Patent Grant
11602205
The present invention relates to modular handbags.
Various types of handbags are known in the art. Conventional handbags are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, however, each individual handbag is limited to the size and basic functionality with which the handbag was originally designed. Alternative handbags have been presented which allow users to attach various additional components and accessories to customize handbags, however, the attachment configurations are restricted and present the user with a limited number of possible configurations.
The present invention is a plurality of modular handbag assemblies.
According to the teachings of an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a handbag assembly. The handbag assembly comprises: a first side panel member including: oppositely disposed first and second outer sidewalls, a first zipper arrangement of a first profile coupled to the first outer sidewall along a peripheral portion thereof, and a second zipper arrangement of the first profile coupled to the second outer sidewall along a peripheral portion thereof, the first and second zipper arrangements of the first profile being inversely oriented to each other, and each of the zipper arrangements of the first profile including a plurality of teeth extending substantially between a first end and a second end; a second side panel member including: oppositely disposed first and second outer sidewalls, a first zipper arrangement of a second profile coupled to the first outer sidewall of the second side panel member along a peripheral portion thereof, and a second zipper arrangement of the second profile coupled to the second outer sidewall of the second side panel member along a peripheral portion thereof, the first and second zipper arrangements of the second profile being inversely oriented to each other, and each of the zipper arrangements of the second profile including a plurality of teeth extending substantially between a first end and a second end, each of the zipper arrangements of the first profile being configured to engage with each of the zipper arrangements of the second profile to form a zipper fastening arrangement and create a compartment defined in part by at least one of the outer sidewalls of the first side panel and at least one of the outer sidewalls of the second side panel.
Optionally, the engaging is defined in part by interlocking between the teeth of the at least one of the zipper arrangements of the first profile and the at least one of the zipper arrangements of the second profile.
Optionally, each of the zipper arrangements of the first profile further includes a retainer box deployed at the first end, an end post deployed at the second end, and a slider for moving along the teeth between the first and second ends, and each of the zipper arrangements of the second profile further including an insertion pin deployed at the first end, and an end post deployed at the second end.
Optionally, the engaging is defined in part by insertion of the insertion pin of one of the zipper arrangements of the second profile into the retainer box of one of the zipper arrangements of the first profile, and movement of the slider from the first end to the second end of one of the zipper arrangements of the first profile.
Optionally, the teeth of each zipper arrangement of the first profile are arranged in a substantially closed loop, and movement of the slider from the first end to the second end of each zipper arrangement of the first profile being in a clockwise direction along the closed loop.
Optionally, the teeth of each zipper arrangement of the first profile are arranged in a substantially closed loop, and movement of the slider from the first end to the second end of each zipper arrangement of the first profile being in a counter-clockwise direction along the closed loop.
Optionally, the handbag assembly further comprises a central member having a plurality of sidewalls including at least oppositely disposed first and second outer sidewalls, the central member further including a third zipper arrangement of the second profile coupled to the first outer sidewall along a peripheral portion thereof, and a third zipper arrangement of the first profile coupled to the second outer sidewall along a peripheral portion thereof.
Optionally, the third zipper arrangement of the second profile is configured to engage with at least one of the first and second zipper arrangements of the second profile to form a second zipper fastening arrangement and create a compartment defined in part by the first outer sidewall of the central member and at least one of the outer sidewalls of the first side panel, and the third zipper arrangement of the first profile being configured to engage with at least one of the first and second zipper arrangements of the first profile to form a third zipper fastening arrangement and create a compartment defined in part by the second outer sidewall of the central member and at least one of the outer sidewalls of the second side panel and the first outer sidewall of the central member.
Optionally, each of first and second outer sidewalls of each of the first and second side panels includes a pair of strap attachment mechanisms.
There is also provided according to an embodiment of the teachings of the present invention a handbag assembly. The handbag assembly comprises: a central member having a plurality of sidewalls including at least oppositely disposed first and second outer sidewalls, a first zipper arrangement of a first profile being coupled to one of the outer sidewalls along a peripheral portion thereof, and a first zipper arrangement of a second profile being coupled to the other outer sidewall along a peripheral portion thereof; and at least one add-on side panel member including oppositely disposed first and second outer sidewalls, a second zipper arrangement of the first or second profile being coupled to the first outer sidewall along a peripheral portion thereof, and a third zipper arrangement of the first or second profile being coupled to the second outer sidewall along a peripheral portion thereof, at least one of the second zipper arrangements of the first or second profiles being configured to engage with the first of the zipper arrangements of the second or first profile to form a zipper fastening arrangement and create a compartment defined in part by at least one of the outer sidewalls of the central member and at least one of the outer sidewalls of the second side panel member.
Optionally, the central member further includes a first inner sidewall oppositely disposed from the first outer sidewall, and a second inner sidewall oppositely disposed from the second outer sidewall, and a compartment defined in part by the first and second inner sidewalls.
Optionally, the central member further includes a third inner sidewall and a third outer sidewall oppositely disposed from the third inner sidewall, and the compartment being further defined in part by the third inner sidewall.
Optionally, the central member has a substantially triangular cross section through a first plane.
Optionally, the central member has a substantially square or rectangular cross section through a second plane normal to the first plane.
