Transferable purse and bag system

Abstract

A purse and bag assembly is provided which allows the transfer of all personal effects at once, thereby maintaining preferred organization and allowing simple conversion into a variety of styles, configurations and functions. Specifically, a compartment which functions as one of a purse or interior liner interchangeably. As an interior liner, outer members comprise a plurality of purses and bags which are conventional in that they provide a method for carrying and a method to close and conceal personal contents. As an interior liner, magnetic fasteners keep items from going between it and the outer member, although, items may be consciously placed between the interior liner and outer member to keep them from apparent view. Finally, the transferable interior liner converts into a purse by way of a permanently affixed shoulder strap and flap enclosure.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/976,661, entitled “Transferable Personal Luggage System” which is incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the ability to carry one's personal effects under varying conditions and circumstances. More specifically it relates to the ability to transfer all personal effects, at once, by lifting out a removable compartment which is common to a system of purses and bags, referred hereafter as outer coverings. Furthermore, this compartment converts into a stylish purse which can be carried on it's own when an outer covering is not available or desired. The compartment keeps all contents in their preferred organization and it magnetically seals to all outer coverings to keep miscellaneous items from going between the two parts. However, the user may elect to put items between the compartment and the outer covering to intentionally conceal them within a secret space.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to one's daily, personal effects and how they are transported within varying styles of purses or task bags such as, back packs, messenger bags, briefcases, beach totes, travel bags, gym bags, diaper bags, and duffle bags. The diversified roles and style preferences of modern women requires a practical and efficient solution for carrying all personal effects within varying types and styles of bags.

Purses are used to carry a variety of personal effects such as keys, identification cards, credit cards, cash, cell phones, eyewear, medications and makeup. The entire contents of the purse are considered essential to a person's daily life, though the type of purse or bag one carries through out the day will often vary. Thus, the ability to meet fashion or function needs through a variety of purse styles as well as meet lifestyle needs through a variety of bag styles like briefcases or diaper bags is beneficial.

Purses are used as a fashion accessory and are often selected to coordinate with an outfit or occasion. Purses can be selected based on their utility or appropriateness such as a purse chosen for a casual outdoor activity versus a formal occasion. When switching from one purse or bag to another, the user is required to transfer each, individual item to the next desired style. This process is time consuming, burdensome and may not result in the same organization of contents, making the search for a given item a constant challenge. The transfer process may also result in some items being left behind or lost. Thus, a system is needed which allows the user to quickly and efficiently transfer, in one step, all personal effects from one purse or bag to another.

Additionally, the contents of a purse are often convenient or necessary to keep on one's person during one's work day, while caring for an infant, traveling, attending classes, or working out; however, the desire to satisfy a certain purse aesthetic is a secondary consideration to the bag required for the aforementioned activities. Thus, what is needed is a system that enables the use of a task bag, such as a briefcase, diaper bag, travel bag, back pack or duffel bag which eliminates the need to carry a separate purse. Equally important, what is needed is the ability to later carry personal effects on their own when the larger task bag is no longer needed. The present invention simplifies ordinary, yet potentially complicated, daily situations like the described because it may be formed into a transferable compartment or an independent purse.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Due to the range of personal interests, daily tasks and aesthetic preferences of modern women, the development of an interchangeable purse or transferable purse lining exist in the prior art. However, none of these concepts relates to a transferable unit which is common to a full range of purse styles and task bags. Prior art does not describe a transferable insert having magnetic strips on the long sides which marry with another set of magnetic strips on all outer bags to connect the two parts cohesively. Prior art does not describe the conversion of a transferable liner into a fully functioning purse of its own via unique construction features. Said features of the present invention are a permanently attached shoulder strap which may be positioned according to intended use as either a purse or a transferable compartment. Another said feature is a closure flap which may be positioned according to intended use as either a purse or a transferable compartment. Thus, the present invention offers a complete lifestyle system in the form of a: 1) transferable compartment common to a variety of purses and bags, which, 2) cohesively integrate through the magnetic joining of the compartment and a chosen outer covering, and which 3) the compartment converts into an independent purse.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,820,664 issued to Ritch; U.S. Pat. No. 7,028,730 issued to Pace & McFadden; U.S. Pat. No. 6,003,573 issued to Owens; U.S. Pat. No. 6,382,280 issued to Sands; U.S. Pat. No. 7,246,643 issued to Andrews; U.S. Pat. No. 6,543,499 issued to McCreery; U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,660 issued to Giardino; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,207,254 issued to Fromm all demonstrate handbags that allow the outer portion of a bag to be changed to meet the aesthetic desires of the user. While it is the objective of the present invention to function similarly, the aforementioned may be limited in their aesthetic design, size, additional carrying capacity, and versatility. Furthermore, none describe the ability to integrate personal effects into bags other than purses such as brief cases, diaper bags, etc. Amongst these prior art examples, it is observed that certain of the attaching mechanisms are potentially mechanically difficult for some users such as (circumference zippers) or hook and loop attachments. Also some describe attachments of an outer covering to an interior unit by way of Velcro which has the potential to wear quickly with repeated use. U.S. Pat. No. 6,394,157 issued to Luna describes a transferable liner for use in purses, back packs, brief cases, etc. This invention allows only the transfer of certain selected personal effects which are contained within the embodiment of the invention. Conversely, the present invention enables the transfer of all personal effects given that all such items are typically essential or preferred.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the objective of the present invention to eliminate the recurring task of editing one's personal effects due to the inconvenience or burden of carrying multiple bags or due to the desire to carry a specific fashion or function of bag as prescribed by varying life situations. The present invention is a detachable compartment, common to a range of outer covering styles, which provides quick and easy transfer of all personal effects at once.

