Patent Abstract:
A selectively adjustable device for securing a handbag on a table is provided. The device is designed to fold into a compact shape and includes at least one surface for receiving a handbag. Other embodiments provided include a secondary arm for allowing accommodation of the device onto a vertically oriented wall or other surface.

Full Description:
[0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/242,006, filed Sep. 14, 2009, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/288,163, filed Dec. 18, 2009, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to selectively adjustable devices having at least one hook adapted for securing a handbag. 
         [0003]    Additionally, one embodiment of the invention employs arms for selectively associating the device and associated handbags with a table or door. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    People who carry a purse, backpack, luggage, attaché, etc. (hereinafter “handbag”) often have difficulty finding acceptable storage for the same at a restaurant, for example. More specifically, it is desirable to keep one&#39;s belongs in close proximity while dining to prevent or deter theft. One simple way to accomplish this goal is to place the handbag on the floor adjacent to one&#39;s chair, which may be undesirable as the often expensive handbag may be damaged or soiled. Alternatively, one may place their handbag on the table, which reduces space available for food and drinks. Some other individuals choose to dine with their handbags on their lap, which is cumbersome and uncomfortable. 
         [0005]    Devices, also known as “hangers”, for associating a handbag from a table are often foldable and stored within the handbag when not needed. Generally, foldable hangers include a member for engagement to a top surface of the table and a downwardly disposed hook that receives a strap or handle of the handbag such that the handbag rests underneath the table, out of view and off the floor. 
         [0006]    The configuration of handbag hangers has not changed in a number of years, as evidenced by a comparison of U.S. Pat. Nos. D300,882 and 4,194,714 with U.S. Pat. Nos. D435,733, D517,732 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0161570, which are incorporated by reference herein. The handbag hangers of the prior art have many drawbacks in that they are not additionally equipped to engage a top edge of a vertical surface, for example, a door or wall of a bathroom stall. More specifically, often there is no convenient place to engage the handbag hangers of the prior art to a bathroom stall, which forces an individual to place their belongings on an often soiled and germ-ridden floor. 
         [0007]    Thus it is a long felt need to provide a foldable device for selectively associating a handbag with a horizontal and/or vertical surface, such as a table and a door, respectively. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    It is one aspect of the present invention to provide a selectively foldable device that secures a handbag and associates the same with a horizontal surface or vertical surface. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention includes a table engagement portion and a hook wherein a handbag is hung beneath the table similar to that of traditional hangers described above. In addition, a selectively deployable door or auxiliary arm is provided that is used to associate the device with a door or wall of a bathroom stall. Embodiments of the present invention can be used by men, women or children and can remain interconnected to the handbag or stored when not in use. The various hooks of the inventions described herein may also be used to hang jackets, coats, hats, etc. 
         [0009]    It is another aspect of some embodiments of the present invention to provide a handbag securing device comprised of a table portion that may be used as a handle. The other portion of the device normally used to receive a handbag is designed to receive at least one grocery bag to facilitate carrying the same. One skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present invention may include other features, which will be described below. Furthermore, the device shown below may be incorporated into a key chain and may be selectively associated to stroller or bike. The handbag hook described herein may also be used to attach the handbag to a shopping cart, to help prevent or deter theft. To that end, the device may employ a lock to help ensure the handbag remains secured to the device, cart, etc. 
         [0010]    It is another aspect of some embodiments of the present invention to provide a foldable device that accommodates advertisements or logos. More specifically, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the devices shown in detail below may include various surfaces that are apt to employ advertising. In addition, the contemplated foldable device may be specifically shaped, colored, include two or three dimensional designs or indicia, employ unique surface textures, etc., i.e., customized to meet a desired feel. 
         [0011]    It is another aspect of some embodiments of the present invention to provide a device with gripping members. More specifically, portions of the devices that are designed to engage horizontal or vertical surfaces may be made of a rigid material, such as metal. In order to enhance engagement of those portions to the horizontal/vertical surfaces, and to prevent damage thereto, rubber or any other compliant material may be provided on the engagement portions. 
         [0012]    It is another aspect of embodiments of the present invention to provide a handbag securing device that accommodates at least one mirror. Furthermore, whistles, lights, weapons, mace, nail files, may also be incorporated into some embodiments of the present invention. An integrated clock, a makeup compact, etc. may be included. The device may also possess storage locations for pills. In one embodiment of the present invention, a garage or car door opener is integrated into the device. Other embodiments of the present invention include a money storage location. Some embodiments employ a GPS tracking system or the like so that parents can monitor a minor&#39;s whereabouts, emergency service personnel can be quickly notified of an injured person&#39;s whereabouts, a lost handbag may be located, or a lost individual can find their way home or be found. A location for an electronic data card, which may be selectively associated with a USB cord may be provided. Embodiments may also employ a USB port for interconnection with a digital media device, such as a flash drive. Other embodiments include an LED or other integrated screen. The device may thus be linked (via Blue Tooth, for example) to a computer, a wireless signal, a cellular phone, etc. to send/receive data. For example, one could discretely check weather, stock quotes, email notifications, voice mail notifications, etc. while sitting at a dinner table without having to access their cellular phone or computer. 
         [0013]    It is yet another aspect of embodiments of the present invention to provide a device having an auxiliary arm that is selectively deflectable. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention functions similar to a carabineer, wherein the auxiliary arm, which is used to associate the device to a top portion of a bathroom stall, for example, is able to selectively deflect. The auxiliary arm is separated into a first portion and a second portion that are hingedly interconnected and biased by a spring. For example, a leaf spring is employed that allows an extension protruding from the auxiliary arm to flex to facilitate receipt of a handbag onto the hook, which will be evident upon review of the figures provided herewith. 
