1. The Field of the Invention
This invention relates to systems, methods, and apparatus for customizing handbags, at least in part with interchangeable handbag outer-coverings.
2. Background and Relevant Art
Handbags, despite being useful for carrying various items, are often used as an accessory item to add to or change the aesthetic of a person's ensemble. Indeed, it is often desirable to have different handbags for different destinations, outfits, and occasions. Handbags come in many different styles sufficient for a wide variety of purposes. It can be a challenge, however, for a person to purchase various different handbags sufficient to suit a number of different unique choices. For example, simply the cost of purchasing even a relatively small number of different handbags can be prohibitive. Additionally, users may be faced with a problem of how to save and/or store all the various handbags that they may have purchased. In particular, those that choose to purchase several handbags may find that the storage of the handbags require more space than anticipated or even available. Often times, this may require the user to part with a number of handbags due to a lack of storage space.
In other cases, purchasing or using several different handbags can cause other logistical issues due to the switching of handbags. For example, when a user desires to use a different handbag for whatever reason (e.g., change in environment, outfit, etc.), the user may need to spend time transferring the items from one handbag to another. Often when transferring items between handbags, items can be inadvertently left behind or even lost. This can result in various levels of inconvenience and annoyance, and can deter a user from changing handbags to gain a desired aesthetic.
Although some mechanisms for interchanging covers on a particular handbag exist, most such mechanisms tend to be ineffective and inconvenient. For example, some interchangeable handbag covers have a number of different fastener mechanisms and parts. Such fasteners typically include complex hook and loop systems, snapping elements, zipper elements, or even buckling arrangements. Such fastener systems can be particularly obvious, and can diminish the intended aesthetics, and in some cases even the function, of the resultant handbag.
Furthermore, in these or similar cases, the user will generally need to unbuckle each individual buckle element, unzip each individual zipper element, unfasten each individual snap or hook and loop element, or otherwise unfasten the given frame, and then slide the handbag cover off the base handbag to exchange a cover. One will appreciate that, while more elaborate fastening systems might hold the handbag cover in place sufficiently to prevent inadvertent removal of the cover, such fastening systems can also eliminate the convenience otherwise intended to be provided by exchangeable handbag covers. Due to these and other inconveniences, an end-user may ultimately forego changing the handbag cover with other covers due to the time and effort needed to make the change.
In other cases, conventional handbag covers only cover a portion of the base handbag. Such systems can be less than desirable because they tend not to appreciably change the overall look and feel of the handbag. Still other conventional handbag covers are too small or too large for the handbag and result in the cover coming off too easily, or not fitting the handbag at all. One will appreciate that such disparities in fitting can be particularly pronounced with flexible handbags that may vary greatly in size and shape depending upon the number of items inside the handbag.
Accordingly, there are a number of difficulties in conventional handbags, particularly where a high degree of customization may be desired, and particularly as may be applied to handbags that have relatively undefined surface features.
Implementations of the present invention provide systems, methods, and apparatus configured to easily modify the look and feel of any particular handbag in a manner that is highly efficient. For example, at least one implementation of the present invention includes a base handbag with interchangeable outer coverings that allow the handbag to take on any number of different styles. The outer coverings, or shells, can envelope the base handbag in a highly secure manner. Despite such secure attachment, a user can still quickly and easily interchange one handbag cover with another handbag cover with little effort. Accordingly, a user can essentially obtain the benefit of having multiple different handbag styles and designs by varying only the handbag outer-coverings on a single base handbag.
For example, a customizable handbag system in accordance with an implementation of the present invention includes a base handbag having one or more attachment interfaces on at least one edge. The handbag system can further include a handbag cover configured to be secured about the base handbag and secured to the one or more attachment interfaces of the base handbag via a plurality of different attachment forces. Furthermore, the handbag system can include a plurality of fastener elements positioned on both the base handbag and the handbag cover. The plurality of fastener elements can provide a releasable attachment point for attaching the handbag cover to the base handbag.
In addition, a handbag kit configured for customizing a handbag according to one or more implementations of the present invention includes a base handbag. The handbag kit can further include a plurality of handbag covers, each comprising an essentially collapsible material. Each handbag cover can be capable of releasable attachment to the base handbag via a plurality of different attachment forces, and include a different aesthetic design. The handbag kit also can include a plurality of releasable clips attached to an upper portion of the base handbag. Additionally, the handbag kit can include a plurality of handles. Each handle can be configured for releasable attachment to the releasable clips, and can include a different aesthetic design. As such, the attachment of any of the plurality of handbag covers changes the aesthetic design of the base handbag from one handbag cover to the next.
