HANDBAG WITH SECRET COMPARTMENTS

Abstract

A handbag has a secret compartment such that when the handbag is opened, the secret compartment is hidden from view. More specific embodiments include a secret compartment that is a detachable pouch. The detachable pouch may be configured as a tri-fold or bi-fold wallet. Other embodiments include a handbag having a visible portion configured to fold over the secret compartment and detachably attach to the secret compartment so that the secret compartment is hidden from view.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to handbags, and more particularly, to a handbag with secret compartments.

BACKGROUND

Women generally carry handbags containing various articles, such as driver's license, credit cards, cash, medications, and feminine hygiene products (e.g., tampons and pads). Some articles in the handbags may be intended to be kept away from plain view when the handbag is opened. At other times, these same articles may be intended to be taken out of the handbag quickly and discreetly. For example, some women may want to keep feminine hygiene products out of plain view during shopping. However, they may want to remove one or more feminine hygiene products in a restroom stall quickly and discreetly, without having to search through the contents of their handbags, or causing other articles in the handbag to spill out. Currently available handbags contain built-in pockets for carrying articles. However, these pockets may be generally small and inconveniently located. To get around this problem, additional purses may be used within the handbag to carry items such as feminine hygiene products. However, these additional purses tend to be conspicuous, bulky, and/or inconvenient.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure is best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying figures. The various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion. In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is a simplified exploded view of a handbag according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a simplified diagram of another view of the handbag;

FIG. 1C is a simplified diagram of yet another view of the handbag;

FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram of additional details of the handbag according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a simplified diagram of additional details of the handbag according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4A is a simplified diagram of a handbag according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 4B is a simplified diagram of another view of the handbag according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Overview

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure, a handbag has a secret compartment such that when the handbag is opened, the secret compartment is hidden from view. More specific embodiments include a secret compartment that is a detachable pouch. The detachable pouch may be configured as a tri-fold or bi-fold wallet. Other embodiments include a handbag having a visible portion configured to fold over the secret compartment and detachably attach to the secret compartment so that the secret compartment is hidden from view.

The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, which are incorporated into this section by reference. A more complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure will be afforded to those skilled in the art, as well as a realization of additional advantages thereof, by a consideration of the following detailed description of one or more embodiments.

Example Embodiments

It is to be understood that the following disclosure describes several exemplary embodiments for implementing different features, structures, or functions of the disclosure. Exemplary embodiments of components, arrangements, and configurations are described below to simplify the present disclosure. However, these exemplary embodiments are provided merely as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

The present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various exemplary embodiments and across the Figures provided herein. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various exemplary embodiments and/or configurations discussed in the various Figures.

Turning to FIGS. 1A-1C, FIG. 1A is a simplified diagram showing a perspective, exploded view of a handbag 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As used herein, “handbag” encompasses all kinds of bags that may be carried by hand, shoulder or wrist, including shoulder bag, sling bag, messenger bag, tote bag, weekend bag, wristlet, satchel, saddle bag, muff bag, minaudiere, hobo bag, fold over clutch, clutch bag, envelope bag, duffel bag, doctor's bag, bucket bag, bowling bag, baguette bag, backpack, athletic bag, etc. A handbag 10 may include a detachable pouch 12. Detachable pouch 12 may comprise an outer cover 14 having a pattern 16. As used herein, a “pattern” encompasses a decorative design composed of a number of elements (e.g., motifs), arranged in a regular or irregular manner. A pattern may include any design and style, including polka dot, floral, geometric, fractal, animal print, abstract, arabesque, argyle, art deco, art nouveau, awning stripe, basket-weave, batik, bayadere stripe, bead and reel, bengal stripe, bird's eye, blotch, boteh, paisley, brocatelle, bull's eye, calico, camouflage, cartouche, celtic knot, etc.

Detachable pouch 12 may include at least two pockets therein. A “pocket” encompasses a bag or envelope like receptacle to hold articles. In an example embodiment, a pocket may include elastic bands configured to hold articles. Pockets may be attached inside pouch 12 using any known means, e.g., stitching, gluing, etc. Pockets may be configured with any kind of appropriate opening, such as zippered opening, slit, velcro, button, snaps, etc. Detachable pouch 12 may be placed inside handbag 10 on a bottom portion 18 of handbag 10. Detachable pouch 12 may be flexible or inflexible, and may comprise any design, style, and shape, including tri-fold wallet, bi-fold wallet, etc. In an example embodiment, detachable pouch 12 may be configured to be compact enough to fit into handbag 10, while sufficiently large enough to hold articles (e.g., feminine hygiene products, medications, etc.).

