U.S. patent application number 15/941636 was filed with the patent office on 2018-10-18 for handbag with detachable and interchangeable covers.
This patent application is currently assigned to Ulloo Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Ulloo Inc.. Invention is credited to Heeralal Choudhary, Jiyoung Lee.
Application Number | 20180295960 15/941636 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63791302 |
Filed Date | 2018-10-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180295960 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lee; Jiyoung ; et
al. |
October 18, 2018 |
HANDBAG WITH DETACHABLE AND INTERCHANGEABLE COVERS
Abstract
A handbag system comprising a handbag base and at least one
cover, wherein the handbag base comprises a first site of
attachment and a first joining mechanism at the site of attachment,
and the cover comprises a second site of attachment and a second
joining mechanism that is compatible with the first joining
mechanism, wherein the handbag base and the at least one cover can
be securely and detachably joined together by engaging the first
joining mechanism with the second joining mechanism.
Inventors: |
Lee; Jiyoung; (Jersey City,
NJ) ; Choudhary; Heeralal; (Jersey City, NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ulloo Inc. |
Jersey City |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Ulloo Inc.
Jersey City
NJ
|
Family ID: |
63791302 |
Appl. No.: |
15/941636 |
Filed: |
March 30, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62485600 |
Apr 14, 2017 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 13/1092 20130101;
A45C 13/08 20130101; A45C 2013/1015 20130101; A45C 3/08 20130101;
A45C 13/103 20130101; A45C 3/06 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45C 13/08 20060101
A45C013/08; A45C 3/06 20060101 A45C003/06; A45C 13/10 20060101
A45C013/10 |
Claims
1. A handbag system comprising a handbag base and at least one
cover, wherein the handbag base comprises a first site of
attachment and a first joining mechanism at the site of attachment,
and the cover comprises a second site of attachment and a second
joining mechanism that is compatible with the first joining
mechanism, wherein the handbag base and the at least one cover can
be securely and detachably joined together by engaging the first
joining mechanism with the second joining mechanism.
2. The handbag system of claim 1, wherein the first joining
mechanism and the second joining mechanism together comprise a
velcro system, a zipper system, a snap system, or a button
system.
3. The handbag system of claim 1, wherein the at least one cover
comprises at least one non-decorative feature.
4. The handbag system of claim 3, where the at least one
non-decorative feature comprises at least one of a slip-in pocket
and a closable pocket selected from a button pocket, a velcro
pocket, a zipper pocket, and a snap pocket.
5. A handbag cover suitable for use in the handbag system of claim
1.
6. A handbag base suitable for use in the handbag system of claim
1.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/485,600, filed on Apr. 14, 2017, the entire
contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates to articles useful for carrying
personal items, specifically handbags, also known as pocketbooks
and purses, especially handbags typically carried by and used by
women. Specifically, it relates to detachable and interchangeable
handbag covers useful to alter the appearance and/or function of
the handbag.
Background and Relevant Art
[0003] Handbags generally are known. Handbags come in various sizes
and shapes, but generally are square, rectangular, trapezoidal, any
of which can have one or more rounded corners, half-oval-or
half-moon-shaped, or round, such as oval or circular. Handbag size
can be sufficient to carry only a few, small personal items, such
as credit cards and keys, or large enough to accommodate a larger
number of items, which can be bulky, such as an overstuffed wallet,
and as large as a tablet-type computer such as an iPad.
[0004] The base of a handbag can be flat or expandable, such as
like an accordion, so as to provide the handbag with a variable
depth, depending on how much space is required to hold the bag's
contents. The top of a handbag can be open, and the opening can
have one or more closure mechanisms, including, for example, one or
more twist closure mechanisms, snaps and zippers. Instead of or in
addition to such a closure mechanism, the bag can comprise a flap
that folds over the top of the bag. The flap itself can be held in
place by attaching to the bag by any means of attachment, such as a
snap. Handbags can have a strap or handle for carrying, which may
be detachable. Handbags generally are available in a variety of
materials.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 8,684,054, to Platt et al. ("the '054
patent"), discusses handbags generally and purports to provide a
means for changing a handbag's appearance by providing removable
covers that fit around and attach to the bag part of the handbag.