There is also provided according to an embodiment of the teachings of the present invention a handbag assembly. The handbag assembly comprises: a base panel member including oppositely disposed first and second outer sidewalls, the base panel member including: a plurality of strap attachment mechanisms deployed on the first and second outer sidewalls for detachably receiving a plurality of straps, a first zipper arrangement of a first profile coupled to the first outer sidewall along a peripheral portion thereof, and a second zipper arrangement of the first profile coupled to the second outer sidewall along a peripheral portion thereof; and a first add-on panel member including at least one outer sidewall and a first zipper arrangement of a second profile coupled to the at least one outer sidewall along a peripheral portion thereof, the first zipper arrangement of the second profile being configured to engage with each of the zipper arrangements of the first profile to form a zipper fastening arrangement and create a compartment defined in part by the at least one outer sidewall and at least one of the outer sidewalls of the first add-on panel member.
Optionally, the handbag assembly further comprises a second add-on panel member including oppositely disposed first and second outer sidewalls, the second add-on panel member having a third zipper arrangement of the first profile coupled to the first outer sidewall of the second add-on panel member along a peripheral portion thereof, and having a second zipper arrangement of the second profile coupled to the second outer sidewall of the second add-on panel member along a peripheral portion thereof.
Optionally, the handbag assembly further comprises a flap member removably attachable to the base panel member and the first add-on panel member.
Optionally, the flap member includes: a central portion having a compartment with an opening at a first peripheral edge of the central portion, and a first foldable portion and a second foldable portion, each foldable portion configured to fold along a respective peripheral edge of the central portion that is adjacent to the first edge.
Unless otherwise defined herein, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.
Some embodiments of the present invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.
Attention is now directed to the drawings, where like reference numerals or characters indicate corresponding or like components. In the drawings:
The present invention is a plurality of modular handbag assemblies.
Within the context of this document, the term “handbag” generally refers to any hand-carried, hand-drawn, shoulder-carried, back-carried, or hand-dragged bag structure, typically constructed from a fabric or similar material. A “handbag” may include bags including, but not limited to, purses, clutches, shoulder bags, luggage, suitcases, duffle bags, backpacks, and the like.
As will be described, the handbag assemblies of the present disclosure include various interchangeable and interconnectable major components, namely, one or more side panels which can be attached to each other and/or attached to one or more central (or base) members. In most embodiments, the side panels are reversible side panels. As will be discussed in further detail below, each of the major components includes at least one zipper arrangement of either a first or second profile. In embodiments in which a side panel is a reversible side panel, two zipper arrangements of the same profile are deployed, one on each side of the side panel, in an inverse orientation relative to each other.
Each of the zipper arrangements of the first profile includes a plurality of zipper teeth (i.e., teeth) arranged to form a zipper track, a retainer box deployed at a first end of the zipper track, an end post deployed at a second end of the zipper track, and a slider for moving between the two ends of the zipper track. As with typical zippers, a pull tab is connected to the slider to facilitate movement of the slider. Each of the zipper arrangements of the second profile includes a plurality of zipper teeth (i.e., teeth) arranged to form a zipper track, an insertion pin deployed at a first end of the zipper track, and an end post deployed at a second end of the zipper track. In general, throughout the present disclosure, each zipper arrangement of the first profile can engage with each zipper arrangement of the second profile to form a zipper fastening arrangement, unless explicitly stated otherwise. The engagement of a pair of zipper arrangements is effectuated by insertion of the insertion pin into the retainer box, and movement of the slider along the zipper teeth of the zipper arrangement pair.
Efficacy of the above-mentioned engagement of pairs of zipper arrangements is increased, and to a certain degree maximized, when each of the zipper arrangements have counted teeth (i.e., when each of the zipper arrangements includes the same number of teeth). In other words, the handbag assemblies of the present disclosure operate most efficiently when the same number of teeth is present in each zipper arrangement. By utilizing zipper arrangements with counted teeth, smooth engagement of the major components of the handbag assemblies is enabled. Excella zippers, produced by the YKK Group of Tokyo, Japan, are an example of zipper arrangements having counted teeth, and may be used to implement the zipper arrangements according to certain preferred embodiments of the present disclosure.
The principles and operation of the handbag assembly according to the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and accompanying description.
Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the drawings and/or the examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Initially, throughout this document, references are made to directions such as, for example, front and rear, top and bottom, left and right, and the like. These directional references are exemplary only to illustrate the invention and embodiments thereof.
Referring now to the drawings,
With particular reference to
The first side 12a includes a peripheral flange 26a having an inner surface 27a and an outer surface 29a. The peripheral flange 26a extends along almost the entire periphery of the first outer sidewall 14a, except for a small gap. The peripheral flange 26a is attached to the first outer sidewall 14a at the central flange 11. The peripheral flange 26a is constructed from a material having a degree of flexure, and preferably from a material having elastic properties. The properties of the material from which the peripheral flange 26a is constructed allows flexible movement of the peripheral flange 26a, whereby the peripheral flange 26a can be folded in a first fold configuration so as to bring portions of the inner surface 27a into contact with the first outer sidewall 14a, and further folded in a second fold configuration whereby the peripheral flange 26a is folded over the central flange 11 such that portions of the outer surface 29a are folded toward the central flange 11 and onto the edges 13a-d.
