| |
| United States Patent
|
6,047,752 |
| Southwick |
April 11, 2000 |
Handbag system
Abstract
Disclosed is a handbag system having a substantially rectangular
body with an open middle compartment. Within the middle compartment
are a plurality of sub-compartments sized for holding various
personal safety items such as mace, a wireless phone and a pager. A
closure flap is provided for partially covering the middle
compartment. The closure flap is sized and arranged to allow
unrestricted access to those personal safety items which are
adjacent to the sides of the body when the closure flap is in a
closed position. A closeable front and rear compartment are provided
to store other miscellaneous personal items.
| Inventors: |
Southwick; Linda S.
(Phoenix, AZ) |
| Appl. No.:
|
09/063,522 |
| Filed: |
April 21, 1998 |
| Current U.S.
Class: |
150/117 ;
150/112; 150/118; 190/902; 206/320 |
| Current
International Class: |
A45C
13/02 (20060101); A45C 13/00 (20060101); A45C
15/00 (20060101); A45C 3/00 (20060101); A45C 001/02 (); A45C
003/06 () |
| Field of
Search: |
150/102,106,112,113,117,118 190/116,117,902 206/90,320
224/914 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent
Documents
Primary Examiner: Weaver; Sue A.
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Stoneman; Martin L.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A handbag for permitting easy access to a choice among a personal
wireless telephone, a mace container, a pager and other
personal-safety items comprising, in combination:
(a) a rectangular-box-like body having a rear compartment, an
open-top middle compartment, and a front compartment, each said
compartment extending longitudinally essentially along the full
length of said body from a first side of said body to a second side
of said body;
(b) said middle compartment having multiple transverse dividers
providing multiple sub-compartments within said middle compartment;
(c) said sub-compartments comprising;
(i) a first sub-compartment at a said first side of said body, said
first sub-compartment being structured and arranged to hold a
personal-safety item, and
(ii) a second sub-compartment at a said second side of said body,
said second sub-compartment being structured and arranged to hold a
personal-safety item; and
(d) an outside transversely-extending closure flap structured and
arranged, when in a closed position, to be placed generally
centrally over said body;
(e) said flap having a width of substantially less distance than a
length of said middle compartment, and said flap being structured
and arranged so that said first sub-compartment and said second
sub-compartment remain exposed when said flap is in said closed
position;
(f) wherein said first sub-compartment is structured and arranged
for holding an item having dimensions of at least the size of the
wireless telephone.
2. The handbag of claim 1 wherein said rear compartment and said
front compartment are each zipper-closable.
3. The handbag of claim 2 wherein at least one said zipper-closable
compartment comprises a perimeter zipper extending around said
compartment for at least about three-fourths of a perimeter of said
compartment.
4. The handbag of claim 3 wherein at least one of said
zipper-closable compartments is structured and arranged for holding
briefcase-type business materials.
5. The handbag of claim 4 wherein at least one of said
zipper-closable compartments is structured and arranged for holding
credit-card and banking materials.
6. The handbag of claim 5 further comprising a short,
briefcase-style handle, said handle being detachable from said body.
7. The handbag of claim 5 further comprising a detachable,
adjustable handle comprising a shoulder-strap-style handle.
