CA2656657A1 - Handbag having a removable cover - Google Patents

Abstract

A replaceable cover and bag are disclosed. The cover may have a closable top portion and a bottom opening for receiving the bag. The cover may be placed over the bag and secured in place to change the appearance of the bag without requiring a user to transfer the contents of the bag. The closable top portion may be opened and closed to provide access to an enclosure body of the bag.

Description

HANDBAG HAVING A REMOVABLE COVER
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a handbag and more particularly to handbag having a removable cover.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Women typically own a number of handbags having different styles and exterior appearances to suit different outfits and occasions. It is inconvenient to transfer the contents of a handbag to another handbag for use with a different outfit. Additionally, when using different handbags a user frequently misplaces articles or forgets to transfer articles (e.g. keys, cellular phone) to another handbag resulting in further inconvenience.

[0003] Handbag systems have been developed that allow a user to transfer their belongings to another handbag without having to empty the first bag.
These handbag systems typically consist of separate inner and outer bags. The inner bag may be placed inside the outer bag to modify the appearance of the inner bag without requiring a user to transfer their belongings from one bag to another.
It may be difficult to place the inner bag in the outer bag in a convenient manner because both the inner bag and outer bag have bottom portions. Similarly, the outer bag may not satisfactorily conform to the shape of the inner bag depending upon the contents of the inner bag in part due to the closed bottom portion.

[0004] Another approach to modifying the exterior appearance of a handbag is disclosed in US Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0278311, which discloses a removable overskirt. The overskirt has open top and bottom portions and may be placed over a portion of a base bag to be secured using a combination of straps and apertures to permit a portion of the exterior appearance of the base bag to be modified. In the system disciosed, straps and other securing mechanisms are visible when an overskirt is secured to a base bag.

[0005] Existing replaceable handbag systems are generally inconvenient to use and/or do not provide complete coverage of the normally visible surfaces of an inner bag when in use. The present invention aims to overcome the disadvantages of prior art replaceable handbag systems, including those noted above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] A bag having a replaceable cover is disclosed. The cover may have a closable top portion and an open bottom portion. The cover may be secured over the bag to modify the appearance of the bag.

[0007] In accordance with an aspect of the invention there is provided an article comprising: a bag comprising an enclosure body, the enclosure body comprising a top edge defining an access opening; and a fitted removable cover enclosing the enclosure body, the cover comprising a bottom portion defining a bottom opening for receiving the enclosure body, a top portion defining a closable top opening for selectively covering or exposing the access opening, and a first fastener releasably attaching the cover to the bag.

[0008] In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a removable cover for a bag, wherein the bag comprises an enclosure body, the enclosure body comprising a top edge defining an access opening, the cover comprising: a cover body fitted for enclosing the enclosure body, comprising a bottom portion defining a bottom opening for receiving the enclosure body, a top portion defining a closable top opening for selectively covering or exposing the access opening when the enclosure body is enclosed by the cover body; and a first fastener for removably attaching the cover to the bag.

[0009] In accordance with a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of changing the appearance of a handbag, wherein the handbag comprises an enclosure body, the enclosure body comprising a top edge defining an access opening, comprising the steps of: placing a cover over the enclosure body, the cover comprising a bottom portion defining a bottom opening for receiving the enclosure body, a top portion defining a closable top opening for selectively covering or exposing an access opening to the enclosure body; a first fastener; and securing the cover over the enclosure body using the first fastener.

[0010] Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] In the figures which illustrate by way of example only, embodiments of the present invention, [0012] FIG. 1 is a side view of the cover secured over the bag;

[0013] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the cover and bag;

[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a fastener that may be used secure the cover to the bag;

[0015] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a fastener used to secure the cover to the bag taken along 4-4 as shown in FIG. 1;

[0016] FIG. 5 is a partially exploded side view of an embodiment of another fastener used to secure the cover to the bag; and [0017] FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the cover secured over the bag;

[0018] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the top portion of a cover and bag;

[0019] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the top portion of a cover and bag.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Certain users may consider the ability to change the exterior appearance of a bag desirable as this permits the appearance of the bag to be modified without requiring the transfer of the contents to another bag.
Additionally, having a bag with a number of replaceable covers allows the appearance of the bag to be changed in a number of different ways and may be more economical than purchasing the same number of separate traditional handbags having different appearances.