A first zipper arrangement of a first profile, designated 16a, and referred to hereinafter as the zipper arrangement 16a, is attached to the peripheral flange 26a. The zipper arrangement 16a includes a plurality of teeth 22a arranged to form a zipper track in a nearly closed loop, where the beginning and end of the nearly closed loop are marked by two respective ends of the zipper track. The zipper arrangement 16a is attached to a terminating portion of the peripheral flange 26a. The attachment of the zipper arrangement 16a to the peripheral flange 26a is made, for example, via sewing or stitching, or via adhesive bonding techniques. When the peripheral flange 26a is folded in the first fold configuration, the teeth 22a are brought towards the first outer sidewall 14a, and when the peripheral flange 26a is folded in the second fold configuration, the teeth are brought towards the central flange 11. A retainer box 18a is deployed at the first end of the zipper track, and an end post 20a is deployed at the second end of the zipper track. The end post 20a is preferably positioned near the intersection of two of the edges of the rear side panel 10, slightly offset from one of the two edges. In the non-limiting exemplary illustration of the rear side panel 10 shown in
The peripheral flange 26a forms nearly a closed loop, such that the two ends of the zipper arrangement 16a (i.e., the retainer box 18a and the end post 20a) are in close proximity to each other. The zipper arrangement 16a further includes a slider 24a for moving along the teeth 22a between the two ends (i.e., between the retainer box 18a and the end post 20a). As the slider 24a moves along the teeth 22a, the slider 24a is also configured to simultaneously move along a corresponding set of teeth of a corresponding zipper arrangement on the front panel 30, as will be discussed in further detail in subsequent sections of the present disclosure. In the depiction of the rear panel 10 in
With continued reference to
The second side 12b includes a peripheral flange 26b having an inner surface 27b and an outer surface 29b. The peripheral flange 26b extends along almost the entire periphery of the second outer sidewall 14b, except for a small gap. The peripheral flange 26b is attached to the second outer sidewall 14b at the central flange 11. The peripheral flange 26b is constructed from a material having a degree of flexure, and preferably from a material having elastic properties. The properties of the material from which the peripheral flange 26b is constructed allows flexible movement of the peripheral flange 26b, whereby the peripheral flange 26b can be folded in a first fold configuration so as to bring portions of the inner surface 27b into contact with the second outer sidewall 14b, and further folded in a second fold configuration whereby the peripheral flange 26b is folded over the central flange 11 such that portions of the outer surface 29b are folded toward the central flange 11 and onto the edges 13a-d.
A second zipper arrangement of the first profile, designated 16b, and referred to hereinafter as the zipper arrangement 16b, is attached to the peripheral flange 26a. The zipper arrangement 16b includes a plurality of teeth 22b arranged to form a zipper track in a nearly closed loop, where the beginning and end of the nearly closed loop are marked by two respective ends of the zipper track. The zipper arrangement 16b is attached to a terminating portion of the peripheral flange 26b. The attachment of the zipper arrangement 16b to the peripheral flange 26b is made, for example, via sewing or stitching, or via adhesive bonding techniques. When the peripheral flange 26b is folded in the first fold configuration, the teeth 22b are brought towards the second outer sidewall 14b, and when the peripheral flange 26b is folded in the second fold configuration, the teeth are brought towards the central flange 11. A retainer box 18b is deployed at the first end of the zipper track, and an end post 20b is deployed at the second end of the zipper track. The end post 20b is preferably positioned near the intersection of two of the edges of the rear side panel 10, slightly offset from one of the two edges. In the non-limiting exemplary illustration of the rear side panel 10 shown in
The peripheral flange 26b forms nearly a closed loop, such that the two ends of the zipper arrangement 16b (i.e., the retainer box 18b and the end post 20b) are in close proximity to each other. The zipper arrangement 16b further includes a slider 24b for moving along the teeth 22b between the two ends (i.e., between the retainer box 18b and the end post 20b). As the slider 24b moves along the teeth 22b, the slider 24b is also configured to simultaneously move along a corresponding set of teeth of a corresponding zipper arrangement on the front panel 30, as will be discussed in further detail in subsequent sections of the present disclosure. In the depiction of the rear panel 10 in
It is a particular feature of the handbag assembly of the present disclosure that the zipper arrangements 16a, 16b be inversely oriented relative to each other. The inverse orientation of the zipper arrangements 16a, 16b is most clearly observable in
With continued reference to
With particular reference to
A design marking 44a is also presented on the first outer sidewall 34a, for example via embroidery, hot stamping or stitching, and is preferably centralized between the strap connectors 48a. The design marking 44a may be presented in the form of a brand name or a logo. In certain embodiments, a similar design marking may be presented on the one or both of the outer sidewalls 14a, 14b of the rear side panel 10.
The first side 32a includes a peripheral flange 46a having an inner surface 47a and an outer surface 49a. The peripheral flange 46a extends along almost the entire periphery of the first outer sidewall 34a, except for a small gap. The peripheral flange 46a is attached to the first outer sidewall 34a at the central flange 31. The peripheral flange 46a is preferably constructed from the same material as the peripheral flanges 26a, 26b, and therefore preferably has similar flexible properties. As such, the peripheral flange 46a can be folded in a first fold configuration so as to bring portions of the inner surface 47a into contact with the first outer sidewall 34a, and further folded in a second fold configuration whereby the peripheral flange 46a is folded over the central flange 31 such that portions of the outer surface 49a are folded toward the central flange 31 and onto the edges 33a-d.
A first zipper arrangement of a second profile, designated 36a, and referred to hereinafter as the zipper arrangement 36a, is attached to the peripheral flange 46a. The zipper arrangement 36a includes a plurality of teeth 42a arranged to form a zipper track in a nearly closed loop, where the beginning and end of the nearly closed loop are marked by two respective ends of the zipper track. The teeth 42a are attached to a terminating portion of the peripheral flange 46a. The attachment of the teeth 42a to the peripheral flange 46a is made, for example, via sewing or stitching, or via adhesive bonding techniques. When the peripheral flange 46a is folded in the first fold configuration, the teeth 42a are brought towards the first outer sidewall 34a, and when the peripheral flange 46a is folded in the second fold configuration, the teeth are brought towards the central flange 31. An insertion pin 38a is deployed at the first end of the zipper track, and an end post 40a is deployed at the second end of the zipper track. The end post 40a is preferably positioned near the intersection of two of the edges of the front side panel 30, slightly offset from one of the two edges. In the non-limiting exemplary illustration of the front side panel 30 shown in
The zipper arrangement 36a and the zipper arrangements 16a, 16b are correspondingly configured with respect to the positioning of the end posts 20a, 20b, 40a and the positioning of the insertion pin 38a and the retainer boxes 18a, 18b.