8. A handbag permitting easy access to a choice among a personal
wireless telephone, a mace container, a pager and other
personal-safety items comprising, in combination:
(a) a rectangular-box-like body having a rear compartment, an
open-top middle compartment, and a front compartment, each said
compartment extending longitudinally essentially along the full
length of said body from a first side of said body to a second side
of said body;
(b) said middle compartment having multiple transverse dividers
providing multiple sub-compartments within said middle compartment;
(c) said sub-compartments comprising:
(i) a first sub-compartment at a said first side of said body, said
first sub-compartment being structured and arranged to hold a
personal-safety item, and
(ii) a second sub-compartment at a said second side of said body,
said second sub-compartment being structured and arranged to hold a
personal-safety item;
(d) an outside transversely-extending closure flap structured and
arranged, when in a closed position, to be placed generally
centrally over said body;
(e) said flap having a width of substantially less distance than a
length of said middle compartment, and said flap being structured
and arranged so that said first sub-compartment and said second
sub-compartment remain exposed when said flap is in said closed
position;
(f) a center sub-compartment disposed within said body between said
first sub-compartment and said second sub-compartment;
(g) a logo indicia attached to a front surface of said closure flap;
and
(h) a detachable, adjustable handle for said body means, said handle
being user-selectable from a group comprising a first handle and a
second handle;
(i) wherein said rear compartment and said front compartment are
each zipper-closable;
(j) wherein at least one said zipper-closable compartment comprises
a perimeter zipper extending around said compartment for at least
about three-fourths of a perimeter of said compartment;
(k) wherein said first handle comprising a shorter briefcase-style
handle, and said second handle comprising a longer
shoulder-strap-style handle; and
(l) wherein said first sub-compartment is structured and arranged
for holding an item having dimensions of at least the size of the
wireless telephone.
9. The handbag of claim 8 wherein said rectangular-box-like body is
made of leather.
10. The handbag of claim 9 wherein:
(a) said rectangular-box-like body has a length dimension of about
thirteen inches and a height dimension of about ten inches; and
(b) said flap has a said width of at least about two inches less
than a said length of said middle compartment, whereby said flap,
when in said closed position, does not restrict user access to said
first sub-compartment and said second sub-compartment.
11. A handbag permitting easy access to a choice among a personal
wireless telephone, a mace container, a pager and other
personal-safety items comprising, in combination:
(a) a rectangular-box-like body having a rear compartment, an
open-top middle compartment, and a front compartment, each said
compartment extending longitudinally essentially along the full
length of said body from a first side of said body to a second side
of said body;
(b) said middle compartment having multiple transverse dividers
providing multiple sub-compartments within said middle compartment;
(c) said sub-compartments comprising:
(i) a first sub-compartment at a said first side of said body, said
first sub-compartment being structured and arranged to hold a
personal-safety item, and
(ii) a second sub-compartment at a said second side of said body,
said second sub-compartment being structured and arranged to hold a
personal-safety item;
(d) an outside transversely-extending closure flap structured and
arranged, when in a closed position, to be placed generally
centrally over said body;
(e) said flap having a width of substantially less distance than a
length of said middle compartment, and said flap being structured
and arranged, when in said closed position, so as to not restrict
user access to said first sub-compartment and said second
sub-compartment;
(f) a center sub-compartment disposed within said body between said
first sub-compartment and said second sub-compartment;
(g) a logo indicia attached to a front surface of said closure flap;
and
(h) a detachable, adjustable handle for said body means, said handle
being user-selectable from a group comprising a first handle and a
second handle;
(i) wherein said rear compartment and said front compartment are
each zipper-closable;
(j) wherein at least one said zipper-closable compartment comprises
a perimeter zipper extending around said compartment for at least
about three-fourths of a perimeter of said compartment;
(k) wherein said first handle comprising a shorter briefcase-style
handle, and said second handle comprising a longer
shoulder-strap-style handle;
(l) wherein said rectangular-box-like body is made of leather;
(m) wherein said rectangular-box-like body has a length dimension of
about thirteen inches and a height dimension of about ten inches;
and
(n) wherein said flap has a said width of at least about two inches
less than a said length of said middle compartment, whereby said
flap, when in said closed position, does not restrict user access to
said first sub-compartment and said second sub-compartment.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to providing a handbag system. More
particularly, this invention concerns a handbag system for providing
compartmentalized and quick unobstructed access to a choice of
personal wireless telephone, a mace container, a pager and other
personal safety items.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Typically, portable handbags are used to transport a number of
personal items which the user may require when away from the user's
residence. These personal items generally comprise such articles as
wallets, checkbooks, cosmetics, day-planners, keys and other such
articles that the user may require during the course of any given
day. The recent trend towards wireless technology has brought to the
public such items as wireless telephones and pagers which enable the
user to communicate with others when away from the home or office.
