BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The issues of sustainability and the conservation of resources are important for both the individual and the collective. In recent times we have seen governments, diverse industries and the individual citizen as well, exercising responsible practices towards conservation of the environment; either through the reduction of consumption, and the recycling and reuse of materials. The plastic bag for free distribution in supermarkets and other businesses, specifically represents one of the most common environmental problems, since mostly become marine litter. The plastic bag which is made of polyethylene, polypropylene and non-biodegradable polymer, was commercially introduced during the seventies, and became popular for its easy use and production. As a response to this situation more recently, businesses—both by mandate or by choice—have eliminated the use and free distribution of plastic bags, for the use of reusable bags. Unlike the plastic bag, the reusable bag is mostly made of biodegradable material, recycled material and is manufactured in a responsible manner with the environment. However, both the plastic bag and the reusable bag may not meet some user needs in terms of aesthetics, size, use and durability. A supermarket customer would most likely need multiple plastic or reusable bags for its purchases, making these bags inefficient. Also, the user of the plastic or reusable bags may not like to be associated with advertisements attached to these bags; or the quality of the material may be such that it compromises the integrity of the bag.
Meanwhile, in the fashion design industry it is common to find clothes and accessories with dual use, whether aesthetic or functional. For example, there are reversible clothes and accessories that offer different colors, patterns or design options. In the case of luggage, expandable luggage increase their storage volume through the use of a zipper. However, these accessories lack simplicity or require a substantial amount of the user or wearer's time to change the size of the accessory. For example, zippers may get stuck thus rendering the bag incapable of expanding in size.
Therefore, a need has been identified for a bag that can be both reversible and expandable without requiring the user to invest much time and effort in assembling. The usefulness of the claimed invention lies in its ability to be reversible, to expand and to change size, without the need of add-ons. The claimed invention allows the costumer or user to reuse it beyond the common supermarket use, since it can be used as a sports bag, tote bag, purse, beach bag, everyday bag, among others. The claimed invention, as an accessory can be adapted to other uses such as bags or backpacks.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The disclosure relates to a reversible, expandable, reusable and versatile handbag that is available in different combinations of colors and textures. The handbag has a rectangular proportion and contains two inner pockets each sewn on the side and not fixed at the bottom and three outer front pockets. The handbag is versatile since it may be used to complement an outfit or as beach bag, gym bag, sports bag, etc. It can be reused, and its quality is mainly achieved through the mesh or fabric of the bag. The reversible aspect of the handbag allows it to go from one size to another with the simple action of inverting or flipping the bag inside out, because the inside pockets become outer pockets. The handbag may include a closing mechanism to restrict access into its interior. Similarly, the two inner pockets may also include a closing mechanism configured to restrict access into the corresponding inner pocket.
The handbag comprises at least five (5) panels that define the front, back, lateral sides and bottom of the handbag; two handles; two interior pockets; and three exterior pockets. The grips or handles are stitched without interruption through the front and back panels. On the front panel, the three outer pockets are located and are formed by a single cross-sewn panel, which, when the handles are sewn lengthwise, form the divisions of each of the outer pockets. The seams of the edges of the bottom, sides and top of the bag are covered by a bias. Inside the handbag there are two pockets comprising four sides, one of which is one of the side panels of the bag.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a reversible and expandable handbag with lateral inner pockets.
FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the reversible and expandable handbag with lateral inner pockets, in its reversible expandable configuration.
FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the reversible and expandable bag with panel inner pockets.
FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the reversible and expandable handbag with panel inner pockets, in its reversible expandable configuration.
FIG. 5 is a front view of the reversible and expandable handbag showing at least one pocket on the front panel.
FIG. 6 is a back view of the reversible and expandable handbag showing no pockets, without at least one pocket on the back panel.
FIG. 7 shows a lateral view of the reversible and expandable handbag.
FIG. 8 shows a top view of the reversible and expandable handbag with lateral inner pockets.
FIG. 9 shows a top view of the reversible and expandable handbag with panel inner pockets.
FIG. 10 shows a bottom view of the reversible and expandable handbag.
