HK1109033B - Pocketbook with interchangeable covers - Google Patents

Description

Handbag with interchangeable cover

Background

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to handbags and handbag systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to a handbag, handbag system and method of using a handbag or handbag system having one or more interchangeable outer slipcovers. In addition, each of the outer slipcovers, liners, and handbag straps can be optionally inverted and/or stacked upon one another. The interior of the handbag may also have a removable and reversible liner containing a storage and secured compartment for various personal items.

Description of the Related Art

The role of women has changed dramatically over the past decades. Modern women today are physically healthy, occupational and target oriented, are devoting mothers, wives and friends, are housewives, are individuals traveling widely for work and entertainment, or the female's role includes one or more of the above. Moreover, throughout history, women are also considered very fashionable and accessory conscious. Not only do they purchase clothing to support their characters obtained in life, but they also purchase and change their handbags to enhance their respective accessories or overall effects.

Women also play multiple roles on any given day (e.g., morning at a gym, daytime at an office, and party meals at friends or colleagues, evening at a football stadium, and dinner at a night). There are problems associated with women purchasing many handbags of various colors, textures and styles to match their various wear in these situations. For example, one significant problem is the cost of purchasing so many handbags. Furthermore, changing handbags daily or multiple times a day to meet a woman's needs not only takes time but often results in leaving important items such as cell phones, house keys or store returns in the previous handbag when changed. Other handbag problems commonly associated with handbags also include the inability to clean dirt from the liner and exterior of the handbag; other parts of the handbag are good but must be discarded because the bottom is scratched, worn or broken; when traveling, valuable luggage space cannot be utilized for clothing because their space is filled with a large number of handbags to accommodate daytime, night-time and occasional clothing needs during travel.

In the past years, various attempts have been made to solve some of these problems, but the cited prior patents have not approached all of them. The present invention solves all or more of these problems.

For example, the known prior art includes "Lenora Raye" handbags with interchangeable handbag covers, as indicated at website www.lenoraraye.com, wherein the inner liner of the handbag has a zipper near its top perimeter edge. The zipper mates with a corresponding zipper located at the top perimeter edge of the interchangeable handbag cover that can be unzipped and replaced with other handbag covers of different design styles. However, the Lenora Raye outer handbag covers teach only interchangeable outer handbag covers, without multiple flip covers, or, alternatively, multiple flip covers that can be stacked on top of each other.

Furthermore, the Lenora Raye handbag of this design is not based on a fully functional handbag with optional attachment covers; but rather the cover must be attached to the inner liner to complete the Lenora Raye handbag. These handbags do not appear to have reversible straps and liners.

Known patents include U.S. patent nos. 6,543,499 to McCreery and 6,186,201 to SaIz for interchangeable carrying bag systems that include respective inner foundation bags insertable into a corresponding outer slipcover having the same shape as the inner foundation bag. However, in the McCreery '499 and SaIz' 201 patents, the inner bag hasHook and loop fastening to the outer portion on the outer upper edge of the corresponding inner substrate carrier bagThe hook and loop bands cooperate with the loop fastener, or liner portion thereof. The advantage is that, when the inner substrate carrier bag is used alone,the outer loop band and loop fastening of the hooks must be covered with a second loop of fabric or else the user's wrist or arm may be exposed and rubbed against the exposed loopHook and loop fastening, rather than zippers, is uncomfortable. Thus, the outer surface of the McCreery and Salz inner foundation bag is exposed or exposedHook and loop fastening, or coveringThe effect of hook and loop fastened loop decorative fabric loops.

U.S. patent No. 1,978,971 to Thornhill describes a handbag and handbag cover that includes an inner handbag insertable within an outer cover handbag. The inner and outer handbags are connected by buttons and button slots, which can be interpreted as "fastening".

U.S. patent No. 3,234,985 to Gilbert also describes a handbag having interchangeable covers. In the Gilbert' 985 patent, an outer slipcover is attached to the inner foundation bag at the top edge. However, the fastener in Gilbert' 985 includes a linearly extending resilient insert that is inserted into a linearly extending slot extending along the top edge of the inner bag.

