Abstract:
The present invention is a purse that can be converted between a shoulder bag and a clutch purse. It is also reversible, meaning that the fabric on either the interior or the exterior can be exposed. The present invention consists of a lined sack, with grommets or other medium attached to the fabric at the open end of the sack. A second piece to the present invention is a cloth scarf, made of a relatively sturdy fabric that is capable of carrying the weight of the typical contents of the purse. The cloth scarf is woven in and out of the grommets on the top of the purse. 
     The purse can exist in two modes, as a shoulder bag and as a clutch purse. In the shoulder bag mode, the two loose ends of the scarf are tied together in a knot, and the bag is worn with the arm going through the tied scarf. In the second mode, the purse acts as a clutch purse. In this mode, the scarf is tied loosely into a decorative bow, and the bag is folded over with the bow facing the outside.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/589,234 filed on Jan. 20, 2012. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX 
       [0003]    Not applicable. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    This invention generally relates to purses, and more specifically to both shoulder bags and clutch purses. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Purses are commonly used to carry articles throughout the day and evening. There are many different kinds of purses, including those worn over the shoulder, and those carried by hand. Purse users may carry varying amounts of articles, depending on the occasion and circumstances. This requires purses of various sizes. Also, purse users frequently desire numerous different styles of purse to match different clothing. All of these desires lead many consumers to own numerous different purses. Therefore, there is a significant motivation to create a purse that is as versatile as possible. Because many purses are taken on travel, there is also motivation to make a purse that is portable and lightweight as well. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention is a purse comprising:
       a. two panels of heavy fabric of approximately equal shape and dimensions sewn together to create a bag, wherein the heavy fabric at the open end of the bag comprises several grommets attached thereto;   b. a lining made of lighter fabric on the interior of the bag;   c. a pocket made of heavy fabric on the exterior of the bag; and   d. optionally, an elongated strip of fabric woven in and out of the grommets on the top of the bag that may serve either as a shoulder strap or a decoration;   wherein the bag is reversible and convertible between a shoulder bag and multiple presentations of a clutch purse.       
 
         [0012]    The present invention can exist in two major modes: a shoulder bag and a clutch purse. In the shoulder bag mode, the two loose ends of the elongated strip of fabric may be tied together in a knot, and the bag may be worn with the arm going through the tied strip of fabric. In the second mode, the purse acts as a clutch purse. In this mode, the bag may be folded over in different embodiments of a clutch purse, and the elongated strip of fabric may be tied into a bow on one of the outward faces of the purse. The bag may be folded over to show the grommets or keep them hidden. The bag may also be reversed or partially reversed, and folded over in clutch embodiments that show the lining or a portion of the lining. The lining on the interior of the bag may be made up of two panels of lighter fabric of similar dimensions as the two panels of heavy fabric. The clutch embodiments of the present invention may show the heavy fabric, the lighter fabric, or both. 
         [0013]    The elongated strip of fabric is optional in the clutch mode and can be left off entirely. The elongated strip of fabric may alternatively be removed from the grommets and tied around the bag. The elongated strip of fabric can also be hidden in clutch modes. The elongated strip of fabric may be a scarf made of a relatively sturdy fabric that is capable of carrying the weight of the typical contents of the purse. After the elongated strip of fabric is woven through the grommets, the wearer may leave extra length for aesthetic effect. 
         [0014]    The purse may optionally comprise one or more additional pockets on the exterior and/or interior of the bag and the pockets may optionally be lined. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is a front, exterior view of an embodiment of the present invention that is in shoulder bag mode. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a front, exterior view of another embodiment of the present invention that is in shoulder bag mode. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a front, exterior view of an embodiment of the present invention folded over in clutch purse mode with the grommets hidden. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a front, exterior view of an embodiment of the present invention folded over in clutch purse mode with the grommets showing. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is a front, exterior view of another embodiment of the present invention folded over in clutch purse mode with the grommets hidden. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a front, exterior view of an embodiment of the present invention folded over in clutch purse mode and tied in the center with the elongated strip of fabric. 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is a front, exterior view of an embodiment of the present invention with the top edge partially turned down to reveal the lining. 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is a front, exterior view of an embodiment of the present invention, folded over in clutch purse mode with the grommets, lining, and exterior fabric of the bag showing. 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  is a view of an embodiment of a bag portion of the present invention that is turned inside out. 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  is a front, exterior view of an embodiment of the present invention, folded over in clutch purse mode with only the lining showing and the grommets hidden. 
