WO2010017298A2

WO2010017298A2 - Comprehensive handbag protection

Info

Publication number: WO2010017298A2
Application number: PCT/US2009/052855
Authority: WO
Inventors: William P. Kelly; Nicole Chun
Original assignee: Kelly William P; Nicole Chun
Priority date: 2008-08-05
Filing date: 2009-08-05
Publication date: 2010-02-11
Also published as: US20100032065A1; WO2010017298A3

Abstract

This disclosure details providing comprehensive handbag protection (hereafter "Ducky"). Various implementations of the Ducky may be configured to protect a variety of handbags and/or like articles. The disclosed Ducky protects a handbag against rain, snow, and other potentially hazardous substances that may damage, stain or otherwise diminish the appearance and/or longevity of the handbag. The Ducky protects all exterior surfaces of the handbag, including straps, while allowing use of and access to the handbag. The Ducky is lightweight and portable and may be configured to be compactly stored, and may even be stored within the handbag, ready to be deployed as necessary.

Description

COMPREHENSIVE HANDBAG PROTECTION RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001 ] Applicants hereby claims priority under 35 USC §1 19 for United States provisional patent application serial no. 61/086,359 filed August 5, 2008, entitled "COMPREHENSIVE HANDBAG PROTECTION," attorney docket no. 19518-002PV. The entire contents of the aforementioned applications are herein expressly incorporated by reference.

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure generally discusses apparatuses, methods and systems for protective coverings. More specifically, the present disclosure discusses aspects of providing comprehensive handbag protection.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Many individuals utilize handbags, purses, and the like to carry personal items, money, checkbooks, cosmetics, identification, etc. Some such handbags and purses are made of simple fabrics and inexpensive, while others are constructed by craftsman using exotic and/or high quality materials, and may cost thousands of dollars.

SUMMARY

[0004] This disclosure discusses aspects of providing comprehensive handbag protection (hereafter "Ducky"). The disclosed Ducky protects an entire handbag (purse, satchel, etc.) against rain, snow and other materials that could damage, stain or otherwise diminish the appearance and/or longevity of the product. The Ducky protects exterior surfaces of the handbag, including straps and/or handles, while allowing use of and access to the handbag. The Ducky is lightweight and portable. In one embodiment, the Ducky may be configured to be compactly stored, and, in some instances, be stored within the handbag and/or attached to an umbrella. As such, a Ducky owner may deploy the Ducky quickly and efficiently as needed, for example, when faced with walking with a handbag in inclement weather.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The accompanying appendices and/or drawings illustrate various non-limiting, example, inventive aspects in accordance with the present disclosure:

[0006] FIGURE 1 A illustrates aspects of a first embodiment of the Ducky;

[0007] FIGURE 1 B illustrates aspects of a second embodiment of the Ducky;

[0008] FIGURE 2A illustrates further aspects of the first embodiment of the Ducky;

[0009] FIGURE 2B illustrates further aspects of the second embodiment of the

Ducky;

[0010] FIGURE 3A illustrates details of an implementation of the first embodiment of the Ducky;

[001 1 ] FIGURE 3B illustrates details of an implementation of the second embodiment of the Ducky;

[0012] FIGURE 4A illustrates aspects of a third embodiment of the Ducky;

[0013] FIGURE 4B illustrates aspects of a fourth embodiment of the Ducky;

[0014] FIGURE 5 A illustrates further aspects of the third embodiment of the Ducky;

[0015] FIGURE 5B illustrates further aspects of the fourth embodiment of the

Ducky;

[0016] FIGURE 6A illustrates details of an implementation of the third embodiment of the Ducky; and [0017] FIGURE 6B illustrates details of an implementation of the fourth embodiment of the Ducky.

