Patent Publication Number: US-6340235-B1

Title: Adaptable electric accessory system for containers, receptacles, and the like

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is a continuation-in-part of an application filed Jan. 12, 1998, and assigned the application Ser. No. 09/005,655, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a new adaptable electric accessory system for containers, receptacles, and the like for illuminating a receptacle and powering electronic devices situated in the receptacle. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     The use of illuminated containers is known in the prior art. More specifically, illuminated containers heretofore devised and utilized are known to consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which have been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements. 
     Known prior art includes U.S. Pat. No. 4,912,611; U.S. Pat. No. 4,972,304; U.S. Pat. Des. 315,830; U.S. Pat. No. 4,263,951; U.S. Pat. No. 5,207,254; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,976,871 which are all incorporated herein by reference. 
     In these respects, the adaptable electric accessory system for containers, receptacles, and the like according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of illuminating a receptacle and powering electronic devices situated therein with a rechargeable onboard battery or batteries as well as recharge the batteries of removable electric devices. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of illuminated containers now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new adaptable electric accessory system for containers, receptacles, and the like wherein the same can be utilized for illuminating a receptacle and powering electronic devices situated therein with a rechargeable onboard battery or batteries as well as recharge the batteries of removable electric devices. 
     The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new adaptable electric accessory system for containers, receptacles, and the like which has many of the advantages of the illuminated containers mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new adaptable electric accessory system for containers, receptacles, and the like which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art illuminated containers, either alone or in any combination thereof. 
     To attain this, the present invention generally comprises an adaptable electric accessory system including a receptacle having an interior compartment, an illumination apparatus, and a power source for supplying power to the apparatus. The system may be provided with an insert removably positionable in the interior compartment of the receptacle. The illumination apparatus may be mounted on the insert or receptacle for illuminating the insert or receptacle. A charging apparatus may be provided for providing power to the power source for recharging the power source and removable electric devices. The receptacle may include a flexible strap with a pair of forcible release assemblies each being connected between one of the ends of the strap and the receptacle for detecting a forcible removal of the receptacle from the person of the user. A timer mechanism may be provided for causing illumination of the illumination apparatus for a predetermined period of time upon the closing of an activating switch. The illumination apparatus may comprise at least one illuminating liner panel positioned on an interior surface of the insert and/or the receptacle. An alarm apparatus may be included for providing an audible alarm upon triggering of the alarm apparatus, and an alarm activating switch. The alarm apparatus is triggered upon the removal of a strap attached to the receptacle or the actuation of the alarm activating switch. A pocket may be provided for removably receiving an electrical device, and a power adapting apparatus may be provided for supplying power to an electric device, with the power adapting apparatus being connected to the power source and base charging system. 
     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. 
     In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new adaptable electric accessory system for containers, receptacles, and the like which has many of the advantages of the illuminated containers mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new adaptable electric accessory system for containers, receptacles, and the like which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art illuminated containers, either alone or in any combination thereof. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a new adaptable electric accessory system for containers, receptacles, and the like which may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new adaptable electric accessory system for containers, receptacles, and the like which is of a durable and reliable construction. 
     An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new adaptable electric accessory system for containers, receptacles, and the like which is susceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such adaptable electric accessory system for containers, receptacles, and the like economically available to the buying public. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new adaptable electric accessory system for containers, receptacles, and the like which provides in the apparatuses and methods of the prior art some of the advantages thereof, while simultaneously overcoming some of the disadvantages normally associated therewith. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new adaptable electric accessory system for containers, receptacles, and the like for illuminating a receptacle and powering electronic devices situated therein via a rechargeable onboard battery. 
     These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a schematic upper perspective view of a new adaptable electric accessory system according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view taken along line  2 — 2  of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded upper perspective view of the present invention. 
     FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view taken along line  4 — 4  of FIG.  3 . 
     FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the preferred circuitry of the present invention. 
     FIG. 6 is a schematic exploded upper perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional view taken along line  7 — 7  of FIG. 6 of the alternative embodiment. 
     FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of a charging base for the retainer device of the present invention. 
