Ensemble-matching Handbag

Abstract

An ensemble-matching handbag having hinged sides which may be covered by multiple patterns or colored segments of similar wearing apparel which are clamped on the sides by surrounding frames that have the opposed clasp elements and carrying strap on their upper edges. A cloth tightening and holding side covering of sponge rubber or the like may be used. Interfitting indentations are provided on the sides and surrounding frames for securing these in assembled relation.

Description

One of the objects of the invention is in the provision of a handbag in which the sides thereof have detachable portions arranged in a manner to secure any desired pattern or color of material that will match the female ensemble.

Another object of the invention is to provide a woman's handbag, the sides of which are fashioned to receive and secure segments of materials that will match her ensemble.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment thereof, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, herewith wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the device;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken on the line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a multiple group of differently ornamented pieces of fabric which are employed in the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is an exploded schematic view of the various elements of a modified from of the device in which the handle and latch are on one short side of the bag and the hinge is on the opposite short side of the bag.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is disclosed, a container portion is provided by dual-opposed compartments 10 and 12 which are hingedly or otherwise connected at 14 on their lower edges. The compartments as shown are rectangular in shape but they may be formed otherwise. Compartments 10 and 12 have surrounding relatively shallow sides, top and bottom generally referred to as 15 and 16, respectively. The size, shape and appearance of the compartments obviously can be changed to a degree. It is essential that they be closed to form a tightly closed containing area. The inner fabric connection and arrangement of the bag is referred to as 18 and this matter is optional.

It is essential that each compartment have conforming open frames 20 and 22, respectively. Each frame has an inwardly projecting lip portion 24. One of the frames 20, as herein disclosed, has secured thereto at 26 and 28 the conventional carrying strap 30. Any form of carrying means can be used. One portion 32 of a conventional clasp is carried by frame 20 and the opposed portion 34 by the frame 22. Any form of clasp could be used.

Segments of matching material of a woman's apparel ensemble are shown at 36. These pieces of material could have any pattern or color as long as they satisfied the user. Naturally, they are cut to cover the sides of the compartments 10 and 12 and extend thereover as shown in the drawings. They are clamped in fixed position by the overlying frames 20 and 22. The compartments 10 and 12 thus perform the function of a backing means located telescopically within said frames for readily and successively holding selected pieces of fabric material pressed outwardly against said frames with said fabric pieces exposed to view through the openings of said frames. If a relatively thin material is used, it is necessary to have a conforming shape of sponge rubber 38 or otherwise disposed beneath the matching segments for secure positioning of the frames. The frames are also further secured by the connection of the clasp elements which are attached thereto.

The frames 20 and 22 may be detachably connected to the containers 10 and 12 by conforming indentations 25 or the like and the latch and handle otherwise attached.

The operation of the ensemble-matching handbag is relatively simple. For the matching operation, the frames are detached, the segments of material changed and replaced as desired and the frames replaced. The number of changes of handbag appearance is not only multiple, but simply and easily accomplished at little expense.

A multiple group of pieces of material 36 suitable for use in the invention is shown in FIG. 3, these being identified as pieces 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d, and 36c, and being crosshatched to indicate respectively colors pink, blue, grey, brown and green.

While I have described in considerable detail what I believe to be the preferred form of my invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made in the shape and arrangement of the several parts.

Claims

I claim:

1. An ensemble-matching handbag comprising:

a hollow box divided by a lengthwise plane into two box parts, said box enclosing a central space to which access may be had from above through an upward opening of said bag;

framing means embodied with one of said box parts and including a frame having a relatively large externally exposed frame opening, and a backing means embodied with said one of said box parts located telescopically within said frame for readily and successively holding one of a series of pieces of fabric pressed outwardly against said frame with said piece of fabric exposed to view through said frame opening; and

detent means for causing the yieldable interlocking of said frame and backing means when pressed together to frame a piece of fabric as aforesaid, and thereby providing the user the option of readily disassembling the box part in which said piece of fabric is framed, to replace said piece with another piece of fabric differing in ornamental character whereby the handbag may be caused to match any one of several distinctive wardrobe ensembles.

2. An ensemble-matching handbag as recited in claim 1 wherein

a cushion is interposed between said piece of fabric and said backing means which yieldably presses said fabric outwardly into said frame opening while pressing border portions of said fabric against portions of said framing means bordering said opening.