FIG. 11 shows a front and back view of the reversible and expandable handbag with lateral inner pockets, in its reversible expandable configuration.
FIG. 12 shows a front and back view of the back of the reversible and expandable handbag with panel inner pockets, in its reversible expandable configuration.
FIG. 13 shows a top view of the reversible and expandable handbag with lateral inner pockets, in its reversible expandable configuration.
FIG. 14 shows a top view of the reversible and expandable handbag with panel inner pockets, in its reversible expandable configuration.
FIG. 15 shows a lateral view of the reversible and expandable handbag with lateral inner pockets, in its reversible expandable configuration.
FIG. 16 shows a lateral view of the reversible and expandable handbag with panel inner pockets, in its reversible expandable configuration.
FIG. 17 shows a bottom view of the reversible and expandable handbag with lateral inner pockets, in its reversible expandable configuration.
FIG. 18 shows a bottom view of the reversible and expandable handbag with panel inner pockets, in its reversible expandable configuration.
FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of the reversible and expandable handbag with a toggle clasp top closure.
FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of the reversible and expandable handbag with a toggle clasp top closure, in its reversible expandable configuration.
FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of the reversible and expandable handbag with an open-end zipper top closure.
FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of the reversible and expandable handbag with an open-end zipper top closure, in its reversible expandable configuration.
FIG. 23A shows a front view of the reversible and expandable handbag with a closing mechanism.
FIG. 23B shows a rear view of the reversible and expandable handbag with a closing mechanism.
FIG. 23C shows a lateral view of the reversible and expandable handbag with a closing mechanism.
FIG. 23D shows a top view of the reversible and expandable handbag with a closing mechanism.
FIG. 23E shows a bottom view of the reversible and expandable handbag with a closing mechanism.
FIG. 23F shows a perspective view of the reversible and expandable handbag with a closing mechanism.
FIG. 24A shows a front view of the reversible and expandable handbag with a closing mechanism, in its reversible expandable configuration.
FIG. 24B shows a rear view of the reversible and expandable handbag with a closing mechanism, in its reversible expandable configuration.
FIG. 24C shows a lateral view of the reversible and expandable handbag with a closing mechanism, in its reversible expandable configuration.
FIG. 24D shows a top view of the reversible and expandable handbag with a closing mechanism, in its reversible expandable configuration.
FIG. 24E shows a bottom view of the reversible and expandable handbag with a closing mechanism, in its reversible expandable configuration.
FIG. 24F shows a perspective view of the reversible and expandable handbag with a closing mechanism, in its reversible expandable configuration.
FIG. 25 shows a cord lock or stopper used as part of the closing mechanism for the reversible and expandable handbag.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed descriptions related to well-known functions or configurations will be ruled out in order not to unnecessarily obscure subject matters of the present invention.
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a reversible and expandable handbag 101. In particular, the handbag 101 has a rectangular proportion and comprises at least a front panel 1, at least a back panel 2, a bottom panel 3 and at least a first lateral panel 4a and a second lateral panel 4b, each panel interconnected with each other to define the interior of the handbag. Each panel further comprises first and second vertical sides or edges and first and second horizontal sides or edges. Furthermore, the panels are interconnected with each other through corresponding seams in the following manner: the first horizontal side of the front panel 1 is perpendicularly attached, fixed or sewn to the first horizontal side of the bottom panel; the first horizontal side of the back panel 2 is perpendicularly attached or sewn to the second horizontal side of the bottom panel 3; the first horizontal side of the first lateral panel 4a is perpendicularly attached or sewn to first vertical side of the bottom panel 3; and the first horizontal side of the second lateral panel 4b is perpendicularly attached or sewn to the second vertical side of the bottom panel 3. Additionally, the first vertical side of the front panel 1 is attached or sewn to the first vertical side of the first lateral panel 4a and the second vertical side of the front panel 1 is attached or sewn to the first vertical side of the second lateral panel 4b. Similarly, the first vertical side of the back panel 2 is attached or sewn to the second vertical side of the first lateral panel 4a and the second vertical side of the back panel 2 is attached or sewn to the second vertical side of the second lateral panel 4b.