The removable cover is located on the entire full front side (this
front side can be used as an individual bag such as a clutch) of
the handbag.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The invention provides a handbag system comprising a handbag
base and at least one cover, wherein the handbag base comprises a
first site of attachment and a first attachment mechanism at the
site of attachment, and the cover comprises a second site of
attachment and a second attachment mechanism that is compatible
with the first attachment mechanism, wherein the handbag base and
the at least one cover can be securely and detachably joined
together by engaging the first attachment mechanism with the second
attachment mechanism. In one embodiment of this system, the first
attachment mechanism and the second attachment mechanism together
comprise one of a velcro system, a zipper system, a snap system, or
a button system. Alternatively, the system comprises more than one
attachment mechanism at both sites of attachment. For example, the
first attachment mechanism and the second attachment mechanism
together comprise a combination of two or more of a velcro system,
a zipper system, a snap system, or a button system. In an
embodiment, a handbag base and a cover are joined by means of a
combination of snaps and buttons. The attachment mechanism in both
systems performs a useful function and may simultaneously
contribute to the design aesthetic of the handbag. In an embodiment
of either system, the at least one cover comprises at least one
non-decorative feature. The at least one non-decorative feature
comprises at least one of a slip-in pocket and a closable pocket
selected from a button pocket, a velcro pocket, a zipper pocket,
and a snap pocket. The handbag base can comprise one or more
dividers and or compartments to keep stored items separate from one
another, and can comprise one or more internal and external pockets
for holding, for example, a newspaper, magazine, glasses, keys,
phone, wallet.
[0007] In a second aspect, the invention provides a cover suitable
for use in the above-described system, such as the cover described
above that comprises a site of attachment and an attachment
mechanism at the site of attachment, wherein the attachment
mechanism is compatible with another attachment mechanism that is
part of a handbag base, such that the cover and base can be
attached to and detached from one another. In preferred
embodiments, the attachment mechanism is any one or more of a
velcro system, a zipper system, a snap system, or a button
system.
[0008] In a third aspect, the invention provides a handbag base
suitable for use in the above-described system, such as the handbag
base described above that comprises a site of attachment and an
attachment mechanism at the site of attachment, wherein the
attachment mechanism is compatible with another attachment
mechanism that is part of a handbag cover, such that the cover and
base can be attached to and detached from one another. In preferred
embodiments, the attachment mechanism is any one or more of a
velcro system, a zipper system, a snap system, or a button
system.
[0009] In all of the described embodiments, the handbag base can be
made of the same material(s) as the cover, or of different
material(s). In all of the described embodiments, the handbag base
can be the same color(s) and/or pattern as the cover, or of
different color(s) and/or patterns. Suitable materials include
leather (patent and non-patent), suede, vinyl, plastic, canvas,
nylon, metal, wool, ripstop materials, and other fabrics and
materials, and combinations of these. Preferred materials for the
composition of the cover or handbag base include leather, faux
leather, suede, faux suede, canvas, any woven fabric, and any
natural fabric material, such as a plant-based material such as
woven coconut leaves or woven baobao (also referred to as "baobab")
tree leaves.
[0010] The invention provides the useful feature of permitting
different covers to be paired with one handbag base, and likewise
permitting different bases to be paired with one handbag cover.
[0011] In an embodiment, the cover for use in the system comprises
a fastener or closure mechanism for securing the cover in the
closed position. In an embodiment, the handbag base for use in the
system comprises a corresponding element that functions in
conjunction with the fastener or closure mechanism to secure the
cover in the closed position. The cover's fastener or closure
mechanism can be, for example, one or more snaps, magnets, or
latches, or any combination thereof. Such closure mechanisms are
well known in the art.
