Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Bag Illuminating Device
Field of the Invention
s The present invention relates to an illuminating device for illuminating the
interior of a bag
light. In particular, the present invention relates to a transferable and
interchangeable
illuminating device for illuminating the interior of bags and for illumination
generally.
Background of the Invention
Bags such as handbags are used to carry personal articles such as purses,
keys,
identification, credit cards, mobile phones, writing instruments and more. In
addition to the
utilitarian function of handbags they also have an ornamental and fashion
function. A
problem with many bags and in particular handbags is that they come without
any
illuminating device inside. There are times in which people carrying handbags
may require a
light so to see what's inside when there is no other light source available.
The invention has
been conceived in order to enable the inside of bags, especially ladies'
handbags to be
inspected easily, with the aim of making it easier to search for and select an
item from
among the objects contained in the bag, even when the owner of the bag is in a
poorly lit
environment.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an illuminating device for
illuminating the interior
of a bag.
Object of the Invention
It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least
ameliorate one
or more of the above disadvantages, or at least to provide a useful
alternative. Objects of
the present invention are (without limitation):
(a) to provide a light source in handbags;
(b) to provide easy access for illumination when necessary for handbag owners;
(c) to provide illumination capabilities to owners of all different sizes and
styles of bags;
(d) to provide a self contained light source which aids the location of items
within a bag;
(e) to provide a light utility to consumers which can be used easily and
conveniently to
provide illumination in a handbag, without damage to the bag, which is simple
to use
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and inexpensive to manufacture, which can be used in any handbag, which can be
used at length over the lifespan of the AAA battery. Such advantages will
become
apparent with the following description and drawings.
Summary of the Invention
s The invention is the means by which any bag, such as a handbag, purse, tote,
pocketbook,
or duffel can be illuminated. The invention is essentially a light inside a
handbag activated by
the owner to illuminate the bag when the owner of the handbag so desires.
A function of the illuminating device is to locate specific items within the
bag. However, the
illuminating device is available to be used otherwise, as needed.
to Further, the invention is the unique construction of an illuminating device
for use within a
bag when illumination is required.
The present invention meets the need in the art by providing a transferable
illuminating
device which can be attached for use within any bag. The illuminating device
includes an
attachment means on at least one wall of the device which attaches the
illuminating device
15 to a bag. The attachment means is so disposed so as to not permanently
affix the
illuminating device onto a bag but to attach and detach when and as required.
In one
aspect of the present invention, the attachment means can comprise of a hook
and loop
velcro strip for attaching to the inside of the bag. In another aspect of the
invention, the
attachment means comprises of 3M adhesive tape. In accordance with other
embodiments
20 of this invention it is contemplated that the attachment means may also
include (without
limitation) a single or a plurality of male plugs which extrude either
directly or indirectly from
the body of the device and capable of delicately pierce the fabric lining of a
bag wherein the
male plug/(s) is secured in place by the use of one or more clasp/(s)and /or
fastener/(s).
All the various embodiments of this invention, particularly the various use of
attachment
25 means allow the illuminating device to be transfered from one bag to
another.
The illuminating device contains at least one LED as a light source and
circuit, and at least
one power cell. The illuminating device comprises of a top moveable end which
engages with
a core by a magnet which is embedded in the top moveable end. The core
comprises of an
activating means which powers at least one light source such as an LED on and
off. The
30 activating means is essentially an on/off switch/button, operated manually
when the bag is
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opened. The on/off button is rectangular in shape and is constructed of highly
chromed
material and thereby capable of functioning as a mirror. The manually operated
button
makes the circuit which supplies power to a light source. The circuit
comprises of a LED
assembly and associated wiring. The LED on a circuit substrate may include
circuitry for
power saving (pulse mode) or other options such as auto shutoff.
The power cell, typically a AAA battery is held within a pressed metal
compartment in the
bottom end of the device whereupon at least one LED is arranged. A plastic
lens is adapted
to cover the power cell, power cell holder and the LED. In addition to the
magnet, the top
moveable end is adapted to engage with the core by a retractable string. The
retractable
to string also ensures that the top moveable end is not lost. The retractable
coil mechanism is
contained within the top moveable end. The retractable coil mechanism can also
be stopped
and started manually. In one embodiment of the invention, the power cell
holder is affixed
on the lower part of the core. In another embodiment, the power cell holder is
integrally
connected with the plastic lens cover.
In a first aspect, the present invention provides a transferable illuminating
device for use
within a bag comprising:
= a core, which is integrally connected with at least one activating means;
= a top moveable means adapted to engage with said core and retractably
connected with
said core;
= at least one light source and a circuit including a power means for driving
same;
= a cover means, which encloses said light source; and
= one or more fasteners arranged on said device, which are adapted to attach
to a bag in
a detachable manner,
whereupon manual actuation of activating means, light source illuminates the
interior of bag
to enable owner of bag to locate items within bag.
The device is to be substantially constructed from plastic, with the core, the
top moveable
part and the cover means fitting together to form the structural elements of
the device.
Once said components are fitted together, the device forms a rectangular shape
wherein
four walls are formed. The cover means is to be constructed from very smooth
and
translucent plastic so as to diffuse light from the LED light source.
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The device is designed to comprise of the light source and other components
which are
encased so as to not interfere with the contents of the bag or the contents to
interfere with
the light source.
s Brief Description of the Drawings
A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of
specific example
with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a front view of the device showing the top moveable end;
Fig. 2 is a front view of the device showing the activating means and the
bottom
cover;
Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the device; and
Fig. 4 is a cross-section of the top moveable end showing the retracting
means.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment
An illuminating device 10 is shown in the accompanying drawings. In Figs. 1
and 2, the
front face of the device 10 is depicted from the top to bottom end of the
device 10. The
device 10 may be used to illuminate items contained within a handbag. The
device 10 has a
top moveable end 12 and a bottom cover 14 and a core 16. The top moveable end
12
comprises a magnet 20 which holds the top moveable end 12 in place. The top
moveable
end 12 is also retractably connected via a retractable string 22 to the core
16 and activating
means 18. The core 16 comprises of an activating means 18. The retractable
sting 22 is
connected to a coil 24 which is housed within the top moveable end 12.
Manual actuation of the activating means 18 activates the circuit which
includes the power
cell 28 which powers the light source 26. The activating means 18 comprises of
a on/off
switch which is highly chromed, thereby allowing activating means 18 to also
function as a
mirror.
so In the embodiment as shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 3 the device 10 is generally
rectangular, and
as such has 4 external walls 30. However, it will be appreciated that the
device 10 may be
made in another suitable shape such as a triangle, circle or polyhedron. The
walls 30 and
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the bottom closed end 14 are constructed from a suitable translucent plastic
to enable the
light to diffuse from the LED 26.
Accordingly, although the invention has been described with reference to
specific
5 embodiments , it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the
invention may be
embodied in many other forms. It should therefore be understood that
modifications to the
present invention may be made without departing from the scope thereof as set
forth in the
appended claims.
