Handbag and case with multi-purpose strap

The present invention relates to a handbag or case that includes a body, first and second body fasteners fixedly coupled to the body, and a selectively removable and attachable handbag strap coupled to the body. The strap has first and second ends, where the first end includes a first strap fastener and the second end includes a second strap fastener. The strap is attached to the body by coupling the first body fastener to the first strap fastener, and by coupling the second body fastener to the second strap fastener. The strap is removed from the body by detaching the first body fastener from the first strap fastener, and by detaching the second body fastener from the second strap fastener. The first and second strap fasteners of the removed strap are coupled together, so that the strap is worn as jewelry. In another embodiment, the body has a plurality of belt loops and the strap has a belt buckle at one end. When the strap is removed, it is worn as a belt around the beltline of a person by buckling the buckle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In a first embodiment, FIGS. 1A, 1B , and 1 C illustrate the inventive handbag or case having a selectively removable strap to be worn as jewelry. In FIG. 1 A, body 10 of the handbag 25 (see FIG 1 C) is shown having a clasp 12 and an eye 14 attached to its top inside portion. It should be understood, that the clasp 12 and eye 14 are mere examples of fasteners, and that any type of fasteners may be used. In fact, both 12 and 14 may be the same type of clip. Further, it should be understood that the clasp 12 and eye 14 may be placed on the top or outside of body 10 . FIG 1 B illustrates a strap 20 of handbag 25 . As with body 10 , the strap has a clasp 22 at one end and an eye 24 at the other end. Of course, other types (or the same type) of fasteners can be used. The handbag 25 having body 10 and strap 20 is shown connected in FIG IC. In FIG. 1 C, clasp 22 of strap 20 is affixed to eye 12 of body 10 . Similarly, eye 24 of strap 20 is affixed to clasp 14 of body 10 . When strap 20 is removed, as shown in FIG. 1 B, the strap, which is in essence jewelry to be worn directly on a person, may be clasped together around the person's neck, wrist, ankle, or waist as desired. In a second embodiment, FIGS. 2A, 2B , and 2 C illustrate the inventive case or handbag having a selectively removable strap to be worn as a belt. In FIG. 2 A, body 30 of the case 50 (see FIG. 2C ) is shown having a plurality of belt loops 32 placed around the entire circumference of body 30 . Of course, there may be more or less belt loops 32 as desired. Further, the belt loops 32 may be formed in the inside circumference of the body as well. FIG. 2B illustrates a strap 40 of case 50 . Strap 40 includes a buckle assembly 45 having a buckle finger 47 . Further, strap 40 includes a plurality of buckle holes 42 . Although FIG. 2B and 2C illustrate strap 40 with equidistant holes along the entire length of strap 40 , such holes may be formed asymmetrically along only a portion of the length of the strap. It should be appreciated that other types of buckle assemblies, although not shown, may be used in the present embodiment. For example, the buckle assembly may have a tension rod instead of a buckle finger. Of course, if a tension rod is used, then buckle holes are not necessary. In FIG. 2 C, strap 40 is threaded through the belt loops 32 of body 30 . The buckle assembly 45 affixes the strap 40 to body 30 . Specifically, the buckle finger 47 is accepted into one of the belt holes 32 , and is secured like a convention belt buckle. Of course, strap 40 is adjustable in length depending on which hole 32 is utilized. When removed, as shown in FIG. 2B, a person may thread the belt through the loops around the waist of one's pants, and buckle the strap to hold up one's pants or for aesthetic purposes. Finally, it should be understood that the foregoing description is merely illustrative of the invention. Numerous alternative embodiments within the scope of the appended claims will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.