It is the objective of the present invention to connect magnetically within all outer purses and bags of the system. This feature creates one cohesive bag; the benefit of which keeps miscellaneous items from getting lost between the two parts. However, the space between the two parts can be consciously utilized as a secret compartment for selected items requiring security from theft. An additional objective of the magnetic seals is to be quick and user friendly. Testing of prototypes conclude that the magnets will typically find each other and connect on their own once the present invention is placed within a host bag with correlating magnets. There is no additional time or potential frustration associated with connecting the parts. Incidentally, there are several transferable liners available at retail currently. They are intended for use in any, common market, open cavern, style purse for the transfer of all personal effects. The present invention can be used in this manner. While the fit may not be as tailored and the inserted compartment will not seal magnetically to other brand purses and bags, the user will still benefit from the greater versatility and value that the present invention will afford her as she can use her existing inventory of purses and bags.

A further objective of the invention is to enable its conversion into a fashionable purse which can be used alone, without an outer covering to accompany it. This feature is of particular use when the insert containing one's personal effects has been carried within a larger task bag such as a brief case. Should the larger bag no longer be needed, yet an outer purse style is not in the user's possession, she can extract the present invention from the briefcase, remove a flap closure from a specially designed pocket to cover her personal contents and unwrap the shoulder strap from around the body of the present invention. This function may become beneficial in instances where additional items have been collected throughout the day which require a sensible method to carry them. Since all outer coverings can be used independent of the present invention within, the user might remove the present invention from its outer covering, convert it into a purse and free that now hollow area of the outer covering to carry additional items.

Another objective of the invention is to enable users to diversify the size, shape, color, pattern, style, feel and function of their purse and task bag collections. Given the varying roles and style desires of women, a cost effective and efficient solution is provided by the present invention. The objective of the invention is to claim a relationship between itself and the many styles of outer purses and bags with which it coordinates. While the outer styles will vary by season, fabrication, purpose, and for numerous design considerations, the mechanism to attach the invention to its outer part must be constant and consistent. The tailored fit and specifically designed pouch that hosts the present invention must be constant and consistent.

Therefore, a final objective of the present invention is one which provides a common and unifying compartment for use on its own or with compatible outer coverings so that diversified roles and varying style considerations may be resolved quickly, easily, economically and practically. The present invention and its evolving assortment of companion outer purses and bags are a reflection of the user's lifestyle through a cohesive and mutually supporting array of individual products.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to more readily understand the described use and versatility of the invention, specific embodiments are illustrated in the appended drawings. These drawings only depict typical embodiments of the invention and are not to be considered the limited scope of the invention.

FIG. 1A depicts one of the long sides of the present invention. The illustration demonstrates a shoulder strap wrapped around the body and a closure flap tucked within a pocket as each of the strap and flap would need to be situated when the intended use of the present invention is that of a transferable compartment which lines the interior of a companion outer covering. This illustration also depicts the location of one of the magnetic connecting strips. It should be understood that the opposite long side of the compartment, not shown but denoted by number, has a magnet in the same area and of the same dimensions.

FIG. 1B depicts the opposite long side of the present invention as it would appear when the closure flap has been extracted from the other long side pocket and draped over the opening. Also, the shoulder strap has been unwrapped from around the two short sides and base of the body. This configuration renders the unit ready for use as a purse.

FIG. 2 depicts the present invention in the form of a transferable compartment. Arrows indicate where the same liner may be extracted and then placed within different outer coverings; therefore defining the present invention as detachable, removable and transferable to a desired outer covering. The illustrations also indicate the magnetic joining of the present invention with a compatible outer covering.