In addition, a first corner on the second horizontal side of the front panel 1 is sewn or attached to a first corner on the second horizontal side of the first vertical panel 4a, and a second corner on the second horizontal side of the front panel 1 is sewn or attached to a first corner on the second horizontal side of the second lateral panel 4b. Similarly, a first corner on the second horizontal side of the back panel 2 is sewn or attached to a second corner of the second horizontal side of the first lateral panel 4a, and a second corner of the second horizontal side of the back panel 2 is sewn or attached to a second corner on the second horizontal side of the second lateral panel 4b. Such configuration creates an opening at the top of the handbag 101 that allows a user to gain access to the interior 14 of said handbag 101.
The interior 14 of the handbag 101 further comprises at least a first inner pocket 12a and second inner pocket 12b, wherein the first inner pocket 12a is attached or sewn to both the first and second vertical sides of the first lateral panel 4a and the second inner pocket 12b is attached or sewn to both the first and second vertical sides of the second lateral panel 4b. It should be noted, however, that the first and second inner pockets 12a and 12b are not fixed or attached to the bottom panel 3, but rather to respective bottom ends 15a and 15b, which are independent of the bottom panel 3. In other words, the first inner pocket 12a includes or is attached to a first bottom end 15a and the second inner pocket 12b includes or is attached to a second bottom end 15b, each end independent of the bottom panel 3. In a preferred embodiment, the first inner pocket 12a has three vertical panels interconnected with each other and perpendicularly attached to the first bottom end 15a, wherein the first vertical panel of the first inner pocket 12a is also connected to the first vertical side of the first lateral panel 4a, the second of the vertical panels of the first inner pocket 12a is connected to the second vertical side of the first lateral panel 4a and the third vertical panel of the first inner pocket 12a is connected to the first and second vertical panels of the first inner pocket 12a. Similarly, in the same preferred embodiment, the second inner pocket 12b has three vertical panels interconnected with each other and perpendicularly attached to the second bottom end 15b, wherein the first vertical panel of the second inner pocket 12b is also connected to the first vertical side of the second lateral panel 4b, the second vertical panel of the second inner pocket 12b is connected to the second vertical side of the second lateral panel 4b and the third vertical panel of the second inner pocket 12b is connected to the first and second vertical panels of the second inner pocket 12b.
Additionally, the handbag 101 comprises at least a first handle strap 6a and a second handle strap 6b, wherein the first handle strap 6a is attached or sewn to the second horizontal side of the front panel 1 and the second handle strap 6b is attached or sewn to the second horizontal of the back panel 2. The straps 6a and 6b may be attached to an inner portion or an outer portion of the corresponding front panel 1 and back panel 2. Furthermore, each handle strap 6a and 6b includes an extended portion 7a and 7b respectively, wherein the extended portion 7a is attached or sewn across the length of the front panel 1 starting at the second horizontal side of the front panel 1 and ending at the first horizontal side of the front panel 1, and the extended portion 7b is attached or sewn across the length of the back panel 2 starting at the second horizontal side of the back panel 2 and ending at the first horizontal side of the back panel 2. In a preferred embodiment the extended portions 7a and 7b are also attached or sewn to the bottom panel 4 for reinforcement, thus forming a reinforcement strap 8. Furthermore, the handbag 101 compromises at least one front pocket 5 formed by a single cross-sewn panel across the front panel 1 and/or back panel 2, which, when the extended portions 7a and 7b of the handle straps 6a and 6b are sewn lengthwise to the front panel 1 and/or back panel 2, forms the divisions of the at least one outer pocket 5.