The peripheral flange 46a forms nearly a closed loop, such that the two ends of the zipper arrangement 36a (i.e., the insertion pin 38a and the end post 40a) are in close proximity to each other. The insertion pin 38a and the retainer boxes 18a, 18b are correspondingly configured, such that the insertion pin 38a can be inserted into either of the retainer boxes 18a, 18b. Furthermore, the teeth 42a are configured to engage with either of the teeth 22a, 22b, depending on which side of the rear side panel 10 is to be attached to the front side panel 30.
With continued reference to
The second side 32b includes a peripheral flange 46b having an inner surface 47b and an outer surface 49b. The peripheral flange 46b extends along almost the entire periphery of the second outer sidewall 34b, except for a small gap. The peripheral flange 46b is attached to the first outer sidewall 34b at the central flange 31. The peripheral flange 46b is preferably constructed from the same material has the peripheral flanges 26a, 26b, 46a, and therefore preferably has similar flexible properties. As such, the peripheral flange 46b can be folded in a first fold configuration so as to bring portions of the inner surface 47b into contact with the second outer sidewall 34b, and further folded in a second fold configuration whereby the peripheral flange 46b is folded over the central flange 31 such that portions of the outer surface 49b are folded toward the central flange 31, onto the edges 33a-d.
A second zipper arrangement of the second profile, designated 36b, and referred to hereinafter as the zipper arrangement 36b, is attached to the peripheral flange 46a. The zipper arrangement 36b includes a plurality of teeth 42b arranged to form a zipper track in a nearly closed loop, where the beginning and end of the nearly closed loop are marked by two respective ends of the zipper track. The teeth 42b are attached to a terminating portion of the peripheral flange 46b. The attachment of the teeth 42b to the peripheral flange 46b is made, for example, via sewing or stitching, or via adhesive bonding techniques. When the peripheral flange 46b is folded in the first fold configuration, the teeth 42b are brought towards the second outer sidewall 34b, and when the peripheral flange 46b is folded in the second fold configuration, the teeth are brought towards the central flange 31. An insertion pin 38b is deployed at the first end of the zipper track, and an end post 40b is deployed at the second end of the zipper track. The end post 40b is preferably positioned near the intersection of two of the edges of the front side panel 30, slightly offset from one of the two edges. In the non-limiting exemplary illustration of the front side panel 30 shown in
The zipper arrangement 36b and the zipper arrangements 16a, 16b are correspondingly configured with respect to the positioning of the end posts 20a, 20b, 40b and the positioning of the insertion pin 38b and the retainer boxes 18a, 18b.
The peripheral flange 46b forms nearly a closed loop, such that the two ends of the zipper arrangement 36b (i.e., the insertion pin 38b and the end post 40b) are in close proximity to each other. The insertion pin 38b and the retainer boxes 18a, 18b are correspondingly configured, such that the insertion pin 38b can be inserted into either of the retainer boxes 18a, 18b. Furthermore, the teeth 42b are configured to engage with either of the teeth 22a, 22b, depending on which side of the rear side panel 10 is to be attached to the front side panel 30.
Similar to the inverse orientation between the zipper arrangements 16a, 16b, it is a particular feature of the handbag assembly of the present disclosure that the zipper arrangements 36a, 36b be inversely oriented relative to each other. The inverse orientation of the zipper arrangements 36a, 36b is most clearly observable in
The following paragraphs describe the connection operation between the side panels 10, 30 via engagement of pairs of the zipper arrangements 16a, 16b, 36a, 36b to form a zipper fastening arrangement. When the two side panels 10, 30 are connected to each other, the connection pair forms a handbag having a storage space formed by one of the outer sidewalls 14a, 14b and one of the outer sidewalls 34a, 34b. The storage space, also referred to interchangeably a compartment or storage compartment, is further formed by one of the outer surfaces 29a, 29b and one of the outer surfaces 49a, 49b, which fold towards each other as the pair of zipper arrangements engage with each other. With continued reference to
As the slider 24a continuously traverses along the edges of the side panels 10, 30, the slider 24a moves along the teeth 22a, 42a, causing the zipper arrangements 16a, 36a to engage with each other via interlocking of the teeth 22a, 42a to form a zipper fastening arrangement. In the depiction illustrated in
As mentioned above, the side panel connection illustrated in
In a third configuration, the rear side panel 10 is reversed (relative to the orientation in the first configuration) such that the storage space is formed by the first outer sidewall 14a of the rear side panel 10, the second outer sidewall 34b of the front side panel 30, the outer surface 29b of the peripheral flange 26b of the second side 12b of the rear side panel 10, and the outer surface 49a of the peripheral flange 46a of the first side 32a of the front side panel 30. In such a configuration, the insertion pin 38a of the zipper arrangement 36a of the first side 32a of the front side panel 30 is inserted into the retainer box 18b of the zipper arrangement 16b of the second side 12b of the rear side panel 10. As the slider 24b continuously traverses along the edges of the side panels 10, 30, the slider 24b moves along the teeth 22b, 42a, causing the zipper arrangements 16b, 36a to engage with each other via interlocking of the teeth 22b, 42a, until stopping at the end posts 20b, 40a.