[0021] A handbag system 10 is shown with a cover 50 secured over a bag 20 in Figure 1. Figure 2 illustrates cover 50 separated from bag 20. Cover 50 may be removable and fitted to conform to bag 20 in a close fitting arrangement so it is not readily apparent that bag 10 is comprised of a separate cover 50 and bag 20. Cover 50 may have a side portion 52, a bottom portion defining a bottom opening 66, and a top portion 54. Top portion 54 may be comprised of flaps extending from side portion 52 on both sides of cover 50. Top portion 54 may define a closable top opening 61. Closable top opening 61 may be opened and closed using a closure fastener 56 that may be attached to the top edge 57 of top portion 54. Top portion 54 may also have an end flap 58 extending from one end proximate the top edge 57. A mounting aperture 59 may also be defined below flap 58 to provide clearance for a mount 30 that may be used to secure a strap 70. Top portion 54 may also be configured to allow sufficient clearance for mount 30 at a distal end from flap 58. More generally top portion 54 and cover 50 may be configured to provide sufficient clearance to enable cover 50 to be readily placed over bag 20, including any associated hardware to mount a strap or other carrying means.

[0022] Closure fastener 56 may be comprised of a zipper. Alternatively, closure fastener 56 may be comprised of a series of spaced snap fasteners or other similar means to allow a closable top opening 61 to be opened and closed to provide access to an enclosure body of bag 20. The term fastener as used herein refers to any device or devices that interact to secure or connect two articles or portions of an article together in a releasable manner, including hoop and look fasteners, snap type fasteners, zippers, magnets, etc.

[0023] Top portion 54 may also have a securing fastener 62. Securing fastener 62 may be located on the interior of top portion 54 proximate the top edge 57. Securing fastener 62 may be comprised of a hook and loop type fastener, such as VELCROTM. Securing fastener 62 may be used to secure cover 50 to bag 20 as described below. Side portion 52 may also have a retaining fastener 60 located proximate a bottom edge 64 of cover 50.
Retaining fastener 60 may be a snap fastener that may be used to assist in retaining cover 50 to bag 20 in a close fitting or relatively snug manner. Other suitable types of fasteners could be used to construct retaining fastener 60.

[0024] Side portion 52 may also have a pocket 66. Pocket 66 may be opened and closed using a zipper to provide access to an interior enclosure body of cover 50. Alternatively, pocket 66 may be located on the exterior of side portion 52 in certain embodiments using a fastener suitable for the pocket design and desired appearance.

[0025] Bag 20 may have an access opening 29 providing access to an enclosure body defined by side panels 22, 24 and bottom 38 (Figure 6). Side paneis 22 and 24 may have a securing fastener 26 on their interior surface located proximate a top edge 28. Securing fastener 26 may cooperate with securing fastener 62 to secure cover 50 to bag 20. Securing fastener 26 may be comprised of a hook and loop type fastener compatible with securing fastener 62, such as, VELCROTM. Bag 20 may also have a retaining fastener 34 located proximate bottom edge 36. Retaining fastener 34 may be of a snap type and may cooperate with retaining fastener 60 to assist in retaining cover 50 to bag 20 in close fitting engagement.

[0026] Loop 30 may be attached to bag 20 proximate top edge 28 where side panels 22 and 24 are joined. A mount 32 may be secured to loop 30 to facilitate attachment of a strap 70. Mount 32 may be a ring manufactured of steel or another suitable material. Strap 70 may have an attachment mechanism 72 located at each end allowing strap 70 to be removably attached to mounts 32.

Attachment mechanism 72 may be implemented in a variety of different ways depending upon the desired appearance and application.

[0027] Cover 50 is placed over bag 20 and secured in place to modify the appearance of handbag 10. In this manner, the appearance of handbag 10 may be modified without the inconvenience associated with transferring the contents of bag 20 to another handbag. An embodiment illustrating one embodiment to secure cover 50 to bag 20 is shown in greater detail in Figure 3. To secure cover 50 to bag 20, top portion 54 may be folded over the top edge 28 of bag 20 so that securing fastener 62 of cover 50 cooperates with securing fastener 26 of bag 20 to secure cover 50 to bag 20. Closure fastener 56 may then be used to selectively open and close access opening 29 to provide access to an enclosure body, to retain a user's belongings, of bag 20. Cover 50 may also be retained to bag 20 using retaining fasteners 34 and 60 to retain cover 50 in close fitting engagement with cover 50 proximate bottom edge 64.

[0028] Side portion 52 of cover 50 may be configured to be in close fitting engagement with bag 20 when cover 50 is placed over bag 20. Bottom edge 64 of cover 50 may be configured to extend beyond bottom 38 of bag 20 as depicted in Figure 6 to provide complete coverage of side panels 22 and 24 in normal use. Bottom 38 may remain visible through bottom opening 66 when viewed from below as shown in Figure 6.

