempt to solve some of these problems was to provide a
handbag with removable covers, skirts, or the like on the exterior
of the handbag. When it is desired to change the exterior aesthetic
appearance of the handbag, the cover is simple removed and replaced
with a cover having a different aesthetic appearance. For example,
see U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,607,461 and 7,628,187, the disclosures of
which are expressly incorporated herein in their entireties by
reference. While these removable covers can change the exterior
aesthetic appearance of the handbags, they do not change the style
or type of the handbag.
[0008] Another attempt to solve some of these problems was to
provide a handbag that is expandable to a larger size. For example,
see U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,178,567, 7,909,150 and 8,132,601, the
disclosures of which are expressly incorporated herein in their
entireties by reference. While these expandable handbags can
increase and decrease the size of the handbag, they do not change
the style or type of the handbag.
[0009] Yet another attempt to solve some of these problems was to
provide a handbag that is convertible between different types or
styles of handbags. For example, see U.S. Pat. No. 4,856,570, the
disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein in its
entirety by reference. While these convertible handbags can
increase the versatility of the handbag, they are typically time
consuming to convert and/or have multiple handles visible in each
configuration which can provide a less than ideal appearance.
[0010] A further attempt to solve these problems was to provide a
handbag that can be carried by a handle or hung on a stroller or
the like. For example, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,186,859, 5,702,038, and
8,413,863, the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated
herein in their entireties by reference. While these convertible
handbags can increase the versatility of the handbag, they are
typically awkward to convert and/or are relatively limited in the
quantity of configurations available.
[0011] Accordingly, there is a need in the industry for improved
handbags convertible between different styles or types of
handbags.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] Disclosed are handbags and/or convertible strap systems that
overcome at least one deficiency of the prior art handbags
described above. Disclosed is a handbag comprising, in combination,
a body forming an interior compartment and an access opening at a
top of the body for accessing the interior compartment, a first
strap of flexible material having a first end fixed to a first end
of the body and a second end removably securable to the first end
of the first strap with a first fastener to form a first loop, a
second strap of flexible material having a first end fixed to a
second end of the body opposite the first end of the body and a
second end removably securable to the first end of the second strap
with a second fastener to form a second loop, and a handle strap
selectively extending between the first loop and second loop. The
first fastener has first and second cooperating fastener portions
with the first fastener portion fixed to the first end of the first
strap and the second fastener portion fixed to the second end of
the first strap, The second fastener has first and second
cooperating fastener portions with the first fastener portion fixed
to the first end of the second strap and the second fastener
portion fixed to the second end of the second strap.
[0013] Also disclosed is handbag comprising, in combination, a body
forming an interior compartment and an access opening at a top of
the body for accessing the interior compartment, a first strap of
flexible material having a first end fixed to a first end of the
body and a second end removably securable to the first end of the
first strap with a first fastener to form a first loop, a second
strap of flexible material having a first end fixed to a second end
of the body opposite the first end of the body and a second end
removably securable to the first end of the second strap with a
second fastener to form a second loop. The first fastener has first
and second cooperating fastener portions with the first fastener
portion fixed to the first end of the first strap and the second
fastener portion fixed to the second end of the first strap. The
second fastener has first and second cooperating fastener portions
with the first fastener portion fixed to the first end of the
second strap and the second fastener portion fixed to the second
end of the second strap. The first and second straps and the first
and second fasteners are configured so that the second end of the
first strap is removably securable to the first end of the second
strap and the second end of the second strap is removably securable
with the first end of the first strap so that the first and second
straps form a handle extending between the first and second ends of
the body.
[0014] Also disclosed is a handbag comprising, in combination, a
body forming an interior compartment and an access opening at a top
of the body for accessing the interior compartment, and a
convertible strap system. The convertible strap system includes a
first strap of flexible material having a first end fixed to a
first end of the body and a second end removably securable to the
first end of the first strap with a first fastener to form a first
loop, a second strap of flexible material having a first end fixed
to a second end of the body opposite the first end of the body and
a second end removably securable to the first end of the second
strap with a second fastener to form a second loop, and a handle
strap selectively extending between the first loop and second loop.
The first fastener has first and second cooperating fastener
portions with the first fastener portion fixed to the first end of
the first strap and the second fastener portion fixed to the second
end of the first strap. The second fastener has first and second
cooperating fastener portions with the first fastener portion fixed
to the first end of the second strap and the second fastener
portion fixed to the second end of the second strap. The first and
second straps and the first and second fasteners are configured so
that the second end of the first strap is removably securable to
the first end of the second strap and the second end of the second
strap is removably securable with the first end of the first strap.