         [0014]    One embodiment of the present invention is fabricated from plastic or other lightweight material. This embodiment of the present invention is similar to those described above and will be understood more clearly upon review of the figures related to the same. An auxiliary arm is included that employs a capture hook that receives a capture ring that is rotatably interconnected to a hook that functions similar to a carabineer. The handbag hook is operably associated with a table arm by way of a pin. In operation, the hook is deflected upwardly to overcome a spring, which directs the capture ring along an inclined edge of an extension associated with the door arm. Deflection of the hook thus rotates the ring inwardly as it travels along the inclined edge. Once released, the spring forces the handbag hook downwardly, thereby positioning the capture ring away from the capture hook which allows for free rotation of the capture ring so that a handle of the handbag may be positioned on the hook. The capture ring may then be pulled towards the capture hook to allow seating of the capture ring on the capture hook to secure the handbag. 
         [0015]    It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a selectively foldable device for securing a handbag, comprising: a primary hook having a first end, a second end, and having a portion adapted to receive the handbag; an auxiliary arm with a first portion operably interconnected to said primary hook and a second portion operably interconnected to said first portion; an extension with a first end interconnected to said second portion and a second end; a head operably interconnected to said first end of said primary hook, said head having a surface adapted to engage a horizontal surface; wherein in a first, folded position of use said auxiliary arm and said extension is positioned such that said second end of said gate is positioned adjacent to said second end of said primary hook; and wherein in a second position of use said surface of said head adapted to be engaged on a horizontal surface and said auxiliary arm and associated extension are positioned such that said second end of said primary hook and said second end of said gate are positioned away from each other so that said head may be adapted to be positioned on said horizontal surface and said second end is adapted to be positioned beneath said horizontal surface. 
         [0016]    It is still yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a selectively foldable device for securing a handbag, comprising: a primary hook; an auxiliary arm associated to said primary hook, said auxiliary arm including an extension that selectively coincides with an end of said primary hook; and a head adapted to engage a horizontal surface associated with said primary hook. 
         [0017]    The Summary of the Invention is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present invention. Moreover, references made herein to “the present invention” or aspects thereof should be understood to mean certain embodiments of the present invention and should not necessarily be construed as limiting all embodiments to a particular description. The present invention is set forth in various levels of detail in the Summary of the Invention as well as in the attached drawings and the Detailed Description of the Invention and no limitation as to the scope of the present invention is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary of the Invention. Additional aspects of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the Detail Description, particularly when taken together with the drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of these inventions. 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a front elevation view of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  shown in a second position of use, for positioning a handbag beneath a table; 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is a front elevation view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  in third position of use, for positioning a handbag on a door; 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a luggage tag of one embodiment of the present invention that possesses a hook adapted for engagement on a door; 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view similar to that in  FIG. 6  wherein the device is shown in a second position of use; 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  is a front perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 9  is an elevation view of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8  shown in a first closed position of use; 
           [0029]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view similar to that of  FIG. 11  wherein a door arm is shown in a second position of use; 
           [0031]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 14  is a front elevation view of  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the device of  FIG. 13  shown in a second position of use for engagement with a horizontal surface; 
           [0034]      FIG. 16  is a bottom perspective view of  FIG. 13  shown in a second position of use for engagement with a horizontal surface; 
           [0035]      FIG. 17  is a front view of the device of  FIG. 13  shown engaged on a table and holding a purse; 
           [0036]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of  FIG. 13  shown in a third position of use for engagement with an upper edge of a vertical surface; 
           [0037]      FIG. 19  is a front elevation view of the device of  FIG. 13  shown associated with a vertical surface; and 
           [0038]      FIG. 20  is a front elevation view of another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0039]      FIG. 21  is a front elevation view similar to that of  FIG. 20  wherein a door arm is shown in the second position of use for receipt of a handbag; 
           [0040]      FIG. 22  is a front elevation view of the handbag of  FIG. 20  wherein a head has been rotated for engagement on a table and the door arm has been rotated for engagement on an upper edge of a vertical surface; 
           [0041]      FIG. 23  is an exploded detail view of the door arm of one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0042]      FIG. 24  is a door arm of one embodiment of the present invention having a first portion and a second portion; 
           [0043]      FIG. 25  is the door arm of  FIG. 24  shown in the second position of use; 
           [0044]      FIG. 26  is a front elevation view of an embodiment of the present invention similar to the embodiment of  FIG. 20 ; 
           [0045]      FIG. 27  is a plan view of the head of some embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0046]      FIG. 28  is a front elevation view of the head shown on  FIG. 27 ; 
           [0047]      FIG. 29  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0048]      FIG. 30  is a cross-sectional view of  FIG. 29 ; and 
           [0049]      FIG. 31  is the device of  FIG. 29  shown in a position that is adapted to accept a handbag. 
       