Further, U.S. Pat. No. 5,628,093 to Goodale and U.S. Pat. No. 6,047,404 to Blanks both describe a dual post zipper including sliders at both ends of the zipper tape. These dual post zippers are described for use on mattress covers and reversible garments. There is therefore still a need for a handbag which solves the above mentioned problems.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention generally includes a handbag, handbag or purse, but is not limited to and may include a diaper bag, backpack, suitcase, beach bag, hip bag, briefcase and or any other carrying bag.

In various embodiments, the carrying bag system comprises a fully functional foundation bag preferably having a removable inner liner that is optionally reversible. The inner liner has several compartments for holding personal items such as purses, cell phones, keys, tissues, etc., and the inner liner can also be completely inverted to see the different compartment configurations according to the user's mind and needs. For special handbags such as diaper bags, the component compartments may be determined by the use of the bag, with compartments for wipes, diapers, garment changes, etc. This allows for more versatility. Embodiments of the present invention may also preferably include interchangeable straps that can be reversed or removed to change the look and function of the handbag; and a double-sided reversible slipcover that is interchangeable with other double-sided reversible slipcovers. Another embodiment of the present invention allows the slipcovers to be stacked on top of each other so that multiple slipcovers can be nested between the foundation bag and the outermost slipcover. Thus, the other slipcovers are held by the connection between the foundation bag and the outermost slipcover.

The outermost slipcovers are attached by either a conventional single or double post zipper. A conventional zipper having an engaging head at its proximal end and a stop at its opposite distal end is used on a non-reversible slipcover. However, dual post zippers are often used at the top peripheral edge of the reversible slipcover for proper engagement with the slide and pull portion of a mating zipper attached to the outer surface of the foundation bag. In this way, a suitable slide-fit zipper pull can be used to mate with the foundation bag regardless of the exterior surface or orientation of the outer slipcover selected. A different breakaway zipper is used to attach the removable liner to the interior of the foundation bag. The zipper may be located along the upper, middle, or lower regions of the foundation bag or a combination of one or more of these regions. The zipper fits into and mates with the slide and pull portions of a corresponding zipper extending along each exterior surface of the foundation bag. As a result, the outermost slipcover hangs from the annular peripheral edge extending along the exterior surface of the inner foundation bag. The zipper that attaches the slipcover to the foundation bag is optionally covered by a flap.

The position of the zipper on the foundation bag can vary depending on how much, if any, of the foundation bag is exposed above the outer slipcover. For example, if the zipper is located at the top perimeter of the foundation bag, its exterior surface is completely hidden by the slipcover.

On the other hand, if the outer slipcover is shorter than the foundation bag, a portion of the foundation bag will be exposed above the top perimeter of the outer slipcover. In this case, the zipper on the foundation bag is located below the top perimeter of the foundation bag and mates with the zipper at the top perimeter of the outer slipcover, exposing a portion of the foundation bag to view.

In addition, each outer slipcover may also optionally be reversible with a different design pattern, material, color, texture, and/or decoration on both sides of the outer slipcover, such that when turned outward, the outer surface design pattern is changed to suit the needs of the user to change the look and function of the handbag.

Drawings

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an interchangeable carry bag system showing one handle in perspective and a cutaway view of the connecting end of the other handle, with the arrow indicating the direction of sliding of the slipcover over the foundation bag.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the carrying bag of FIG. 1 showing the sliding assembly of the decorative outer slipcover over the inner foundation bag, with the arrows indicating the direction of sliding of the slipcover over the foundation bag.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an interchangeable carry bag system showing a foundation bag and a reversible outer slipcover showing one handle in perspective and a cutaway view of the connecting end of the other handle with the arrow indicating the direction of sliding of the slipcover over the foundation bag.

FIG. 2A is a close-up perspective view of a portion of the dual post zipper shown in FIG. 2, taken along the dashed line ellipse "2A" of FIG. 2.

Fig. 2B is a close-up perspective view of a connector for optionally interchangeable reversible handles.

Figure 2C is a perspective view of another embodiment of a handbag system having a decorative pendant depending from the zipper handle clasp and showing another embodiment for permanently attaching a handle.

Figure 2D is a close-up perspective view of an optional permanently attached handle joint for non-reversible straps taken along the dashed oval "2D" of figure 2C.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a foundation bag with an interchangeable reversible liner.

Fig. 3A is a perspective view of the inner wall of the liner of fig. 3 showing pockets for items of personal use.

Fig. 3B is a perspective view of the liner of fig. 3, shown in a reverse inside-out inverted position.

