GB2600481A

GB2600481A - Handbag with a smartphone holder

Info

Publication number: GB2600481A
Application number: GB2017348.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Benveniste Samantha
Original assignee: Benveniste Ltd
Current assignee: Benveniste Ltd
Priority date: 2020-11-02
Filing date: 2020-11-02
Publication date: 2022-05-04
Also published as: WO2022090745A1; GB202017348D0

Abstract

A handbag 100 comprises a frame 10 including a base 12 and one or more surfaces which connect to form a closed loop 14; a first side panel 20 pivotally attached to the base along a first edge 22 of the base; and a second side panel 30 attached to the base along a second edge of the base 32. The base comprises a first holder 16 configured to hold a smartphone (40, figure 4) to the base. The first side panel is pivotable with respect to the base towards the first holder from a first position in which the handbag is open to a second position in which the handbag is closed. The handbag is configured to be closed by contact between the first side panel and the frame at an opposing portion of the frame to which the first side panel is pivotally attached. The second side panel may also be pivotally connected to the base. The first and second side panels may be frictionally held against the frame in the closed position. A holder 18 may also be provided to hold a perfume bottle.

Description

HANDBAG WITH A SMARTPHONE HOLDER FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention relates to a handbag. In particular, the invention relates to a handbag with a holder for a smartphone.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

There is a demand for handbags which can secure contents to prevent damage and to enable a user to conveniently locate the secured contents when the handbag is opened by the user There is also a demand for novel and more versatile handbags It is an object of the present invention to address these demands.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a handbag, comprising: a frame comprising a base and one or more surfaces which connect to form a closed loop; a first side panel pivotally attached to the base along a first edge of the base; and a second side panel attached to the base along a second edge of the base; wherein the base comprises a first holder configured to hold a smartphone to the base; wherein the first side panel is pivotable with respect to the base towards the first holder from a first position in which the handbag is open to a second position in which the handbag is closed; wherein the handbag is configured to be closed by contact between the first side panel and the frame at an opposing portion of the frame to which the first side panel is pivotally attached.

In this way, the user can secure the smartphone against the base, which prevents the smartphone from moving within the handbag when the handbag is in use. This helps to prevent damage to the smartphone which can occur if the smartphone collides with the walls or other objects stored within the handbag. Additionally, the user can quickly and easily locate the smartphone when the handbag is opened, because the user can be assured that the smartphone is held against a particular surface of the frame. The frame may comprise a single continuous surface which forms a closed loop. In one example, the closed loop may form an open cylinder with a regular or irregular circumference. Alternatively, the frame may comprise two or more surfaces connected end-to-end to form a looped structure. In one example, the frame may comprise a curved surface and a flat surface which are joined along two edges to form a closed loop. In another example, the frame may comprise four flat panels which form a rectangular prism which is open at two parallel faces. The frame may have a regular shape, such as the curved face of a cylinder Alternatively, the frame may have an irregular shape. Preferably, the frame and the first and second side panels are rigid. The frame may have a regular thickness around the circumference of the closed loop. Alternatively, the thickness of the frame may vary around the circumference of the closed loop. Preferably, the first holder comprises a clip. The clip may comprise a plurality of flexible protrusions which protrude from the base configured to enable the user to push the smartphone between the protrusions to be held in place.

Preferably, the first holder is positioned on the base between the first edge and the second edge. In this way, the smartphone can be more easily accessed when the first side panel is pivoted away from the second position.

Preferably, the base comprises a substantially flat surface, wherein the first edge and the second edge are edges of the substantially flat surface. In this way, the handbag can be stably rested on an external flat surface. Additionally, because the first side panel is attached to the base at an edge of the substantially flat surface, the handbag can be easily opened by a user while the handbag is standing freely on the external flat surface.

Preferably, the first side panel and the second side panel are configured to be substantially perpendicular to the substantially flat surface when the handbag is closed. It is considered that such an arrangement provides an optimal balance between the storage space in the handbag and the perceived bulkiness which a user can experience when carrying the handbag.

Preferably, the second side panel is pivotally attached to the base along the second edge, wherein the handbag is configured to be closed by contact between the second side panel and the frame at an opposing portion of the frame to which the second side panel is pivotally attached. In this way, the user has the choice of the first side panel or the second side panel to open the handbag. This provides a more convenient handbag which can be opened from either side.