These devices also require a convenient and handy means to store and
transport such devices which are quickly accessible when needed, as
for personal safety considerations.
In the past, the typical means to transport such items has been by
the use of a conventional purse-type bag. These bags generally have
at least one large compartment in which is placed the user's
personal items. The use of only a single compartment requires the
user to search through the aggregate mass of personal items in order
to find the needed item. When certain items are needed quickly such
as a mace container, the delay in having to search can result in
personal harm to the user. In addition, wireless telephones and
pagers generally come equipped with clip-type devices to clip onto
the garment of the user, such as a pocket or a belt. This method of
transporting these devices is convenient if user is wearing either a
belt or a garment that has pockets, otherwise other means of
transporting these devices so that they are quickly accessible is
required.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
A primary object of the present invention is to fulfill the
above-mentioned needs by the provision of a compartmentalized
handbag which allows for quick access to a number of personal items.
A further primary object of the present invention is to provide such
a handbag that is inexpensive, convenient to carry, and simple to
use. Another object of this invention is to provide such a handbag
that is simple to manufacture. A further object of this invention is
to provide such a handbag that is pleasing in appearance. Other
objects and features of this invention will become apparent with
reference to the following invention descriptions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, this
invention provides a handbag for permitting easy access to a choice
among a personal wireless telephone, a mace container, a pager and
other personal-safety items comprising, in combination: body means
for carrying handbag contents, such body means comprising a front
portion, a rear portion, two side portions, and a bottom portion,
and having an open top portion having a longitudinal extension;
first closure means, having a closed position and an open position,
for protecting such open-top portion; and first open-top holding
means, in such body means and beneath such open top portion,
adjacent a first such side portion, for holding a personal-safety
item; wherein such first closure means, when in such closed
position, does not restrict user access to such first open-top
holding means.
Additionally, this invention provides such a handbag further
comprising: second open-top holding means, in such body means and
beneath such open top portion, adjacent a second such side portion,
for holding a personal-safety item; wherein such first closure
means, when in such closed position, does not restrict user access
to such second open-top holding means. And, it provides such a
handbag further comprising third holding means, in such body means
and adjacent such rear portion, for holding briefcase-type business
materials; and second closure means for separately closing such
third holding means. Also, it provides such a handbag further
comprising: fourth holding means, in such body means and adjacent
such front portion, for holding credit-card and banking materials;
and third closure means for separately closing such fourth holding
means; wherein such third closure means comprises perimeter means
for closing such fourth holding means along a perimeter of such
fourth holding means; and wherein such perimeter means extends for
at least about three-fourths of such perimeter.
Moreover, this invention provides such a handbag further comprising:
fifth holding means for holding a pair of eyeglasses; wherein such
first closure means, when in such closed position, does restrict
user access to such fifth holding means. Yet further, this invention
provides such a handbag wherein such open-top portion of such body
means comprises multiple transverse dividing means for dividing such
longitudinal extension of such open-top portion of such body means
into multiple compartments. And, it provides such a handbag further
comprising: a detachable, adjustable handle for such body means,
such handle being user-selectable from a group comprising a first
handle and a second handle; such first handle comprising a shorter
briefcase-style handle, and such second handle comprising a longer
shoulder-strap-style handle.
Even further, this invention provides such a handbag wherein such
first closure means comprises: a flap having a central portion and a
first end and a second end, such first end being attached to such
body means and such second end being detachably attachable to such
body means; such flap being constructed and arranged for such
central portion to be removably placed transversely over such
longitudinal extension. And, it provides such a handbag wherein such
central portion of such flap, when such flap is in such closed
position, does not restrict user access to such open-top portion
adjacent such side portions. Yet additionally, the present invention
provides for a handbag further comprising: second open-top holding
means, in such body means and beneath such open top portion,
adjacent a second such side portion, for holding a safety item;
wherein such first closure means, when in such closed position, does
not restrict user access to such second open-top holding means; and
wherein such open-top portion of such body means comprises multiple
transverse dividing means for dividing such longitudinal extension
of such open-top portion of such body means into multiple
compartments.