The handle strap is an adjustable length between a first length and
a second length shorter than the first length. The convertible
strap system is selectively convertible between: a first
configuration wherein the first and second straps form the first
and second loops respectively and the handle strap is adjusted to
the first length and is extending between the first loop and second
loop; a second configuration wherein the first and second straps
form the first and second loops respectively and the handle strap
is adjusted to the second length and is extending between the first
loop and second loop; a third configuration wherein the first and
second straps are secured together so that the first and second
straps form a handle extending between the first and second ends of
the body and the handle strap is stored; and a fourth configuration
wherein the first and second straps form the first and second loops
respectively and the handle strap is stored.
[0015] From the foregoing disclosure and the following more
detailed description of various preferred embodiments it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention
provides a significant advance in the technology and art of handle
strap systems for handbags. Particularly significant in this regard
is the potential the invention affords for a handle strap system
for a handbag that is relatively easy to use, relatively
inexpensive to produce and assemble, and provides many useful
configurations. Additional features and advantages of various
embodiments of the invention will be better understood in view of
the detailed description provided below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] These and further features of the present invention will be
apparent with reference to the following description and drawing,
wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a handbag with a
convertible strap system in a crossbody bag configuration according
to the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the handbag of FIG.
1.
[0019] FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmented diagrammatic view of
looped straps of the convertible strap system of the handbag of
FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0020] FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmented diagrammatic view similar
to FIG. 3 but showing an alternative embodiment of the looped
straps of the convertible strap system.
[0021] FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmented diagrammatic view of an
adjustable strap handle of the convertible strap system of the
handbag of FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a front view of a slider of the adjustable strap
of FIG. 5.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a front view of a rectangular ring of the
adjustable strap of FIG. 5.
[0024] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the handbag of FIGS. 1
and 2 but with the convertible strap system in a shoulder bag
configuration.
[0025] FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the handbag of FIG.
8.
[0026] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the handbag of FIGS.
1 and 2 but with the convertible strap system in a hobo bag
configuration.
[0027] FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the handbag of FIG.
10.
[0028] FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the handbag of FIGS.
1 and 2 but with the convertible strap system in a handle
attachment configuration.
[0029] FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of the handbag of FIG.
12.
[0030] It should be understood that the appended drawings are not
necessarily to scale, presenting a somewhat simplified
representation of various preferred features illustrative of the
basic principles of the invention. The specific design features of
the handbags as disclosed herein, including, for example, specific
dimensions and shapes of the various components will be determined
in part by the particular intended application and use environment.
Certain features of the illustrated embodiments have been enlarged
or distorted relative to others to facilitate visualization and
clear understanding. In particular, thin features may be thickened,
for example, for clarity or illustration. All references to
direction and position, unless otherwise indicated, refer to the
orientation of the handbags illustrated in the drawings. In
general, up or upward refers to an upward direction within the
plane of the paper in FIG. 1 and down or downward refers to a
downward direction within the plane of the paper in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0031] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that is, to
those who have knowledge or experience in this area of technology,
that many uses and design variations are possible for the improved
handbags and convertible strap systems disclosed herein. The
following detailed discussion of various alternative embodiments
will illustrate the general principles of the invention. Other
embodiments suitable for other applications will be apparent to
those skilled in the art given the benefit of this disclosure.
[0032] FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrate a handbag 10 according to the
present invention. The illustrated handbag 10 includes a body 12
forming an interior compartment and an access opening 14 at a top
16 of the body 12 for accessing the interior compartment, and a
convertible strap system 18. The illustrated convertible strap
system 18 includes a first strap 20 of flexible material having a
first end 22 fixed to a first end 26 of the body 12 and a second
end 24 removably securable to the first end 22 of the first strap
20 with a first fastener 28 to form a first loop 30, a second strap
32 of flexible material having a first end 34 fixed to a second end
38 of the body 12 opposite the first end 26 of the body 12 and a
second end 36 removably securable to the first end 34 of the second
strap 32 with a second fastener 40 to form a second loop 42, and an
adjustable handle strap 44 selectively extendable between the first
loop 30 and second loop 42. The illustrated first and second straps
20, 32 and the illustrated first and second fasteners 28, 40 are
configured so that the second end 24 of the first strap 20 is also
removably securable to the first end 34 of the second strap 32 and
the second end 36 of the second strap 34 is also removably
securable with the first end 22 of the first strap 20. As discussed
in more detail hereinbelow, the illustrated convertible strap
system 18 is selectively configurable between a first configuration
wherein the handle strap 44 is adjusted to a crossbody length and
extends between the loops 30, 42 (best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2), a
second configuration wherein the handle strap 44 is adjusted to a
shoulder length and extends between the loops 30, 42 (best shown in
FIGS. 8 and 9), a third configuration wherein the first and second
straps 20, 32 are secured together to a form a handle and the
handle strap 44 is stored, and a fourth configuration wherein the
first and second straps 20, 32 form the loops 30, 42 to be secured
to a stroller or the like and the handle strap 44 is stored.
