HK1160589B - Handbags with interchangeable covers and methods for customizing handbags - Google Patents

Description

Handbag with interchangeable cover and method of customizing a handbag

Technical Field

The present invention relates to systems, methods and apparatus for customizing a handbag having at least a portion of a replaceable handbag cover.

Background

Handbags, while useful for carrying various items, are often used as accessories to increase or alter the overall aesthetic appeal of a person. Indeed, it is often desirable to have different handbags for different purposes, apparel, and occasions. Many different styles of hand bags are sufficient for various purposes. However, it is difficult for a person to purchase a variety of different handbags that adequately fit many different single choices. For example, the cost of purchasing alone can be prohibitively high, even if a relatively small number of different handbags are purchased. Additionally, users may be faced with the problem of how to save and/or store all of the different handbags they may have purchased. In particular, those who choose to purchase several handbags may find storing the handbags require more space than is expected or available. Oftentimes, a user may be required to give up many handbags due to lack of storage space.

In other cases, purchasing or using several different handbags may cause other logistical problems by changing handbags. For example, when a user wants to use a different handbag for some reason (e.g., a change in environment, apparel, etc.), the user may need to spend time transferring items from one handbag to another handbag. Often, when transferring items between handbags, the items can be inadvertently forgotten or even lost. This can cause varying degrees of inconvenience and annoyance, and can cause the user to stop changing handbags for a desired aesthetic.

While there are some mechanisms for replacing the outer cover on a particular handbag, many of these mechanisms tend to be inefficient and inconvenient. For example, some interchangeable handbag covers have many different fastener mechanisms and components. These fasteners typically include complex hook and loop systems, snap elements, zipper elements, or even snap features. These fastener systems can be particularly noticeable and can detract from the desired aesthetics and, in some cases, even the functionality of the resulting handbag.

In addition, in these or similar situations, a user typically needs to unfasten each individual snap element, unzip each individual zipper, unfasten each individual snap or hook and loop element, or otherwise unfasten a given frame, and then slide the handbag outer cover off of the underlying handbag to replace the outer cover. It will be appreciated that while more elaborate fastening systems may hold the handbag cover sufficiently in place to prevent inadvertent removal of the cover, these fastening systems may also eliminate the convenience provided by the replaceable handbag cover. Because of these and other inconveniences, the end user may eventually abandon the replacement of the handbag cover with another cover because the replacement is time consuming and laborious.

In other cases, a conventional handbag cover covers only a portion of the base handbag. These systems may be unsatisfactory because they do not change the overall effectiveness and feel of the handbag at all. Also, other conventional handbag covers are too small or large for a handbag and make the cover easy to drop off, or not suitable for the handbag at all. It will be appreciated that such mismatch in fit can be particularly pronounced by a deformable handbag that can vary greatly in size and shape depending on the number of items within the handbag.

Thus, conventional handbags suffer from a number of problems, particularly when a high degree of customization may be required, and particularly may be applied to handbags having relatively undefined surface characteristics.

Disclosure of Invention

Embodiments of the present invention provide a system, method and apparatus configured to easily alter the look and feel of any particular handbag in a highly efficient manner. For example, at least one embodiment of the present invention includes a base handbag having a replaceable outer cover to allow the handbag to assume any number of different styles. The cover, or shell, can enclose the base handbag in a highly secure manner. Despite this secure attachment, a user can quickly and easily replace the handbag cover with another handbag cover without difficulty. Thus, a user can obtain the benefit of having multiple different handbag styles and designs by changing only the handbag covers on a single base handbag.

For example, a customizable handbag system according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a base handbag having one or more attachment interfaces on at least one edge. The handbag system can further include a handbag cover configured to be secured about the base handbag and to one or more attachment interfaces of the base handbag by a plurality of different attachment forces. Additionally, the handbag system can include a plurality of fastening elements disposed on the base handbag and handbag cover. The plurality of fastening elements can provide releasable attachment points for attaching the handbag cover to the base handbag.

Additionally, a handbag kit configured for customizing handbags in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention includes a base handbag. The handbag kit can further include a plurality of handbag covers, each handbag cover comprising a generally crushable material. Each handbag cover can be releasably attachable to the base handbag by a plurality of different attachment forces and include different aesthetic designs. The handbag kit can also include a plurality of releasable clips attached to an upper portion of the base handbag. Additionally, the handbag kit can include a plurality of handles. Each handle may be configured for releasable attachment to a releasable clip and may include different aesthetic designs. Likewise, attachment of any of the plurality of handbag covers changes the aesthetic design of the base handbag from one handbag cover to another.

In addition to the foregoing, a method of customizing a handbag according to an embodiment of the present invention can include placing a handbag cover about a base handbag. The method further includes aligning a plurality of fastening elements on the handbag cover in a securable position relative to a plurality of fastening elements on the base handbag. Additionally, the method includes securing the one or more attachment interfaces of the handbag cover to the one or more attachment interfaces of the base handbag using a plurality of different attachment forces.

