| CLAI MS The invention claimed is: 1. The application of a lighting system for a purse, clutch, tote, handbag, shoulder bag, makeup, or shoulder type bag which illuminates the contents by connecting a on/off switch through wiring within the lining to a battery source and then thought wiring within the lining to a light source. This application system includes a on/off switch, battery power pack, light source and internal wiring. 2. The purse of claim 1 , wherein the light panel or light strip at the bottom or side within the bag is attached by wire built inside the lining to the on/off switch around the opening of the bag. 3. The on/off switch of claim 1 , is a contact on/off switch or magnetic on/off switch. Wherein the on/off switch is attached to the article near the opening or handle; a protrusion extending from one end of the on/off switch through the lining out a protrusion extending through the lining to the lighting apparatus at the bottom or side. 4. The light source of claim 1 , wherein the means of illuminating is an a flat electro-luminescent (E. L.) light where at least one electro-luminescent (E.L.) panel including electrodes for causing illumination of said panel, and at least one additional conductive member arranged to deliver electric signals between ends of said electro-luminescent (E.L.) light and said on/off switch. 5. The light source of claim 1 , wherein the means of illuminating is a flat, flexible lighting strip. 6. The light strip of claim 1 , wherein the means of illuminating is a permeable or impermeable light strip. 7. The light source of claim 1 , wherein the lighting can change from EL based on future inventions of such applicable lighting technology. 8. The lighting strip of claim 1 , further comprising an EL lighting strip built in the bottom or side of the bag. 9. The on/off switch of claim 1 is said electrical contacts and wirings to form an electrical connection between contacts when a corresponding on/off switch is activated. In electronics, a on/off switch is an electrical component that can break an electrical circuit, interrupting the current or diverting it from one conductor to another. 10. The on/off switch of claim 1 is said electrical contacts and wirings to form an electrical connection between magnetic contacts when a corresponding on/off switch is activated. 11 . A lighting system of said system in Claim 1 that flexes substantially and elastically to allow the lighting mechanism to flex substantially. 12. The battery source as in claim 1 wherein is comprised of a removable side for access to the battery source. 13. The battery source as in claim 1 wherein is comprised of an accessible side pocket for access to the interior of said battery source. |
DESCRI PTION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A purse is often considered an important fashion accessory. Most purses are designed to keep up with the latest trends and to conveniently and effectively carry many comfortably. A purse can be impossible to view the contents in a dark location or when multiple items exist. A conventional "purse" (handbag, makeup bag, wallet, etc) , does not have any interior lighting or easy ability to find items. Accordingly, there is a need for a purse with lighting that allows the purse's contents to be easily seen. This also is a fashion trend as this product is unique and does not exist in the marketplace.
The present invention generally relates to illumination devices specifically for use i n purse (clutch, tote, ha ndbag, shoulder bag, makeup, or shoulder type bag) that allow the user to easily activate and ill uminate its interior. The use of lights as a means for illuminating a purse is known within the art.
By way of exa mple, U .S. patent number 6, 447, 142 issued to Weir describes a purse light system. The purse light system is a purse with a built in [ight system, which includes a purse outer structure, a battery pack and a light assembly positioned to emit [ight into the purse chamber. The purse lighting system automatical ly on/off switches on when the purse opening is in the open position and off when the purse opening is in the closed position. Lighting a purse from the top down is not as effective as the present i nvention which emits ambient l ight from the bottom and side of the purse or handbag.
Another purse lighting system, U.S. patent number 5,444,605 by Rivera has a removable type lighting device which attaches to a purse. This invention inhibits the complete use of the interior of the purse and is a large mechanism.
U. S. patent number 6, 508, 568 issued to Blue-Recio discloses another Light Assembly for the interior of a purse. The Light Assembly consists of a mounting structure to secure the assembly to the inside of a bag. An illumination source which projects light to the interior of the bag, and a on/off switch the user must push to turn the purse light on. This invention inhibits the complete use of the interior of the purse and is a large mechanism.
U. S patent Number 4,742,438 issued to King describes a [ight for the interior of a purse, having a light bulb, an electric power supply mounted within a translucent housing which is temporarily mounted on a mounting bracket which is permanently attached to the i nside of a purse. This invention inhibits the complete use of the interior of the purse and is a large mechanism which requires mounting brackets to be permanently mounted on the interior of a purse.
U. S patent Number 6,431 ,724 issued to Tedham describes a light for the interior of a purse, having a glow stick mounted to the inside of a purse. This invention is more a safety patent for visibility but also mentions interior light. This is a different method of attachment and different light method. U. S patent Number 7,1 11 ,959 issued to Kurcz, describes a duel illumination source with automatic on/off switch. This invention inhibits the complete use of the interior of the purse and is a larger mechanism.
