EP4635362A1

EP4635362A1 - Improvement applied to a bag

Info

Publication number: EP4635362A1
Application number: EP23901825.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Christiane Isabelle Couve DE MURVILLE
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-12-14
Filing date: 2023-12-12
Publication date: 2025-10-22
Also published as: WO2024124320A1; BR202022025505U2

Abstract

This constructive arrangement, pertaining to the field of apparel, refers to an improvement applied to a women's accessory-more specifically, to bags. It introduces an original structural configuration that enables the replacement of decorative elements located on one or more side surfaces. This is achieved through a recessed portion whose surface incorporates magnetic discs. A thin decorative film, equipped with metallic discs, is fitted into the recessed portion in such a way that the magnetic and metallic discs attract each other, thereby securing the decorative film firmly within the recessed area.

Description

CONSTRUCTIVE ARRANGEMENT

This constructive arrangement, pertaining to the field of apparel, refers to an improvement applied to a women's accessory-more specifically, to bags. It introduces an original structural configuration that enables the replacement of decorative elements located on one or more side surfaces. This is achieved through a recessed portion whose surface incorporates magnetic discs. A thin decorative film, equipped with metallic discs, is fitted into the recessed portion in such a way that the magnetic and metallic discs attract each other, thereby securing the decorative film firmly within the recessed area.
Accordingly, the present patent application relates to a women's accessory specifically designed and developed to provide significant ease in alternating decorative themes. The invention is compatible with the user's handling abilities and involves low industrial execution costs, while also meeting the requirements of durability, safety, and practical usability. Additionally, it offers a highly appealing alternative solution to the existing market of similar products.

CONSTRUCTIONAL BASIS OF THE INVENTION

Handbags have become a common accessory for women. Essential for daily use, they are constantly evolving to better meet users' needs without compromising aesthetic value, while also reflecting cultural and behavioral shifts in society. As with any product, fluctuations in industrial costs have a significant impact and often dictate market trends, pushing manufacturers to modernize and adopt sustainable raw materials and components in the design and production of handbags.
For example, following World War II, shortages of certain raw materials forced the industry to adapt and apply creativity in handbag manufacturing. Leather handbags became more expensive, rare, and highly sought after, while handcrafted and fabric handbags emerged as the preferred option among consumers with fewer financial resources.
Nowadays, the handbag is virtually an extension of a woman's body. A trusted keeper of secrets and intimate belongings, the handbag reflects its owner's personality-from its uniquely organized interior to its exterior, which conveys elements of her desired appearance.
In conventional form, there are various types of handbags available on the market, typically chosen according to their intended use and the occasion in which they are to be carried.
For instance, due to its elongated shape and suitability for being carried by hand, the clutch-style handbag is generally used for storing and transporting specific personal items (documents, cards, checks, money, etc.). These handbags typically consist of a main compartment with one or more internal dividers and a front flap with a fastening mechanism, which may or may not include a zipper. This model has become a complementary accessory to women's clothing due to the elegance it brings to special occasions.
Along this same line, the "clutch bag" emerged-widely used as an evening or party accessory. Available in both structured and flexible models, clutch bags are more minimalist in design, often featuring embellishments or decorative elements. They are distinguished from traditional wallet-style handbags by their refined finishes and the use of more sophisticated materials.
The backpack-style handbag is primarily designed to free the user's arms and hands, being worn on the back via shoulder straps. It features a wide range of elements that enhance its functionality and is commonly used in everyday settings, during travel, or when using public transportation, among other situations.
The "bowling bag," a well-established and widely adopted model for general use, is characterized by its rounded shape, reminiscent of a small trunk or chest. These bags typically include short handles, allowing them to be carried by hand. [adapted from https://www.dicasdemulher.com.br/tipos-de-bolsas-femininas/- Accessed on 29.01.2019].
In summary, for the vast majority of women, the handbag represents a lifestyle rather than merely a fashion accessory. It has proven to be an essential item for enhancing one's appearance, which explains the common desire to own multiple models, often with sentimental value. In fashion, small things can hold great significance-a small object such as a handbag can carry many stories related to life, power, and spirituality. What a woman places in her handbag is deeply personal and often symbolic, making it an intimate object because it holds a secret. That secret, in turn, imparts a sense of empowerment. Traditionally, a handbag carries the items a woman expects to use throughout the day, but it also carries her "personal beauty kit," which plays an important role in each woman's identity. [https://www.todamulher.com.br/moda/uma-viagem-pela- historia-das-bolsas/ - Accessed on 29.01.2019].
Despite the widespread use of various handbag models, a particular need was observed in regard to the application of natural decorative elements in a more durable manner. This need emerged from prior attempts to use items such as leaves and flowers as decoration. Other elements-such as photographs, newspaper clippings, magazine images, hand drawings, product labels, among others-are also difficult to incorporate, often forcing manufacturers to rely on printing the imagery onto a white background, which results in an artificial appearance.
In response, Utility Model BR 20 2019 006071 4 U2, dated March 27, 2019 , was developed. Its proposal was to introduce nature in a more authentic way as a decorative feature on handbags, using dried leaves, wood, stones, butterflies, and other natural elements embedded in a thin film applied to the sides of handbags. This constructive solution represented an evolution and has been well received by the consumer market, generating satisfaction and interest.
However, the permanent application of such decorations on the handbag's surface revealed a further need for thematic renewal, particularly in situations where the user wishes to attract attention and coordinate the handbag with other accessories or clothing. The ability to change the theme-be it with different prints, motifs, or even fabrics matching one's outfit-became increasingly relevant.

