A bag with an illuminated storage space

Abstract

A bag is provided for storing and carrying various items. The bag has a shell with a bottom and sides that enclose a storage space within the bag. An opening in the shell allows the user to reach their hand into the storage space to place items in the bag and take items out of the bag. A light attached to the shell is provided for illuminating the storage space in the bag. A switch is also provided for turning the light on and off.

Description

A BAG WITH AN ILLUMINATED STORAGE SPACECLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application Serial No. 63 / 576,619 filed February 23, 2023. The disclosure of the priority application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] The present inventions relate generally to bags for carrying items therein, and more particularly, to a bag with a light therein to illuminate a storage space within the bag.

[0003] Bags are ubiquitous in the modern world and are used for many purposes. In many situations, a bag can be a fashion accessory that is carried with a person almost constantly to carry items that the user expects to need during the day. One problem that many users have with current bags is the difficulty of finding individual items in a bag. Most bags are large enough to be able to contain numerous items. However, unlike a drawer or box where items can be arranged in an organized manner within the drawer or box, items stored in a bag tend to jumble together in a disorganized collection. Thus, it is a common challenge to have to dig through the various items stored within a bag in order to find an individual item that a user is searching for.

[0004] This problem is exacerbated when the surrounding lighting is dim, which can make it difficult to see inside of the bag in order to look for a particular item. This is a unique problem with bags because the storage space within a bag is surrounded by a shell with a bottom and sides that contain items in the bag. Thus, light is typically only able to penetrate into the storage space in a bag through the opening that is used to put items in the bag or take items out the bag. Depending on the surrounding lighting, the shape of the bag and the size of the opening, it can often be the case that the surrounding light shining through the bag opening is not enough to adequately distinguish the various items stored in a bag.

[0005] Therefore, the inventor believes a bag with added lighting features that makes it easier to see inside of the bag, as well as other improvements, would be desirable.SUMMARY

[0006] A bag is described with an illuminated internal storage space. The bag has a shell with a bottom and sides that enclose the internal storage space. An opening is also provided for accessing the internal storage space. The internal storage space may be used to store and carry a variety of items in the bag. A light is attached to the shell and provides illumination for the internal storage space. This makes it easier for the user to see items stored in the bag. A switch is also provided for turning the light on and off. The invention may also include any other aspect described below in the written description or in the attached drawings and any combinations thereof.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The invention may be more fully understood by reading the following description in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

[0008] Figure 1 A is a side view of one embodiment of a bag;

[0009] Figure 1 B is a top view of the bag of Figure 1 A;

[0010] Figure 1 C is a front view of a smart watch;

[0011] Figure 2A is a side view of another embodiment of a bag;

[0012] Figure 2B is a top view of the bag of Figure 2A;

[0013] Figure 3A is a side view of the interior of another embodiment of a bag;

[0014] Figure 3B is a side view of the interior of another embodiment of a bag;

[0015] Figure 4A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a bag; and

[0016] Figure 4B is a perspective view of another embodiment of a bag.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Referring now to the figures, and particularly Figures 1A-1C, a bag 10 is shown with a shell 12 having a bottom 14 and sides 16 enclosing a storage space 18 within the shell 12. The storage space 18 is sized and shaped to contain various items within the bag 10 as desired by the user. The shell 12 of the bag 10 also has an opening 20 that allows access to the storage space 18 in the bag 10. Although the opening 20 is usually at the top of the bag 10, it is also possible for the opening 20 to be arranged differently if desired. The opening 20 is preferably closable when access to the storage space 18 is not desired. Various methods may be used to close the opening 20 and keep the opening 20 closed when desired (e.g., flaps, zippers, snaps, flexible joints, drawstrings, etc.). When the opening 20 is opened,the user may place items into the storage space 18 in the bag 10 and take items out of the storage space 18. When the opening 20 is closed, items contained in the storage space 18 are generally secure (i.e., prevented from falling out and being lost). The bag 10 preferably also has one or more carrying handles 22 attached to the shell 12 to make it easier to lift and carry the bag 10 from place to place.

