Abstract:
A handbag with a removable exterior member which can be replaced with a different exterior member to provide easily changeable aesthetic styles by use of matable connectors located on the exterior member and the handbag. A handbag system is also provided which comprises a first and second handbag, the second handbag suitable for use as a separate clutch and sized to accept the first handbag within the upper portion of the second handbag.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/653,134, filed Dec. 9, 2009, which is a non-provisional of and claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/201,302, filed Dec. 9, 2008, the entire contents of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field of the Invention 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to convertible small, medium and large handbags. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    The convertible handbag system presented offers a number of advantages. These advantages include: (1) providing versatility with multiple sizes, designs and colors; (2) saving time in removing all items and transferring from one handbag to another; (3) saving money by avoiding the purchase of many individual handbags to create the desired accent to each wardrobe; and (4) remaining up to date with fashions providing a variety of designs. Handbags with these convertible features greatly simplify the life of the owner by providing multiple designs, sizes and colors with fast convertibility. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0004]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate the basic convertible handbag or main purse having a strap. 
           [0005]      FIGS. 2A ,  2 B and  2 C illustrate belt attachments to the basic convertible handbag. 
           [0006]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate flap attachments to the basic convertible handbag. 
           [0007]      FIGS. 4A ,  4 B and  4 C illustrate the interior of the basic convertible handbag. 
           [0008]      FIGS. 5A ,  5 B, and  5 C illustrate a drawstring cover. 
           [0009]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate a durable lightweight silk leather cover over the basic convertible handbag. 
           [0010]      FIG. 7  illustrates a flap cover conversion of the basic handbag. 
           [0011]      FIGS. 8A ,  8 B and  8 C illustrate different pocket and zipper covers. 
           [0012]      FIGS. 9A ,  9 B,  9 C,  9 D,  9 E,  9 F,  9 G and H illustrate small convertible handbags. 
           [0013]      FIGS. 10A ,  10 B and  10 C illustrate a large or medium size convertible handbag with a removable clutch. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The Basic Convertible Handbag 
       [0014]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate the basic convertible handbag or main purse  1  with strap  8 . Velcro  2  is applied along the outside to fasten different belts or covers to convert and change the appearance of the purse. By way of specific example, a large convertible handbag can have a 17-inch zipper opening and an 18-inch width, a height of 13½ inches and bottom depth 5 inches with a strap that is adjustable up to 36 inches long. A medium convertible handbag can have a 13-inch zipper opening, a 14-inch width, a height of 11 inches, and a bottom depth of 4 inches with a strap that is adjustable up to 36 inches long. All size #4 stitching throughout can be in the same color as the main bag or design element. These dimensions and all dimensions below are exemplary and it will be apparent that convertible purses embodiments of many different sizes can be constructed. 
         [0015]    Loop Velcro  2  can, for example, be 1½ to 2 inches wide attached outside that the top of the large bag  1 . Alternatively, a magnetic strip can be used to fasten different belts and covers described below. Hook Velcro and/or magnetic strips can be attached to back of belts (and flaps and inside of covers as described below) to fasten to the outside of bag  1  to provide a variety of designs and styles as described below. 
         [0016]    Convertible bag  1  can include, by way of example, #5 metal zipper closure, which in the large bag can be 15½ inches long and in the medium bag can be 11½ inches. 
         [0017]    Leather and metal zipper stops  4  can be included. 
         [0018]    Reinforced leather  5  can be attached to purse  1  to hold decorative hardware. 
         [0019]    Permanent or removable decorative hardware rings  6  or alternative shapes varying in sizes and finish can be used to connect the purse to a strap. 
         [0020]    Additional tape support material  7  can be used between lining and leather on top of purse behind the Velcro  2 . 
         [0021]    A shoulder strap  8  with two adjustable hardware snaps or buckles can be used. 
         [0022]    Bonded leather  9  can be used for extra support at the bottom of purse between its lining and leather exterior. 
         [0023]    All seams  10  can have nylon tape support material as backing as well as #4 stitching. 
