HANDBAG

Abstract

A handbag comprises a body including a bottom, a first side having a first upper edge and a first lower edge attached to the bottom and an openable mouth attached to the first upper edge; and a first foot and a second foot. The first and second feet are each attached to the bottom of the handbag and configured to support the handbag on a surface such that the bottom does not contact the surface.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/478,906, filed Mar. 30, 2017, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Handbags, purses, and pocketbooks have been and continue to be used for holding various personal items which owners wish to keep close to their person. Numerous styles and designs of such handbags, purses, and pocketbooks are available to satisfy the individual aesthetic preference of the owner and to compliment particular garments or occasions.

Handbags are so unassumingly durable that it's hard to imagine that it could need any sort of special care-taking. But given the degree of use of the handbag and the environments in which it is used, the wear and tear will start showing. However, a sturdy purse will last a long time while upholding its original shape and original material condition and every handbag has weak areas within its structure. These weak areas are affected noticeably around the corners of the bag. In use, these parts of the handbag will be exposed to environmental factors causing discoloration, marks, and roughness. handbags and their weak areas can be exposed to fairly harsh environments and safe and clean places for leaving a handbag may be scarce or unavailable. Therefore, it is not uncommon for a handbag be set on the ground where it is exposed to dirt, water, etc. or subject to being unintentionally kicked or struck by other objects. Placing a bag on the ground allows the bare material to be susceptible to damage. This damage can cause disfigurement in the overall body of the bag.

The exterior of the handbag is also a highly vulnerable area of a bag. Scratches, rips, tears and loose threads are typically seen on the exterior of a well-used handbag because of the delicate materials that was sewn together

SUMMARY

In a general aspect of the invention, a handbag comprises a body including a bottom, a first side having a first upper edge and a first lower edge attached to the bottom and, an openable mouth attached to the first upper edge. The handbag also includes a first foot and a second foot, each attached to the bottom of the handbag and configured to support the handbag on a surface such that the bottom does not contact the surface.

Embodiments of these aspects of the invention may include one or more of the following features.

The handbag also includes a second side having a second upper edge attached to the openable mouth and a second lower edge attached to the bottom, a third side having a third upper edge attached to the openable mouth and a third lower edge attached to the bottom, a fourth side having a fourth upper edge attached to the openable mouth and a fourth lower edge attached to the bottom. The handbag further includes a third foot and a fourth foot, each attached to the bottom of the handbag and configured to support the handbag on a surface such that the bottom does not contact the surface. Attachment of the first side to the bottom defines a first corner, attachment of the second side defines a second corner, attachment of the third side defines a third corner, and attachment of the fourth side defines a fourth corner. The first foot, second foot, third foot and fourth foot covering the first corner, the second corner, the third corner, and the corner, respectively.

In one embodiment, the first side, second side, third side and fourth side is rigid.

The handbag can further comprise one or more of a cover attached to the first upper edge, a handle attached to the cover, which is attached to the first upper edge, second upper edge, third upper edge and the fourth upper edge.

The first foot, second foot, third foot and fourth foot each have ornamental outer surfaces. The ornamental outer surfaces may be different or the same. The handle may have an ornamental outer surface that is the same as the feet.

Among other advantages, the feet raise the bottom of the handbag sufficiently off of any support surface to prevent the bottom of the bag from touching the surface. Furthermore, unlike traditional standoffs, the feet protect corners or those portions of the handbag where the feet are attached and provide support to the sides, front and rear portions of the handbag. Thus, the invention provides a construction with additional sturdiness that allows a handbag to hold its value and survive longer.

Other features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following description, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a front view of a first embodiment of a handbag.

FIG. 1B is a side view of the handbag of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is a top view of the handbag of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1D is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the handbag of FIGS. 1A-1C.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a representative one of a foot for use with a handbag.

FIG. 2B is a second, perspective view of the foot shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A is a front view of a first embodiment of a handbag.

FIG. 3B is a side view of the handbag of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is a top view of the handbag of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3D is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the handbag of FIGS. 3A-3C.

FIG. 3E is atop view of the embodiment of FIG. 3D.

FIG. 3F is a side view of another alternative embodiment of FIGS. 3A-3C.

FIG. 4A is a front view of a first embodiment of a handbag.

FIG. 4B is a side view of the handbag of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is a top view of the handbag of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4D is a front view of the handbag of FIG. 4A in its opened position.

DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1C, a handbag 10 includes a body 12 having a front 14, rear 16, opposing sides 18a, 18b, a bottom 20 and a top 22. Sides 18a, 18b as well as bottom 20 and top 22 and are substantially rigid thereby providing a sturdy construction to the handbag capable of supporting whatever is intended to be carried. In alternative embodiments, rigidity of the handbag can also be provided through a frame (not shown) that supports front 14, rear 16, and opposing sides 18a, 18b.

In this embodiment, front 14, rear 16, sides 18a, 18b include an outer decorative covering 19 of a desired decor. For example, the decorative covering could be fabric, leather or other material. A handle 24 is affixed to top 22 substantially halfway between sides 18a, 18b. A cross-body removable strap 26 is attached to hooks 28a 28b on sides 18a, 18b, respectively.

Bottom 20 includes feet 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d at corners 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, respectively, defined by the junction between bottom 20 and appropriate ones of sides 18a, 18b as well as front 14 and rear 16. Each of feet 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d are configured to not only cover a portion of the bottom associated with each corner but also extend up a portion of sides 18a, 18b as well as front 14 and rear 16. Thus, feet 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d serve to not only raise bottom 20 above any surface supporting handbag 10 but also protects corners 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d from damage in the event that the corners of the handbag strike or otherwise impact other objects.