In an example embodiment, in addition to bottom portion 18, handbag 10 may comprise an optional top portion 20, front portion 22, rear portion 24 and optional side portions 26 and 28. In an example embodiment according to FIG. 1A, top portion 20 may be configured as a flap overlapping front portion 22. In another example embodiment, top portion 20 may be absent (e.g., as in a tote bag, a hobo bag, etc.). Top portion 20 may optionally detachably attach to front portion 22 with one or more closures such as magnetic snaps, buckles, buttons, etc. As used herein, a “closure” includes any attachment device capable of detachably mating with a corresponding attachment device, including magnetic snaps, buttons, velcro, buckle, snap closure, snap hooks, bolt snaps, hook and loop, etc. One or more of the closures (e.g., magnetic snaps) may be disposed underneath a lining such that they are not visible, yet can perform their intended functions. In another example embodiment, side portions 26 and 28 may be absent (e.g., as in a thin purse).

Handbag 10 may be configured with a detachable strap 30. In an example embodiment, detachable strap 30 may be a single strap extending between side portions 26 and 28. In another example embodiment, detachable strap 30 may be a double strap extending between side portions 26 and 28. In yet another example embodiment, detachable strap 30 may be a double strap attached to front portion 22 and rear portion 24 (e.g., as in a tote bag). In yet another example embodiment, detachable strap 30 may extend between front portion 22 and rear portion 24. Various configurations of detachable strap 30 are contemplated within the broad scope of the present disclosure. In an example embodiment, front portion 22 may include one or more pockets for storing articles.

FIG. 1B is a simplified diagram showing handbag 10 splayed open to display its inside. In operation and use, handbag 10 may not be splayed open easily, as appropriate sides of handbag 10 would be stitched together or otherwise attached. The configuration shown in FIG. 1B is merely for illustrative purposes and ease of description. Top portion 20 may optionally include a closure 34a that may detachably mate with a corresponding closure 34b (not shown) on an outer side of front portion 22. Front portion 22 may include one or more pockets, for example, a pocket 36 with a zippered opening. Rear portion 24 may include a pocket 37 having a transparent cover to facilitate viewing the contents thereof. For example, a driver's license or other identification card may be inserted into pocket 37. One or more slots 38 may be provided in rear portion 24 to facilitate inserting various articles such as credit cards, medical insurance cards, cash, etc.

Handbag 10 may include an inner lining 39 having a pattern 40. Inner lining 39 of handbag 10 and outer cover 14 of detachable pouch 12 may be made of same or substantially similar materials, including cotton, satin, silk, leather, suede, polyester, polyester blends, etc. For example, if inner lining 30 is made of cotton, outer cover 14 may also be made of cotton. Pattern 40 of handbag 10 may be same or substantially similar to pattern 16 of detachable pouch 12 such that pattern 40 and pattern 16 are visually indistinguishable. When detachable pouch 12 is laid on bottom portion 18 of handbag 10, detachable pouch 12 may be inconspicuous, as pattern 16 and pattern 40 are visually indistinguishable. When handbag 10 is opened, for example, to view or access any contents therein, detachable pouch 12 may be hidden from view (e.g., not easily discernible to an ordinary observer). Detachable pouch 12 may be used as a secret compartment within handbag 10, providing hidden storage for articles. In an example embodiment, detachable pouch 12 may be detachably attached to bottom portion 18, for example, using appropriate closures.

FIG. 1C is a simplified diagram showing an outer side of handbag 10 splayed open as in FIG. 1B. In operation and use, handbag 10 may not be splayed open easily, as appropriate sides of handbag 10 may be stitched together or otherwise attached. The configuration shown in FIG. 1C is merely for illustrative purposes and ease of description. Rear portion 24 may include one or more pockets 42. In an example embodiment, pocket 42 may have an oval slit opening. Front portion 22 may include an optional closure 34b that may detachably mate with closure 34a (not shown) on an inner side of top portion 20. In an example embodiment, closure 34a and 34b may be mated, to prevent any contents in handbag 10 from spilling out.

Detachable pouch 12 may contain one or more pockets to organize and store articles, including feminine hygiene products, medications, cosmetics, condoms, etc. A user of handbag 10 may place articles inside detachable pouch 12. During regular use, for example, shopping, detachable pouch 12 may be inconspicuous on bottom portion 18 of handbag 10. However, the user may easily access detachable pouch 12 and remove it from handbag 10, for example, to access the articles therein, or when it is not desired to carry it in handbag 10. In an example scenario, a user may organize and store tampons, pantiliners, medications and other articles in appropriate pockets in detachable pouch 12. The user may insert detachable pouch 12 into handbag 10 during her menstrual period so that the stored articles may be easily and discreetly accessed when desired. When the stored articles in detachable pouch 12 need not be accessed any more, for example, after her menstrual period, the user may remove detachable pouch 12 from handbag 10.