[0012] The handbag base can be any convenient and suitable size and
can be paired with any cover, so long as the handbag base and cover
comprise compatible attachment mechanisms. Exemplary handbag bases
have the following dimensions:
1. height 131/2 inches (34.3 cm).times.width 16 inches (40.6
cm).times.depth 4 inches (10 cm), suitable for carrying, for
example, a laptop computer; 2. height 7 inches (17.8
cm).times.width 11.5 inches (29.2 cm).times.depth 2 inches (5 cm),
suitable, for example, for use as a clutch; 3. height 7 inches
(17.8 cm).times.width 82/3 inches (22 cm).times.depth 2.36 inches
(6 cm), suitable for a variety of uses; or 4. height 7.1 inches (18
cm).times.width 8.63 inches (22 cm).times.depth 2.63 inches (6.5
cm).
[0013] In alternative embodiments, the handbag base may have any
one of the above sets of dimensions plus or minus one inch (e.g.
height 121/2 to 141/2 inches.times.width 15 to 17
inches.times.depth 3 to 5 inches, or height 6 to 8
inches.times.width 101/2 to 121/2 inches.times.depth 1 to 3 inches,
or height 6 to 8 inches.times.width 72/3 to 92/3 inches.times.depth
1.36 to 3.36 inches, or height 6.1 to 8.1 inches.times.width 7.63
to 9.63 inches.times.depth 1.63 to 3.63 inches). In alternative
embodiments, the handbag base may have other dimensions appropriate
to its use or purpose.
[0014] The cover is appropriately sized to fit the handbag base.
Non-limiting examples of appropriate fit are illustrated in the
accompanying figures. The handbag base of the invention can have
any shape, including but not limited to conventional shapes such as
square, rectangular, trapezoidal, any of which can have one or more
rounded corners, half-oval- or half-moon-shaped, or round, such as
oval or circular. Some such shapes are shown in the accompanying
figures. Likewise, the handbag cover of the invention can have any
shape, including conventional shapes. In preferred embodiments, the
handbag cover of the invention attaches to one side (e.g., the
back) of the handbag base and extends up and across the top of the
handbag base and then extends down along the other side (e.g., the
front) of the handbag base. In various embodiments, the handbag
cover may extend to any point along the front of the handbag base,
for example half-way down the front, 2/3 or 3/4 of the way down the
front, or all the way down the front of the handbag base. The
portion of the cover that extends along the front of the base may
be referred to as the "flap."
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0015] FIG. 1 shows a front view of two embodiments 1a and 1b of
the handbag system of the invention in the joined configuration,
that is, in the configuration in which the cover and the handbag
base are attached to each other.
[0016] FIG. 2 shows a front view of two embodiments of the handbag
base of the handbag system of the invention and four embodiments of
the interchangeable cover of the invention, in which the bases and
covers are in the detached configuration.
[0017] FIG. 3 shows a rear view of two embodiments 1a and 1b of the
handbag system of the invention and illustrates a pushbutton
embodiment of the attachment system for detachably joining the
interchangeable cover to the handbag base.
[0018] FIG. 4 shows a rear view of two embodiments 1a and 1b of the
handbag system of the invention and illustrates a generic
attachment system for detachably joining the interchangeable cover
to the handbag base.
[0019] FIGS. 5A-5D show side views of stages in attaching an
interchangeable cover of the invention to a handbag base of the
invention using the pushbutton attachment system.
[0020] FIGS. 6A-6D show side views of stages in attaching an
interchangeable cover of the invention to a handbag base of the
invention using a generic attachment system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] Referring to FIG. 1, the handbag system of the invention can
comprise handbag bases of different shapes and covers of different
shapes. System 1a shows a first handbag base 10 having
approximately squared corners and an approximately rectangular
bottom and a first cover 12 comprising a front flap 13 that has an
approximately trapezoidal shape. System 1b shows a second handbag
base 20 having an approximately semicircular shape and a cover 22
comprising a rounded front flap 23. FIG. 1 shows the handbag base
and cover in the joined configuration. The system of the invention
can accommodate a large variety of handbag base shapes and cover
shapes. Systems 1a and 1b are shown having an optional strap 14 and
24, respectively. Handbag systems of the invention can have straps
of different and/or variable lengths, or instead optionally have a
handle. Handles and straps are optionally removable. Such straps
and handles are well-known in the art.
