Abstract:
A purse and bag assembly is provided which allows the transfer of all personal effects at once, thereby maintaining preferred organization and allowing simple conversion into a variety of styles, configurations and functions. Specifically, a compartment which functions as one of a purse or interior liner interchangeably. As an interior liner, outer members comprise a plurality of purses and bags which are conventional in that they provide a method for carrying and a method to close and conceal personal contents. As an interior liner, magnetic fasteners keep items from going between it and the outer member, although, items may be consciously placed between the interior liner and outer member to keep them from apparent view. Finally, the transferable interior liner converts into a purse by way of a permanently affixed shoulder strap and flap enclosure.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/976,661, entitled “Transferable Personal Luggage System” which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to the ability to carry one&#39;s personal effects under varying conditions and circumstances. More specifically it relates to the ability to transfer all personal effects, at once, by lifting out a removable compartment which is common to a system of purses and bags, referred hereafter as outer coverings. Furthermore, this compartment converts into a stylish purse which can be carried on it&#39;s own when an outer covering is not available or desired. The compartment keeps all contents in their preferred organization and it magnetically seals to all outer coverings to keep miscellaneous items from going between the two parts. However, the user may elect to put items between the compartment and the outer covering to intentionally conceal them within a secret space. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The present invention relates to one&#39;s daily, personal effects and how they are transported within varying styles of purses or task bags such as, back packs, messenger bags, briefcases, beach totes, travel bags, gym bags, diaper bags, and duffle bags. The diversified roles and style preferences of modern women requires a practical and efficient solution for carrying all personal effects within varying types and styles of bags. 
         [0004]    Purses are used to carry a variety of personal effects such as keys, identification cards, credit cards, cash, cell phones, eyewear, medications and makeup. The entire contents of the purse are considered essential to a person&#39;s daily life, though the type of purse or bag one carries through out the day will often vary. Thus, the ability to meet fashion or function needs through a variety of purse styles as well as meet lifestyle needs through a variety of bag styles like briefcases or diaper bags is beneficial. 
         [0005]    Purses are used as a fashion accessory and are often selected to coordinate with an outfit or occasion. Purses can be selected based on their utility or appropriateness such as a purse chosen for a casual outdoor activity versus a formal occasion. When switching from one purse or bag to another, the user is required to transfer each, individual item to the next desired style. This process is time consuming, burdensome and may not result in the same organization of contents, making the search for a given item a constant challenge. The transfer process may also result in some items being left behind or lost. Thus, a system is needed which allows the user to quickly and efficiently transfer, in one step, all personal effects from one purse or bag to another. 
         [0006]    Additionally, the contents of a purse are often convenient or necessary to keep on one&#39;s person during one&#39;s work day, while caring for an infant, traveling, attending classes, or working out; however, the desire to satisfy a certain purse aesthetic is a secondary consideration to the bag required for the aforementioned activities. Thus, what is needed is a system that enables the use of a task bag, such as a briefcase, diaper bag, travel bag, back pack or duffel bag which eliminates the need to carry a separate purse. Equally important, what is needed is the ability to later carry personal effects on their own when the larger task bag is no longer needed. The present invention simplifies ordinary, yet potentially complicated, daily situations like the described because it may be formed into a transferable compartment or an independent purse. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
       [0007]    Due to the range of personal interests, daily tasks and aesthetic preferences of modern women, the development of an interchangeable purse or transferable purse lining exist in the prior art. However, none of these concepts relates to a transferable unit which is common to a full range of purse styles and task bags. Prior art does not describe a transferable insert having magnetic strips on the long sides which marry with another set of magnetic strips on all outer bags to connect the two parts cohesively. Prior art does not describe the conversion of a transferable liner into a fully functioning purse of its own via unique construction features. Said features of the present invention are a permanently attached shoulder strap which may be positioned according to intended use as either a purse or a transferable compartment. Another said feature is a closure flap which may be positioned according to intended use as either a purse or a transferable compartment. Thus, the present invention offers a complete lifestyle system in the form of a: 1) transferable compartment common to a variety of purses and bags, which, 2) cohesively integrate through the magnetic joining of the compartment and a chosen outer covering, and which 3) the compartment converts into an independent purse. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,820,664 issued to Ritch; U.S. Pat. No. 7,028,730 issued to Pace &amp; McFadden; U.S. Pat. No. 6,003,573 issued to Owens; U.S. Pat. No. 6,382,280 issued to Sands; U.S. Pat. No. 7,246,643 issued to Andrews; U.S. Pat. No. 6,543,499 issued to McCreery; U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,660 issued to Giardino; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,207,254 issued to Fromm all demonstrate handbags that allow the outer portion of a bag to be changed to meet the aesthetic desires of the user. While it is the objective of the present invention to function similarly, the aforementioned may be limited in their aesthetic design, size, additional carrying capacity, and versatility. Furthermore, none describe the ability to integrate personal effects into bags other than purses such as brief cases, diaper bags, etc. Amongst these prior art examples, it is observed that certain of the attaching mechanisms are potentially mechanically difficult for some users such as (circumference zippers) or hook and loop attachments. Also some describe attachments of an outer covering to an interior unit by way of Velcro which has the potential to wear quickly with repeated use. U.S. Pat. No. 6,394,157 issued to Luna describes a transferable liner for use in purses, back packs, brief cases, etc. This invention allows only the transfer of certain selected personal effects which are contained within the embodiment of the invention. Conversely, the present invention enables the transfer of all personal effects given that all such items are typically essential or preferred. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    It is the objective of the present invention to eliminate the recurring task of editing one&#39;s personal effects due to the inconvenience or burden of carrying multiple bags or due to the desire to carry a specific fashion or function of bag as prescribed by varying life situations. The present invention is a detachable compartment, common to a range of outer covering styles, which provides quick and easy transfer of all personal effects at once. 
         [0010]    It is the objective of the present invention to connect magnetically within all outer purses and bags of the system. This feature creates one cohesive bag; the benefit of which keeps miscellaneous items from getting lost between the two parts. However, the space between the two parts can be consciously utilized as a secret compartment for selected items requiring security from theft. An additional objective of the magnetic seals is to be quick and user friendly. Testing of prototypes conclude that the magnets will typically find each other and connect on their own once the present invention is placed within a host bag with correlating magnets. There is no additional time or potential frustration associated with connecting the parts. Incidentally, there are several transferable liners available at retail currently. They are intended for use in any, common market, open cavern, style purse for the transfer of all personal effects. The present invention can be used in this manner. While the fit may not be as tailored and the inserted compartment will not seal magnetically to other brand purses and bags, the user will still benefit from the greater versatility and value that the present invention will afford her as she can use her existing inventory of purses and bags. 
         [0011]    A further objective of the invention is to enable its conversion into a fashionable purse which can be used alone, without an outer covering to accompany it. This feature is of particular use when the insert containing one&#39;s personal effects has been carried within a larger task bag such as a brief case. Should the larger bag no longer be needed, yet an outer purse style is not in the user&#39;s possession, she can extract the present invention from the briefcase, remove a flap closure from a specially designed pocket to cover her personal contents and unwrap the shoulder strap from around the body of the present invention. This function may become beneficial in instances where additional items have been collected throughout the day which require a sensible method to carry them. Since all outer coverings can be used independent of the present invention within, the user might remove the present invention from its outer covering, convert it into a purse and free that now hollow area of the outer covering to carry additional items. 
         [0012]    Another objective of the invention is to enable users to diversify the size, shape, color, pattern, style, feel and function of their purse and task bag collections. Given the varying roles and style desires of women, a cost effective and efficient solution is provided by the present invention. The objective of the invention is to claim a relationship between itself and the many styles of outer purses and bags with which it coordinates. While the outer styles will vary by season, fabrication, purpose, and for numerous design considerations, the mechanism to attach the invention to its outer part must be constant and consistent. The tailored fit and specifically designed pouch that hosts the present invention must be constant and consistent. 
         [0013]    Therefore, a final objective of the present invention is one which provides a common and unifying compartment for use on its own or with compatible outer coverings so that diversified roles and varying style considerations may be resolved quickly, easily, economically and practically. The present invention and its evolving assortment of companion outer purses and bags are a reflection of the user&#39;s lifestyle through a cohesive and mutually supporting array of individual products. 