     FIG. 9 is a schematic front perspective view of an optional adaptable electric accessory system for containers, receptacles, and the like according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 10 is a schematic front perspective view of the insert of the present invention removed from the receptacle. 
     FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of the present invention with the flaps of the insert and the receptacle in an open orientation. 
     FIG. 12 is a schematic top view of the insert showing the fiber optic liner panels thereof. 
     FIG. 13 is a schematic front view of the frame of the receptacle of the present invention. 
     FIG. 13A is a schematic side view of a portion of an optional forcible release assembly of the present invention. 
     FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of the electrical interrelationships of the electrical components of one embodiment of the charging base of the present invention. 
     FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of the electrical assembly of the receptacle of the present invention. 
     FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of a timer mechanism of the insert of the present invention. 
     FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view of the exterior of another optional embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective view of the insert portion of the optional embodiment of FIG.  9 . 
     FIG. 19 is a schematic perspective view of the optional embodiment of FIG. 9 with the lid raised to particularly illustrate the insert located in the receptacle of the present invention. 
     FIG. 20 is a schematic perspective phantom view of the insert of the present invention particularly illustrating circuitry of the insert. 
     FIG. 21 is a schematic perspective phantom view of the receptacle of the present invention particularly illustrating circuitry and internal walls of the receptacle. 
     FIG. 22 is a schematic bottom view of the receptacle of the invention particularly illustrating the features of the bottom of the receptacle. 
     FIG. 23 is a schematic perspective view of an optional embodiment of a charging base of the present invention. 
     FIG. 24 is a schematic perspective view of the receptacle rested on the charging base for charging the battery. 
     FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram of the electrical interrelationships of the components of the receptacle and the insert of the optional embodiment. 
     FIG. 26 is a schematic view of a portion of an optional forcible release assembly. 
     FIG. 27 is a schematic view of a portion of an optional forcible release assembly. 
     FIG. 28 is a schematic sectional view of a portion of the optional forcible release assemblies shown in FIGS. 26 and 17. 
     FIG. 29 is a schematic view of a portion of an optional forcible release assembly 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 through 29 thereof, a new adaptable electric accessory system for containers, receptacles, and the like embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference numeral  10  will be described. 
     With particular reference to FIGS. 1 through 8, it will be noted that the invention  10  comprises a retainer device  12  adapted to receive a removable liner  20  which is removably positionable within an interior compartment of the retainer device  12  for permitting transfer of the liner  20  between a variety of retainer devices (having, for example, different fashion styles). An illustrative and preferred retainer device is a handbag or purse having a shoulder strap  14  for positioning on the shoulder of a user to support the handbag in a location adjacent to the body of the user. An illustrative handbag is elongated in one direction to form a somewhat pocket-like enclosure with an elongate opening  18 . The shape of the handbag may vary due to the flexible nature of the preferred material forming the handbag, and therefore a multitude of shapes may be useful. 
     A securing means for releasably holding the liner  20  in the interior of the retainer device  12  is preferably provided, and one illustrative means for holding the liner  20  in a position within the handbag retainer device  12  is a zipper having one set  16  of cooperating zipper teeth mounted on the exterior of the liner and the other set  17  of cooperative zipper teeth on the interior of the retainer device. 
     At least one light source  26  is secured on the liner  20  for illuminating objects held within the liner  20  (as shown in FIGS.  3  and  4 ). The liner  20  is most preferably constructed from a light emitting fabric  28  which distributes light from the light source to substantially all parts of the liner  20 . The light emitting fabric  28  is comprised of a plurality of fiber optic cables or fibers or filaments woven together and optically connected to the light source  26  for emitting light uniformly throughout the liner  20 . 
     The preferred light source  26  for illuminating the fiber optic filaments forming the liner  20  is a laser-based light source  26  and a light reflection/conduction tube  24 . Most preferably, a laser light source  26  and a light reflection/conduction tube  24  are located at each longitudinal end of the handbag retainer device  12 . The laser light source  26  is preferably located at a lower corner location in the interior of the liner  20 , and the light reflection/conduction tube  24  extends upwardly from the laser light source  26  along the longitudinal end of the liner compartment. The laser light source  26  is in optical communication with the reflection/conduction tube  24 , and in turn the reflection/conduction tube is in optical communication with the ends of the woven fiber optic filaments of the material forming the liner  20 . 
