Abstract:
The present invention includes two purses, a large outer purse and a small inner purse. The inner purse has two flaps extending from the top of the inner purse. Preferably, there are male-type connection structures on the flaps. The interior of the larger outer purse has female-type connection structures. The female-type connectors are configured such that, when the inner purse is placed inside the outer purse, male-type connection structures on the flaps of the inner purse can be connected to the female-type connection structures of the outer purse. This serves to secure the inner purse into the outer purse.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The applicants hereby claim benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/009,694 (filed Dec. 31, 2007). The specification of said provisional patent application is incorporated herein by this reference as though set forth in full. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0003]    The present invention relates to purses and handbags. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    A “handbag” is a bag or box of leather, fabric, plastic, or the like, held in the hand or carried by means of a handle or strap, commonly used by women for holding money, toilet articles, small purchases, etc. A handbag is also sometimes called a purse or a pocketbook. A “clutch” is a strapless purse that is carried in the hand. 
         [0005]    Purses are commonly used by individuals to transport a variety of personal items. A purse may be used to carry identification, credit cards, keys, wallet, checkbook, glasses, combs tissue and the like. For many, the use of a purse has become a necessary element in the conduct of their daily activities. 
         [0006]    Purses have been designed with numerous styles and designs. Different occasions or different attire may call for a particular kind or color of purse. However, moving the contents of one purse into a different purse can be a tedious process. There is also a risk that something important may be left behind in an unnoticed pocket of the previous purse. Changing purses to suit every situation is troublesome, yet no single purse can suffice for a wide variety of occasions. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention comprises a purse within a purse. In the preferred embodiment, there is a pocketbook that comprises two panels. Each panel has an outer wall and an inner wall. Each panel has a flap that extends from the top of the wall. Each flap has one or more fasteners and the outer wall of the corresponding panel also has fasteners. The various fasteners are arranged on the pocketbook such that, when a flap is folded down against the outer wall of its corresponding panel, the fasteners on the flap can be mated with the fasteners on the outer wall. For example, the fasteners on the flap might be male-type fasteners and the fasteners on the outer wall might be female-type. However, many different types of fastener structures and fastener arrangements can be utilized in the present invention, including fasteners such as snaps, magnetic snaps, magnets, French snaps, mechanical traditional snaps, sewn-in snaps and non-sewn in snaps, buttons, collar buttons, studs, screw-in studs, press in studs, sewn in standard buttons, buckles, turn locks, single turn locks, double turn locks, triple plate turn locks, flap turn locks, drop turn locks, swivel snaps, catches, flap push button catches, flap spring catches, tuck catches and tuck locks, snap hooks, grommets, D rings, and O rings, connected grommets, linear zippers, linear dual post zippers, curved zippers, curved dual post zippers, toggles, clips, spring clips, swivel clips, or Velcro. In the preferred embodiment, the fastener structures comprise opposing magnetic closures. 
         [0008]    In the preferred embodiment, the pocketbook has a first end, a second end, a first ring connected at the first end, and a second ring connected at the second end. Preferably, the rings are O rings. In the preferred embodiment, the pocketbook has a strap or chain that is removably connected to the first ring and removably connected to the second ring. It is preferred that the strap or chain is at least 24 inches long so that it will comfortably fit over the shoulder of a person carrying the pocketbook. It is preferred that the strap or chain can be removed and that the pocketbook is sized such that it can be used as a clutch. 
         [0009]    In the preferred embodiment, the pocketbook is constructed in leather, although other materials can be used to construct the pocketbook. It is also preferred that a flap and corresponding panel of the pocketbook comprise a single piece of material, such as a single piece of leather. When folded over against the outer wall of its corresponding panel, it is preferred that the flap extend downward at least one inch. Generally, the flap will extend downward somewhere between one inch and two-and-one-half inches. It is preferred that when the fastening structures are mated that they are hidden from view (i.e., the fastener structures are completely covered by the flap). In the preferred embodiment, there exists no outer compartment on the outer wall that is covered by the flap when the fastener structures on the flap and outer wall are connected. 
         [0010]    The present invention further includes a handbag system. The handbag system includes the pocketbook described above (or multiple such pocketbooks). The system also includes a separate handbag that is sufficiently large such that the pocketbook can fit inside the handbag. The handbag comprises an outer shell having an open end; and two interior walls. Each of these interior walls has at least one fastener structure. It is preferred that each of these interior walls has two such fastener structures. Generally, there will be the same number of fastener structures on an interior wall as are on a flap on the pocketbook. Also, the fastener structures on the interior walls of the handbag will be the same type and size as the fastener structures that reside on the outer walls of the pocketbook panels. It is preferred that this fastener structure is the same type of connector as the fastener structure on the outer walls of the as the fastener, wherein said pocketbook can be placed within said handbag and said second fastener structure can be mated with said third fastener structure. 
