Changeable Outer Shell for Wallet or Purse

Abstract

A personal storage article such as a wallet, purse, pocketbook, or other similar item, includes a removable and changeable outer shell. The outer shell feature provides a relatively low-cost fashion option for the wearer, and allows the wearer to conveniently maintain the content of the personal storage article while switching exterior styles. The shell also provides the user an opportunity to customize the functionality of the personal storage article by joining the host with a shell that has additional functional properties.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A personal storage article comprising:
 a host container comprising:
 a bottom wall, 
 a side wall extending distally from the bottom wall to define a cavity operable to receive an object; and 
   a cover configured at least partially enclose the host container, wherein the cover comprises:
 an interior surface that contacts the host container, 
 an exterior surface, and 
 a cover fastener configured to releasably couple the cover to the host container. 
   
     
     
         2 . The personal storage article of  claim 1 , wherein the fastener is selected from the group consisting of zippers, buttons, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, and hooks. 
     
     
         3 . The personal storage article of  claim 1 , wherein said fastener is a combination of different fasteners selected from the group consisting of zippers, buttons, snaps, Velcro and hooks. 
     
     
         4 . The personal storage article of  claim 1 , wherein the host container comprises a container fastener configured to engage the cover fastener disposed on the cover. 
     
     
         5 . The personal storage article of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the cover further comprises a functional element that provides an additional functionality to a functionality provided by said personal storage article; and   the functional element is selected from the group consisting of a pocket and a photo holder.   
     
     
         6 . A system for personal storage, said system for personal storage comprising: a personal storage article, wherein said personal storage article is selected from the group consisting of a wallet, purse and a pocketbook; a cover made of at least a first material, wherein said cover is shaped to conform with an outer surface of said personal storage article, such that said personal storage article can be located at least partly within said cover, a fastener for reversibly attaching said cover to said host; and a functional element operatively attached to said cover that provides a functionality in additional to a functionality provided by said personal storage article. 
     
     
         7 . The system for personal storage of  claim 6 , wherein said first material is selected from the group of cloth, leather, or plastic. 
     
     
         8 . The system for personal storage of  claim 6 , wherein said fastener is selected from the group of zippers, buttons, snaps, Velcro or hooks. 
     
     
         9 . The system for personal storage of  claim 6 , wherein said fastener is a combination of different fasteners elected from the group of zippers, buttons, snaps, Velcro or hooks. 
     
     
         10 . The system for personal storage of  claim 6 , wherein said personal storage article is modified to accommodate the fastener. 
     
     
         11 . The system for personal storage of  claim 6 , wherein no modification of said personal storage article is required to accommodate the fastener. 
     
     
         12 . The system for personal storage of  claim 6 , wherein said fastener is visible from the exterior of the cover. 
     
     
         13 . The system for personal storage of  claim 6 , wherein said fastener is invisible from the exterior of the cover. 
     
     
         14 . The system for personal storage of  claim 6 , wherein said personal storage article was not designed for use in conjunction with said cover. 
     
     
         15 . The system for personal storage of  claim 6 , wherein said functional element is selected from the group of a hidden pocket, a pocket, additional storage space, and a photo holder.