[0018] The bag 10 also has a light 24 that illuminates the storage space 18 within the bag 10. Although in most cases the light 24 will be useful for being able to better see items in the storage space 18 due to increased illumination by the light 24, the light 24 may have other benefits as well. Unlike surrounding ambient light, the light 24 illuminating the storage space 18 may be attached to the shell 12 of the bag 10. More preferably, the light 24 may be permanently attached to the interior of the shell 12 so that the light 24 is exposed to the storage space 18 to provide direct illumination of the storage space 18. The light 24 may be permanently attached to the shell 12 by sewing the light 24 to the shell 12 or with the use of an adhesive or other secure fixation. Although the light 24 may be positioned in a variety of locations within the storage space 18, it may be particularly useful for the light 24 to be located within the bottom half, or bottom quarter, of the storage space 18 in order to better illuminate the bottom area of the storage space 18, which is the most difficult portion to illuminate with only surrounding ambient light shining through the opening 20.

[0019] Preferably, the light 24 is controlled by a switch 26 that turns the light 24 on and off at different times based on a number of possible conditions. The switch 26 may be located in a variety of places but is preferably permanently attached to the shell 12 of the bag 10. For instance, the switch 26 may be embedded within a wall of the shell 12. This may involve sewing the switch 26 to the shell 12 or enclosing the switch 26 within a sealed cavity. The sensors, controls and battery components (27, 30, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44, 46, 50, 52, 54) described herein may also be attached to the shell 12 in a similar manner. In one embodiment, it may be desirable for the switch 26 to be motion activated with a motion sensor 27. In this arrangement, when the motion sensor 27 senses a certain level or type of motion, the switch 26 turns on the light 24. It is preferable with this embodiment for the sensor 27 to be tuned so that the switch 26 does not turn the light 24 on during normal movement of the bag 10 while it is being carried. For example, the sensor 27may be tuned by requiring a high level of motion, an abrupt motion, a particular direction of motion or motion within a certain area of the bag 10.

[0020] The switch 26 may also be set to turn the light on when the opening 20 of the bag 10 is opened or turn the light 24 off when the opening 20 is closed. This may be accomplished in a variety of ways. For example, in Figures 1 A-1 B, the bag 10 may have a flap 28 that folds over to close the opening 20. A sensor 30 may be located on the flap 28 in order to sense the location of the flap 28 relative to the opening 20. Thus, when the sensor 30 senses that the flap 28 is not completely closed over the opening 20 (i.e. , is partially open), the switch 26 can turn the light 24 on. Alternatively, in Figures 2A-2B, the opening 20 in the bag 10 may be opened and closed with a zipper 32 located in the opening 20. In this embodiment, a sensor 34 may be positioned at one end of the zipper 32 to sense when the zipper 32 (e.g., the zipper pull handle) is at the end of the opening 20. For example, the sensor 34 may be located at the end of the zipper 32 where the zipper 32 handle is at when the zipper 32 is open. Thus, when the sensor 34 senses that the zipper 32 is open, the switch 26 may turn the light 24 on. It is also possible to have a sensor 34 at the closed end of the zipper 32 so that the switch 26 turns the light 24 off when the sensor 34 senses that the zipper 32 is closed. In another embodiment, a heat sensor 36 may be provided to sense a change in temperature within the storage space 18 of the bag 10. For example, the heat sensor 36 may be able to detect the heat of a person’s hand when it has been inserted through the opening 20 into the storage space 18. In response, the switch 26 may turn the light on or off when the sensor 36 senses a change in temperature (e.g., to turn the light 24 on when a hand is sensed in the storage space 18). In another embodiment (Figures 2A-2B), a fingerprint sensor 38 may be provided to recognize the fingerprint of a user.Although the fingerprint sensor 38 may be located within the storage space 18 of the bag 10, it may be preferred for the fingerprint sensor 38 to be located on an exterior surface of the bag 10. Once the fingerprint sensor 38 recognizes the fingerprint of a user, the switch 26 may turn the light 24 on inside the storage space 18. Although the fingerprint sensor 38 may be used solely to control the light 24 in the bag 10, it is also possible for the fingerprint sensor 38 to have multiple uses. For example, in addition to turning the light 24 on, a lock on the opening 20 may be unlocked to allow access to the storage space 18 in the bag 10 when the sensor 38 recognizes the user’s fingerprint. It is understood that various components like the switch 26 andcorresponding sensors 27, 30, 34, 36, 38, 40 or other components 44, 46, 50, 52, 54 could be combined together if desired.

