Compartmentalized vanity handbag
A handbag includes at least one interior compartment formed by a transparent side wall joined to a surface of a panel of the handbag. The surface may be formed by an anti-tarnish cloth or by a non-absorbent material.
This application claims priority to provisional application No. 60/797,589 filed on May 4, 2006, which is hereby incorporated, in its entirety, by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELDThe present invention pertains to handbags and more particularly to compartmentalized handbags suited for storing vanity items.
BACKGROUNDHandbags or purses typically provide an attractive receptacle, which people may use to carry about a number of personal items from one place to another. Many handbags include various compartments, which are sometimes customized, in size and shape, to hold specific items. However, there is still a need for a compartmentalized handbag suited for storage of vanity items such as jewelry and/or cosmetics in an organized and easily viewable manner.
BRIEF SUMMARYA handbag, according to embodiments of the present invention, includes a main section formed by first and second panels; preferably, the panels are joined by a base extending between and along bottom edges of the panels. According to some embodiments of the present invention, one or both of the first and second panels of the handbag includes an interior compartment attached thereto, which is formed by an interior surface of the corresponding panel and a sidewall, preferably transparent, joined to that interior surface. If the sidewall is transparent this facilitates viewing of items stored within the compartment. According to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the interior surface that forms each interior compartment comprises an anti-tarnish cloth to make the compartment suitable for storage of jewelry items; according to other preferred embodiments, the interior surface comprises a material which may be readily wiped clean, for example a plastic such as vinyl, making the compartment suitable for the storage of cosmetics or other toiletry items. Further embodiments of the present invention include a first interior compartment attached to the first panel, which is suitable for the storage of jewelry items, as described above, and a second interior compartment attached to the second panel, which is suitable for the storage of cosmetic items, as described above.
A handbag, according to any of the embodiments described above, may further include an outer panel secured, preferably, in proximity to the base, alongside one of the first and second panels of the main section, or may include two outer panels, each secured, preferably, in proximity to the base, opposite one another and alongside a corresponding panel of the first and second panels. Each outer panel in conjunction with the corresponding main section panel forms an outer section of the handbag. Each outer panel may be opened outward, away from the main section to provide access to the corresponding outer section, while the main section remains upright. According to some embodiments of the present invention, each outer section includes one or more compartments, wherein each compartment is formed by a sidewall, preferably transparent joined to an outer surface of one of the first and second main section panels, or joined to an inner surface of one of the outer panels. According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, each outer section includes at least one compartment attached to the outer surface of one of the first and second panels of the main section, and at least another compartment attached to the inner surface of the corresponding outer panel. One or both of the first and second outer compartments may be suited for storing jewelry, wherein the outer surface of the main section panel and the inner surface of the corresponding outer panel comprise an anti-tarnish cloth, or one or both of the outer compartments may be suited for storing cosmetics, wherein the outer surface of the first panel and the inner surface of the corresponding outer panel comprises a material that is readily wiped clean.
According to alternate embodiments, each outer section may be completely detachable from the main section. Each detachable outer section includes one or more panels having a interior surface along which a compartment is formed by a transparent sidewall.
One or more compartments of the handbag, according to any of the embodiments may further include sub-compartments and/or additional elements contained therein, which are tailored to further facilitate the storage of particular types of jewelry or cosmetic items. The scope of the present invention is not limited by any particular combination of jewelry and cosmetic storage compartments. Thus, it should be appreciated that any conceivable combination of the jewelry and cosmetic storage compartments, as described herein, may be incorporated by handbags of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe following drawings are illustrative of particular embodiments of the present invention and therefore do not limit the scope of the invention. The drawings are not to scale (unless so stated) and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description. Embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements.
FIGS. 1A-C are side, end and bottom plan views of a handbag, according to some embodiments of the present invention.
FIGS. 4A-B are a side plan view and an end view, respectively, of a handbag, according to alternate embodiments of the present invention.
The following detailed description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following description provides practical illustrations for implementing exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Examples of constructions, materials, dimensions, and manufacturing processes are provided for selected elements, and all other elements employ that which is known to those of skill in the field of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many of the examples provided have suitable alternatives that can be utilized.