           [0025]      FIG. 11  is a front, exterior view of another embodiment of the present invention, folded over in clutch purse mode with the grommets, lining, and exterior fabric of the bag showing. 
           [0026]      FIG. 12  is a front, exterior view of a bag portion of the present invention that is horseshoe-shaped. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0027]    As used herein, a “panel” of fabric is a vertical piece of fabric. 
         [0028]    As used herein, a “face” is either an interior planar surface of fabric or an exterior planar surface of fabric with respect to the interior or exterior of a bag. 
         [0029]    As used herein, a “side” of a panel of fabric is a line forming a border of the panel of fabric. 
         [0030]    Reference will now be made in detail to various exemplary embodiments of the invention. The following detailed description is presented for the purpose of describing certain embodiments in detail. The present invention may be further illustrated in the following figures, attention being called to the fact, however, that the embodiments described in the description and shown in the figures are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, and that changes may be made in the specific constructions described in this specification and accompanying drawings that a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize are within the scope and spirit of the invention. The true scope of the invention is defined by the claims. Further, any features of any embodiment described herein are equally applicable to any other embodiment described herein or envisioned by one of ordinary skill in the art. The detailed description and figures provided herein should not be construed to exclude features otherwise described with respect to another embodiment. 
         [0031]    One of the many advantages of the purse of the present invention, only some of which are discussed herein, is that it is extremely versatile. The features of the invention allow it to be able to convert into two modes, clutch mode and shoulder bag mode, through simple adjustments of the features. The ability to interchange the purse of the present invention into two modes allows it to be used on a variety of different occasions. For example, shoulder bag mode may be used for occasions in which the utility of carrying large items is most important, such as a notebook computer being carried from home to office and back. Further, clutch purse mode may be used for more formal occasions in which the appearance of the purse is most important, such as a dinner event where one may be carrying smaller items. In clutch mode, the features of the invention allow further versatility in that they allow the wearer to present a variety of different looks to the purse, including the presentation of different shapes and fabrics, depending on the mood of the wearer and the setting. In shoulder bag mode, the features of the invention allow for ideal distribution of the weight of the contents of the purse. These features and advantages will become readily apparent in the following description and figures. 
         [0032]    In one embodiment (Embodiment 1), the invention is a purse comprising:
       A. a front panel of heavy fabric and a back panel of heavy fabric having the same shape and dimensions, being coupled together partially along the sides to form a bag with a closed end, an open end, two exterior faces, and two interior faces, wherein a strip of the front and back panels of heavy fabric at the open end of the bag comprises a plurality of grommets attached thereto;   B. a lining made of lighter fabric on the interior faces of the bag;   C. a pocket made of heavy fabric on one of the exterior faces of the bag; and   D. optionally, an elongated strip of fabric woven through said grommets, wherein the ends of said elongated strip of fabric may be fastened together, thereby forming a shoulder strap, or tied in a bow to form a decoration;   wherein the bag is reversible and convertible between a shoulder bag and multiple presentations of a clutch purse.       
 
         [0038]    Examples of variations of this embodiment will be shown in the following figures and description. 
         [0039]    Referring now to the figures,  FIG. 1  shows a front, exterior view of an embodiment of the purse of the present invention that is in shoulder bag mode, comprising two rectangular panels of heavy fabric (front panel shown as  30 , back panel not shown) coupled together along the bottom short side and two long sides, with a plurality of grommets  10  at the top of both panels. In this embodiment there is a separate elongated strip of fabric  20 , woven in and out of the grommets which may be a scarf. In this embodiment, the exterior front face of the purse contains a pocket  40  at the bottom. 
         [0040]    The heavy fabric may be any suitable fabric for forming the bag of the purse. Non-limiting examples of heavy fabrics that may be used include burlap, canvas, natural leather, synthetic leather, and vinyl plastics. The two panels of heavy fabric may be coupled together through any suitable method known in the art, including sewing, stitching, weaving, stapling, and gluing. In a preferred embodiment, the two panels of heavy fabric are coupled together by sewing along the sides of the fabric. 