Handbag 10 and detachable pouch 12 may be configured in various designs, shapes and styles. The example shapes, designs, and patterns shown in FIG. 1 are merely for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to be limitations. Innumerable variations in designs, shapes, and styles are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Turning to FIG. 2, FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram of a detachable pouch 12 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detachable pouch 12 is shown spread out open in FIG. 2 and may be configured as a tri-fold wallet. A side facing the viewer may be described as a front side, and a side hidden from view may be described as a rear side. Detachable pouch 12 may comprise a first portion 44, a second portion 46 and a third portion 48. First portion 44 may include a closure 50. Closure 50 may detachably mate with a corresponding closure (not shown) on a rear side of third portion 48. Second portion 46 may include a closure 52a that may detachably mate with a corresponding closure 52b in third portion 48. In example embodiments, closure 50, 52a and 52b may be magnetic closures disposed underneath a lining of detachable pouch 12, such that they are not visible, yet can perform their intended functions. Third portion 48 may be folded into second portion 44, for example, with closures 52a and 52b mating, and first portion 44 may be folded over third portion 48 such that closure 50 mates with the corresponding closure on the rear side of third portion 48.

First portion 44 may include one or more pockets 54 configured to receive articles. In an example embodiment, pockets 54 may be configured to receive long and thin articles such as tampons, or lipsticks. Pockets 54 may have slit openings, or any other kind of openings permitting articles to be inserted into pockets 54. In an example embodiment, pocket 54 may comprise one or more elastic bands that can hold long and thin articles. Any number of pockets may be provided without changing the scope of the present disclosure. One or more pockets 56 may be provided in second portion 46 for receiving articles. In an example embodiment, pockets 56 may be configured to receive rectangular or square packets such as packaged panty-liners, sanitary pads, condoms, etc. Pockets 56 may have zippered openings, or any other kind of openings (e.g., slits, velcro, etc) permitting articles to be inserted into pockets 56. One or more pockets 58 may be provided in third portion 48 to hold articles. In an example embodiment, pockets 58 may be configured to receive bulky articles such as medication, cosmetics, etc. Pockets 58 may have zippered openings, or any other kind of openings (e.g., slits, velcro, etc.) permitting articles to be inserted into pockets 56. Detachable pouch 12 may be configured to be inserted into handbag 10 such that detachable pouch 12 is hidden from view. The tri-fold configuration of detachable pouch 12 shown in FIG. 2 is for illustrative purposes. Innumerable variations in the tri-fold configuration are included in the scope of the present disclosure.

A user may organize and store various articles such as tampons, sanitary pads, medications, condoms, etc. in the one or more pockets in first portion 44, second portion 46 and third portion 48 of detachable pouch 12. The articles may be conveniently accessed as needed after removing detachable pouch 12 from handbag 10.

Turning to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 is a simplified diagram of a detachable pouch 12 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detachable pouch 12 is shown spread out open in FIG. 3 and may be configured as a bi-fold wallet. Detachable pouch 12 may be divided into a first portion 60 and a second portion 62. First portion 60 may include a closure 64a that may detachably mate with a corresponding closure 64b on second portion 62. Second portion 62 may be folded into first portion 60, with closures 64a and 64b mating. In example embodiments, closure 64a and 64b may be magnetic closures disposed underneath a lining of detachable pouch 12, such that they are not visible, yet can perform their intended functions. First portion 60 may include one or more pockets 66. In an example embodiment, pockets 66 may comprise three pockets with slit openings, configured to receive long/thin articles, such as tampons, or lipsticks. Any number of pockets may be provided without changing the scope of the present disclosure. One or more pockets 68 may be provided in second portion 62. In an example embodiment, pocket 62 may have a zippered opening and may be configured to receive articles such as panty-liners, sanitary pads, condoms, medications, etc. Any kind of opening (e.g., slit, velcro, zippered, etc.) may be provided on pockets 68 within the broad scope of the present disclosure. Detachable pouch 12 may be configured to be inserted into handbag 10 such that detachable pouch 12 is hidden from view. The bi-fold configuration of detachable pouch 12 shown in FIG. 3 is for illustrative purposes only. Innumerable variations in the bi-fold configuration are included in the scope of the present disclosure.

Turning to FIGS. 4A and 4B, FIG. 4A is a simplified diagram of a front view of a handbag according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Handbag 10 is shown spread out open in FIG. 4A. Handbag 10 may comprise a first portion 70, a second portion 72 and a third portion 74. First portion 70 may include a pocket 76. In an example embodiment, pocket 76 may have a transparent cover, for example, to facilitate viewing any contents thereof. For example, a driver's license or other identification card may be inserted into pocket 76. One or more slots 78 may be provided in first portion 70 to facilitate inserting various articles such as credit cards, medical insurance cards, cash, etc. A closure 80a may be provided in first portion 70 and configured to detachably mate with a corresponding closure 80b (not shown) on a rear side of third portion 74.