SUMMARY OF THE CONSTRUCTIVE ARRANGEMENT

In response to the need for interchangeable handbag prints-allowing the decorative element to be modified and enabling new aesthetic combinations-this improvement was developed and applied to handbags. It employs magnetic and metallic discs positioned beneath a decorative film and within a recessed area located on the side of the handbag. When aligned and positioned accordingly, these discs allow the decorative film to be securely fixed when inserted into the recessed area.
To swap out the decorative film, the user simply inserts an extraction pin from inside the handbag (through an opening located behind the side panel), gently dislodging the film so it can be replaced with another of her choice.
Thus, the present patent was designed to achieve an accessory composed of as few parts as possible, efficiently configured and arranged to perform its intended functions with exceptional versatility, without compromising the handbag's decorative appeal.
Additionally, the user may purchase various decorative films-either at the time of buying the handbag or later-each featuring different themes. These films may even be collected over time, eliminating the need to purchase multiple handbags.
This improvement brings a huge advantage, as the user does not need to have large spaces to store several different bags, but rather space for a bag and a box to store several films - which takes up much less space.
The present utility model patent application discloses an improvement applied to handbags, combining both aesthetic and functional qualities, designed and developed according to the most modern techniques, thereby enabling optimal and interchangeable use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The object of this constructive arrangement will be explained in detail with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 - Is a front perspective view of the handbag incorporating the improvement which is the subject of the present patent.
FIG. 2 - Is a front and perspective view of the handbag, illustrating the various components that form the improvement.

It is worth noting that the figures are merely illustrative and may present variations, provided they do not depart from the scope initially claimed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE CONSTRUCTIVE ARRANGEMENT

In accordance with the illustrations in the aforementioned figures, the present improvement-object of this patent-refers to an enhancement applied to handbag-type accessories (1), which may feature fastened openings and handles for carrying. On one or more of its external surfaces, bordered or not by a frame (2), a recessed area (3) is provided, whose surface contains magnetic discs (4) arranged in a rectangular layout near the corners, along with a central hole (5).
Inside the recessed area (3), a thin decorative film (6) is fitted, shaped similarly to said recess (3), and provided on its underside with metallic discs (7) aligned with the magnetic discs (4) on the surface of the recessed area (3), so that they attract each other and secure the thin decorative film (6) within the recessed area (3) itself.
To remove the thin decorative film (6) from the recessed area (3), the user may insert an extraction pin from inside the handbag, through the hole (5) located in the recessed area (3) and behind the side wall of the handbag (1), pushing the film (6) outward so it may be replaced with another of the user's choice.
As described and illustrated, the improvement applied to handbags claimed herein clearly conforms to the provisions governing Utility Model Patents, in accordance with the applicable Intellectual Property Law, and therefore merits the corresponding legal protection.
It will be readily understood that, although the above description is provided by way of illustrative example, all other modifications and variations of this constructive arrangement, as would be apparent to those skilled in the art, fall within the broad scope and spirit of this Utility Model, in accordance with the claims presented below.

Claims

"IMPROVEMENT APPLIED TO A HANDBAG," referring to an enhancement applied to bag-type items (1), which may feature openings with fasteners and handles for gripping (on one or more of its outer surfaces), optionally bordered by a frame (2) The object of the present patent is characterized by comprising a recessed portion (3), the surface of which holds magnetic discs (4) arranged in a rectangular pattern and near the corners, as well as a central orifice (5); within the recessed portion (3), a thin decorative film (6) is fitted, having a shape that matches said recessed portion (3) and bearing metallic discs (7) underneath it, positioned to align with the magnetic discs (4) embedded in the surface of the recessed portion (3). This configuration enables magnetic attraction and secure attachment of the thin decorative film (6) within the recessed portion (3). To remove the thin decorative film (6) from the recessed portion (3), the user simply inserts an extraction pin through the inside of the bag (via the orifice (5) located in the recessed portion (3) and behind the bag wall (1)), thereby pushing the thin decorative film (6) outward from the recessed portion (3).