Illuminated ornamental purse

Abstract

A flexible, translucent polymer purse that illuminates on its entire exterior surface for an appealing visual effect. The structure of the purse 10 is composed of a translucent polymer, to which is interchangeably attached a compact LED illumination unit 30 that shines light into a dimple 12 , “pumping” light into the purse structure, causing it to glow from an internal refraction illumination. A purse that is manufactured with a process called “dip-molding,” which yields a product that is soft and compliant to touch, yet which retains a semi-rigid shape from its original manufacturing mold. A purse that uses the same refractory illumination method in its flexible polymer shoulder strap or carrying handle 40 as in its shell structure 10.

1 . An illuminated ornamental purse, comprising: 
 a. a flexible, translucent polymer shell structure with interior and exterior surfaces, with an opening of a predetermined length cut through both surfaces;    b. an LED illumination unit comprising a casing, power source, on/off switch and LED bulb, attached to the interior surface of said polymer shell structure;    c. a flexible, translucent polymer handle, attached to said flexible, translucent polymer shell structure;    d. means for illuminating the entirety of the exterior surface of said flexible, translucent polymer shell structure by communicating light produced by said LED illumination unit to said polymer shell structure;    e. means for illuminating the entirety of the exterior surface of said flexible, translucent, polymer handle by communicating light produced by said LED illumination unit through said shell structure into said handle    
   
   
       2 . The illuminated ornamental purse of  claim 1  wherein said LED illumination unit functions in either constant illumination or intermittent illumination modes.  
   
   
       3 . The illuminated ornamental purse of  claim 1  wherein a plurality of LED illumination units can be installed.  
   
   
       4 . The illuminated ornamental purse of  claim 1  wherein a single LED illumination unit has two LED bulbs, one of which lights the shell structure of the purse and one of which illuminates the carrying handle of the purse.  
   
   
       5 . The illuminated ornamental purse of  claim 1  wherein said opening of a predetermined length is connected to a hinged fold of flexible, translucent polymer to prevent personal belongings from falling out of said illuminated purse when opened.  
   
   
       6 . The illuminated ornamental purse of  claim 1  wherein a predetermined decorative design made of an opaque, flexible polymer is laminated onto the exterior surface of said flexible, translucent polymer shell structure.