       Convertible Belt Attachments 
       [0024]    Belt attachments  11 - 14  for convertible purse  1  are shown in  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B and  2 C and can be a variety of styles, design elements and in a variety of colors. Hook Velcro  15  is attached to the back of belts to fasten to the loop Velcro  2  on its outside of main bag  1  (see  FIG. 1 ). By way of examples, a large bag belt can be 39 inches in length and 2 inches width. The medium bag belt can be 33 inches in length and 2 inches in width. 
         [0025]    Belt  11  is exemplary of the variety of animal prints to accent color and design with topstitching. 
         [0026]    Belt  12  can be plain leather to accent the color of convertible purse  1  with decorative hardware and topstitching. 
         [0027]    Belt  13  can be plain leather to accent the color of convertible purse  1  with decorative hardware and topstitching. 
         [0028]    Belt  14  can be plain leather to accent the color of convertible purse  1  with a gather design and topstitching. 
         [0029]    The hook Velcro  15  used to attach the belt to the main convertible purse can vary from 1 inch to 2 inches in width. 
         [0030]    Snap closures  16  at the end of the belts can be used to hook together around the purse. 
         [0031]    The handbag  1  can be silk or leather. Other material alternatives are known in the purse and handbag art. 
       Convertible Flap Attachments 
       [0032]    Flap attachments  17  for the basic convertible handbag  1  are shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B  can create a variety of styles, design elements and in a variety of colors. Flaps  17  can be plain or include a pocket as illustrated in  FIG. 3B . Hook Velcro  18 , attached to back of flaps can be fastened to loop Velcro  2  on the outside of the basic convertible bag (see  FIG. 1 ). By way of example, the large plain flap strap can be 36 inches in length and 3 inches in width and the widest part of flap can be 16 inches narrowing to 14 inches at bottom. The medium plain flap strap can be 33 inches in length and from 1½ to 2 inches in width and the widest part of the flap can be 13½ inches narrowing to 9 inches at the bottom. The large pocket flap strap can be 36 inches in length and 2 inches in width and the widest part of the flap pocket can be 16 inches narrowing to 14 inches at the bottom for width. The medium pocket flap strap can be 32 inches in length and from 1½ to 2 inches in width and the widest part of the flap pocket can be 8 inches in width narrowing to 6 inches. 
         [0033]    The flaps  17  of  FIGS. 3A and 3B  can be used on large and medium bags  1  as an alternative to the belt attachments described above. Flaps  17  can be in a variety of styles and colors as accent with decorative reinforced double and single #4 stitching. 
         [0034]    Snap, closures  19  at the end of flaps  17  can be used to hook together around purse  1 . 
         [0035]    Flap  20  shown in  FIG. 3B  includes a pocket for medium or large bags as an alternative to belts. This flap can be in a variety of styles and colors as accent with decorative reinforced double and single #4 stitching. 
         [0036]    Velcro  21  can be used to attach to Velcro  2  on the basic convertible purse  1 . 
         [0037]    Snap closures  22  at the end of the flaps can hook together around purse. 
         [0038]    Hidden magnets  23  can be used for pocket flap closure and also on bottom half of pocket flap to connect to the basic convertible purse  1 . 
         [0039]    Decorative hardware ring and fringe accent  24  can be added. 
       The Inside Lining 
       [0040]      FIGS. 4A ,  4 B and  4 C are an inside interior view of the convertible purse  1  shown in  FIG. 4A  during its manufacture before the ends of the purse are attached together by stitching. Durable fabric lining  26  can match main purse in color. By way of example, lining  26  can be attractive Bengaline lining. The large bag dimensions can be 18 inches by 13½ inches by 12 inches across the bottom. The medium bag dimensions for lining can be 14 inches by 11 inches by 10 inches across bottom. 
         [0041]    Support materials can be used including bonded leather, brown paper, canvas fabric and tape for extra support throughout. 
         [0042]    A durable lining  26  across the bottom can be 5 to 6 inches in depth. 