Yet further still, the present invention provides for a handbag
further comprising: third holding means, in such body means and
adjacent such rear portion, for holding briefcase-type business
materials; second closure means for separately closing such third
holding means; fourth holding means, in such body means and adjacent
such front portion, for holding credit-card and banking materials;
and third closure means for separately closing such fourth holding
means; wherein such third closure means comprises perimeter means
for closing such fourth holding means along a perimeter of such
fourth holding means; and wherein such perimeter means extends for
at least about three-fourths of such perimeter.
Even additionally, according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention, this invention provides a handbag for permitting
easy access to a choice among a personal wireless telephone, a mace
container, a pager and other personal-safety items comprising, in
combination: a rectangular-box-like body having a rear compartment,
an open-top middle compartment, and a front compartment, each such
compartment extending longitudinally essentially along the full
length of such body from a first side of such body to a second side
of such body; such middle compartment having multiple transverse
dividers providing multiple sub-compartments within such middle
compartment; such sub-compartments comprising: a first
sub-compartment at a such first side of such body, such first
sub-compartment being structured and arranged to hold a
personal-safety item, and a second sub-compartment at a such second
side of such body, such second sub-compartment being structured and
arranged to hold a personal-safety item; and an outside
transversely-extending closure flap structured and arranged, when in
a closed position, to be placed generally centrally over such body;
such flap having a width of substantially less distance than a
length of such middle compartment, and such flap being structured
and arranged, when in such closed position, so as to not restrict
user access to such first sub-compartment and such second
sub-compartment.
Furthermore, the present invention provides for a handbag wherein
such rear compartment and such front compartment are each
zipper-closable. Also, it provides for a handbag wherein at least
one such zipper-closable compartment comprises a perimeter zipper
extending around such compartment for at least about three-fourths
of a perimeter of such compartment. And, it provides for a handbag
wherein at least one of such zipper-closable compartments is
structured and arranged for holding briefcase-type business
materials. Additionally, the present invention provides for a
handbag wherein at least one of such zipper-closable compartments is
structured and arranged for holding credit-card and banking
materials. Still further, the present invention provides for a
handbag further comprising a short, briefcase-style handle, such
handle being detachable from such body.
Even additionally still, according to a preferred embodiment
thereof, the present invention provides a handbag for permitting
easy access to a choice among a personal wireless telephone, a mace
container, a pager and other personal-safety items comprising, in
combination: a rectangular-box-like body having a rear compartment,
an open-top middle compartment, and a front compartment, each such
compartment extending longitudinally essentially along the full
length of such body from a first side of such body to a second side
of such body; such middle compartment having multiple transverse
dividers providing multiple sub-compartments within such middle
compartment; such sub-compartments comprising a first
sub-compartment at a such first side of such body, such first
sub-compartment being structured and arranged to hold a
personal-safety item, and a second sub-compartment at a such second
side of such body, such second sub-compartment being structured and
arranged to hold a personal-safety item; an outside
transversely-extending closure flap structured and arranged, when in
a closed position, to be placed generally centrally over such body;
such flap having a width of substantially less distance than a
length of such middle compartment, and such flap being structured
and arranged, when in such closed position, so as to not restrict
user access to such first sub-compartment and such second
sub-compartment; a center sub-compartment disposed within such body
between such first sub-compartment and such second sub-compartment;
a logo indicia attached to a front surface of such closure flap; and
a detachable, adjustable handle for such body means, such handle
being user-selectable from a group comprising a first handle and a
second handle; wherein such rear compartment and such front
compartment are each zipper-closable; wherein at least one such
zipper-closable compartment comprises a perimeter zipper extending
around such compartment for at least about three-fourths of a
perimeter of such compartment; and wherein such first handle
comprising a shorter briefcase-style handle, and such second handle
comprising a longer shoulder-strap-style handle.