         [0011]    It is possible that the handbag has means, such as rings, to engage a removable strap or chain. Such means can include the rings, such as O-rings. In such a case, the user can remove the strap or chain from the pocketbook and then connect it to the rings of the handbag as a means to carry the handbag over the shoulder or otherwise. The handbag might also have a compartment to store the chain or strap when not in use. 
         [0012]    In the preferred embodiment, the interior of the handbag is divided into compartments. It is further preferred that one of the compartments is sized such that the pocketbook can be fit snuggly therein. It is further preferred that the compartment that is sized to receive the pocketbook has two interior walls. In the preferred embodiment, one of these interior walls is an interior wall of the shell of the handbag. In the preferred embodiment, each of these two interior walls of the compartment comprises two female connector structures. It is preferred that each of these female connector structures is located at the top of their respective interior wall. It is further preferred that the pocketbook has two flaps extending from the top of the pocketbook and that two of these flaps have male connector structures that match the female connector structures on the handbag. The various connectors are arranged such that, when the pocketbook is placed inside the appropriate compartment of the handbag, the male and female connector structures can be mated. One of the advantages of the present invention is that, once the pocketbook is placed inside the handbag and connected thereto with the fastener structures, the contents of the pocketbook can be easily accessed. Also, the user does not have to worry about transferring the contents of the pocketbook into the handbag since the entire pocketbook (with the possible exception of the strap or chain) is placed into the handbag. 
         [0013]    The flap arrangement on the pocketbook also provides certain advantages. The flaps can be very attractive components of the pocketbook. At the same time, the flaps can cover the fastener structures that reside on the exterior of the pocketbook when the pocketbook is used separate from the handbag. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0014]    The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is a side view of an inner purse. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a view of the other side of the inner purse. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a side view of an inner purse with rings and a strap. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  shows a panel of an inner purse connected to an interior wall of an outer purse. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0019]    A first purse comprises front and back panels, a first side panel, and a second side panel. There is also a bottom panel and a flap to close the purse. Typically, there is a means to fasten the flap when the purse is closed. Additionally, there is a strap for carrying the first purse. Other common purse configurations can be used for the first purse. Examples of purses that can be utilized as a first purse those purses reflected in U.S. Pat. Nos. D522,238 and D522,237. Each of these U.S. patents is incorporated herein as though set forth in full. 
         [0020]    The present invention also comprises a second purse, which is smaller than the first purse and can fit inside the first purse. The shape and overall design of the second purse can be similar or the same as any of the various designs as described in the preceding paragraph with respect to first purses. 
         [0021]    It is preferred that the first purse have a separate compartment therein that can accept the second purse and hold it therein. Generally, the compartment will be sized such that it will hold the second purse snuggly therein. The compartment can be open or may have means to close it, such as a zipper or snap. Typically, the second purse will be less than half the volume of the first purse so additional items can be kept in the first purse in addition to the second purse. 
         [0022]    It is also possible to configure the first purse without a compartment for holding the second purse. Instead, the first purse and second purse may be configured such that the second purse can be fastened securely within the first purse. Velcro or snaps can be used for this purpose, for example. In the case of a snap, the female member might be attached to the inner surface of the first purse and the male member attached to the second purse. 
         [0023]    In one configuration, the strap on the first purse is detachable. The second purse has rings or other means that will permit a user to attach the strap from the first purse in order to wear the second purse separately. 
         [0024]    In the preferred embodiment, the first and second purses are color coordinated. Several embodiments are within the scope of the present invention: 
         [0025]    Each purse comprises the same color; 
         [0026]    a color in the first purse is complementary to a color in the second purse (i.e., the colors are opposite each other on a color wheel, such as red and green); 
         [0027]    a color in the first purse is in a triad relationship with a color in the second purse; 
         [0028]    a color in either the first or second purse is in a split-complementary relationship with two colors in the other purse; 
         [0029]    a color in the first purse is in a analogous relationship with a color in the second purse; 
         [0030]    a color in the first purse is in a monochromatic relationship with a color in the second purse; 
         [0031]    a color in the first purse is in a triad relationship with a color in the second purse; 
         [0032]    a color in the first purse is located 90 degrees on a color wheel from a color in the second purse; and 
         [0033]    a surface design of the first purse is the same as a surface design on the second purse. 
         [0034]    In the preferred embodiment, the second purse is configured to hold the user&#39;s important items, such as credit cards and driver&#39;s license. 
         [0035]    Typically, the first purse and second purse are sold together as one unit. It is also possible to sell as one unit a plurality of first purses with one second purse. In this case, the user can simply transfer the second purse from one first purse to another first purse. 