Additional features and advantages of exemplary embodiments of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the exemplary embodiments. The features and advantages of the embodiments may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of such exemplary embodiments as set forth hereinafter.

Drawings

In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It should be noted that for purposes of illustration, the figures are not drawn to scale and that elements of similar structure or function are generally represented by the same reference numeral in all figures. Understanding that these drawings depict only specific embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates a handbag according to an embodiment of the present invention that includes a handbag cover secured about a bottom handbag;

FIG. 1B illustrates the handbag according to an embodiment of the present invention as in FIG. 1A, with different handbag covers;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of an exemplary base handbag such as can be used with the handbags shown in FIGS. 1A-1B;

FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of the handbag cover of FIG. 1A that can be secured around or to the base handbag of FIG. 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the base handbag of FIG. 2, positioned within the handbag cover of FIG. 3 but not secured thereto; and

figure 5 illustrates a front perspective view of the handbag cover of figure 3 positioned about and secured to the base handbag of figure 2 by a plurality of attachment forces.

Detailed Description

The present invention extends to systems, methods, and apparatus configured to readily modify the look and feel of any particular handbag in a highly efficient manner. For example, at least one embodiment of the present invention includes a base handbag having a replaceable outer cover that allows the handbag to assume any number of different styles. The outer cover or shell can enclose the base handbag in a highly secure manner. Despite the secure connection, a user can quickly and easily replace one handbag cover with another without undue effort. Thus, by varying only the handbag covers on a single base handbag, a user can essentially obtain a variety of different handbag styles and designs.

It will thus be appreciated that at least one embodiment of the present invention provides a handbag in a unique style that a user can change the design of the handbag by simply removing the outer covering (or "shell") of the base handbag ("handbag") and replacing it with another outer covering having a different design. Thus, a user can customize the look and design of handbags without having to transfer items from one handbag to another. In particular, a user need only change the outer cover on the base handbag to change the aesthetics and style of a given handbag. It should be appreciated that enclosures of various different designs may provide various design choices to the user. In addition, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the outer cover is flattenable and can be stored relatively easily (e.g., without taking up significant space).

Initially, as used herein, the term "handbag" refers to any type of bag that a user can carry, hold, or at least partially support with one or more hands. The term handbag therefore encompasses smaller sized bags, such as purses, vanity bags, swimming bags, and the like. However, the term handbag also encompasses larger bags, such as suitcases, duffel bags, sports bags or equipment bags in general, and the like. Thus, while the various exemplary embodiments of the handbag of the present invention described below are depicted in the figures as a smaller wallet style bag, the present invention is not so limited and encompasses a variety of bags having different sizes, shapes and functional purposes.

For example, figures 1A-1B illustrate a base handbag 100 within various handbag covers 110a, 110B in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular, figure 1A illustrates a one-color handbag cover 110a having a buckle design secured around the base handbag 100, thereby forming a handbag 120 a. Similarly, figure 1B illustrates a handbag cover 110B that forms a handbag 120B around the same base handbag 100, having a different aesthetic design than the handbag 110a of figure 1A. In particular, handbag cover 110B illustrated in figure 1B has several colors (different from cover 110a), but lacks the buckle design on handbag cover 110 a.

Thus, as shown in figures 1A-1B, the handbag 120(a, B) can include a decorative handbag cover 110(a, B) secured around the base handbag 100. In fact, as will be described in greater detail below, a user can place various items within the base handbag 100 and insert the base handbag 100 within the handbag outer cover 110(a, b) having a desired aesthetic design. The user can then secure the handbag cover 110(a, b) to the base handbag 100 via a plurality of attachment forces. Additionally, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, when fully assembled, the base handbag 100 and handbag cover 110(a, b) can appear as a single handbag rather than as a combination of separate components. It will be appreciated that this unity in appearance can provide a great advantage in aesthetics, and therefore desirability.

As shown in fig. 1A-1B, a combined base handbag 100 and handbag cover 110(a, B) can comprise a "soft handbag" 120(a, B), according to an embodiment of the present invention. As used herein, the term "soft handbag" refers to a compressible handbag (whether or not including a handbag cover attached thereto) that a user can generally flatten it in at least one direction. For example, the handbags 120(a, B) shown in figures 1A-1B include a base handbag 100 and respective handbag covers 110(a, B) placed directly on the table that assume a generally flat configuration when free of internal contents.

While the soft hand bag according to one or more embodiments of the present invention may be understood as having different side and bottom portions, each of such side or bottom portions may comprise a generally collapsible (collapsible) material. The generally crushable material may include, for example, synthetic or natural leather, resin (e.g., vinyl or polyester materials), or any number of cloth materials, including woven and non-woven cloths and fabrics. The crushable nature of the material may enable the soft hand bag to expand to provide space for storing or containing various items. Along the same line, the crushable nature of the material may enable the soft hand bag to flatten out and thus be stored in a relatively small space without difficulty.