In a fourth configuration, both of the side panels 10, 30 are reversed (relative to the orientation in the first configuration) such that the storage space is formed by the first outer sidewalls 14a, 34a, the outer surface 29b of the peripheral flange 26b of the second side 12b of the rear side panel 10, and the outer surface 49b of the peripheral flange 46b of the second side 32b of the front side panel 30. In such a configuration, the insertion pin 38b of the zipper arrangement 36b of the second side 32b of the front side panel 30 is inserted into the retainer box 18b of the zipper arrangement 16b of the second side 12b of the rear side panel 10. As the slider 24b continuously traverses along the edges of the side panels 10, 30, the slider 24b moves along the teeth 22b, 42b, causing the zipper arrangements 16b, 36b to engage with each other via interlocking of the teeth 22b, 42b, until stopping at the end posts 20b, 40b.
Note that additional storage spaces may be provided on one or more of the outer sidewalls 14a, 14b, 34a, 34b via zipper fastening arrangements, sleeves, pouches, pockets, and the like.
Although embodiments of the present disclosure as described thus far have pertained to two side panels 10, 30 in which the two sides of each side panel are integrally formed such that each side panel is formed as a single member, other embodiments are possible in which the two sides of either or both of the side panels are removably attachable to each other. In such embodiments, the first side 12a may be removably attachable to the second side 12b via an attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism attaches the two sides 12a, 12b to each other at an opposing sidewall of the first side 12a oppositely disposed form the first outer sidewall 14a and an opposing sidewall of the second side 12b oppositely disposed form the second outer sidewall 14b. The attachment mechanism may be implemented in a variety of ways, such as, for example, snap fasteners (i.e., male and female snap members), magnetic pair fasteners, and hook and loop fasteners. For example, one or more male snap members may be deployed on the opposing sidewall of the first outer sidewall 14a and one or more correspondingly configured female snap members may be deployed on the opposing sidewall of the second outer sidewall 14b.
Although embodiments of the present disclosure as described thus far have pertained to two side panels 10, 30 directly connecting with each other via respective zipper arrangements 16a, 16b, 36a, 36b, other embodiments are possible in which at least one of the side panels is connected to an additional handbag component to form a larger handbag. With continued reference to
With particular reference to
The central member 50 includes a first peripheral flange 54 having an inner surface 56 and an outer surface 58. The peripheral flange 54 extends along almost the entire periphery of the first outer sidewall 52, except for a small gap. The peripheral flange 54 is attached to the central member 50 at the planar intersection between the first outer sidewall 52 and the peripheral sidewall 86. The peripheral flange 54 may be constructed from a material having a degree of flexure, similar to the peripheral flanges 26a, 26b, 46a, 46b. However, in preferred embodiments, the peripheral flange 54 is static and does not fold as with the peripheral flanges 26a, 26b, 46a, 46b.
A third zipper arrangement of the first profile, designated 60, and referred to hereinafter as the zipper arrangement 60, is attached to the peripheral flange 54. The zipper arrangement 60 includes a plurality of teeth 66 arranged to form a zipper track in a nearly closed loop, where the beginning and end of the nearly closed loop are marked by two respective ends of the zipper track. The zipper arrangement 60 is attached to a terminating portion of the peripheral flange 54. The attachment of the zipper arrangement 60 to the peripheral flange 54 is made, for example, via sewing or stitching, or via adhesive bonding techniques. A retainer box 62 is deployed at the first end of the zipper track, and an end post 64 is deployed at the second end of the zipper track. The end post 64 is preferably positioned near the intersection of two edges of the central member 50, slightly offset from one of the two edges. In the non-limiting exemplary illustration of the central member 50 shown in
The central member 50 includes a second peripheral flange 72 having an inner surface 74 and an outer surface 76. The peripheral flange 72 extends along almost the entire periphery of the second outer sidewall 70, except for a small gap. The peripheral flange 72 is attached to the central member 50 at the planar intersection between the second outer sidewall 70 and the peripheral sidewall 86. The peripheral flange 72 may be constructed from a material having a degree of flexure, similar to the peripheral flanges 26a, 26b, 46a, 46b, 54. However, in preferred embodiments, the peripheral flange 54 is static and does not fold as with the peripheral flanges 26a, 26b, 46a, 46b.
A third zipper arrangement of the second profile, designated 78, and referred to hereinafter as the zipper arrangement 78, is attached to the peripheral flange 70. The zipper arrangement 78 includes a plurality of teeth 84 arranged to form a zipper track in a nearly closed loop, where the beginning and end of the nearly closed loop are marked by two respective ends of the zipper track. The zipper arrangement 78 is attached to a terminating portion of the peripheral flange 72. The attachment of the zipper arrangement 78 to the peripheral flange 72 is made, for example, via sewing or stitching, or via adhesive bonding techniques. An insertion pin 80 is deployed at the first end of the zipper track, and an end post 82 is deployed at the second end of the zipper track. The end post 82 is preferably positioned near the intersection of two edges of the central member 50, slightly offset from one of the two edges. In the non-limiting exemplary illustration of the central member 50 shown in
Referring now to
The engagement of the zipper arrangement 60 with one of the zipper arrangements 36a, 36b, and the engagement of the zipper arrangement 78 with one of the zipper arrangements 16a, 16b, are similar to as described above with reference to
As shown in
In certain embodiments, the central member 50 includes one or more removable linings removably attachable to the inner sidewalls of the central member 50. The removable lining may include compartments that can be opened and closed, and made accessible via, for example, zipper arrangements, hook and loop fasteners, snap mechanisms (e.g., male and female snap members), magnetic pair fasteners, and the like. The lining may also include open compartments, such as, for example, pouches, sleeves, and the like, for storing makeup, pens, pencils, calculators, glasses, money, wallets, beverage bottles, and other items typically stored in purses and handbags. In certain embodiments, the lining includes one or more detachable elastic straps attached to the lining at one end and having a key loop fastener at an opposing end for removably attaching a key ring or set of keys thereto. In alternative embodiments, the elastic strap is attached directly to one of the inner sidewalls of the central member 50. The lining may be attached to the inner sidewalls of the central member 50 via a mechanical attachment. In certain embodiments, the mechanical attachment is implemented as a twisting lock arrangement, in which the lining includes one or more slots and the inner sidewalls include one or more rotatable posts that are inserted into the slots in a first orientation and rotated to a second orientation to prevent removal of the lining from the inner sidewalls. In alternative embodiments, the mechanical attachment is implemented as a zipper arrangement, wherein a first part of the zipper arrangement (e.g., zipper teeth and insertion pin) are attached, for example via sewing or stitching, to an upper portion of the inner sidewalls of the central member 50, and wherein a second part of the zipper arrangement (e.g., zipper teeth and retainer box and) are attached to an edge of the lining.