[0022] Referring now to FIG. 2, the system of the invention
comprises a cover and a handbag base that can be detachably or
reversibly joined to each other by means of an attachment
mechanism. FIG. 2 shows handbag bases 10a and 20a and covers 12,
22a, 32a, and 42 in the detached configuration. The cover of the
invention comprises one part of a reversible attachment mechanism,
and the handbag base of the invention comprises the other part of
the reversible attachment mechanism, such that the cover and the
handbag base can be joined and disjoined or detached according to
the user's need or desire. In FIG. 2, covers 12, 22a, 32a and 42
comprise, as a means of attachment, a row of pushbuttons 16, 26, 36
and 46 (partially obscured in this view), respectively. Handbag
bases 10a and 20a comprise a row of compatible and correspondingly
spaced pushbutton receivers 18 and 28, respectively, such that any
of covers 12, 22a, 32a, and 42 can be detachably joined or attached
to either handbag base 10a or 20a. This illustrates the principle
that a handbag base of the invention is compatible with a variety
of covers, and also illustrates the principle that the cover of the
invention can be paired with a variety of different handbag
bases.
[0023] Referring now to FIG. 3, handbag systems 1a and 1b are shown
from the back. The pushbuttons 16 and 26 are shown aligned with
pushbutton receivers 18 and 28, respectively, such that the covers
32a and 22a can be detachably joined to handbag bases 10a and 20a,
respectively. In the embodiment shown, the attachment end of the
covers is inside the bag. In alternative embodiments, the
attachment end of the cover is outside the bag. In other
embodiments, an attachment mechanism is used that permits the edge
of the cover to attach to the edge of the bag.
[0024] Referring now to FIG. 4, handbag systems 1a and 1b are again
shown from the back. Generic attachment mechanisms 56 and 66 on
covers 32b and 22b, respectively, are aligned with generic
receivers 58 and 68, respectively, on handbag bases 10b and 20b
such that the covers 32b and 22b can be detachably joined to
handbag bases 10b and 20b, respectively. In the embodiment shown,
the attachment end of the covers is inside the bag. In alternative
embodiments, the attachment end of the cover is outside the bag. In
other embodiments, an attachment mechanism is used that permits the
edge of the cover to attach to the edge of the bag. In various
embodiments of the invention, the generic attachment systems can be
zippers, buttons, velcro, or any other suitable attachment system.
Attachment systems are well-known in the art. In various
embodiments, the generic attachment system can comprise a
combination of two or more attachment systems, such as a
combination of velcro and buttons or a combination of velcro and a
zipper.
[0025] Referring now to FIG. 5, the assembly of a handbag system of
the invention is shown. Cover 32a (FIG. 5A) is brought into close
proximity (FIG. 5B) to handbag base 10a such that pushbuttons 16
are aligned with and in contact with pushbutton receivers 18 (FIG.
5C), located on handbag base 10a, such that cover 32a and handbag
base 10a can be joined by engaging the pushbuttons 16 with
pushbutton receivers 18 (FIG. 5D). Cover 32a can be detached from
handbag base 10a by disengaging pushbuttons 16 from pushbutton
receivers 18.
[0026] Referring now to FIG. 6, the assembly of a handbag system of
the invention is shown. The same sequence of steps is employed in
FIG. 6 as in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 differs from FIG. 5 in using generic
attachment mechanism 56 on cover 32b and generic receiver 58 on
handbag base 10b. Thus, cover 32b (FIG. 6A) is brought into close
proximity (FIGS. 6B, 6C) to handbag base 10b such that generic
attachment mechanism 56 is aligned with and in contact with generic
receiver 58, such that cover 32b and handbag base 10b can be joined
by engaging the generic attachment mechanism 56 with generic
receiver 58 (FIG. 6D). Cover 32b can be detached from handbag base
10b by disengaging generic attachment mechanism 56 from generic
receiver 58.
[0027] The handbag base and cover of the invention can be
manufactured by any conventional means known in the art and used to
prepare conventional handbags, including manual and machine
methods.
* * * * *