Handbag assembly with interchangeable liner and method

Abstract

s the users to correctly align and install an interior liner construction relative to an exterior bag construction. The handbag assembly comprises the bag construction, the liner construction, at least two pairs of magnets, and at least two zipper assemblies. Each zipper assembly preferably comprises select coloration, which select coloration of the first and second zipper assemblies differs from one another. The first and second magnet pairs essentially function to magnetically attract the inner bag arrangement to the outer bag arrangement via the inner and outer bag bottoms. The first and second zipper assemblies essentially function to removably bind the inner bag arrangement to the outer bag arrangement via the inner and outer bag mouths. Together the zipper assemblies and magnet pairs enable the user to correctly align and install the liner construction relative to the bag construction.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001]1. Field of the Invention

[0002]The present invention generally relates to a handbag assembly, and particularly, the relates to a handbag assembly having a removable liner construction for enabling users thereof to remove liners and/or attach differing exterior bag constructions to the liner construction for improving handbag functionality.

[0003]2. Discussion of Prior Art

[0004]Handbag art is rather well-developed and provides any number of teachings for enhancing handbag or purse use for would-be handbag carriers. The prior art relating to interchangeable liners for handbags and the like for enabling users to easily exchange outer bag constructions with a more easily maintainable liner is also somewhat well-developed. Some of the more pertinent prior art relating to handbags having interchangeable covers and/or liners and the like is briefly described hereinafter.

[0005]U.S. Pat. No. 1,978,971 ('971 Patent), which issued to Thornhill et al., discloses a Hand Bag and Hand Bag Cover. The '971 Patent describes a hand bag comprising a foundation member of relative rigidity having front, rear, and side walls defining a bag body, and a removable enclosure for said foundation member, said enclosure being compose of relatively limp fabric and comprising front, rear, and side walls conforming, respectively, to the sizes and shapes of the corresponding walls of said bag body, a closure flap for the enclosure and a closure for the foundation member fitting into the flap of the enclosure, said flaps being adapted to overlie the upper end of the bag body when the handbag is closed, and means associated with the side walls of the foundation member and the corresponding side walls of the enclosure adapted for retaining the latter in proper position.

[0006]U.S. Pat. No. 2.609,854 ('854 Patent), which issued to Rosen, discloses Interchangeable Linings for Pocketbooks. The '854 Patent describes a handbag or the like comprising an outer handbag body including a top frame, an interchangeable and renewable lining structure for said handbag body, and means for releasably joining the handbag body and means for releasably joining the handbag body and lining structure including a plurality of projections and cooperating recesses, said projections being carried by said lining structure near the top thereof and said recesses being carried by said top frame, said top frame being, at least in part, of u-shaped cross-section, and said recesses being apertures through said frame, said aperture being elongated slots.

[0007]U.S. Pat. No. 3,414,033 ('033 Patent), which issued to Tucker, discloses an Interchangeable Purse Jacket. The '033 Patent describes a pouch or envelope type purse insert having closure means and readily detachable from the interior of a lady's purse and readily reattachable to the interior of another such purse. The purse insert is constructed of a pliable, transparent plastic to display the contents thereof, and is interiorly provided with document carrying pockets and cartridge-belt type loops in which lipstick tubes and the like are disposed. One portion of a separable nylon tape fastener is secured to the purse insert, and the cooperating portion of the fastener is secured to the interior of a least one purse.

[0008]U.S. Pat. No. 5,894,975 ('975 Patent), which issued to Holden et al., discloses certain Carriers and Interchangeable Liners Therefor. The '975 Patent describes a system of selectable carriers for receiving an interchangeable liner enclosing a plurality of articles for facilitating exchange of articles from one selected carrier to another. The system provides a plurality of carriers which each have at least an opening with a first connecting member having a first character and attached near the opening thereof. The carriers selectively engage a liner that has a closed bottom and an open end with a second connecting member having a second character attached to a perimeter edge thereof, for selective mating engagement of the liner with the first connecting member in the carrier, for joining the liner to the carrier. The liner receives a plurality of articles to be carried within the carrier, and transfer of which occurs substantially simultaneously by transferring the liner and the articles therein from one carrier to another selected one of the carriers.