    
    
       [0050]    To assist in the understanding of the present invention the following list of components and associated numbering found in the drawings is provided herein: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 # 
                 Components 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 2 
                 Handbag securing device 
               
               
                 6 
                 Table arm 
               
               
                 10 
                 Door arm 
               
               
                 12 
                 Extension 
               
               
                 14 
                 Post 
               
               
                 18 
                 Hook 
               
               
                 22 
                 Riser 
               
               
                 26 
                 Lock 
               
               
                 30 
                 Outer protrusion 
               
               
                 34 
                 Inner protrusion 
               
               
                 38 
                 Cavity 
               
               
                 42 
                 Appendage 
               
               
                 46 
                 Indent 
               
               
                 100 
                 Luggage tag 
               
               
                 104 
                 Sleeve 
               
               
                 108 
                 Door arm 
               
               
                 200 
                 Handbag securing device 
               
               
                 202 
                 Table portion 
               
               
                 206 
                 Hinge 
               
               
                 208 
                 Hanging purse portion 
               
               
                 212 
                 Hook 
               
               
                 216 
                 Door arm 
               
               
                 220 
                 Hinge 
               
               
                 300 
                 Handbag securing device 
               
               
                 304 
                 Head 
               
               
                 308 
                 Primary hook 
               
               
                 312 
                 Post 
               
               
                 316 
                 Groove 
               
               
                 320 
                 First surface 
               
               
                 324 
                 Recess 
               
               
                 328 
                 Second surface 
               
               
                 332 
                 Recess 
               
               
                 334 
                 Notch 
               
               
                 336 
                 Table 
               
               
                 340 
                 Handbag 
               
               
                 344 
                 Door arm 
               
               
                 346 
                 Extension 
               
               
                 348 
                 Wall 
               
               
                 352 
                 Hook end 
               
               
                 360 
                 Pin 
               
               
                 364 
                 Channel 
               
               
                 368 
                 Channel opening 
               
               
                 400 
                 Handbag securing device 
               
               
                 404 
                 Primary hook 
               
               
                 408 
                 Hook end 
               
               
                 412 
                 Linear portion 
               
               
                 414 
                 Post 
               
               
                 416 
                 Post arm 
               
               
                 420 
                 Door arm 
               
               
                 424 
                 Head 
               
               
                 428 
                 Spring 
               
               
                 432 
                 Notch 
               
               
                 434 
                 Extension 
               
               
                 440 
                 Spring 
               
               
                 444 
                 First portion 
               
               
                 448 
                 Second portion 
               
               
                 450 
                 Hinge 
               
               
                 454 
                 Plunger 
               
               
                 458 
                 First hole 
               
               
                 462 
                 Second hole 
               
               
                 466 
                 Notch 
               
               
                 470 
                 Cavity 
               
               
                 474 
                 Groove 
               
               
                 478 
                 Channel 
               
               
                 482 