Fig. 3C is a close-up top detail view of a portion of the foundation bag of fig. 3, shown closed by a pair of fasteners.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the interchangeable carry bag system of figures 1 and 2 showing a foundation bag and a plurality of stackable, reversible outer slipcovers.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an interchangeable carry bag system showing a foundation bag and a different sized partial outer slipcover, wherein the arrows indicate the sliding direction of the partial slipcover over the foundation bag.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures.

Detailed Description

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings.

It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

Specifically, FIG. 1 depicts an interchangeable carry bag system 10. The system 10 includes a discrete foundation bag 12 and a non-reversible outer slipcover 13. The outer cover 13 has a first outer surface 14 and a second inner surface 15. The first exterior surface 14 is a visually decorative surface and may be made of materials including, but not limited to, leather, suede, cotton, silk, etc., and may have various decorative textures, patterns, and finishes. Second interior surface 15 is a lining for outer covering 13, and outer covering 13 is made from a variety of materials including, but not limited to, cotton, polyester, or other natural or man-made materials. The outer slipcover 13 contains a first fastening structure 24 located along the top perimeter of the outer slipcover 13. The first fastening zipper structure 24 is one side of a standard zipper that includes a single post 26. The user can slide the outer slipcover 13 over the foundation bag 12 and place the zipper post 26 from the first fastening zipper structure 24 of the slipcover 13 into the slide and pull portion of the second fastening zipper structure 19 of the foundation bag 12 to interlock the outer slipcover 13 to the foundation bag 12 and create a different look for the handbag system 10. The process of pulling up and removing outer slipcover 13 is simple, easy and quick, and is the preferred method of securing outer slipcover 13 to foundation bag 12. The zipper slide and pull portion 18 on the outer surface of foundation bag 12 is operated by zipper knob 27.

In addition, FIG. 1 also depicts an optional handle 30. The handle 30 is illustratively shown as a reversible handle, but it is well known that non-reversible handles, such as handle 23 of FIG. 2C, may also be used in a lady handbag construction, or no handle. The handle 30 may be coupled to the foundation bag 12 by connectors oriented in different directions, such as a rotating ring 32 on the end of the handle 30 that loops through grommets 28 near the top perimeter of the foundation bag 12. The swivel ring 32 allows the user to rotate the handle 30 so that the opposite side of the handle (i.e., the side not previously visible) is now visible to further change the appearance of the foundation bag 12.

While figure 1 depicts the handbag system 10 using handles 30, it is to be understood that the present invention can be practiced without the use of handles 30 or with the use of non-reversible sewn-in or otherwise permanently attached handles 23 as shown in figure 2C. In addition, other embodiments of the invention may include other types of handles, fastening structures, and other shapes, sizes, and embellishments of the foundation bag 12 and the outer slipcover 13.

Figure 1A is a perspective view of the handbag system 10 described above and depicted in figure 1. Specifically, fig. 1A shows the non-reversible outer slipcover 13 partially slipped over the foundation bag 12. A portion of the foundation bag 12 is lifted to show the zipper slide and pull portion 19 of the foundation bag 12 ready to interlock with the single post zipper portion 24 of the outer slipcover 13. The elements of fig. 1A have already been described with reference to fig. 1. For the sake of brevity, the description of those elements is not repeated.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an interchangeable carry bag system 21. Specifically, figure 2 depicts a handbag system 21 having a foundation bag 12 and an outer slipcover 17 that is reversible. Many of the elements of the handbag system 21 shown in figure 2 have been previously shown in figure 1 and described with reference to the handbag system in figure 1. Also, for the sake of brevity, the description of those elements is not repeated.