In addition to the foregoing, a method of customizing a handbag according to an implementation of the present invention can involve positioning a handbag cover about a base handbag. The method can also involve aligning a plurality of fastener elements located on the handbag cover into a securable position relative to a plurality of fastener elements located on the base handbag. In addition, the method can involve securing one or more attachment interfaces of the handbag cover to one or more attachment interfaces of the base handbag using a plurality of different attachment forces.
Additional features and advantages of exemplary implementations of the present invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of such exemplary implementations. The features and advantages of such implementations may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of such exemplary implementations as set forth hereinafter.
In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It should be noted that the figures are not drawn to scale and that elements of similar structure or function are generally represented by like reference numerals for illustrative purposes throughout the figures. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
The present invention extends to systems, methods, and apparatus configured to easily modify the look and feel of any particular handbag in a manner that is highly efficient. For example, at least one implementation of the present invention includes a base handbag with interchangeable outer coverings that allow the handbag to take on any number of different styles. The outer coverings, or shells, can envelope the base handbag in a highly secure manner. Despite such secure attachment, a user can still quickly and easily interchange one handbag cover with another handbag cover with little effort. Accordingly, a user can essentially obtain the benefit of having multiple different handbag styles and designs by varying only the handbag outer-coverings on a single base handbag.
One will appreciate, therefore, that at least one implementation of the present invention provides a unique style of handbag, where a user can change the design of the handbag by simply removing the outer covering (or “shell”) of a base handbag (“handbag”) and replacing it with another outer covering with a different design. As a result, a user can customize the look and design of a handbag without having to transfer items from one handbag to another. In particular, a user need only change the outer-covering on the base handbag to change the aesthetic and style of a given handbag. One will appreciate that various different designs of outer-coverings can provide a user with a wide variety of design options. Furthermore, according to one or more implementations of the present invention, the outer-coverings are flattenable, and can be stored with relative ease (e.g., not taking up very much space).
As initial matter, the term “handbag” as used herein refers to any type of bag that a user can carry, hold, or at least partially support using one or more hands. Thus, the term handbag encompasses smaller sized bags, such as, for example, purses, makeup bags, beach bags, etc. The term handbag also, however, encompasses larger bags, such as, for example, suitcases, duffle bags, gym bags, or general equipment bags, etc. Thus, while the various exemplary implementations of handbags of the present invention described herein below are depicted in the Figures as smaller purse type bags, the present invention is not so limited, and encompasses a wide range of bags having various sizes, shapes, and functional purposes.
For example,
Thus, as shown in
As shown in
Although a soft handbag in accordance with one or more implementations of the present invention can be understood as having various side and bottom portions, each such side or portion may comprise a substantially collapsible material. The substantially collapsible material may include, for example, synthetic or natural leathers, resins (e.g., vinyl or polyester materials), or any number of cloth materials, including woven and non-woven cloths or fabrics. The collapsible nature of the material can enable the soft handbag to expand to provide space for storing or holding various items. Along similar lines, the collapsible nature of the material can enable the soft handbag to flatten, and thus, make the soft handbag storable in a relatively small space without difficulty.
While the handbags shown in
One will appreciate in light of the disclosure herein that the particular handbag covers and designs illustrated in
Accordingly, implementations of the present invention each include a base handbag upon which the user can add and/or exchange handbag covers. Along these lines,
In addition, and as alluded to earlier, in one or more implementations at least a portion of the main pouch 202 can comprise an essentially collapsible material. The essentially collapsible material of the main pouch 202 can allow the main pouch 202 to expand or contract to hold various sizes or various numbers of items. Alternatively, at least a portion of the main pouch 202 can comprise a rigid or non collapsible material. In such implementations, the rigid material can help ensure that the main pouch 202 does not collapse upon or compress any items placed therein. In yet further implementations, the main pouch 202 can comprise a combination of essentially collapsible portions and rigid portions that provide the main pouch 202 with both the ability to flex about contents therein and provide the main pouch 202 with a distinct shape.
However configured, and as previously mentioned, a user can customize the base handbag 100 by securing handbag covers 110(a, b) thereto. Along these lines the base handbag 100 can include a number of features to facilitate the attachment of handbag covers 110(a, b). In particular, and as described in greater detail below, the base handbag 100 can include one or more attachment interfaces that are securable to one or more attachment interfaces on a handbag cover 110(a, b). For example,
Additionally,
Additionally, the base handbag 100 can include secondary attachment interfaces 250 (or secondary base attachment interfaces 250) secured to the upper edges of side walls 204a and 204b of the main pouch 202. As shown in
In addition to interchangeable covers, one or more implementations of the present invention can also include a base handbag 100 with interchangeable handles. For example,
In any event, one will appreciate that the ability to change a given handle 270 or set of handles from base handbag 100 can provide additional configurability and flexibility to the handbags described herein. In particular, the ability to interchange handles 270 allows the base handbag 100 to include different sizes and colors of handles 270, and thus a different level of customization beyond just customizing the handbag covers 110(a, b). Similar to the handbag covers 110(a, b), one or more implementations of the present invention can comprise various different styles of handles 270 to provide a user with a wide variety of design options.