[0021] Referring to Figures 1A-1C, it may also be desirable to have a proximity sensor 40 that senses the distance between the bag 10 and a device 42 worn or carried by a user. For example, a proximity sensor 40 may be attached to the bag 10 and may use a wireless protocol like Bluetooth to sense the distance to a smart watch 42 worn by the user. In this embodiment, the proximity sensor 40 may be used to provide a warning with the light 24 on the bag 10. For instance, when the proximity sensor 40 senses that the distance between the bag 10 and the device 42 worn or carried by the user is greater than a threshold (i.e. , that the user is away from the bag 10), the switch 26 may cause the lights 24 to flash in a warning sequence. It may be particularly desirable to have the light 24 flash in a warning sequence when the user is away from the bag 10 and the opening 20 in the bag 10 has been left open (e.g., sensed with a zipper or flap sensor 30, 34 or other sensor).

[0022] It may also be desirable for the bag 10 to have a timer 44 that may be used in various ways. For example, once the light 24 in the bag 10 has been turned on, it may be desirable for the switch 26 to automatically turn off the light 24 after a period of time determined by the timer 44. It may also be desirable for the timer 44 to determine how long the opening 20 in the bag 10 has been open (e.g., by using the flap or zipper sensor 30, 34 or other like sensor). When the timer 44 determines that the opening 20 has been left open for a period of time, the switch 26 may cause the light 24 to flash in a warning sequence. It may also be desirable for the bag 10 to have a dimmer 46 so that a user can adjust the level of illumination of the light 24 to a desired level. Although the dimmer 46 may be a dial 46 for adjusting the light 24 (see Figure 3A), the dimmer 46 could be controlled through an app on the user’s phone or through a control panel on the bag 10.

[0023] Although the light 24 has been described as a single light 24, it is understood that multiple lights 24 may be provided within the storage space 18 to provide more uniform illumination of the storage space 18. In some embodiments, multiple lights 24 in the storage space 18 may all be controlled together by a single switch 26. However, in some embodiments (see Figure 3A) it may be desirable to have multiple lights 24 that are controlled by separate switches 26. For example, it may be desirable to have one light 24 on one internal wall of the shell 12 of the bag 10 and have another light 24 on an opposite interior wall of the shell 12 of the bag10. In this case, it may be desirable to have separate switches 26 so that only one of the two lights 24 can be turned on as desired by the user. In this embodiment, it may be desirable for the switches 26 to be manual buttons 26 (like a pushbutton 26) or toggles so that the user can choose which light 24 they want turned on by activating the switch 26 associated with that light 24.

[0024] In certain embodiments, the light 24 may be a conventional light 24, like an LED 24, that emits light with a single color. However, in other embodiments, the light may be an image generator 24A capable of emitting images 48 with a variety of colors and may also be capable of emitting videos 48 with different colors. For example, in Figure 3B, light 24A in the storage space 18 in the bag 10 may be a mini-projector 24A that projects light representing an image 48 or a video 48. The projected light may illuminate an opposite side wall in the storage space 18 so that an image 48 or video 48 can be seen on the opposite side wall. Alternatively, the light 24A could be an electronic image or video screen 24A that shows an image or video on the screen 24A.