While the handbags shown in fig. 1A-1B include soft handbags, in other embodiments, the handbags of the present invention may not be soft handbags. Thus, in one or more embodiments, one or more of the base handbag 100 and corresponding handbag cover 110 can be non-collapsible in one or more directions. For example, in one or more embodiments, the base handbag 100 can be non-collapsible, while the corresponding handbag cover 110 can be substantially collapsible. In these embodiments, the handbag 120 can have the appearance of a soft handbag, but the base handbag 100 can prevent the handbag 120 from collapsing.

It should be understood that the particular handbag covers and designs illustrated in figures 1A-1B are merely exemplary in light of the disclosure herein, and that the handbag covers of the present invention can still comprise any number of designs and configurations. For example, the handbag covers of the present invention can be functionally varied in addition to aesthetic variations. For example, FIG. 1A illustrates that handbag outer cover 110a can include outer pockets 130 on the sides of handbag outer cover 110a, while FIG. 1B illustrates that handbag outer cover 110B does not include outer pockets. Thus, one or more embodiments of the present invention allow a user to change not only the aesthetic design of a handbag, but also the function and carrying capacity of the handbag by simply replacing the handbag cover.

Thus, each embodiment of the present invention includes a base handbag to which a user can add and/or replace handbag covers. In this manner, FIG. 2 and the corresponding text illustrate or describe many details and features of the base handbag 100 shown in FIGS. 1A-1B. In particular, figure 2 illustrates a front perspective view of the base handbag 100 in an open, at least partially expanded configuration upon which a user can secure handbag covers (e.g., to create handbags 120a and 120 b). As shown in FIG. 2, the base handbag 100 can include a main pocket (or body) 202 formed by four sidewalls 204a-d and a bottom surface 206.

Additionally, and as previously mentioned, in one or more embodiments, at least a portion of the primary bag 202 may comprise a substantially crushable material. The generally crushable material of the primary bag 202 may allow the primary bag 202 to expand or contract to accommodate different sizes or different numbers of articles. Alternatively, at least a portion of the primary bag 202 may comprise a rigid or non-crushable material. In these embodiments, the rigid material may help ensure that any item within which the primary bag 202 is placed does not compress or squeeze any item placed within. In further embodiments, the primary bag 202 may include a combination of generally collapsible and rigid portions to provide the primary bag 202 with the ability to flex about the contents therein as well as to provide different shapes for the primary bag 202.

Figure 2 also shows that the base handbag 100 can include various pockets, and recesses for receiving and storing various items. For example, figure 2 illustrates that the base handbag 100 can include side pockets 208 accessible by a zipper in addition to the main pocket 202. It should be appreciated that the base handbag 100 configured as a wallet may include any number of different pockets and structures to enable carrying and storing any number of different personal items (e.g., cosmetics, keys, notes, savings cards). In other examples, the base handbag can be configured with duffel or sports bag-like features, such as in different sized and shaped structures, so that it can be used to carry clothing, sports equipment, and the like.

Configured as described above, however, a user can customize the bottom handbag 100 by securing the handbag covers 110(a, b) thereto. In this manner, the base handbag 100 can include a number of features that facilitate attachment of handbag covers 110(a, b). In particular, as will be described in greater detail below, the base handbag 100 can include one or more attachment interfaces that can be secured to one or more attachment interfaces on the handbag cover 110(a, b). For example, figure 2 illustrates that the base handbag 100 can include attachment interfaces 210 secured to the upper edges of the side walls 204b and 204 d. According to some embodiments of the invention, each attachment interface 210 can have a relatively planar shape and increase the aesthetic appeal of the handbag 120 b.

Additionally, figure 2 shows that in at least one embodiment of the present invention, the attachment interface 210 of the base handbag 100 can include first and second opposing surfaces 212a, 212 b. Each of the opposing surfaces 212a and 212b may include one or more fastening elements 230. Alternatively, the attachment interface 210 may support the fastening elements 230 such that one side of each fastening element 230 is positioned on or within the outer-most scale of the first opposing surface 212a and the other side of each fastening element 230 is positioned on or within the outer-most scale of the second opposing surface 212 b. In any case, it should be appreciated that each of the first and second opposing surfaces 212a, 212b may include one or more fastening elements 230.

Additionally, the base handbag 100 can include a second attachment interface 250 (or second base attachment interface 250) secured to the upper edges of the side walls 204a and 204b of the main bag 202. As shown in fig. 2, attachment interface 250 may comprise a circular ring secured to the inside of the wall of main bag 202. As will be described in greater detail below, the attachment interfaces 210, 250 can provide an interface for securing the handbag cover 110(a, b) to the base handbag 100 via a plurality of attachment forces.