According to certain embodiments, the central member 50 includes one or more pouches on a portion of the peripheral sidewall 86 for storing larger or builder items than would typically be able to fit in the storage space defined by the plurality of inner sidewalls of the central member 50. For example, in certain embodiments, the one or more pouches are dimensioned to retain an umbrella. The pouch may include an expandable and retractable mesh sleeve to allow secure storage and easy removal of the contents of the pouch.
In certain embodiments, the central member 50 is invertible (i.e., can be turned inside out), such that, the central member 50 is usable in a non-inverted configuration and an inverted configuration. The outer sidewalls 52, 70 of the central member 50 in the non-inverted configuration are the inner sidewalls of the central member 50 in the inverted configuration, and the outer sidewalls of the central member in the inverted configuration are inner sidewalls of the central member 50 in the non-inverted configuration.
Although
A first peripheral flange 54′ having an inner surface 56′ and an outer surface 58′ extends along almost the entire periphery of the first outer sidewall 52′, except for a small gap. A zipper arrangement of the first profile, designated 60′, and referred to hereinafter as the zipper arrangement 60′, is attached to the peripheral flange 54′. The zipper arrangement 60′ includes a plurality of teeth 66′ arranged to form a zipper track, a retainer box 62 deployed at a first end of the zipper track, and an end post 64′ deployed at a second end of the zipper track.
A second peripheral flange 72′ having an inner surface 74′ and an outer surface 76′ extends along almost the entire periphery of the second outer sidewall 70′, except for a small gap. A zipper arrangement of the second profile, designated 78′, and referred to hereinafter as the zipper arrangement 78′, is attached to the peripheral flange 70′. The zipper arrangement 78′ includes a plurality of teeth 84′ arranged to form a zipper track, an insertion pin 80′ deployed at a first end of the zipper track, and an end post 82′ deployed at a second end of the zipper track.
The structure and operation of the central members 50′ is generally similar to that of the central member 50 unless expressly stated otherwise, and will be understood by analogy thereto. A specific feature of the central members 50′ that is different from the central member 50 is that the central member 50′ has a smaller width, dictated by the width of the peripheral sidewall 86′. In addition, the central member 50′ lacks additional storage space defined by a plurality of inner sidewalls. The main function of the central member 50′ is to act as a divider between the two side panels 10, 30 such that the handbag formed by attaching the side panels 10, 30 to the central member 50′ is an expanded clutch. The expanded clutch is illustrated in
Similar to the embodiments contemplated in which two or more central members 50 are attached to each other, embodiments are contemplated in which two or more central members 50′ are attached to each other via the zipper engagement methodology described thus far in the present disclosure. Furthermore, embodiments are contemplated in which the central member 50 and the central member 50′ are attached to each other via the zipper engagement methodology described thus far in the present disclosure.
Although
Although embodiments of the present disclosure as described thus far have pertained to two reversible side panels 10, 30 that can be attached to each other in at least four attachment configurations, other embodiments are possible in which only one of the side panels is reversible. Such embodiments may be particularly advantageous when the side panels are implemented in larger sizes (i.e., larger than clutch side panels), for example, sizes constructed to hold mobile communication device having a large display screen, such as, for example, a tablet or laptop computing device.
Referring now to
A first peripheral flange 26′ having an inner surface 27′ and an outer surface 29′ extends along almost the entire periphery of the outer sidewall 14′, except for a small gap. A zipper arrangement of the first profile, designated 16′, and referred to hereinafter as the zipper arrangement 16′, is attached to the peripheral flange 26′. The zipper arrangement 16′ includes a plurality of teeth 22′ arranged to form a zipper track, a retainer box 18′ deployed at a first end of the zipper track, an end post 20′ deployed at a second end of the zipper track, and a slider 24′ for moving along the teeth 22′ between the retainer box 18′ and the end post 20′.
A second side panel 30′, attached to the side panel 10′, is shown in
In the non-limiting attachment of the side panels 10′, 30′ illustrated in
In the various embodiments of the handbag assembly described with reference to
Although embodiments of the present disclosure as described thus far have pertained to two side panels 10, 30 having generally square-shaped outer sidewalls 14a, 14b, 34a, 34b, the shape of the outer sidewalls may be of various geometries, including, but not limited to, triangular and circular geometries. Furthermore, the central member 50 may be shaped corresponding to the size and shape of the side panels.