[0025] The bag 10 is also preferably provided with a battery 50 to power the light 24. Like the switch 26, sensors 27, 30, 34, 36, 38, 40 and controls 44, 46, the battery components 50, 52, 54 are preferably permanently attached to the shell 12 of the bag 10, and particularly preferably, the battery 50 may be sealed within a wall or other cavity of the shell 12. In some embodiments, it may be desirable for the battery 50 to be rechargeable (e.g., a lithium-ion battery). In such a case, the bag 10 may also be provided with a charging port to charge the battery 50. In other embodiments, it may be desirable for the battery 50 to be non-rechargeable and to be permanently sealed within a wall of the shell 12 of the bag 10. This may be desirable where it is determined that the battery 50 is capable of powering the light 24 for a long period of time without needing to be recharged or replaced. It may also be desirable to provide the bag 10 with a hand crank 52 (Figure 1A) permanently attached to the shell 12 of the bag 10. The hand crank 52 may then be operated by the user to generate electrical energy to charge the battery 50. It may also be desirable to provide a solar panel 54 (Figure 2A) permanently attached to an exterior surface of the shell 12 of the bag 10. In this embodiment, ambient light may be used by the solar panel 54 to charge the battery 50.

[0026] Figure 4A is another embodiment of the bag 10 showing a small red light 56 on the exterior of the shell indicating that the battery charge needs to be charged.Figure 4B is another embodiment of the bag 10 showing six dots 58 to indicate wall charger 58 or solar charger 58 used to charge the battery 50.

[0027] The present inventions evolved from a void in the bag industry. The present inventions involve the fusion of a common accessory, a handbag enclosed with a light and a non-detachable light all in one. It creates the perfect portable accessory by providing a non-detachable light that when illuminated, e.g., with LED lights, it produces optimum visibility for a clear, accurate view inside the bag. The present inventions can be made in multiple various handbag styles and is easy to maintain. This is the utility that defines the future in design, format fashion, style, glamour and legacy for women, men and kids. The bag may be illuminated with a primary light and / or a plurality of substantially identical lights which are designed to light up the inside of any bag upon opening of the bag. No outfit will be complete without a bag to match. In addition, a switch and / or button allows for an automatic light to come on inside the bag when flaps are open with straight wires (II) and (V) wires touching and forming a V shape, when the flap and the body of the bag are touching. Also, an alarm function provides security for the bag. The inventions are made for all walks of life and allows better sight over things. No one will want to be seen without it. These types of bags are often used by women during parties to carry phones and cosmetics. From women’s to men’s bag and luggage to sports bags, the present inventions may be useful for many types of bags.