Yet further, it provides such a handbag wherein such body is made of
leather. And, it provides such a handbag wherein: such body has a
length dimension of about thirteen inches and a height dimension of
about ten inches; and said flap has a said width of at least about
two inches less than a said length of said middle compartment,
whereby said flap, when in said closed position, does not restrict
user access to said first sub-compartment and said second
sub-compartment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the
handbag system of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a right side elevation view of the handbag system stored
between the seats of a vehicle.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the handbag system illustrating the
arrangement of the interior compartment.
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the individual
compartments of the handbag system.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view through the section 5--5 of FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 is a top view, partially cut away, of the preferred
embodiment illustrated and described in FIG. 1.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional plan view through section 7--7 of FIG.
1.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional elevation view through section 8--8 of
FIG. 1, showing in alternate detail the location of personal items
in the handbag.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND THE BEST MODE OF
PRACTICE
Illustrated in FIG. 1, in perspective, is a preferred embodiment of
the handbag system 20 of the present invention. Shown is a
rectangular-box-like body or bag portion 21 having a front portion
22, a rear portion 23, a first side wall 24, a second side wall 26
(as shown best in FIGS. 6-8), and a bottom portion 27. The bag
portion 21 is preferably formed from a leather or micro fiber-type
material which is stitched or otherwise secured together in a manner
familiar to those skilled in such art. As shown in FIG. 1, the
individual components comprising the bag portion 21 are structured
and arranged to form an open middle compartment 30, extending
longitudinally between the first side wall 24 and second side wall
26, for storing an assortment of personal items such as a wireless
telephone 31 and pager 32. Bag portion 21 embodies in the present
invention a body means for carrying handbag contents, such body
means comprising a front portion, a rear portion, two side portions,
and a bottom portion, and having an open top portion having a
longitudinal extension.
The present invention also provides for an outside
transversely-extending closure flap 33 having a flap first end 34
which is hingedly affixed, preferably by stitching, to rear face 35
(as shown best in FIG. 5). When closure flap 33 is in a closed
position, as shown in FIG. 1, partial access is still permitted to
the contents within the middle compartment 30 which are adjacent to
the first side wall 24 and second side wall 26. Closure flap 33
embodies herein a first closure means, having a closed position and
an open position, for protecting such open-top portion. As described
more in detail with respect to FIG. 6, it is an important feature of
this invention that the closure flap 33 is sized and arranged so
that the sub-compartments holding, for example, wireless telephone
31 or pager 32 are exposed when the closure flap 33 is in a closed
position. This arrangement allows for quick access (as a personal
safety feature) to those personal items contained within each
respective sub-compartment, thereby eliminating the need to open the
closure flap 33 to obtain access to these items. To provide a means
to comfortably transport the handbag system 20, a handle or carry
strap 36, preferably of the adjustable type and made of preferably a
leather material, is provided. Attached to each looped end 37 of
carry strap 36 is a connector 38, preferably of the quick-release
type to allow for removal of the carry strap 36, which is optionally
attached to rings 40. Each of rings 40 are preferably made of a
metal material and are attached in a manner readily apparent to
those skilled in the art to ring tabs 41. Each of the ring tabs 41
are preferably made of a leather material and are attached,
preferably by stitching or riveting, to each side wall 24 and 26
respectively. The present invention also provides for a logo-type
indicia 42 which is attached, preferably by stitching, to the front
surface 43 of closure flap 33, as shown. Also shown in FIG. 1 is a
front fastener 44 and a rear fastener 45 for fastening,
respectively, a front compartment 46 (adjacent to front portion 22)
and a rear compartment 47 (adjacent to rear portion 23), the details
of which will be more fully disclosed hereinafter with respect to
FIGS. 4-7.