         [0043]    A spring gate hook  27  can be attached to one side of lining with leather loop to hold keys. 
         [0044]    An inside zipper pocket  28  can be included on inside lining with plastic 8 inch zipper and pull with zipper stops. Zipper  28  can be 2 inches from the top of purse opening. 
         [0045]    The inside purse lining can include a cell telephone holder pocket  29  4 inches by 3¼ inches in leather with 2-inch flap Velcro closure. The telephone holder pocket can be 2 inches from top of the purse opening. 
         [0046]    A second include zipper pocket  30  can be used on its inside lining with plastic 8 inch zipper and pull with zipper stops. The zipper can be 2 inches from top of purse opening. 
         [0047]    An inside purse lining leather card and/or multi-purchase holder  31  can be 3 inches by 3 inches. A cardholder  31  can be 2 inches from top of purse opening. 
       A Draw String Cover Attachment 
       [0048]    A draw string cover  100  (see  FIGS. 5A ,  5 B and  5 C) of soft silk durable lightweight leather can replace the belts or flaps described above with a cover  100  and strap allowing for multiple designs in a variety of colors and alternative materials. 
         [0049]    By way of example, a large cover  100  for a large convertible bag  1  can have an 18-inch opening 6½ inches in depth, and 16 inches in length. A medium cover for a medium sized convertible bag  1  can have a 16 inch opening 5 inches in depth, 13½ inches in length. 
         [0050]    Hook Velcro  32  can be 1 inch wide and be affixed on the inside of the cover  100  to attach to the loop Velcro  2  on the main purse. 
         [0051]    Decorative stitching and leather drawstring  30  can be used for a gathered design. 
         [0052]    Double stitching  34  can be used for design and reinforcement. 
         [0053]    Double-stitched reinforced-attachable leather strap  35  hooks onto basic purse  1  with snap and adjustable buckle design. Strap  35  can be the same color as the cover  100 . 
       Silk Leather Cover 
       [0054]    A plain cover  105  of durable lightweight silk leather can with twisted strap shown in  FIG. 6A  can replace the belt or flap with a different cover  105  and strap thus allowing for multiple designs in a variety of colors and materials. Decorative stitching  38  on body and sides can be used for design and reinforcement. 
         [0055]    An attachable twisted leather strap  39  shown in  FIG. 6B  can snap onto main purse hardware. Strap  39  can be the same color as cover  105 . 
       Replacement Flap Cover 
       [0056]      FIG. 7  illustrates a further embodiment wherein a replacement flap cover  110  can be used to replace a belt or flap. This cover  110  and permanently attached flap  115  along with strap  120  allows for multiple designs in a variety of colors. 
         [0057]    The large cover  110  can, by way of example, have an 18-inch opening and have a 6½ inch depth and length of 16 inches. The medium cover can have a 16-inch opening, 5 inches in depth, and 13½ inches in length. 
         [0058]    Hook Velcro  40  can be located on the inside of the cover  110  to attach to the loop Velcro  2  on basic purse  1 . 
         [0059]    Decorative leather straps  41  are shown with grommets and double stitching. 
         [0060]    A permanently attached flap  115  is shown with decorative ring  42  and fringe design. 
         [0061]    Attachable leather strap  120  hooks onto the basic purse  1  with adjustable snap  43  and double stitching design, strap  120  can be the same color as cover  110 . 
         [0062]    Hidden magnets  44  can be attached to the main purse  1  and flap  115  for flap closure. 
       Pocket and Zipper Covers 
       [0063]      FIGS. 8A ,  8 B and  8 C illustrate different pocket and zipper covers  130 ,  135  for the basic convertible handbag  1  which can be used to replace the belt or flap described above with a cover that includes pockets and zipper design and strap allowing for multiple designs in a variety of colors. 
         [0064]    A large cover  130  for the large handbag  1  can, for example, have an 18-inch opening, a 6½ inch depth and 16 inches in length. The medium cover  135  for the medium handbag  1  can have a 16-inch opening, a 5-inch depth and 16 inches in length and 13½ inches in length. 