Referring now to
Although not shown in the drawings, the side panels 10″, 30″ may be attached to each other without the central member 50″ to form a triangular clutch-type handbag, similar to as described with reference to
It should be emphasized that the handbag assemblies described in the present disclosure should not be limited to a particular size. In fact, the handbag assemblies may be produced in a wide range of sizes, from smaller sized assemblies advantageously used as clutch-type handbags, to larger sized assemblies advantageously used as luggage or suitcase type handbags. In certain embodiments, it may be advantageous to attach additional mechanisms to components of the handbag to increase mobility. For example, the lower portion of the central member may be outfitted with a base frame, constructed from, for example, metal, having a plurality of wheel connection points for receiving detachable wheels. The attachment and detachment of such wheels may be effectuated by a snap and lever release mechanism. The base frame may also include a handle connection surface for receiving a detachable handle. The attachment and detachment of the detachable handle may be effectuated by the same or similar mechanisms used for the attaching and detaching the wheels. Preferably, the detachable handle is a telescoping handle, allowing the user to quickly extend and retract the handle.
As mentioned above, the handbag assemblies of the present disclosure may include variety of handbags, including backpacks.
The back side of the base panel 100 includes a second outer side wall 106b having a peripheral flange (not shown) to which a second zipper arrangement of the first profile, designated 108b, is attached. The zipper arrangement 108b includes a plurality of teeth 110b arranged to form a zipper track, a retainer box (not shown) deployed at a first end of the zipper track, an end post (not shown) deployed at a second end of the zipper track, and a slider 111b for moving between the two ends of the zipper track. A plurality of strap connectors 112b are deployed in spaced relation to each other, near the edges/corners of the first outer sidewall 106b.
As can be seen in
A zipper arrangement of the first profile, designated 116, and referred to hereinafter as the zipper arrangement 116, is attached to a peripheral flange (not shown) of the first outer sidewall 114. The zipper arrangement 116 includes a plurality of teeth 118 arranged to form a zipper track, a retainer box (not shown) deployed at a first end of the zipper track, an end post (not shown) deployed at a second end of the zipper track, and a slider 119 for moving between the two ends of the zipper track. A zipper arrangement of the second profile, designated 125, and referred to hereinafter as zipper arrangement 125, is attached to a peripheral flange of the second outer sidewall. The zipper arrangement 125 includes a plurality of teeth 127 arranged to form a zipper track, an insertion pin 129 deployed at a first end of the zipper track, and an end post 131 deployed at a second end of the zipper track. Various features of the first and second outer sidewalls are not shown in drawings, but they should be self-evident given the analogous depiction of the central member 50′ in
The first outer sidewall 114 includes a sleeve 120 covered by a moveable flap 122 for carrying a mobile communication device having a large display screen, such as, for example, a tablet or laptop computing device. The second add-on panel 104 further includes one or more compartments 124, accessible via respective zipper arrangements, as well as additional pouches, sleeves, and storage spaces for carrying and retaining office or school supplies (e.g., pens, pencils, calculators, etc.).
As shown in
Although not shown in the drawings, in certain embodiments, the first add-on panel 102 is reversible, and can therefore assumer a first configuration (as shown in
The backpack may be formed in at least four different attachment configurations.
As should be understood by analogous description of the handbag assemblies described with reference to
It is noted herein that the outer sidewalls of the side panels, central members, add-on members, and base panels of the above described embodiments may include a variety of storage spaces and compartments, including compartments that can be opened and closed, and made accessible via, for example, zipper arrangements, hook and loop fasteners, snap mechanisms (e.g., male and female snap members), and magnetic pair fasteners, and open compartments, such as, for example, pouches, sleeves, and the like.
According to certain embodiments, an external detachable flap may be deployed to cover, and be removed from, the handbag assembly of the previously discussed embodiments. The flap may include one or more attachments mechanisms for providing removable attachment of the flap. The attachment mechanisms may be implemented in various ways, including, but not limited to, hook and loop fasteners, snap mechanisms (e.g., male and female snap members), magnetic pair fasteners, and twisting lock arrangements. The detachable flap, when attached to the handbag assembly, may be arranged to cover the exposed outer sidewalls of the handbag assembly. Therefore, it is preferred that the outer sidewalls of the side panels, central members, add-on members, and base panels include one or more components of the attachment mechanism and that detachable flap includes one or more corresponding components of the attachment mechanism, in order to facilitate the attachment and detachment of the removable flap.
In certain embodiments, the detachable flap 134 is double sided, meaning that the components present on one side of the detachable flap 134 are also present on the reverse side of the detachable flap 134.
A fastener 146 is deployed on a portion of the second foldable portion 142. The fastener 146 may be implemented in various ways, including, but not limited to, a first part of a snap mechanism configured to engage with a fastener 141 deployed on the central portion 140 that acts as a second part of the snap mechanism. The fastener 146 is also configured to engage with a corresponding fastener 113a, 113b deployed on the outer sidewalls 106a, 106b of the base panel 100 (
The detachable flap 134 is convertible from a flap that covers the handbag assembly to a clutch-type purse.
Note that although
Although embodiments of the present disclosure as described thus far have pertained to handbags constructed from side panels and other components to form assemblies that take a conventional form (e.g., clutch-type purse, purse, duffel bag, backpack, etc.), other embodiments are possible, in which two side panels are provided with corresponding zipper arrangements which enable attachment configurations resulting in handbags of atypical three-dimensional geometric configurations.