[0028] There are many types of bags that the present inventions may be useful with. Backpack bags are carried over the shoulders with the help of two thick straps. Traditionally, backpacks have been large sized and are especially used by students to carry books or travelers and hikers to carry food, a camera or water bottles. However, 2017 brought about the fashion trend of smaller backpacks that were anywhere from the size of a laptop to palm sized. Rucksacks are similar. Another type of bag is a Louis Vuitton Belt bag. Micro bags that are attached to a belt are called belt bags. The difference between fanny packs and belt bags is that fanny packs have no visible demarcation between the belt strap and the bag, whereas belt bags are just a pouch attached to a belt. However, some brands use the two terms synonymously to describe these types of bags. They can also be called waist bags. Fanny packs are similar. Another type of bag is a Gucci Bicycle bag. Such a bag is usually made of washable material and has loops or other hardware used to attach it to a bicycle. They are used by cyclists and are frequently called a bicycle bag.Bicycle bags are of three types: handlebar bags, pannier bags and frame bags. A bindle is a fabric sack tied around the end of a stick and carried over the shoulder by a hobo in the American Northeastern hobo community. Bindies were also commonly used by the poorer sections of the north and west-1 ndia. In the modern context, bindle is the term used to describe a sack made by knotting opposite ends of a fabric and are created by fashion brands to give a modern, wearable twist to the hobo subculture. They may also be referred to as a hobo bag. A box clutch is a handheld evening bag in the shape of a box. While box clutches may also be designed in a more casual way and may be used in the daytime to complement casual outfits, traditionally, box clutches have been used as an evening accessory. Box clutches are sometimes without handles or straps. Clutches are similar. An Amazon Bowling bag is inspired by traditional bags used to carry bowling balls. Bowling bags are semi-circle in shape with short handles. Duffel bags are similar. A Marni Briefcase is a hard, rectangular box-like bag with a small handle. Laptop bags are similar. Men’s briefcases are almost always hard-cased and boxy. Some women’s briefcases may be of soft material like leather, and have rounder, softer edges. A Farefetch Bucket bag is an elongated bag that has top handles, resembling a bucket, or drawstring on the top as a closure. These types of bags may also have a zip or snap stud (tich) button closure on the inside and often have an oval or round base. Such bags may also be known as a drawstring bag when the top closure is a drawstring. An Ali Express Camera bag is a square-ish, structured and padded bag used to keep a camera, often with separate compartments for safely storing lens, memory cards and batteries. These types of bags may be professional, used to carry digital SLR cameras by professional photographers, that are designed for specific camera sizes. Alternatively, they may be casual and decorative, resembling a regular handbag, used especially by women, to carry a camera around while traveling or on photography trips. Camera cases are similar. An Amazon Clutch is a small, hand-held evening bag that has either non-detachable or no straps with minimalistic or concealed hardware. Minaudiere evening bags are similar. An Alexander McQueen Coin purse is a small bag used to carry coins. They’re usually carried with other bags, or are included as a part of a handbag. Among all different types of bags, coin purses are the tiniest, although some brands use term ‘coin purse’ to describe wristlets. Clutches are similar. A Mulberry Cross body bag is worn with the strap looping over one shoulder and crossing your body diagonally.These type of bags are worn both with long straps, which fall at the hip, and with short straps, which fall at the waist. An example is the Bloomingdales Doctor Medium to large size handheld bag with short handles. A Senreve Drawstring bag is similar to a bucket bag or duffel. Such bags are also known as gym bags. Duffel bags are long and cylindrical and have both handles and a long strap. Bowling bag are similar. A Nike Envelope bag is a small and thin rectangular handheld bag, or clutch, with a triangular flap, resembling an envelope. These types of bags are often used by women during parties to carry a phone and cosmetics. An evening bag is a small decorative handheld bag or clutch used by women during the evenings for parties or dinners. Often embellished with sequins, pearls or other surface work, evening bags are usually used for special occasions or worn with formal dresses. An evening bag is an embellished clutch, but it can also be a minaudiere (hard material clutch), Also see clutch, minaudiere. Aldo Fanny pack is a type of belt bag but with no definition between the belt and the bag is called a fanny pack. These types of bags are popular for their hands-free nature, since there is no strap to be held. That’s why fanny packs are often used by travelers or while trekking or hiking. Etsy Flap bag is a type of handbag that has a flap in the front to cover the zip closure is called a flap bag. The flap