FIGS. 1A-C are side, end and bottom plan views of a handbag 10 according to some embodiments of the present invention. FIGS. 1A-C illustrate handbag 10 including outer panels 11 and 13 disposed on either side of a main section 14; main section 14 is shown being formed in part by a base 15 and a perimeter sidewall 12, which extends upward from ends of base 15, generally following a contour of perimeter edges of outer panels 11 and 13, and to which panels 11 and 13 are reversibly secured by zippers 101 and 103, respectively. Although
According to the illustrated embodiments, outer panels 11, 13 are opaque, so
According to alternate embodiments, for example as illustrated in
FIGS. 4A-B are a side plan view and an end view, respectively, of a handbag 40 according to alternate embodiments of the present invention.
With reference to FIGS. 4A-B it should be noted that, in contrast to panels 11 and 13 of handbag 10, upper edges of panels 41, 43 are disposed below upper edges of main section panels 410, 430, and that panels 41, 43, being secured by gussets 413, do not open out to lie approximately flat alongside main section 44, but are held at an acute angle with respect to panels 410, 430. However, according to the alternate embodiments represented by FIGS. 4A-B, any or all of outer surfaces of panels 410, 430, which are disposed alongside panels 41 and 43, and inner surfaces of panels 41, 43 include a compartment, similar to the compartments previously described (FIGS. 3A-C), which is formed by a transparent sidewall joined to thereto; these compartments of handbag 40 further include an inner surface, which is either formed by a material that is readily wiped clean, for example a plastic such as vinyl, so that the compartments are suitable for the storage of cosmetics, or formed by an anti-tarnish cloth so that the compartments are suitable for storage of jewelry.
According to the embodiment illustrated in
In the foregoing detailed description, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, it may be appreciated that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
Claims
1. A handbag, comprising:
- a base;
- at least one opaque panel permanently joined to the base, the at least one panel including a surface; and
- an interior compartment formed by a portion of the surface and a sidewall joined to the surface;
- the interior compartment including a securable opening, the securable opening allowing access to the compartment, when opened, and completely enclosing items within the compartment, when closed.
2. The handbag of claim 1, wherein the at least one opaque panel comprises a first panel and a second panel, the panels disposed on opposing sides of the base.
3. The handbag of claim 1, further comprising:
- a first panel; and
- a second panel;
- wherein the base extends between the first and second panels; and
- the at least one opaque panel is reversibly joined to the first panel such that the surface faces the first panel.
4. The handbag of claim 3, wherein the at least one opaque panel is reversibly joined to the first panel about an entire perimeter of the at least one panel, excluding that portion permanently joined to the base
5. The handbag of claim 3, wherein the at least one opaque panel is reversibly joined to the first panel such that the at least one panel may be opened away from the first panel to rest along a plane approximately perpendicular to the first panel.
6. The handbag of claim 3, wherein the at least one opaque panel is reversibly joined to the first panel such that the at least one panel may be opened away from the first panel to rest along a plane at an acute angle with respect to the first panel.
7. The handbag of claim 3, wherein the at least one opaque panel comprises a plurality of panels.
8. The handbag of claim 3, wherein the first panel includes an outer surface adjacent the interior compartment and further comprising at least one other interior compartment formed by a portion of the outer surface of the first panel and another transparent sidewall joined to the outer surface.
9. The handbag of claim 8, wherein the at least one other interior compartment includes a securable opening, the securable opening allowing access to the other interior compartment, when opened, and completely enclosing items within the other interior compartment, when closed.
10. The handbag of claim 8, wherein the at least one other interior compartment is divided into sub-compartments.
11. The handbag of claim 8, wherein the at least one other interior compartment includes a plurality of other interior compartments.
12. The handbag of claim 1, further comprising:
- a first panel; and
- a second panel;
- wherein the base extends between the first and second panels; and
- the at least one opaque panel comprises a first outer panel reversibly joined to the first panel such that the surface of the first outer panel faces the first panel, and a second outer panel permanently joined to the base and reversibly joined to the second panel such that the surface of the second outer panel faces the second panel.
13. The handbag of claim 12, wherein the first and second outer panels are reversibly joined to the first and second panels, respectively, about an entire perimeter of the first and second outer panels, excluding those portions of each of the first and second outer panels which are permanently joined to the base
14. The handbag of claim 12, wherein the first and second outer panels are reversibly joined to the first and second panels, respectively, such that each of the first and second outer panels may be opened away from the respective panel of the first and second panels, to rest along a plane approximately perpendicular to the respective panel.