[0018] The leading number of each reference number within the drawings indicates the figure in which that reference number is introduced and/or detailed. As such, a detailed discussion of reference number 1 10 would be found and/or introduced in FIGURE 1. Reference number 31 1 is introduced in FIGURE 3, etc.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The present disclosure discusses aspects of implementations of comprehensive handbag protection (hereafter "Ducky"). It is to be understood that the Ducky may have numerous implementations and embodiments, and may be customized/configured as needed to provide protection for a variety of handbags and/or like articles (purse, satchel, etc.). The disclosed Ducky protects a handbag against environmental hazards (e.g., rain, snow, mud, oil, etc.) that could damage, stain or otherwise diminish the appearance and/or longevity of the handbag. In various implementations, the Ducky protects all and/or part of the exterior surfaces of the handbag, including straps, while allowing use of and access to the handbag. In one embodiment, the Ducky is lightweight and portable, and when not in use, may be rolled up or folded to allow for compact storage. In some implementations, the Ducky may even be configured to be stored within the handbag, and/or attached to an umbrella via a strap, connector, and/or the like.

[0020] In particular, the Ducky may be configured to provide protection for designer handbags without diminishing the handbags appearance or impeding access to the handbag. In one embodiment, the construction of the Ducky may include clear/transparent or tinted, flexible, waterproof/water-resistant material (e.g., any number of plastic materials, including nylon, urethane, PVC or the like) through which the unique designs and characteristics of the handbag are visible. For example, in addition to protecting and showing the distinctive marks of the handbag, the Ducky may include an additional level of branding and/or customization, such as stenciling, textures, tinting and/or other design features that enhance and/or accentuate the appearance of the handbag in the Ducky.

[0021 ] The Ducky is a comprehensive handbag protector providing protection for and facilitating full access/functionality of a handbag. In some embodiments, the Ducky may be comprised of a flexible protective body enclosure, a protective top flap and one or more protective strap encasements. The flexible protective body enclosure of the Ducky facilitates surrounding the body portion of a handbag placed inside of the flexible protective body enclosure through the aperture of the flexible protective body enclosure.

[0022] In some embodiments, the Ducky may be constructed from a variety of protective (e.g., water-resistant/waterproof) materials. In one embodiment, the body enclosure of the Ducky may be constructed from one piece of material. In another embodiment, the body enclosure may be assembled from multiple pieces, such as a bottom panel and four side/end panels (each water-resistant/waterproof and joined to one another with a water-resistant/waterproof seal), as necessitated by the handbag to be protected. A water-resistant/waterproof top flap may be permanently affixed to one side of the flexible water-resistant/waterproof body enclosure such that the water-resistant/waterproof top flap may be opened (to allow insertion of and access to a handbag) and closed (to protect the body portion of the inserted handbag). The one or more water-resistant/waterproof strap encasement(s) (which may be adjustable) may have a first end and a second end, wherein the first end may be affixed (permanently or, in some embodiments, detachably) to the flexible waterproof body enclosure and the second end may be detachably fixed to the flexible water- resistant/waterproof body enclosure such that the water-resistant/waterproof strap encasement (which may be adjustable) may be brought across a strap of the handbag such that the water-resistant/waterproof strap encasement protects the strap while allowing a handbag owner to use the strap.

[0023] There may be numerous implementations of the Ducky to address the variety of style, shapes and/or appearances of handbags and like articles. Handbag manufacturers, distributors, and/or owners may commission a customized style of Ducky or may utilize adjustable components in a more general style of Ducky to configure the Ducky to his or her desired handbag. To showcase the handbag, some embodiments of the Ducky may be constructed mostly or entirely of see-through material, while other embodiments may have designs, textures, colors, patterns and/or the like to enhance and/or customize the appearance of the handbag. One embodiment of the Ducky may be constructed out of just one or two pieces of material with few, if any, seams. Other embodiments may be made from multiple pieces that are sewn, fused, fastened and/or otherwise attached together. In some embodiments, the construction of the Ducky may be based on the appearance of the handbag for which it is intended to protect. By way of example only, if a particular handbag has a small side pocket, the Ducky may be configured with an access point (e.g., a corresponding small side access flap) to allow a user to utilize the pocket while still providing protection from rain, snow and other potentially harmful substances for the protected handbag. In some implementations, exterior surfaces of the Ducky may be treated with stain-resistant materials. Some embodiments of the Ducky may be configured to fold flat or roll up so they can be stored compactly. For example, the Ducky may be configured with one or more creases or folds that facilitates Ducky storage. In such an embodiment, the Ducky may be folded or rolled up and stored in the handbag for which it is intended to protect, ready to be deployed to protect the handbag if a threat, such as a rainstorm, is encountered.

