Transferable purse liner

Abstract

An improved transferable liner compartment having a dual compartment liner with a plurality of compartment inlets or connectors for accessing or retrieving select items. Each inlet operatively peels away at 90° with respect to each adjoining inlet to provide a predetermined expanse volume, and for providing either a vertical or horizontal opening orientation for a particular handbag or other carrier. The first and second inlets form an outer pouch and the third and fourth inlets form a inner pouch. The outer pouch has fasteners for quick and easy deployment and/or removal from a carrier such as a handbag, backpack, briefcase, etc.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/183,334, filed Feb. 18, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to pouches and, more specifically, to an improved, transferable interior and/or exterior liner compartment which is used with and becomes a detachable part of a purse, backpack, briefcase or similar item It can be transferred without disturbing its contents; furthermore, it can be used alone.

[0004] 2. Description of Related Art

[0005] Numerous carrying bags have been devised having compartments of varying sorts. Conventional compartments used in handbags are designed or made as contiguous or fixed interior material portions of a handbag. This particular material arrangement has the primary limitation of being a single style or event-dependent tote bag. Interior multiple compartments are not removable as a single carrying item. While some conventional handbags with special removable carrying compartments provide dual setting handbags appropriate for both formal and informal occasions, many require mechanical fixtures such as frame elements and bulky pouches which extend the entire length or volume of a purse or handbag. Unlike conventional handbags the improved, transferable liner compartment of this invention can be an adaptable carrying compartment for handbags, backpacks, briefcases, etc., or it can be a stand-alone compartment for any occasion.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 2,428,682 issued to Rhodes discloses a transparent purse cover, a number of replaceable, decorative linings, and a pouch (FIG. 4) for contents. The linings are of different colors and thus can be changed for any occasion. The pouch contents need not be disturbed while the lining is changed. A major drawback is that the pouch is disclosed as useful only with a particular size and shape of lining and cover; there is no teaching of construction and use of the pouch with a wide variety of purses, packs, bags, etc. of most any size and shape.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 2,609,854 issued to Rosen discloses a readily replaceable, interchangeable lining for pocketbooks. The lining is cut so as to drape and fit within a handbag body. This type of deployment of the lining serves to relieve the lining from material stress and strain. Stitching is also performed in select areas to provide a semi-permanent lining attachment within the body. The transferable pouch of the present invention is not taught.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 2,671,487 issued to Hoek discloses a removable pouch for handbags comprising an open mouth pouch for retaining the entire contents of the handbag, and additional pockets within the pouch, one of which is zippered. The pouch is dimensioned to interfit entirely within the outer bag, unlike the present invention, and is not employed as a stand-alone pouch or purse.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 3,414,033 issued to Tucker discloses an interchangeable purse insert of similar construction to that taught by Hoek, except the purse can be closed and is attached within a larger purse by Velcro, for example. It is designed to go from purse to purse, but is not designed as a stand-alone item.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,811,769 issued to Phares discloses a purse insert movable from purse to purse, and having elastic material pockets about the outside of the insert. It is not attached to the purse in which it is inserted, and does not function as a stand-alone item.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,207,254 issued to Fromm discloses a convertible handbag assembly comprising separable inner and outer members. The entire assembly may be converted into a variety of styles and configurations. The removable pouch of the present invention is not disclosed.

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,894,975 issued to Holden et al. discloses a number of carriers for receiving an interchangeable liner which encloses a plurality of articles. The liner is an insertable pouch which extends the interior length and/or volume of a purse, and has an elastic rim for expanding and contracting the pouch.

[0013] U.S. Design Patents issued to Kohn (Des. 334,661) and Briganti (Des. 408,146) disclose similar ornamental features directed to removable handbag pouches.

[0014] Other Patent documents such as those by Goad (GB 112,652) and Kopkin (GB 125,568) disclose handbag related features of general relevance to the transferable liner as herein described.

[0015] None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The improved transferable liner compartment system according to the invention is a dual compartment liner having first, second, third and fourth compartment inlets for storing and retrieving select items in a horizontal or vertical orientation with respect to each inlet. Each inlet operatively “peels” away at 90° with respect to each adjoining inlet as an enveloped dual compartment. Depending on the type of object to be carried in the liner and the method by which it opens for inserting select items, the transferable liner can be arranged both horizontal and vertical therewith. The first and second inlets form an outer pouch and the third and fourth inlets form a inner pouch. The outer pouch can have mechanical fasteners such as button, and hook and loop fasteners (e.g., “Velcro”) for quick and easy deployment and/or removal from a handbag, backpack, briefcase, etc. An insertable handle is disposed at a corner portion of the compartment for optional use. When the handle is unused, it is conveniently inserted within the cavity of the compartment in proximity to the first and second inlets.