It should also be noted that the handbag 101 further comprises a bottom bias 9 surrounding at least the first and second horizontal sides of the bottom panel 3; a first lateral bias 10a surrounding at least the first and second vertical sides of the first lateral panel 4a as well as the first horizontal side of the first lateral panel 4a; a second lateral bias 10b surrounding at least the first and second vertical sides of the second lateral panel 4b as well as the first horizontal side of the second lateral panel 4b; and a top bias 11 surrounding at least the second horizontal side of the front panel 1, the second horizontal side of the back panel 2 and the second horizontal side of the first and second lateral panels 4a and 4b. When sewing or attaching the straps 6a and 6b, the seam of the front panel 1 and back panel 2 is recessed before reaching the second vertical side of each panel to leave space for the finishing the corresponding bias. Lastly, it should also be noted that each inner pocket 12a and 12b also has a bias 17a and 17b, surrounding all sides of said inner pockets 12a and 12b, respectively. In other words, the first inner pocket 12a includes a first inner bias 17a surrounding all sides of said first inner pocket 12a and the second inner pocket 12b includes a second inner bias 17b surrounding all sides of said second inner pocket 12b.
The material of the handbag 101 is preferably selected from the following types of fibers/textiles: vinyl-coated fiberglass mesh; TEXTILENE® mesh; or polyester fiber mesh covered in polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Nevertheless, and in addition to the types of fiber/textiles mentioned, the bag can be made of any type of textile, both synthetic and natural fibers. Additionally, the biases sewn on the outer edges, the grips, handles and support at the bottom can be made of belts and/or ribbons of nylon, polyester or polypropylene that come in different colors and combinations.
As shown in FIG. 2, the size of the handbag 101 can be expanded by inverting or flipping the handbag inside out, thus achieving a reversible expandable configuration. Once the handbag is flipped inside out the first and second inner pockets 12a and 12b expand laterally and cause the handbag 101 to increase in size. In other words, the handbag 101 increases its size when flipped inside out because the inner pockets 12a and 12b becomes outer pockets and increase the surface area of the handbag 101.
As shown in FIG. 3, the first inner pocket 12a′ can instead be attached or sewn to both the first and second vertical sides of the front panel 1′ and the second inner pocket 12b′ can instead be attached or sewn to both the first and second vertical sides of the back panel 2′. As shown in FIG. 4, in this configuration the first and inner pockets 12a′ and 12b′ would expand longitudinally instead of laterally once the handbag 101′ is flipped inside out to achieve the reversible and expandable configuration. Thus, in this configuration the first inner pocket 12a′ would be located on the front panel 1′ and the second inner pocket 12b′ would be located would be located on the back panel 2. It should be noted that the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-4 includes elements that are analogous to those described in FIGS. 1-2. These analogous elements have been identified with the same reference numeral as those in FIGS. 1-2, except that the reference numerals in FIGS. 3-4 also have an apostrophe right next to each reference numeral to distinguish them from the ones in FIGS. 1-2. The same logic applies to all reference numerals in the Figures that have an apostrophe. In other words, elements 1′, 2′, 4a′, 5′, 6a′, 6b′, 7a′, 9′, 10a′, 10b′, 11′, 12a′, 12b′, 13′ 14′, 17a′, 17b′ in FIGS. 3, 4, 9, 12, 14, 16, and 18 are analogous to elements 1, 2, 4a, 5, 6a, 6b, 7a, 9, 10a, 10b, 11, 12a, 12b, 1314, 17a, 17b described in FIGS. 1, 2, 5-8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20.
FIG. 5 shows the handbag 101 wherein the at least one front pocket 5 formed by a single cross-sewn panel across the front panel 1 and/or back panel 2, which, when the extended portions 7a and 7b of the handle straps 6a and 6b are sewn lengthwise to the front panel 1 and/or back panel 2, forms the divisions of the at least one outer pocket 5. FIG. 6 shows the handbag 101 without the at least one front pocket 5 on the front panel 1 and/or back panel 2. FIG. 7 is a lateral view of the handbag 101 showing first lateral panel 4a, the top bias 11 and the first lateral bias 10a.
FIG. 8 is a top view of the handbag 101 showing the inner pockets 12a and 12b. As shown in FIG. 8, the first inner pocket 12a includes an interior space 13a and the second inner pocket 12b includes an interior space 13b. FIG. 9 is a top view of the handbag 101′ showing the first inner pocket 12a′ attached or sewn to both the first and second vertical sides of the front panel 1′ and the second inner pocket 12b′ attached or sewn to both the first and second vertical sides of the back panel 2′. FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the handbag 101 showing the reinforcement strap 8.