[0024] FIGURE IA illustrates aspects of a first embodiment of the Ducky. As shown in the figure, the Ducky includes a flexible protective (e.g., water-resistant or waterproof) body enclosure 1 10 that surrounds and protects the body of a handbag. The configuration/dimensions of the body enclosure 1 10 may vary depending on the type and/or style of handbag to be protected by the Ducky, but the body enclosure will generally be comprised of four flexible protective sides attached with a protective bottom piece that forms a protective seal. The Ducky is typically also configured with an insertion aperture 123 through which the handbag may be inserted into the Ducky and through which a user of the Ducky may access his or her handbag. The embodiment shown in the figure also includes a protective top flap 120. Depending on the implementation, the top flap may be part of and/or affixed to the body enclosure 110 such that the top flap 120 may be opened and closed. FIGURE IA illustrates the Ducky with the top flap 120 in the open position, which allows a user to access the handbag and/or to insert or remove the handbag from the Ducky through the insertion aperture 123. In some embodiments, the Ducky may include elastic material such that the insertion aperture can be stretched to allow a handbag to be inserted/removed from the Ducky through the insertion aperture. FIGURE 2A illustrates the first embodiment of the Ducky with the top flap 120 in the closed position. In one embodiment, the Ducky may include a drawstring closure element, for example, a drawstring closure element that may be adjusted to constrict the insertion aperture 123. As shown in FIGURE IA, the Ducky may include side-access elements 151a-151b. Although not illustrated in other figures, it is to be understood that other implementations of the Ducky may be adapted to include one or more side pocket access elements or flaps. Such side-access elements may include securing elements, as described herein.

[0025] In some embodiments, the top flap 120 may be secured to the body enclosure

1 10 in a number of ways to keep the top flap in closed position and provide protection for the body portion of a protected handbag. In one embodiment, the top flap 120 may be secured to the body enclosure through adhesion, cohesion (if the top flap and body enclosure contact areas are made of the same material), and/or a number of other fastening or attachment methods or mechanisms. As shown in FIGURE IA, one or more securing elements 115a (e.g., hook-and-loop fasteners such as Velcro, magnets, snaps, buttons, etc.) may be incorporated with the body enclosure 1 10, and the corresponding securing element or elements 115b incorporated with the top flap 120 to facilitate the top flap 120 being secured to the body enclosure 1 10, as shown in FIGURE 2A.

[0026] FIGURE IA also illustrates an adjustable strap encasement 130. The adjustable strap encasement provides protection for the handbag strap or straps. In implementations where the Ducky is a clear or transparent material, the adjustable strap encasement 130 provides handbag strap protection, while also displaying the underlying handbag strap or handle. The adjustable strap encasement or encasements generally comprise overlapping flaps of protective material (e.g., water-resistant/waterproof fabrics and/or plastics) that once in place will protect the strap(s) of the handbag, for example, by providing a secured wrap for the strap(s). Depending on the embodiment, the adjustable strap encasement may be secured to the body enclosure in a number configurations. For example, in one embodiment, both ends of the strap encasement are fixed to the body enclosure (as illustrated by the satchel Ducky implementations of the embodiments of the Ducky in FIGURES 4A-6A), while in other embodiments, one or both ends of the strap encasement may be detachably secured to the body enclosure.

[0027] In the embodiment of the Ducky shown in FIGURE IA, a proximate end 132 of the strap encasement 130 may be fixed to the body enclosure 110, while a distal end 131 of the strap encasement 130 is configured to be detachably secured to the body enclosure 110. For example, in one implementation, the strap encasement 130 and body enclosure 1 10 might include complementary attachment elements 125a, 125b/125c (e.g., snaps, buttons, hooks, magnets, etc.). As shown in FIGURE IA, the attachment elements may be configured to facilitate an adjustable strap encasement 130. For example, if the handbag strap is long, attachment element 125a could be attached to an upper attachment point element 125b (as shown in FIGURE 2A). If the handbag strap is short, attachment element 125a could be attached to the lower attachment point element 125c.