Preferably, an inner face of the first side panel or the second side panel comprises a raised section inwardly spaced from the edges of the first side panel or the second side panel, respectively. More preferably, the raised section is configured to hold the first side panel or the second side panel against the frame by friction with an inner surface of the frame. In this way, the raised section provides a closing mechanism which enables the handbag to be closed by friction. This enables the handbag to be opened and closed without a fastener, thus providing a handbag which is more convenient to open and close.

Additionally, closing the handbag via friction with the raised section can provide a luxury and fitted feel to the user. The raised section may outline a shape which substantially matches the shape of an outer circumferential edge of the frame.

Optionally, the handbag may comprise a fastener configured to hold the first side panel and the second side panel to the frame in a closed configuration. In one example, the fastener may comprise a strap attached to the first side panel, configured to be pulled over the frame to attach to a locking mechanism provided on the second side panel.

Preferably when the handbag is closed, the first side panel or the second side panel is configured to meet an edge of the frame at a position which is inwardly spaced from an edge of the first side panel or the second side panel, respectively. In this way, an edge of the first side panel or the second side panel can form a protruding lip over an edge of the frame. Thus, the user can easily separate the first side panel or the second side panel from the frame by pulling the first or second side panel at the lip away from the frame.

Preferably, the first side panel or the second side panel comprises a second holder configured to hold an article. In this way, the user can secure other items in addition to a smartphone. Preferably, the second holder is disposed on an inner face of the first or second side panel, such that the second holder is contained within the handbag when the handbag is closed. This ensures the additional items are contained within the handbag should they escape from the second holder during use. The first side panel and the second side panel may each comprise a second holder or a plurality of second holders. The second holder may be configured as a pouch or an envelope sealable by a button or a snap fastener. The holder may comprise a pouch, a wallet, an elasticated loop, a clip, or any holder or combination of holders suitable for holding small personal items.

Preferably, the base comprises a third holder configured to hold a perfume bottle to the base. In this way, the user can secure a perfume bottle to the base. It is particularly advantageous to provide a third holder for a perfume bottle, because glass perfume bottles can be particularly heavy and are prone to causing damage to other stored items during use.

Preferably, the third holder is configured to hold the perfume bottle upright with respect to the base. In this way, the perfume bottle can be removed easily from the third holder and be in an orientation ready for use when removed.

Additionally, because many perfume bottles are elongate in an upright direction, the perfume bottle can be held to the base in a more space-efficient manner in terms of surface area on the base. Preferably, the third holder is a clip.

Preferably, the first holder is configured to hold the smartphone in an orientation that is substantially perpendicular to the base. In this way, the smartphone can be removed easily from the first holder because the smartphone is not substantially flat against the base. Additionally, the smartphone can be held to the base in a more space-efficient manner in terms of surface area on the base.

BREIF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention are now described, by way of example, with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a handbag in an embodiment of the invention in an open configuration; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a handbag in an embodiment of the invention in a closed configuration; Figure 3 shows a first clip and a second clip of the handbag in an embodiment of the invention; and Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the handbag in an embodiment of the invention in an open configuration in use to secure a plurality of user items.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a handbag in an open configuration according to an embodiment of the invention. A handbag 100 is provided and comprises a frame 10 comprising a base 12 and a curved panel 14 which are rigidly connected along a first edge 2 and a second edge 4 of the base 12 to form a closed loop. A first clip 16 is provided on the base 12 and is configured to hold a user smartphone to the base 12 of the frame 10. A second clip 18 is provided on the base 12 and is configured to hold a user perfume bottle to the base 12 of the frame 10.

A first side panel 20 is provided and is pivotally attached to the frame 10 along a third edge 22 of the base 12. The first side panel 20 can be pivoted with respect to the base 12 of the frame 10 to open or close the handbag 100. The inner face of the first side panel 20 comprises a first raised section 24 which is inwardly spaced from the periphery of the first side panel 20. The shape of the first raised section 24, as viewed in the plane of the first side panel 20, matches the shape of a first curved panel edge 13 to enable the first raised section 24 to slide under the curved panel 14 while maintaining frictional contact with the inner face of the curved panel 14. A first pouch 26, a second pouch 27, and a third pouch 28 are provided on the first raised section 24 to hold small items, such as make-up or keys.

A second side panel 30 is provided and is pivotally attached to the base 12 of the frame 10 along a fourth edge 32 of the base 12. The second side panel 30 can also be pivoted with respect to the frame 10 to open or close the handbag 100. The inner face of the second side panel 30 comprises a second raised section 34 which is inwardly spaced from the periphery of the second side panel 30. The shape of the second raised section 34, as viewed in the plane of the second side panel 30, matches the shape of a second curved panel edge 15 to enable the second raised section 34 to slide under the second curved panel edge 15 while maintaining frictional contact with the inner face of the curved panel 14. A first loop 36, a second loop 37, and a third loop 38 are provided on the second raised section 34 to hold small items against the second raised section 34.