         [0041]    The grommets are of sufficient width for accepting a strip of cloth that is wide enough to support the weight of a purse with contents. The number of grommets attached to the fabric may be any number that is sufficient for evenly distributing the load of a weight of the purse with contents, and may preferably be between two and eight, and most preferably four. The grommets are preferably spaced evenly for even distribution of weight. Non-limiting examples of materials that may be used to form the grommets include metal, rubber, plastic, or plastic-coated metal. The grommets may be attached to the panels of heavy fabric by any suitable means, including but not limited to sewing and gluing. 
         [0042]    The elongated strip of fabric is made of a material sturdy enough and wide enough to hold the weight of the contents of a purse, and may be a heavy fabric including but not limited to burlap, canvas, natural leather, synthetic leather, or vinyl plastics, or a lighter fabric including but not limited to cotton, polyester, or a blend of the two. The elongated strip of fabric may be a scarf, and can be tied into a bow as in  FIG. 1 , or a knot at the ends. The elongated strip of fabric can be pulled to gather and secure the bag to one side, so as to hang on a wearer&#39;s shoulder. 
         [0043]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the bag portion of the present invention comprises a pocket  40  on the exterior front face of the bag. The pocket is made from a panel of heavy fabric that is preferably the same type of fabric making up the front and back panels of heavy fabric. The pocket is the same width as the front or back panel of heavy fabric, and a portion of the length, which may preferably be about 40% to about 60%, and most preferably about 50% the length of the bag. The panel of heavy fabric representing the pocket is coupled to the front panel of heavy fabric through any suitable means, preferably sewing. In other embodiments, the panel of heavy fabric representing the pocket may be coupled to the back panel of heavy fabric, or both the front panel and back panel in a two-pocket embodiment. This pocket may be fully lined with a complementary fabric which may be the same fabric as the lining of the handbag, through coupling a similarly sized and shaped piece of lighter fabric to the heavy fabric that makes up the pocket. This pocket may then be optionally reversed to display a different look to the exterior of the bag. This pocket is preferably sized to carry a magazine, or notebook computer. 
         [0044]      FIG. 2  shows a front, exterior view of another embodiment of the present invention that is in shoulder bag mode. In this embodiment, the elongated strip of fabric is woven through the grommets, and pulled tightly so that the fabric at the top of the bag is gathered, forming a bell-shaped bag. In this position, only two of the grommets on the front side are visible (and two on the back of the bag, not shown) with the rest hidden. In this embodiment, the elongated strip of fabric is disbursed evenly to create a two handle bag. In this embodiment the purse can be carried with the hand, instead of being supported on one&#39;s shoulder. This embodiment may be referred to as Market Leisure. 
         [0045]      FIG. 3  shows a front, exterior view of an embodiment wherein the bag of the present invention is folded over to present a clutch look with the grommets hidden. In this embodiment, the bag of  FIG. 2  is tapered by pulling the elongated strip of fabric, the strip is tucked and folded and the top half of the bag is folded over in the outside pocket. In this embodiment, the heavy fabric of the back panel  35  of the bag is shown folded over into the front pocket  40 . The embodiment may be referred to as a Kangaroo Clutch. 
         [0046]      FIG. 4  shows a front, exterior view of an embodiment in which the bag portion of the present invention is folded over to present a clutch look with the grommets  10  showing. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the bag portion of the present invention is folded in half over the front pocket  40  from top to bottom, to present a clutch bag, with the elongated strip of fabric showing woven through the grommets  10 , and tied into a bow  90 . If one does not like the longer length of the scarf for this purpose, shorter ones will be available in various color coordinated fabrics. The wearer can also experiment with lengths and colors of scarves in their own wardrobes, to coordinate with their moods and outfits. In other embodiments, the elongated strip of fabric can be removed or tucked into the interior so as not to be cumbersome. The elongated strip of fabric can also remain woven through the grommets and gathered to change the shape of the bag, creating another look. 