FIG. 11 is a front view of the handbag 101 in its reversible and expandable configuration. FIG. 12 is also a front view of the handbag 101′ in its reversible and expandable configuration but the first inner pocket 12a′ is attached or sewn to both the first and second vertical sides of the front panel 1′ and the second inner pocket 12b′ is attached or sewn to both the first and second vertical sides of the back panel 2′. Similarly, FIG. 13 is top view of the handbag 101 in its reversible and expandable configuration; whereas FIG. 14 is top view of the handbag 101′ in its reversible and expandable configuration wherein the first inner pocket 12a′ is attached or sewn to both the first and second vertical sides of the front panel 1′ and the second inner pocket 12b′ is attached or sewn to both the first and second vertical sides of the back panel 2′.
FIG. 15 is a lateral view of the handbag 101 in its reversible and expandable configuration. FIG. 16 is also a lateral view of the handbag 101′ in its reversible and expandable configuration but the first inner pocket 12a′ is attached or sewn to both the first and second vertical sides of the front panel 1′ and the second inner pocket 12b′ is attached or sewn to both the first and second vertical sides of the back panel 2′. FIG. 17 is a bottom view of the of the handbag 101 in its reversible and expandable configuration; whereas FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the handbag 101′ in its reversible and expandable configuration showing the bottom panel 3′, the bottom ends 15a′, 15b′ and the biases 17a′, 17b′ that surround the first and second inner pockets 12a′ and 12b′ respectively. It should be noted that the first inner pocket 12a′ is attached or sewn to both the first and second vertical sides of the front panel 1′ and the second inner pocket 12b′ is attached or sewn to both the first and second vertical sides of the back panel 2′.
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the handbag 101 further comprising a toggle clasp top closure 19. FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the handbag 101 in FIG. 19, but in its reversible and expandable configuration. FIG. 21 is also a perspective view of the handbag 101 further comprising an open-end zipper top closure 18. FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the handbag 101 in FIG. 21, but in its reversible and expandable configuration. It should be noted that the embodiment shown in FIGS. 21-22 includes elements that are analogous to those described in FIGS. 1-2. These analogous elements have been identified with the same reference numeral as those in FIGS. 1-2, except that the reference numerals in FIGS. 21-22 also have two apostrophes right next to each reference numeral to distinguish them from the ones in FIGS. 1-2.
As shown in FIGS. 23A-E and 24A-E, the handbag 101 may also include a closing mechanism to restrict access into the interior 14 of the handbag 101. Particularly, the front panel 1 and back panel 2 of the handbag 101 may include one or more eyelets or grommets 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d configured to receive a cord or lace 21 having a first end FE and a second end SE. The one or more eyelets 20a, 20b on the front panel 1 should preferably align with the one or more eyelets 20c, 20d on the second panel 2, as shown in FIGS. 23D and 23F. The eyelet 20a is configured to receive the first end FE of the cord 21 on the front panel 1; the cord 21 is then introduced through eyelet 20c on the back panel; subsequently through eyelet 20d on the back panel 2 and lastly through eyelet 20b on the front panel 1. Once the cord has been introduced through all eyelets 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d on the front and back panels, the first end FE and second end SE of the cord 21 are then introduced through a cord lock or stopper 22, which, in turn, is configured to interact with the cord 21, in order to open and close the handbag 101. Cord locks are well-known in the art, and it refers to lock that holds a cord in place. As shown in FIG. 25, cord locks are often cylinder-shaped with an end that is pushed in to release the cord and allow it to move. Cord locks typically have a hole on the side of the lock where a spring is visible. There is also a hole in the top button, or plunger P. When the plunger P is depressed, the holes on the barrel of the lock and on the plunger align, allowing the cord to move. But once the plunger P is released, the holes are not aligned anymore and the mechanism locks back down on the cord so that it is fastened in place. Accordingly, once the first and second ends of the cord 21 have been introduced through the cord lock 22, a user of the handbag 101 can close the handbag 101 by holding the first and second ends FE, SE of the cord 21, depressing the plunger P and pushing the cord lock 22 towards the handbag. Conversely, a user can open the handbag 101 by holding the first and second ends FE, SE of the cord 21, depressing the plunger P, and pulling the cord lock 22 away from the handbag 101.