15. The handbag of claim 12, wherein the first and second outer panels are reversibly joined to the first and second panels, respectively, such that each of the first and second outer panels may be opened away from the respective panel of the first and second panels, to rest along a plane at an acute angle with respect to the respective panel.
16. The handbag of claim 12, wherein each of the first and second panels include an outer surface adjacent the interior compartment of the respective outer panel of the first and second outer panels; and further comprising at least one other interior compartment formed by portion of the outer surface of one of the first and second panels and another transparent sidewall joined to the outer surface.
17. The handbag of claim 16, wherein the at least one other interior compartment includes a securable opening, the securable opening allowing access to the other interior compartment, when opened, and completely enclosing items within the other interior compartment, when closed.
18. The handbag of claim 16, wherein the at least one other interior compartment is divided into sub-compartments.
19. The handbag of claim 1, wherein the interior compartment is divided into sub-compartments.
20. The handbag of claim 1, further comprising another interior compartment formed by another portion of the surface and another transparent sidewall.
21. The handbag of claim 1, wherein the portion of the surface comprises an anti-tarnish cloth.
22. The handbag of claim 1, wherein the portion of the surface comprises a non-absorbent material.
23. The handbag of claim 1, further comprising an element on which rings may be mounted, the element held within the interior compartment.
24. The handbag of claim 23, wherein the element is reversibly secured within the interior compartment.
25. A handbag, comprising:
- a main section including a first panel, a second panel opposing the first panel, and a base extending between the first and second panels; and
- an outer section reversibly joined to the first panel of the main section such that the outer section may be detached from the main section;
- the outer section including at least one outer panel and at least one interior compartment;
- the at least one outer panel having an interior surface; and
- the at least one interior compartment formed by a portion of the interior surface of the at least one outer panel and a transparent side wall joined to the interior surface.
26. The handbag of claim 25, wherein the at least one outer panel includes two opposing panels.
27. The handbag of claim 25, wherein the at least one interior compartment comprises a plurality of compartments.
28. The handbag of claim 25, wherein the at least one interior compartment is divided into sub-compartments.
29. The handbag of claim 25, wherein the portion of the interior surface comprises an anti-tarnish cloth.
30. The handbag of claim 25, wherein the portion of the interior surface comprises a non-absorbent material.
31. The handbag of claim 25, wherein
- the at least one outer panel includes a first outer panel and a second outer panel opposing the first outer panel; and
- the at least one interior compartment includes a first interior compartment joined to the interior surface of the first outer panel and a second interior compartment joined to the interior surface of the second outer panel.
32. A handbag, comprising:
- at least one panel including a surface formed, at least in part, by an anti-tarnish cloth; and
- at least one interior compartment formed by the anti-tarnish cloth and a transparent sidewall, the transparent sidewall being joined to the surface of the panel.
33. The handbag of claim 32, wherein the at least one interior compartment includes a plurality of compartments.
34. The handbag of claim 32, wherein the at least one interior compartment is divided into sub-compartments.
35. The handbag of claim 32, further comprising an element on which rings may be mounted, the element held within the interior compartment.
36. The handbag of claim 35, wherein the element is reversibly secured within the interior compartment.
37. A handbag, comprising:
- at least one panel including a surface formed, at least in part, by a non-absorbent material; and
- at least one interior compartment formed by the non-absorbent material and a transparent sidewall, the transparent sidewall being joined to the surface of the panel.
38. The handbag of claim 37, wherein the at least one interior compartment includes a plurality of compartments.
39. The handbag of claim 37, wherein the at least one interior compartment is divided into sub-compartments.
40. A handbag, comprising:
- a main section including a first panel, a second panel opposing the first panel, and a base extending between the first and second panels;
- a first outer section formed by a first outer panel, the first outer panel permanently joined to the main section and reversibly joined to the first panel to provide access into the first outer section;
- the first outer section including at least one interior compartment formed by a transparent side wall joined to one of an interior surface of the first outer panel and an outer surface of the first panel; and
- a second outer section formed by a second outer panel, the second outer panel permanently joined to the main section and reversibly joined to the second panel to provide access into the second outer section;
- the second outer section including at least one interior compartment formed by another transparent side wall joined to one of an interior surface of the second outer panel and an outer surface of the second panel.