The outer covering 17 has a first decorative outer surface 20 and a second decorative inner surface 22. Both exterior surface 20 and interior surface 22 are decorative surfaces made of various materials. Each surface (20 and 22) has its own unique decorative color, pattern, texture and/or finish. The outer reversible slipcover 17 also includes a dual post fastening zipper structure 29 located along the top perimeter of the outer reversible slipcover 17. The dual post fastening structure is one side of a zipper. The zipper post portion 29 includes axially oriented dual posts 29a at opposite ends thereof, which are also shown in close-up detail in FIG. 2A. The user may invert the outer invertible cover 17 inside out to reveal the second surface 22. The user can slide the outer reversible slipcover 17 over the foundation bag 12 and place one post 29a from the dual post fastening structure 29 of the outer reversible slipcover 17 into the slide and pull portion of the second fastening structure 19 of the foundation bag 12 to interlock the outer reversible slipcover 17 to the foundation bag 12 and create another different appearance. The reversible slipcover 17 of fig. 2 provides more options for the user than the non-reversible slipcover 13 of fig. 1. Thus, when utilizing the interchangeable carry bag system according to the present embodiment, the user proceeds by: use of the foundation bag 12 itself without an outer covering; using a foundation bag 12 with a non-reversible outer slipcover 13; alternatively, four different appearances for a handbag system can be obtained using a foundation bag 12 having an outer slipcover 17 that can be flipped in either direction and either its outside or inside can be exposed. It should be understood that other embodiments of the invention may include other types of fastening structures and other shapes, sizes and modifications of foundation bags and slipcovers. Fig. 2 also shows a closure 35 to close the top of foundation bag 12 with closure 36 of fig. 3C.

Figure 2A is a close-up view of a portion of the dual post zipper part 29 shown in figure 2. Specifically, FIG. 2A shows a first side portion 29 of the zipper interlocking with the second slide and pull portion 19 of the mating zipper, the first side portion 29 being located on the outer surface of foundation bag 12 below the optional flap shown in FIG. 2. The first side of the zipper post portion 29 has a dual post 29a at each end of the first side of the zipper 29. The dual post 29a allows the user to interlock the first and second portions of the zipper (29 and 19) without regard to the outer and inner sides (20 and 22) of the outer slipcover 17 that are exposed outwardly.

Fig. 2B is a close-up perspective view of the optionally interchangeable reversible handle 30. The handle 30 shown in fig. 2 operates as described in relation to fig. 1 and 3.

Figure 2C is a perspective view of another embodiment of the carry bag system 21 with a decorative pendant 70 depending from the zipper handle clasp 27. Because of the normal engaging (zipping) portion of zipper handle pull clasp 27 on the left side of foundation bag 12 as shown in fig. 1-3, if decorative pendant 70 is used, the zipping position of pull clasp 27 on zipper side portion 19 is repositioned to the outer center of foundation bag 12 as shown in fig. 2C. Preferably, to maintain the pendant 70 in the center of foundation bag 12, zipper slide and pull portion 19 may require a post to block zipper slide and pull portion 19 at the center of foundation bag 12. It should be understood that the decorative sheet 70 may be made of any material, may be any color, and may be any shape, and may be used in accordance with the present invention. Further, it should be noted that zipper post 26 or 29a may be located anywhere along the outside surface of foundation bag 12, so zipper handle pull clasp 27 may be conventionally provided to slide handle clasp 27 along zipper portions 19 and 29 of a reversible bag or 19 and 24 of a non-reversible bag with minimal pulling force and torque. Further, fig. 2D shows a handle 23 that is permanently attached to the foundation bag 12 and has no rotating parts. It is further noted that non-reversible, permanently attached handles 23 may also be used in other embodiments to replace reversible handles 30 coupled to foundation bag 12 by multidirectional directional connections, such as rotating rings 32 and grommets 28. However, if invertability is not desired, non-reversible handle 23 may be used.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a handbag system having an interchangeable liner 37. Specifically, FIG. 3 illustrates foundation bag 12 which may be made of a variety of flexible materials, including but not limited to leather, suede, silk, and the like. Foundation bag 12 can be carried and used without outer slipcovers 13 or 17 or without liner 37. The foundation bag 12 preferably has a first fastening closure structure 35, 36 (shown in figure 3C) attached to the foundation bag 12 for closing the foundation bag 12. First fastening closure structures 35 and 36 may be opposed magnetic closures but are not limited to such and may include zippers, drawstrings, snaps, clasps, hook and loop or other closure mechanisms capable of joining opposite sides of foundation bag 12 together. For example, the first fastening structures 35 and 36 may be magnetic snap-type fasteners of opposite polarity. The foundation bag 12 may optionally have a second fastening structure 19 (e.g., a zipper slide and pull portion) located on an exterior surface of the foundation bag near its top perimeter as shown in figures 1 and 2. The second fastening structure 19 cooperates with the single post zipper portion 24 of the full-scale non-reversible slipcover 13 or cooperates with the dual post zipper portion 29 of the reversible slipcover 17. The zipper slide and pull portion 50 can be located in the lower region of foundation bag 12 shown in fig. 5 to mate with a dual post zipper portion 52 of the partial-scale slipcover 44. The location and number of second fastening structures, such as zipper slide and pull portions 19 or 50 located on foundation bag 12, may vary depending on the size of the outer slipcover 13, 17 or 44 applied and the amount of versatility desired by the consumer of foundation bag 12. For example, foundation bag 12, which includes three second fastening structures, such as zipper slide and pull portions 19 located in the top, middle and bottom regions, respectively, of foundation bag 12, can accommodate a variety of different sized slipcovers (full, middle and lower region slipcovers, respectively). However, a foundation bag 12 containing only one second fastening zipper slide and pull portion 19 or 50 can accommodate one size of non-reversible outer slipcover 13, reversible outer slipcover 17, or a portion of outer slipcover 44.