[0028] In one embodiment, a proximal side of the strap encasement may be detachably secured to the body enclosure, while in another embodiment the proximal side of the strap encasement may be formed as an integral part of the body enclosure (i.e., made as a single piece of material). The strap encasement may be detachably securable to the body enclosure by a variety of attachment elements depending on the implementation. The variety of attachment elements facilitates an adjustable strap encasement capable of protecting a wide selection of handbags that may have a variety of sizes, shapes, configurations, and/or lengths of handbag straps. In an example strap encasement, one snap (or similar attachment element) may be on the inside of the strap encasement while an attachment point of the body enclosure may have multiple snaps at varying lengths to choose from. In one embodiment, two or more connecting strap encasements facilitate adjusting the Ducky for use with more than one handbag. In one embodiment, the body enclosure may include an extension element for strap encasement. In some embodiments, one or more strap encasements are adjustable. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the Ducky strap encasement(s) may not be adjustable.

[0029] As illustrated by the embodiment in FIGURE IA, in some embodiments of the Ducky the adjustable strap encasement 130 may have one or more encasement fasteners 135 (e.g., Velcro, adhesion fasteners, snaps, or the like) situated along the strap encasement to securely fasten the strap encasement around the handbag strap.

[0030] Some embodiments of the Ducky may be configured to fold flat or roll up so they can be stored compactly. Such embodiments of the Ducky may facilitate storage of the Ducky via the incorporation of one or more seams, creases or folds into the Ducky. For example, FIGURES 1 B and 2B illustrates a second embodiment of the Ducky that includes the features of the first embodiment, shown in FIGURES IA and 2 A, but formed with opposing seams 140 in the end panels of the body enclosure of the Ducky to facilitate folding/storage.

[0031 ] FIGURE 3 A illustrates the first embodiment of the Ducky protecting a handbag. FIGURE 3 A illustrates the Ducky with the handbag body 311 in the body enclosure 110 with the top flap 120 closed, with the fasteners (115a, 115b) secured. The adjustable strap encasement 130 is illustrated protecting a handbag strap 331. The end of the strap encasement 130 is attached to the body enclosure 1 10 via detachably securable mechanisms (125a, 125b) (e.g., snaps). Additionally, encasement fasteners 135 on the adjustable strap encasement 130 are secured to further protect the handbag handle 331. [0032] As discussed above, some embodiments of the Ducky may be configured to fold flat or roll up so they can be stored compactly. FIGURE 3B illustrates the second embodiment of the Ducky protecting a handbag 311 in the body enclosure 1 10. In contrast to the Ducky illustrated in FIGURE 3 A, the implementation in FIGURE 3 B is formed with opposing seams 140 incorporated into end panels. These seams facilitate folding/storage of the Ducky.

[0033] FIGURE 4A illustrates a third embodiment of the Ducky, wherein the Ducky is configured in a satchel Ducky implementation for protecting a satchel-style handbag. The satchel Ducky may be configured to protect handbags with one or more straps. The third embodiment includes a body enclosure 410, top flap 420 and two strap encasements 430a, 430b with securing fasteners 435a, 435b. As discussed above, the illustrated third embodiment includes a fastening element 415a (e.g., touch fasteners, Velcro, magnets, snaps, buttons, etc.) incorporated into body enclosure 410 and a corresponding fastening element 415b incorporated into the top flap 420. In such an arrangement, the fastening elements 415a, 415b allow the top flap 420 to be detachably secured to the body enclosure 410, as shown in FIGURE 5A (showing the third embodiment of with the top flap 420 in the closed position). Some embodiments of the satchel Ducky implementation may be configured to fold flat or roll up so they can be stored compactly. FIGURES 4B and 5B illustrate a fourth embodiment of the Ducky that includes the features of the third embodiment shown in FIGURES 4A and 5A, and further configured with seams 440 in end panels that facilitate Ducky storage.