41. The handbag of claim 40, wherein the at least one interior compartment of the first outer section comprises a plurality of interior compartments of the first outer section.
42. The handbag of claim 41, wherein the at least one interior compartment of the second outer section comprises a plurality of interior compartments of the second outer section.
43. The handbag of claim 40, wherein the at least one interior compartment of the first outer section is divided into sub-compartments.
44. The handbag of claim 43, wherein the at least one interior compartment of the second outer section is divided into sub-compartments.
45. The handbag of claim 40, wherein the main section further includes at least one interior compartment formed by yet another transparent side wall and an inner surface of one of the first and second panels.
46. The handbag of claim 45, wherein the at least one interior compartment of the main section comprises a plurality of interior compartments of the main section.
47. The handbag of claim 45, wherein the at least one interior compartment of the main section is divided into sub-compartments.
48. The handbag of claim 40, wherein the at least one interior compartment of each of the first and second outer sections includes a securable opening allowing access to the compartment, when opened, and completely enclosing items within the compartment, when closed.
49. The handbag of claim 40, wherein:
- the interior surface of the first outer panel comprises an anti-tarnish cloth; and
- the transparent side wall is joined to the interior surface of the first outer panel to form the at least one interior compartment of the first outer section.
50. The handbag of claim 40, wherein:
- the interior surface of the first outer panel comprises an non-absorbent material; and
- the transparent side wall is joined to the interior surface of the first outer panel to form the at least one interior compartment of the first outer section.
51. The handbag of claim 40, wherein:
- the outer surface of the first panel comprises an anti-tarnish cloth; and
- the transparent side wall is joined to the outer surface of the first panel to form the at least one interior compartment of the first outer section.
52. The handbag of claim 40, wherein:
- the outer surface of the first panel comprises a non-absorbent material; and
- the transparent side wall is joined to the outer surface of the first panel to form the at least one interior compartment of the first outer section.
53. The handbag of claim 40, wherein
- the interior surface of the second outer panel comprises an anti-tarnish cloth; and
- the other transparent side wall is joined to the interior surface of the second outer panel to form the at least one interior compartment of the second outer section.
54. The handbag of claim 40, wherein:
- the interior surface of the second outer panel comprises an non-absorbent material; and
- the other transparent side wall is joined to the interior surface of the second outer panel to form the at least one interior compartment of the second outer section.
55. The handbag of claim 40, wherein:
- the outer surface of the second panel comprises an anti-tarnish cloth; and
- the other transparent side wall is joined to the outer surface of the second panel to form the at least one interior compartment of the second outer section.
56. The handbag of claim 40, wherein:
- the outer surface of the second panel comprises a non-absorbent material; and
- the other transparent side wall is joined to the outer surface of the second panel to form the at least one interior compartment of the second outer section.
57. The handbag of claim 45, wherein:
- the inner surface of the first panel comprises an anti-tarnish cloth; and
- the yet another transparent side wall is joined to the inner surface of the first panel to form the at least one interior compartment of the main section.
58. The handbag of claim 45, wherein:
- the inner surface of the first panel comprises a non-absorbent material; and
- the yet another transparent side wall is joined to the inner surface of the first panel to form the at least one interior compartment of the main section.
59. The handbag of claim 45, wherein:
- the inner surface of the second panel comprises an anti-tarnish cloth; and
- the yet another transparent side wall is joined to the inner surface of the second panel to form the at least one interior compartment of the main section.
60. The handbag of claim 45, wherein:
- the inner surface of the second panel comprises a non-absorbent material; and
- the yet another transparent side wall is joined to the inner surface of the second panel to form the at least one interior compartment of the main section.
61. The handbag of claim 1 where the sidewall is transparent.
62. The handbag of claim 61 wherein the sidewall is composed of a vinyl material.
63. The handbag of claim 25 where the sidewall is transparent.
64. The handbag of claim 63 wherein the sidewall is composed of a vinyl material.
65. The handbag of claim 40 where the sidewall is transparent.
66. The handbag of claim 65 wherein the sidewall is composed of a vinyl material.
Type: Application
Filed: May 25, 2006
Publication Date: Nov 22, 2007
Inventor: Lori Greiner (Chicago, IL)
Application Number: 11/440,943
International Classification: A45C 3/06 (20060101); A45C 1/02 (20060101);