U. S patent Number 7,246,915 issued to Verona, describes a illuminating device for an enclosed receptacle, such as a purse or handbag. This invention is attached by tape and is a different light mechanism. The construction of this type is inferior to the current invention.
There are other light mechanism, all cumbersome and large units to be mounted within the purse. Such as U. S patent Number 7,207,689; U. S patent Number 5,934,790, U. S patent Number 5,908,232, U. S patent Number 6,120,162, U. S patent Number 7,207,689
SUM MARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is the application of an lighting source, EL or similar, built within the bottom or side of a purse (clutch, tote, handbag, shoulder bag, makeup, or shoulder type bag) that when illuminated helps see the contents of the bag. This application would include the method of installing the wiring and a on/off switch (both manual or magnetic on/off switch applications) for the installation in a man's or woman's purse clutch, tote, handbag, shoulder bag, makeup, or shoulder type bag.
In at least one embodiment, the lighting material is deformable substantially elastic.
In at least one embodiment, the lighting material is an EL light panel.
In at least one embodiment, The lighting wires are attached to a on/off on/off switch at the opening and wires run through the lining exiting the bottom protrusion to the lighting mechanism.
In at least one embodiment, The lighting wires are attached to a magnetic contact on/off switch at the opening and wires run through the lining exiting the bottom protrusion to the lighting mechanism.
These and other features of this invention are described in, or are apparent from, the following detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of this invention.
TECHNICAL FIELD
A. is the on/off switch - contact on/off switch or magnetic on/off switch. Wherein the on/off switch is attached to the article near the opening or handle. A on/off switch is used to operate the on and off of the unit.
B. is the electrical wiring - a protrusion extending from one end of the on/off switch through the lining out a protrusion extending through (built in) the lining to the lighting apparatus at the bottom or side.
C. the EL lighting mechanism. EL backlight has characteristics suitable for this application. It is a cool temperature, soft but high brightness source of lighting, thin(0.2mm~0.5mm) can be bended to any shape, low power consume; vibration and moisture resistant; no radiation. EL backlight is made of 3 parts:
1 , power plug which provides the power. Possibly a 110V-240V transformer to provide its working voltage: 6v, 12v or 24v. depending on its lighting area; which may consist of at least one disposable power cell or rechargeable cell
2, inverter (a I so it is called programmed IC) which controls the sequences of its animation;
3, EL panel which has some conducted luminescent materials and circuits inside, when it is plugged with the power
D. Battery power source.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
FIG. 1 shows a purse according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a exterior view from above of a common purse type
FIG 3 shows another application of the design.
FIG. 4 is a exterior view from above of a common purse type
FIG. 5 is a magnetic on/off switch application for the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Various exemplary embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein:
1. battery power pack / pouch
2. is the electrical wiring from light source to battery pack
3. the EL lighting mechanism
4. protective clear plastic layer
5. is the on/off switch
6. is the electrical wiring from the light source to the on/off switch
7. cloth lining
8. magnetic contact on/off switch
9. magnetic contact on/off switch
Fig 1 . shows a typical application of the invention with the light source (3) on the side and bottom of Fig 1 . The on/off switch (5) is connected through wiring (6) within the lining to a battery power pack which may consist of at least one disposable power cell or rechargeable cell (1 ) through wiring (2) within the lining to light source (3). A protective clear plastic layer (4) protects the light panel from damage.
Fig 2. shows the invention application from a typical top view. The on/off switch (5) is connected through wiring (6) within the lining of the bag to the battery power pack (1 ) which may consist of at least one disposable power cell or rechargeable cell and through wiring within the lining to the light source (3). FIG 3. shows another application of the design. The on/off switch (5) is connected by wire (6) to a battery power pack (1 ) which may consist of at least one disposable power cell or rechargeable cell and to light source (3). A protective clear plastic (4) protects the light source. A cloth lining (7) aesthetically covers the battery (1 ) wiring (2) & (6).
FIG 4. is a similar embodiment where the on/off switch (5) is near the battery power pack (1 ) which may consist of at least one disposable power cell or rechargeable cell and then connected to the light source (3) through wiring within the lining.
FIG. 5 shows an application of a magnetic clasp (8) and (9) which triggers the lighting element (3) through the wiring (6) in the lining of the bag; (1 ) is the battery power pack location which may consist of at least one disposable power cell or rechargeable cell.
It should be appreciated that the length of wiring, battery type and on/off switch type are not limited to the construction discussed above. For example, in other embodiments of the invention, the type of bag may be smaller or larger than those pictured. They may also be a different fashion style. As another variation, the EL lighting may only be on the side or only be on the bottom, or both depending on bag design.
Having disclosed the invention in detail by way of various examples and preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that variations and modifications of the preferred embodiment may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. It is accordingly intended that the invention not be limited by the above description or accompanying drawings, but that it be defined solely in accordance with the appended claims.
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