Also shown in fig. 3 is foundation bag 12 having a liner 37 with a pair of straps 30 that together form a handle for holding foundation bag 12. The strap 30 may be made of a rigid or flexible material, including but not limited to leather, belts, rope, plastic, beads, etc. Similar to the straps 30 of fig. 1 and 2, the straps 30 may be interchangeable and may be fastened to the foundation bag 12 by a third multidirectional directional fastening structure (e.g., a rotating ring 32 and grommets), as previously described with respect to fig. 1. In addition to the advantages of the interchangeable straps 30 described above, the interchangeable straps 30 also allow a user to remove the straps 30 for a variety of other reasons, such as, for example, to replace damaged, worn straps; replacing the original strap with another pair of straps 30 of a different length or type; and turning the straps 30 over for aesthetic purposes, carrying them over to reveal a different color or pattern, or removing the straps 30 for use as a strapless handbag. The third fastening structures 28 and 32 are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit in any way the scope of the components or fasteners used to connect the strap 30 to the foundation bag 12. It is also understood that other embodiments of the invention may include other types of straps, such as the non-reversible sewn-up strap 23 of fig. 2D, the number of straps 30 or 23, or no straps at all.

Figures 3, 3A and 3B show a preferably reversible liner 37, which liner 37 may be made of a variety of flexible materials including, but not limited to, cotton, polyester, silk, satin, and the like. Fig. 3A shows the two inner side walls of the lining 37 in a first position of use with pockets for personal items such as cell phones, glasses, tissues, keys, credit cards, and a large zippered compartment for miscellaneous items, wherein the large zippered compartment may have small sub-compartments. For special purpose bags, such as diaper bags, the compartments may include wet wipes, wet towelettes, diapers, and/or changing garments, and the like. Figure 3B shows the liner 37 in an inverted, inside-out position. Although liner 37 is preferably reversible so that it can be used with the interior facing outward, a non-reversible liner may also be provided. The liner 37 may be interchangeable and may be fastened to the foundation bag 12 by a fourth fastening structure 39, such as a zipper post portion located along the top peripheral edge of the liner 37 and a zipper slide and pull portion 43 located along the top interior periphery of the foundation bag 12, such that the liner 37 and foundation bag 12 interlock in place when the post side 41 of the fourth fastening structure 39 is loaded into the slide and pull side of the zipper portion 43 located on the interior upper surface of the foundation bag 12. The optionally interchangeable liner 37 allows a user to remove the existing liner 37 for a variety of reasons, such as for cleaning purposes to discard and replace irreparably damaged liners (e.g., torn, soiled, etc.), or for aesthetic purposes for selecting liners of other colors, textures, or patterns. Liner 37 may optionally be provided with a dual post zipper portion 41 for proper engagement with zipper slide and pull portion 43 on foundation bag 12. When turned inside out, the liner 37 may have an interior compartment (such as at least one zipper compartment 45) to keep items secure, and one or more pockets 47 to hold various personal items such as keys, tissues, cell phones, etc. The liner interior compartments 45 and/or 47 are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Likewise, other embodiments of the invention may include other types and numbers of compartments having different closures. It is also understood that the liner 37 may include more or fewer compartments than shown in fig. 3 or no compartments at all.