As shown in
Additionally, the handbag cover 110a can include secondary attachment interfaces 350 (or secondary cover attachment interfaces) secured to the upper edges of side walls 304a and 304b of the main pouch 302 that correspond with the secondary base attachment interfaces 250 shown in
As mentioned previously, the handbag cover 110a can include any number of different styles or designs to allow a user to customize a base handbag 100. For example,
As mentioned above and as shown in
Thus, the fastener elements 230 of the base handbag 100 can be securable to the corresponding fastener elements 330 of the handbag cover 110a. One will appreciate in light of the disclosure herein that whether any particular fastener elements 230, 330 comprise permanent magnetic, or elements attracted to the permanent magnets, is not required. Indeed, a manufacturer can even mix the various fastener elements 230 of the base handbag 100 so that only some of the fastener elements 230 are permanent magnets, while the other fastener elements 230 are not (e.g., VELCRO, or snap fasteners). Along similar lines, a manufacturer can mix the various fastener elements 330 of the handbag cover 110a between permanent magnets and elements attracted to permanent magnets to correspond to the fastener elements 230 of the base handbag 100, or vice versa.
In any case, a manufacturer can affix the fastener elements 230, 330 to (generally inside) an attachment interface 210, 310 so that the fastener elements 230, 330 are effectively flush with (or within) the surface of the attachment interfaces 210, 310. For example, each of the attachment interfaces 210, 310 can include one or more substrates (not shown) having fastener elements 230, 330 affixed thereon or therein. An outer liner (i.e., the outside, illustrated surface of the attachment interfaces 210, 310) can then cover the substrate and the fastener elements 230, 330. As understood more fully herein, in one or more implementations of the present invention, this means that the fastener elements 230, 330 will be relatively imperceptible to the ordinary viewer as distinguishable from the attachment interfaces 210, 310 themselves. Additionally, this configuration of the fastener elements 230, 330 can help ensure that the attachment interfaces 210, 310 are securable to each other with a great deal of security when placed in the appropriate position, as described more fully below.
While
For example,
Furthermore, while the fastener elements 230, 330 of the handbag 120a depicted in
In addition, one will appreciate that magnetic elements are only one type of fastener element which the handbags of the present invention may include. For example, handbags according to one or more implementations of the present invention can also or alternatively use other forms of fastening elements that include, but are not limited to, hook and loop elements, snap elements, and/or types of friction-based fasteners. Depending on the design and function of the given fastener elements, the handbag 120a can include any number or arrangement of such fastener elements on the base handbag 100 and handbag cover 110a as needed to ensure an appropriate attraction there between.
For instance, a handbag according to one or more implementations of the present invention may include an equal number of corresponding snap-based fastener elements on the attachment interfaces 210 of base handbag 100 and the attachment interfaces 310 of the handbag cover 110a. By contrast, and as with magnetic-based fastener elements 230, 330, the handbag 120a may additionally or alternatively include any number or arrangements of hook and loop-based fastener elements on the attachment interfaces 210 of the base handbag 100 and attachment interfaces 310 of the handbag cover 120a. Furthermore, the handbag 120a can include any combination of magnets, snaps, and hook and loop fastener elements, as needed to create an appropriate bond between the handbag cover 110a and the base handbag 100.
Of course, one will appreciate that using relatively strong but thin magnetic fastener elements 230, 330 can provide a number of different advantages. At least one such advantage is the size aspect of such exemplary magnetic fastener elements 230, 330. The thin profile of the magnetic fastener elements 230, 330 can provide each of the base handbag 100 and the handbag cover 110a with a sleek, planar attachment interface that is aesthetically pleasing on its own. At least another advantage of using relatively strong or relatively large numbers of magnets is that such can provide sufficient attractive force through the given outer surface of the base handbag 100 in order to enable a strong attachment to the handbag cover 110a, as discussed more fully hereinafter.