In addition to the replaceable cover, one or more embodiments of the present invention can also include a base handbag 100 with replaceable handles. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates that the base handbag 100 can include a releasable clip 260 for removing or replacing the handle 270. In particular, figure 2 shows that the base handbag 100 can include one or more releasable handle clips 260 (e.g., carabineer-shooter style) comprising a generally annular body formed by first and second sections 264, 266 connected by a flexible hinge 262. Thus, a user may open releasable clip 260 to remove or replace a given handle 270. Of course, other types of release mechanisms may be used in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

In any event, it will be appreciated that the ability to replace a given handle 270 or set of handles from the base handbag 100 can provide additional configurability and flexibility to the handbag described herein. In particular, the ability to change the handles 270 allows the base handbag 100 to include handles 270 of different sizes and colors, and thus, also allows different customization levels to be provided, rather than just allowing customization of the handbag outer covers 110(a, b). Similar to the handbag covers 110(a, b), one or more embodiments of the present invention can include a variety of different styles of handles 270 to provide a wide variety of design choices to the user.

Figure 3 and its corresponding text illustrate or describe many details and features of the handbag cover 110a shown in figure 1A. For example, FIG. 3 illustrates that the handbag outer cover 110a can include a main pocket 302 or body formed by four side walls 304a-d and a bottom surface 306. The primary pocket 302 can have a size and configuration that allows it to receive and cover the base handbag 100, as will be described in more detail below. As described above, primary bag 302 may comprise at least a portion of a substantially collapsible material. The substantially crushable material forming the main bag 302 may allow the main bag 302 to expand or contract and/or to substantially flatten, such as for storage, depending on the base handbag 100 to which it is secured.

As shown in fig. 3, handbag cover 110a can include one or more attachment interfaces for securing handbag cover 110a to base handbag 100, as will be described in greater detail below. In particular, as shown in fig. 3, handbag cover 110a can include attachment interfaces 310 secured to the upper edges of the side walls 304b and 304d of main bag 302. Each attachment interface 310 can include one or more fastening elements 330 that can be fastened to the fastening elements 230 of the base handbag 100. Additionally, fig. 3 illustrates that each attachment interface 310 of the handbag outer cover 110a can include a lower portion 312a and an upper portion 312b connected by a crease (crease) 324. As shown in fig. 3, each of the upper and lower portions 312a and 312b may include one or more fastening elements 330. As will be described in greater detail below, a user can fold the attachment interface 310 of the handbag cover 110a about the attachment interface 210 of the base handbag 100 to secure the handbag cover 110a to the base handbag 100.

Additionally, handbag cover 110a can include a second attachment interface 350 (or second cover attachment interface) secured to the upper edges of the side walls 304a and 304b of main bag 302, which correspond to second base attachment interface 250 shown in figure 2. As shown in fig. 3, attachment interface 350 may comprise a circular ring secured to the inside of the wall of main bag 302. As will be described in greater detail below, attachment interface 350 can provide a secure connection for a releasable loop that can secure handbag cover 110a to base handbag 100 and a strap to the handbag.

As previously discussed, the handbag cover 110a can comprise any number of different styles or designs to allow a user to customize the base handbag 100. For example, figure 4 illustrates a front perspective view of a partially assembled handbag 120 a. As shown in fig. 4, the handbag 120a includes a base handbag 100 about which the handbag cover 110a is partially secured. In particular, the base handbag 100 is placed inside a handbag outer cover 110. As will be described in greater detail below, a user can secure the attachment interface 210 of the base handbag 100 to the corresponding attachment interface 310 of the handbag cover 110a using a plurality of attachment forces to fully secure the handbag cover 110a to the base handbag 100.

As described above and shown in fig. 4, each of the attachment interfaces 210 of the base handbag 100 can include one or more fastening elements 230. Similarly, each of the attachment interfaces 310 of handbag cover 110a can include one or more fastening elements 330. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the fastening element 230 comprises a set of one or more corresponding elements, such as iron, nickel, or cobalt (or the like), that have been made into permanent magnets, while the fastening element 330 comprises a set of one or more corresponding elements made of the same (or similar) material that is not permanently magnetized but is attracted to the permanent magnets. In another embodiment of the invention, the fastening element 230 may comprise a set of one or more counter elements made of a material that is not permanently magnetized but is attracted to a permanent magnet, while the fastening element 330 comprises a permanent magnet.

Thus, the fastening elements 230 of the base handbag 100 can be secured to the corresponding fastening elements 330 of the handbag cover 110 a. It should be appreciated that any particular fastening element 230, 330 including permanent magnets, or elements that attract to permanent magnets, are not required in light of the disclosure herein. Indeed, a manufacturer can even mix different fastening elements 230 of the base handbag 100 such that only some fastening elements 230 are permanent magnets, while other fastening elements 230 are not (e.g., VELCRO or snap fasteners). In this way, the manufacturer can mix different fastening elements 330 of the handbag cover 110a between the permanent magnets and the elements attracted to the permanent magnets to correspond to the fastening elements 230 of the base handbag 100, or vice versa.