Fig. 3C is a top view of the foundation bag 12 of fig. 3, closed by a fastener 35 attached to another fastener 36. Elements such as handles 30, loops 32, grommets 28 and foundation bag 12 have been described with reference to fig. 1, 2B and 3. For the sake of brevity, these elements are not further described with reference to FIG. 3C. In addition to those elements already described, fasteners 35 and 36 are illustratively described as magnetic-type fasteners having two magnetic portions of opposite magnetic polarity. The magnetic attraction between the magnetic portions 35, 36 and the snap fit arrangement is sufficient to hold the foundation bag 12 in the closed position when desired. Although fig. 3C shows fasteners 35 and 36 as magnetic closures, it is understood that any type of fastener (e.g., snaps, magnetic snaps, hooks and loops) may be used consistent with the inventionA fastener or zipper).

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the interchangeable carry bag system 21 of FIG. 2 showing the foundation bag 12 and a plurality of stackable outer reversible slipcovers 17, 68 and 78. Specifically, fig. 4 illustrates stackable performance content of the plurality of outer reversible slipcovers 17, 68 and 78. In addition to the outer covering 17 shown with reference to the embodiment of fig. 2, fig. 4 also shows two additional outer coverings (67 and 78). Each additional slipcover 67 and 78 is also reversible as shown, but nonreversible slipcovers such as outer slipcover 13 of FIG. 1 can also be used. The outer slipcover 67 includes a first interior surface 66 and a second exterior surface 68, and a dual post zipper portion 29. The outer slipcover 78 includes a first interior surface 74, a second exterior surface 76, and a dual post zipper portion 29.

The operation of the class of embodiments shown in fig. 4 is similar to the embodiments described with reference to fig. 1-3. However, outer slipcover 17 does not interlock with foundation bag 12. But rather the outer slipcover 17 merely slides onto the foundation bag 12. Next, outer slipcover 67 is slid over outer slipcover 17 without interlocking outer slipcover 67 to foundation bag 12. The outer slipcover 78 is then slipped over the outer slipcover 67 and interlocked to the foundation bag 12 by the dual post zipper 29 inserted into the second fastening structure 19 of the foundation bag 12. The outer slipcovers 17 and 67 are nested between the foundation bag 12 and the outermost slipcover 78 and are thus held in place by the interlocking of the foundation bag 12 and the outermost slipcover 78. Because the outer slipcovers 17, 67 and 78 are flexible, each can be the same size as each of the other slipcovers. Inner slipcovers 17 and 67 are not fastened by a zipper, but are loosely nested within each other. In the example of fig. 4, each outer slipcover 17, 67 and 78 allows the user to have two different appearances for the handbag system. Thus, the three outer slipcovers (17, 67 and 78) allow the user to have six different appearances for the handbag system. Furthermore, if the user decides not to use any of the outer slipcovers 17, 67 and/or 78, the user also has a seventh appearance for the foundation bag 12 itself in their configuration, as the foundation bag 12 itself is fully usable as a handbag. It is understood that the number of outer slipcovers 17, 67 or 78 may vary depending on the needs of a particular user, and more or fewer reversible outer slipcovers 17, 67 or 78 and/or non-reversible outer slipcovers 13 may be used in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an interchangeable carry bag system showing a foundation bag and a different sized outer slipcover. Fig. 5 illustrates some of the elements previously described with respect to fig. 1-4. The function and description of these elements will not be repeated for the sake of brevity. In addition to the previously described features, FIG. 5 also shows a second zipper post portion 52 located on the top peripheral edge of the outer partial slipcover 44. The outer reversible slipcover 44 includes a dual post zipper side portion 52, a first inner surface 42 and a second outer surface 46. The partial outer slipcover 44 may alternatively be reversible and may include therein a standard single post zipper portion for interlocking itself to the zipper slide and pull portion 50 located on the outer surface of the foundation bag 12. In fig. 5 the partial slipcover 44 can be slid over the lower portion of the foundation bag 12 and interlocked with the zipper slide and pull portion 50 and the dual post zipper portion 52. Although fig. 5 shows a single partial outer slipcover 44, it is understood that other partial slipcovers of the same size may be embedded between the foundation bag 12 and the outer partial slipcover similar to that described with respect to fig. 4.

