Patent Application
20140190601
The invention generally relates to handbags and their manufacture. In particular, the invention relates to a handbag constructed using shoe components and shoe production methods.
Prior art handbags have previously incorporated ornamental features of shoes into their designs. However, each of these prior art shoe handbags sacrifice the functional advantages of shoes and of handbags in order to achieve the desired look of a shoe-shaped handbag. For example, these shoe handbags invariably have drastically sloped sidewalls that emulate the uppers of shoes. The sloping sidewalls cover the bag from a relatively large base to a smaller opening atop the handbag. This structure creates several disadvantages. Since the sidewalls slope inwardly, these prior art shoe handbags have lower carrying capacities and volumes relative to handbags with similar base areas. In addition, the relatively small openings of these prior art shoe handbags makes it tough to reach certain interior areas of the handbags, especially towards the toebox portion of the handbags. Also, the uneven structure of the prior art shoe handbags shifts the center of gravity considerably, making these prior art handbags more likely to topple.
Handbags found in the prior art, including the shoe handbags discussed above, are typically not designed to be placed on the ground, especially rough or uneven ground. As a result, materials used to form the bottom of prior art handbags are susceptible to damage if the handbags are placed on the ground. In the case of the prior art shoe handbags, the bottoms either have no soles or have false soles that provide little to no protection.
Similarly, prior art handbags lack other support structures similar to the welts and side supports found in shoes. The sidewalls of these prior art handbags often sag or collapse. As a result, few handbags are designed with tall sidewalls because these tall handbags have a tendency to topple due to the high center of gravity and weak side support.
It is an object of the invention to overcome the disadvantages of known handbags and known methods for constructing handbags.
It is also an object of the invention to provide a visually and texturally distinctive handbag structure.
It is also an object of the invention to provide structural support while at the same time preserving the functionality of the handbag.
It is also an object of the invention to provide support to the sidewalls of the handbag to prevent the sidewalls from sagging or collapsing.
It is also an object of the invention to provide shock absorption and durability to the bottom of the handbag.
It is also an object of the invention to adapt the handbag for placement on rough and uneven surfaces, as well as for placement in turbulent environments such as transport in airplanes and other motor vehicles.
In one aspect, the invention relates to a handbag constructed using shoe components and shoe production methods. In one embodiment, the handbag includes a sole with an insole layer, a midsole layer, and an outsole layer. The insole lines the bottom of the interior of the handbag, the outsole lines the bottom of the exterior of the handbag, and the midsole rests in-between the insole and outsole layers. The handbag further includes a welt, which is preferably attached to the insole and to the sidewalls of the handbag. The handbag also employs a combination of handbag side material, shoe uppers, stiffeners, counters, and other structures to form, support, and decorate the handbag sidewalls. Each of these sidewall components can be of different colors and textures to provide a distinctive structure reminiscent of a shoe. Additional materials can also be used to decorate the sidewalls. The sidewalls form a collar that encircles a handbag opening, preferably located near the top of the handbag. The handbag opening is equipped with a fastener such as a zipper, clasp, or button, which allows the handbag opening to be opened and closed easily. The handbag further includes a combination of handles and straps. In the embodiment of the invention where the handbag opening is located atop the handbag, each end of the strap can be attached to opposite sides of the collar.
In another aspect, the invention relates to the method of constructing the shoe handbag. In one embodiment, the sidewalls are reinforced by the shoe uppers, stiffeners, and counters. The sidewalls are joined to the insole, both of which are then attached to the welt. The midsole is joined onto the insole, then both the bottom side of the welt and the bottom side of the midsole is covered by the outsole. The attachment devices, straps, handles, and sidewall decorations are connected to the sidewalls as necessary.
In various embodiments of the foregoing aspects of the invention, each part of the handbag can be added, removed, altered, or replaced with variations of the individual parts. For example, the midsole can be removed if the specifications tolerate less shock absorption. Conversely, fillers can be added to the sole to increase shock absorption.
These and other objects, along with advantages and features of the present invention herein disclosed, will become apparent through reference to the following description, the accompanying drawings, and the claims. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the features of the various embodiments described herein are not mutually exclusive and can exist in various combinations and permutations.
Embodiments of the present invention are described below. It is, however, expressly noted that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but rather the intention is that modifications that are apparent to the person skilled in the art are also included. For example, the present invention is not intended to be limited to top-carry handbags or bags, but rather it is to be understood that the present invention can also be used to improve the durability, stability, and shock absorption of any type of bag. Similarly, the present invention is not limited to handbags, but can be applied to various carrying containers, including totes, backpacks, and briefcases.
Side views of a handbag 10 in accordance with the invention is shown in
Having described certain embodiments of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments incorporating the concepts disclosed herein may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as only illustrative and not restrictive.
