Abstract:
A protective cover for handbags and like objects is provided, which comprises a portable and self-contained storage pouch. The protective cover can be attached to the exterior of a handbag by various mechanisms and can comprise one or more carrying straps. The protective cover can be made from a durable, water resistant and germ resistant material capable of preventing dirt, moisture and harsh chemicals from reaching the handbag. This protective cover can also prevent germ contamination of the handbag or other surfaces by removing it from the handbag and washing it after use.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims benefit to the non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 12/437,916 filed May 8, 2009, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present device is a portable, self-contained protective cover designed to protect items such as purses, briefcases, valises, suitcases, portfolios and similar items made from leather, fabric or other materials, from damage caused by dirt and moisture, harsh disinfectants or other chemicals, as well as contamination of these items by germs. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    It is well-known that people often carry expensive purses, handbags, computer bags and other similar objects while they are out dining, shopping, commuting to and from work, or participating in any other activity that requires them to use their valuable purses, handbags etc. outside of the clean confines of their homes. These items are subject to many environmental hazards, which can cause damage including rain, snow, dirty shopping carts, restroom floors, subway train floors and countless other dirty and wet conditions that are commonly encountered. Some of these hazards are also havens for germs which can then be carried home on the contaminated handbags, briefcases, etc. Furthermore, the dirt and water can cause significant damage to leathers, fabrics and other like materials, which often comprise these handbags, briefcases and similar objects. 
         [0004]    What is needed is a portable, self-contained protective cover, which can be used to encase these handbags, etc. when they are subject to dirt, moisture, germs, etc. This cover must be portable so it can be easily stored, preferably on or in the item being protected while not in use. When in use the protected bag must be just as easy to carry as it would be if it were not enclosed in the protective cover. Ideally, this protective cover would be easy to deploy and remove and would be washable and reusable. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    It is an aspect of the present device to provide a protective cover for the exterior of handbags, briefcases and other similar devices that can prevent damage and contamination from dirt, moisture, chemicals and germs. 
         [0006]    The above aspects can be obtained by a protective cover comprising a bag having an inner surface and an outer surface, the bag having at least one opening capable of accepting a handbag or like item, and the bag having a connecting mechanism allowing its inner surface to be secured to the outer surface of the handbag or like item. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective front view of a handbag that is partially covered with a protective cover that has not been fully deployed, according to an embodiment; 
           [0008]      FIG. 1B  is a perspective side view of a handbag that is partially covered with a protective cover that has not been fully deployed, according to an embodiment; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a perspective top view of a protective cover completely closed within its own storage pouch and not deployed for use, according to an embodiment; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3A  is a perspective top view of a fully deployed protective cover, according to an embodiment; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3B  is a perspective bottom view of a fully deployed protective cover, according to an embodiment; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a perspective side view of a handbag being fully enclosed within a protective cover that has been fully deployed, according to an embodiment; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a perspective side view of a protective cover comprising a single elastic band, which can be used to connect the protective cover to the handbag, according to an embodiment; and 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a perspective side view of a protective cover comprising a grommet, which can be used to connect the protective cover to the handbag, according to an embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0015]    This description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description, relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,”, “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. 
         [0016]    Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. 
         [0017]    The present device should be capable of being attached to handbags, briefcases and other similar devices being protected and it should be capable of being compressed into a relatively small volume for storage and transport. The present device should also be capable of being removed easily from the item to be protected so that it can be washed after use. 
         [0018]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective front view of a handbag  100  that is partially covered with a protective cover  101  that has not been fully deployed, according to an embodiment. 
         [0019]      FIG. 1B  is a perspective side view of a handbag  100  that is partially covered with a protective cover  101  that has not been fully deployed, according to an embodiment. 
         [0020]    The exterior of a handbag  100 , as depicted in  FIG. 1A , can be protected from dirt, moisture, harsh chemicals and germs by the use of a portable protective cover  101 . This protective cover  101  can also comprise an elastic opening  102 , draw-string (not pictured), or other suitable device capable of closing the opening at the top of the protective cover  101  and helping to secure the protective cover  101  to the handbag  100  or similar device, which is being protected. 