     The light source  26  is preferably electrically connected to a power source  32  carried on the liner  20 . The preferable power source is a rechargeable battery strip  32  located at the base of the liner  20 , and which is recharged by any suitable conventional means. 
     As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 of the drawings, a combination power switch and dimmer control  22  is secured to the liner  20  and is electrically connected between the light source  26  and the power source  32  to vary the electrical power supplied to the light source  26 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, an alarm system  40  is secured within the handbag retainer device  12  for detecting when a strap  14  secured to the handbag retainer device  12  is disconnected from the handbag (such as by another individual during a theft). The alarm system  40  includes a pair of strap end receiving sockets  44  located at the longitudinal ends of the receiver device  12 , and each socket  44  receives a spherical ball  46  secured to each of the opposite ends of the strap  14 . Each spherical ball  46  is held in a strap end receiving socket  44  by an interference-type fit such that only a strong pull on the strap  14  (such as by a thief forcibly removing the handbag receiver device from the wearer of the handbag) is able to remove the ball  46  from the socket  44 . An electrical buzzer  42  is secured on the retainer device  12  and is electrically connected to the alarm system  40  such that the buzzer  42  emits an audible alarm automatically when the continuity of the circuit of the alarm system  40  is completed (by removing the ball  46  from the socket  44 ) at either of the strap switches  48  located within the strap end receiving sockets  44 . 
     A magnetic lock is preferably secured on the retainer device  12  adjacent to the opening  18  for closing the retainer device  12 . The magnetic lock has a first part  50  and a second part  52  which are magnetically linked. The parts  50 ,  52  are electrically connected to the alarm system  40  for activating the alarm system  40  and emitting an audible alarm when the retainer device  12  is opened without first deactivating the alarm system. 
     The power source  34  for the alarm system  40  is preferably carried in the retainer device  12 . The preferred power source  34  is a rechargeable battery strip located at (and most preferably united to) the bottom of the interior compartment of the retainer device  12 . In the most preferred embodiment of the invention, a recharging base  70  with contact posts  72  that are adapted to contact structures on the retainer device  12  which are in electrical communication with the positive and negative poles of the battery strip  34  in the retainer device  12  for recharging the battery when the device is placed on the recharging base  72 . 
     An optional embodiment  60  of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 of the drawings. The optional embodiment  60  employs a retainer device  62  similar to the construction of retainer device  12  shown in FIG. 3. A liner  64  is adapted to be removably positioned within the retainer device  62 , and the liner  64  is most preferably formed of a transparent sheet material which permits a user to observe through the wall of the liner  64  the objects held within the liner  64 . 
     A light source, which preferably comprises at least one light bulb  66 , is mounted on the interior of the liner  64 . A dimmer switch  68  is mounted on the liner  64  to vary the power supplied to the light bulb  66 . A power switch  67  provides a means of turning the light bulb  66  on and off. An electrical cord  69  transfers power from replaceable batteries  38  carried in the retainer device  62  to the liner  60 . 
     FIGS. 9 through 16 and FIGS. 17 through 19 disclose additional embodiments of the invention showing a number of features that may optionally be incorporated as shown or with other embodiments of the invention. 
     The system includes a receptacle  80  having an interior compartment  81 . The receptacle has an outer housing  82  constructed from a flexible material and which includes a substantially rectangular bottom panel  83 , a front panel  84  and a rear panel  85 , and a pair of end panels  86 ,  87  connecting the front and rear panels. The front panel, the rear panel, and the end panels extend upwardly from the bottom panel, the front, rear and end panels to define an open top and an interior space. A flexible flap  89  may be integrally coupled to a top portion of the rear panel of the outer housing such that the flap may be positioned to cover the open top of the outer housing. The flap of the outer housing may be releasably secured in a covering position by a snap fastener, a zipper, hook and loop fasteners, and the like. 