Second portion 72 may include a closure 82a that may detachably mate with a corresponding closure 82b in third portion 74. Second portion 72 may include one or more pockets 84, which may be used to store articles such as tampons or lipsticks. Pockets 84 may be designed as visible pockets, stitched to an external surface of second portion 72. Pockets 84 may also be configured to be hidden inside second portion 72. Second portion 72 may also include one or more pockets 86 for storing articles such as panty-liners, condoms, sanitary pads, medications, etc. In an example embodiment, pocket 86 may have a zippered opening. Any other kind of closeable opening (e.g., velcro, snaps, buttons, etc.) may also be provided within the scope of the present disclosure. A detachable strap 90 may be attached to second portion 72. In an example embodiment, detachable strap 90 may be a thick strap attached proximate first portion 70. Third portion 74 may include one or more pockets 88 for storing articles. In an example embodiment, pocket 88 may have a zippered opening. Any other kind of closeable opening (e.g., velcro, snaps, buttons, etc.) may also be provided within the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B illustrates a simplified diagram of a rear view of handbag 10. A rear side of second portion 72 may include one or more pockets 92. In an example embodiment pocket 92 has a slit opening. Other designs and configurations of pocket 72 are within the scope of the present disclosure. Third portion 74 may include a closure 80b that can detachably mate with closure 80a (not shown) on a front side of first portion 70.

During use, third portion 74 may be folded over second portion 72, and closure 82a of second portion 72 may be mated with closure 82b of third portion 74. When closures 82a and 82b are mated, third portion 74 may be visible, and may hide a front side of second portion 72 from view. Handbag 10 may appear to have only a first portion 70 and a third portion 74, when viewed from the front. Third portion 74 may be a visible portion, and second portion 72 may be a secret compartment of handbag 10. Further, closure 80a of first portion 70 may be mated with closure 80b on third portion 74. When closure 80a is detached from closure 80b, first portion 70 may be turned open, and credit cards and other articles stored in various pockets in first portion 50 may be accessed without displaying any contents of second portion 72.

A user may organize and store various articles such as tampons, sanitary pads, medications, condoms, etc. in the one or more pockets in second portion 72 of handbag 10. The articles may be conveniently accessed as needed after detaching closures 82a and 82b to expose the front side of second portion 72. The example shapes, styles, and designs shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B are merely for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to be limitations. Innumerable variations in designs, shapes, and styles are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

While the disclosure references several particular embodiments, those skilled in the art will be able to make various modifications to the described embodiments without departing from the true spirit and scope of the disclosure. It is intended that all elements or steps which are insubstantially different from those recited in the claims but perform substantially the same functions, respectively, in substantially the same way to achieve the same result as what is claimed are within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A handbag comprising:

a secret compartment including at least two pockets, such that when the handbag is opened, the secret compartment is hidden from view.

2. The handbag of claim 1, wherein the secret compartment is a detachable pouch.

3. The handbag of claim 2, wherein the detachable pouch comprises an outer cover having a pattern, and the handbag further comprises an inner lining having the pattern.

4. The handbag of claim 3, wherein the outer cover is made of a material, and the inner lining is made of the material.

5. The handbag of claim 2, wherein the detachable pouch is configured as a foldable tri-fold wallet comprising a first portion configured to fold over a second portion and a third portion, wherein the third portion is configured to fold over the second portion.

6. The handbag of claim 5, wherein the detachable pouch includes at least one pocket in each of the first portion, the second portion and the third portion.

7. The handbag of claim 6, wherein the at least one pocket in first portion is configured to receive long or thin articles, the at least one pocket in the second portion is configured to receive rectangular articles, and the at least one pocket in the third portion is configured to receive bulky articles.

8. The handbag of claim 2, wherein the detachable pouch is configured as a foldable bi-fold wallet comprising a first portion configured to fold over a second portion.

9. The handbag of claim 8, wherein the detachable pouch includes at least one pocket in each of the first portion and the second portion.

10. The handbag of claim 8, wherein the at least one pocket in first portion is configured to receive long or thin articles, the at least one pocket in the second portion is configured to receive rectangular articles and bulky articles.

11. The handbag of claim 1, wherein the handbag further comprises:

a pocket having a transparent cover; and

one or more slots configured to hold cards and cash.

12. The handbag of claim 1, wherein the handbag further comprises:

a visible portion configured to fold over the secret compartment, and detachably attach to the secret compartment such that the secret compartment is hidden from view.

13. The handbag of claim 12, wherein the secret compartment comprises at least one pocket configured to receive long and thin articles, and another pocket configured to receive rectangular articles and bulky articles.