[0009]U.S. Pat. No. 6,003,573 ('573 Patent), which issued to Owens, discloses an Interchangeable Purse Assembly. The '573 Patent describes a purse assembly comprising a plurality of outer bag components each having a unique color or design. An interior pouch may be removably received within any one of the associated bag components by zipping the pouch onto the interior surface of the bag component side walls. Within the interior of the pouch and attached to a side thereof are a plurality of accessory storage devices such as a pen and pencil holder, a credit card holder, a photograph holder and a phone number/address book. Accordingly, items that are typically stored in a purse are placed in the removable pouch. When changing purse styles, a user would simply unzip the pouch and reattach it to another style bag component, thus eliminating the burdensome chore of having to individually transfer the items.

[0010]U.S. Pat. No. 6,179,025 ('025 Patent), which issued to Sutton, discloses a Carry Bag with Pouch Insert and Cover. The '025 Patent describes a carry bag comprising: a) a three dimensional, generally rectangular-shaped, closable pouch; b) a closure means in the top of the pouch; c) at least two magnetic fasteners, preferably two magnetic snaps; and d) a detachable, carrying strap. Portions of magnetic fasteners on the ends of the carrying strap correspond to magnetic fastener portions on the pouch, so that a user can quickly and easily attach the carrying strap to the pouch, or detach it from the pouch. Alternatively, the carry bag comprises the pouch and one or more interchangeable covers. The cover comprises an open, three dimensional, generally rectangular-shaped, cover compartment, which is of sufficient size to snugly accommodate the pouch. Each of the two ends, or the front and back panels, of the cover compartment comprises a magnetic fastener portion that corresponds to an opposite magnetic fastener portion on the pouch, so that the pouch without the detachable carrying strap can be quickly and easily inserted into, or detached from, the cover.

[0011]U.S. Pat. No. 6,196,201 ('201 Patent), which issued to Salz, discloses a Handbag with a Removably Attached Inner Bag. The '201 Patent describes a handbag made more versatile by removably attaching an inner bag to an outer shell of the handbag. When a handbag of a different color or style is required, the inner bag can be removed from one outer shell and inserted into a second outer shell, allowing the user to change handbags without disturbing the contents of the inner bag.

[0012]U.S. Pat. No. 7,461,676 ('676 Patent), which issued to Huie, discloses a Handbag with Interchangeable Liner. The '676 Patent describes a handbag system for efficient changing of handbag styles. The handbag system can include a first outer shell, a second outer shell and a removable liner. The removable liner can be configured for removable placement and attachment within either the first outer shell or the second outer shell. The removable liner can be filled with the typical belongings of the user including a wallet, cosmetics, keys and the like. The removable liner can be detached and removed from the outer shell while retaining the belongings of the user. The user can use the removable liner with the outer shell deemed most appropriate for use with a particular outfit or activity. In addition, the first outer shell can have a first style matching a first outfit and the second outer shell can have a second style matching a second outfit so as to form a fashion system.

[0013]United States Patent Application No. US 2001/0015248, which was authored by McCreery, describes an interchangeable carrying bag system having an inner bag, an outer bag, a first fastening structure attached to the inner surface of the outer bag and to the outer surface of the inner bag and at least one piece of decorative material reversibly attachable to the outer surface of the inner bag when the inner bag is used independently of the outer bag. In addition, a second fastening structure can be attached to the inner bag.

[0014]United States Patent Application No. US 2006/0021684, which was authored by DeCoro III, describes an interchangeable purse and liner provides a single liner or insert which may be interchangeably installed in any of a series of compatible handbags or the like. A person using the present purse and liner system may place all of her normally carried personal articles (e.g., wallet, keys, cosmetics, notebook and pen, etc.) in the insert, and merely remove the insert from one purse and place it in another when changing purses from, e.g., an everyday purse to an evening bag. The purse includes an upper flap which folds over the upper edge of the liner, to provide a finished appearance for the assembly. Two fastener sets (e.g., magnetic snaps, mechanical snaps, Velcro, buttons, etc.) are used, with one set securing the flap to the inner surface of the liner along its upper edge, and the other set fastening between the liner and the inner surface of the purse.

[0015]United States Patent Application No. US 2008/0230157, which was authored by Whiting et al., describes a purse comprising a base formed of rigid transparent or translucent material, and a removable liner that is to be inserted in the base of the purse so as to be visible from outside the base, the removable liner being provided in a plurality of colors and textures and patterns and being made of a pliable, sturdy material, wherein the liner provider a creative, decorative design for the purse.