[0034] FIGURE 6A illustrates the third embodiment of the Ducky protecting a handbag. In the figure, the Ducky is shown with the handbag body 61 1 in the body enclosure 410 with the top flap 420 closed, and secured with fasteners 415a, 415b attached. The strap encasements 430a, 430b protect handbag straps 631a, 631b in coordination with the securing fasteners 435 a, 435b. In some embodiments, the strap encasements 430a, 430b may be formed as channels into which handbag straps 631a, 631b may be placed and/or secured. FIGURE 6B illustrates the fourth embodiment of the Ducky protecting a handbag. As discussed above, the fourth embodiment includes the features of the third embodiment discussed in FIGURES 6A, and is further configured with seams 440 in end panels that facilitate Ducky storage.

[0035 J The entirety of this disclosure (including the Cover Page, Title, Headings,

Field, Background, Summary, Brief Description of the Drawings, Detailed Description, Claims, Abstract, Figures, Appendices and otherwise) shows by way of illustration various embodiments in which the claimed inventions may be practiced. The advantages and features of the disclosure are of a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are presented only to assist in understanding and teach the claimed principles. It should be understood that they are not representative of all claimed inventions. As such, certain aspects of the disclosure have not been discussed herein. That alternate embodiments may not have been presented for a specific portion of the invention or that further undescribed alternate embodiments may be available for a portion is not to be considered a disclaimer of those alternate embodiments. It will be appreciated that many of those undescribed embodiments incorporate the same principles of the invention and others are equivalent. Thus, it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and functional, logical, organizational, structural and/or topological modifications may be made without departing from the scope and/or spirit of the disclosure. As such, all examples and/or embodiments are deemed to be non-limiting throughout this disclosure. Also, no inference should be drawn regarding those embodiments discussed herein relative to those not discussed herein other than it is as such for purposes of reducing space and repetition. Some features may be mutually contradictory, in that they cannot be simultaneously present in a single embodiment. Similarly, some features are applicable to one aspect of the invention, and inapplicable to others. In addition, the disclosure includes other inventions not presently claimed. Applicant reserves all rights in those presently unclaimed inventions including the right to claim such inventions, file additional applications, continuations, continuations in part, divisions, and/or the like thereof. As such, it should be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functional, features, logical, organizational, structural, topological, and/or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A comprehensive handbag protector for a handbag, comprising: a flexible waterproof body enclosure, wherein the flexible waterproof body enclosure comprises a waterproof covering for surrounding a body portion of a handbag placed inside of the flexible waterproof body enclosure, wherein the body is configured with an insertion aperture formed along the top edge of the body enclosure that facilitates placing a handbag inside the flexible waterproof body enclosure through the top of the flexible waterproof body enclosure; a waterproof top flap, wherein part of the waterproof top flap is permanently affixed to one side of the flexible waterproof body enclosure such that the waterproof top flap opens and closes the insertion aperture, wherein when the waterproof top flap is open the body portion of the handbag may be inserted/removed from the flexible waterproof body enclosure, wherein when the waterproof top flap is closed the body portion of the handbag is protected; and a waterproof adjustable strap encasement with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is permanently affixed to the flexible waterproof body enclosure and the second end is detachably securable to the flexible waterproof body enclosure such that the waterproof adjustable strap encasement protects a strap of the handbag while facilitating use of the strap.

2. The comprehensive handbag protector of claim 1 wherein the waterproof top flap is detachably secured to the flexible waterproof body enclosure when the waterproof top flap is closed.

3. The comprehensive handbag protector of claim 2 wherein the waterproof top flap is detachably secured to the flexible waterproof body enclosure with a hook-and-loop fastener.

4. The comprehensive handbag protector of claim 1 wherein the flexible waterproof body enclosure comprises four waterproof side pieces and a waterproof bottom piece, wherein each waterproof side piece is attached to two other waterproof side pieces and the waterproof bottom piece, wherein each attachment forms a waterproof seal.

5. The comprehensive handbag protector of claim 1 wherein the comprehensive handbag protector protects a single handle handbag.

6. The comprehensive handbag protector of claim 1 wherein the comprehensive handbag protector protects a double-handled handbag.

7. The comprehensive handbag protector of claim 1 wherein the comprehensive handbag protector protects a satchel handbag.

8. The comprehensive handbag protector of claim 5 wherein the comprehensive handbag protector is formed from a transparent material configured to showcase distinctive features of the particular style of handbag when the particular style of handbag is enclosed within the comprehensive handbag protector.

