Insulated Purse

Abstract

An insulated purse is disclosed that is waterproof and insulated to keep a gel ice pack cold for several hours. In some embodiments, the insulated purse will have at least two pockets; one for containing a frozen gel pack, and the other for containing a soft cover for the gel pack. The purse can be held in a closed configuration by integrated fastening hooks or other closures. The insulated purse may be constructed of a variety of materials, such as leather, vinyl, or plastic; the gel pack cover may be constructed of a variety of materials, such as fleece, wool, cotton, silk, terry cloth, or chenille, among others.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is based upon and claims benefit of copending and co-owned U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/353,961 entitled "Insulated Purse", filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Jun. 11, 2010 by the inventor herein, the specification of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention pertains to containers, and more particularly to decorative insulated containers.

[0004] 2. Description of the Background

[0005] Historically, women going through menopause experience a variety of symptoms; one of the most frustrating of which is the `hot flash`. Unexpectedly it hits, any time, any place, and anywhere, preying on women forty years of age and older, and occasionally attacking women in their thirties. Such attacks may be of short duration, approximately 15 to 30 seconds. Other times, the attack may last for several minutes. Symptoms typically include sudden, intense heat on the face and upper body causing instantaneous sweating. The `hot flash` does not depend on the victims surrounding and may occur in restaurants, supermarkets, offices, churches, etc. In response, the victim may remove clothing to cool off, only to put them back on moments later. A flush may follow the `hot flash`, leaving the victim slightly damp or soaked, depending on the intensity of the `hot flash`.

[0006] A need exists for quick an easy way to combat the symptoms of a `hot flash` that combines the features of cooling and comfort with convenience and versatility.

SUMMARY

[0007] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a device to ease the discomfort of a `hot flash` that avoids the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide an insulated purse that can hold a frozen gel pack. A related object is to provide an insulated purse that can hold a soft cover for a frozen gel pack.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide an insulated purse that can be conveniently carried in a pocket or handbag. A related object of the present invention is to provide an insulated purse that is fashionable to carry. A further related object of the present invention is to provide an insulated purse that is available in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes.

[0010] In accordance with the above objects, an insulated purse is disclosed that is waterproof and insulated to keep a gel ice pack cold for several hours. In some embodiments, the insulated purse will have at least two pockets; one for containing a frozen gel pack, and the other for containing a soft cover for the gel pack. The purse can be held in a closed configuration by integrated fastening hooks or other closures. The insulated purse may be constructed of a variety of materials, such as leather, vinyl, or plastic. The gel pack cover may be constructed of a variety of materials, such as fleece, wool, cotton, silk, terry cloth, or chenille, among others.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The above and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention are considered in more detail, in relation to the following description of embodiments thereof shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] FIG. 1 shows an external perspective view of an insulated purse according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 2 shows a picture of a variety of components inside an insulated purse according to the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 3 shows an internal perspective of an insulated purse according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] The invention summarized above and defined by the enumerated claims may be better understood by referring to the following description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numbers are used for like parts. This description of an embodiment, set out below to enable one to practice an implementation of the invention, is not intended to limit the preferred embodiment, but to serve as a particular example thereof. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the conception and specific embodiments disclosed as a basis for modifying or designing other methods and systems for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent assemblies do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form.

[0016] The insulated purse of the present invention is a dainty, miniature boutique-style purse that is waterproof and insulated to keep a gel ice pack cold for several hours. A typical size for such gel pack may be approximately 3×5-inches. FIG. 1 shows an insulated purse, indicated generally as 10. Purse 10 is generally pliable and comprises an envelope portion 13 having at least one inner compartment 16 and a cover flap 19. The inner compartment 16 should include a liner 18 comprised of a waterproof, leak proof material permanently sealed on two ends and the bottom edge. The top edge of the inner compartment 16 may be releasably closeable by hook and loop fasteners 27, slide-lock seal, or other appropriate means (see FIG. 3). Preferably, when the inner compartment 16 is closed, it forms a leak proof enclosure. The outer surface 21 of the envelope portion 13 may comprise a decorative covering 23. In a preferred embodiment, there should be insulation 24 between the outer surface 21 and the liner 18 of the inner compartment 16. Preferably, the cover flap 19 includes a generally flat portion 35, made of soft, pliable material, hingedly attached to the envelope portion 13. The cover flap 19 may also include insulation. Preferably, the cover flap 19 includes one or more fasteners 22 to hold the flap 19 in a closed position. Such fasteners may comprise hook and loop fasteners or buttons 25, which may include decorative pieces. In some embodiments, the dimensions of the purse 10 may be approximately 6 inches long×4 inches tall×1 inch thick. Other sizes may be used. In a preferred embodiment, purse 10 is discrete enough to fit in most full size handbags. In some embodiments, purse 10 may include one or more tags 28 including descriptive materials and directions.