[0016]From a review of the above-referenced patents and other prior art generally known to exist that the prior art does not teach a handbag assembly having a removable liner and means for aiding the user to properly align the liner relative to the exterior bag construction, which means are defined by magnetic fasteners, color-coded zipper assemblies, and (ornamental) Braille-like tactile means. The prior art thus perceives a need for such an arrangement, as described in more detail hereinafter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0017]To achieve the foregoing objectives, the handbag assembly according to the present invention essentially comprises an outer bag arrangement or exterior bag construction; an inner bag arrangement or interior liner construction; at least two pairs of magnets; and at least two zipper assemblies. The outer bag arrangement comprises an open outer bag mouth, a closed outer bag bottom, and opposed, first and second outer bag walls extending intermediate the outer bag mouth and outer bag bottom. The inner bag arrangement comprises an open inner bag mouth, a closed inner bag bottom, and opposed, first and second inner bag walls extending intermediate the inner bag mouth and inner bag bottom.

[0018]Each zipper assembly preferably comprises select coloration, which select coloration of the first and second zipper assemblies differs from one another. A first magnet from the first and second magnet pairs is attached to the outer bag bottom such that a north magnetic pole and a south magnetic pole face the outer bag mouth. A second magnet from the first and second magnet pairs is attached to the inner bag bottom such that a north magnetic pole and a south magnetic pole face the outer bag bottom.

[0019]The first and second magnet pairs essentially function to magnetically attract the inner bag arrangement to the outer bag arrangement via the inner and outer bag bottoms. The first zipper assembly is cooperably attached to the first walls of the outer and inner bag walls adjacent the outer and inner bag mouths, and the second zipper assembly is cooperably attached to the second walls of the outer and inner bag walls adjacent the outer and inner bag mouths. The first and second zipper assemblies essentially function to removably bind the inner bag arrangement to the outer bag arrangement via the inner and outer bag mouths. Together the zipper assemblies and magnet pairs enable the user to correctly align and install the liner construction relative to the bag construction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020]Other features of our invention will become more evident from a consideration of the following brief descriptions of the patent drawings accompanying this specification:

[0021]FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a handbag assembly according to the present invention showing a first side of the handbag assembly.

[0022]FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the handbag assembly according to the present invention showing a second side of the handbag assembly.

[0023]FIG. 3 is a reduced top perspective view of the handbag assembly otherwise shown in FIG. 1 with parts of the handbag handle removed.

[0024]FIG. 3(a) is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of a pair of magnets attached to the liner construction and bag construction showing a repulsive magnetic force therebetween.

[0025]FIG. 3(b) is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of a pair of magnets attached to the liner construction and bag construction showing an attractive magnetic force therebetween.

[0026]FIG. 3(c) is a further enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the junction intermediate magnets otherwise depicted in FIG. 3(a) showing like magnetic poles opposed to one another.

[0027]FIG. 3(d) is a further enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the junction intermediate magnets otherwise depicted in FIG. 3(b) showing unlike magnetic poles opposed to one another.

[0028]FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the exterior bag construction according to the present invention showing patch-covered magnets adjacent the first and second ends of the handbag assembly.

[0029]FIG. 5 is an exploded side view of the exterior bag construction and interior liner construction according to the present invention showing the liner construction properly aligned relative to the bag construction and depicting magnetic attraction between magnet pairs associated with the liner and bag constructions.

[0030]FIG. 5(a) is an exploded reduced side view of the exterior bag construction and interior liner construction otherwise shown in FIG. 5.

[0031]FIG. 5(b) is an exploded reduced side view of the exterior bag construction and interior liner construction according to the present invention showing the liner construction improperly aligned relative to the bag construction and depicting magnetic repulsion between magnet pairs associated with the liner and bag constructions.