9. The comprehensive handbag protector of claim 5 wherein the comprehensive handbag protector is formed from a translucent material.

10. The comprehensive handbag protector of claim 5 wherein the comprehensive handbag protector is formed from a texturized material.

1 1. The comprehensive handbag protector of claim 1 wherein the flexible waterproof body enclosure includes an at least one crease that allows the flexible waterproof body enclosure to be folded flat for storage.

12. A protective enclosure for a handbag comprising: a protective handbag body enclosure configured with an insertion aperture; a detachable protective handbag strap encasement secured to the protective handbag body enclosure; and a flexible body enclosure insertion aperture cover panel configured with a fastening element at an attachment point.

13. The protective enclosure of claim 12, wherein the protective handbag body enclosure is formed with a seam on opposing end panels that facilitates folding the protective enclosure for storage.

14. The protective enclosure of claim 12, wherein protective handbag body enclosure is formed with opposing end panels that incorporate a elastic lining along a top edge of the end panel adjacent to the insertion aperture.

15. The protective enclosure of claim 12, wherein the detachable protective handbag strap encasement is secured to the protective handbag body enclosure at two endpoints.

16. The protective enclosure of claim 12, wherein a first endpoint of the detachable protective handbag strap encasement is securable to an attachment point on the body enclosure via an attachment element.

17. The protective enclosure of claim 16, wherein the detachable protective handbag strap encasement first endpoint is an extension piece of protective material extending from a panel of the protective handbag body enclosure opposite the attachment point.

18. The protective enclosure of claim 12, wherein the protective handbag body enclosure is formed from a single piece of material.

19. The protective enclosure of claim 12, wherein the protective handbag body enclosure is formed from multiple panels.

20. The protective enclosure of claim 16, wherein the protective handbag body enclosure includes a series of attachment elements for the first endpoint of handbag strap encasement.

21. The protective enclosure of claim 16, wherein the handbag strap encasement is configured with a plurality of corresponding fastening elements configured so that the handbag strap encasement may be fastened to itself at two or more points along a longitudinal axis of the strap encasement.

22. The protective enclosure of claim 21, wherein the handbag strap encasement is configured with a VeI cro fasteners situated at a plurality of points along the longitudinal axis of the strap encasement.

23. The protective enclosure of claim 21, wherein the handbag strap encasement is configured with a series of snap insertion elements and snap receptacle elements situated at a plurality of points along the longitudinal axis of the strap encasement.

24. The protective enclosure of claim 12, wherein the protective handbag body enclosure, handbag strap encasement and the cover panel are waterproof materials.

25. The protective enclosure of claim 12, wherein the protective handbag body enclosure, handbag strap encasement and the cover panel are water-resistant materials.

26. The protective enclosure of claim 12, wherein the exterior of the protective handbag body enclosure, handbag strap encasement and the cover panel are treated with stain-resistant materials.

27. The protective enclosure of claim 12, wherein protective handbag body enclosure includes a drawstring element along a top edge encircling the insertion aperture.

28. A comprehensive handbag protection apparatus, comprising: flexible waterproof body enclosure means, wherein the flexible waterproof body enclosure means comprise waterproof covering means for surrounding a body portion of a handbag placed inside of the flexible waterproof body enclosure means, wherein the body enclosure means are configured with insertion aperture means formed along the top edge of the body enclosure means that facilitate placing a handbag inside the flexible waterproof body enclosure means through the top of the flexible waterproof body enclosure means; waterproof top flap means, wherein part of the waterproof top flap means are permanently affixed to one side of flexible waterproof body enclosure means such that the waterproof top flap means open and close the insertion aperture, wherein when the waterproof top flap means are open the body portion of the handbag may be inserted/removed from the flexible waterproof body enclosure means, wherein when the waterproof top flap means are closed the body portion of the handbag is protected; and waterproof adjustable strap encasement means comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the waterproof adjustable strap encasement means is permanently affixed to the flexible waterproof body enclosure means and the second end of the waterproof adjustable strap encasement means is detachably securable to the flexible waterproof body enclosure means such that the waterproof adjustable strap encasement protects a strap of the handbag while facilitating use of the strap.