[0017] Referring to FIG. 2, the insulated purse 10 may include at least one pocket 31 for storing an ice pack cover 34 therein. Pocket 31 typically has an open top end proximal the top edge of the inner compartment 16 and is closed on the bottom and two sides. The ice pack cover 34 may be constructed of a variety of materials, such as fleece, wool, cotton, silk, terry cloth, or chenille, among others. The ice pack cover 34 is provided to protect the skin of a user from ice burns and to help keep the contents of the handbag dry. Preferably, the ice pack cover 34 is sized and configured to hold a frozen gel pack 37. In a preferred embodiment, the gel pack 37 may be a 3×5-inch gel ice pack that can be easily frozen and re-used. The gel pack can be a commercially available, non-toxic gel pack that can be frozen in a standard freezer.

[0018] In use, the gel pack 37 can be frozen and stored inside the envelope portion 13 of the insulated purse 10. The inner compartment 16 is closed by pressing together the hook and loop fasteners 27 or other closure means. When the need arises, the gel pack 37 can be removed from the inner compartment 16 and placed inside the ice pack cover 34. The user can discretely cool off by gently patting their face and neck area with the covered gel pack 37.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the purse 10 will be PVC free and lead free. In addition, the insulation 24 will preferably comprise recycled material. The gel pack 37 should be reusable and non-toxic. In some embodiments, the purse 10 can be used to insulate hot or cold packs.

[0020] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. Having now fully set forth the preferred embodiments and certain modifications of the concept underlying the present invention, various other embodiments as well as certain variations and modifications of the embodiments herein shown and described will obviously occur to those skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with said underlying concept. It should be understood, therefore, that the invention might be practiced otherwise than as specifically set forth herein. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

1. An article of manufacture, comprising: a generally pliable purse, comprising: an envelope portion having an outer surface covering and an inner compartment, said inner compartment including a liner that is sealed on two side edges and a bottom edge, and wherein a top edge of said inner compartment is releasably closable; and insulation between said outer surface covering and said liner.

2. The article of claim 1, further comprising: a flap that covers said envelope portion.

3. The article of claim 2, wherein said flap is hingedly attached to said envelope portion.

4. The article of claim 2, wherein said flap comprises a soft, pliable material.

5. The article of claim 2, wherein said flap is insulated.

6. The article of claim 2, said flap further comprising one or more fasteners.

7. The article of claim 1, wherein said inner compartment is waterproof.

8. The article of claim 7, wherein when said inner compartment is closed, it forms a leak proof enclosure.

9. The article of claim 1, said inner compartment having an ice pack therein.

10. The article of claim 9, wherein said ice pack comprises a freezable gel pack.

11. The article of claim 1, further comprising at least one pocket having an open top end proximal the top edge of said inner compartment; a closed bottom end; a first side closed between the top end and bottom end; and a second side closed between the top end and bottom end.

12. The article of claim 11, said pocket having an ice pack cover therein.

13. The article of claim 12, wherein when said cover is constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of: fleece; wool; cotton; silk; chenille; and combinations of the above.

14. A personal cooling system, comprising: a generally pliable purse, comprising: an envelope portion having an outer surface covering and an inner compartment, said inner compartment including a liner that is sealed on two side edges and a bottom edge, and wherein a top edge of said inner compartment is releasably closable; and insulation between said outer surface covering and said liner; and an ice pack stored within said inner compartment.

15. The personal cooling system of claim 14, further comprising: a flap that covers said envelope portion, said flap being hingedly attached to said envelope portion.

16. The personal cooling system of claim 14, wherein said inner compartment is waterproof.

17. The personal cooling system of claim 16, wherein when said inner compartment is closed, it forms a leak proof enclosure.

18. The personal cooling system of claim 14, wherein said ice pack comprises a freezable gel pack.

19. The personal cooling system of claim 14, further comprising at least one pocket having an open top end proximal the top edge of said inner compartment; a closed bottom end; a first side closed between the top end and bottom end; and a second side closed between the top end and bottom end.

20. The personal cooling system of claim 19, said pocket having an ice pack cover therein.

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