It will be appreciated that a variety of different types (i.e., sizes and styles) and numbers of zippers placed on the outside of foundation bag 12 can be varied and used in accordance with the present invention. It is also noted that the zipper slide and pull portion (19 and/or 50) located on the outside of foundation bag 12 may be hidden by the sheet of material on the foundation bag itself or it may be fully visible and its function is also an aspect of the design.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is illustratively described as having a pull and slide zipper portion on the foundation bag and either a single post or dual post zipper portion on the slipcover. These descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way. For example, the pull and slide zipper portions can be located on the slipcover, and the single post or dual post zipper portions can also be located on the foundation bag.

It will be appreciated that many different types (e.g., sizes and models) of foundation bags and covers may be used in accordance with the present invention. While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.

Claims (24)

1. An interchangeable carry bag system comprising:

a discrete foundation bag (12) having an interior surface and an exterior surface;

an invertible outer cover (17) having a top perimeter, an inner surface (22) and an outer surface (20);

a dual post zipper (19 and 29) having a first zipper portion (19), the first zipper portion (19) mating with a second zipper portion (29);

the first zipper portion (19) of the dual post zipper (19 and 29) is attached to and located on an outer surface of the foundation bag (12); and

the second zipper portion (29) of the dual post zippers (19 and 29) is connected to and extends around all sides of the top perimeter of the reversible outer slipcover (17), the second zipper portion having dual zippers (29A ) on opposite ends of the second zipper portion (29), respectively, for engaging the first zipper portion (19) of the foundation bag (12) when the reversible outer slipcover (17) is inverted or not.

2. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first zipper part (19) is a slide and pull part of a split zipper.

3. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer covering (17) is stackable.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the inner surface (22) of the outer covering (17) is different from an outer surface of the outer covering.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one other zipper portion (50) on the exterior surface of the foundation bag (12).

6. The system of claim 5, further comprising another outer slipcover (44) interlockable with the at least one other zipper section (50), wherein the other outer slipcover (44) has an outer surface, an inner surface, and a top perimeter with a zipper section (52) attached thereto.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the other outer slipcover (44) is reversible.

8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a removable liner (37) coupled to the foundation bag.

9. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one reversible handle (30).

10. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one attachment handle (23).

11. A method for interchanging carrying bags comprising the steps of:

providing a breakaway foundation bag (12) having a top perimeter, a zipper portion (19), an interior surface, and an exterior surface;

providing an invertible outer cover (17) having a top perimeter, an inner surface (22) and an outer surface (20);

providing a first zipper portion (19) attached to the exterior surface of the foundation bag (12) and a second double zipper portion (29) having two zipper sliders (29A and 29A) attached to the top perimeter of the reversible outer slipcover (17);

sliding the reversible outer slipcover (17), inverted or not, over the foundation bag (12) and wrapping around at least a portion of the foundation bag (12); and

interconnecting the foundation bag (12) to the optional outer slipcover (17) using the second double-headed zipper section (29) on the slipcover (17) when inverted or not inverted.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising providing at least one other zipper portion (50) attached to the foundation bag (12).

13. The method of claim 12, wherein at least one other outer slipcover (44) interconnectable with the at least one other zipper portion (50) is provided.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of providing a removable liner attached to the foundation bag.

15. An interchangeable carry bag system comprising:

a discrete foundation bag (12) having an interior surface and an exterior surface;

an outer slipcover (17) having a top perimeter, an interior surface, and an exterior surface, the outer slipcover (17) wrapped around only a portion of the foundation bag (12);

a first zipper portion (19) attached to an outer surface of the foundation bag; and

a dual post second zipper part (29) having two zipper sliders attached to the covering (17).

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the first zipper part (19) is a slide and pull part of a split zipper and the second zipper part is a dual post zipper part.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein the outer cover is stackable.

18. The system of claim 15, wherein the interior surface of the outer covering is different from an exterior surface of the outer covering.

19. The system of claim 15, further comprising at least one other zipper portion on the exterior surface of the foundation bag.

20. The system of claim 19, further comprising another outer slipcover interlockable with the at least one other zipper portion, wherein the other outer slipcover has an outer surface, an inner surface, and a top perimeter with the zipper portion attached thereto.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the other outer slipcover is reversible.

22. The system of claim 20, wherein the at least one other zipper section is a slide and pull zipper section, the zipper section on the top perimeter of the other outer slipcover being a dual post zipper.

23. The system of claim 21, further comprising at least one other outer slipcover stacked between the foundation bag and the other outer slipcover.

24. The system of claim 15, further comprising at least one reversible handle.