As mentioned previously, a user can secure the handbag cover 110a to or about the base handbag 100 via a plurality of attachment forces using at least the attachment interfaces 210, 310. For example, as explained in greater detail hereafter, according to one or more implementations of the present invention, a user can position a handbag cover 100a about a base handbag 100. The user can then align the fastener elements 330 of the handbag cover 110a into a securable position relative to the fastener elements 230 of the base handbag 100 to create a magnetic attachment force between the handbag cover 110a and the base handbag 100. Thus, the user can secure the one or more attachment interfaces 310 of the handbag cover 110a to the one or more attachment interfaces 210 of the base handbag 100. For instance, the user can fold each attachment interface 310 of the handbag cover 110a along crease 324, and around a corresponding attachment interface 210 of the base handbag 100. This can create a gravitational attachment force (supported at least partly by crease 324) between the handbag cover 110a and the base handbag 100.
Thus, referring to both
Thus, in the case of using magnets as fastener elements 230, 330, the configurations of the attachment interfaces in
One will appreciate the particular configuration of the attachment interfaces 210, 310 illustrated in
In addition to gravitational and magnetic attachments forces, one or more implementations of the present invention can create mechanical attachment forces between the handbag cover 110a and the base handbag 100. For example, as mentioned previously, one or more of the fastener elements 230, 330 can comprise hook and loop elements, snap elements, buckle elements, or other fasteners that create a mechanical attachment force. One will appreciate that mechanical attachment forces can increase or vary the bond between the base handbag 100 and a handbag cover 110a.
For example, in one or more implementations, the handbag cover 110 can include one or more elastics extending between the attachment interfaces 310, or otherwise around at least a portion of the upper edge of the handbag cover 110. The elastics can be held within the handbag cover 110, and thus, hidden from view. The elastics can create an additional or alternative attachment force between the handbag cover 110 and the base handbag 100. In particular, the elastics can secure the upper edge of the handbag cover 110 about the base handbag 100 via a compressive mechanical attachment force. One will appreciate in one or more implementations including elastics, the attachment interfaces 310 of the handbag covers 110a may not include upper portions 312b. In such cases, the plurality of attachment forces securing the handbag cover 110 to the base handbag 100 can include a magnetic force created by the fastener elements 230, 330 and a mechanical force created by the elastics.
In at least one implementation of the present invention, a customizable handbag can include mechanical attachment forces created by releasable rings in addition to, or as an alternative to, the gravitational and magnetic attachment forces described hereinbefore. For example,
Additionally as shown in
In any event, one will appreciate that the attachment interfaces and attachment forces used to secure the handbag cover 110a to the base handbag 100 can provide a sufficiently strong attachment so as to prevent the handbag cover 100a from inadvertently releasing from the base handbag 100. Furthermore, the attachment interfaces can provide a secure bond between the base handbag 100 and the handbag cover 100a, while reducing any visible indications that the handbag 120 includes a base handbag 100 with a removable cover 110. For example, as shown in
In addition to the foregoing, a handbag kit in accordance with an implementation of the present invention can comprise at least one base handbag 100. The handbag kit also comprises a plurality of attachable/detachable handbag covers 110 of a plurality of different styles and/or colors. In additional or alternative implementations, the handbag kit further comprises a plurality of detachable and re-attachable handles 270 of a plurality of different styles that correspond to the styles of the plurality of handbag covers 110. Along these lines, the handbag kit can further comprise a plurality of interchangeable, releasable clips attachable to an upper portion of the base handbag 100. In at least one implementation of the present invention, the base handbag 100 and handbag covers 110 include one or more attachment interfaces 210, 310 that are securable together using a plurality of attachment forces. For example, two or more of magnetic, gravitational, frictional, and mechanical attachment force can secure the attachment interfaces 310 of the handbag cover 110 to the attachment interfaces 210 of the base handbag 100.
Accordingly, one will appreciate that implementations of the present invention provide a number of advantages for attaching and detaching various handbag covers to a base handbag with simple and efficient mechanisms that are physically sound and secure. One will appreciate that the features described herein can be modified in a number of different ways. For example, as previously described, the manufacturer may use any number or type of fastener elements 230, 330 that may be essentially flush or planar with the attachment interfaces 210, 310 or otherwise imperceptible during attachment. Still further, in accordance with implementations of the present invention, the manufacturer may choose to have visibly perceptible fastener elements 230, 330, which may, for example, provide further decorative elements. Accordingly, implementations of the present invention provide a number of mechanisms that can be used to efficiently, effectively, and securely interchange covers of a handbag in a wide variety of ways using one or more attachment forces.
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. For example, one will appreciate that implementations of the present invention can also or alternatively be configured for use with the principles described herein as backpacks, duffle bags, or sports equipment bags with interchangeable covers. One will appreciate that such sport or duffle bags can include such bags as gym bags, bowling ball bags, soccer bags, golf bags, or the like configured as described herein. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
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PCT/US2009/054896 | 8/25/2009 | WO | 00 | 8/27/2009 |
Number | Date | Country | |
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61170883 | Apr 2009 | US |