     The receptacle  80  may be provided with a frame  90  to support the panels of the receptacle and engage the insert constructed from a substantially rigid material and including a bottom wall  91 , which may have a substantially planar rectangular configuration. The bottom wall has relatively shorter ends and relatively longer sides. A pair of upstanding primary side walls  92 ,  93  may each have a bottom end coupled to one of a pair of short ends of the bottom wall. The primary side walls  92 ,  93  extend upwardly from the bottom wall. A pair of upstanding secondary side walls  94 ,  95  are also provided. Each of the secondary side walls have a lower extent coupled to the bottom end of one of the primary side walls. Each of the secondary side walls extend outwardly and upwardly from the bottom end of the corresponding primary side wall. Each of the secondary side walls has an upper extent extending upwardly in spaced parallel relationship with one of the primary side walls. 
     The receptacle preferably includes a receptacle electrical assembly. See FIGS. 15 and 25. The receptacle electrical assembly may include at least two first conductive contacts  96 ,  97  exposed through the bottom panel  83  of the outer housing such that placement of the outer housing of the receptacle on the charging base  70  brings the first conductive contacts into contact with the second conductive contacts  74 ,  75  of the charging base. A power adapter connector  98  may be mounted on the top end of one of the secondary side walls of the frame for being releasably connected to a connector of a portable electronic device. See FIG.  13 . The receptacle electrical assembly may further include a pair of conductive sleeves contacts  99  positioned on top ends of the primary side walls. 
     A handle assembly for the receptacle may comprise a flexible strap  100  having ends coupled to opposite end panels of the outer housing. A pair of forcible release assemblies  101 ,  102  may be provided for activating the alarm if the receptacle is forcibly taken away from the user. Each of the forcible release assemblies are connected to an opposite end of the strap  100  at the end panels of the receptacle. Each of the forcible release assemblies includes a socket connector  103  mounted to a top end of one of the end panels of the receptacle (see FIG.  21 ), or may be mounted to one of the secondary side walls of the frame (see FIG.  13 ). Each of the forcible release assemblies may include a ball connector  104  for releasably receiving the socket connector (see FIG.  13 A). Each of the ball connectors has a lower extent with a substantially spherical configuration received in one of the socket connectors. The ball connector has an upper extent with a loop connected to one of the ends of the strap  100 . The forcible release assembly further comprises a retainer plate  105  for closing a chamber in the socket connector receiving the ball connector. The retainer plate has an opening  106  that permits the strap connecting loop of the upper extent of the ball connector to pass through the retainer plate. The retainer plate is adapted to release the ball connector from the socket connector upon the application of a significant pulling force on the strap and the strap connecting loop of the ball connector. The forcible release assembly further comprises a pair of alarm switches  108 , with each of the alarm switches being situated in the chamber of one of the socket connectors of the handle assembly for transmitting an alarm triggering signal upon the disconnection of either one of the ball connectors from the respective socket connector. 
     Optionally, other types of connectors or “break-away” switches may be provided in lieu of the ball and socket connectors described. For example, optional embodiments employing a number of types of insertion pin structures are illustrated in FIGS. 26 through 29. FIGS. 26 through 28 show a pair of variations on a similar structure employing a pair of pins at each forcible release assembly. The structure of FIG. 26 employs pins  152  which are connected together by a crossbar  153 , and the structure of FIG. 27 utilizes individual pins. In each structure, the pins are fixed to the flexible strap  100  in a suitable manner, and each of the pins extends through a plate  154  mounted on the receptacle. Each of the pins has a first annular groove, and a ring  156  is situated in each of the first annular grooves of the pins. The rings, as well as the pins, may be electrically conductive and the rings are preferably each connected to the alarm circuitry (e.g., by wires  155 ) such that removal of one or both of the pins destroys the electrical continuity between the wires connected to the rings, and triggers the alarm circuitry. Optionally, the plate  154  may be formed of insulative material and the continuity provided by the pins and the pin mounting structure (e.g., the crossbar) with the continuity being broken by forcible removal of the pins from the rings, or the plate may be electrically conductive with the continuity being broken by forcible removal of the pins from the plate. 