[0029] The present invention provides a number of desirable features, some of which are noted below. It has been found that having a cover 50 with a bottom opening 66 is desirable. Specifically, some users may find it more convenient to interchange cover 50 over bag 20 in comparison to prior art systems having an outer bag with a bottom or slipcover secured using straps and other means.
Bottom opening 66 allows a user to place their hand inside cover 50 and pull bag 20 through, which may make it more convenient to interchange cover 50.
Similarly, bottom opening 66 may allow cover 50 to better conform to the shape of bag 20 in comparison to systems having an outer bag with a closed bottom portion, which may be considered to improve the appearance of bag 10.
Moreover, bottom opening 66 may reduce manufacturing costs for cover 50 by reducing the required amount of material and simplifying construction of cover 50. Additionally, bottom opening 66 may more readily facilitate the construction of a cover 50 that is reversible and has a different appearance on the interior and exterior surfaces providing more options to modify the appearance of handbag 10. Additional modifications to cover 50 may be necessary if a reversible cover 50 is desired, such as selecting an appropriate closure fastener 56, etc.

[0030] The closable top portion of cover 54 may also be considered desirable to certain users. By providing a closable top portion 54 as part of cover 50 more complete coverage of bag 20 is provided. This renders it more difficult to discern that handbag 10 is comprised of a separate cover 50 and bag 20, which may be desirable to certain users. The appearance of not being an interchangeable handbag is also enhanced by the fact that cover 50 provides complete coverage of side panels 22 and 24 of bag 20 in certain embodiments.
It may also be considered desirable to design fasteners used to secure cover 50 to bag 20 so that they are not visible from the exterior when cover 50 is secured to bag 20 when seeking to have handbag 10 resemble a traditional handbag instead of it being apparent that handbag 10 is comprised of a separate cover and bag 20.

[0031] To remove cover 50 from bag 20, strap 70 may first be removed by disengaging attachment mechanisms 72 from mounts 32. Closure fastener 56 may then be opened providing access to access opening 29 to enable securing fasteners 26 and 62 to be disengaged. Retaining fasteners 34 and 60 may also be disengaged. Cover 50 may then be pulled upwards over bag 20. A user may grasp both cover 50 and bag 20, through bottom opening 66, to assist in removing cover 50. Alternatively, bag 20 may be pulled downwards through cover 50 in a similar manner (i.e. the bag 20 may be inserted into cover 50 from the top or bottom depending on user preference). Cover 50 may be placed over and secured to bag 20 in a similar manner.

[0032] A variety of covers 50 may be interchanged over bag 20 to change the appearance of handbag 20. Covers 50 may be configured to allow close fitting engagement when secured over bag 20 yet also allow cover 50 to be conveniently interchanged. Covers 50 may be sold separately from bag 20 alone or as a set of interchangeable covers having different appearances. Matching straps 70 may also be sold with covers 50 when sold alone or as part of a set having a number of interchangeable covers each having different appearances.
Similarly, bag 20 may be sold in combination with a set of interchangeable covers each having different appearances.

[0033] In certain embodiments of the invention cover 50 may be manufactured from a machine washable material, such as cotton or canvas.
Other suitable materials, such as leather or suede may also be used depending upon the application and desired appearance. However, it may be desirable to select a material for cover 50 of sufficient flexibility to allow cover 50 to fit over bag 20 in close fitting engagement.

[0034] A second embodiment of the invention having a modified fastening system but otherwise similar to the embodiment depicted in Figures 1-6 is shown in Figure 7. Side panels 222 and 224 of a bag may each have securing fasteners 226 located on their exterior surfaces proximate the top edges. Cover 250 may have a top portion 254 having a closure fastener 256 and side portion 252.
Securing fasteners 262 may be attached to the interior surface of side portion 252 to cooperate with securing fasteners 226 to secure cover 250 to bag. Cover 250 and bag may otherwise be constructed in a similar manner to that previously described.

[0035] A third embodiment having a modified fastening and closure system but otherwise similar to the embodiments previously described is illustrated in Figure 8. Side panels 322 and 324 may each have securing fasteners 326 located on their exterior surfaces proximate the top edges. Cover 350 may have a top portion 354 and side portions 352 and 370. Securing fasteners 362 may be attached to the interior surface of side portions 352 and 370 to cooperate with securing fasteners 326 to secure cover 350 to the bag.

[0036] Top portion 354 and side panel 370 may each have apertures 364 and 366 to receive a closure fastener 360 affixed to side panel 322. Top portion may be folded over access opening 329 and over side panel 370 to be secured in place with closure fastener 360. Such an arrangement effectively conceals the majority of the fasteners and resembles a traditional handbag, which may be desirabie to certain users as described above. Cover 350 and bag may otherwise be constructed in a similar manner to that previously described.

[0037] When introducing elements of the present invention or the embodiments thereof, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising,"
"including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

[0038] Of course, the above described embodiments are intended to be illustrative only and in no way limiting. The described embodiments of carrying out the invention are susceptible to many modifications of form, arrangement of parts, details and order of operation. The invention, rather, is intended to encompass all such modification within its scope, as defined by the claims.