often has a snap stud (tich) button closure on its underside. Flap bags are often types of sling bags but may also be clutches or crossbody. Fendi Frame bag is a type of triangular or rectangular bag that has loops along two edges, used to attach to the bicycle frame by cyclists to carry things while mountain biking or long-distance biking. These types of bags are made from soft material like canvas or water resistant fabric and washable. Also see pannier bag and handlebar bag. Amazon Handlebar bag is a type of bicycle bag that has loops at the back to attach to a bicycle handle is called a handlebar bag. These types of bags are designed for motorbikes, and can also be bicycle bags. Also see pannier bag and frame bag. Powersports Hobo bag Handbags made in soft, flexible material like leather that slouch or bend in the middle when set down are called hobo bags. These type of bags are named after the shape of bindle on a stick that hobos carry over their shoulder. Also see bindle. Jimmy Choo Laptop bag Large bags with padding and used to carry laptops are called laptop bags. Laptop bags may also have other compartments to keep laptop accessories, books, or other things, with a separate padded compartment just for the laptop. Snapdeal Messenger is usually used by men, messenger bags are medium-sized rectangular bags with along and thick strap. These types of bags are cross-body and made out of soft material, like leather, often with a flap and buckle closure, sometimes used to carry books. Also known as satchel. Also see cross-body bag. Kattee Micro bag is smaller-than-palm-sized versions of regular handbags, usually with lots of hardware and details are called micro bags. The difference between micro bags and mini bags is that micro bags are smaller than the size of the palm or sometimes just fist-sized, whereas mini bags may be palm-sized or slightly larger. Also see mini bag. Farfetch Minaudiere is a small evening bag, or clutch, made from hard material and used for carrying small articles, such as keys or lipstick, is known as a minaudiere bag. Minaudieres are also sometimes without any handles or straps. These types of bags are ornamental or decorative and are often considered to be a women’s jewelry piece. Most brands use the term minaudiere synonymously with clutch although some refer to them just as decorative clutches. Clutch and evening bags are similar. Chanel Mini bag are small versions of handbags. Such bags may be palm-sized or slightly larger. Some brands also use the term ‘micro bags’ to mean the same as mini bags, however, micro bags may be much smaller in size. Compared to a clutch, a mini bag has a proper handle and / or strap. Micro bags are similar. Chloe Pannier bags are a pair of bicycle bags, set back-to-back, attached at the back, usually through a common flap, used to be attached on either side of a bike and are used by cyclists. Handlebar bags and frame bags are similar. Amazon Phone pouch is a tiny bag used to carry a smartphone. Phone pouches may be lightly padded to protect the phone and may also have a separate compartment for keeping credit cards or keys. Some phone pouches are without a strap or handle and are meant to be kept within a larger handbag. Some of these types of bags may have a large strap and are meant to be worn cross-body or around the waist for easy phone-access. Mahiya Pouch is a small bag made out of soft material like satin or leather, either with a zip closure or drawstring and is used to store or carry small items like jewelry, coins, rosary or cosmetics. Brands commonly use the term ‘pouch’ synonymously with wristlets. Wristlets are similar. Dior Rucksacks are similar to backpacks. Indiamart Round bag is also known as a circle bag. They’re sling bags or clutches in a circular shape. Lyst Saddle bag is a handbag with a flat top and a rounded bottom with a front flap in the shape of a horse saddle. Jil Sander Satchel is similar to a messenger bag. Shopping bags are a large handbag with top handles used for shopping, sometimes without a closure. Shopping bags are often made of paper,jute or plastic and may be used by shops to hold purchased items to give to customers. Shopping bags are often reusable, which may be carried by shoppers for groceries, etc. for environment-friendliness. Some fashion brands also use the term shopping bag to describe the type of bag that is large and may have a strap or top handles, designed to be carried while shopping. Chanel, Amazon, Louis Vuitton Side packs are two sling handbags connected at the middle of their straps to be worn side-by-side at the same time. The side packs were introduced in the Chanel Spring 2019 collection and have been seen on fashion influencers since. However, it remains to be seen if they will become a popular fashion trend. Chanel Sling bag is a small sized bag that has a long strap, to be worn hanging from one shoulder. Cross-body bags are similar. Chic Shop Tote is a large rectangular shaped bag, sometimes without any closure. Tote bags may have a buckle and strap closure or zip in some cases. Due to their large size, they are often made in washable fabric and are used for beach trips to carry a change of clothes or a beach sheet. Leather tote bags are also popular for office use by women to carry laptops or files.