[0017] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide an improved transferable purse liner for a variety of bags, handbags, purses, tote bags, etc.

[0018] It is another object of the invention to provide an improved transferable purse liner which is compact and easy to deploy and remove.

[0019] It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved transferable purse liner compartment which is adaptable as a standalone carrier.

[0020] Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved transferable purse liner compartment with a reduced number of mechanical fasteners for attachment with carriers such as handbags, backpacks and briefcases.

[0021] Further still, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved transferable purse liners compartment which is transparent for easily identifying select items or their arrangement.

[0022] It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.

[0023] These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a transferable purse liner compartment according to the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the transferable purse liner compartment disposed within an interior portion of a handbag according to the invention.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the transferable purse liner compartment according to the invention, illustrating interior compartments.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the transferable purse liner compartment according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the transferable purse liner compartment according to a third embodiment.

[0029] Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] The present invention is directed to an improved transferable liner compartment adapted for attachment with a variety of carriers such as handbags 7, backpacks 9, brief cases 11, etc. The preferred embodiments of deployment of the present invention are depicted in FIGS. 1-5, and are generally referenced by numerals 7, 9 and 11, respectively.

[0031] As diagrammatically illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a handbag 7 with the improved transferable liner compartment 10 is shown according to a first embodiment, with the bag 7 draped on an arm of a user U. The compartment 10 comprises a first material layer 12, a second material layer 14, and a connecting zipper fastener 16 for connecting together the first 12 and second 14 material layers to form a primary pouch 15 having a predetermined expanse volume capacity 17. The expanse volume capacity 17 can be any volume resulting from the particular shape or design of a compartment for a specific user U, and the intended use thereof. The first 12 and second 14 material layers include at least one respective top 12a,14a and bottom 12b,14b surface layer.

[0032] As best seen in FIG. 2, the first material layer 12 further has fasteners for attaching the compartment 10 to a carrier 7, 9, 11. The fastening means is preferably a mechanical fastener of the button 20a variety, or hook and loop fastener 20b type (FIG. 3) variety. These particular fasteners have the advantage of being quick release fasteners, which enable the modern business executive or entrepreneur the convenience of converting from a formal (work) carrier to an informal (play) carrier without unnecessary delay. Another advantage of the compartment 10 includes the unique arrangement by which a user U may dispose the compartment within a carrier either in a vertical orientation as shown therein or a horizontal orientation (not shown). These special arrangements will facilitate the ease of access to the inlets or zipper fasteners 16a,16b respectively.

[0033] As diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 3, the bottom surface 14a of the second material layer 14 further includes a secondary pouch 19 for storing select items according to a reduced expanse volume capacity 19a compared to the expanse volume capacity 17 of the primary pouch 15. The secondary pouch 19 further includes a first 19b and second 19c inlet fastener for selectively accessing the pouch 19 to store and remove select items, respectively.

[0034] Also shown therein is a handle 22 which is used to carry the compartment 10 by itself. The handle 22 can be secured to the compartment 10 via any number of ways such as by stitching, mechanical retainers or rivets, etc. Alternatively, handle 22 may be entirely removed from the rest of the invention. However, it is preferred that the handle portion be made to insert within the primary pouch as an hidden, out of the way element in the event the user U elects not to use it. The handle 22 is attached to the compartment 10 adjacent the first 16a and second 16b zipper fastener. Each respective fastener 16a,16b connects adjoining edges E,E′ of the first 12 and second 14 material layers in orthogonal relation or 90° degrees. In a similar fashion, the secondary pouch is formed by the arrangement of first and second inlet fasteners or zipper fasteners which provide a similar expanse volume capacity, but on a smaller scale.

[0035] As can be further appreciated from FIGS. 2 and 3, the invention 15 when functioning as a stand-alone pouch or small purse, may be oriented as shown or rotated 90°, with handle 22 attached to any convenient corner. Then, the user can access the interior by zipper 16b instead of 16a. Also, when used as shown as an interior compartment, the compartment 15 may be oriented according to the structure of the purse with which it is used; if a long purse, it would be carried lengthwise. If a short purse, it would be oriented as shown in FIG. 2.