Claims (34)

1. An article comprising:

a bag comprising an enclosure body, said enclosure body comprising a top edge defining an access opening; and a fitted removable cover enclosing said enclosure body, said cover comprising a bottom portion defining a bottom opening for receiving said enclosure body, a top portion defining a closable top opening for selectively covering or exposing said access opening, and a first fastener releasably attaching said cover to said bag.

2. The article of claim 1, said cover further comprising a second fastener for closing said top opening.

3. The article of claim 1, wherein said top portion of said cover comprises a flap folded over said top edge into said access opening of said bag, said first fastener being on said flap.

4. The article of claim 3, wherein said bag comprises a third fastener releasably engaged to said first fastener.

5. The article of claim 4, wherein said first and third fasteners are hook-and-loop fasteners.

6. The article of claim 2, wherein said second fastener is a zipper.

7. The article of claim 1, wherein said cover is fitted to hide said enclosure body when said bag is held upright and carried by a user.

8. The article of claim 1, wherein said enclosure body comprises a bottom, said bottom being exposed through said bottom opening of said cover.

9. The article of claim 1, wherein said cover is selected from a plurality of interchangeable covers.

10. The article of claim 1, wherein said bag is a handbag and said cover is a slipcover.

11. The article of claim 1, further comprising:
(a) a fourth fastener located proximate said bottom opening of said cover;
(b) a fifth fastener located proximate a bottom edge of said bag; and said fourth fastening releasably attaching to said fifth fastening to secure a portion of said cover to said bag in close fitting engagement.

12. The article of claim 1, further comprising a strap releasably secured to a mount proximate said top edge of said bag.

13. The article of claim 12, wherein said top portion of said cover having clearance for said mount.

14. The article of claim 4, said cover further comprising a pocket having a fastener to close said pocket on a side portion of said cover.

15. The article of claim 1, wherein said cover is comprised of a machine washable material.

16. A removable cover for a bag, wherein said bag comprises an enclosure body, said enclosure body comprising a top edge defining an access opening, said cover comprising:

a cover body fitted for enclosing said enclosure body, comprising a bottom portion defining a bottom opening for receiving said enclosure body, a top portion defining a closable top opening for selectively covering or exposing said access opening when said enclosure body is enclosed by said cover body; and a first fastener for removably attaching said cover to said bag.

17. The removable cover of claim 16, said cover body further comprising a second fastener for closing said top opening.

18. The removable cover of claim 16, wherein said first fastener is located on said top portion and said top portion is folded over said top edge for releasable attachment to a third fastener of said bag.

19. The removable cover of claim 18, wherein said first and third fasteners are hook-and-loop fasteners.

20. The removable cover of claim 17, wherein said second fastener is a zipper.

21. The removable cover of claim 16, wherein said cover body is fitted to hide said enclosure body when said bag is held upright and carried by a user.

22. The removable cover of claim 16, wherein said enclosure body comprises a bottom, said bottom being exposed through said bottom opening of said cover body.

23. The removable cover of claim 16, wherein said bag is a handbag and said cover body is a slipcover.

24. The removable cover of claim 16, further comprising a fourth fastener located proximate said bottom opening of said cover body for releasable attachment to a fifth fastener of said bag.

25. The removable cover of claim 16, wherein said top portion of said cover body having clearance for a mount to secure a strap of said bag.

26. The removable cover of claim 16, said cover body further comprising a pocket having a fastener to close said pocket on a side portion of said cover.

27. The removable cover of claim 16, wherein said cover body is comprised of a machine washable material.

28. A method of changing the appearance of a handbag, wherein said handbag comprises an enclosure body, said enclosure body comprising a top edge defining an access opening, comprising the steps of:

placing a cover over said enclosure body, said cover comprising a bottom portion defining a bottom opening for receiving said enclosure body, a top portion defining a closable top opening for selectively covering or exposing an access opening to said enclosure body;
a first fastener; and securing said cover over said enclosure body using said first fastener.

29. The method of claim 28, said cover further comprising a first fastener for closing said top opening.

30. The method of claim 28, wherein said cover is secured to said enclosure body by folding said top portion of said cover over said top edge and releasably attaching said first fastener to a third fastener of said handbag.

31. The method of claim 30 wherein said first and third fasteners are hook-and-loop fasteners.

32. The method of claim 30, wherein said cover is further secured to said handbag by a fourth fastener located proximate said bottom opening, said fourth fastener releasably attaching to a fifth fastener of said handbag.

33. A set of interchangeable covers, having different external appearances and comprising the cover defined in claim 16.

34. A bag-and-cover combination comprising a bag and a set of interchangeable covers, said covers having different external appearances and comprising the cover defined in claim 16.