                 Sidewall 
               
               
                 600 
                 Handbag securing device 
               
               
                 604 
                 Door arm 
               
               
                 608 
                 Bore 
               
               
                 612 
                 Post 
               
               
                 616 
                 Spring 
               
               
                 620 
                 Capture hook 
               
               
                 622 
                 Extension 
               
               
                 624 
                 Table arm 
               
               
                 628 
                 Capture hook 
               
               
                 632 
                 Upper end 
               
               
                 636 
                 Capture ring 
               
               
                 638 
                 Primary hook 
               
               
                 640 
                 Inclined portion 
               
               
                 644 
                 Boss 
               
               
                 646 
                 Recess 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0051]    It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0052]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1-5 , one embodiment of a handbag securing device  2  (hereinafter “device”) is shown. The device  2  includes a table arm  6  and door arm  10  that are rotatably interconnected to a post  14 . The door arm  10  may also include an extension  12 . The post  14  is interconnected to a hook  18  for securing a handbag that may also include a riser  22 . The riser  22  and the extension  12  cooperate to form a lock  26 , similar to that employed by a carabineer. 
         [0053]    With specific reference to  FIG. 3 , the extension  12  includes an outer protrusion  30  and inner protrusion  34  with a cavity  38  therebetween. The cavity  38  receives an appendage  42  of the riser. The outer protrusion  30  may include at least one indent  46  that receives a portion of the appendage  42  to provide a selectively breakable locking fit. That is, the contemplated interconnection is easy to open when an individual wishes to use the door arm  10 , but maintains the extension  12  against the riser  22  when the extension is not in use. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, this allows the device to be easily folded and stored in the position of use shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         [0054]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , the device  2  is shown ready to position a handbag adjacent to a horizontal surface such as a table. In this configuration, the table arm  6  is rotated about the post  14  for engagement onto a top surface of the table. The door arm  10  is also rotated to break the connection between the extension  12  and the riser  22 . This allows an individual to place a handle or other portion of their handbag onto the hook  18 . When the table arm  6  is engaged on the top surface of the table, for example, the handbag will rest beneath the table and hang above the floor. 
         [0055]    Referring now specifically to  FIG. 5 , to associate the device  2  with a vertical surface, the door arm  10  is rotated about the post  14 , which allows the door arm  10  to be placed over a wall of a bathroom stall, for example. The hook  18  is then exposed to allow an individual to place their handbag or jacket thereon. 
         [0056]    Referring now to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , another embodiment of the present invention is shown that is in the form of a luggage tag  100 . Often it is desirable to store luggage off the floor of an airport bathroom, for example. Here, the luggage tag  100  possesses a sleeve  104  that allows selective rotation of an associated door arm  108 . In operation, the door arm  108  is rotated away from the luggage tag  100  and used to interconnect to a door. The luggage tag  100  is made of sufficient strength to support the weight of the luggage to which it is connected. 
         [0057]    Referring now to  FIGS. 8-10 , yet another device  200  is shown that includes a table portion  202  that is interconnected via a hinge  206  to a hanging portion  208 . The hanging portion  208  has a distal end with a hook  212  for receiving a handbag. When not in use, the hanging portion  208  is folded relative to the table portion  202  and fits within a recess (not shown) of the table portion  202 . When in use, the table portion  202  engages a top surface of a table with the hook  212  positioned to receive the handbag and suspend it beneath the table top. Upon review of the figures, it will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, that the table portion  202  has sufficient volume to accommodate a whistle, pill box, a light, a nail file, mace, and other items mentioned above. The table portion  202  also may be used as a handle to facilitate carrying groceries, for example, wherein the hook  212  accommodates the handle associated with at least one grocery bag. 
         [0058]    Referring now to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , another embodiment of the present invention similar to that shown in  FIGS. 8-10  is shown that also includes an additional door arm  216  interconnected by a hinge  220  to the table portion  202  of the device  200 . In operation, the door portion  216  is selectively rotated relative to the table portion  202  and is used to engage an upper surface of a bathroom stall, for example. 