FIG. 3 depicts a cross section of the present invention within an outer covering. The cross section illustrates how the space between the inner compartment and outer covering may be utilized as a secret compartment since that area is concealed at the top by the magnetic strips and is therefore not readily apparent by view or by definition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The attached, illustrated embodiments of the present invention will be best understood by reference, wherein numbers coincide with a description. It will be readily understood that the physical dimensions and functional attributes of the present invention will be consistent as they must be compatible with the outer coverings. It follows, then, that any interior pouch, designed to contain the present invention, will be consistent so that the fit will be snug and functionally accurate. It will also be understood that other physical dimensions, not pertaining to the close fit of the present invention, may be designed to a variety of specifications. Exterior features may appear in a variety of configurations. Furthermore, the interior organizational features of the present invention may be arranged in a wide variety of configurations. Thus the following, more detailed description, as represented in the figures is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as claimed, but is merely representative of some of the presently preferred embodiments.

Referring now to FIG. 1A; one of the two long side views of the present invention in the form and function of a transferable compartment and personal effects organizer, generally designated 10a. The interior, organizational features (not shown) of the present invention 10a may be arranged in a wide variety of configurations including, but not limited to, credit card slots, zippered pockets, open mouthed pockets, pen holders, key ring holder or removable pouches. These and other design determinations may vary as trend and consumer relations require. The preferred structure of the present invention 10a includes a light weight forming material to provide an upright, not slouched posture, ideal for inserting and extracting it from one style of outer covering to another. Exterior fabrications of 10a may vary in pattern, color, texture or other design preferences so that its alternate configuration as a purse, generally designated in FIG. 2 as 10b can meet aesthetic preferences. However, the preferred exterior fabrication of the present invention would lend itself to a smooth transition from one outer covering to another.

Referring back to FIG. 1A, the present invention features a shoulder strap 12, which is permanently affixed to the body of the compartment 10a. The strap wraps snuggly around the body 10a, down each of the two shorter exterior side walls and along the base. In this manner, the shoulder strap 12 is effectively out of the way and will not impede on the quick and easy transfer of the compartment when its intended use is that of a liner within a specified pouch of an outer covering. As a permanently affixed feature, strap 12 is ensured to be available when the present invention's desired use changes to that of a purse shown as 10b in FIG. 1B. It is understood that the manner which the strap is affixed may vary and the ability of the strap to adjust or remain a set length may vary.

Referring to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B alternately, the present invention features a flap 16 which tucks into a pocket 14, thereby creating a smooth and flush outer wall to enable the quick and easy transfer of the present invention as it pertains to a lining for a variety of outer coverings. When the desired use of FIG. 1A changes to that of FIG. 1B, the flap 16 may be pulled from pocket 14, draped over the open mouth of the present invention and affixed to opposite long side wall 19 to fasten, conceal and contain the personal effects within. It is understood that the general shape of the closure flap 16 may vary according to design preference. It is also understood that the method of affixing the flap 16 to wall 19 may vary according to design preference and is not limited to the centered snap depicted in FIG. 1B.

Referring again to FIG. 1A, the present invention is able to connect to all outer coverings where a specifically designed pouch with a tailored fit and precise placement of connecting magnets are featured. These connecting magnets, as they pertain to the present invention, are sewn within channels 18 shown and 19 not shown but denoted. The channels containing the magnets are near the opening of the present invention and along the length of each of the two long sides. Each magnetic strip 18 and 19 is sandwiched between the preferred exterior fabrication and the preferred interior lining materials. Each channel 18 and 19 is constructed in a manner that will maintain each magnet in its ideal position.

Referring to FIG. 2, channels and magnets 20 and 21 are ideally constructed and positioned within the interior, long side walls of each of the outer coverings only where the present invention is intended to fit. Magnetic strips 20 and 21 are sandwiched between the preferred exterior fabrication and the preferred interior lining material.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the preferred fabrication of the exterior of 10a and the preferred interior lining fabrication of outer coverings 26, 28 and 30, will enable and not impede on the function of the magnets. Therefore, in spite of there being two layers of fabric between the magnets, still magnet 18 shown will connect to magnet 20 shown and magnet 19 will connect with 21, both of which are not shown but denoted by number and reasonably implied. The illustrated and described connecting magnets are not limited to these configurations. Hence, it is important to note, for ease of use, that the present invention 10a may be inserted so that magnet 18 joins with 20 or 21 and magnet 19 joins with 20 or 21. Thus, both 10a magnets and both of all outer covering magnets are alternately compatible, front to back or front to front.