[0032]FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the fully assembled handbag assembly according to the present invention showing first and second opposed zipper assemblies removably binding the liner construction to the bag construction at the mouths thereof, which zipper assemblies are partially unzipped.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND METHOD

[0033]Referring now to the drawings with more specificity, the present invention generally concerns a handbag assembly 10 for enabling users thereof to interchange or exchange an interior liner construction 11 as otherwise used in combination with an exterior bag construction 12. The handbag assembly 10 according to the present invention thus preferably comprises an ornamentally decorated outer bag arrangement or exterior bag construction and an inner bag arrangement or interior liner construction 11. It is contemplated that the liner construction 11 is preferably constructed from a bright color, such as red, yellow, pink, etc. The outer bag arrangement or exterior bag construction 12 essentially comprises an open outer or exterior bag mouth as at 13; a closed outer or exterior bag bottom as at 14; and opposed, first and second outer bag walls as at 15, which walls extend intermediate the outer bag mouth 13 and outer bag bottom 14.

[0034]The inner bag arrangement or interior liner construction 11 essentially comprises an open inner bag mouth or liner mouth as at 16; a closed inner bag bottom or liner bottom as at 17; and opposed, first and second inner bag walls 18, which walls 18 extend intermediate the inner bag mouth or liner mouth 16 and inner bag bottom or liner bottom 17. It is contemplated that the liner construction 11 is preferably constructed from rip stop nylon, which is very durable.

[0035]The exterior bag construction 12 and interior liner construction 11 are outfitted with first and second magnet pairs as at 19. Each magnet of the magnet pairs 19 comprises a north magnetic pole and a south magnetic pole. As is well understood in the art(s), the north magnetic poles in each magnet pair 19 are magnetically attracted to the south magnetic poles in each magnet pair 19. In other words, north magnetic poles 20 are attracted to south magnetic poles 21, and north magnetic poles 20 are repulsed by north magnetic poles 20 (and south magnetic poles 21 are repulsed by south magnetic poles 21) as generally depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

[0036]The handbag assembly 10 further comprises a first zipper assembly as at 22 and second zipper assembly as at 23. The zipper assemblies 22 and 23 are preferably separating, molded plastic jacket zipper assemblies. Each of the zipper assemblies 22 and 23 comprise select coloration, which select coloration differs from one another. In this regard, it may be seen from a comparative inspection of FIGS. 1, 2, and 6 that the first walls 15 and 18 of the outer and inner bag arrangements 12 and 11 comprise a white zipper assembly 22, and that the second walls 15 and 18 of the outer and inner bag arrangements 12 and 11 comprise a black zipper assembly 23.

[0037]A first magnet 25 from the first and second magnet pairs 19 is attached to the outer bag bottom 14 such that a north magnetic pole 20 and a south magnetic pole 21 face the outer bag mouth 13. In other words, a first magnet 25 from each magnet pair 19 is attached to the bottom 14 such that one of the magnets 25 has a north pole 20 facing upward at a first end 26 of the bag assembly 10 and the other of the magnets 25 has a south pole 21 facing upward at a second end 27 of the bag assembly 10.

[0038]Similarly, a second magnet 25 from the first and second magnet pairs 19 is attached to the inner bag bottom 17 such that a north magnetic pole 20 and a south magnetic pole 21 face the outer bag bottom 14. Or in other words, a second magnet 25 from each magnet pair 19 is attached to the bottom 17 such that one of the magnets 25 has a north pole 20 facing upward at the first end 26 of the bag assembly 10 and the other of the magnets 25 has a south pole 21 facing upward at the second end 27 of the bag assembly 10. The first and second magnet pairs 19 thus function to magnetically attract the inner bag arrangement or liner construction 11 to the outer bag arrangement or bag construction 12 via the inner and outer bag bottoms 17 and 14. It will thus be seen that the magnet pairs 19 function to help ensure correct or proper alignment of the inner to outer bag arrangements 11 and 12.

[0039]Stated another way, the first magnets 25 from each magnet pair 19 are attached to the outer bag bottom 14 adjacent first and second outer bag ends 28 and 29 and the second magnets 25 from each magnet pair 19 are attached to the inner bag bottom 17 adjacent first and second inner bag ends 30 and 31. As may be generally seen from a comparative inspection of FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b), the magnet pairs 19 are repulsive if the first and second outer bag ends 28 and 29 are respectively aligned with the second and first inner bag ends 31 and 30. Further, the magnet pairs 19 are attractive if the first and second outer bag ends 28 and 29 are respectively aligned with the first and second inner bag ends 30 and 31.