         [0059]    Referring now to  FIGS. 13-19 , a device  300  of another embodiment of the present invention is shown. The device  300  includes a head  304  that is selectively interconnected to a primary hook  308 . The primary hook  308  includes a post  312  that is selectively positionable within a groove  316  integrated into the head  304 . The head  304  of one embodiment includes a first surface  320  with a recess  324  and a second surface  328  with a recess  332 . In a second position of use shown in  FIG. 15 , for example, the head  304  is rotated wherein the post  312  is fixed within a notch  334  such that the second surface  328  is oriented for engagement onto a table  336  so that a handbag  340  may be secured on the primary hook  308 . The device  300  also includes a door arm  344  that is rotatably interconnected to the primary hook  308  for engagement to an upper surface of a wall  348  which also positions the primary hook  308  in such a way to receive a purse, coat, or other item. 
         [0060]      FIGS. 13 and 14  show the device  300  in a first position of use with the head  304 , primary hook  308  and door arm  344  generally aligned. In this configuration, the post  312  is positioned within the groove  316  of the head  304 . This first position of use facilitates storage within a handbag, or displayed outside a handbag wherein the primary hook  308  is fastened about a strap thereof, for example. The door arm  344  may employ an extension  346  that cooperates with the free end of the primary hook  308  to form a substantially closed loop. Further, the primary hook  108  and extension  346  may terminate in a hook end  352 . The hook ends may be spherical, as shown, or may be of other shapes as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art. Further, the hook ends  352  of one embodiment of the present invention include a threaded tapped hole (not shown) that is engaged on a threaded end of the extension  346  and the primary hook  308  (not shown). As such, the hook ends  352  may be selectively removed from the primary hook  308  and/or extension  346  to allow the integration of other items onto the primary hook  308  or extension  346 . For example, it is contemplated that various beads or other accoutrements may be added to the device  300  to enhance or personalize the appearance thereof. For example, a series of beads and/or charms may be added to the primary hook  308  and/or extension  346 . Further, at least one wine glass charm may be selectively associated with the device that may be removed and associated with a wine glass to mark the same. 
         [0061]    The recess  324  is optional and one skilled in the art will appreciate that the first surface  320  may be continuous. The recess  324  may be used to receive an artistic feature, such as a decorative inlay. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the head  304  may include a door wherein the recess functions as a storage location suitable for pills, for example. The recess may also accommodate a video screen that is associated with a battery integrated into the head  304 . The contemplated screen may be used to display videos or pictures and/or other information may be associated with the world wide web. The recess  324  may also be configured to receive a static photo or photos. The recess  324  may also receive information related to the owner of the purse and function as a luggage tag. Further, the head  304  may be such size to accommodate a music playing device, similar to an iPod®, for example, wherein the head  304  may be interconnected to ear phones or may include a speaker. The head  304  may also include a wireless information transmitting/receiving device (i.e., a Bluetooth®) such that the device  300  may interact wirelessly with a communications device to display information on a panel integrated into the head  304  or an audio device integrated into the head. For example, the device  300  may be configured to function as a speaker phone or may receive and display real time news or stock market data. In order to conserve power, the recesses and/or surfaces of the head may also accommodate a solar panel wherein the device  300  obtains the power needed to run the associated Bluetooth® device, video screen, music device, calculator, etc. 
         [0062]    In order to lock the head  304  with respect to the door arm  344  to achieve the position of use shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the head  304  may include a channel  364  that selectively receives a pin  360  associated with the door arm  344 . This mechanical interconnection maintains the position of the head  304  relative to the door arm  344  when the post  312  is positioned within the groove  316 . By pulling the head  304  away from the post  312 , the pin  360  is repositioned within the channel  364  such that the pin  360  may be removed from a channel opening  368  as shown in  FIG. 16 . One skilled in the art will appreciate that the head  304  may be selectively associated with the auxiliary hook  344  by other mechanisms, such as a magnet. 