In the embodiment of Figure 1, the frame 10 comprises a base 12 and a curved panel 14. The composite shape of the base 12 and the curved panel 14 is a surface which is looped about a longitudinal axis, where the surface is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The shape of the frame 10 can also be considered as a curved face of an irregular cylinder with a flat portion. In other example embodiments, the frame 10 may comprise a single panel which is a continuous surface. In an alternative embodiment, the frame 10 may comprise a plurality of flat or curved surfaces which connect end-to-end in order to form a closed loop structure. For example, the frame 10 may be configured as a rectangular prism with two parallel sides missing. In such an example, the first side panel 20 and the second side panel 30 may have a rectangular shape. The embodiment of Figure 1 is considered advantageous because the frame 10 comprises a base 12 which can be used to stably rest the handbag 100 on an external flat surface. Additionally, because, the first side panel 20 and the second side panel 30 are pivotally attached along the third edge 22 and the fourth edge 32 of the base 12, respectively, the handbag 100 can be opened easily while the handbag 100 is resting on an external surface.

In other example embodiments, the first clip 16 and the second clip 18 may be configured as any other type of holder. Alternatively, the first clip 16 may be replaced with a thin, elongate, rectangular slot in the base 12, into which the user can place a smartphone to be held by friction. Similarly, the second clip 18 may be replaced with a circular or rectangular slot in the base 12, through which a user can insert a perfume bottle to be held by friction. Preferably, the base 12 is coated with a soft material, such as felt, to prevent the surface of the base 12 from marking a smartphone or a perfume bottle held by the first clip 16 or the second clip 18, respectively.

In other example embodiments, the first pouch 26, the second pouch 27, the third pouch 28, the first loop 36, the second loop 37, and the third loop 38 may be replaced with any other suitable type of holder. In one example, the first loop 36 and the second loop 37 may be replaced with a coin purse sealed by a zip, which may be stitched into the second raised section 34 for holding coins or other small items. In another example, a single larger pouch may be provided in place of the first pouch 26, the second pouch 27, and the third pouch 28.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the handbag 100 in a closed configuration.

The user can transform the handbag 100 from the open configuration of Figure 1 into the closed configuration of Figure 2 by pivoting the first side panel 20 and the second side panel 30 about the third edge 22 and the fourth edge 34, respectively, towards the curved panel 14. For example, as the user pivots the first side panel 20 towards a position in which it is perpendicular to the base 12, the first raised section 24 makes light contact with the first curved panel edge 13 of the curved panel 14. The user can apply a force to push the first side panel 20 further towards the curved panel 14 until the first side panel 20 and the curved panel 14 make contact at the first curved panel edge 13, as shown in Figure 2. During this motion, the first raised section 24 is pushed into the space between the curved panel 14 and the base 12. The first raised section 24 is sized with respect to the first curved panel edge 13 to enable the first raised section 24 to hold the second side panel 20 against the first curved panel edge 13 by frictional forces between the first raised section 24 and the inner face of the curved panel 14. The second side panel 30 can be actioned likewise by a user in order to transform the handbag 100 into the closed configuration of Figure 2. The first raised section 24 and the second raised section 34 may comprise a relatively high friction material such as felt, which can provide sufficient friction to hold the handbag 100 in the closed configuration.

In the closed configuration of Figure 2, the curved panel 14 forms a recessed central band between the first side panel 20 and the second side panel 30. As best seen with respect to the second side panel 30, this is achieved because the second side panel 30 meets the curved panel 14 at the second curved panel edge 15 at a position which is inwardly spaced from the outermost edge of the second side panel 30. The inward spacing is highlighted by the arrow (A). This enables the user to easily grasp the second side panel 30 in order to pull the second side panel 30 away from the frame 10 to open the handbag 100. The first side panel 20 is configured likewise with respect to the first curved panel edge 13 to enable the user to easily grasp the first side panel 20 when opening the handbag 100.