In any case, the manufacturer may attach the fastening element 230, 330 to the attachment interface 210, 310 (typically on the inside) so that the fastening element 230, 330 is effectively flush with the surface (or inside) of the attachment interface 210, 310. For example, each of the attachment interfaces 210, 310 may include one or more substrates (not shown) to which or within which the fastening elements 230, 330 are attached. The outer housing (i.e., the illustrated surface of the attachment interface 210, 310) may cover the substrate and fastening element 230, 330. As more fully understood herein, in one or more embodiments of the present invention, this means that the fastening element 230, 330 is relatively imperceptible to an ordinary observer, unlike the attachment interface 210, 310 itself. Additionally, such a configuration of the fastening elements 230, 330 may help to ensure that the attachment interfaces 210, 310 are secured to one another with great security when they are placed in position, as described more fully below.

While fig. 4 illustrates the fastening elements 230, 330 as discrete elements, it should be understood that this is not necessarily required. For example, the fastening elements 230, 330 may comprise a single fastening element, which may or may not span the entire length of the corresponding attachment interface 210, 310. In any event, it is to be understood that in one or more embodiments of the present invention, the number or type of fastener elements 230 of the base handbag 100 can correspond to the number or type of fastener elements 330 employed within a corresponding handbag cover 110a, in accordance with the disclosure herein. Additionally, the manufacturer can determine the number, size, and dimensions of the fastening elements 230, 330 used in the attachment interfaces 210, 310 based on any number of different factors, including the overall holding/attracting strength, shape, or other aesthetic or functional considerations of the base handbag 100 and/or handbag cover 110 a.

For example, figure 4 illustrates that to increase the overall holding/attracting strength between the base handbag 100 and handbag cover 110a, the handbag 120a can include more fastening elements 330 than fastening elements 230. In particular, in one or more embodiments of the invention, a user can secure the fastening elements 330 of the handbag cover 110a to each side of one or more fastening elements 230 of the bottom handbag 100. Thus, for each of the one or more fastening elements 230 of the attachment interface 210 of the base handbag 100, the attachment interface 310 can have two corresponding fastening elements 330 on opposite sides thereof. As will be described in greater detail below, these additional fastening elements 330 included within each attachment interface 310 of handbag cover 110a can provide additional strength to the bond therebetween when base handbag 100 and handbag cover 110a are assembled together.

Additionally, while fig. 4 hides the fastening elements 230, 330 of the handbag 120a from view, it is to be understood that the handbag 120a can include visible magnetic or other means of fastening elements 230, 330. For example, handbag 110a can include exposed fastening elements 230, 330, visible surfaces of bottom handbag 100 and/or sides of handbag outer cover 110 a. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, however, a manufacturer may prefer to arrange and/or configure the fastening elements 230, 330 so that they are hidden from view or otherwise made inconspicuous, particularly when the attachment interface 310 of the handbag cover 110a is connected to the attachment interface 210 of the base handbag 100.

Additionally, it should be understood that the magnetic elements are only one type of fastening element that the handbag of the present invention may include. For example, handbags in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention may also or alternatively use other forms of fastening elements, including but not limited to hook and loop elements, snap elements, and/or friction-based type fasteners. Depending on the design and function of a given fastening element, the handbag 120a can include any number or arrangement of such fastening elements on the base handbag 100 and handbag cover 110a as desired to ensure a proper attraction between the base handbag 100 and handbag cover 110 a.

For example, a handbag in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention can include an equal number of corresponding snap-based fastening elements on the attachment interface 210 of the base handbag 100 and on the attachment interface 310 of the handbag cover 110 a. In contrast to the magnetic-based fastening elements 230, 330, the handbag 120a can additionally and alternatively include any number or arrangement of hook-and-loop-based fastening elements on the attachment interface 210 of the base handbag 100 and the attachment interface 310 of the handbag cover 120 a. Additionally, the handbag 120a can include any combination of magnetic, snap, and hook and loop fastening elements as desired to create a suitable bond between the handbag cover 110a and the base handbag 100.

Of course, it should be appreciated that the use of relatively strong but thin magnetic fastening elements 230, 330 may provide a number of different advantages. At least one such advantage is manifested in the size of such exemplary magnetic fastening elements 230, 330. Such a thin profile of the magnetic fastening elements 230, 330 can provide a smooth, planar attachment interface for each of the base handbag 100 and handbag cover 110a, which is aesthetically pleasing in itself. At least another advantage of using a relatively strong or relatively large number of magnets is that this can provide sufficient attraction with a given outer surface of the base handbag 100 to be able to enhance the secure attachment of the base handbag 100 to the handbag outer cover 110a, as discussed more fully below.

