Improvements in Hand Bags.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 6th Oct., 1896
Complete Specification Left, 4th Jan., 1897-Accepted, 13th Mar., 1897
IONAL
Improvements in Hand Bags.
I, SELMAR REITZENBAUM, of 70 and 71 Wallstrasse, Berlin, Engineer, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to improvements in hand bags, whereby a bag can be made
to assume more than one size.
In carrying my invention into effect, I provide a bag made of the largest size
required, using an ordinary hinged metal frame at the mouth, which, however, is
only the width of the smallest size adopted for the convertible bag. Consequently
the width of the largest size is greater than for the smaller sizes, the surplus
material projecting beyond each end of the metal frame being arranged to fold within
the bag, so that the width of the bag now conforms to the length of the metal
frame.
In its first converted form-as described above-the bag is too long, to look well,
and it is reduced in length by folding it a predetermined portion and securing it
there by suitable fastenings arranged for the purpose. If this is again too long, the
bag is again further reduced by folding, and securing it in its converted position by
suitable hooks, eyes, buttons or equivalent fastenings. In its final form the bag is
considerably diminished in size and capacity, and is suitable only for containing
small articles, while in the enlarged forms the capacity is increased to a corre
sponding degree. A stiffening is inserted in the bottom of the bag of the largest
dimension, which approximates the length of the metal frame and conforms in
position thereto. This facilitates the folding of the bag to the smaller size, and also
tends to maintain it in a neat form.
Dated this 6th day of October 1896.
FAIRFAX & WETTER,
433 Strand, London, Agents for the Applicant.
1, SELMAR REITZENBAUM, Engineer, of 70 and 71 Wallstrasse, Berlin, Germany,
do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to
be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement :-
This invention has for its object, to provide a handbag which can be adjusted
in size according to requirements, and this without much trouble or loss of time.
In the accompanying drawing Figs. 1 to 3 represent a bag embodying my
invention, Fig. 1 showing the bag when extended to its full size, Fig. 2 the same
after it has been reduced to its medium size, and Fig. 3 the same after reduction
to its smallest size. Figs. 4 and 5 represent details on a larger scale.

page_text: Like many other handbags, my convertible handbag is made of leather or other
flexible material; it is armed with metallic frames or clasp rails b, and provided
with wings a, a extending right and left from the same.
It is furthermore provided at the bottom with an internal stay or stiffening rail,
having approximately the same length as the upper frame b; at the top it has a
pair of suitable buttons e, e, or other fastenings, at the bottom a pair of eyes d,
or hooks corresponding in position to the said buttons e, and on one side, at a
convenient distance from the bottom, another pair of eyes or equivalent
fastenings h, h, as shown by Fig. 2.
Assuming that the bag is extended to its full length (as shown in Fig. 1) and
it is required to convert the same into one.of smaller size, all that has to be done,
is to turn, in the first place, the two side pieces a, inwards. The stiffening a has
been inserted with a view to facilitate this operation. The bag,has now a uniform
width and a slender appearance.
If the body of the bag be now folded once lengthwise and the buttons e inserted
in the eyes, the bag will assume the appearance of Fig. 2, and have only about half
its original size.
If a still smaller size be required, the lower portion 9 is turned inwards, the
eyes are fastened to the buttons, and the bag will therefore assume the appearance
of Fig. 3. Its holding capacity will now be considerably diminished, and the bag
will be suitable for small articles. The bag is therefore capable of assuming various
shapes and sizes, and is provided with means for retaining its shape after each
conversion. Instead of buttons and eyes, as shown in detail by Figs. 4 and 5, other
known fastenings may be employed for this purpose.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention. and in what manner the same, is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim, is:
1. A handbag adapted to assume various dimensions or to form a, closed receptacle
of varying size, by folding, and provided with means for securing the bag or
retaining its shape after each conversion, substantially as described.
2. A convertible handbag, adapted to be folded so as to form a closed receptacle
of varying size, and provided with fastenings for securing the bag after each
adjustment, and with a stay or stiffening piece, substantially as described.
3. In a convertible handbag of the kind specified, the means for securing the bag
after each adjustment, consisting of buttons; applied to the metallic frame or clasp, in
combination with eyes applied to the material of the bag, substantially as described.
Dated this 4th day of January 1897.
FAIRFAX & WETTER,
433, Strand, London, Agents.