[0029] Features of the improved bag may include a switch which allows the light to be switched off and on with lights of even different colors. The switch may be a press switch that can be pressed to turn the light on and off, including with different colors. An alarm may provide alerts when the bag is being opened by someone other than the owner. The lights may also be controlled separately from each other so that one or more lights are on and some are off (chosen variety). The lights may also be designer lights with custom applications including various styles, names, faces or pictures. The lights may also be mounted on the bag in a variety of places. Dimmers may also be provided to adjust lighting levels of the lights. An alarm may also be provided where a phone app sounds when the bag is moved or opened. The lights may also be controlled by heat and cold. Variated color lights may also be used and may blinks with various colors. The lights may also shine different featured characters and objects.

[0030] The present inventions relate to various types of bags, such as handbags, satchels and clutch bags, for example. People searching their bags at night or in dark places like bars or dance clubs store their personal items in handbags and must open their handbags to reach for the items in the bag. This can be quite uncomfortable, as the handbag generally contains other objects, such as phones, purses, wallets, diaries, pens, etc.

[0031] The present inventions offer solutions to these problems. The illuminated bag is a dream for all women. It was conceived by observing ladies over the years apply and remove items in public. The illuminated bag fills a void in the everyday function of and use of lady’s handbags and cosmetics. The innovation of these inventions fuses at least three components together to create the illuminated bag. The three components that comprise the illuminated bag are a handbag, a non- detachable light and items within the bag. The illuminated bag has a light attached to the body of the lining inside compartment and the light may be enclosed in the lower compartment. The illuminated bag can be utilized as a carry all handbag with a lighted interior so that the illuminated bag creates a portable bag with a light inside. The light inside of the bag may be attached to the body lining wall that allows detachment for multiple uses. The illuminated bag maximizes the use of the most common ladies fashion accessory, the handbag. It is an improvement upon prior art bags by incorporating a non-detachable light and items all in one handbag with personal items. The light may be attached to the lining to allow the flexibility of nondetachment. The illuminated bag may have an adjustable handle on the back that can rotate to a vertical position allowing the user the option of having a handheld lighted bag when detached. Another improvement of the illuminated bag is that it provides the user with the convenience of carrying a purse that acts as a portable vanity that has a compartment enclosed with items, and a non-detachable light.

[0032] In summary, the illuminated bag was developed for the most common need of women carrying a handbag with items, cosmetic applicators, and a light illuminating all contents of the handbag. The inventions of the illuminated bag are the results of combining a handbag, items, cosmetic applicators, and a non- detachable light. The illuminated bag provides all the necessary needs for refreshing, applying, or removing items in any light or dark environment. The non- detachable light serves multiple functions. For example, it can be utilized as a flashlight, a handheld light or an independent lighting source. When activated the light is illuminated with LED lights that provide optimum visibility. The illuminated bag comes fully equipped with items and cosmetic applicators. The inventions allow the mobility for travel with items and a non-detachable light, all comprised in an alluring carry all handbag. The fusing of a handbag enclosed with items and controlled non-detachable light makes the illuminated bag desirable, marketable and an improvement upon any prior art.

[0033] The illuminated bag may have a non-detachable light attached to a lining wall of a zipper compartment. The storage space in the bag may be surrounded with LED lights that are attached to the lining wall. Also an alarm function may be provided to improve security. This is made for all walks of life and allows better sight over things. The illuminated bag may also have a plurality of LED lights surrounding a reflective surface of the bag wherein the light is attached to a lining wall.

[0034] The illuminated bag is every woman’s dream bag. It is fashionable, alluring and a multi-functional handbag. The innovative feature about the illuminated bag is that it has a non-detachable light. The illuminated bag is an improvement upon prior art bags by comprising a controlled light that is non-detachable with multifunctions, inexpensive and easy to maintain. The illuminated bag can be designed in a multitude of handbag styles ranging from totes, satchels, clutches, cross body bags, messenger bags, barrel bags, and backpacks all having in common a light in separate compartments. The illuminated bag can be made in fabric, leather or synthetic leathers. The next prominent feature about the illuminated bag is the cosmetic compartment enclosed in the lining of the flap, accessible when zipped open. When the illumination is activated, the LED lights illuminate the interior of the bag allowing clear, smooth, and even application of items while providing optimum visibility to the consumer. The light is activated with an on and off switch that may be located at the bottom of the illuminated bag.