     Another variation of the forcible release assembly is shown in FIG. 29, and the structure of this variation employs a single pin  157  having an annular groove, and a base member  158  having an aperture with a pair of rods  159  extending in a substantially parallel orientation across the aperture. The rods are biased together for situating in the annular groove when the pin is inserted into the aperture, and the biasing of the rods requires that substantial force be applied to the pin to remove it from the aperture to trigger an alarm. The alarm circuitry may be triggered by removal of the pin from the aperture, and the triggering signal may be generated by any suitable means. This variation of the forcible release assembly may be preferable in that the withdrawal of the pin from the aperture does not require destruction of the rods, and therefore the pin may be reinserted into the aperture for subsequent reuse of the receptacle with the forcible release assembly intact. 
     Preferably, the system further includes an insert  110  for being removably positioned in the interior compartment of the receptacle. The insert has an insert casing  111  formed from a flexible material. The insert casing includes a bottom wall panel  112 , a front wall panel  113 , a rear wall panel  114 , and a pair of end wall panels  115 , 116 . The front, rear, and end wall panels extend upwardly from the bottom wall panel for defining an open top and an interior of the insert. The insert casing may optionally include a flexible insert strap  117 , and may optionally include a flexible insert flap  118  for positioning over the open top of the insert casing. The front wall panel and the rear wall panel may comprise a transparent material. Optionally, any of the various faces of the purse insert may be opaque, translucent, or transparent. Opaque materials that may be used include leather, vinyl, and the like. The insert casing may also have a bottom compartment  121  for a purpose described below. 
     As shown in FIG. 10, the end wall panels of the insert casing may optionally each include a pair of sleeves  119  with open bottom ends for use with the optional frame of the invention. Such sleeves each preferably encompass the entire associated end wall panel. In use, the insert is inserted into the interior compartment of the receptacle. In this orientation, the sleeves of the insert casing removably receive the primary side walls of the frame of the receptacle while the secondary side walls remain between the end wall panels of the insert casing and the end panels of the receptacle. See FIG.  13 . 
     An insert electrical assembly may also be provided for the insert, and mounted on the insert. The insert electrical assembly  120  is preferably mounted in the bottom compartment  121  of the insert casing. The insert electrical assembly includes a timer mechanism  122  for generating an actuation signal for a predetermined amount of time upon the actuation thereof (See FIG.  25 ). A button maybe situated on the insert, and is connected to the timer mechanism for actuating the timer mechanism upon the depression of the button. A power source  123  is mounted on the insert for supplying power to the illumination source of the insert and circuitry on the receptacle, including the alarm apparatus. The power source comprises at least one battery mounted on the insert casing. In the embodiment of FIG. 13, the battery may be connected to a pair of conductive sleeve contacts  99  on the frame of the receptacle for electrically connecting the insert electrical assembly with the receptacle electrical assembly when the insert is positioned in the receptacle. The battery may have a first mode when the receptacle is situated on the charging base during which power from the charging base is supplied to the battery through the receptacle for recharging the battery, and may also be supplied to the power adapting apparatus for recharging an electrical device located in the receptacle. The battery may also have a second mode when the receptacle is removed from the charging base, and during the second mode the battery supplies power to the receptacle electrical assembly  124  (e.g., the alarm apparatus) and the insert electrical assembly  120  (e.g., the illumination apparatus), and may also supply power through the power adapter connector to an electric device  150 . 
     Significantly, an illumination apparatus is mounted on the insert for illuminating the insert. The illumination apparatus comprises a light source, and in some embodiments, a light diffusion structure. The light diffusion structure includes at least one illuminating liner panel  131 , 132  in communication with the light source. The liner panel or panels preferably line an interior surface of the end wall panels of the insert casing. Optionally, the liner panel may comprise a light diffusion structure including a plurality of fiber optic strands. The fiber optic strands are preferably interwoven into a matrix of fiber optic strands to define a fabric structure. The ends of the fiber optic strands may be bundled together by a clamp. The light source is positioned adjacent to the ends of the fiber optic strands of the fiber optic liner panels for illuminating the strands. 