[0036] This particular arrangement can include a number of similarly arranged compartments. However, the use of a single interior or secondary pouch 19 has been found to be most cost effective as it relates to the cost of adding material parts or compartments. Other advantages of the transferable liner compartment 10 include the provision of four button or hook and loop fasteners 20a disposed on a top portion of the first material layer 12. This particular arrangement provides for secure attachment to the carriers 7, 9 and 11. On the other hand, one may simply want to insert the invention in a purse without attachment, and the streamlined construction of the compartment allows this to be done.

[0037] With respect to the type of materials of the compartment 10, the compartment can be made of both fabric material and plastic material for a transparent effect. Depending on the intended use of the compartment by a user U, it would be obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art to provide the compartment as a plastic based or fabric based structure as a matter of personal preference.

[0038] It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. An improved transferable liner compartment adapted for placement in or attachment within a carrier, comprising:

a first material layer, a second material layer, and at least one connecting means for substantially connecting said first and second material layers as a primary pouch having a predetermined expanse volume capacity, the first and second layers including at least one respective top and bottom surface layer; and

the bottom surface of the second material layer further comprising a secondary pouch for storing select items with a reduced expanse volume capacity compared to the expanse volume capacity of the primary pouch, said secondary pouch further including a first and second inlet fastener for selectively accessing the pouch to store and remove select items, respectively.

2. The improved transferable liner compartment according to

claim 1, wherein said first and second material layers are fabric layers.

3. The improved transferable liner compartment according to

claim 2, wherein said at least one connecting means is a first and second zipper connector for connecting adjoining edges of said first and second material layer.

4. The improved transferable liner compartment according to

claim 3, wherein said first and second zipper connectors are disposed adjacent edge portion of said first and second material layers in orthogonal relation.

5. The improved transferable liner compartment according to

claim 1, wherein said first and second material layers are transparent material layers.

6. The improved transferable liner compartment according to

claim 5, wherein said at least one connecting means is a first and second zipper connector for connecting adjoining edges of said first and second material layer.

7. The improved transferable liner compartment according to

claim 6, wherein said first and second zipper connectors are disposed adjacent edge portion of said first and second material layers in orthogonal relation.

8. The improved transferable liner compartment according to

claim 1, wherein said first and second inlet fastener of said secondary pouch is a zipper fastener.

9. The improved transferable liner compartment according to

claim 1, wherein said at least one fastening means for the first material layer is a button fastener, wherein said at least one button fastener includes another button fastener disposed along a vertical axis and another button fastener along a diagonal therewith.

10. The improved transferable liner compartment according to

claim 1, wherein said at least one fastening means for the first material layer is a hook and loop fastener.

11. The improved transferable liner compartment according to

claim 1, further comprising a carrier, and wherein said carrier is a handbag.

12. The improved transferable liner compartment according to

claim 1, further comprising a carrier, and wherein said carrier is a backpack.

13. The improved transferable liner compartment according to

claim 1, further comprising a carrier, and wherein said carrier is a briefcase.

14. The improved transferable liner compartment according to

claim 1, where in the first material layer further comprises means for fastening the compartment to a carrier.

15. The improved transferable liner compartment according to

claim 1, further comprising a handle for selectively transporting the compartment.

16. An improved transferable liner compartment, comprising, in combination with a carrier, wherein said carrier includes at least one male fastener for mating attachment with at least one female mechanical fastener:

a first material layer, a second material layer, and at least one connecting means for substantially connecting said first and second material layers as a primary pouch having a predetermined expanse volume capacity, the first and second layers including at least one respective top and bottom surface layer;

the first material layer further comprising at least one female fastening means for fastening the compartment to a carrier;

the bottom surface of the second material layer further comprising a secondary pouch for storing select items with a reduced expanse volume capacity compared to the expanse volume capacity of the primary pouch, said secondary pouch further includes a first and second inlet fastener for selectively accessing the pouch to store and remove select items, respectively; and

a handle portion for selectively transporting the compartment, said handle being attached adjacent to said at least one connecting means.

17. The improved transferable liner compartment according to

claim 15, wherein said first and second material layers are fabric layers.