         [0047]      FIG. 5  shows a front, exterior view of another embodiment wherein the bag is folded over to present a clutch look. In this embodiment, the elongated strip of fabric of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  is tucked inside the pocket, and the top quarter of the bag is folded down, then folded again. In this embodiment, the heavy fabric of the back panel  35  is shown folded downward over the front pocket  40 , with the grommets hidden. This embodiment may be referred to as a Casual Clutch. 
         [0048]      FIG. 6  shows a front, exterior view of the bag of the present invention folded over to create an alternative clutch embodiment. In this embodiment, the elongated strip of fabric  20  is tied around the bag to create a bow-shaped bag. 
         [0049]      FIG. 7  shows a front, exterior view of the bag of the present invention with the top folded over from the inside out. This presents the coordinating interior fabric  80 , together with the exterior fabric  100 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 8  shows a front, exterior view of an embodiment wherein the bag of  FIG. 7  is folded over to present a clutch look. In this embodiment, the strip of the lining  80  resulting from the top edge folded down contrasts with the exterior heavy fabric of the exterior front pocket  40 . This embodiment may be referred to as the Dressy Clutch. In various embodiments, the bag may be preferably folded over from one quarter to one third the length of the bag. For other embodiments, one can tie the elongated strip of fabric around the bag or remove the strip of fabric completely. 
         [0051]      FIG. 9  shows a view of an embodiment of the bag portion of the present invention showing the full lining of a coordinating lighter and less sturdy weight fabric. The bag in  FIG. 9  is turned inside out, which reveals the lining  80  completely except for the strip of fabric where the grommets show at the top  50 , which is the same as the exterior of the bag. Non-limiting examples of lighter fabrics that may be used include silk, satin, nylon, cotton, polyester, and polyurethane. The lining of the bag comprises two panels of lighter fabric (front panel shown as  80 , back panel not shown) of the same shape and similar dimensions as the panels of heavy fabric, that are coupled to the interior faces of the heavy panels along the sides to create the lining. The two panels of lighter fabric are coupled to the panels of heavy fabric by any suitable means known in the art, preferably sewing. The lighter fabric making up the lining of the bag is preferably color coordinated with the panels of heavy fabric. 
         [0052]    In this embodiment, the lining contains a pocket of the same dimensions as the exterior pocket. The pocket is made from a panel of lighter fabric that is preferably the same type of fabric comprising the panels of lighter fabric used to create the lining. This panel of lighter fabric is coupled to the panel of lighter fabric that makes up the lining. The pocket is the same width as the front or back panel of lighter fabric, and a portion of the length which may preferably be about 40% to 60%, and most preferably about 50% of the length of the bag. This pocket is divided into two unequal sections with stitching separating the sections. The larger pocket  60  is preferably portioned to hold an e-reader. The other, smaller pocket  70  is a preferably proportioned to hold a cell phone. The pocket in the lining may be coupled to the front or back panel of lighter fabric or both. 
         [0053]      FIG. 10  shows a front, exterior view of an embodiment of the present invention that presents an alternative clutch look. In this embodiment, the top quarter of the inside-out bag of  FIG. 9  is folded down, then the top is folded again. In this embodiment only the lining  80  of the bag shows, with the grommets hidden. This embodiment may be referred to as the Elegant Clutch or Evening Clutch. 
         [0054]      FIG. 11  shows a front, exterior view of an additional clutch embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the top edge of the inside-out bag of  FIG. 9  is turned down to reveal the exterior heavy fabric  100  of the bag. The top is then folded over to present a clutch bag that shows the lining  80 , the exterior fabric  100 , as well as the grommets  10 . In this embodiment, the ends of the elongated strip of fabric are tied in a bow  90 . This embodiment may be referred to as the Sassy Clutch. Alternatively, the elongated strip of fabric may be removed or tied around the bag. 
         [0055]    In other clutch purse embodiments, the bag portion of the present invention can be folded in thirds, fourths, or rolled for different looks to the bag. 
         [0056]    The panels of heavy fabric that form the bag portion of the present invention may be of any shape suitable for forming a purse, including but not limited to rectangular, square, trapezoid, partially circular, and partially oval. The type of shape of the panels forming the bag portion may be defined by any combination of straight or curved lines as the sides of the panels, as long as the shape is suitable for forming a purse, has room for a plurality of grommets at the top, and may convert between shoulder bag and clutch modes. 