[0035] While preferred embodiments of the inventions have been described, it should be understood that the inventions are not so limited, and modifications may be made without departing from the inventions herein. While each embodiment described herein may refer only to certain features and may not specifically refer to every feature described with respect to other embodiments, it should be recognized that the features described herein are interchangeable unless described otherwise, even where no reference is made to a specific feature. It should also be understood that the advantages described above are not necessarily the only advantages of the inventions, and it is not necessarily expected that all of the described advantages will be achieved with every embodiment of the inventions. The scope of the inventions is defined by the appended claims, and all devices and methods that come within the meaning of the claims, either literally or by equivalence, are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

CLAIMS:1 . A bag for containing items therein, comprising: a shell comprising a bottom, sides and an opening, the bottom and sides enclosing a storage space within the shell adapted to contain the items therein and the opening being adapted to place the items in the storage space; a light attached to the shell and illuminating the storage space; and a switch attached to the bag, the switch being adapted to turn the light on and off.

2. The bag according to claim 1 , wherein the light is permanently attached to an interior of the shell.

3. The bag according to claim 1 , wherein the light is disposed within a bottom half of the storage space.

4. The bag according to claim 1 , further comprising at least two lights and at least two switches, each one of the at least two switches controlling one of the at least two lights, each of the at least two switches being a manual button or toggle to turn a respective light on and off, wherein the at least two lights are located to illuminate different regions of the storage space, a user selecting which of the at least two switches to activate to illuminate a desired region of the storage space.

5. The bag according to claim 1 , wherein the light comprises an image generator including a projector or an electronic screen.

6. The bag according to claim 1 , wherein the lights flash when the opening is left open for a period of time.

7. The bag according to claim 1 , further comprising a proximity sensor adapted to sense a distance between the bag and a device worn or carried by a user, wherein the proximity sensor flashes the light when the proximity sensor senses that the distance is greater than a threshold.

8. The bag according to claim 1 , wherein the switch is motion activated to turn the light on.

9. The bag according to claim 1 , wherein the switch is adapted to turn the light on when the opening is opened.

10. The bag according to claim 1 , wherein the switch is adapted to turn the light off when the opening is closed.11 . The bag according to claim 1 , wherein the switch comprises a manual button or toggle to turn the light on and off.

12. The bag according to claim 1 , further comprising a heat sensor, the switch turning the light on when the heat sensor senses a change of temperature within the storage space.

13. The bag according to claim 1 , further comprising a finger print sensor, the switch turning the light on when a user’s finger print is recognized by the finger print sensor.

14. The bag according to claim 1 , further comprising a timer adapted to turn the light off after a period of time in which the light has been on.

15. The bag according to claim 1 , further comprising a dimmer adapted to adjust the level of illumination of the light.

16. The bag according to claim 1 , further comprising a zipper disposed along the opening, wherein a sensor is disposed at an end of the zipper to sense when the zipper is located at the end of the zipper, the switch turning the light on or off when the sensor senses the zipper located at the end of the zipper.

17. The bag according to claim 1 , further comprising a flap arranged to fold over and close the opening, wherein a sensor is disposed on the flap to sense alocation of the flap, the switch turning the light on when the sensor senses that the flap is not completely closed.

18. The bag according to claim 1 , further comprising a battery supplying electrical power to the light, the battery being sealed within the shell.

19. The bag according to claim 1 , further comprising a battery supplying electrical power to the light and a hand crank, the battery being sealed within the shell and the hand crank being permanently attached to the shell, the hand crank supplying electricity to recharge the battery when the hand crank is operated by a user.

20. The bag according to claim 1 , further comprising a solar panel disposed on an exterior surface of the shell and a battery sealed within the shell, the solar panel recharging the battery when light shines on the solar panel.

Images