As previously described, a user can secure the handbag cover 110a to the base handbag 100 or about the base handbag 100 through a plurality of attachment forces using at least the attachment interfaces 210, 310. For example, as explained in more detail below, a user can place the handbag cover 100a around the base handbag 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. The user can then align the fastening elements 330 of the handbag cover 110a in a securable position relative to the fastening elements 230 of the base handbag 100 to create a magnetic attachment force between the handbag cover 110a and the base handbag 100. Thus, a user can secure one or more attachment interfaces 310 of handbag cover 110a to one or more attachment interfaces 210 of base handbag 100. For example, a user can fold each attachment interface 310 of handbag cover 110a along crease 324 and around a corresponding attachment interface 210 of base handbag 100. This can create a gravitational attachment force (supported at least in part by the fold 324) between the handbag cover 110a and the base handbag 100.

Fig. 5 illustrates additional details of at least one embodiment according to the function and purpose of the attachment interface 210, 310. In particular, to illustrate the features and interactions between the attachment interfaces 210, 310, figure 5 illustrates each attachment interface 310 of the handbag cover 110a fully secured or attached to the attachment interface 210 of the base handbag 100. This is in contrast to figure 4 which shows the attachment interface 310 of the handbag cover 110a unfolded and separated from the attachment interface 210 of the base handbag 100.

Thus, referring to fig. 4 and 5, each of the bottom surface portions 312a of the attachment interface 310 of the handbag cover 110a can mate with the first opposing surface 212a of the attachment interface 210 of the base handbag 100. Additionally, figure 5 shows that each of the upper portions 312b of the attachment interfaces 310 of the handbag cover 110a can mate with the second opposing surface 212b of the attachment interface 210 of the base handbag 100 after the user folds the attachment interface 310 about the fold 324. Thus, to secure the attachment interface 310 of handbag cover 110a to the attachment interface 210 of base handbag 100, a user can first align the fastening elements 330 within the lower portion 312a of the attachment interface 310 with the fastening elements 230 of the first surface 212a of the attachment interface 210. It will be appreciated that by aligning the fastening elements 230, 330 with one another, a magnetic attachment force is created between the bottom handbag 100 and handbag cover 110 a.

Figure 5 shows that a user can fold the upper portion 312b of the attachment interface 310 along the crease 324 and around the upper edge of the attachment interface 210 (which is also the upper edge of the bottom handbag 100). Thereafter, the user may align the fastening elements 330 in the upper portion 312b with the fastening elements 230 of the second opposing surface 212 b. It will be appreciated that this will create additional magnetic attachment forces between the base handbag 100 and handbag cover 110 a. In at least one embodiment, folding upper portion 312b about crease 324 also allows attachment interface 310 to substantially enclose attachment interface 210, thus creating a gravitational attachment force between base handbag 100 and handbag cover 110 a.

Thus, where magnets are used as fastening elements 230, 330, the structure of the attachment interface in figure 5 illustrates that both gravitational (along crease 324) and magnetic (e.g., element 330 resting on 230) attachment forces can couple base handbag 100 to handbag cover 110 a. Conversely, the attachment force may be broken only when the user applies sufficient force to deploy the attachment interface 310 from the attachment interface 210, thus breaking the combination of the attachment force combinations (gravitational and/or magnetic, or otherwise).

It should be appreciated that the particular configuration of the attachment interfaces 210, 310 illustrated in figures 4-5 are merely exemplary configurations of attachment interfaces for securing the handbag cover 110a to the base handbag 100 via a plurality of attachment forces. For example, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the attachment interface 210 of the base handbag 100 can be folded around the attachment interface 310 of the handbag cover 100. In other embodiments of the invention, the attachment interfaces 210, 310 can span the entire upper edge of the base handbag 100 and handbag cover 110a, or alternatively only a single edge.

In addition to gravity and magnetic attachment forces, one or more embodiments of the present invention can create a mechanical attachment force between the handbag cover 110a and the base handbag 100. For example, as previously described, one or more of the fastening elements 230, 330 may include hook and loop elements, snap elements, or other fasteners that create a mechanical attachment force. It is to be appreciated that the mechanical attachment forces can enhance or alter the coupling between the bottom handbag 100 and handbag cover 110 a.

For example, in one or more embodiments, handbag cover 110 can comprise one or more elastic members that extend between attachment interfaces 310 or otherwise around at least a portion of an upper edge of handbag cover 110. The elastic members can be held inside the handbag cover 110 and thus hidden from view. The elastic members can create additional or alternative attachment forces between the handbag cover 110 and the base handbag 100. In particular, the elastic members can secure the upper edge of the handbag cover 110 about the bottom handbag 100 by a compressed mechanical attachment force. It will be appreciated that in one or more embodiments that include springs, the attachment interface 310 of the handbag cover 110a can exclude the upper portion 312 b. In such a case, the plurality of attachment forces securing the handbag cover 110 to the base handbag 100 can include magnetic forces generated by the fastening elements 230, 330 and mechanical forces generated by the elastic members.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the customizable handbag can include a mechanical attachment force created by a releasable loop in addition to, or as an alternative to, the previously described gravitational and magnetic attachment forces. For example, figure 5 illustrates that a user can secure a releasable ring 510 through attachment interface 250 of base handbag 100 and attachment interface 350 of handbag cover 110 a. The releasable ring 510 can provide a mechanical attachment force for securing the handbag cover 110a to the base handbag 100. Indeed, the attachment force provided by securing the releasable ring 510 into both sets of attachment interfaces 250, 350 can be combined with the attachment force provided by the attachment interfaces 210, 310 to further increase the stability of the attachment of the base handbag 100 to the corresponding handbag cover 110 a.