         [0065]    Referring to  FIG. 8A , a strap of hook Velcro  45  can be 1-inch wide and located on the inside of the cover  130  to attach to the loop Velcro  2  on the basic or main purse  1 . 
         [0066]    Two useable and decorative pockets  46  can have hidden magnetic closure. 
         [0067]    One useable front compartment  47  as shown in  FIG. 8A  can have a metal zipper and pull closure. 
         [0068]    Attachable spring gate hardware  48  can hold a strap  50 . 
         [0069]    Two adjustable shoulder strap snaps  49  can be located on both ends of the leather strap  50 . 
         [0070]    The shoulder strap  50  can be reinforced and double-stitched leather. 
         [0071]    Referring now to  FIG. 8B and 8C , attachable leather strap  140  can hook onto the main purse  1  with adjustable snaps. A stitching design can be same color as purse cover. Large lobster claw hooks  51  can be used for closure. 
         [0072]    Hook Velcro  52  1-inch wide on the inside of the cover  135  can attach to the loop Velcro  2  on the main purse  1 . 
         [0073]    Hidden magnetic closure  53  can be provided for an extra outside usable pocket. 
         [0074]    Decorative grommets  54  and straps on pocket cover  135  can be used with topstitching for alternative appearances. 
         [0075]    Metal hardware snaps  55  can be included on both ends of the strap  140  for providing an adjustable shoulder strap. 
       Small Handbag or Clutch 
       [0076]    A small handbag or clutch  150  is shown in  FIGS. 9A-9E . Clutch  150  can have the design elements and accessory items as previously described on the large and medium handbags as well as coverings in a variety of colors and styles. 
         [0077]    Thus, the basic small handbag or clutch  150  can have multiple belt, flap and cover designs as well as multiple decorative straps to coordinate the overall design. The inside lining of clutch  150  can have one zipper compartment  59 . By way of example, this zipper opening can be 13 inches for a clutch having a width 14 inches, a height of 7 inches, and a bottom depth of 4 inches and a variable 32-inch strap. Velcro  57  is applied along the outside of clutch  150  to fasten belts or covers when switching out designs or belts, flaps and covers. 
         [0078]      FIG. 9A  illustrates a #5 metal zipper 11½ inches in length and pull with metal and 1 inch sewn in leather stops. 
         [0079]    Loop Velcro  57  can be 1 inch on the outside of the clutch  150  to attach to the hook Velcro on the backside of belts, flaps and inside covers. 
         [0080]    Small round hooks  58  can be secured to both sides of the inside purse lining of clutch  150  about ½ inch below top zipper opening. Small 1 inch openings on both ends of the leather zipper stops allow a variety of different straps with lobster claw hooks at the end of each strap to slip through the top opening and quickly hook on to the two secured hooks in the lining. 
         [0081]    Inside zipper compartment  59  of clutch  150  can include #3 black plastic zipper and pull with metal zipper stops. The zipper opening of the inside compartment can be 7½ inches in length and sewn into a leather frame for a finished design appearance. 
         [0082]    Shown in  FIG. 9E  is a multiple design attachable strap  60  from leather or chain with high quality rhinestone jewels. Small lobster claw clasps at each end can fasten to the main purse. 
         [0083]    Multiple belts  61  of different design shown in  FIG. 9B  can be fastened at the top of clutch purse  150  with hook Velcro on the backside of the belt  61 . These belts  61  can measure 33 inches with snap closure, multiple colors, leathers, and high quality jeweled rhinestone crystal belts for eveningwear. 
         [0084]    Multiple Flaps shown in  FIG. 9C  can be of many different designs and can use hook Velcro  62  all around the inside opening of the flap and hook onto the Loop Velcro  57  on the outside of the clutch purse. 