[0040]It is contemplated that the first magnets 25 of the first and second magnet pairs 19 are attached to the outer bag bottom 14 within outer bag, magnet pockets as at 32; and the second magnets 25 of the first and second magnet pairs 19 are attached to the inner bag bottom 17 within inner bag, magnet pockets as at 33. The outer and inner bag magnet pockets 32 and 33 comprise sufficiently minimized space to restrain magnet movement relative to the bottoms 14 and 17 during alignment of the inner to outer bag arrangements 11 and 12. In other words, the pockets are formed such that magnets 25 are unable to flip over if a repulsive alignment occurs as generally depicted in FIGS. 3(a) and 5(b). The outer and inner bag magnet pockets 32 and 33 thus function to enhance proper alignment of the inner and outer bag arrangements 11 and 12.

[0041]The handbag assembly 10 may further preferably comprise certain means for reducing and/or diffusing magnetic attractive forces, which means may be preferably defined by a layer of rubber 35, which means are attached to the inner bag bottom 17 (as received within a pocket 36) intermediate the second magnets 25 of the first and second magnet pairs 19 and the inner bag mouth 16. It is contemplated that said means may well function to reduce any magnetic attraction between the first and second magnet pairs 19 and contents (such as keys 37 or the like) located in the inner bag arrangement 11. The rubber element or layer 35 further provides support and shape to the handbag assembly 10.

[0042]The handbag assembly 10 may further comprise certain means for tangibly perceiving and distinguishing the first and second ends 26 and 27, which means may be preferably defined by Braille-like (or raised protrusion-like) faux gem stones 38. The faux gem stones 38, if differently number and spaced adjacent the ends 26 and 27 may well function to provide both visual adornment to said means and enable the user to use tactile information to properly orient and/or align the liner construction 11 relative to the exterior bag construction 12. Two faux green gem stones 38 may be used to signify the zipper starting end and one faux red gem stone 38 may be used to signify the zipper stopping end.

[0043]The first zipper assembly 22 is cooperably attached to the first walls 15 and 18 of the outer and inner bag arrangements 12 and 11 adjacent the outer and inner bag mouths 13 and 16. Similarly, the second zipper assembly 23 is cooperably attached to the second walls 15 and 18 of the outer and inner bag arrangements 12 and 11 adjacent the outer and inner bag mouths 13 and 16. The first and second zipper assemblies 22 and 23 thus function to removably bind or attach the inner bag arrangement 11 to the outer bag arrangement 12 via the inner and outer bag mouths 16 and 13.

[0044]Preferably, the first and second zipper assemblies 22 and 23 each comprise a top stop 39, a bottom stop 40, a slider 41, a pull tab 42, and a chain 43, the chain 43 comprising opposed interlockable teeth 44. The top stop 39 and bottom stop 40 of the first zipper assembly 22 are attached to the inner and outer bag mouths 16 and 13 at the first and second bag ends 26 and 27, respectively. The top stop 39 and bottom stop 40 of the second zipper assembly 23 are attached to the inner and outer bag mouths 16 and 13 at the second and first bag ends 27 and 26, respectively. The top stops 39 and bottom stops 40 are cooperable with said means for tangibly perceiving and distinguishing the first and second bag ends 26 and 27 for ensuring proper alignment of the inner to outer bag arrangements 11 and 12.

[0045]The handbag assembly 10 may further comprise lifting straps 45 attached to the inner liner construction for easing removal of the liner construction or inner bag arrangement 11 from the bag construction or outer bag arrangement 12. Further, lifting handles 46 are preferably attached to the exterior bag construction 12 for enabling the user to lift the handbag assembly 10. Other features may include a pocket 47 formed upon the liner construction 11 for retaining various handbag contents.

[0046]It is contemplated that the user may be provided with two exterior bag constructions 12 to coordinate with the user's wardrobe. If the user wants to use bag construction No. 2, the user could unzip the liner construction 11 from the bag construction 12 No. 1 and lift it out using the handles 45 and set it into bag construction 12 No. 2. The magnets 25 help hold the liner construction 11 in place as well as align the liner construction 11 relative to the bag construction 12.