The handbag system 20 is structured to be efficient in size, having
a preferred front dimension of 10 inches high by 13 inches long. As
FIG. 2 illustrates, the handbag system 20 may conveniently be stored
between the seats 51 of most automobiles. Such convenient storage
allows for quick access to the contents of the middle compartment
30, such as a wireless telephone 31 and/or mace container or pager
32 thereby eliminating the need to search for such items while
driving.
Illustrated in FIG. 3 is the handbag system 20, in perspective, with
the closure flap 33 in an open position. To provide a means to
conveniently store those personal items which are used frequently
such as a wireless telephone 31 or pager 32, a first sub-compartment
52 (embodying herein a first open-top holding means, in such body
means and beneath such open top portion, adjacent a first such side
portion, for holding a personal-safety item) and a second
sub-compartment 53 (embodying herein a second open-top holding
means, in such body means and beneath such open top portion,
adjacent a second such side portion, for holding a personal-safety
item) are provided within the middle compartment 30.
Sub-compartments 52 and 53 are formed by attaching, in a manner
readily apparent to one skilled in the art, dividers 54, preferably
made of a leather or micro fiber-type material, to each respective
side wall 24 and 26. As explained more fully hereinafter with
respect to FIG. 8, each respective sub-compartments 52 and 53 is
sized to accommodate those personal items which are used most often
or which may be needed quickly. Another component of the present
handbag system 20 is a center sub-compartment 56 located within the
middle compartment 30 substantially midway between the first side
wall 24 and the second side wall 26 as shown in FIG. 3. As will be
explained more fully hereinafter with respect to FIGS. 7 and 8,
center sub-compartment 56 is formed by attaching, preferably by
stitching, a pair of dividers 54 to the first interior wall 57 and
the second interior wall 58 thereby forming a pocket or receptacle
for holding eyeglasses or other personal items. Center
sub-compartment 56 embodies herein a fifth holding means for holding
a pair of eyeglasses. In the present invention, the dividers 54
embody an arrangement wherein such open-top portion of such body
means comprises multiple transverse dividing means for dividing such
longitudinal extension of such open-top portion of such body means
into multiple compartments. Also shown in FIG. 3 is a flap fastener
59 attached to the exterior surface 62 of front portion 22, for use
in securing the closure flap 33 in a closed position. Flap fastener
59 is structured and arranged to engage a cooperative female
fastener 63 which is secured adjacent to the closure flap second end
64.
Shown in FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the handbag
system 20 of the present invention illustrating the assortment of
personal items which may be stored therein. Shown is a possible
method of carrying various person items in the middle compartment 30
such as a wireless telephone 31, pager 32, keys 66 and other
miscellaneous items (labeled in general as 67). In addition, the
rear compartment 47 is provided for storing larger items such as a
day planner 68 or other briefcase-type business materials. Rear
compartment 47 embodies herein a third holding means, in such body
means and adjacent such rear portion, for holding briefcase-type
business materials. Other specific items may be stored in the front
compartment 46 which comprises a front wall 69 having an interior
surface 70. Other personal items may be removably attached to
interior surface 70, such as a checkbook 71 and calculator 72 and/or
other banking materials. Front compartment 46 embodies herein a
fourth holding means, in such body means and adjacent such front
portion, for holding credit-card and banking materials. Loops 75 are
used to attach the calculator 72 and other miscellaneous items 67 to
the interior surface 70. Loops 75 are preferably made of an elastic
material which is preferably attached to interior surface 70 by
stitching the loop ends 76 to front wall 69. Likewise, the exterior
side 77 of first interior wall 57 are provided with a plurality of
holders 78, preferably made of an elastic material, for storing a
plurality of pens or pencils 79. The formation of holders 78
consists of attaching, preferably by stitching, holder ends 80 to
exterior side 77.
Also shown in FIG. 4 is a plurality of card holders 81, preferably
made of a vinyl material, for holding business or credit cards 82.