         [0057]      FIG. 12  shows a front, exterior view of an embodiment of the bag portion of the present invention with a horseshoe shape, with the front panel  30  shown with a plurality of grommets  10  at the top, and a pocket  40  at the bottom. 
         [0058]    Specific embodiments of the invention also include: 
       Embodiment 2 
       [0059]    The purse of embodiment 1, wherein the pocket made of heavy fabric on one of the exterior faces of said bag comprises a lining made of lighter fabric. 
       Embodiment 3 
       [0060]    The purse of embodiment 2, wherein the lining of the pocket made of heavy fabric on one of the exterior faces of said bag is made of the same fabric as the lining of the bag. 
       Embodiment 4 
       [0061]    The purse of embodiment 1, further comprising a pocket made of lighter fabric on one of the interior faces of said bag. 
       Embodiment 5 
       [0062]    The purse of embodiment 4, wherein the pocket made of lighter fabric on one of the interior faces of said bag is stitched to create two unequal sections. 
       Embodiment 6 
       [0063]    The purse of embodiment 5, wherein one section of the pocket is size proportioned to hold a cell phone, and the other section of the pocket is size proportioned to hold an e-reader. 
       Embodiment 7 
       [0064]    The purse of embodiment 4, wherein the pocket made of lighter fabric on one of the interior faces of said bag is made of the same fabric as the lining of said bag. 
       Embodiment 8 
       [0065]    The purse of embodiment 1, wherein the front panel of heavy fabric and the back panel of heavy fabric are rectangular in shape. 
       Embodiment 9 
       [0066]    The purse of embodiment 1, wherein the front panel of heavy fabric and the back panel of heavy fabric are horseshoe-shaped. 
       Embodiment 10 
       [0067]    The purse of embodiment 1, wherein the front panel of heavy fabric and the back panel of heavy fabric are trapezoidal, partially oval, partially circular, or square in shape. 
       Embodiment 11 
       [0068]    The purse of embodiment 1, wherein the front panel of heavy fabric and the back panel of heavy fabric each comprise four grommets. 
       Embodiment 12 
       [0069]    The purse of embodiment 1, wherein both the front panel of heavy fabric and the back panel of heavy fabric are burlap, canvas, natural leather, synthetic leather, or vinyl plastic. 
       Embodiment 13 
       [0070]    The purse of the embodiment 1, wherein the lighter fabric is silk, satin, nylon, cotton, polyester, or polyurethane. 
       Embodiment 14 
       [0071]    The purse of embodiment 1, wherein the elongated strip of fabric is woven through the grommets and pulled tightly to create a bell-shaped shoulder bag. 
       Embodiment 15 
       [0072]    The purse of embodiment 1, wherein in one of the presentations of a clutch purse, the top half of the bag is folded over and inserted into the outside pocket. 
       Embodiment 16 
       [0073]    The purse of embodiment 1, wherein in one of the presentations of a clutch purse, the bag is folded with the grommets showing and the elongated strip of fabric is removed from said grommets. 
       Embodiment 17 
       [0074]    The purse of embodiment 1, wherein in one of the presentations of a clutch purse, the bag is folded with the grommets showing, the elongated strip of fabric is woven through the grommets, and the ends of the elongated strip of fabric are tied in a bow. 
       Embodiment 18 
       [0075]    The purse of embodiment 1, wherein in one of the presentations of a clutch purse, the bag is folded with the grommets hidden and only the heavy fabric showing. 
       Embodiment 19 
       [0076]    The purse of embodiment 1, wherein in one of the presentations of a clutch purse, the bag is folded with the elongated strip of fabric tied around the bag to present a bow-shaped clutch purse. 
       Embodiment 20 
       [0077]    The purse of embodiment 1, wherein in one of the presentations of a clutch purse, the bag is turned inside out and folded with the grommets hidden and only the lighter fabric showing. 
       Embodiment 21 
       [0078]    The purse of embodiment 1, wherein in one of the presentations of a clutch purse, the bag is folded so that the heavy fabric, lighter fabric, and grommets are showing.