[0047]While the above descriptions contain much specificity, this specificity should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of the invention. For example, the invention may be said to essentially teach or disclose a handbag assembly comprising an exterior bag construction, an interior liner construction, certain magnetic means as exemplified by magnets 25, and certain zipper means as exemplified by zipper assemblies 22 and 23. The bag construction comprises a bag mouth, a bag bottom, and a bag wall extending intermediate the bag mouth and bag bottom. Together, the bag bottom and bag mouth define first and second bag ends.

[0048]The liner construction comprises a liner mouth, a liner bottom, and a liner wall extending intermediate the liner mouth and liner bottom. Together, the liner bottom and liner mouth define first and second liner ends. The magnetic means are associated with each of the first and second bag and liner ends at the bag and liner bottoms, and essentially function to magnetically attract the liner bottom to the bag bottom at the first and second bag and liner ends. The zipper means are further associated with each of the bag and liner mouths and preferably comprise select coloration associable with each of the first and second band and liner ends. The zipper means essentially function to removably bind the liner construction to the bag construction via the liner and bag mouths.

[0049]As stated, the magnetic means are attached to the first and second bag and liner ends such that said means are repulsive if the first and second bag ends are respectively aligned with the second and first liner ends, and said means are attractive if the first and second bag ends are respectively aligned with the first and second liner ends. The magnetic means thus essentially function to ensure correct alignment of the liner to bag constructions.

[0050]The magnetic means are preferably attached to the bag and liner bottoms such that the magnetic means are immovable relative to the bag and liner bottoms. For example, if opposing north poles 20 are brought together, the magnets have a tendency to rotate about an axis and reorient themselves so as to become magnetically attracted. The elements 32 and 33 are spaced relative to elements 11 and 12 so as to prevent magnet movement or flipping so that inadvertent and improper liner to bag construction alignment does not occur.

[0051]The handbag assembly may further comprise certain means for reducing magnetic attractive forces as exemplified by rubber element 35. The means for reducing or diffusing the magnetic attractive forces are preferably attached to the liner bottom intermediate the magnetic means and the liner mouth, and essentially function to reduce magnetic attraction between the magnetic means and contents located in the liner construction such as keys 37.

[0052]Certain methodological steps or processes are believed further supported by the foregoing specifications and in this regard, it is contemplated that a certain method for installing a handbag liner into a handbag is disclosed and supported. The method for installing a handbag liner may be said to comprise the steps of: providing a bag construction, and a liner construction, wherein the bag construction comprises a bag mouth, a bag bottom, a bag wall, and first and second bag ends, and wherein the liner construction comprises a liner mouth, a liner bottom, a liner wall, and first and second liner ends.

[0053]The bag wall extends intermediate the bag mouth and bag bottom, and the liner wall extends intermediate the liner mouth and liner bottom. The bag bottom is outfitted with bag-based magnetic means, which bag-based magnetic means having a north pole and a south pole, the north and south poles respectively facing the bag mouth at the first and second bag ends. The liner bottom is outfitted with liner-based magnetic means, which liner-based magnetic means have a north pole and a south pole, the north and south poles respectively facing the bag bottom at the second and first liner ends. The bag construction may thus be outfitted with the liner construction such that the bag-based and liner-based magnetic means are aligned with one another.

[0054]Notably, the bag-based and liner-based magnetic means may be repulsively aligned with one another during the step of outfitting the bag construction with the liner construction. In this event, the method may further comprise the step(s) of aligning the first and second liner ends with the first and second bag ends before outfitting the bag construction with the liner construction. Otherwise, it is contemplated that the bag-based and liner-based magnetic means are attractively aligned with one another during the step of outfitting the bag construction with the liner construction.

[0055]The method may further comprise the steps of outfitting the bag mouth and liner mouth with certain zipper means, which means may well function to removably bind the liner construction to the bag construction via the liner and bag mouths. The zipper means at the first and second bag and liner ends may further comprise select coloration for visually cuing whether the first and second bag ends are repulsively or attractively aligned with the first and second liner ends. A select construction (as selected from either the liner construction and/or the bag construction) may be outfitted with certain means for tangibly perceiving and distinguishing first and second ends of liner construction relative to the bag construction.