Cardholders 81 are preferably attached to exterior side 77 by
cutting longitudinal slots (not shown) in the material comprising
the exterior side 77 which are sized to receive a back flap (not
shown) of card holders 81. The preferable method of attaching the
checkbook 71 to interior surface 70 consists of cutting a
longitudinal slot (not shown) in the material comprising the inner
surface 70 of sufficient size to receive a longitudinal edge 83 of
checkbook 71.
FIG. 5 is a left side elevation view, in cross-section, illustrating
the arrangement of the various compartments comprising the handbag
system 20. Formation of rear compartment 47 consists of attaching,
preferably by stitching, a rear perimeter strip 84, structured to
form an openable perimeter wall around rear compartment 47, to both
the first perimeter edge 85 of rear wall 86 and the second perimeter
edge 87 of the second interior wall 58. The rear perimeter strip 84
is preferably made of leather or micro fiber-type material and is
sized to provide a rear compartment 47 with a substantially
rectangular cross-section as shown in FIG. 5. A rear opening 88 (as
shown best in FIG. 7) is provided in rear perimeter strip 84 sized
so as to allow convenient access to rear compartment 47. A rear
fastener 45, preferably a zipper-type fastener, is incorporated to
provide a means to completely close the rear compartment 47 when not
in use. Rear fastener 45 embodies herein a second closure means for
separately closing such third holding means. The rear fastener 45 is
attached, preferably by stitching, to the rear perimeter edge 90 of
rear opening 88. Separating the rear compartment 47 from the middle
compartment 30 is the second interior wall 58 having a second
interior wall bottom end 92, a first side edge 93 (as shown best in
FIG. 7) and a second side edge 94 (as shown best in FIG. 7) which
are attached, preferably by stitching, to respectively the bottom
panel 95, the first side wall 24 and the second side wall 26.
Formation of front compartment 46 consists of attaching, preferably
by stitching, a front perimeter strip 98 to both the third perimeter
edge 99 of first interior wall 57 and to the fourth perimeter edge
100 of front wall 69. The front perimeter strip 98 is structured to
form an openable perimeter wall around front compartment 46 and is
provided with a front opening 101 (as shown best in FIG. 7) sized so
as to allow convenient access to front compartment 46. The front
perimeter strip 98 is preferably made of leather or micro fiber-type
material and is sized to provide a front compartment 46 with a
substantially rectangular cross-section as shown in FIG. 5. A front
fastener 44, preferably a zipper-type fastener, is incorporated to
provide a means to completely close the front compartment 46. Front
fastener 44 embodies herein a third closure means for separately
closing such fourth holding means. The front fastener 44 is
attached, preferably by stitching, to the front perimeter edge 102
of the front opening 101 (this arrangement embodying herein an
arrangement wherein such third closure means comprises perimeter
means for closing such fourth holding means along a perimeter of
such fourth holding means). As shown in FIG. 5, front fastener 44 is
structured and arranged to extend approximately three-quarters
around the perimeter of front compartment 46 (such arrangement
embodying herein an arrangement wherein such perimeter means extends
for at least about three-fourths of such perimeter). This
arrangement permits front wall 69 to lie in a substantially
horizontal position when front fastener 44 is fully disengaged, thus
allowing the user to use the checkbook 71 without removing it from
front wall 69.
Separating the front compartment 46 from the middle compartment 30
is the first interior wall 57 having a first interior wall bottom
edge 103, a first side edge 104 (as shown best in FIG. 7) and a
second side edge 105 (as shown best in FIG. 7) which are attached,
preferably by stitching, to respectively the bottom panel 95, the
first side wall 24 and the second side wall 26. Also shown in FIG. 5
is the second sub-compartment 53 disposed within the middle
compartment 30 adjacent the first side wall 24 and second side wall
26.
Shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 are top views (in partial cut-away and in
cross-section respectively) of the handbag system 20 of the present
invention. As specifically illustrated in FIG. 6, the closure flap
33 is structured and arranged so that closure flap central portion
107 lies transversely over the middle compartment 30. As shown in
FIG. 6, the closure flap 33 is sized and arranged so that the first
sub-compartment 52 and second sub-compartment 53 are exposed when
the closure flap 33 is in a closed position (this arrangement
embodying an arrangement wherein such first closure means, when in
such closed position, does not restrict user access to such first
open-top holding means, and wherein such first closure means, when
in such closed position, does not restrict user access to such
second open-top holding means). For example, in a preferred
embodiment wherein the length of the upper opening of the handbag is
about thirteen inches, the closure flap 33 is preferred to be only
about 10 to about 11 inches wide, thus preferably leaving at least
about one inch on each side of a closed closure flap 33 for access
as described and shown herein. This arrangement allows for quick
access to those personal items contained within each respective
sub-compartment 52 and 53, thereby eliminating the need to open the
closure flap 33 to obtain access to these items. Those smaller items
which may not need to be accessed quickly such as keys 66 and
sunglasses may be held in the center sub-compartment 56. Access to
these items in the center sub-compartment 56 is possible only when
closure flap 33 is in the open position (this arrangement embodying
herein an arrangement wherein such first closure means, when in such
closed position, does restrict user access to such fifth holding
means) as best shown in FIG. 3. Shown in FIG. 7, in cross-section,
is a top view of the arrangement of the various compartments and
holders comprising the present handbag system 20 of the present
invention as illustrated and described hereinbefore with respect to
FIGS. 1-6.
Each of the respective first sub-compartment 52, second
sub-compartment 53 and center sub-compartment 56 are sized and
arranged to hold items of a specific size which may be needed to be
accessed quickly as shown in the cross-sectional elevation view of
FIG. 8. For example, the first sub-compartment 52 is sized to form a
pocket which may carry a standard-sized wireless telephone 31. The
second sub-compartment 53 is sized to hold smaller items which may
require quick access such as mace containers or a pager 32.
Formation of the first sub-compartment 52 consists of attaching,
preferably by stitching, the first bottom end 110 and each
respective first edge portions 111 (as shown in FIG. 7) of pocket
wall piece 54 to the first side wall 24. In a similar manner,
formation of the second sub-compartment 53 consists of attaching,
preferably by stitching, the second bottom end 112 and each
respective second edge portions 113 (as shown in FIG. 7) of dividers
54 to the second side wall 26. As shown in FIG. 7, each of the first
sub-compartment 52 and second sub-compartment 53 is preferably sized
to substantially span the transverse distance between the first side
wall 57 and the second side wall 58.
As is further shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the center sub-compartment 56
is formed by attaching, preferably by stitching, the center bottom
ends 116 of the dividers 54 together. The center rear edge portions
117 (as best shown in FIG. 7) of dividers 54 are then attached,
preferably by stitching, to the second interior wall 58. Finally,
the center front edge portions 118 (as best shown in FIG. 7) of
dividers 54 are attached, preferably by stitching, to the first
interior wall 57. The incorporation of the center sub-compartment 56
into the middle compartment 30 allows for storage of larger
miscellaneous items (labeled generally as 67) between the center
sub-compartment 56 and the sub-compartments 52 and 53 respectively.
Furthermore, customizing the pocket size of each respective
sub-compartment 52, 53 and 56 allows for storage of smaller items
under each respective pocket, thereby increasing the carrying
capacity of the handbag system 20.
According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention,
the handbag system 20 is provided with a briefcase-style handle 119
as shown in FIG. 8. Handle 119 is preferably made of a leather
material and is attached to bag portion 21 by the use of connectors
120, preferably of the quick-disconnect type, which are attached to
the looped handle ends 121. The connectors 120 are removably
attached to the bag portion 21 by use of rings 40 and ring tabs 41
hereinbefore illustrated and described with respect to FIG. 1.
Although applicant has described applicant's preferred embodiments
of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of
this invention includes such modifications as diverse shapes, sizes
and materials. Such scope is limited only by the below claims as
read in connection with the above specification.
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