         [0036]      FIG. 1  provides a side view of an exemplary second purse  1 . The second purse has a first panel  2 . The first panel  2  has an outer wall and an inner wall. It is the outer wall that is visible in  FIG. 1 . A first flap  3  extends from the top of said first panel. The first flap  3  extends from the top of said first panel, said first flap being capable of being folded against the outer wall of said first panel. As can be seen in  FIG. 1 , the first flap  3  is folded against the outer wall of the first panel  2 . There is a first fastener structure on the outer wall of said first panel. There is also a second fastener structure on said first flap, wherein said first and second fastener structures are located on the second purse such that when said first flap is folded against the outer wall of said first panel, said first fastener structure can be mated with said second fastener structure. In  FIG. 1 , the first and second fastener structures are mated. Because the first flap is folded over, the first and second fastener structures are not visible. An imaginary dashed circle  4  shows where the first and second fastener structures are located. 
         [0037]    Typically, the first fastener structure is a male fastener structure and said second fastener structure is a female fastener structure. However, many different types of fastener structures and fastener arrangements can be utilized in the present invention, including fasteners such as snaps, magnetic snaps, magnets, French snaps, mechanical traditional snaps, sewn-in snaps and non-sewn in snaps, buttons, collar buttons, studs, screw-in studs, press in studs, sewn in standard buttons, buckles, turn locks, single turn locks, double turn locks, triple plate turn locks, flap turn locks, drop turn locks, swivel snaps, catches, flap push button catches, flap spring catches, tuck catches and tuck locks, snap hooks, grommets, D rings, and O rings, connected grommets, linear zippers, linear dual post zippers, curved zippers, curved dual post zippers, toggles, clips, spring clips, swivel clips, or Velcro. In the preferred embodiment, the fastener structures comprise opposing magnetic closures. 
         [0038]    The second purse further comprises a third fastener structure on the outer wall of said first panel and a fourth fastener structure on said first flap, wherein said third and fourth fastener structures are located on the pocketbook such that when said first flap is folded against the outer wall of said first panel, said third fastener structure can be mated with said fourth fastener structure. In  FIG. 1 , third and fourth fastener structures are mated. Because the first flap is folded over, the third and fourth fastener structures are not visible. An imaginary dashed circle  5  shows where the third and fourth fastener structures are located. 
         [0039]    In the preferred embodiment, the second purse has a second panel, said second panel having a top, an outer wall and an inner wall. The second panel is like the first panel, except that it is on the other side of the second purse. The second panel  6  can be seen in  FIG. 2 , which is a side view of the other side of the second purse. As can be seen, there is a second flap  7  extending from the top of said second panel  6 , said second flap being capable of being folded against the outer wall of said second panel. There is a fifth fastener structure on the outer wall of said second panel and a sixth fastener structure on said second flap, wherein said fifth and sixth fastener structures are located on the second purse such that when said second flap is folded against the outer wall of said second panel, said fifth fastener structure can be mated with said sixth fastener structure. Because the second flap is folded over, the fifth and sixth fastener structures are not visible. An imaginary dashed circle  8  shows where the fifth and sixth fastener structures are located. An imaginary dashed circle  9  shows where seventh and eighth fastener structures are located. These too are not directly visible in  FIG. 2  because the second flap is folded over. 
         [0040]    The second purse can have rings for straps. In  FIG. 3 , a second purse  14  has a first end, a second end, a first ring  15  connected at the first end, and a second ring  16  connected at the second end. The second purse also has a removable elongated structure  17  (in other words, a strap) that is removably connected to said first ring and removably connected to said second ring. Typically, the strap will be at least 24 inches long. 
         [0041]    It is preferred that a panel of the second purse and the corresponding flap comprise a single piece of material. Unlike the flaps shown in  FIG. 3 , the flaps can extend the full length of the top of the panels. It is preferred that the panels extend down no further than two-and-one-half inches. 
         [0042]    The first purse comprises an outer shell having an open end and a first interior wall, said first interior wall comprising a ninth fastener structure. The second purse can be placed within the first purse and said second fastener structure can be mated with said ninth fastener structure (the first flap is open for this purpose). It is preferred that the first fastener structure is a male fastener structure and said second and ninth fastener structures are female fastener structures. Actually, in the preferred embodiment, there would be four female fastener structures in the interior of the first purse. The four female fastener structures are configured inside the first purse such that, when the second purse is placed inside (flaps up), the four male fastener structures (second, fourth, sixth and eighth) can be matched thereto. This secures the second purse within the first. 
         [0043]    This is illustrated by  FIG. 4 . In  FIG. 4 , a portion of an interior wall (by dashed lines) within the first purse is shown. A smaller, second purse has been placed inside of the first purse with the flaps up. The side of a flap ( 21 ) of the first purse has been connected to the interior wall  20 . The locations of the connections are shown by imaginary dashed circles ( 22  and  23 ). The actual connectors are not visible in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0044]    Similar to the second purse, the first purse can have rings at both ends. The same strap of the second purse can be attached to the rings of the first purse.