The inner pockets 12a, 12b of the handbag 101, may also include a closing mechanism to restrict access into these pockets, as shown in FIGS. 23D, 23F and 24A-F. For this closing mechanism, a first mesh or fabric enclosure 23a is sewn to the upper portion of the three vertical panels on the first inner pocket 12a and a second mesh or fabric enclosure 23b is sewn to the upper portion of the three vertical panels on second inner pocket 12b. Moreover, the closing mechanism includes a cord 24a having a first and second end respectively sewn to the first and second vertical panels of the first inner pocket 12a; and a cord 24b having a first and second end respectively sewn to the first and second vertical panels of the second inner pocket 12b. Lastly, the third vertical panel on the first inner pocket 12a includes an eyelet 20e configured to provide access to the portion of the first cord 24a that is not sewn to the first and second vertical panels of the first inner pocket 12a; and the third vertical panel on the second inner pocket 12b includes an eyelet 20f configured to provide access to the portion of the second cord 24b that is not sewn to the first and second vertical panels of the second inner pocket 12b. The portion that is not sewn to the first and second vertical panels on inner pocket 12a is then introduced through a cord lock or stopper 25a, which in turn is configured to open and close the inner pocket 12a due to its interaction with the cord 24a. Similarly, the portion that is not sewn to the first and second vertical panels on inner pocket 12b is introduced through a cord lock or stopper 25b, which in turn is configured to open and close the inner pocket 12b due to its interaction with the cord 24b. Accordingly, a user of the handbag 101 can close the inner pockets 12a, 12b by holding the corresponding unsewn portion of the cord 24a, 24b, depressing the plunger P and pushing the cord lock 25a, or 25b towards the corresponding inner pocket 12a, 12b. Conversely, a user can open inner pockets 12a, 12b holding the corresponding unsewn portion of the cord 24a, 24b, depressing the plunger P, and pulling the cord lock 25a, or 25b away from the corresponding inner pocket 12a, 12b.
Lastly, it should be noted that, as shown in FIGS. 23C and 23F, each of the first lateral panel 4a and the second lateral panel 4b may include a gusset lateral reinforcement 26 sewn therein to provide support to the first and second lateral panels 4a, 4b. The gusset lateral reinforcement 26 includes a loop L configured to receive a hook or ring 27, wherein said hook or ring 27 is, in turn, configured to provide an attachment area for a strap, leash, or belt. In this manner, the handbag 101 can be used with a strap, leash, or belt.
It should be noted that the reversible handbag can be adapted to other bags or purses, as well as backpacks. In these embodiments the inner pockets are sewn to the front and back panels. In addition, the embodiments allow for closing options on the top of the bag, using for example a detachable zipper closure or using an elongated button.
Although certain exemplary embodiments and methods have been described in some detail, for clarity of understanding and by way of example, it will be apparent from the foregoing disclosure to those skilled in the art that variations, modifications, changes, and adaptations of such embodiments and methods may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the claims. Therefore, the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention which is defined by the appended claims.
The invention is not limited to the precise configuration described above. While the invention has been described as having a preferred design, it is understood that many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the subject invention will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the art without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention after considering this specification together with the accompanying drawings. Accordingly, all such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by this invention as defined in the following claims and their legal equivalents. In the claims, means plus function clauses, if any, are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures.
All of the patents, patent applications, and publications recited herein, and in the Declaration attached hereto, if any, are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein. All, or substantially all, the components disclosed in such patents may be used in the embodiments of the present invention, as well as equivalents thereof. The details in the patents, patent applications, and publications incorporated by reference herein may be considered to be incorporable at applicant's option, into the claims during prosecution as further limitations in the claims to patently distinguish any amended claims from any applied prior art.
Patent Grant
12059063