         [0085]    As shown  FIGS. 9D ,  9 F,  9 G and  9 H, multiple cover designs can be provided from plain or gathered leather, snake to fabric in a variety of colors and styles. Styles can include decorative hardware or decorative fabric or leather accessories. Cover  63  is a soft gathered silk leather cover with a decorative knot also from the same leather. Hook Velcro  64  can be 1 inch wide located all around the inside opening of the clutch cover. Thus, cover  13  then slips over the clutch  150  and hooks onto the Loop Velcro  57  of the outside of the clutch  150 . The same or different leather covers can be used for variety of style and design. 
         [0000]    Large and Medium Handbag with Removable Clutch (2 in 1 Purse) 
         [0086]    Shown in  FIG. 10A ,  10 B and  10 C is a 2-in-1 connectable handbag which incorporates the large or medium size handbag  1 A and a removable clutch  150 A. As shown, these purses  1 A and  150 A can fasten together to create a complete larger purse using Velcro strips on the outside of the purse  1 A and the inside of purse  150 A. Thus, the bottom half  150 A can be removed and used as a clutch purse for day or eveningwear. 
         [0087]    Underneath the detached clutch  150 A is the basic purse  1 A. All belts and flaps with hook Velcro backing in different styles and colors and materials ( FIGS. 2 &amp; 3 ) can now be attached to the middle half of the main purse to create more designs. 
         [0088]    When the clutch  150 A stands alone, a new look for day to evening can be obtained by changing removable straps. Reinforced leather straps, chain and rhinestone are just a sample of the many designs and styles available for wardrobe change. 
         [0089]    In one embodiment, the main body of the 2-in-1 design handbag uses topstitching all around and is made of soft silk leather with other material alternatives to be used in the design process. Sewn all around the middle of the main purse is 1½ to 2 inch loop Velcro  65 . 
         [0090]    Metal #5 zipper  66  can be recessed and decorative pull with metal and leather zipper stops sewn on both ends of the zipper serve as convenient and reliable closure to this 2-in-1 handbag. 
         [0091]    A double-stitched reinforced strap  67  (also see  FIGS. 1 and 8 ) with adjustable snap straps can be used. Other adjustable snap straps may employ buckle or other decorative hardware. 
         [0092]    Hardware  68  in a variety of shapes, sizes and finishes can be used including hardware that can easily be removed. Reinforced leather can be attached to purse to hold decorative hardware. 
         [0093]    Two zipper compartments  69  can be located inside the lining. The zippers can be black size #3 and the dimensions and style can be the same as the cell telephone holder with flap Velcro closure holding a phone securely. 
         [0094]    A variety of different straps  70  can be revised for clutch to change from daytime or eveningwear, e.g., leather, chain or rhinestones with Lobster claw hooks at each end of the strap can attach to clutch. 
         [0095]    On the inside of the clutch half  150 A of this 2-in-1 purse, a 1 inch hook Velcro  71  is sewn all the way around the top inside of the clutch to attach to the main purse half  1 A of the 2-in-1 purse. 
         [0096]    Inside the clutch half  150 A, 1½ inches from its top portion  150 , a total of six magnets  72  can be hidden between the lining and the leather, three on each side opposite each other. These hidden magnets can connect together to serve as a secure closure for the removable clutch. 
         [0097]    A zipper compartment  73  inside of clutch lining and leather cell telephone compartment with 2-inch flap with Velcro closure measuring 3½ inches by 3½ inches. 
         [0098]    On the inside of the clutch half are two small hooks  74  sewn into both sides of the lining. These small hooks allow a variety of different should straps with lobster claw hooks at the end of the strap to slip through the two sides and attach to the clutch. 
         [0099]      FIG. 10B  shows the clutch  150 A when removed from the main purse  1 A. 
         [0100]    In one embodiment, both the main purse  1 A and clutch  150 A can be fully lined with Bengaline high quality fabric. 
         [0101]    Hook Velcro  76  can be located on the back of the belts  76  for attaching on to the 2-in-1 main purse for multiple designs with a variety of belts. 
         [0102]    While the invention has been described herein with reference to certain preferred embodiments, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and not to limit the scope of the invention.