[0033] The term "handbag" is used in this specification and the
claims to mean a container used for carrying money, small personal
items or accessories, or the like (especially by women) including,
but not limited to, athletic bags, baguette bags, barrel bags,
bowling bags, bucket bags, clutches, crossbody bags, doctor's bags,
duffel bags, evening bags, feed bags, handbags, hobo bags,
messenger bags, pocketbooks, pouches, purses, saddle bags,
satchels, shoulder bags, sling bags, totes, utility bags, weekend
bags, and the like.
[0034] The illustrated body 12 includes a first or front side 46
and a second or rear side 48 opposite the front side 46 which
cooperate to form the opposed front and rear sides of the body 12
and the interior compartment. The illustrated body 12 also includes
base or bottom 50 located opposite the top 16 of the body 12 that
forms a lower side of the interior compartment. The illustrated
interior compartment is closed except for the access opening 14
formed in the top 16 by the body 12 opposite the bottom 18 but
other suitable configurations can be utilized. The illustrated
access opening 14 is provided with a closure 52 for selectively
opening and closing the access opening 14. The illustrated closure
is in the form of a zipper bit it is noted that the closure can
alternatively be of any other suitable type such as, for example,
buckles, buttons, clips, hook and loop fasteners (such as Velcro),
hooks, magnets, straps, ties, turn locks, zippers, and the like.
The interior compartment 20 is sized in any desired manner for
storing personal items. It should be appreciated that the body 12
can alternatively have any other suitable configuration.
[0035] The illustrated front side 46 of the body 12 is provided
with a pair of side-by-side exterior pockets 54, 56. The
illustrated first exterior pocket 54 is sized and configured to
receive the handles trap 44 therein for storage of the handle strap
44 when the handle strap 44 is not being utilized as described in
more detail hereinbelow. It is noted that the illustrated exterior
pockets 54, 56 can be eliminated, have a different size or shape,
or be located at a different location on the body 12 and/or a
different quantity can be utilized if desired. The illustrated
first exterior pocket 54 is provided with a releasable fastener or
closure 58 in the form of a zipper but any other suitable closure
can alternatively be utilized such as, for example, buckles,
buttons, clips, elastic bands, flaps, hook and loop fasteners (such
as Velcro), hooks, magnets, snaps, straps, ties, turn locks, and
the like. The illustrated second exterior pocket 56 is provided
with a releasable fastener or closure 60 in the form of a flap but
any other suitable closure can alternatively be utilized such as,
for example, buckles, buttons, clips, elastic bands, hook and loop
fasteners (such as Velcro), hooks, magnets, snaps, straps, ties,
turn locks, zippers, and the like.
[0036] The illustrated first and second ends 26, 38 of the body 12
are each provided with a an exterior pocket 62. It is noted that
the illustrated exterior pockets 60 can be eliminated, have a
different size or shape, or be located at a different location on
the body 12 and/or a different quantity can be utilized if desired.
The illustrated exterior pockets 60 are provided with a releasable
fastener or closure 64 in the form of an elastic band but any other
suitable closure can alternatively be utilized such as, for
example, buckles, buttons, clips, flaps, hook and loop fasteners
(such as Velcro), hooks, magnets, snaps, straps, ties, turn locks,
zippers, and the like.
[0037] The illustrated body 12 is constructed of drapy polyester
fabric but the body 12 can alternatively be formed by any other
suitable fabric, natural or synthetic leather, or nonwoven
material. The various panels of the illustrated body 12 are secured
together with stitched thread but any other suitable form of
attachment can alternatively be utilized.
[0038] The illustrated first strap 20 is formed of a flexible
material such as a nylon web but any other suitable material can
alternatively be utilized. The first end 22 of the first strap is
fixed to the top of the first end 26 of the body 12 and the second
end 24 of the first strap 20 is free of securement to the body 12.