         [0021]    The protective cover  101  can also feature a smaller storage pouch  106  capable of containing the entire protective cover  101  in a relatively small volume, as depicted in  FIG. 2 . This feature can allow the protective cover  101  to be easily stored and transported while it has not been deployed. This protector can comprise a zipper, drawstring, or similar suitable device (not pictured) capable of containing the bulk of the protective cover  101  within the smaller storage pouch  106  when the protective cover  101  is being stored. This feature allows the protective cover  101  to be stored within or connected to the handbag  100  that is to be protected. 
         [0022]      FIG. 2  is a perspective top view of a protective cover completely closed within its own protective pouch  206  and not deployed for use, according to an embodiment. 
         [0023]    The protective cover (not pictured) can be easily removed from the smaller storage pouch  206  through the use of a zipper  203 , drawstring or other suitable connecting or cinching device (not pictured). The smaller storage pouch can also comprise a string, rope, chain or other connecting device (not pictured) to either attach the smaller pouch  206  to the handbag or other device being protected, or be used as a carrying handle. 
         [0024]      FIG. 3A  is a perspective top view of a protective cover  301  deployed from a smaller pouch  306 , according to an embodiment. 
         [0025]    Once the smaller storage pouch  306  is opened by unzipping the zipper  304 , the protective cover  301  can be fully deployed. The elastic opening  302  can then be accessed allowing the protective cover to be placed over a handbag or similar device (not pictured). 
         [0026]      FIG. 3B  is a perspective bottom view of a protective cover deployed from a smaller storage pouch  306 , according to an embodiment. 
         [0027]    In one embodiment the smaller pouch  306 , when the zipper  304  has been unzipped, as shown in  FIG. 3B , can form the bottom of the protective cover (not pictured). 
         [0028]      FIG. 4  is a perspective side view of a handbag  400  that is fully enclosed within a protective cover  401  that has been fully deployed, according to an embodiment. 
         [0029]    A handbag  400  or similar device, which is being protected, can be inserted into the opening  402  and contained within in the protective cover  401 , as depicted in  FIG. 4 . The protective cover  401  can comprise carrying straps  407  to be used to carry the handbag  400  or similar device once it is fully inserted into the protective cover  401 . The carrying straps  407  can be used to carry both the protective cover  401  and handbag  400  to ensure that all parts of the handbag are contained within the protective cover  401 . In another embodiment, the handbag&#39;s  400  own carrying strap or straps, which can be used to carry the bag  400  and the protective cover  401 . 
         [0030]    The protective cover  401  can be made of a water resistant material, which provides protection to the handbag  400  or similar device from moisture. The protective cover  401  can also be made of a material, which is resistant to germs to protect the handbag  400  or similar device from germs encountered on all surfaces. The protective cover  401  can also be made of a washable material allowing it to be washed and re-used. The protective cover  401  can also be made of a material that is transparent, translucent or designed to make the protective cover  401  aesthetically pleasing. 
         [0031]    In another embodiment, logos and personalization can be printed on or sewn into the side of the protective cover  401 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 5  is a perspective side view of a protective cover comprising a single elastic band, which can be used to connect the protective cover to the handbag, according to an embodiment. 
         [0033]    In this embodiment, the strap or straps of the bag being protected (not pictured) can be run through the elastic band  505  in order to attach the protective cover  501  to the bag being protected. 
         [0034]      FIG. 6  is a perspective side view of a protective cover  601  comprising a grommet  607 , which can be used to connect the protective cover  601  to the handbag (not pictured), according to an embodiment. 
         [0035]    Handbags, briefcases, and similar devices often comprise loops or grommets. In one embodiment the protective cover  601  can also comprise a grommet which could then be used to attach the protective cover to the handbag or other device being protected. This connection could be made with a jeweler&#39;s chain  609  or similar connecting device. 
         [0036]    Although the invention has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the appended claims should be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodiments of the invention, which may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and range of equivalents of the invention.