         [0063]    Referring now to  FIGS. 15-17 , the device  300  is shown in a second position of use that is adapted to engage a table  336 . Here, the head  304  has been rotated with respect to the post  312  by pulling the head  304  in a direction transverse to the post  312 . In one embodiment, the post  312  terminates in an arm (not shown, see for example # 416  of  FIG. 20 ) positioned within the head  304 . In addition, the head  304  is preferably interconnected to the arm by way of a spring (not shown) that allows the head  304  to be pulled away, rotated around the arm and then released. After the head  304  is released, it is pulled by the spring towards the post  312  to position an upper part of the post  312 , the notch  334 , thereby locking the head  304  in the second position of use shown.  FIG. 15  shows the door arm  344  rotated such that a handbag  340  is secured on the primary hook  308 . The notch  334  secures the head  304  in the position for engagement onto a table. The door arm  344  may remain rotated away from the end of the primary hook  308  as shown, for example, in  FIG. 16 . The second surface  320  also may have a recess  332  to receive a gripping member made of silicone rubber, for example, to facilitate engagement of the head  304  to the table  336 . One of skill in the art, however, will recognize that the gripping member may be integrated directly into the second surface  328  wherein no recess is required. 
         [0064]    Once the head  304  is swiveled as shown, the second surface  328  of the head  320  is placed on a top surface of a table  336  wherein the first surface  320  faces upwardly. The primary hook  308  is then positioned under the table  336  and is able to receive the handbag  340 . Finally, the door arm  344  may then be swiveled into place wherein the hook ends  352  of the primary hook  308  and the auxiliary hook  344  generally coincide. 
         [0065]    Referring now to  FIGS. 18 and 19 , a third orientation of the device  300  is shown wherein the door arm  344  is rotated away from the primary hook  308  with their respective hook ends  352  separated. The door arm  344  includes an upper surface that engages an upper edge of a vertical wall  348  so that the primary hook  308  is positioned on one end of the wall  348  and is able to receive the handbag  340  as shown. In operation, this configuration would be used in conjunction with a bathroom stall wherein the door arm is placed on a wall  348  adjacent to the user wherein the handbag  340  is firmly secured close to the individual using the bathroom facilities. 
         [0066]    Referring now to  FIGS. 20-25 , yet another handbag securing device  400  of the present invention that employs components similar to that of a carabineer is provided. More specifically, this embodiment of the present invention includes a primary hook  404  for receiving a handle of a handbag. The primary hook  404  includes a hook end  408  that is preferably selectively interconnected to an end of the primary hook. The primary hook  404  has a substantially linear portion  412  that is associated with a post  416 . A door arm  420  that is rotatably interconnected to the post  414 . The device  400  also includes a swiveling head  424 , similar to that described above that is selectively biased by a spring  440  associated with a post arm  416 . To swivel, the head  424  is pulled away from the post  416 , rotated and allowed to relax into a notch  432  to maintain the orientation of the same. The rotation of the head  424  is shown in  FIG. 21 . 
         [0067]    The door arm  420  includes a first portion  444  and a second portion  448  that are interconnected by way of a hinge  450 . The first portion  444  and the second portion  448  are biased by the spring  428 , such as a leaf spring that allows an extension  434  associated with the return to a first position of use, shown in  FIG. 21 , for example, when there is no force acting on the extension  434 . 
         [0068]    In operation, the head  424  is pulled away from the post arm  416  as described above rotated, and allowed to relax against the post  414  such that the post  414  rests in the notch  432 . The handle of the handbag or attaché would then be engaged against an extension  434  associated with the door arm  420  towards the linear portion  412 , thereby overcoming the spring force and allowing the extension  434  to rotate about the hinge  450 . After the handbag is securely located on the hook  408 , the extension  434  would snap back into place due to the force exerted by the spring  440 . Thus, the handbag would be secured within the boundaries of the door arm  420 , extension  434  and primary hook  408 . 
         [0069]      FIG. 22  also shows the door arm  420  rotated in a second position of use that allows the device  400  to be associated with a vertical surface, such as a bathroom stall. The door arm  420  may include a plunger  454 , which also may be spring loaded, that is adapted to interface with a portion of the head  424  when in a first position of use (FIG.  20 ) to maintain the head  424  in the first position of use. The spring  440  may be the same spring associated with the extension  434  wherein rotation of the extension  434 , described below, will allow the pin  436  to retract within the door arm  420  to allow the head  424  to move as contemplated. 