     It should be understood that various other fiber optic liners may be employed in lieu of the one set forth hereinabove per the desires of the user. An example of a fiber optic material is available through Lumitex Corp. Further, as an option, other types of illumination apparatus may be employed such as one employing a chemilluminescent light, and the like. Even more preferably, the liner panels may comprise panels of electroluminescent material, which provide both the light source and the light diffusion structure. 
     A timer mechanism  122  may be provided on the insert for causing illumination of the illumination apparatus for a predetermined period of time upon the closing of a switch. The illumination apparatus is connected to the timer mechanism, and the illumination apparatus is supplied with power for a period of time by the timer mechanism after the timer mechanism is activated. The timer mechanism may be adapted for illuminating the illumination apparatus for a predetermined a mount of time (such as, for example, a period of 15-30 seconds) after the activation of the timer mechanism. See FIG.  16 . 
     An optional charging apparatus may be provided for providing power to the power source, or battery, for recharging the battery. See FIG.  23 . The charging apparatus may provide power for recharging the battery of the liner (or the receptacle) through the receptacle. The receptacle is removably mountable on the charging apparatus. The charging apparatus comprises a charging base  70  with at least two second conductive contacts  74 ,  75  mounted on the charging base for electrically contacting the first conducting contacts of the receptacle. The second conductive contacts may be mounted on a top face of the charging base. Optionally, a charging light  126  may be mounted on the charging base, with the charging light being connected between the conductive contacts and a primary power source. The charging light is adapted to illuminate upon the flow of current through the conductive contacts. A full charge light  127  may be mounted on the charging base for illuminating when a full charge condition of the battery is detected. 
     While a physical electrical contact has been disclosed hereinabove to carry out the recharging of the battery using the charging base, it should be understood that other types of electrical communication may be relied upon for recharging. For example, a coil and post combination may be provided for affording inductive electric communication. As an option, a cigarette lighter cord and plug may be connected to the adapter connector of the power adapter apparatus such that the battery may be recharged in a vehicle as opposed to using the charging apparatus. 
     The system of the invention may also include an alarm apparatus for providing an audible alarm upon triggering of the alarm apparatus  135 . The alarm apparatus is mounted on the receptacle. The alarm apparatus is electrically connected to the power source or battery of the insert or a battery contained in the receptacle, especially if no insert is employed. The alarm apparatus may include a siren  136  for producing a loud sound when the alarm apparatus is triggered. The siren is mounted on the receptacle, preferably on the bottom panel of the receptacle. The alarm apparatus may be triggered in at least two ways. The alarm apparatus may be triggered upon the removal of a strap attached to one of the forcible release assemblies  101 ,  102  of the receptacle. An alarm activating switch  137  may be mounted on the bottom panel of the receptacle, and the alarm activating switch may be adapted to trigger the alarm apparatus when the alarm activating switch is actuated. Optionally, the siren may be centrally located in a depression  138  or recess in the bottom panel of the receptacle, and one or more alarm activating switches may be positioned in or closely adjacent to the perimeter of the depression or recess. 
     A pocket  140  may be provided for removably receiving an electrical device that is desired to be carried by the user. Preferably, the pocket is located in the interior compartment of the receptacle, and is formed on one of the panels of the receptacle (See FIG.  19 ). As an option, the pocket may be formed on the insert (See FIG. 12) to removably receive the various aforementioned electronic devices. 
     Significantly, a power adapting apparatus may be provided for supplying power to an electrical device carried in the receptacle, such as in the pocket if the receptacle is so provided. The power adapting apparatus is mounted on the receptacle, and is connected to the power source or battery mounted on the liner. An adapter connector  98  is situated on the receptacle, and may be situated in the pocket for engaging an electrical device positioned in the pocket. In one embodiment, the adapter connector  148  is adapted to releasably connect to the electronic device by simply sliding the electronic device in the pocket (See FIG.  21 ). This may be accomplished with strip contacts and the like. Ideally, the universal recharging adapter is capable of connecting with any one of a plurality of electronic devices. 