Refer now to
As is shown in
The zipper arrangement 158 includes a plurality of teeth 160 arranged to form a zipper track, a retainer box (not shown) deployed at a first end of the zipper track, an end post 166 deployed at a second end of the zipper track, and a slider 162 for moving between the two ends of the zipper track. The retainer box and the end post 166 are deployed at a narrow section of the first side panel 150, where the two end portions 152, 154 are joined.
As is shown in
The zipper arrangement 176 includes a plurality of teeth 178 arranged to form a zipper track, an insertion pin 180 deployed at a first end of the zipper track, and an end post 182 deployed at a second end of the zipper track. The insertion pin 180 and the end post 182 are deployed at an edge portion of one of the two end portions 170, 172. As a result, when the side panels 150, 168 are brought together for attachment to form a handbag, the retainer box and the insertion pin 180 are in proximity with each other.
The two side panels 150, 168 are attached to each other via engagement of the zipper arrangements 158, 176, which forms a zipper fastening arrangement. As the slider 162 traverses along the zipper teeth 160, 178, the edges of the figure eight shaped side panels 150, 168 are joined together, resulting in a spherically shaped handbag. The resultant spherically shaped handbag is illustrated schematically in
As is shown in
The first side panel 184 includes for edges, namely a top edge 198a, a bottom edge 198b, a left edge 198c, and a right edge 198d. The first portion 186 is bounded by the top edge 198a, the left edge 198c, the right edge 198d, and the first fold line 194. The second portion 188 is bounded by the left edge 198c, the right edge 198d, the first fold line 194, and the second fold line 196. The third portion 190 is bounded by the bottom edge 198b, the left edge 198c, the right edge 198d, and the second fold line 196.
A zipper arrangement of the first profile, designated 200, and referred to hereinafter as the zipper arrangement 200 is attached to the first outer sidewall 192 along a peripheral portion thereof (i.e., along the edges 198a-d). Although not shown in the drawings, the first reversible side panel 184 includes a second outer sidewall, oppositely disposed from the first outer sidewall 192, and having a second zipper arrangement of the first profile attached to the second outer sidewall. Each of the two outer sidewalls of the first side panel 184 may have one or more strap connectors attached thereto.
The zipper arrangement 200 includes a plurality of teeth 202 arranged to form a zipper track, a retainer box (not shown) deployed at a first end of the zipper track, an end post 208 deployed at a second end of the zipper track, and a slider 204 for moving between the two ends of the zipper track. The retainer box and the end post 208 are deployed along one of the edges 198c, 198d and proximate to one of the fold lines 194, 196. In the non-limiting exemplary illustration of the first side panel 184 shown in
As is shown in
The second side panel 210 includes for edges, namely a top edge 224a, a bottom edge 224b, a left edge 224c, and a right edge 224d. The first portion 212 is bounded by the top edge 224a, the left edge 224c, the right edge 224d, and the first fold line 220. The second portion 214 is bounded by the left edge 224c, the right edge 224d, the first fold line 220, and the second fold line 222. The third portion 216 is bounded by the bottom edge 224b, the left edge 224c, the right edge 224d, and the second fold line 222.
A zipper arrangement of the second profile, designated 226, and referred to hereinafter as the zipper arrangement 226 is attached to the first outer sidewall 218 along a peripheral portion thereof (i.e., along the edges 224a-d). Although not shown in the drawings, the second reversible side panel 210 includes a second outer sidewall, oppositely disposed from the first outer sidewall 218, and having a second zipper arrangement of the first profile attached to the second outer sidewall. Each of the two outer sidewalls of the first side panel 210 may have one or more strap connectors attached thereto.
The zipper arrangement 226 includes a plurality of teeth 228 arranged to form a zipper track, an insertion pin 230 deployed at a first end of the zipper track, and an end post 232 deployed at a second end of the zipper track. The insertion pin 230 and the end post 232 are deployed at a corner of the second side panel 210, i.e., at an intersection of two of the edges 224a-d. In the non-limiting exemplary illustration of the second side panel 210 shown in
The zipper arrangements 200, 226 are correspondingly configured and deployed such that, when the side panels 184, 210 are brought together for attachment to form a handbag, the retainer box and the insertion pin 230 are in proximity with each other. The two side panels 184, 210 are attached to each other via engagement of the zipper arrangements 200, 226, which forms a zipper fastening arrangement. As the slider 204 traverses along the zipper teeth 202, 228, corresponding edges 198a-d, 224a-d of the side panels 184, 210 are joined together, resulting in a cubic handbag. The resultant cubic handbag is illustrated schematically in
Although the major components of the handbag assemblies of the present disclosure have been described according to specific zipper arrangement deployment configurations in which, for example, the rear side panel 10 has zipper arrangements of the first profile attached thereto and the front side panel 30 has zipper arrangements of the second profile attached thereto, it should be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that other configurations are possible in which the rear side panel 10 has zipper arrangements of the second profile attached thereto and the front side panel 30 has zipper arrangements of the first profile attached thereto.
It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the steps of the methods according to various embodiments of the present invention may be performed alternatively to the order as described above. For example, two steps which were described above as being performed in succession may, in fact, be performed substantially concurrently, or the steps may sometimes be performed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. Additionally, a single step may be performed as a series of sub-steps, performed sequentially or in parallel, depending upon the functionality involved.
The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.
As used herein, the singular form, “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance or illustration”. Any embodiment described as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments and/or to exclude the incorporation of features from other embodiments.
It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.
Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.
This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/544,931, filed Aug. 14, 2017, whose disclosure is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IL2018/050900 | 8/14/2018 | WO |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2019/035127 | 2/21/2019 | WO | A |
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20200305565 A1 | Oct 2020 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62544931 | Aug 2017 | US |