         [0070]    The plunger  454  and spring  440  combination of one embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 23-25 . Here, the first portion  444  and second portion  448  of the door arm  420  area hingedly interconnected and associated with a spring  440 . The spring  428  is flexed by rotation of the first portion  444  relative to the second portion  448 , which also forces a plunger  454  upwardly to lock the head relative to the door arm  420 . When in a first position of use, the plunger  454  is depressed within the door arm  420 , thereby allowing the head to move. The plunger  454  may have a rounded profile that enhances deflection into the door arm  420  when the plunger  454  is contacted by the head  424 . The plunger  454  is received within a groove (not shown), or an aperture when the head  424  is in the first position of use. 
         [0071]    To secure the device  400  to a table, the head  424  is pulled in a direction away from the post  414 , thereby compressing the spring  428  integrated therein. Next, the head  424  is rotated as described above in order to place a gripping member (not shown) in an orientation to be received on a table. The door arm  420  may then remain in place or be rotated outwardly as shown in  FIG. 22  to allow placement of the handbag on the hook  408 . When used in a first position of use, the first portion  444  of the door arm  420  is rotated with respect to the second portion  448  of the door arm  420 , thereby moving the extension  434  to allow the device  400  to be incorporated onto a handle of a handbag. The deflection of the first portion  444  moves the plunger  454  upwardly by the compressed spring, thereby locking the head  424  relative to the door arm  420 . 
         [0072]      FIGS. 26-28  show another embodiment of the present invention similar to that of  FIG. 20  wherein the door arm  420  is of a different construction. More specifically, the first portion  444  of the door arm  420  is shown in an open position prior to final assembly. The door arm includes a first hole  458  and a second hole  462  for receipt of the post  414  and to accommodate the plunger  454 , respectively. In this embodiment of the present invention, the spring  428  is a torsion spring as opposed to the spring shown in  FIGS. 23-25  provided above. The head  424  of this embodiment of the present invention is operably interconnected to the post arm  416  that further includes a notch  466 . A spring  428  is configured such that an end portion thereof is seated in the notch  466  and thus held in place. In operation, the spring  428  is integrally positioned within a cavity  470  of the head  424  wherein the post arm  416  is placed through the spring  428 . When the notch  466  of the post arm  416  encounters the end of the spring  428 , the spring  428  snaps into the notch  466  to secure the post arm  416  within the head  424 . 
         [0073]    Referring now specifically to  FIGS. 27 and 28 , the head  424  of one embodiment of the present invention is shown that includes a groove  474  and a channel  478 . The channel  478  includes a contoured sidewall  482  to facilitate receipt of the plunger (see  FIG. 26 ). One skilled in the art will appreciate that the top surface of the head and the bottom surface of the head may each include a channel  478 . Similarly, the groove  474  may extend from the top surface of the head to the bottom surface of the head. One skilled in the art will appreciate that such an elongated groove may be employed on other embodiments of the present invention described herein such that the head  424  may be rotated and locked into the first position of use in at least two ways. 
         [0074]      FIGS. 29-31 , show another handbag securing device  600  of one embodiment that is made out of a lightweight material that is similar to the device shown above in  FIGS. 1-5 . A door arm  604  includes a bore  608  for receiving a post  612  of the device  600  that is spring  616  biased. A capture hook  620  that is associated with an extension  622  that is associated with the door arm  604 . In operation, a table arm  624  is pulled away from the door arm  604  that compresses the spring  616  and pulls a capture hook  628  upwardly. In addition, pulling the capture hook  628  upward slides an upper end  632  of a capture ring  636  associated with a primary hook  638  along an inclined portion  640  of the capture hook  620 , thereby rotating the capture ring  636  as shown in  FIG. 31 . The table arm  624  is then able to rotate as a boss  644  associated with the door arm  604  is removed from a recess  646  of the table arm  624  as shown in  FIGS. 30 and 31 . The handbag would then be placed on the hook  638  to secure the same. 
         [0075]    It is envisioned that this embodiment of the present invention be made out of plastic or semi-rigid materials. It is also envisioned that the capture ring  636  may alternatively be a carabineer type of interconnection or employ a living hinge. Furthermore, those of skill in the art will appreciate other aspects of the present invention described above may be incorporated in this invention, such as a door arm having a first portion and a second portion that are hingedly interconnected. 
         [0076]    The handbag securing devices of embodiments of the invention can also be hung from a handbag and perhaps used to support other items. The device may, for example, receive grocery or shopping bags. Similarly, the device may be hung from a stroller or shopping cart. 
         [0077]    While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims. Further, the invention(s) described herein is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0