Feet 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d can be made of a wide variety of materials but are generally required to be sufficiently rigid and hard in order to be able to protect the corners 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d. For example, feet 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d may be made from cast metal, such as brass, pewter or antique bronze. In certain embodiments, to minimize weight, feet 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d could be made of a lighter weight plastic or metal and covered or plated with a harder and stronger material having the appropriate design finish.

Referring to FIG. 1D, a handbag 10′ includes a pair of feet at each end of the handbag (only 40a is shown). In particular, side 18a includes a connected foot 40a that covers both corners 32b, 32d while side 18b includes a connected foot (not shown) that covers corners 32a, 32c.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, a representative one of feet 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d are shown to be ornamental, for example, like feet found on furniture, particularly antique furniture, which tend to have complex decorative patterns. For example, in this embodiment, each foot has a ball and claw motif

Each foot includes a leg 34 extending from a base 36 that is configured to be attached to bottom 20 of handbag 10. Extending in directions orthogonal to leg 34 are cornice members 38a, 38b, which are configured to cover the edge of bottom 20 as well as one edge surface of sides 18a, 18b and one of edge surfaces of front 14 or rear 16. In this embodiment, each of the feet also include cornice member 40 that extends in the opposite direction of leg 34 but along edge surfaces of one of sides 18a, 18b and one of edge surfaces of front 14 or rear 16. In this way, feet 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d protect edge surfaces of respective ones of corners 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d. Base 36 for each foot includes a hole 42 through which a screw (not shown) is received for attaching the foot to bottom 20.

Referring to FIG. 3A-3C, a second embodiment of a handbag 100 includes a round body 112 having a front 114, rear 116, and a side 118 between the front and rear and circumferentially extends around from a bottom portion 120 and a top portion 122. Like the handbag 10 shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, front 114, rear 116 and side 118 are substantially rigid. A handle 124 is affixed to top portion 122.

As was the case with handbag 10, bottom portion 120 includes feet 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d at corner regions 132a, 132b, 132c, 132d, respectively, that are generally opposite handle 124. Corner regions 132a, 132b, 132c, 132d are defined by the junction between bottom 120, sides 118 as well as front 114 and rear 116. Each of feet 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d are configured to not only cover the bottom at each corner portion but also extend up a portion of side 118, front 114 and rear 116. Again, similar to handbag 10, feet 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d serve to not only raise bottom 120 above any surface supporting handbag 100 but also protects corner regions 132a, 132b, 132c, 132d.

Referring to FIGS. 3D and 3E, an alternative embodiment of handbag 100′ includes a pair of handles 124a, 124b and a zipper 140 positioned on top portion 122 and midway between front 114 and rear 116.

Referring to FIG. 3F, another alternative embodiment of handbag 100″ includes a top portion 122″ and side portions 118″ such that a clamshell opening 150 is provided.

Referring to FIGS. 4A-4D, a third embodiment of a handbag 200 includes a cylindrical body 212 having a circumferential side 218, a bottom 220, and a top 222. Like the handbag 10 shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, side 218 is substantially rigid. A handle 224 is affixed to top 222. Top 222 includes a clasp 240 that is used to open and secure top 222 to side 218.

As was the case with handbag 10, bottom 220 includes feet 230a, 230b, 230c, 230d at corner regions 232a, 232b, 232c, 232d, respectively. In this embodiment, corner regions 232a, 232b, 232c, 232d are angularly spaced by about ninety degrees. Each of feet 230a, 230b, 230c, 230d are configured to not only cover the bottom at each corner portion but also extend up a portion of side 218. Again, like handbag 10, feet 230a, 230b, 230c, 230d serve to not only raise bottom 220 above any surface supporting handbag 200 but also protects corner regions 232a, 232b, 232c, 232d.

Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A handbag comprising:

a body including: a bottom; a first side having a first upper edge and a first lower edge attached to the bottom and; an openable mouth attached to the first upper edge; and

a first foot and a second foot, each attached to the bottom of the handbag and configured to support the handbag on a surface such that the bottom does not contact the surface.

2. The handbag of claim 1 further comprising:

a second side having a second upper edge attached to the openable mouth and a second lower edge attached to the bottom;

a third side having a third upper edge attached to the openable mouth and a third lower edge attached to the bottom;

a fourth side having a fourth upper edge attached to the openable mouth and a fourth lower edge attached to the bottom; and

a third foot and a fourth foot, each attached to the bottom of the handbag and configured to support the handbag on a surface such that the bottom does not contact the surface;

wherein, attachment of the first side to the bottom defines a first corner, attachment of the second side defines a second corner, attachment of the third side defines a third corner, and attachment of the fourth side defines a fourth corner;

the first foot, second foot, third foot and fourth foot covering the first corner, the second corner, the third corner, and the corner, respectively.

3. The handbag of claim 2 at least one of the first side, second side, third side and fourth side is rigid.

4. The handbag of claim 1 further comprising a cover attached to the first upper edge.

5. The handbag of claim 4 further comprising a handle attached to the cover.

6. The handbag of claim 2 further comprising a cover attached to the first upper edge, second upper edge, third upper edge and the fourth upper edge.

7. The handbag of claim 6 further comprising a handle attached to the cover.

8. The handbag of claim 2 wherein the first foot, second foot, third foot and fourth foot each have ornamental outer surfaces.

9. The handbag of claim 8 wherein the ornamental outer surfaces of the first foot, second foot, third foot and fourth foot are the same.

10. The handbag of claim 8 wherein the first foot, second foot, third foot, fourth foot and handle each have ornamental outer surfaces.

11. The handbag of claim 10 wherein the ornamental outer surfaces of the first foot, second foot, third foot, fourth foot, and handle are the same.