The illustrated first strap 20 is fixed to the body 12 with
stitched thread but can alternatively be fixed to the body 12 in
any other suitable manner. However, the second end 24 of the first
strap 20 is removably securable to the first end 22 of the first
strap 20 with the first fastener 28 to form the first loop 30. The
first loop 30 is sized and configured to selectively receive an end
of the handle strap 44 and/or a handle or frame of a stroller,
walker, wheelchair or the like as described in more detail herein
below. The first fastener 28 has first and second cooperating
fastener portions 28A, 28B. The illustrated first fastener portion
28A is fixed to the first end 22 of the first strap 20 and the
second fastener portion 28B is fixed to the second end 24 of the
first strap 20 so that the first loop 30 is formed when connected
and the first loop 30 is removed when unconnected. The illustrated
first fastener 28 is a snap with the first fastener portion 28A
being a female snap portion and the second snap portion 28B being a
male snap portion but it is noted that the female and male snap
portions can alternatively be reversed. It is noted that the first
fastener 28 can alternatively be any other suitable type of
fastener such as, for example, buckles, buttons, clips, hook and
loop fasteners (such as Velcro), hooks, magnets, straps, ties, turn
locks, and the like. It is noted that the first strap 20 can
alternatively have any other suitable configuration.
[0039] The illustrated second strap 32 is formed of a flexible
material such as a nylon but any other suitable material can
alternatively be utilized. The first end 34 of the second strap 32
is fixed to the top of the second end 38 of the body 12 opposite
the first strap 18 and the second end 36 of the second strap 32 is
free of securement to the body 12. The illustrated second strap 32
is fixed to the body 12 with stitched thread but can alternatively
be fixed to the body 12 in any other suitable manner. However, the
second end 36 of the second strap 32 is removably securable to the
first end 34 of the second strap 32 with the second fastener 40 to
form the second loop 42. The second loop 42 is sized and configured
to selectively receive an end of the handle strap 44 and/or a
handle or frame of a stroller, walker, wheelchair or the like as
described in more detail herein below. The second fastener 40 has
first and second cooperating fastener portions 40A, 40B. The
illustrated first fastener portion 40A is fixed to the first end 34
of the second strap 32 and the second fastener portion 40B is fixed
to the second end 36 of the second strap 32 so that the second loop
42 is formed when connected and the second loop 42 is removed when
unconnected. The illustrated second fastener 40 is a snap with the
first fastener portion 40A being a female snap portion and the
second snap portion 40B being a male snap portion but it is noted
that the female and male snap portions can alternatively be
reversed. It is noted that the second fastener 40 can alternatively
be any other suitable type of fastener such as, for example,
buckles, buttons, clips, hook and loop fasteners (such as Velcro),
hooks, magnets, straps, ties, turn locks, and the like. It is noted
that the second strap 32 can alternatively have any other suitable
configuration.
[0040] The illustrated first and second straps 20, 32 and the
illustrated first and second fasteners 28, 40 are configured so
that the second end 24 of the first strap 20 is removably securable
to the first end 34 of the second strap 32 and the second end 36 of
the second strap 32 is removably securable with the first end 22 of
the first strap 20 so that the first and second straps 20, 32 form
a handle 66 extending between the first and second ends 26, 38 of
the body 12 (as best shown in FIGS. 10 and 11). The illustrated
portions 20A, 20B of the first fastener 20 can cooperate with the
respective cooperating portions 40A, 40B of the second fastener
40.
[0041] As best shown in FIG. 3, the first and second straps 20, 32
are configured to be looped in opposite directions. That is, the
free second ends 24, 36 are looped outwardly in opposite directions
when they are to be removably secured to the respective fixed first
ends 22, 24. Configured in this manner, the first and second straps
20, 32 can be easily secured to form the loops 30, 42 and easily
unsecured to remove the loops 30, 42. However, it is noted that the
first and second straps 20, 32 must be twisted to be secured
together to form the handle 66 (best shown in FIGS. 10 and 11).
[0042] As best shown in FIG. 4, the first and second straps 20, 32
can alternatively be configured to be looped in the same
directions. That is, one of the free second ends 24, 36 is looped
outwardly when it is to be removably secured to the respective
fixed first end 22, 24 and the other one of the free second ends
24, 36 is looped inwardly when it is to be removably secured to the
respective fixed first end 22, 24. Configured in this manner, the
inwardly looped one of the first and second straps 20, 32 is not as
easily secured to form the loops 30, 42 and unsecured to remove the
loops 30, 42. However, it is noted that the first and second straps
20, 32 are not required to be twisted to be secured together to
form the handle 66.