Figure 3 shows the first clip 16 and the second clip 18 of the handbag 100. The first clip 16 is provided on the inner face of the base 12 and comprises a plurality of pairs of metal protrusions 16A, 16B, 160 which protrude from the base 12 towards the curved panel 14. In use, the user can slot a smartphone between each of the pairs of metal protrusions 16A, 16B, 160, as shown in Figure 4. The individual protrusions in each pair are spaced closely to enable the first clip 16 to hold a thin smartphone in a perpendicular configuration with respect to the base 12. The pairs of metal protrusions 16A, 16B, 160 are spaced longitudinally along the base 12 with sufficient space in between each pair to enable the first clip 16 to hold a smartphone against the base 12 along a longitudinal edge of the smartphone. In some examples, the protrusions of the first clip 16 may be arranged more closely in order to hold a user smartphone to the base 12 by friction between the user smartphone and the protrusions. This may provide a more secure hold on the smartphone. In other example embodiments, the protrusions may be spaced more widely and instead hold the smartphone in place by obstruction. This may reduce the likelihood of marking the smartphone during use. In other example embodiments, the first clip 16 and the second clip 18 may comprise any other suitable material such as rubber or plastic.

The second clip 18 is also provided on the inner face of the base 12 and comprises four metal protrusions 18A, 18B, 180, 18D. The four metal protrusions 18A, 18B, 180, 18D are positioned on the base 12 in a diamond configuration. In use, the user can insert a cylindrical perfume bottle between the four metal protrusions 18A, 18B, 180, 18D to be held in place by friction or obstruction, as shown in Figure 4. The first clip 16 and the second clip 18 share a protrusion 18B which enables the surface area of the base 12 to be used more efficiently. In other examples, the first clip 16 and the second clip 18 may comprise additional protrusions, and/or may not share a protrusion. In other embodiments of the invention, the second clip 18 may be rotated on the base 12 with respect to the position shown in Figure 3. In other example embodiments, additional clips may be provided on the base 12. In a further example embodiment, the protrusions which form the first clip 16 or the second clip 16 may comprise a curve or bend.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the handbag 100 in an open configuration in use to secure a plurality of user items. A user smartphone 40 is shown held by the first clip 16 in configuration which is perpendicular to the base 12. A cylindrical user perfume bottle 42 is shown held by the second clip 18, upright with respect to the base 12. A user hand-mirror 44 is shown held to the second raised section 34 of the second side panel 30 by the second loop 37. A user lipstick 46 is also shown held to the second raised section 34 by the first loop 36.

The skilled person would understand that an inner face of a surface as used herein refers to the side of a surface which faces the internal volume of the handbag 100 when the handbag 100 is in a closed configuration.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A handbag, comprising: a frame comprising a base and one or more surfaces which connect to form a closed loop; a first side panel pivotally attached to the base along a first edge of the base; and a second side panel attached to the base along a second edge of the base; wherein the base comprises a first holder configured to hold a smartphone to the base; wherein the first side panel is pivotable with respect to the base towards the first holder from a first position in which the handbag is open to a second position in which the handbag is closed; wherein the handbag is configured to be closed by contact between the first side panel and the frame at an opposing portion of the frame to which the first side panel is pivotally attached.
2. The handbag of claim 1, wherein the first holder is positioned on the base between the first edge and the second edge.
3. The handbag of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the base comprises a substantially flat surface, wherein the first edge and the second edge are edges of the substantially flat surface.
4. The handbag of claim 3, wherein the first side panel and the second side panel are configured to be substantially perpendicular to the substantially flat surface when the handbag is closed.
5. The handbag of any of the preceding claims, wherein the second side panel is pivotally attached to the base along the second edge, wherein the handbag is configured to be closed by contact between the second side panel and the frame at an opposing portion of the frame to which the second side panel is pivotally attached.
6. The handbag of claim 5, wherein an inner face of the first side panel or the second side panel comprises a raised section inwardly spaced from the edges of the first side panel or the second side panel, respectively.
7. The handbag of claim 6, wherein the raised section is configured to hold the first side panel or the second side panel against the frame by friction with an inner surface of the frame.
8. The handbag of claim 7, wherein, when the handbag is closed, the first side panel or the second side panel is configured to meet an edge of the frame at a position which is inwardly spaced from an edge of the first side panel or the second side panel, respectively.
9. The handbag of any of the preceding claims, wherein the first side panel or the second side panel comprises a second holder configured to hold an article.
10. The handbag of any of the preceding claims, wherein the base comprises a third holder configured to hold a perfume bottle to the base.
11. The handbag of claim 10, wherein the third holder is configured to hold the perfume bottle upright with respect to the base.
12. The handbag of any of the preceding claims, wherein the first holder is configured to hold the smartphone in an orientation that is substantially perpendicular to the base.