[0056]From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications of the underlying inventive subject matter may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, certain liner stalling methodology is believed supported by the basic understanding of the inventive subject matter surrounding the handbag assembly 10 and its various components. Thus, it is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific apparatus and/or methodology illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred. It is, of course, intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A handbag assembly, the handbag assembly comprising:an outer bag arrangement, the outer bag arrangement comprising an open outer bag mouth, a closed outer bag bottom, and opposed, first and second outer bag walls extending intermediate the outer bag mouth and outer bag bottom;an inner bag arrangement, the inner bag arrangement comprising an open inner bag mouth, a closed inner bag bottom, and opposed, first and second inner bag walls extending intermediate the inner bag mouth and inner bag bottom;first and second magnet pairs, each magnet of the magnet pairs comprising a north magnetic pole and a south magnetic pole, the north magnetic poles in each magnet pair being magnetically attracted to the south magnetic poles in each magnet pair; andfirst and second zipper assemblies, each zipper assembly comprising select coloration, the select coloration of the first and second zipper assemblies differing from one another, a first magnet from the first and second magnet pairs being attached to the outer bag bottom such that a north magnetic pole and a south magnetic pole face the outer bag mouth, a second magnet from the first and second magnet pairs being attached to the inner bag bottom such that a north magnetic pole and a south magnetic pole face the outer bag bottom, the first and second magnet pairs thus for magnetically attracting the inner bag arrangement to the outer bag arrangement via the inner and outer bag bottoms, the first zipper assembly being cooperably attached to the first walls of the outer and inner bag walls adjacent the outer and inner bag mouths, the second zipper assembly being cooperably attached to the second walls of the outer and inner bag walls adjacent the outer and inner bag mouths, the first and second zipper assemblies thus for removably binding the inner bag arrangement to the outer bag arrangement via the inner and outer bag mouths, the first and second magnet pairs and the first and second zipper assemblies thus enabling a user to correctly align and install the inner bag arrangement relative to the outer bag arrangement.

2. The handbag assembly of claim 1 wherein the first magnets from each magnet pair are attached to the outer bag bottom adjacent first and second outer bag ends and the second magnets from each magnet pair are attached to the inner bag bottom adjacent first and second inner bag ends, the magnet pairs being repulsive if the first and second outer bag ends are respectively aligned with the second and first inner bag ends, the magnet pairs being attractive if the first and second outer bag ends are respectively aligned with the first and second inner bag ends, the magnet pairs thus for ensuring correct alignment of the inner to outer bag arrangements.

3. The handbag assembly of claim 2 wherein the first magnets of the first and second magnet pairs are attached to the outer bag bottom within spacious outer bag, magnet pockets, and the second magnets of the first and second magnet pairs are attached to the inner bag bottom within spacious inner bag, magnet pockets, the outer and inner bag magnet pockets comprising sufficient space to restrain magnet movement during alignment of the inner to outer bag arrangements, the outer and inner bag magnet pockets thus for enhancing proper alignment of the inner to outer bag arrangements.

4. The handbag assembly of claim 3 wherein the inner bag arrangement comprises means for reducing magnetic attractive forces, said means being attached to the inner bag bottom intermediate the second magnets of the first and second magnet pairs and the inner bag mouth, said means for reducing magnetic attraction between the first and second magnet pairs and contents located in the inner bag arrangement.

5. The handbag assembly of claim 4 comprising means for tangibly perceiving and distinguishing the first and second bag ends.

6. The handbag assembly of claim 5 wherein said means for tangibly perceiving and distinguishing the first and second bag ends are defined by Braille-like faux gem stones, the faux gem stones for providing visual adornment to said means and said handbag assembly.

7. The handbag assembly of claim 6 wherein the first and second zipper assemblies each comprise a top stop and a bottom stop, the top stop and bottom stop of the first zipper assembly being attached to the inner and outer bag mouths respectively at the first and second bag ends, the top stop and bottom stop of the second zipper assembly being attached to the inner and outer bag mouths respectively at the second and first bag ends, the top stops and bottom stops being cooperable with said means for tangibly perceiving and distinguishing the first and second bag ends for ensuring proper alignment of the inner to outer bag arrangements.