Referring again to FIG. 2, depicts the present invention as it relates to a variety of outer purses and bags. The form of the present invention is that of 10a and is intended for use as an organizer of one's personal effects within. Another intended use in this form is as a detach-able, removable and transferable liner to be inserted into a plurality of purses and bags. The aforementioned uses make the selection of the preferred fashion or functional outer covering a more practical and time saving endeavor.

FIG. 2 illustrations depict only a sampling of the outer coverings that may be constructed to contain the present invention 10a. It is understood that outer coverings may be constructed in a variety of configurations and forms with a multitude of pockets, hardware, design elements, fabrications and functions according to a variety of fashion and purposeful considerations. Examples may be, but are not limited to, an embodiment constructed of canvas, nylon, microfiber, leather, PVC, linen, silk, corduroy or any combination of natural or synthetic materials. A plurality of colors, materials, print themes, designs or textures may be used so as to coincide with fashion trends, holidays, special occasions, other fashion accessories or utilitarian considerations. Each outer covering may be selected at the discretion of the user to best enhance style or special purpose needs. For example, one covering 28 might best coordinate with an outfit while another covering might best facilitate the transport of books 26 or baby items 30 in conjunction with the transport of the user's personal effects.

Referring to FIG. 3, the space that is created between outer covering 32 and the present invention 10a, may be utilized for the safe keeping of certain items. The existence of this space is not readily apparent or open to view by virtue of the magnetic connections 18 to 20 and 19 to 21. Therefore it might be chosen to contain such valuables as a passport, additional money or traveler's checks. The user may choose to store such items loosely in the space marked 22. Or the user might elect to share pocket 14 containing flap 16 and tuck items 24 into said pocket 14. It is understood that additional pockets may be added to the short ends or opposite long end of the present invention to facilitate this use. And additional pockets may be added to the interior of any outer covering to facilitate this use. Neither of the additions would interfere with the other uses and functions of the present invention or outer coverings. All options effectively render the disguise, yet are easily accessed by the user since the magnets may be quietly and easily separated while keeping compartment 10a in position.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its structures, methods, or other essential characteristics as described herein and claimed hereinafter. All described and illustrated embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. Now having described and disclosed the present invention and alternately preferred embodiments in such a way that those skilled in the art to understand and practice the same, see claims beginning page 12.

Claims

1. A Transferable Purse and Bag System, comprising:

a) a compartment built to contain all of one's personal effects. This compartment enables the organization and keeping of one's personal effects. To facilitate the transport of one's personal effects, this compartment may be used independently as a purse or in conjunction with an outer covering. To facilitate the transfer of the compartment when it is used in conjunction with an outer covering, the compartment is said to utilize light weight forming material to give the body upright stability and an unslouched posture.

2. The Transferable Purse and Bag System according to claim 1, wherein said compartment may be used independently as a purse:

a) and may be carried via a single strap which is permanently affixed and may be adjustable or fixed in length.

b) which comprises a closing mechanism in the form of a flap for containing and securing personal effects. The flap may be free of or accompanied by a method to fasten the flap enclosure to the pertinent outer wall of the body of the compartment.

3. The Transferable Purse and Bag System according to claim 1, wherein:

a) the compartment is used in conjunction with an outer covering and serves as a means to transport all personal effects from one style of outer covering to another.

b) the exterior fabrication of the compartment is one of at least a natural fiber or man-made fiber which facilitates its insertion into an outer covering.

c) the exterior fabrication of claim 3b will not interfere with the proper function of connecting magnets located at top and near the opening of the compartment.

d) the magnetic pull of the magnets in claim 3c are facing the exterior of the compartment and are located along nearly the fill length of each of the two long sides.

e) the magnets claimed in 3d attach to a compatible set of magnets located within an interior pouch designed to provide a close fit and is at least one of the purposes or configurations of all outer coverings.

f) The magnets of each of the compartment and an outer covering are compatible alternately, front to back and front to front, and are designed to align and join along either of the two long ends in such a way as to create one cohesive bag.

g) the compartment claims a mechanical and functional relationship between itself and an outer covering as also claimed.

h) outer coverings may be described as either one of a back pack, messenger bag, duffle bag, diaper bag, travel bag, tote bag, beach bag, brief case, gym bag, case, or purses of varying types and classification.

i) the outer covering of claim h, wherein the covering comprises at least one strap, a set of straps, a handle, set of handles or a conventional method of carrying.

4. The Transferable Purse and Bag System according to claim 3, wherein:

a) the magnetic attachments bond the inner compartment and outer covering so that items are not lost or inadvertently placed in the space between the two parts, unless:

b) the space claimed in 4a is considered an advantage or a marketable feature within which items requiring a secret placement for additional security from theft may be consciously placed. The space may be formally the interior of a pocket. Or the space may be informally the remainder of area which has no apparent or conventional definition in the scope of purses and bags.