Additionally, as shown in fig. 5, the releasable ring 510 can provide a secure attachment point for attaching one or more interchangeable shoulder straps 512 to the handbag 120 b. It will be appreciated that the ability to replace a given shoulder strap 512 and shoulder strap set 512 from a handbag 120a can provide additional configurability and flexibility to the handbag described herein. In particular, the ability to change shoulder straps 512 allows the base handbag 100 to include shoulder straps of different sizes and colors, and thus, also allows different customization levels to be provided, not just allowing customization of the handbag covers 110(a, b) and handles 270.

In any event, it will be appreciated that the attachment interface and attachment force used to secure the handbag cover 110a to the base handbag 100 can provide a sufficiently strong attachment to prevent the handbag cover 100a from inadvertently loosening from the base handbag 100. Additionally, the attachment interface can provide a secure bond between the base handbag 100 and handbag cover 100a while reducing any visible signs that the handbag 120 includes the base handbag 100 with a detachable cover 110. For example, as shown in figures 1A and 1B, any connection between the handbag outer cover 110 and the base handbag 100 is hidden from view because the attachment interface 310 folds around the attachment interface 210 into the main pocket 202 of the base handbag 100. The ability in one or more embodiments to provide a secure attachment between the base handbag 100 and handbag cover 110 while hiding or substantially reducing the visibility of any fasteners or connections therebetween can provide a great aesthetic appeal.

In addition to the foregoing, a handbag kit (handbag kit) according to an embodiment of the present invention can include at least one base handbag 100. The handbag kit also includes a plurality of attachable/detachable handbag covers 110 in a variety of different styles and/or colors. In additional or alternative embodiments, the handbag kit also includes a plurality of removable and reattachable handles 270 in a plurality of different styles corresponding to the styles of the plurality of handbag covers 110. In this manner, the handbag kit can further comprise a plurality of replaceable, releasable clips attachable to an upper portion of the base handbag 100. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the base handbag 100 and handbag cover 110 can include one or more attachment interfaces 210, 310 that can be secured together by a plurality of attachment forces. For example, two or more of magnetic, gravitational, frictional, and mechanical attachment forces can secure the attachment interface 310 of the handbag cover 110 to the attachment interface 210 of the base handbag 100.

It will thus be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention provide a number of advantages for attaching and detaching various handbag covers to and from underlying handbags using a simple and effective mechanism that is physically reliable and secure. It will be appreciated that the features described herein may be modified in many different ways. For example, as previously described, a manufacturer may use any number or type of fastening elements 230, 330 that may be generally flush or planar or otherwise imperceptible to the attachment interface 210, 310 during the attachment process. Additionally, according to embodiments of the present invention, the manufacturer may choose to have visibly perceptible fastening elements 230, 330, which may, for example, provide additional decorative elements. Thus, embodiments of the present invention provide a number of mechanisms that can be used to efficiently, effectively, and securely replace handbag covers in a variety of ways using one or more attachment forces.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. For example, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention may also or alternatively be configured for use with the principles described herein as a backpack, duffel bag or sports equipment bag having a replaceable cover. It should be appreciated that such sports or duffel bags may include items such as sports bags, bowling bags, football bags, golf bags, or the like configured as described herein. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims (20)

1. A customizable handbag system comprising:

a base handbag configured for receiving and storing items therein, the base handbag comprising at least two base handbag attachment interfaces along at least two edges, each of the at least two base handbag attachment interfaces comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, and one or more magnetic fastening elements; and

a unitary handbag cover, which:

configured to be placed around and conceal a portion of the base handbag;

configured to provide an aesthetic design for the base handbag; and

configured to secure to the at least two base handbag attachment interfaces by a plurality of different attachment forces;

wherein the handbag cover comprises at least two handbag cover attachment interfaces, each of the at least two handbag cover attachment interfaces comprising an upper portion and a lower portion separated by a fold, the upper portion comprising one or more magnetic fastening elements and the lower portion comprising one or more magnetic fastening elements, wherein each of the at least two handbag cover attachment interfaces is selectively foldable about a corresponding one of the at least two base handbag attachment interfaces such that, for each handbag cover attachment interface, the one or more magnetic fastening elements of the upper portion attract and bond to an inner surface of the base handbag attachment interface and the one or more magnetic fastening elements of the lower portion of the same handbag cover attachment interface attract and bond to an outer surface of the same base handbag attachment interface, to attach the handbag cover to the base handbag.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of different attachment forces comprise one or both of a gravitational force and a magnetic force.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of different attachment forces comprise at least magnetic forces.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the magnetic force is provided by one or more magnets and one or more magnetic elements flush with the attachment interface of the base handbag or handbag cover.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of different attachment forces comprises at least a mechanical force generated by a spring extending at least partially around an upper edge of the handbag cover.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the handbag cover is substantially applanatable.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of fastening elements are positioned to be hidden from view prior to attaching the handbag cover to the base handbag.