[0043] As best shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the illustrated adjustable
handle strap 44 includes a web 68 of flexible material, a pair of
rings 70, 72, and a slide buckle or loop slider 74. The first ring
is secured to the first end of the web 68. The illustrated rings
70, 72 are rectangular shaped but any other suitable shape can
alternatively be utilized. The illustrated rings 70, 72 are also
metal but any other suitable material can alternatively be
utilized. The illustrated web is nylon web but any other suitable
flexible material can alternatively be utilized. The first ring 70
is secured to a first end of the web the web 68 by extending the
web 68 through a central opening 76 of the ring 70 and looping it
around and securing it to the web 68 by stitched threads or any
other suitable attachment method. The openings of the rings are
sized to receive the web 68 as well as the first and second straps
20, 32 therethrough. The illustrated loop slider 74 has an outer
ring portion 78 and a leg portion 80 dividing the ring portion into
two openings 82, 84. The illustrated web 68 extends from the first
ring 70 to the ring slider 74 where it extends through the first
opening 82, around the leg portion 80, and back through the second
opening 84. The illustrated web 68 extends from the ring slider 74
by looping back with a second end of the web 68 secured to the leg
portion 80. The second end of the web 68 is secured to leg portion
80 by extending the web 68 looping the end of the web around the
leg portion 80 and securing to the web 68 by stitched threads or
any other suitable attachment method. The second ring 72 is
positioned along a loop 86 formed by the web 68 with the web 68
extending through the opening 76 of the ring 72. Configured in this
manner, the handle strap 44 has an adjustable length with the rings
70, 72 forming ends of the adjustable handle strap 44. The
illustrated adjustable handle strap 44 is designed to be adjusted
between a first or crossbody length and a second or over shoulder
length that is shorter than the first or crossbody length, or any
length therebetween. it is noted however, that the adjustable
handle strap 44 can alternatively be configured to be adjusted
between any other suitable lengths and/or quantity of lengths. It
is noted that the adjustable handle strap can alternatively have
any other suitable configuration and/or could alternatively have a
non-adjustable length.
[0044] The illustrated convertible strap system 18 is selectively
convertible between five configurations. As best shown in FIGS. 1
and 2, in a first configuration, the first and second straps 20, 32
form the first and second loops 30, 42 respectively and the
adjustable handle strap 44 is adjusted to the first or crossbody
length and is extending between the first and second loops 20, 32
with the straps 20, 32, extending through the rings 70, 72. In this
first configuration, the handbag 12 is in the configuration of a
crossbody bag. As best shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, in a second
configuration, the first and second straps 20, 32 form the first
and second loops 30, 42 respectively and the adjustable handle
strap 44 is adjusted to the second or over shoulder length and is
extending between the first and second loops 30, 42 with the straps
20, 32, extending through the rings 70, 72. In this second
configuration, the handbag 12 is in the configuration of an over
the shoulder bag. As best shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, in a third
configuration, the first and second straps 30, 42 are secured
together so that the first and second straps 30, 42 form the handle
66 extending between the first and second ends 26, 38 of the body
12 and the adjustable handle strap 44 is stored in the external
pocket 54 or some other suitable location. In this third
configuration, the handbag 12 is in the configuration of hobo bag.
As best shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, in a fourth configuration, the
first and second straps 20, 32 form the first and second loops 30,
42 respectively and the adjustable handle strap 44 is stored in the
external pocket 54 or some other suitable location. In this fourth
configuration, the loops 30, 42 can be secured around a structure
88 such as a stroller, walker, wheelchair, or the like.
[0045] Any of the features or attributes of the above described
embodiments and variations can be used in combination with any of
the other features and attributes of the above described
embodiments and variations as desired.
[0046] From the foregoing disclosure it will be apparent that the
present invention provides an improved strap systems which enables
a single handbag to be easily converted between to different styles
or types.
[0047] From the foregoing disclosure and detailed description of
certain preferred embodiments, it will be apparent that various
modifications, additions and other alternative embodiments are
possible without departing from the true scope and spirit of the
present invention. The embodiments discussed were chosen and
described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the
present invention and its practical application to thereby enable
one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in
various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to
the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and
variations are within the scope of the present invention as
determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance
with the benefit to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably
entitled.
* * * * *