     The adapter connector may optionally be provided in another location on the receptacle, and may even be located on the exterior of the receptacle. For example, a plug-in power adapter may be mounted to the top end of one of the secondary side walls (See FIG. 13) for being releasably connected in electric communication with a portable electronic device  150 . The portable electronic device may comprise a portable telephone, a paging device, a calculator, a portable computing device, a video game, or any other type of electrically powered device that may use electrical power supplied by the battery of the insert, or includes its own rechargeable battery that may be recharged simultaneously with the battery of the electric system for the receptacle when the receptacle is placed on the charging base  70 . 
     A charge status indicating light  128  may be provided on the receptacle or the insert for illuminating when a low charge condition is detected in the battery or batteries of the insert or receptacle. 
     For transferring power from the receptacle to the battery of the insert when the battery is being charged, and from the insert to the receptacle for powering the alarm system, one optional embodiment of the invention includes a connector surface  141  on the outer housing of the receptacle, and a tab  142  extending from the insert casing of the insert. The tab of the insert is adapted to be positionable substantially adjacent and parallel to the connector surface  141  of the receptacle when the insert is positioned in the interior of the receptacle. See FIG.  19 . The connector surface  141  has a first portion  143  of a first connector mounted thereon, and the second tab has a second portion  144  of a first connector mounted thereon, and the portions of the first connector are removably connectable together. The first and second portions of the first connector are electrically conductive to permit electricity to flow between the first and second portions of the first connector when the portions are physically connected. The first and second portions of the first connector may comprise first and second halves of a snap connector. The connector surface  141  also has a first portion  145  of a second connector mounted thereon, and the second tab has a second portion  146  of a second connector mounted thereon, and the portions of the second connector are removably connectable together. The first and second portions of the second connector are electrically conductive to permit electricity to flow between the first and second portions of the second connector when the portions are physically connected. The first portion of the first connector and the first portion of the second connector are each in electrical communication with the receptacle electrical assembly (e.g., the alarm assembly). The second portion of the first connector and the second portion of the second connector are in electrical communication with the insert electrical assembly (e.g., the battery and the illumination assembly). 
     A switch  125  (such as, for example, a push button) may optionally be mounted on the second tab of the insert casing for activating the timer mechanism for illuminating the illumination apparatus for a period of time. 
     Optionally, the insert casing may be provided with a top wall panel  147  that closes the open top. The top wall panel has a closable slit that extends substantially parallel to the front and rear wall panels. See FIGS. 18 and 20. 
     In further detail, one embodiment of the timer mechanism (See FIG. 16) preferably includes a 555 timer with an output connected to an NPN transistor which drives a relay. Such relay is connected to the light source for supplying sufficient voltage to the light source. Ideally, each of the components of the electrical assemblies of both the purse insert and carriage are miniaturized and of a minimal weight. Further, as an option, a dimmer may be included for controlling an intensity in which the lamp and fiber optic liner are illuminated. Such dimmer may take the form of a potentiometer used in place of one of the resistors shown in FIG.  16 . 
     In various alternate embodiments, the concepts of the receptacle and insert may be employed in the arts of luggage, plastic bags, waterproof scuba bags, military &amp; camping backpacks, general purpose back packs, emergency medical equipment containers, emergency fire fighting equipment containers, police equipment containers, NASA-shuttle and space station tool and equipment bags which contain emergency items, underground utility and mining pouches, plumber tool bags, or virtually any other receptacle. It should be further noted that the various components of the present invention may be compiled into a single receptacle for affording a simpler design. 
     It will be realized that a possible embodiment of the invention would have the insert of the invention omitted from the structure, and the various features of the insert incorporated on or into the receptacle. It is noted that an embodiment of the invention lacking the removable insert would thus lack the quick and easy movement of the features (e.g., the illumination apparatus) of the insert between different receptacles, including any contacts of the insert. The insert permits this quick and easy interchange of the illumination apparatus, the battery (if included on the liner), and any contacts of the liner between a variety of receptacles. Nonetheless, some or all of the features of the insert may easily be incorporated into the receptacle or container. 
     As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided. 
     With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
     Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.