8. A handbag assembly, the handbag assembly comprising:an exterior bag construction, the bag construction comprising a bag mouth, a bag bottom, and a bag wall extending intermediate the bag mouth and bag bottom, the bag bottom and bag mouth defining first and second bag ends;an interior liner construction, the liner construction comprising a liner mouth, a liner bottom, and a liner wall extending intermediate the liner mouth and liner bottom, the liner bottom and liner mouth defining first and second liner ends;magnetic means associated with each of the first and second bag and liner ends at the bag and liner bottoms, said magnetic means for magnetically attracting the liner bottom to the bag bottom at the first and second bag and liner ends; andzipper means associated with each of the bag and liner mouths, the zipper means comprising select coloration associable with each of the first and second band and liner ends, said zipper means for removably binding the liner construction to the bag construction via the liner and bag mouths, the magnetic and zipper means thus enabling a user to correctly align and install the liner construction relative to the bag construction.

9. The handbag assembly of claim 8 wherein the magnetic means are attached to the first and second bag and liner ends such that said magnetic means are repulsive if the first and second bag ends are respectively aligned with the second and first liner ends, and said magnetic means are attractive if the first and second bag ends are respectively aligned with the first and second liner ends, said means thus for ensuring correct alignment of the liner to bag constructions.

10. The handbag assembly of claim 9 wherein said magnetic means are attached to the bag and liner bottoms such that the magnetic means are immovable relative to the bag and liner bottoms, the immovable magnetic means for enhancing proper alignment of the liner to bag constructions.

11. The handbag assembly of claim 10 wherein the liner construction comprises means for reducing magnetic attractive forces, said means being attached to the liner bottom intermediate the magnetic means and the liner mouth, said means for reducing magnetic attraction between the magnetic means and contents located in the liner construction.

12. The handbag assembly of claim 8 comprising means for tangibly perceiving and distinguishing the first and second bag and liner ends.

13. The handbag assembly of claim 12 wherein said means for tangibly perceiving and distinguishing the first and second bag and liner ends are defined by Braille-like protrusions.

14. The handbag assembly of claim 13 wherein the zipper means are defined by first and second zipper assemblies, each of the first and second zipper assemblies comprising a top stop and a bottom stop, the top stop and bottom stop of the first zipper assembly being attached to the liner and bag mouths respectively at the first and second bag and liner ends, the top stop and bottom stop of the second zipper assembly being attached to the liner and bag mouths respectively at the second and first bag and liner ends, the top stops and bottom stops being cooperable with said means for tangibly perceiving and distinguishing the first and second bag and liner ends for ensuring proper alignment of the liner to bag constructions.

15. A method for installing a handbag liner into a handbag, the method for installing a handbag liner comprising the steps of:providing a bag construction, the bag construction comprising a bag mouth, a bag bottom, a bag wall, and first and second bag ends, the bag wall extending intermediate the bag mouth and bag bottom;outfitting the bag bottom with bag-based magnetic means, the bag-based magnetic means having a north pole and a south pole, the north and south poles respectively facing the bag mouth at the first and second bag ends;providing a liner construction, the liner construction comprising a liner mouth, a liner bottom, a liner wall, and first and second liner ends, the liner wall extending intermediate the liner mouth and liner bottom;outfitting the liner bottom with liner-based magnetic means, the liner-based magnetic means having a north pole and a south pole, the north and south poles respectively facing the bag bottom at the second and first liner ends; andoutfitting the bag construction with the liner construction, the bag-based and liner-based magnetic means being aligned with one another.

16. The method according to claim 15 wherein the bag-based and liner-based magnetic means are repulsively aligned with one another during the step of outfitting the bag construction with the liner construction, the method comprising the further steps of aligning the first and second liner ends with the first and second bag ends before outfitting the bag construction with the liner construction.

17. The method according to claim 15 wherein the bag-based and liner-based magnetic means are attractively aligned with one another during the step of outfitting the bag construction with the liner construction.

18. The method according to claim 15 comprising the steps of outfitting the bag mouth and liner mouth with zipper means, said means for removably binding the liner construction to the bag construction via the liner and bag mouths.

19. The method according to claim 18 wherein the zipper means at the first and second bag and liner ends comprise select coloration, the select coloration of the zipper means for visually cuing whether the first and second bag ends are repulsively or attractively aligned with the first and second liner ends.

20. The method according to claim 15 comprising the step of outfitting a select construction with means for tangibly perceiving and distinguishing first and second ends of liner construction relative to the bag construction, the select construction being selected from the group consisting of the liner construction and bag construction.