8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a releasable handle configured to be releasably secured to the underlying carrying bag.

9. The system of claim 1, further comprising a releasable strap configured to be releasably secured to the base handbag and handbag cover by a corresponding second attachment interface.

10. The system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of releasable clips configured to secure one or more of the releasable handles and the releasable straps to one or more of the base handbag and the handbag cover.

11. The system of claim 9,

at least one of the plurality of different attachment forces comprises a mechanical force provided by the plurality of releasable catches; and

at least another one of the plurality of different attachment forces comprises a magnetic force.

12. A handbag kit for customizing a handbag, comprising:

a base handbag having two base handbag cover attachment interfaces on opposite sides thereof, each of the base handbag cover attachment interfaces having an inner surface and an outer surface;

a first unitary handbag cover selectively disposed about the base handbag to completely enclose the base handbag and releasably attachable to the base handbag by one or more magnetic fastening elements, the first unitary handbag cover having two first handbag cover attachment interfaces on opposing sides thereof configured to align with the two base handbag attachment interfaces when the first handbag cover is placed about the base handbag, wherein each of the two first handbag cover attachment interfaces is simultaneously releasably secured to both an inner surface and an outer surface of a corresponding base handbag cover attachment interface such that each of the two first handbag cover attachment interfaces encapsulates and secures at least one of the two base handbag attachment interfaces, and the first handbag outer cover comprises a first aesthetic design;

a second unitary handbag cover selectively disposed about the base handbag to completely enclose the base handbag and releasably attachable to the base handbag by one or more magnetic fastening elements, the second unitary handbag cover having two second handbag cover attachment interfaces on opposing sides thereof configured to align with the two base handbag attachment interfaces when the second handbag cover is placed about the base handbag, wherein each of the two second handbag cover attachment interfaces is releasably secured to both an inner surface and an outer surface of a corresponding base handbag cover attachment interface simultaneously such that each of the two second handbag cover attachment interfaces encapsulates and secures at least one of the two base handbag attachment interfaces, and the second handbag outer cover comprises a second aesthetic design different from the first aesthetic design;

a plurality of handles attached to the base handbag; and

belt:

the strap is selectively connectable to both the base handbag and the first handbag cover through the two base handbag attachment interfaces and the two first handbag cover attachment interfaces when the first handbag cover is placed around the base handbag; and

the strap is selectively connectable to both the base handbag and the second handbag cover through the two base handbag attachment interfaces and the two second handbag cover attachment interfaces when the second handbag cover is placed around the base handbag.

13. The kit of claim 12, wherein each handbag cover is configured to be releasably secured to the base handbag by a plurality of different attachment forces including at least one of gravitational, mechanical, frictional, and magnetic forces.

14. The kit of claim 12, wherein at least one of the handles is configured to further secure at least a portion of the base handbag and a portion of the handbag cover together by a plurality of second attachment interfaces.

15. The kit of claim 12,

the base handbag outer cover comprising at least one additional base handbag attachment interface; and

each handbag cover includes an additional handbag cover attachment interface comprising opposing surfaces configured to fold about the at least one additional base handbag attachment interface.

16. The kit of claim 12, further comprising one or more magnets or magnetic elements disposed within each of the opposing surfaces of the at least one additional attachment interface of the base handbag and the additional handbag cover attachment interfaces of the handbag cover.

17. A method of customizing a soft handbag, comprising:

placing a handbag cover around a base handbag comprising an inner surface and an outer surface and one or more base handbag magnetic fastening elements;

aligning one or more first magnetic fastening elements on the handbag outer cover in a securable position relative to the inner surface of the base handbag;

aligning one or more second magnetic fastening elements on the handbag outer cover in a securable position relative to the outer surface of the base handbag;

wherein the one or more first magnetic fastening elements on the handbag cover and the one or more second magnetic fastening elements on the handbag cover are respectively attracted and bonded by magnetic forces to the inner and outer surfaces of the same one or more base handbag magnetic fastening elements on the inner surface of the base handbag and on the outer surface of the base handbag to secure the handbag cover to the base handbag.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising folding the attachment interface of one of the base handbag or handbag cover over the attachment interface of the other of the base handbag or handbag cover to create at least a gravitational attachment force.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein aligning the one or more fastening elements creates a magnetic force between the base handbag and handbag cover.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising placing the entire base handbag generally inside the handbag cover, thereby concealing at least a body of the base handbag.