         [0014]    These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    In order to more readily understand the described use and versatility of the invention, specific embodiments are illustrated in the appended drawings. These drawings only depict typical embodiments of the invention and are not to be considered the limited scope of the invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 1A  depicts one of the long sides of the present invention. The illustration demonstrates a shoulder strap wrapped around the body and a closure flap tucked within a pocket as each of the strap and flap would need to be situated when the intended use of the present invention is that of a transferable compartment which lines the interior of a companion outer covering. This illustration also depicts the location of one of the magnetic connecting strips. It should be understood that the opposite long side of the compartment, not shown but denoted by number, has a magnet in the same area and of the same dimensions. 
           [0017]      FIG. 1B  depicts the opposite long side of the present invention as it would appear when the closure flap has been extracted from the other long side pocket and draped over the opening. Also, the shoulder strap has been unwrapped from around the two short sides and base of the body. This configuration renders the unit ready for use as a purse. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  depicts the present invention in the form of a transferable compartment. Arrows indicate where the same liner may be extracted and then placed within different outer coverings; therefore defining the present invention as detachable, removable and transferable to a desired outer covering. The illustrations also indicate the magnetic joining of the present invention with a compatible outer covering. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  depicts a cross section of the present invention within an outer covering. The cross section illustrates how the space between the inner compartment and outer covering may be utilized as a secret compartment since that area is concealed at the top by the magnetic strips and is therefore not readily apparent by view or by definition. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0020]    The attached, illustrated embodiments of the present invention will be best understood by reference, wherein numbers coincide with a description. It will be readily understood that the physical dimensions and functional attributes of the present invention will be consistent as they must be compatible with the outer coverings. It follows, then, that any interior pouch, designed to contain the present invention, will be consistent so that the fit will be snug and functionally accurate. It will also be understood that other physical dimensions, not pertaining to the close fit of the present invention, may be designed to a variety of specifications. Exterior features may appear in a variety of configurations. Furthermore, the interior organizational features of the present invention may be arranged in a wide variety of configurations. Thus the following, more detailed description, as represented in the figures is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as claimed, but is merely representative of some of the presently preferred embodiments. 
         [0021]    Referring now to  FIG. 1A ; one of the two long side views of the present invention in the form and function of a transferable compartment and personal effects organizer, generally designated  10   a.  The interior, organizational features (not shown) of the present invention  10   a  may be arranged in a wide variety of configurations including, but not limited to, credit card slots, zippered pockets, open mouthed pockets, pen holders, key ring holder or removable pouches. These and other design determinations may vary as trend and consumer relations require. The preferred structure of the present invention  10   a  includes a light weight forming material to provide an upright, not slouched posture, ideal for inserting and extracting it from one style of outer covering to another. Exterior fabrications of  10   a  may vary in pattern, color, texture or other design preferences so that its alternate configuration as a purse, generally designated in  FIG. 2  as  10   b  can meet aesthetic preferences. However, the preferred exterior fabrication of the present invention would lend itself to a smooth transition from one outer covering to another. 
         [0022]    Referring back to  FIG. 1A , the present invention features a shoulder strap  12 , which is permanently affixed to the body of the compartment  10   a.  The strap wraps snuggly around the body  10   a,  down each of the two shorter exterior side walls and along the base. In this manner, the shoulder strap  12  is effectively out of the way and will not impede on the quick and easy transfer of the compartment when its intended use is that of a liner within a specified pouch of an outer covering. As a permanently affixed feature, strap  12  is ensured to be available when the present invention&#39;s desired use changes to that of a purse shown as  10   b  in  FIG. 1B . It is understood that the manner which the strap is affixed may vary and the ability of the strap to adjust or remain a set length may vary. 
         [0023]    Referring to  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B  alternately, the present invention features a flap  16  which tucks into a pocket  14 , thereby creating a smooth and flush outer wall to enable the quick and easy transfer of the present invention as it pertains to a lining for a variety of outer coverings. When the desired use of  FIG. 1A  changes to that of  FIG. 1B , the flap  16  may be pulled from pocket  14 , draped over the open mouth of the present invention and affixed to opposite long side wall  19  to fasten, conceal and contain the personal effects within. It is understood that the general shape of the closure flap  16  may vary according to design preference. It is also understood that the method of affixing the flap  16  to wall  19  may vary according to design preference and is not limited to the centered snap depicted in  FIG. 1B . 
