Abstract: An electrical arrangement for a handbag including a switch unit having at least one electrical terminal on its exterior, a magnetically resposive switch in its interior connected to the terminal, and a battery in the handbag connected to the terminal and to the magnetically responsive switch. The terminal is adapted to receive either an illumination device or an alarm device at the option of the handbag owner. A magnet is utilized in conjunction with my novel switch unit, with the switch unit being mounted on one interior wall of the handbag, and the magnet being mounted on another interior wall of the handbag in a position opposite, and in substantial alignment with, the switch unit. The magnet is supportable in at least two different positions on its mounting such that when in a first position it can interact with the magnetically responsive switch as the handbag is opened or closed, thus causing the illumination of a bulb or sounding of the alarm as the handbag is opened.

Abstract: A method of making a handbag having an illuminatable interior includes steps of attaching an illumination source to the interior of the handbag, along with locating and attaching a latching clasp to the exterior wall of the handbag and a switch to the interior wall of the handbag directly across from the latching clasp on the exterior wall. The clasp and the switch are connected through the wall and a shaft extends from the clasp which will actuate the switch which is connected to the illumination source, thereby lighting the interior of the bag.