         [0024]    Referring again to  FIG. 1A , the present invention is able to connect to all outer coverings where a specifically designed pouch with a tailored fit and precise placement of connecting magnets are featured. These connecting magnets, as they pertain to the present invention, are sewn within channels  18  shown and  19  not shown but denoted. The channels containing the magnets are near the opening of the present invention and along the length of each of the two long sides. Each magnetic strip  18  and  19  is sandwiched between the preferred exterior fabrication and the preferred interior lining materials. Each channel  18  and  19  is constructed in a manner that will maintain each magnet in its ideal position. 
         [0025]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , channels and magnets  20  and  21  are ideally constructed and positioned within the interior, long side walls of each of the outer coverings only where the present invention is intended to fit. Magnetic strips  20  and  21  are sandwiched between the preferred exterior fabrication and the preferred interior lining material. 
         [0026]    Referring again to  FIG. 2 , the preferred fabrication of the exterior of  10   a  and the preferred interior lining fabrication of outer coverings  26 ,  28  and  30 , will enable and not impede on the function of the magnets. Therefore, in spite of there being two layers of fabric between the magnets, still magnet  18  shown will connect to magnet  20  shown and magnet  19  will connect with  21 , both of which are not shown but denoted by number and reasonably implied. The illustrated and described connecting magnets are not limited to these configurations. Hence, it is important to note, for ease of use, that the present invention  10   a  may be inserted so that magnet  18  joins with  20  or  21  and magnet  19  joins with  20  or  21 . Thus, both  10   a  magnets and both of all outer covering magnets are alternately compatible, front to back or front to front. 
         [0027]    Referring again to  FIG. 2 , depicts the present invention as it relates to a variety of outer purses and bags. The form of the present invention is that of  10   a  and is intended for use as an organizer of one&#39;s personal effects within. Another intended use in this form is as a detach-able, removable and transferable liner to be inserted into a plurality of purses and bags. The aforementioned uses make the selection of the preferred fashion or functional outer covering a more practical and time saving endeavor. 
         [0028]      FIG. 2  illustrations depict only a sampling of the outer coverings that may be constructed to contain the present invention  10   a.  It is understood that outer coverings may be constructed in a variety of configurations and forms with a multitude of pockets, hardware, design elements, fabrications and functions according to a variety of fashion and purposeful considerations. Examples may be, but are not limited to, an embodiment constructed of canvas, nylon, microfiber, leather, PVC, linen, silk, corduroy or any combination of natural or synthetic materials. A plurality of colors, materials, print themes, designs or textures may be used so as to coincide with fashion trends, holidays, special occasions, other fashion accessories or utilitarian considerations. Each outer covering may be selected at the discretion of the user to best enhance style or special purpose needs. For example, one covering  28  might best coordinate with an outfit while another covering might best facilitate the transport of books  26  or baby items  30  in conjunction with the transport of the user&#39;s personal effects. 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , the space that is created between outer covering  32  and the present invention  10   a,  may be utilized for the safe keeping of certain items. The existence of this space is not readily apparent or open to view by virtue of the magnetic connections  18  to  20  and  19  to  21 . Therefore it might be chosen to contain such valuables as a passport, additional money or traveler&#39;s checks. The user may choose to store such items loosely in the space marked  22 . Or the user might elect to share pocket  14  containing flap  16  and tuck items  24  into said pocket  14 . It is understood that additional pockets may be added to the short ends or opposite long end of the present invention to facilitate this use. And additional pockets may be added to the interior of any outer covering to facilitate this use. Neither of the additions would interfere with the other uses and functions of the present invention or outer coverings. All options effectively render the disguise, yet are easily accessed by the user since the magnets may be quietly and easily separated while keeping compartment  10   a  in position. 
         [0030]    The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its structures, methods, or other essential characteristics as described herein and claimed hereinafter. All described and illustrated embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. Now having described and disclosed the present invention and alternately preferred embodiments in such a way that those skilled in the art to understand and practice the same, see claims beginning page 12.